A Kingdom of Shadows by Emily Bain Murphy // Review

My Review: 

A ragtag band of misfits join together to fight back the darkness slowly encrouching on their homeland, learning about themselves and challenged to face thier own choices in their journey towards the lake of light. 

Well written and imaginative with fantastic world building and strong allegorical elements reminiscent of beloved classics. Fin and his little sister, Lydia, survive on the streets as petty theives, with their friend Adrion, but a sticky situation leads them to toss in their lot with the mysterious Ehrit who promises to lead them to a lake of light. 

Engaging middle-grade fiction, also could be a fun read aloud. Appropriate for ages 8+. Deals with themes of faith, friendship, betrayal and more. I liked that over the course of the journey, Fin and others are confronted with pieces of their pasts and find that their hearts have changed. The themes are well woven into the story and the allegorical themes grow stronger over the course of the story. 

Overall, a wonderful read for fans of Christian fantasy that is family friendly, full of adventure and allegory. This is the first in a series, so I think that the themes will likely be stronger in future books, but I will admit in the beginning the plot didn't have a strong sense of direction and that is likely because Fin and his friends don't really understand where their adventure is taking them or what the results will be either. But there are constant twists, reveals and more that keep the reader engaged, and the ending is satisfying but keeps you wanting more. Definitely worth checking out!

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

The Secret Sauce: A Story of Apples, Robots, and a Grateful Heart by Fay A. Klingler // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Secret Sauce: A Story of Apples, Robots, and a Grateful Heart (Rena Whittaker Book 2)

Author: Fay A. Klingler

Genre: Children Ages 6-11

Release Date: June 26, 2026

The recipe for joy? A grateful heart and helping hands!

When Rena Whittaker’s neighbor, Eithan, falls from a ladder and injures his ankle, Rena and her best friend Harper jump into action to help save his apple harvest. What begins as hard work soon turns into a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and an unexpected surprise that changes everything. In this engaging adventure, Rena discovers a powerful truth—happiness has a secret ingredient.

This tender, faith-filled story gently weaves together gratitude, service, and friendship. A beautiful choice for Christian families, thoughtful gifting, and parents and grandparents who want to share stories that nurture both faith and character.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

A charming story about gratefullness and healping others. 

Rena and her friend Harper, help out their nighbor when he hurts himself while harvesting his apples, by helping him make apple juice and sauce, along with his new household robot. 

A cute, perhaps slightly futuristic picture book, with lovely watercolor illustrations. I liked the emphasis on a grateful heart, and all the things that go into that, as well as friendship and family. Eithan had an unfortunate accident, but was still able to keep upbeat and praise God through it all. 

Overall, a lovely children's book, with fittingly charming illustrations and a wholesome uplifting story of friendship and gratefulness. 

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

About the Author

Fay A. Klingler is an accomplished author and illustrator known for her award-winning work in both creative and technical writing. Her literary contributions span a wide range of subjects, with a particular focus on empowering women, promoting effective grandparenting, and guiding individuals through betrayal recovery. In addition to her inspirational works for adults, Fay is also recognized for her captivating children’s books, weaving together heartwarming stories that spark imagination and impart valuable life lessons. Her insights and expertise have made her a sought-after motivational speaker.

 

More from Fay

Ever made apple juice by pressing apples through an old wooden apple press? One of my favorite scenes in The Secret Sauce came about because it happened to me in real life—swallowing a fly! I was just a young teenager helping a neighbor press apples for juice. I opened my mouth and in flew a fly. Just like Harper in the story, I coughed and coughed to expel the insect, but instead I swallowed it! I’m the one taking this picture at my neighbor’s home.

 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Simple Harvest Reads, October 17 (Author Interview)

The Vine and The Branch, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Artistic Nobody, October 19 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20

Guild Master, October 21 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 22

Fiction Book Lover, October 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 24

The Bookish Ledger, October 25 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, October 26

Vicky Sluiter, October 27 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, October 28

For the Love of Literature, October 29 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away the grand prize of 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/ugVlG/the-secret-sauce-celebration-tour-giveaway

To Win a Wager by Grace Hitchcock // JustRead Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for To Win a Wager by Grace Hitchcock, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: To Win a Wager 
Series: Best Laid Plans #3 
Author: Grace Hitchcock 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: October 20, 2026 
Genre: Regency Romance

A Regency-era enemies-to-lovers romance set in the magnificent Scottish Isles 

Tess Hale has always been taught to fend for herself, but she never needed to until the night bounty hunters come knocking. It's 1813 in Great Britain, and Tess's best laid plans crumble when her father sends her alone in the dead of night to an island cottage to escape them. She finds herself in a world of warring clans she didn't know existed. 

After a decade as a spy separated from his clan, Jamie Malcom has a duty to fulfill as next in line as chief—but his absence means he must earn his people's loyalty. He pursues a treasure stolen from his clan long ago, and it leads him straight to Tess. 

