Saturday, April 18, 2026

My Thoughts and More on Pieces of April by Jennifer Lynn Cary

About the Book

Book: Pieces of April: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Puzzle

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet, Clean Romantic Comedy

Release Date: January 20, 2026

She’s trying to move beyond her past…

…He wants to know who he was.

Will combining their pieces risk erasing their future together?

April Mathers wants to move forward. She can’t undo her impulsive high school blunder, so she keeps her head down, works hard, and prays for that long-awaited promotion. She’s cautious—even about the friends she chooses.

Then her next-door neighbor sublets her apartment to the one person capable of blowing up April’s world by repeating words that once shattered her.

Except he doesn’t remember saying them.

In fact, he doesn’t remember her.

Viet Nam vet Paul Romer has returned home hoping a support group can help him make peace with his permanent amnesia. All he has from before are flashes of a girl.

Then he finds her.

She lives next door.

And she definitely knows something—something not good.

Their chemistry is real, the tension tangled, and the secret between them is as stable as six-inch platform shoes. When the truth comes out, will it destroy their fragile beginning, or give them a future worth remembering?

Return to 1974 Kokomo, Indiana, where faith, love, and a legendary cardinal in a sycamore tree might fit the pieces into place.

You’ll swoon for this sweet, quirky, romantic tale of second chances, because sometimes sharing all those pieces of your heart is the only way to put it back together.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Pieces of April was another fantastic trip back to 1970's Kokomo, Indiana. It hasn't been too long of a wait, and this story was about April and Paul, who once upon a time had a history. Due to what down during high school, now when April runs into any old high school classmates she is sometimes treated as a Pariah.

The start of this story April is really having a bad day. It gets even worse when she finds out that Paul will be her new neighbor. Things in the past did not end well with them. Except that through an injury Paul sustained in Vietnam, he has no memory of April and their shared past. He just knows that there is a connection between them that he would like to pursue no matter the truth. In fact, Paul is so determined to be with her, he doesn't even want to know what happened.

However, there are tensions with his family, some townsfolk, and even with April herself. Maybe it would be best to get everything out in the open. This book had me hooked as I wanted to know what exactly went down too.

I enjoyed my trip back and even though the time period is a little before my time, I remember the layaways. Full of nostalgia and true love with a heaping lot of forgiveness.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author and three-time Selah Award nominee, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty-plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy, as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Her current spin-off series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, contains standalones with a common thread.

More from Jennifer

Ever have one of those songs that you’ve loved for a long time and then you discover someone else covered the song? As a general rule, I tend to like the first version better. It’s familiar and often brings up good memories.

However, (you knew there was a however coming, right?) I discovered a different version of “Pieces of April” solely by accident. And it was done by the guy who wrote the song, Dave Loggins. Three Dog Night’s version is great. Chuck Negron did some of his best work on that track. But Dave Loggins’s version touched me in a new way.

So, I did some investigating. For one thing, I wanted to know what the song was about. Was there really an April? Or was it just a play on words?

Turns out, there was an April. And that Dave Loggins enjoyed interacting with fans online. So he’d written that he and April (the girlfriend) had a relationship for three Aprils (meaning the month) before they broke up. He missed her and wrote the song for her and it was one of his favorites that he’d written.

However, (you should’ve known this one was coming 😉) Dave passe away in 2024 so I didn’t get to ask him any more questions.

As I was putting this series together, I listed all the rock and roll songs I could think of from 1960 to the early 1970s that had girls’ names in the titles. Then I grouped them for similarity in beat and title words. When I came to “Pieces of April”, I immediately knew it would have to be an amnesia story. I started it out as a young married couple who ends up going through this but it wasn’t working. I struggled a lot trying to rework what I’d been musing on for months and the funny thing is, once I got past chapter five, things started happening. I’m not a plotter but I’m not a pure pansters/discovery writer either. But this book was a lot of discovery for me and how the threads all got tied up, that’s a God thing.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 15

Inspired by Fiction, April 16

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 17

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

She Lives To Read, April 21

Books, Books, and More Books, April 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 24 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, April 24

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 26

Books Less Travelled, April 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook 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://gleam.io/8J97u/pieces-of-april-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Hannah's Quest by Jodie Wolfe

About the Book

Book: Hannah’s Quest

Author: Jodie Wolfe

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 13, 2025

Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing.

Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions.

Can two bruised hearts follow their personal quests and discover healing in the process?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Hannah has set out on her own so she can escape the miserable life her aunt and uncle have arranged for her. They were quite overbearing and that is saying a lot when they were mostly just writing letters to Hannah with threats of coming to pick her up. Hannah has a problem though; she is having a hard time finding and keeping a stable job to pay for her rent. She is willing to try or do anything just to stay out of her family's hands.

Luke is absolutely certain he will stay a bachelor his whole life. He is busy working and caring for his sick grandmother, whom more than anything he wants to see get well. It has even put a strain on his spiritual life. His grandmother, though very sick, was quite a spunky character. She wanted to see Luke happy and fulfilled, and with a wife. Into their lives walks Hannah. Luke just can't seem to stay away from her and sometimes all her silliness.

This was a nice journey towards true love and leaving our future in the hands of the One who loves us the most. Luke and Hannah have some lessons to learn, but together and with their faith they will see it through.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

JODIE WOLFE loves writing historical fiction after years as a homeschooling mom. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. Jodie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. Jodie enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking.

More from Jodie

It’s been such a joy to set a series in the town where I graduated from college almost 40 years ago. I’m so thankful my husband suggested it, as it’s been a lot of fun digging into the history of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area during the 19^th century. Before this series, all my other books had settings in the Mid-west—Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.

When I started writing the first book, Abigail’s Pursuit, quite a number of years ago, I never intended to create a series about prodigals, let alone experience the pain of it in my life… but God knew what the future held. While each of the books in this Time to Come Home Series revolves around the common theme of a prodigal, each of the tales is a stand-alone. My prayer is for those who have children who have wandered away, or perhaps were once prodigals themselves, or even others who enjoy Christian historical romance with strong spiritual themes—that each of these groups find encouragement through reading this series.

Hannah’s Quest was exciting to write as I incorporated information about one of the oldest continually run hardware stores in PA that is still operating to this day, even though it’s changed names various times through the years. I hope you’ll enjoy stepping back in time to a small town in south-central PA where faith and family are celebrated.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, April 18

Stories By Gina, April 19 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 20 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22

Guild Master, April 23 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, April 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

For the Love of Literature, April 27 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 30

The Bookish Ledger, May 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle!!

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

https://gleam.io/NokHu/hannahs-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

My Thoughts on Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson

About:

Hunted by killers.

And time is running out fast…

Laurel Bell’s first day as a wildlife photography ranger takes a treacherous turn when she is nearly drowned by a masked assassin. Her witness protection cover has been blown, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before her attacker returns to finish the job. Her only chance at survival is police sergeant Heath Calhoun, who will do anything to deliver Laurel to her marshal handler. But when Heath’s young daughter is taken hostage, the stakes are raised, and now they must race to outsmart the powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to exact their revenge…

My Thoughts:

Laurel has been running and hiding for most of her life. After the murder of her father, she became a key witness who could identify his murderers. These were ruthless men who think of nothing but killing and hunting her down, to exact their vengeance. Ruthless, think some chill inducing spine tingling evil just because. Gave me chills anyway.

Laurel is settling into her new job as a wildlife photographer when she is attacked and almost killed. Enter police sergeant Heath who is also attacked while saving her and she has met a most formable protective man.

Heath has been through a lot too, as a widower he is raising his little girl alone. As a brother and son, he quite protective of his family as his own demons chase him down. Now Laurel has entered his protective sphere, and he is not about to let her go and will continue to dig deep to learn all her secrets. Something she is really trying to keep him out of. Definitely some pushing and pulling between these two.

As the danger mounts and sparks fly these two have quite an adventure ahead of them. This was a thrilling read, and the author pulled me in so much, it made it feel like I was tasting that swamp water.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Friday, April 10, 2026

My Thoughts and More on Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart by Andrea Byrd

About the Book

Book: Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 24, 2026

From Andrea Byrd comes a stirring tale of faith and courage on the Kentucky frontier—a story of second chances, steadfast love, and the family bonds that sustain us through life’s darkest hours. Perfect for fans of Lori Wick and Janette Oke.

