Showing posts with label Clean and Wholesome. Show all posts

Monday, October 12, 2026

A Noble Gentleman

Lord Donald Bradley has always done what is right, noble and honorable. So when his parents pressure him to marry, he forces himself to look beyond his own desires, and do what he can to measure up to the dream they have for him. But what they don't realize is that his heart was stolen long ago, and he has no idea how to give it to another.

Madelene Curtis has lived not one life, but two. Now going under an assumed name and hiding from those who might wish to throw her into the gaol, she works in the quiet and obscure life of a lady's companion. But when she is confronted with her past in the most intimate of ways—in that of a handsome future marquess she once loved—she is now forced to battle between her old wants and desires, and what will keep her safe.

Can two loves, suddenly separated, find a way back together?

Review:

Donald Bradley had only one true love, so he is extremely reluctant to look for a bride. I loved seeing Madelene come back into his life, and Donald was so fortunate to have a friend help him with his courtship.

Tropes and Tidbits:
second chance romance
close proximity
dual timeline
library meetings
archery lesson

This is the second book in the Bradley Brothers series. There are more brothers with more stories to come. :)

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Thursday, October 1, 2026

The Marquess's Masked Archer

About the Book

Book: The Marquess’s Masked Archer

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2026

A hidden identity. A relentless marquess. And a summer where love could expose everything.

When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her—a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It’s the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build.

Miles Wentworth didn’t come to Ohio looking for love. He came to study insects, escape the shadow of a devastating scandal, and prove that a man can build a life on his own terms. But a chance encounter with a boldly independent woman—first in a glittering ballroom, and then behind the mask of a legendary archer—upends every carefully laid plan. Determined to protect her, even from himself, Miles steps into a dangerous game of secrets and deception—one that draws them closer with every anonymous letter and stolen moment…even as the truth has the power to ruin them both.

A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense—a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. Perfect for fans of Jen Turano and Roseanna M. White.

Review:

I love a book with secret identities and Ms. Downey has several. There are also twists and turns in this friends to HEA that kept me anticipating what would happen next. I loved Sylvie’s way of finding independence and showing it at an amusement park was so unique and very unexpected.

One of my favorite parts of the book were the letters that Miles writes anonymously to Sylvie with the quotes he included from famous literary works. It actually ends up being a funny and interesting twist to the story, and I’m glad it was there.

If you enjoy a clean romance set in the Gilded Age with rivals, a strong female protagonist, and a faith message, this is a book for you.

This complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a positive review, the opinions stated are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her middle schoolers in all their activities and fixing up a 125-yar-old farmhouse with her husband.

More from Abbey

“Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be impressed and entertained by the marvelous skill of Lady Robin, our own famed archer. Reminiscent of Robin Hood of old, she performs feats with a bow that are only dreamed of by most masters. Now, please, sit back and enjoy the show.” – The Marquess’s Masked Archer

Why do fictional characters hide? They might keep their entire identity hidden under a costume, their face covered with a mask, or just parts of who they are kept behind a confident act, but secrets are often an element of the conflict in books we love. And it’s for the same kinds of reasons all of us have tried to hide aspects of ourselves at one time or another. Fear. Shame. Protection. Freedom. Survival.

Characters in fiction reflect the truth of our human existence. Most of us probably aren’t dressing up as a female Robin Hood to perform archery trick shots or writing secret admirer letters to win a love interest, like my characters do in The Marquess’s Masked Archer. But the reasons Sylvie and Miles choose secrecy are all too relatable.

Sylvie’s goal in hiding behind a green hood is to give herself a taste of freedom. Her high society world is prescribed and controlled. There are very few opportunities for her to make choices in life. And while she longs to have more freedom, she also worries that if she were to get the independence she so desires, she would fail miserably and be forced to return to her parents in shame. Isn’t it relatable to want something desperately but at the same time be terrified that we can’t actually handle getting it?

In a different way, Miles hides behind a new life for protection. After false accusations in his youth left him disgraced in England, he wrestles with his purpose. His passion for medical entomology has given him hope for a normal life, but he also feels the constant weight of expectations due to his noble title. He’s certain people only see what they want to when they look at him, so he hides away doing his research, hoping no one will look at all. How truly human is that? We hide so much of ourselves out of worry that people won’t understand or will immediately jump to conclusions about who we are based on one glimpse.

