A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: 

A wealthy business owner in search of a moneyed wife with a hefty dowery. A maid who needs to escape the clutches of a violent gang. Bellamy the matchmaker makes a wager.

 Alannah can scarcely believe her ears when the matchmaker suggests the son of her employer as a match, but she promises to give it a chance. Keiran wants to make an advantageous match, but cannot find someone that suits him, except for a woman who is completely out of the question. 

 Sparks fly in this chemistry filled historical romance; I loved seeing more of the Shanahan family and getting more insight into the character of Bellamy. Alannah and Keiran are likable characters, with a sweet and honest connection. I really liked Keiran's sister, Zaira and can't wait to read more about her in the next book! 

 Overall, an enjoyable read with a good place and plot. Good chemistry, with closed door sizzle. A lovely addition to the series, that is hard to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham // Review

My Review: 

A fun flirty food battle brings together a small town in this Jane Austen loving foodie, opposites attract romance. 

 Daphne Austen is surprised to find that her Jane Austen themed tea shop's new neighbor is a tea-hating British single dad, opening a pub style restaurant. Daphne is upbeat and creative, slowly working to introduce her own creations to her inherited tea shop. She is marvelous with children, and I liked the banter between her and her brother Jack, as well as her new neighbor Finn Dashwood. Finn is a hardworking single father who wants to give his young daughter a solid upbringing.

 Such a fun read, with all the hilarious hashtags as part of the food battle, and grumpy-sunshine interactions. I loved how Daphne and Finn embraced the opportunity to boost their small businesses and lean into the attention as the town takes sides and stirs the fires. A lighthearted read, with a full cast of delightful characters, great interactions and a solid helping of faith.

 Overall, it's a fun flirty read, with great characters and a small-town setting in the heart of Appalachia. Filled with humor, sweet moments, and witty banter, infused with a love of British literature. A satisfying upbeat rom-com, sure to bring a smile to your face!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Blobs: Crash Landing & Attack of the Glitches by Justin Stuart, illustrated by Rick Douglas // Momentum Giveaway

Fans of Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Captain Underpants will love this hilarious, high-stakes adventure about friendship, courage, and what it takes to protect the place you call home. 

 The Blobs are back—bigger, braver, and in more danger than ever. Cadetski and his crew of misfit Blobs finally make it to their new home, Planet Splotch, only to real ize they’ve accidentally stolen the most powerful artifacts in the galaxy: the Doomsicles. 

 Now, they’re on the radar of every villain in the galaxy, especially King Neptune: a tyrant with plans for domination who wants the doomsicles back … and isn’t asking nicely. With their new world on the brink of invasion, Cadetski and the gang must dive into the planet’s deepest secrets, face impossible odds, and discover that real courage isn’t about size or strength, it’s about sacrifice. And when one Blob is be lieved to be a galactic “Chosen One,” things go from bad… to bonkers. 

 Packed with laugh-out-loud chaos, surprising heart, and clean comedy, The Blobs: Attack of the Glitchies cranks the adventure to the max. 

 The Blobs: Volume 2: Attack of the Glitchies is the second book in The Blobs, a graphic novel series that blends sci-fi adventure, humor, and high-energy action for readers ages 8-12 

 The Blobs: Volume Two releases April 7th everywhere books are sold - order your copy today! 

My Review of The Blobs: Attack of the Glitchies: 

Picking up right where the previous book left off, Cadetski and his friends are making the most of their new home. They tried to warn the Blob Force about the doomsicles, to no advail. Now King Neptune is coming to reclaim the doomsicles. 

A fun follow up, filled with humor and a high stakes plot. The same characters return, in this hilarious adventure as they are challenged to fight evil power with sacrifice. I liked how Chubs, has a heart for others, and it was fun seeing him take to his new home and make new friends. 

The illustrations bring the story to life, great for ages 8-12 who are starting to be confident readers. Full of imaginative fun, and clean humor. I liked how the Blobs learn to stand up to evil. 