Kentucky Territory, 1782

When Dawn agrees to travel west with her cruel stepparents, she has one goal—to reunite her young stepsister Mary with her uncle at Bryan’s Station. But a chance encounter with Jacob McFadin, her childhood sweetheart, changes everything. Despite her missing left hand and the scars of rejection she carries, Jacob sees past her differences and offers marriage to help protect them on their journey.

Jacob has spent years trying to prove himself as more than just the youngest McFadin brother. When he recognizes Dawn, the girl who captured his heart years ago, he knows God has given him a second chance. But his desire to finally make a name for himself threatens to tear apart their fragile new family.

As they face the perils of the Kentucky wilderness and escalating tensions with British and Indian forces, Dawn and Jacob must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other. When violence erupts at Bryan’s Station, they discover that true worth isn’t found in grand achievements, but in the boundless love of family and faith.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a story of two childhood loves finding themselves together once again on their way west in 1782. Jacob is traveling with his family, always in the shadow of his older brothers' footsteps and their plans. He is restless and not entirely happy about that. Jacob wants to set out on his own and fulfill his own dreams, whatever they may be.

He finally gets his chance to begin that when he is reunited with his first love, Dawn. Dawn, who has a birth defect that makes her feel less than whole, and her little stepsister Mary, are nothing more than slaves to their stepparents. They both are treated harshly and abused, and it takes all Dawn has to protect Mary. Until one day on the journey west, Jacob steps into protect her. Now reunited again, he is not about to let her go. What follows is a whirlwind marriage of convenience and their travels to Mary's uncle, which leads Jacob finally able to step away from his family.

Their journey is filled with adventure and love as this little family begins to click. I so very much liked the ending as they all find their way home, and to family that really loves.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.

More from Andrea

As a reader of historical fiction, I love reaching the end of a novel and reading the author’s note to learn how real people and events inspired the written words. Now, as an author myself, I try to provide the same for my own readers and Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart is no exception.

While the Siege of Yorktown is considered the last major battle of the revolutionary war, ten months afterward, American forces would suffer great losses at the Battle of Blue Licks. During this conflict, more than sixty Kentuckians would lose their lives.

However, what intrigued me most about this piece of American history was actually the events leading up to it. The Battle of Blue Licks was a result of a skirmish a few days prior: the Siege of Bryan’s Station. In what is now Lexington, Kentucky, a fortified settlement was attacked by Delaware and Shawnee warriors, as well as Canadian Rangers.

Playing a vital part in the station’s ability to withstand the attack, of course, were the women of Bryan’s Station. During this conflict, the women would do more than simply provide support though. They would put themselves directly in harm’s way, venturing outside the safety of the settlement walls, in order to fetch water from the spring. Though Bryan’s Station was surrounded and they could be descended upon the moment they left the fold, the women (and girls) marched forwarded with heads held high to do what had to be done.

As soon as I learned of the women of Bryan’s Station and their act of bravery, I knew I had to weave these historical events into this novel. I hope you find their story as inspiring as I did!

Happy Reading!

Andrea Byrd

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Books Less Travelled, March 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30

Bizwings Blog, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

Sylvan Musings, April 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Devoted To Hope, April 3

For Him and My Family, April 3

Abba’s Warrior Princess, April 4

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 5

Bigreadersite, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

Fruitfully Planted, April 8

Holly’s Book Corner, April 8

Lyssa Loves Books, April 9

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 10

Pause for Tales, April 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea 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/KhGOn/chancing-the-frontiersmans-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Ashton by Anne Perreault

Ashton JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ashton by Anne Perrault, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ashton
Series: Yellowstone Descendants #1
Author: Anne Perreault
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Genre: Christian Fiction/Contemporary Western Romance

Return to Yellowstone with the next generation of our beloved characters from the original series.

Saddlehorn, MT

Ashton Anderson, former town sweetheart and prodigal son of rancher Clint Anderson, has finally returned home. Where has he been for the last ten years, you ask? Apparently, working a smaller rodeo circuit up north. With his strength and skill, he should have done well, but he has returned battered, bruised, and grieving the loss of his faithful gelding, Dusty. As for the girlfriend who turned down his marriage proposal all those years ago . . .

