Friday, August 29, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Resolution Room by Courtney Lyman

About the Book

Book: Resolution Room

Author: Courtney Lyman

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: January 15, 2016

Carol loved celebrating holidays, so when she had the opportunity she opened a bed-and-breakfast where each room focused on a different one. Her early guests included Willa Newman and her roommates who came to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Carol’s handyman, Owen Coburn, was instantly attracted to Willa, but soon found himself in the “friend zone”. Several years later, as Willa sees her friends find love, she makes a New Year’s resolution that next year she won’t be alone. Seeing his opportunity, Owen invents a friend for Willa to meet, hoping that eventually she would see that the friend was really him. Will his lie tear them apart or will Willa see past his disguise and recognize the man who loves her?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story about a hotel that is set up by a widow, Carol, who was born on Christmas Day. After her husband unexpectedly passed, she decided to go ahead with her dream and open a hotel that centered around holidays, those days she loved best. And so, Holliday Hotel opens and our first couple to find one another is centered around New Years Day.

Owen is Carol's handyman and when he is smitten by Willa who has come as a guest with her friends for New Year's. There is a passage of sometime as this group of friends frequently visit each year on the New Year's holiday. Each year Willa sees another friend get married and bring their husband along, while Willa is still single. Owen is a bit shy and slow with declaring his feelings, so he masterminds a plan, that well, in nice terms is going to be a complete disaster. Will these two find their way to one another and true love?

A bit of a slower start, I did feel for Carol and her recent loss the most as she navigated her new adventure. I am hoping there might be a story for her too.

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

Courtney Lyman lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband, their three children, and two cats. She is the author of the KW Consulting series, the Holliday Hotel series, as well as several Christmas novellas. She stays busy with her family’s activities, her ministries at church, and in whatever time is left, knitting, singing, and playing games.

More from Courtney

Hello, Readers! I’ve dreamed of many businesses that I thought would be fun to own – things like a food truck, a book store, and a bed-and-breakfast were considered. I loved the idea of decorating and planning the theme of a b-and-b, but since I’m not a morning person, the whole preparing breakfast part seemed less exciting. Thankfully, as an author, I can put my imagination to work and experience being an inn owner in my books.

As someone who loves to decorate for the different seasons and holidays throughout the year, I wondered what it would be like to have a b-and-b where each room had a different holiday theme. Enter Carol Holliday and the Holliday Hotel. Carol was born on Christmas and dearly loves all holidays. When her husband unexpectedly dies, she decides to pursue her dream and open the Holliday Hotel which would not only have holiday themed rooms, but would offer celebrations throughout the year for her hometown to enjoy.

In Resolution Room, I wanted to explore the tendency we have to push our timelines and agendas ahead of God’s timing. By making a resolution to not be single by the following New Year’s Eve, Willa makes her desires and timing the focus of the year. How often do I do the same thing? I say I want God’s will, but I push ahead with what I want even when He is saying ‘no’ or ‘wait’.

I hope you fall in love with Holliday Hotel as much as I did and that you come back to visit for the other holidays! See how God’s love is very different from worldly love in Sweetheart Suite. Celebrate the power of the resurrection in Resurrection Rest. Explore the peace of reconciliation in Mama’s Morning Room. Embrace God’s fatherly love for us in Daddy’s Den. Freedom in Christ and forgiveness are the themes of Independence Hall while God’s power over darkness takes the stage in Harvest Hollow. Gratitude and its relationship to love is the focus of Pilgrim Passage. Finally, celebrate Christmas with a second chance romance in Christmas Chamber.

Thank you so much for visiting me! God bless and happy reading!

Courtney Lyman

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

She Lives To Read, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 1

Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 3

Guild Master, September 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Fiction Book Lover, September 6 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7

Book Looks by Lisa, September 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 9 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 10 (Author Interview)

For Him and my Family, September 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Courtney is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54287

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

My Thoughts and More on A Spinster for the Viscount by Jackie Killelea

About the Book

Book: A Spinster for the Viscount

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 5, 2025

A guarded wallflower. A charming viscount with a past. Can their fragile bond withstand a treasure hunt filled with secrets and a cunning rival’s schemes?