But God didn’t create us for secrecy. The tension of hiding makes it difficult for Sylvie and Miles to fall in love, in spite of their interest in each other from the beginning. Every step forward brings new worry that they’ll be found out and their plans will be destroyed. Each romantic moment comes with the discomfort of knowing they aren’t being completely genuine with each other. Even Sylvie and Miles’s first kiss is shrouded in questions about whether the other knows that they meant it.

In the end, Sylvie and Miles’s story is also about what happens when they’re forced to take off the masks. It takes trust in each other and in God for them to finally get to the moment of happily ever after that we all love so much. Just like in fiction, when we trust God with those secret parts of ourselves, we can start to see how living in truth offers more freedom than hiding.

Do you enjoy a hidden identity or secret admirer trope? What’s your favorite book that includes one of those?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 26

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Pause for Tales, September 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28

Madi’s Musings, September 29

For Him and My Family, September 30

Book looks by lisa, October 1

The Vine and The Branch, October 1

Devoted Steps, October 2

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 2

Lyssa Loves Books, October 3

Devoted To Hope, October 4

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 5

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Holly’s Book Corner, October 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

Lily’s Corner, October 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Abbey is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/GCnUr/the-marquesss-masked-archer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Belle's Christmas Carol

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge's former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they've ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

Review:

I loved this story as we see the incredibly kind Belle Beaumont and what has happened to her after her painful breakup with Ebenezer Scrooge years before. Watching her invest her life into the orphans of Haven House is just the kind of story that will warm your heart.

Rafe Munro is the kind of barrister that fights for justice and will give his very best to see that happen. I love the twist that occurs with one of his cases as I didn’t expect that at all.

Tropes and Tidbits
found family
orphans
forced proximity
quirky characters
Belle’s mental lists

I highly recommend this story for the holiday season. You’ll be wishing for snow right along with Belle.

I received a copy from Bethany House Fiction, author, and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

I'm doing a giveaway for the book! Please look at my Instagram post for a chance to win. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc0sEu3itC4/

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Mist on the Waters

A dangerous smuggling ring, a trail of hidden codes, and a city built on secrets—but trusting her heart may be the greatest risk of all.

Detective Mason McCready has spent his career hunting criminals along the Mississippi River, but this case cuts closer to the bone. A powerful crime boss is tightening his grip on the river towns, corruption is creeping into the police ranks, and the man Mason’s been chasing has vanished into the mist, taking deadly secrets with him. As loyalties blur and danger closes in, Mason must decide how much he’s willing to risk to see justice served.

Lexi Taylor has made a name for herself breaking codes others can’t touch, but this investigation is personal. Her brother’s death is tangled in the very operation Mason is trying to dismantle, and every clue they uncover draws them deeper into a world of hidden ledgers, whispered alliances, and river routes soaked in betrayal. As threats mount, Lexi must rely not only on her sharp mind, but also on a detective she’s learning she can trust with more than the truth.

With a traitor lurking in the shadows and time slipping through their fingers, Mason and Lexi race from river towns to shadowed safe houses, following a trail that could bring down an empire—or cost them everything.

My Review:

I loved this riverfront romance that involved Lexi, a codebreaker, and Detective Mason McCready. Together, they tackle bringing down the criminal network that has far reaching contacts and operations. This has action, danger, and a love story too.

It is a standalone book in the River Romance series that readers from new adults to mature will enjoy. I highly recommend the book and the rest of the series.

I was given a copy of the book from the author. All opinions expressed are voluntarily given.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Unmasking the Diamond

Unmasking the truth means risking everything—even love.

Miss Charlotte Winslow may be the diamond of the Season, but beneath her flawless exterior lies a secret—she writes for the Society pages. Years of hiding behind her carefully crafted mask have left her doubting her own worth and believing happiness to be a luxury meant for others. That is, until she crosses paths with Lord Luca Dexter—an infuriating, perceptive man who sees far too much and refuses to be ignored.

Luca may be the younger son of a duke, but unlike most men of his rank, he earns his living as the owner of The London Gazette. When he discovers Miss Winslow’s secret talent, he’s determined to recruit her to write for his newssheets. But Charlotte refuses to be reduced to mere gossip columns—if she writes for him, it will be for something that matters.

Luca and Charlotte agree to have her write something of substance. When their investigation uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, Luca finds himself torn between his growing affection for Charlotte and his desperate need to protect her. But Charlotte is not a woman who wishes to be saved. And as tragedy looms, Luca must risk everything—including his heart—to rescue the one woman who taught him that love is worth unmasking for.