Kelsey Winters has left her less-than-idyllic past behind. She now helps others as a therapist at the therapeutic riding center outside of town, although her own personal life seems to be a solid mess. She’s tried to be a good older sister to her brother, Darren, but she can’t protect him—or herself—from his poor choices. They’re one bad decision away from homelessness when they’re robbed and Darren is put in jail for possession of a controlled substance.

Due to circumstances beyond their control, Kelsey and Ashton’s long-ago romance resurfaces. But will it leave the gate running, or suffer a colossal wreck?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

About the Author

Anne Perreault was born and raised in Germany. By the time she was 14 years old, her family moved to Dubai, UAE. While living in this exotic place, she traveled extensively to various countries around the world. After graduating from an American boarding school in Austria, she attended college in England, where she met her husband. She graduated from New England College with a degree in biology, and settled down in Connecticut.

Anne became a horseback riding instructor as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor. She and a group of friends started a therapeutic riding center in Bristol, CT. During that time, Anne also received a masters degree in secondary education and began to homeschool her three children. While raising their three children, she began to write an inspirational story primarily for her daughter. 12 years later, God commissioned her to write down her skating stories. That started a writing ministry she has enjoyed ever since.

Anne, her husband, and two of their grown children now reside in Southern Vermont, where they are building their home. Besides writing, Anne enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, grown children, and granddogger. Her oldest son and his wife recently welcomed their first child making Anne and her husband now grandparents. She enjoys visiting and seeing her grandlove a few times a year.

Connect with Anne by visiting intothelightfiction.weebly.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

My Thoughts:

Broken hearts and broken dreams are the start of this story of two people coming home after being gone many years. In this loosely based story of the Prodigal son, we have a story told of healing, redemption, and dreams better than the first.

Ashton has come back home after ten long years, literally broken in body and a bit down in spirit. He is coming home after running away from home after his ex-girlfriend, Kelsey, broke his heart and refused his marriage proposal. I understand Ashton has to go and lick his wounds; however, I did feel the most for his parents when they were not even sure if he was dead or alive.

Kelsey has a bit of trouble of her own. She certainly has come from a rough background. Her wealthy grandmother did not love her or her younger brother and left nothing to them when she passed away. Kelsey has been taking care of her brother ever since, unfortunately he has been making some very unwise decisions that she is unable to fix for him. This all brings her back into the crosshairs of Ashton.

Both are a little older and wiser, can they let go of the past, good and bad, and reach for a better tomorrow? Great redemption story of hope.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a blind date with a book prize package which typically includes a signed paperback, bookish stickers, chocolates or mints, sticky notes, bookmarks, a drink koozie, and other fun bookish things!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 13, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Thursday, April 9, 2026

My Thoughts and More on Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough

About the Book

Book: Sooner or Later

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Rebekah’s dreams have become a nightmare.

For years, Rebekah’s mother told her that sooner or later a handsome man would come along and sweep her off her feet. That was before her mother and brother had died and her stepfather arranged for her to marry their repulsive neighbor in exchange liquor and a half-side of beef. She won’t marry the vile older man and flees in the dark of night.

Mason Danfield has no interest in a wife. He’s focused on caring for his motherless niece and nephew. But when Mason finds a young woman stranded on the side of the trail, he can’t leave her behind to possible die on the prairie.

A chance encounter with Jake, the children’s father, ends up with Mason riding in the 1889 Oklahoma land run. He hopes to get land for Jake and the children. Maybe then he can talk Jake into marrying Rebekah, so she can have a home and stay with the children she has come to love. But for some reason, the idea of her and Jale together doesn’t sit well with Mason.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was quite an adventure story with many trials that this makeshift family had to go through. All of them are also reeling from broken hearts, from losing beloved family members. I was quite surprised with how much was packed in this story.

Rebekah is desperate to escape the plans her stepfather has for her after the death of her mother and brother. Not wanting to be sold off in marriage to a horrible man, Rebekah takes matter in her own hands and runs away. Right into the path of Mason Danfield.