After five failed seasons and one humiliating heartbreak, Jane Talbot has accepted her fate as a spinster. She agrees to attend Lord Sperrin’s country house party to escape society’s scrutiny, but the promise of discovering the legendary jewel of Parcathia adds unexpected intrigue and draws her into the path of the far too charming Henry Lendin, Viscount Harroway.

Henry wears a smiling mask for society while grieving his father and bearing the burden of his duty. As the hunt for the jewel unfolds and he finds himself repeatedly in the company of the overlooked Miss Talbot, her quiet wit and warmth begin to break through his defenses. Could he finally have found a woman who sees beyond his title?

As they unravel clues amidst whispered secrets and lies, a rival emerges with both the jewel and Jane in his sights. With danger looming and love on the line, will Jane and Henry find the courage to claim the greatest treasure of all?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a fun regency romp of friendship and romance, a scavenger hunt and danger thrown in just to up the ante. Jane Talbot is a spinster, who has been made to come out for her fifth season. Not only that, but the man she thought was a true friend and one that would marry her, was only just using her. Now she is going with her aunt to a country house party, away from the London scene in hopes to start over.

Viscount Henry Lendin sees it is time for him to settle down with a wife. He has been invited to his friend's father's country estate, and he has high hopes he might meet a young woman there. Lo and behold he does, he meets Jane. They become fast friends, and Henry is falling in love with her, yet she seems to be a bit guarded.

There are others at the party who would like to make matches with Henry and Jane. They are not exactly the nicest people for them, and they certainly show that in their actions as they try to keep Henry and Jane apart. This is also a treasure hunt; some only want the treasure and will use anyone who they can get to help. The house party starts to turn into a dangerous place of intrigue.

This was another great addition to this series. I have been enjoying these spinsters meeting their matches.

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

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

More from Jackie

Hi all! I want to thank you so much for your interest in my book. Since reading it, perhaps you’ve wondered about a few things. Maybe one of those things is if I have a penchant for strawberries. After all, they come up in the novel often enough and are Henry’s favorite fruit. I must confess, dear reader, that they are mine, as well…

My mouth was watering when I was writing the strawberry-picking scene and I simply love the idea of a good strawberry tart. Therefore, I decided to take the basics for one and bend them to my preferences. And Henry’s. I do hope you’ll like them as much as I do! Note: The recipe is OLD FASHIONED. I MEAN IT. BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE ODD TASTE.

*Recipe for Henry’s Strawberry Tarts*

Ingredients

*Crust:*

- 1/2 Pound Butter(Cold)

- 1/2 Cup Ice Water/Cold Water

- 1/2 Tbsp. Salt

- 3 Cups Flour

Before beginning, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important, I tell you! At least, if you like to save time, like me.

In a medium/large bowl, add flour and salt. Stir. Cut cold butter into small cubes, then add to flour mixture, cutting the cubes in with a pastry cutter until fine crumbs form. Once this has occurred, add water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each tablespoon. After all water is

incorporated, if the mixture is too sticky to roll, add more flour until it can be. If the mixture is too dry and won’t form into a ball, add one teaspoon of white vinegar and knead the dough(only a little). If still too dry, continue to add water by the tablespoon until the dough forms into a ball.

Once the dough is formed into a ball in the bowl and doesn’t stick to your hands when touched, set it out on a floured surface and roll it with a rolling pin to about a quarter of an inch in thickness. From here, it can be cut into circles and each circle can be placed into a mini tart pan. You can crimp the edges, if you’re feeling especially fancy. 🙂 If you don’t have a tart pan on hand, you can use a cupcake pan and line the bottom half of each reservoir with pastry dough. The edges won’t be as pretty, but it will work in a pinch. Conversely, a full-sized tart pan will

do just fine.

It is at this point, once your dough is in its pans, that you can place it in the preheated oven to let it cook for about 10-15 minutes in order to set. Make sure it doesn’t overcook, though. This setting process will prevent the bottom of the pastry from getting soggy from the filling, later

on. Just like with babies, soggy bottoms on pies and tarts are a big downer.

While that’s cooking, it’s time to make the filling.

*The Filling:*

- 1 1/2 Cups of strawberries, rinsed and dried.

