Thursday, December 25, 2025

Mr. Eastwood's Match

Description:

He is always second best. She has no idea how to play her part. And now they have to learn to grow together.

When Lyness Eastwood's elder brother, Lord Hartwell, begins a sensible courtship with the charming Lady Emily Sterling, Lyness’s quiet contentment shatters. Ever since their brief meeting in London, Lady Emily’s smile has haunted him. How can a man with a stutter and no title compete with a lord? He must settle for watching her from the shadows.

Lady Emily is determined to solidify her family’s place in Society. Lord Hartwell is a perfect match: respectable, stable, and acceptable. Yet every time she speaks with the quiet, insightful Lyness, she feels a spark and a genuine connection that Lord Hartwell cannot ignite.

As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Emily to accept the sensible match. But Lyness can no longer stand idly by. A devastating public scandal will throw their lives into chaos, forcing them to choose between stability and the courage to claim a true, imperfect love.

A sweet historical novel brimming with romance, Mr. Eastwood's Match is a tender tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to speak from the heart.

Review:

Lyness and Emily had met a year previously in London, so it was a lovely reunion of the two of them with the season in Bath. Both of them are younger siblings and have spent their lives trying to be what their families have needed at the expense of their wishes.
I loved this story and connected with the role in their family. Much of what they felt was expected of them was self-inflicted, and it was gratifying to see when Lyness spoke to his brother and Emily spoke to her parents about their feelings instead of continuing to try and live up to their own ideals of the role they each had in their family.

I loved the way that Lyness took charge of a potentially damaging situation for Emily and protected her. He was clever in having it work towards himself instead of deferring to others. I was particularly pleased that he gave Emily the idea of creating a room for drying her flowers and herbs and advancing her love of medicinal tinctures and salves.

Things to love in the story:
the dedication
canary symbolism
gardening
mystery
courage
clean romance
friends to more

Favorite Quotes:

“A woman like her deserves to know when she is loved.”

“He didn’t want to be useful. He wanted to be chosen.”

“The only thing that I am certain offs that I wish to stand with you. No matter what comes.”

I highly recommend this book to readers both young and mature. This is the first book in the Gentlemen of York series, and I am looking forward to reading more!

I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Dual Devotions

Description:

In the heart of Northumberland, the adults of the prominent Roylance and Jenkins families cherish the hope that their children will someday marry. But when the Jenkins family is exposed and Alexander’s parents are cast into debtors’ prison, the Roylances unceremoniously cut him out of their lives, forbidding their children from any association with him and abandoning the boy to a lonely life of destitution. Despite his dire circumstances, Alex is determined: he will make it on his own.

It’s been nine years since Charlotte Roylance has seen Alex Jenkins, but she hasn’t forgotten him. When he returns to town a self-made man seeking to renew his relationship with her family and unite with them in a shared business venture, she sees it as an opportunity to put to rest old grudges. Her older brother does not share her sentiments and forbids her from seeing their old friend again. But fate—and Charlotte’s heart—has other plans. As the two serendipitously meet time and again, the secret rekindling of their friendship soon evolves into deep connections—and feelings that are decidedly romantic. But Charlotte’s brother will do anything to keep them apart.

Review:

Charlotte Roylance is caught in an unenviable position. Does she honor her brother’s wishes in not associating with Alexander Jenkins or following her heart and forgiving Alex and pursue their friendship? Alex exhibited turning the other cheek and rising above hatred and bitterness. This book had a depth to it that I was not expecting, but I totally loved and it deserves all the stars I can give it. I highly recommend reading this!

Things to enjoy:

childhood friends

digging for treasure

water rescue

trellises

worms

faith thread

forgiveness

Monday, December 8, 2025

Deck the Hills

A grumpy pro snowboarder. A sunshiny mountain man. One peppermint-fueled charity event that delivers more than either bargained for…

Pro snowboarder Aspen Sterling doesn’t do jingle bells, gingerbread, or glittery holiday galas—but she needs to keep her sponsorship. Fresh off a brutal ACL injury, she heads to Mynt’s holiday resort determined to prove she’s back and at her best. What she didn’t expect was her neighbor Cole Rivers—a flannel-wearing, cocoa-making, holiday-obsessed mountain guide who makes joy look effortless. He’s exactly the kind of distraction that she can’t afford—yet can’t seem to avoid.