Mason is trying to get his niece and nephew to their father after the death of their mother, his sister. An accident that also took his wife and unborn child. Many broken hearts in this story that had me feeling for all of them. When Mason finds Rebekah, dressed as a man, half dead, their lives begin to take an upturn. That is if they can survive the weather and the trail.

This was a great adventure that didn't have one boring moment and had me turning those pages.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

Excerpt from the Book

April 2nd, 1889

Indian Territory

Never in her life had Rebekah Bailey done anything so daring, but then she’d never been this desperate before. She peered over her shoulder at the dilapidated house as she tiptoed toward the barn. Good. Still dark.

The full moon illuminated the rickety A-frame shack that had been her home for as long as she could remember. The breath she’d been holding came out on a ragged sigh. At least she’d managed to get out of the house without Curtis hearing her. But she was far from safe.

Her heartbeat resounded in her ears, and she was certain her closest neighbors, who lived miles away, could hear it. Hugging her ma’s ancient carpetbag against her chest, she quickened her pace.

A sharp creak in the direction of the house jerked Rebekah from her reverie. With a quick tug on the reins, she turned Prince west and kicked his sides. West toward the open plains and Indian Territory. Then northwest toward Denver–and freedom. She prayed it was the last place Curtis would think to look for her.

The chanting of tree frogs gave music to her ride, and an owl hooted somewhere in a nearby tree. She used to love the sounds of the night, but now they only reminded her that she was alone. Hoping to ward off the night chill, she tugged her frayed cloak around her. The world seemed normal, asleep, as it should in the middle of the night. But she felt anything except normal. Her world had fallen apart this evening with Curtis’s declaration. Nothing would ever be same for her. She shivered at the memory. “I’ve made a deal with Giles Wilbur,” Curtis had said, grinning with pride. “Swapped you for a half side of beef and some moonshine. In the morning, you’ll be moving in with him and be his woman.” Thoughts of the filthy, drunken sloth of a man more than twice her age made her blood run cold. How could Curtis expect her to live with Mr. Wilbur without the sanctity of marriage? How could he simply swap her like she were livestock—something to be bartered? Bile churned in her stomach and burned a path to her throat. Tears blurred her vision and streamed down her cheeks.

She’d never felt so alone. Completely alone–as though not a single person in the world cared for her. But the gentle touch of the wind to her cheeks reminded her of the One who never failed. Rebekah turned to her heavenly Father as Prince trotted down the dark road. “Protect me, Lord–and show me the way. And Father . . . oh, Father, give me courage for the ride ahead and strengthen Prince’s old bones–”

The faint sound of approaching hoof beats intruded on Rebekah’s prayer.

Oh, no! Curtis!

She was certain her heart would jump clear out of her chest. The reins nearly slipped from her trembling hands. Fear of what was behind her overpowered the fear of what was ahead.

Taking a deep, determined breath, and with a firm grip on the reins, Rebekah dug her heels into Prince’s side.

“He–yah!!!” she cried softly.

Prince vaulted into a gallop and raced down the road.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 8

Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 9

For Him and My Family, April 10

Happily Managing a Houehold of Boys, April 11

Guild Master, April 12 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 13

lakesidelivingsite, April 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 15

Fiction Book Lover, April 16 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 17 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, April 18

Holly’s Book Corner, April 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe, April 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vickie 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/mieGk/sooner-or-later-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

My Thoughts and More on Bernadette by Jennifer Lynn Cary

About the Book

Book: Bernadette: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Twist

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy

Release Date: August 4, 2025

She’s supposed to be a small-town girl…

…He’s billed as America’s biggest heartthrob.

What could possibly go wrong? How about everything?

Tiny Bernie Sawrey is perfectly happy fixing carburetors until her stepmother ambushes her with a blind date. The catch? It’s with movie star Garrett Lomas, Bernie’s secret celebrity crush and the reason she’s haunted the drive-in alone her entire adult life.

There’s just one teensy problem: Bernie’s about as Hollywood-ready as a rusty muffler.

But when her dad’s garage faces financial ruin, suddenly playing Kokomo’s answer to the girl-next-door doesn’t seem so impossible, if it will help. How hard can it be to fake being normal for a few weeks?