- 1/3 Cup White Granulated Sugar

- 4 Eggs + 1 Yolk

- Unseasoned Breadcrumbs (Optional)

Take your strawberries and remove their tops. Attempt to keep as much of the red fruit as you can. We want as much of the good stuff as we can get. In a medium/large bowl, crush them(a potato masher can come in handy for this part, or even pop them in the blender. We want them super crushed) and set aside. The mixture will be liquidy(yes, I’m aware liquidy is not a

word).

In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs and the extra yolk. Once they’re well-beaten and a light yellow color, add the egg mixture a little at a time to the strawberry liquid, stirring after each addition. It is at this point that you may also add breadcrumbs and stir them in. They’ll make the consistency of the tarts a bit thicker. If you do choose to add them, I recommend adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Make sure they’re unseasoned! No one wants Italian-spice-flavored strawberry tarts. I don’t imagine so, anyway.

TAKE OUT YOUR CRUST BEFORE IT BURNS. THOSE TART CRUSTS ARE GETTING TAN IN

THERE. Ok, now that you’ve read that reminder, let’s continue.

You may spoon, ladle, pour, etc., your tart filling into your tarts, now. Make sure only to fill them 3/4 of the way to the top, for you don’t want to spill that goodness over the edge. Once your crust/crusts is/are filled, you can shove them into the oven. They’ll have to cook for twenty minutes. If you have a full-sized tart, it will likely have to cook for more. Examine it for doneness like you would a pumpkin pie; When you wiggle the pan, the middle should only jiggle a very little bit, not like there’s a bunch of liquid beneath. More like a jello wiggle. Not a water

balloon. Add more time or take time away, depending on how the filling moves when you wiggle it. :)

Jello Wiggle = Yes

Water Balloon Wiggle = No

Once the tarts are done, take them out and let them cool for a while. The filling needs to set a bit more. Put the pan in the fridge, even, once it’s cool enough, if that’s what you’d like to do. When the tarts are sufficiently cooled(they can still be a little warm), you can remove them from their pans and decorate them with sweetened whipped cream and cut strawberries/fruits. Or leave them plain. Your choice.

They’ll look very cute, regardless of what you cooked them in. A fair warning before you try them, however: This recipe is a very old one that I’ve only changed a little. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the results are not what you’re expecting. This dessert is certainly not like those artificial, too-sweet, abominations we have today. Neither is it like the refined, well-spiced, classic treats we’ve come to love.

Bake at your own risk…And tag me on social media if you decide to make them. I’d love to see what you think! :)

Love to all and happy baking,

Jackie Killelea

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, August 19

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 19

She Lives to Read, August 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Blossoms and Blessings, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Book Looks by Lisa, August 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27

Pause for Tales, August 27

Stories By Gina, August 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 28

Devoted To Hope, August 29

Devoted Steps, August 30

Jodie Wolfe, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Romances of the Cross, September 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jackie 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54281

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

My Thoughts on Noble by Mesu Andrews

About:

Princess Maakah of Geshur is duty-bound to create a political alliance for her father through marriage. The cancellation by King Saul of her betrothal to his fourth-born son compels Maakah's father to send her to the rebel David ben Jesse, a shepherd-warrior anointed years earlier as Israel's future king, to propose a marriage between them. Taken aback by stories of David's ferocity and lowly birth, Maakah considers the match a degrading fate but obeys her father's wishes out of duty as her nation's only heir.

To her relief, David rejects the offer of marriage, but circumstances make it impossible for Maakah to return home, and she must stay with David's people until it is safe for her to travel again. Facing prejudice and suspicion from the Israelites, Maakah navigates the delicate balance between her noble heritage and her growing respect for David's faith and leadership. In a land torn by war and divided loyalties, she must choose where her allegiance lies: with her Geshurite people, or with an extraordinary destiny alongside David that beckons her from within.

My Thoughts:

This is the second novel in the series King David's Brides which I have found so fascinating. The rich historical research, the political machinations, the Biblical implications, and a glimpse into the hearts and minds of these characters. Please note this is fiction dealing with real life historical people. I think author Andrews does a great job of explaining her research and the reasoning behind her writing in notes both in the beginning and the ending of the novel. She is one of the few Biblical authors I enjoy reading. Not only that but bringing to light, even if only fictional, the other wives of King David has been an enlightening adventure.

I found as I got to know these characters and keeping my Bible close at hand, knowing the fallout and the circumstances that were coming, raised a lot of pondering questions in my mind. This would make a great read for a book study group and to really dig into the Word of God. What a time to be alive, certainly not the way I would have wanted to live.