Cole loves his town, his job, and everything about the Christmas season. Which is why he’s determined to remind a certain snowboarder that this time of year still means something. Surrounded by twinkling lights and peppermint-scented chaos, Cole helps Aspen rediscover what joy really feels like—and perhaps what it means to fall for someone who sees through the tough-girl armor she’s worn for far too long.

Just as Aspen’s Christmas spirit begins to rekindle, a ghost from her past threatens to unravel it all. Now she must decide whether to keep her heart guarded or take a leap of faith with the one person who's slowly reminding her what Christmas magic truly feels like.

Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is fall… right into love

Review:

I loved this sweet romance of Cole helping Aspen to find herself and her worth once again. Cole was the best kind of man to find ways for Aspen to experience the joy that had eluded her. I especially loved the ending; it was perfect!

Things to love:

dual POV

nicknames

snowy evenings

hot cocoa

This is a part of the Peppermint Playbook series that is about professional sports players from a variety of different athletic pursuits. This is standalone book and one you can curl up with and enjoy the cozy read.

I received a copy of the book but was not obligated to write a positive review.

Monday, December 1, 2025

The Red Cottage

About the Book

Book: The Red Cottage

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

Review:

Meg and Tom have planned to marry, but all that changes in one evening. Meg is assaulted and has a serious case of amnesia, not even remembering Tom. His patience and determination in helping her remember things about her life and their love was such a sweet part of the story.

I loved this book with its plot twists and mystery. I was very surprised who was trying to do harm to Meg. The ending was terrific, seeing that love is choosing to be there for someone even when it is seems virtually impossible to overcome difficult circumstances.

I received a copy of the book through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We’re made for someone. I think I’ve always believed this—that it was never about proximity, or happenchance, or who you know, or where you are.

But that God, in His infinite wisdom, created a second half for each of us.

Someone who fits in the curve of your neck when you hug.

Who laughs at the things you laugh at.

Who speaks to you in a language your soul understands.

I think that’s why I love The Red Cottage so much. Circumstances would have never mattered with Tom and Meg. They loved each other. They were linked. And even if everything had been different, if they had been born hundreds of years before, they would have found their way back to each other.

If the age was ancient Egypt, and he had been a Pharaoh, and she a slave, they would have discovered each other.

If the year was 1920, and he a factory worker, and she the daughter of an oil tycoon, they would have defied the rules of society.

In any other place, in any other time, in any other way, Tom would have loved Meg. And Meg would have loved Tom. That is the beauty and the mind-blowing magic of real love.

So, when you fall into the pages of The Red Cottage, I hope you aren’t so foolish as to imagine this was an accident. That Tom said the right things, or that Meg felt vulnerable in just the right places, and that their bond—both the first and second time—was a mere hapless stroke of luck.

They would have loved each other anyway.

We’re all made for someone.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 21

Devoted Steps, November 21

Sydney Schmied Books, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Sylvan Musings, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 23

Min Reads and Reviews, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 24

Lily’s Corner, November 25

She Lives to Read, November 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27

Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews , November 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 29

Cover Lover Book Review, November 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Betti Mace, December 1

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 2

Mary Hake, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 3

Pause for Tales, December 4

To Everything There Is A Season, December 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dd06/the-red-cottage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . . and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

Review:

History teacher Olivia Bennett’s life seems to have taken a different turn when she doesn’t receive a permanent teaching assignment. Now currently unemployed, Olivia goes to England to help her grandmother recover from surgery. She has a penchant for Pride and Prejudice, so what could be better than living near Hartbury Hall, the estate where her favorite movie was made? Imagine Olivia’s surprise when she drives up to the manor and things are not as well taken care of as she thought they would be. The iconic fountain is not in use and only one very grumpy gardener, Liam Browne, is on the premises.