As Tess grapples with her past, Jamie vows to protect her future—but lies revealed shatter the trust they had been building. For purposes beyond themselves, they are thrust into a marriage neither of them wanted . . . at first.

In the finale to the Best Laid Plans series, Grace Hitchcock invites readers to the sweeping Highlands and beautiful Scottish Isles with a romance guaranteed to delight.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review: 

After fleeing for her safety in the dead of night, Tess Hale finds that everything she knew about her past was a half-truth, and she is caught between two feuding clans in a fight to regain their standing. Can the man who has the most at stake, be her only chance at safety?

An engaging adventure, with a courageous heroine and an honorable Scottish nobleman who lives his faith. I liked how despite all the new to her revelations Tess keeps a level head, speaking up for herself and holding to what she knows is true regardless. Jamie is protective of Tess, and despite being on opposite sides of the conflict finds himself impressed with her determination and cleverness. 

A fast-moving plot, with likable characters that you can cheer for throughout. I liked their chemistry and growing admiration for each other, as well as their shared faith. An adventure filled, high stakes romance, and an entertaining plot. Highly recommend!

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of the Best Laid Plans series and other historical novels and novellas. She holds a master's degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. She lives near New Orleans with her husband, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at gracehitchcock.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of To Win a Wager, plus print copies of To Catch a Coronet and To Kiss a Knight, and a bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 2026. Winner 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

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

The Christmas Courier by Roseanna M. White // Review

My Review: 

Madeleine Perin and her siblings are doing what they can to fight back against the Nazi occupation of France, working with the resistance along with their former neighbor Daniel Raymond. 

A stirring friends-to-lovers romance based loosely on a true story of hope and resilience in wartime. An engaging read, with likable protagonists who have known each other since childhood. I loved the closeness and support between the Perin siblings and their mother, pulling together and leaning on their faith in difficult times. I liked the chemistry and playfulness between Madeleine and Daniel, as well as their new closeness at a shared faith. 

Hopeful and faith filled Christmas novella, heartwarming and compelling plot, with high stakes in Lyon, France. Madeleine is quick thinking and charismatic, devoted to her family, her faith and the children at the school. I liked that Daniel was a close family friend, and how he took care with how he came forward after what happened in his own personal life, as well as his care for others. 

Overall, a satisfying Christmas novella full of faith, hope, love and family!

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

Walmart
Parable
Christianbook.com*
Books-A-Million

IndieBound
Barnes & Noble
Amazon**
Bookshop*

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannamwhite.com

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The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main // JustRead Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Mistletoe Baby 
Series: Home to Evermore Ranch Series 
Author: Heidi Main 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: September 29, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

They both long for a true home. 
Can the holidays bring opposites together? 

Saving his family’s Texas ranch is former bull rider Reggie Evermore’s Christmas wish. And he’s sure socialite Natalie Patterson can help him plan the perfect event to bring in cash. Pregnant, recently divorced and ready to prove her independence, Natalie needs a paycheck and a place to stay. So she accepts Reggie’s job offer. But planning a fundraiser is harder than attending them! When Reggie learns the truth, he’s less than happy. Can they work through their differences to transform the ranch and give love a chance to grow?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Review: 

A heartwarming Christmas romance of misunderstandings and second chances. 

Former bull rider Reggie Evermore needs cash quick to help make his and his chosen family's dreams come to fruition, so he hires divorced socialite Natalie Patterson to help him throw an event to raise the needed funds. 

What Natalie doesn't have in experience she makes up for in determination, with a tight timeline working against her on top of everything else. Pregnant, divorced and estranged from her family she needs to make this job work. Reggie and Natalie make a good team, both of them are new to throwing an event, but give it their all, with plenty of ingenuity and taking things as they come. 

Heartwarming and engaging, I loved how welcoming and supportive Reggie's family is towards Natalie. There is great interaction, relationship building, faith, and romance. I like that Natalie wasn't afraid to ask questions and for help when she needed it. Wonderful Christmas time romance, full of heart and hope. 

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

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About the Author

Heidi Main is a New York Times Bestselling Author. Her sweet inspirational romance novels celebrate small-town life, faith, and the beauty of second chances. Though she lives in the suburbs, Heidi dreams of acreage and horseback riding—longings that find their way into her novels through wide-open ranches and loyal horses.

She loves popcorn and milk chocolate (not necessarily in that order), and savors novels and movies with happily-ever-afters. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys taking walks, gardening, playing card games, curling up with a good book and watching home renovation shows. Before starting her writing career, Heidi worked with computers and taught Jazzercise. A perfect Saturday is spent relaxing on the deck with her husband and watching the birds that visit their backyard. 