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

My Thoughts on These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas

About:

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda is stunned to see Fritz's name in a photograph of an American memorial for German seamen who died near Asheville, North Carolina. Determined to reclaim his body and bring closure to his ailing mother, Hedda travels to the US. Her quest takes a shocking turn when, rather than Fritz's body, his casket contains the remains of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances.

Local deputy Garland Jones thought he'd left that dark chapter behind when he helped bury Fritz Meyer's coffin. The unexpected arrival of Hedda, a long-suffering yet captivating woman, forces him to confront how much of the truth he really knows. As they work together to uncover the identity of the woman in the casket and to unravel Fritz's fate, Hedda and Garland grow closer. But with Hedda in the US on borrowed time while Hitler rises to power in Germany, she fears she'll be forced to return home before she can put the ghosts of her past to rest.

My Thoughts:

This was an intriguing and unique historical read. This story takes place between WW1 and WW2. Hedda, a German woman has come to America as she has finally had word on her missing fiancé. Her fiancé has been missing for fifteen years. What she steps into in America is a mystery that has taken many by surprise as graves are dug up to return the bodies home to Germany. Fritz is not the one in his grave. What really happened that night Fritz supposedly died, where can he be, and is there any hope she will ever find out?

Hedda meets and gets to know police officer Garland, who actually knew Fritz while Fritz was in the German internment camp. Garland is also just as confused as to what happened that fateful night, since he was pulled into it all of it due to him digging the grave. This story kept me turning the pages as Garland and Hedda searched for the answers they so desperately needed.

The setting from Germany to North Carolina during this tumultuous time in history provided that unique backdrop. The tension as the world was entering into another world war was palpable, and Hedda needed to know where she belonged and where she could call home. An unforgettable read.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Sunday, August 24, 2025

My Thoughts and More on The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch

About the Book

Book: The Marriage Masquerade

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A disgraced captain and a runaway heiress—hiding from the past and bound by fate—will their marriage masquerade lead to true love?

Noah Kennebrae, disgraced ship captain, has escaped to a remote lighthouse to avoid his grandfather’s schemes and the ghosts that haunt him. Taking a job under an assumed name, he’s determined to start over—until he meets Annie Fairfax. The feisty housekeeper’s warmth and spirit captivate him, and he falls for her despite his best efforts. But he’s keeping secrets that could destroy her trust…and his chance at redemption.

Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father, Anastasia “Annie” Michaels flees home to become the unlikely housekeeper on an isolated island. Working incognito at the lighthouse, she finds solace in her newfound independence and unexpected friendship with Nick. However, as their relationship deepens, Annie’s fear of abandonment resurfaces when she learns the truth Nick has been hiding.

Caught in a marriage masquerade of their own making, Noah and Annie must navigate secrets, lies, and painful pasts in hopes of a future together.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is the second in the series, Brides of the West, and this is Noah Kennebrae's story. His grandfather has already picked out his bride and expects him to follow along in his older brother's example and marry the bride that has been picked for him. Again, this is great for business all around. However, Noah like his brother, is going to fight against this match after the tragedy that befell on the last ship he navigated. That tragedy haunts him, and he only wants to run away to a quiet place and regroup. Certainly not marry the woman his grandfather has picked for him.

Anastasia, who goes by Annie, is the woman picked to be the bride. She does not know Noah, nor does she want to be a business transaction for her father, who hardly has time for her in life anyway. Annie also runs away, going by a different name, to the same lighthouse Noah has found shelter at. Neither of them knows they are engaged, but through the dangers and trials of living at the lighthouse, they fall in love.

I enjoyed this story. I liked that even though they were running from each other, they ran to each other without even knowing about it. Hence the title, they are in a marriage masquerade. True love has captured the second Kennebrae brother.

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

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

I love a hidden identity story! And in the case of The Marriage Masquerade, both the hero AND the heroine are hiding their true identities.

The Marriage Masquerade features Noah, who is running from the guilt of a mistake he feels he made that lost both a Great Lakes ship and several lives. Anastasia Michaels is running away from an arranged marriage.

They both flee to a remote lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior, he as an assistant lighthouse keeper and she as a housekeeper and cook.