Review:

Charlotte Winslow and Luca are like oil and vinegar as they seem to delight in exchanging barbs with one another at various social functions. I love how this transforms into a deeper relationship over time.

There is something sinister at work as women seem to just disappear throughout the city. Luca and Charlotte team up together to investigate, which adds suspense and danger to the story. I loved these two finding leads and bringing the story to an exciting conclusion.

Once again, Ms. Beers has written a Regency romance that is so hard to put down once you start. I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

As the seventh novel in the Courting the Unconventional series by author Laura Beers, Unmasking the Debutante continues the series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

Review:

I loved this book! The inventions, mystery, inspectors team, and a kisses-only romance had me all wrapped up in this exciting story. Margaret feels as though she is a burden to her family and friends due to her limited ability and chronic pain. Only when she confesses her thoughts to Charles, and he opens her eyes to the idea that others help her because they love her and want to do what they can to ease her pain does she see the truth. It was a touching scene when she shares her heart with her friends.

Things to love:

funny sayings

Margaret’s wheelchair adaptations

analogy of teaspoons of ability

Daughters of Genius Society

mystery

faith elements

piano duet

daring rescue

While this can be read as a standalone, there are characters that are in a large portion of the story that were in the first book, A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures. It was so fun to see them again. I highly recommend this book to readers both young and mature, and I can’t wait to read more.

I received a copy of the book through Bethany House, NetGalley, and Great Reads Book Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Friday, June 19, 2026

The Spinster's Retreat

Miss Charlotte Walker has spent her entire life being overlooked. Bullied by her sisters, dismissed by society, and considered a hopeless spinster by her own mother, Charlotte has perfected the art of remaining invisible. But when she overhears a plot to poison the notoriously cold and intimidating Lord Stanley at a masquerade ball, she does the only thing she can think of to save him—throws herself into his lap. Unfortunately, the handsome lord mistakes her desperate warning for a shameless attempt to secure a wealthy husband. When a guest is murdered during a house party at Stanley's country estate, Charlotte finds herself drawn into an investigation involving missing girls, suspicious guests, and a dangerous secret society hiding in plain sight.

Determined to uncover the truth, Charlotte must work alongside the infuriatingly handsome lord who seems equally convinced she is either a brilliant detective—or a complete menace.

As the bodies mount and danger closes in, Charlotte discovers that solving a murder may be easier than guarding her heart.

Review:

I loved this story of Charlotte and Lord Stanley! Known as the Ice Baron, Lord Stanley has not only has the reputation, but an excellent persona to be able to hide behind as he investigates a network of criminals. Charlotte becomes an unexpected help in the investigation and capture of some of its members. There are a couple of twists that keep you turning the pages and eagerly awaiting what will happen next. Speaking of which, there is somewhat of a cliffhanger that I can’t wait to find out what Anne (Charlotte's friend) discovers!

Things to love:

meet cute

red herrings

mystery

codes and secret messages

Charlotte’s friend and maid

clean romance

I received a copy of the book from the author and Book Sirens. All opinions in this review are my own.

Friday, June 5, 2026

Scent of Hope

Sheriff’s daughter Harley Tatum hates injustice, as it hits particularly close to home. Her trauma-riddled past made her vow never to return to Copper Mountain, where she lost her family and was abandoned by the man she loved. But when she receives a call that the drug dealer responsible for so much of her pain is at large, she decides to return to Alaska for one final chance at justice.

The last person Jericho Bowie expected to see in Copper Mountain is the woman he abandoned years ago. When Harley needs his heroic avalanche dog, Orlando, to track down a drug lord, Jericho realizes he has a chance to redeem his mistakes. As they navigate the treacherous Alaskan mountains, tentative feelings grow yet again, but their mission quickly turns defensive as the hunted becomes the hunter, and only courage, trust, and a loyal K9 can lead them home alive.

Bestselling and award-winning author Susan May Warren packs action, adventure, and heart-pounding suspense into her newest K9 novel set in the rugged wilderness of Alaska.

Review:

Neither Harley nor Jericho thought they would see each other after Jericho’s abrupt departure from home and Harley moving away. But, they return to Copper Mountain as they are each assigned to track down and bring a criminal to justice that has directly impacted their families.