Overall, a fun continuation of the Blobs, with character growth and fun twists along the way. Engaging and fun, with clean humor, in a imginative new world. Highly enjoyable!

 #TheBlobsVolTwoMIN #theblobs #justinstuart @itsjustinstuart #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 Many thanks to David C. Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Pick up The Blobs: Crash Landing before vol.2 comes out!

My Review of The Blobs: Crash Landing: 

Upon notice that they must immediately evacuate their home planet, the Blobs are sent in pods to their new home, along the way this ragtag crew crash lands on a strange planet and stirs up more trouble than they bargained for. 

Blob Force wannabe Cadetski leads his unlikely crew through unknown dangers and learns a lesson about telling the truth. Filled with fitting cartoon style illustrations, this book is written for confident young readers. It has a larger easy to read font, but a creative and inventive vocabulary that could trip up children new to chapter books. Great for kids who have graduated from beginner chapter books and are looking for something between that and the next step. 

Clean fun humor, and a hilarious, unlikely team of characters. Together they learn to work together, facing fears and finding 1friendship. One of my favorite characters is Chubs and his adorable and helpful plant robot. 

A fast-paced adventure, full of unexpected twists and kid-friendly humor. Imaginative clean fun, I'm excited to see where the series goes!

#theblobs #justinstuart @itsjustinstuart #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 Many thanks to David C. Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card 

 Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be US residents who have not won via another blogger’s giveaway for this campaign. 

  The Blobs: Attack of the Glitchies- $10 Amazon Giftcard

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Petticoat Ranch

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 10, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he’s the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband’s twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother’s murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn’t need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God’s plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West. 

 

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review: 

Sophie and her daughters rescue an injured man near their property, to her shock they find that he is her late husband's twin brother, Clay. Sophie is fiercely independent, raising her 4 young daughters, determined not to take help from anyone. Clay wants to do right by his brothers children and widow, he steps in and up, despite Sophie's protests. 

A fast paced western rom-com, with an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience, adorable children, faith, with a lot going on. Sophie is a capable woman, with a lot on her plate. Clay is in uncharted territory, with Sophie, the girls, and the ranch. He's a good man, he wants to do the right thing, but is way out of his depth. I liked to see Sophie and Clay work through their differences, and find that they are stronger together. 

A heartwarming read, with comedy and miscommunications galore. An entertaining read, there is a lot going on, with likable characters and cute children, in this fun-filled western adventure. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I shove them together and then leave them to figure out how to get along.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.

She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.

Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Holly’s Book Corner, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Jodie Wolfe, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 27

Devoted To Hope, March 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 1

Vicky Sluiter, April 2

Sydney Schmied Books, April 2

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Labor Not in Vain , April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary 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/0Pzml/petticoat-ranch-celebration-tour-giveaway

Meet Me in Virginia by Elizabeth Camden // Review

My Review: 

Opposites attract romance, with historical mystery, and two people with everything to lose. 

 Alice returns home in disgrace after a whirlwind romance across the pond blew up in her face. Now she finds that her work is threatened by a swanky new golf course on land that should be preserved as a historical landmark. Jack has staked everything on this project, creating a state-of-the-art golf course that will put him on the map for big opportunities. The last thing he needs is a snooty professor derailing his work. 

 Engaging read, with opposites attracts romance with two stubborn protagonists, and a historical mystery. Both Jack and Alice are intelligent and headstrong, I liked how they both challenge each other to think of things differently and explore things that they wouldn't have naturally. I liked learning about an interesting time period through Alice's search. 

 Overall, a quick read with a sweet romance, as two people who couldn't be more different find friendship and a chance at more, as they face high stakes and an uncertain future.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Claire Holloway is Winging It by Angela Ruth Strong // Review

My Review: 

A heartfelt Christian rom-com about opening new chapters, and trusting God's plan. 