The lighthouse in The Marriage Masquerade is based directly upon the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of my favorite places to visit along the North Shore. Situated on a cliff high above the lake, Split Rock is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

When I first visited this exquisite place, I fell in love. And when I fall in love with an historical site, I need to know as much of the history of the place as I can. Several of the incidents that occur at the fictional lighthouse in the story come directly from the history of Split Rock.

Filtering liquid mercury, polishing the Fresnel lens, hiding dishes in the oven when the inspector comes, and other happenings in The Marriage Masquerade actually happened in the real lives of the lightkeepers at Split Rock.

Noah and Anastasia’s story is a forced proximity romance, with a dash of hidden identity, redemption, and learning to stand on your own two feet. I hope you’ll enjoy their journey from fearful, guilt-ridden characters to healed through love, confident, and ready to embark on a lifelong journey together.

If you would like to learn more about Split Rock and see glorious photos of this picturesque site, check out: https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

She Lives To Read, August 13

Fiction Book Lover, August 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Devoted Steps, August 14

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 15

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17

Devoted To Hope, August 17

For Him and My Family, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 19

Inklingsandnotions, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Inkwell Inspirations, August 20

Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 21

Little Homeschool on the prairie, August 22

Vicky Sluiter, August 22

An Author’s Take, August 23

Books Less Travelled, August 23

Holly’s Book Corner, August 24

Pause for Tales, August 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts , August 25

Jodie Wolfe, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54276

Saturday, August 16, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Cruise to Death by Sara L. Jameson

About the Book

Book: Cruise to Death

Author: Sara L. Jameson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2021

When opera singer Riley Williams agrees to sub as a musical-theater performer on a luxury Rhine/Moselle riverboat cruise, she gets more than she bargained for. Not only must she come up with 250 Broadway songs, she is required to dance with the male passengers. Dance—the subject she nearly failed in her Conservatory courses, and the cause of her recent flop in a European Opera House. To make matters worse, she overhears two terrorists at a café in Antwerp, Belgium, discussing the transfer of deadly agent X to the highest bioterrorist bidders.

Interpol agent Jacob Coulter, an anti-terrorism desk analyst in Brussels, Belgium, insists on serving as an undercover agent after his best friend Noel is murdered by terrorists from the Brussels cell he infiltrates. Shortly before Noel dies, he manages to tell Jacob snippets of the terrorists’ plans. Plans that seem to involve the same riverboat cruise Riley is on. When Interpol learns of Riley’s encounter with terrorists, Jacob’s supervisor insists he work with her to identify the terrorists and retrieve agent X. But their relationship is fraught with distrust because of Riley’s suspicious past and a romantic attraction neither of them wants.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have on my bucket list to take a river cruise through Europe, and I hope to do so soon. Something about going to sleep and waking up at your next destination to do more sightseeing just really appeals to me. This story is about a river cruise, one that could be quite deadly as bioterrorism is involved. I will skip that on my future cruise thank you.

Riley Williams an opera singer needs a job and so she fills in for her friend, who is sick, to sing and dance on the cruise ship. If that is not enough, she also overhears a terrorist plot that she just cannot ignore. However, she finds out getting people to believe her and help her are very difficult. Plus, she is being told to be quiet and trust no one.

Enter Interpol agent Jacob Coulter who has just lost his best friend. He is on the hunt for those responsible even if Riley is one of them. He will take them all down.

This was a fun suspense thriller that takes place in an interesting setting with high stakes all around that will keep you turning the pages. This is the beginning of the series, I have actually already continued with Riley and Jacob's adventure in the next book.

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

Sara L. Jameson won Scrivenings Press’s grand prize publishing contract in January 2021. They released her debut romantic suspense novel, Cruise to Death, in June 2021. Death in High Places, (Book 2 in the Troubled Waters series), released February 2023, followed by Vengeance in Vienna, July 2024.

In real life, Sara is a multi-published, former university professor who writes non-fiction under her real name and edits book manuscripts for other authors. She also pens WWII historical novels. When not at her computer, she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, dog-sitting, and spending time with friends.

More from Sara

For someone who loves to swim and enjoys cruising on a ship as long as land is in sight, a European riverboat cruise solved my anxiety. Cruise to Death was conceived during a Uniworld cruise that originated in Antwerp, Belgium, where my family had lived twenty-fives years prior and fallen in love with the country.