Liam has a lot of responsibilities in keeping the estate running. Overwhelmed and trying to isolate himself from gossip and more pain, Liam is barely able to keep the estate running at a minimum. Having Olivia come to Hartbury Hall and breathe some life into not only it, but also Liam’s life was so gratifying to see.

Ms.Miller did a terrific job of incorporating names of beloved Austen characters. I loved seeing the estate come back to life under Olivia’s enthusiastic direction. With vivid details of the restoration of the estate, I could just see myself there helping to clean and paint, and get the chance to work in the gift shop.

Themes and things to love:
Olivia’s grandmother
villagers
opposites attract
forced proximity
secrets
clean romance
faith thread
restoration

I highly recommend reading this book to readers of all ages. I am looking forward to reading more books in the series. I received a copy of the book through the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Maggie and the Maverick

About the Book

Book: Maggie and the Maverick

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 13, 2025

A jaded lady marshal and a stage driver with a past—bound by duty, tested by lies, and drawn to a love that could change everything.

A wary lady marshal and a reformed stage driver—entangled by secrets, shadowed by danger, and tempted by a love neither dared to trust.

U.S. Marshal Maggie Davis has learned the hard way not to trust men with charming smiles and winning ways. Her reticence makes her the perfect undercover investigator for a string of daring stage robberies. When the case leads her to stay with a local family, she finds herself drawn to Cal McConnell, the handsome stage driver who could either be her greatest ally or her prime suspect.

Cal has worked hard to put his wild past behind him and build an honest life as a stage driver. When a mysterious new lady comes to town selling ladies’ garments, he’s instantly captivated by her beauty and fierce independence. But as stage robberies escalate and murder enters the picture, Cal must decide if he can trust this woman who seems determined to keep him at arm’s length—even as his heart tells him she could be the one.

When the line between truth and deception blurs, will they cling to caution—or risk everything for something real?

Review:

Maggie Davis and Cal McConnell meet in a most awkward and funny way when Cal attempts to retrieve Maggie’s suitcase. They definitely got off on the wrong foot, and Cal has to overcome that bad first impression and prejudices Maggie has concerning him.

I enjoyed the story of a female law officer and the mystery of who was behind the stagecoach robberies. Maggie is fearless and just the right person to bring the bandits to justice.

Things to love:

he falls first

danger

townspeople

jail incident

justice

This is the sixth book in the Brides of the West series. There are return characters that I was happy to see again, but you can read it as a standalone. Book lovers of all ages will enjoy this clean western romance.

I received a copy of the book through CelebrateLit Tours. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Did you ever watch the movie Stagecoach? The movie that launched John Wayne’s career? My father introduced me to the movie when I was young, and that sparked my interest in westward expansion, cowboys, and stagecoaches.

When I was a teen, I read a book called Six Horse Hitch, by author Janice Holt Giles. In the book, she goes into all the details of stagecoach driving, stations across the west, the coaches, the passengers, the US mail delivery, and more. I was enthralled.

Stagecoach drivers (sometimes called Jehus) were a breed apart. Brave, resilient, and bold. Heroic.

Which meant, when I became an author, I wanted to create a hero who was a stagecoach driver. Enter Cal McConnell in Maggie and the Maverick. He’s the third of three sons, with a dry humor, and a bit of a jaded outlook on life.

Truthfully, I patterned him after Heath Barkley, a character on the 1960’s TV show, The Big Valley, played by Lee Majors. Even down to the light brown/dark blond hair and blue eyes.

One thing that is important when writing romance is to ensure that the heroine is worthy of the hero and vice versa. So I imagined what kind of a woman would be a great life partner for Cal. She would have to be spunky, smart, and compassionate.

Maggie Davis, an undercover agent, fit the bill. Her guise was that of a ladies’ unmentionables saleswoman, and that job leads to a memorable encounter upon meeting Cal for the first time.

I’m so thankful that Maggie and the Maverick is getting a new release out into the world through Wild Heart Books. I hope that you enjoy this rollicking western with a stage driving hero and undercover agent heroine.