 

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidimain.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Mistletoe Baby, a $20 Amazon gift card, an ornament, and a tote bag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 12, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 19, 2026. Winner 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

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

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green // Review

My Review: 

An unlikely head librarian brings a community together over books during wartime. 

Avid Montgomery is not the biggest reader, but she makes a promise to her brother before he goes to war and is determined to keep it. When Miss Cavendish threatens to close the library and turn it into a nursery school, Avis comes up with the idea of a book club to encourage indoor activities during wartime. 

The book club brings a variety of women and men together, slowly becoming friends while discussing books. Ginny is feisty and opinionated saying things like they are and saving to help her family back home. She brings a lot of humor to the story, and I liked her friendship with Freddy. Martina is a thoughtful and hardworking woman, doing her best to take care of her children and provide for them alone. 

Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable read that follows 4 very different women brought together in friendship through books. I loved how the book club brought the town together from all walks of life and situations, sharing their thoughts on books, laughing and learning together, showing the beautiful side of humanity. Engaging plot, with memorable characters, and compelling storylines. Highly recommend!

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

The Farmer's Unexpected Christmas Gift by Lillian Warner // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Louisa Slattery and her young son get caught in a treacherous car crash and are rescued by single father and farmer Stan Novak. She awakens with no memory of what happened or even her own name. But a tingling of familiarity has them both questioning, will her slowly returning memories threaten their new and tentative bond? 

An engaging heartwarming romance, with likable characters, great interaction and adorable children. I liked that Louisa was able to remember her strong faith, and that they both are devoted to being good parents to their children. Dominic is so cute, and he loves hanging out on the farm and learning to help out alongside Stan. 

Entertaining and enjoyable read, with an engaging plot that has plenty of twists long the way. There's a lot going on, and I liked seeing Lou and Stan slowly come to trust each other. Heartwarming and sweet holiday read!

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

One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan // Review

Lucie's Review: 

 A heartwarming second chance romance filled with plenty of heart and holiday cheer. 

When Jenna becomes the guardian of her young nephew, Henry, she expects to pick him up and whisk him back to her life in Tulsa. But instead finds herself taking on the small town's Christmas Light Festival and working alongside her former flame Wyatt Morgan. 

A heartwarming small-town read. I loved how kind and welcoming Wyatt's family and the town of Opportunity was to Jenna and Henry. A sweet Christmas love story, perfect for fans of Hallmark holiday films. Jenna slowly warms up to Opportunity. I liked seeing her reconnect with Wyatt and bond with Henry. 

Overall, a heartwarming Christmas romance, with a picturesque smalltown setting. Good interaction and relationship building. A quick enjoyable read, great for getting you in the holiday spirit!

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

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 

A gripping dual timeline novel with chilling suspense, engaging plotline, and faith. 

In 1921 Marian Arnold returns home to the ruins of her family's brewing empire in the height of Prohibition, and finds herself haunted unworldly nightmares that seem to bring death in the form of a killer with butterflies as their calling card. 

Decades later Remy Shaw takes a jobs as an assistant to a biographer digging into the life of Marian Arnold and hoping to discover more about the Butterfly Killer. But strange things start to happen at the manor, strangely reminiscent of what happened so many years ago. Could the key be in Remy's past? 

A gripping gothic dual timeline novel, that dives into a world of family secrets and the psychological. A little bit of a slower build up, but the clues laid along the way all pay off in a climactic ending full of twists and turns. I liked both Remy and Marian. Both had troubled upbringings and are trying to make sense of it as adults. Great storytelling, suspense, and character development. Another thrilling read from Ms. Wright!

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

Christmas in Chestnut Crossing by Heidi Chiavaroli, Tia McCollors, Amy Clipston, and Shaen Layle // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming collection of hopeful Christmas novellas set in Chestnut Crossing. 

Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Heidi Chiavaroli 

When Deborah finds a Christmas wish tucked inside the pages of a book donated to the Christmas Market, she is so touched that she goes on a mission to bring hope to its sender. 

Over the course of the story she meets many people and learns more about the sender, giving her hope on her first Christmas after the death of her husband. Heartwarming and hopeful a sweet story for Christmas. 

Love Never Leaves Us by Tia McCollors

Gloria is starting over in a new town after the loss of her husband. She takes over the local bakery and decides to take part in the local Christmas Market. Over the course of the story she makes new friends and finds a new sense of belonging in this heartwarming tale. 

One Starry Night by Amy Clipston

Sadie returns to her hometown after heartbreak, and finds herself reconnecting with an old acquaintance she never thought she'd talk to again. A sweet second chance romance Christmas time, full of second chances and forgiveness. 

Candlelit Christmas by Shaen Layle

Ella is disappointed to have her holiday plans cancelled, but a chance encounter with a stranger gives her and opportunity to help someone in need and help restore the hope of another and herself at Christmas. 

A heartwarming collection of feel-good Christmas stories with themes of new beginnings, hope, and forgiveness. 

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