But the lack of security on the cruise concerned me. Especially when our ship docked parallel to another cruise line, and all passengers passed through the other boat to disembark and re-embark without staff scrutiny. Perfect place for someone not on your cruise to hide, right?

Perfect fodder for a romantic suspense novel. Add in a pickpocket who craftily robbed a family member, and a budding novelist determined the crime wouldn’t go unremembered. You know those writers’ T-shirts warning you whatever you say and do might end up in a novel—sometimes it’s true.

Part of the fun writing this story was a chance to retrace the stops along the Rhine and Moselle rivers and stay in settings that appear in the novel. If you have a chance to take a riverboat cruise, I highly recommend it!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , August 14

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 15

Stories By Gina, August 16 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 23

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 24

Guild Master, August 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 26

Fiction Book Lover, August 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54278

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

My Thoughts on Prisoner of Beauty (C-drama TV Series)

My Thoughts:

This is the second C-drama that I have finished. This one seems to take place more in a Medieval time period with lots of political machinations. This is not a fantasy one, so no magic. There was definitely some violence as there are battles. For further content there is no language that I can remember and the marital scenes are fade to black.

This was about an arranged marriage between two warring clans due to a broken agreement that happened 14 years ago that sees our ML's family killed. He holds on to this hate for a good amount of time even as he marries the enemies daughter.

Our FL has taken the advice of her dying grandfather, to be good to her husband and like water wearing down a rock, be gentle with his heart like that. There was a lot of water metaphors as the landscape deals a lot with canals and helping the people of the land with water so the drought and starvation will end.

This I would class as a type of Beauty and the Beast story. The romance pacing was well done and they really grow in their relationship. The side characters are great and you are invested in their stories as well. There is even a bit of humor sprinkled throughout this family drama. Warning: though this ends well it is quite a gripping, bittersweet ending for our characters that we have grown to care about.

This is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles and as of right now can be viewed on YouTube. I believe there are 36 episodes and the cinematography and elaborate costumes make this a beautiful show. I considered it a comfort show and it was addicting.

My Thoughts on Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (C-drama TV Series)

My Thoughts:

Ok. I am going to do a little something different for a change. This blog has been dedicated to books since I began it. However, I want to do something besides just blog about books. I want to also let my readers know of fun movies and TV shows that I truly enjoy. So while this will still remain mostly about books, I do want to highlight from time to time some shows or movies that have really caught my interest.

Right now I am really enjoying Asian dramas. That includes C-dramas and K-dramas. I know they have been around for awhile, but I have only just discovered them this year. And there is no going back for me. I have been somewhat burned-out on American television and movies for a while, so I am quite happy at branching out and I have found some winners.

The first show I am going to highlight is Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. It is the first C-drama I watched and I really feel like I hit a home-run with this one. It has actually dethroned my favorite British drama, Poldark, after being my favorite show for 10 years.

They are completely different genres, but Love Game is now my favorite. If you like fantasy, magic, and especially enemies to lover romance tropes, this is perfect. FYI, the leads do battle what they call "demons". I want to make a note that I will not read or watch anything with fallen angel tropes.

The "demons" in this show are fantasy ones. Think fairies, sprites, nymphs, like Greek myths. That is the best I can describe them, and I have actually done a little study on why the monsters in Asian cultures are mostly called demons. But I wanted to make mention of that and that there is fantasy magic involved. Also for content warning there are a few bad words sprinkled throughout. I think a handful, five or six swears, nothing gratuitous and no taking of the Lord's name in vain.

So, this was just a fun and exciting show. The story revolves around the heroine who in our modern world is looking forward to reading her new fantasy novel she just got. Saturday is her day of relaxation and reading her novel after a long hard week at work. Unfortunately, work calls and her book turns out to be a downer. Lo and behold she decides to vent her frustration and write a review, a bad one. Then she is pulled into the story world called Catching Demons with some goals she needs to fulfill if she wants to get back to reality. The catch, she is the villainous side character. I don't want to say much more, as that all pretty much happened in the first five minutes. And this show is so much fun to experience, especially for a book lover and reviewer like me.