There were strong faith elements throughout the story, and I enjoyed seeing this and the growth that both Harley and Jericho made in their relationship with God. There is a message of forgiveness and reconciliation that was genuine and provided additional depth to the story.

Things I loved:

danger

suspense

plot twists

characters from previous books

Reader son romantic suspense will enjoy this series, and particularly this book. I recommend you read the previous book, Track of Courage to fully enjoy this story.

I received a copy of the book from Revell Fiction and Great Reads Book Promo. All opinions in this review are my own.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Gingham Mountain

About the Book

Book: Gingham Mountain

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 26, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a heartwarming Western romance about faith, family, and finding love in unexpected places—a touching tale of a devoted bachelor rancher, a determined schoolteacher, and the orphaned children who bring them together. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grant Cooper has dedicated his life to taking in orphaned children others have overlooked, building a loving family on his rugged Texas ranch. When a new schoolteacher arrives in Sour Springs with strong opinions about his unconventional household, he finds himself drawn to her fierce spirit—even as she challenges everything about his carefully ordered world.

Hannah Cartwright’s own painful past as an orphan makes her wary of the bachelor rancher raising children alone. But as she gets to know Grant’s extraordinary family, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye. When dangerous enemies threaten both their futures, Hannah and Grant must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other.

Can a man who’s sworn never to marry risk his heart for love? And can a woman who’s known only betrayal find the faith to build a true home at last? A touching story of healing, hope and the family bonds that transcend blood.

Review:

Hannah Cartwright finds herself in the position of teaching school and she is bound and determined that the Cartwright children all be in attendance. When she meets Grant Cooper, sparks fly, but not the romantic type. Hannah is sure that Grant is mistreating his family of orphans due to her own experiences. I loved reading the banter that goes on between these two and how enemies progress in their relationship to HEA. I loved the found family of the Cartwrights and how Grant's big heart takes in every orphan he can.

This is a continuation of Cowboys and Petticoats. While it can be read as a standalone, many of the characters are in part of the previous two books. Readers of western romances will enjoy this story.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions in this review are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from Mary

Gingham Mountain is the third book in this series. The first books I got published…though there were other things sprinkled in after Petticoat Ranch, the first in the series.

I think of Petticoat Ranch as my husband’s story. A mountain man who’d never been around women, finds himself married to a widow with four daughters.

Then Calico Canyon is my husband’s story growing up. He is one of seven sons. I tried to imagine how that would be.

Now comes Gingham Mountain and that’s my story. I grew up in a tiny farm house with eight brothers and sisters. We had two bedrooms until my sixth sibling was born. And two is a bit of an exaggeration because my folks slept on a couch in the living room that folded out into a bed. And the only ‘real’ bedroom was an upstairs, the kind that has sloped roofs and, well, it was just tiny.

Then my folks bought another tiny home and moved it to our home and stuck it on the end. Now our ‘two’ bedroom house had (drumroll!!!) three bedrooms. Mom and dad retired the living room couch. Huge family, tiny home, the thing was, everyone back then had a huge family. Hey, it was the baby boom, these things happened. No such thing as a kid having their own room. I remember being excited that I had my own DRAWER!

So, Gingham Mountain, all those kids in a house that really only had three bedrooms was completely believable to me. And it was hot inside and no room for nothin’ so we went outside to play all the time. And that’s how Grant’s kids had to function.

Grant with his little house and loneliness and the knowledge of how hard it was to be an orphan.

Hannah with her lioness heart for protecting children. And her utter poverty. Getting the job as school marm when she’d never been to school herself. With zero ‘womanly’ skills. The woman can’t cook or sew or do anything expected of a woman. But, because she had an abusive adoptive father who pressed her and a scad of sisters, into work at a carpet mill, she can thread a weaving look like lightning. Now she’d trying to save children from such a fate.

She and Grant are in perfect accord…if they just had a rational conversation. Instead, Hannah sees a man trying to make off with orphans, just like her abusive father. She sets out to save the children from Grant and chaos ensues.

Then set it in Texas and there’s trouble with oil, still a very underused natural resource and Grant doesn’t know he’s sitting on a gusher of wealth. But there are villains who know what he’s got and they want it.

Gingham Mountain, when I wrote it, was one of my favorite books ever. Helping those two find each other, well, I can’t even tell people about it without smiling. Grant and Hannah’s first kiss is one for the ages and, of course they are both horrified. And then they kiss again. What could be more fun?