Meanwhile, Gabe Lomas thought being his identical twin’s stunt double only involved driving race cars—not impersonating him at charity events in small-town Indiana. But when the movie studio execs set up the deal and Garrett’s fiancée says no way, Gabe trades his helmet for a fake smile and a very real problem.

The problem? Bernie Sawrey, all five-foot-nothing of her, with enough quirk and innocence to charm the grumpiest producer. That’s the problem.

Gabe is falling for her hard, only she thinks he’s his famous brother.

And she just might be falling for him too.

Now he’s caught between protecting his brother’s career and protecting his own heart. Because telling Bernie the truth might send her racing away—but not telling her guarantees he’ll lose her when she finds out.

Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana, where the cardinal in the sycamore knows that love—like a good engine—runs best when all the parts are genuine. A sweet, hilarious tale of mistaken identity, small-town charm, and finding love when you’re not even being yourself.

You will enjoy this sweet, quirky tale of secret twists, because sometimes the best love stories start with a little white lie and maybe a bit of motor oil.

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My Thoughts:

Bernadette is another cute and as the title suggests, quirky story taking place in the town of Kokomo, Indiana during the 1970's. This one was one full of secret identities, race car driving, and true love.

Bernadette, or Bernie for short is a five foot woman mechanic with a desire to race cars. Especially to race a car against her movie star crush, Garrett Lomas. Well, her dreams are about to become reality when his next movie is filming in her hometown and he needs a local girl to take around town for promotional events. Bernie is clearly against this till she finds out it will help her family out financially.

Garrett is absolutely in love with his fiancé, and taking another girl around town is not making her happy. So, he enlists his twin brother, Gabe, to play him in real life. What could possibly go wrong? Well, Gabe and Bernie falling in love and both trying to untangle the webs of subterfuge they both created. This was a fun romp back to Kokomo and untying knots just so they can tie the real marriage knot and be together for good.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

More from Jennifer

As I put this series together in my head, certain books were right there, laid out, easy to have a handle on them. But with Bernadette, I knew two things: she was a tiny spitfire, and the first line of the book had to be someone calling out her name. Why? Because that’s the way the Four Tops started the song that was my inspiration. Sort of. Actually, that is the only thing I used from the song.

I also wanted to introduce my readers to other places I remembered in Kokomo during the 1970s. I’d only been to the Kokomo Speedway once, and all I could remember was that it was loud. It was my one and only date with a longtime friend who had been an on-again, off-again boyfriend of my best friend. After we moved to Arizona, I had a chance to go back home for a few weeks before my senior year. Cheryl and Jim were no longer an item, but I’d been friends with both. Jim asked if I wanted to go to the races and I agreed. Can’t remember if we took his motorcycle or not, but I did ride with him once or twice on that trip. The funny thing is, we knew we were better as friends, and especially with the long distance between us, that was all either of us wanted. We remained friends for many years before we lost contact—I got to meet his wife and daughters, and he met my husband.

About the time I was starting this book, as the plot ideas were coming together, one of my sweet sisters from our Bible study group succumbed to cancer. Debbie was a sweet light, and I wanted to honor her. I asked her family if I could use her name in the story and they agreed.

Finally, I think every girl remembers the first boy to ask her to go steady. The thing is, I’m not sure who it was. From kindergarten through fourth grade, I went to school with the Richardson twins. Both were sweet and funny. Mike was the more outgoing, Mark was quieter.

I remember one time going to their house and making Christmas ornaments from straws after we learned how in school.

One day I got a phone call. I’d learned to tell them apart in person, but on the phone, not so much. I got asked to go steady. My dad had already informed me that ten-years-old was too young, so I blamed it on Dad and declined.

A few minutes later, I got a second phone call. Again I was asked to go steady and had to say no. The thing is, I never knew who asked first!

After that year we moved across town though I kept in touch with my friends. It was only about two-three years later that I learned Mike had died from an accident. It wasn’t my first intro to death, but it was concerning someone my own age.

It’s been almost sixty years since I last saw Mike Richardson, but I still remember him with fondness. Another reason I had twins in this story. If only I knew which twin had asked me to go steady first.