There were a lot of positive themes throughout, like working as a team, the importance of family, good versus evil, sacrifice, true love, and familial love that is shown. With stunning visual effects and melodious music, there is no wonder why I adore it and is a rewatch. This is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles and can be viewed on Netflix or YouTube as of right now.

There is also a region free DVD collection available. I did purchase one as I adored the show so much I wanted a physical copy. Plus the artwork is lovely.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

My Thoughts and More on The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder

About the Book

Book: The Puzzle Within

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 13, 2025

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was an intriguing, sometimes creepy read of an almost real life scenario of an escape room. I have yet had the pleasure of doing an escape room game, but I certainly wouldn't want it to follow me into real life.

FBI agent Arizona Powers is trying to get back into her job after she had a nervous breakdown, even though others doubt her abilities now. She is given an assignment to protect Bridgette, a young socialite and daughter of an ambassador who is receiving threats. Ari, Arizona, is being paired up with a risk analyst, Nick Trueheart.

Nick also is an interesting character with a different background. Originally being an entertainer as an escape artist till the sudden death of his wife. His story put me in the mind of one of my favorite shows, The Mentalist due to their unique capabilities. So, that is also how my mind pictured him.

Ari is even beginning to doubt her own sanity when nightmares, or so she thought they were nightmares, start manifesting themselves in real life. Thankfully she has Nick to rely on as he is experiencing the same. The Enigma, as the villain is calling themselves, is quite fascinated with both Ari and Nick and likes playing games with them. Will Ari and Nick be able to figure out this dangerous puzzle and save Bridgette and themselves? And what does any of this have to do with Ari's past? What about Nick's? Great read to keep you up at night and this is just the first in a series.

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

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

More from Gina

The story of The Puzzle Within began four years ago with the seed of an idea based on my enjoyment of Escape Rooms. I imagined a villain that moved an escape room into the “real world” and an FBI agent with nightmares that no one could or would explain.

In 2023, I entered the first five chapters into Scrivening Press’s “NovelStarts” contest and won first place in the Mystery/Suspense category. In the last three months of 2023, I wrote the entire novel, then spent the next couple of months in editing mode. My beta readers gave me feedback, and I incorporated their thoughts. In June of 2024, I entered The Puzzle Within into Scrivening Press’s “GetPubbed” contest and won the grand prize, a publishing contract.

It’s been my dream since a young age to be a traditionally published author, but it’s God who gets all the glory. I write for Him and His glory, and it’s my prayer that The Puzzle Within will touch lives as well as entertain readers.

A large focus in The Puzzle Within are the riddles, puzzles, and ciphers Enigma leaves for Arizona and Nick in their pursuit of a kidnapped teenager and the truth behind Arizona’s nightmares.

This message below is coded in Caesar Cipher. To solve, take each letter and shift it by four letters, wrapping around from Z to A. So, A=D, B=E, C=F… and so on. (Traditionally, the Caesar Cipher shifts by thirteen letters, but I didn’t want to make it that difficult.)

Once you solve the code, leave a comment below with an emoji if you’ve figured it out—but no spoilers!

Somewhere in the story, a truth waits to be uncovered.

It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s hidden.

Can you crack the code?

Ksh mw Ksh—erh xlex’w kssh irrsxl jsv qi.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Cover Lover Book Review, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 8

Life, Love, Writing,, August 9

Bizwings Book Blog, August 10

Holly’s Book Corner, August 11

Pause for Tales, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 13

For the Love of Literature, August 14 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54265

My Thoughts and More on The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

About the Book

Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Freddie and Grace are at it again. Thrust into the throes of a mystery when they were least expecting. They should just accept that as their fate in life, but this time they thought things were different. This time the mysteries are surrounding Grace's family. Secrets and failings she didn't know about, and everything is coming to a head. Including murder and murder charges.

Freddie just wanted to surprise Grace and take her back to The USA and see her family. However, Freddie and Grace are the ones surprised instead as unexpected danger has found them unawares.

This story has Grace a bit ruffled and even questioning if she is a good match for Freddie when broken promises come to light. I like how Freddie reassures her, though their marriage started off a bit rocky, he most assuredly loves her and with their growing little family, they must have faith they will get out of this current situation safely as well.

This was another great story to add to their lives. I like seeing this married sleuthing couple navigating the challenges that are presented to them with grace, faith, and most importantly love. There are in it together.

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

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

“Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”