Claire Holloway thought she had it all figured out until a career ending injury, has her packing her bags and taking to the sky as a flight attendent. Mourning her lost career path, while juggling a new job and a long distance relationship, Claire is more than a little out of her depth. I liked how her co-workers Nathan, Vincent, Angel, Desiree, and the other flight attendants show her what to do at work and how to embrace the perks of travel. I loved seeing her grow in confidence, and her friendship with Nathan. 

Nathan is a pilot, and is quick to offer Claire help adjusting to her own life. I liked that he is a strong Christian, and has a solid mentor in Vincent, I loved the banter between the two of them.

An engaging read, with characters you want to cheer for the whole way through, filled with humor, friendship and faith. I liked the strong character arcs, and how Claire finds herself challenged and changed by her new job. An uplifting novel, that you won't want to put down as you accompany Claire on her new adventure! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming story of connection and unexpected friendships. 

After the death of her husband, Riva has to face the fact of the financial weight of her home. She can't bear to downsize, so she opens her house to boarders and with that comes a full cast of characters, wonderful ones and ones that try the patience in this heartwarming novel of new chapters. 

A quick read, I liked that Riva tries a lot of new things, and opens herself to new experiences because of her new boarders. Not really a romance, but there are hints, which I think was more realistic. This book has a eclectic bunch of characters, and sometimes their interaction could be a bit childish, and gossipy. 

A light, heartwarming read about taking chances, friendship, and finding a new lease on life after a death. Clean and heartwarming pick me up read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd // Review

Lucie's Review:

After the death of her husband, Charlotte finds herself fleeing with her young son, Henry, to her childhood home. Years ago she married as her father wished, leaving behind Anthony Welbourne, who has worked tirelessly to build a life of purpose. In her hour of need, Anthony is sent to her aid, could this be a second chance at love?

An engaging read with a lot going on, and protagonists that you can cheer for. Charlotte is a devoted mother, and after years of being in a controlling marriage she knows that she can't let that happen again. I admired her determination to keep her son safe, and I liked that she had Anthony to lean on throughout. Anthony is surprised that Charlotte has been placed in his protection, he is an honorable man of action, who has made the most of his life after Charlotte. 

There is good interaction, with a riveting plot, and high stakes. I liked seeing Charlotte and Anthony reconnect, as they navigated their rekindled friendship.I liked how Charlotte was challenged to take a stand for herself and her so, and how she thought ahead, learning new hands on skills along the way. A satisfying read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Guarding the Child Witness by Sharee Stover

Lucie's Review: 

When Iowa State Trooper Jaysa Camarota rescues a nonverbal little boy from a car wreck with her K-9 Remy, the boy and dog bond instantly. She must work with her ex-fiancé social worker, Ender Hammett to protect little Trevor, as it quickly becomes clear that someone wants to silence the silent witness. 

 A fast paced suspense, with strong characters, an adorable little boy, and an amazing dog. Jaysa and Ender reconnect hesitantly, but come together to protect Trevor, working to keep him safe while trying to figure out what is going on while staying one step ahead of the killers. There is a lot going on, with great character interaction and relationship building. 

A action-packed adventure, full of faith and second chances. Remy is a clever and caring K-9, and I liked how he helps Trevor throughout the story. Hard to put down, with a lot going on. Definitely worth picking up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen // Review

My Review: 

An action packed mystery, with a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance. 

Dr. Charlotte Duvall comes home when she hears of her father's death, she returns to a mystery with a daunting social web of deceit and secrets surrounding the earlier death of her late mother. She is determined to find the answers to the clues her father left behind. She finds help in the form of lifelong friend John Ellis, and together they dig into the mystery of secrets and deception. 

a fast paced read, wtih strong likable characters that you can't help but cheer for. I loved the dialogue between Charlotte and John, as they rekindled their friendship and discovered somthing new. They have great chemistry, and good interaction throughout. 

Overall, a satisfying read, with a lot going on, a good mystery and compelling plot. Highly engaging storytelling, with a wonderful friends-to-lovers relationship that I adored. Wonderful clean romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.