Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Cassie Reed comes back to her hometown after a divorce to help her brothers and aunt reopen the beloved family summer camp. 

Cassie is surprised to see former high school bad boy Devon Spencer working alongside her brothers on the camp. But Devon has changed a lot in the years since school and now he is the single father to a little girl. 

Working alongside each other, they realize that they have both changed, and their children help draw them together. I admired Devon's drive to build a stable future for his daughter. 

A heartfelt and heartwarming romance, with cute children and strong faith. Great interaction in this inspirational romance, compelling and uplifting. Definitely recommend!

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

Fugitive Manhunt by Sharee Stover // Review

Lucie's Review: 

K-9 officer Lizzie Reynolds teams up with an old high school crush Deputy Marshal Walker McCane to recapture a group of escaped convicts. But one of the convicts is out for revenge. Can they stay one step ahead of who is after her? 

An engaging read, with plenty going on. Lizzie and Walker have known each other a while but haven't talk since high school. While working together they reconnect and bond over their jobs and shared faith. Walker is supportive and quick on his feet to help Lizzie. Lizzie is resilient and talented. 

A fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Great interaction and chemistry, with a plot that had me on the edge of my seat. Great addition to the series. Highly recommend!

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

The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof // Review

My Review: 

A reflective character driven split time novel of holding tight and letting go in the mining town of Kenworthy California.

Juniper has not heard from her husband in a long time, she struggles to hold on and keep hope while raising their young daughter in a slowly dying mining town. In the present day, Johnny is going through a difficult divorce and buys a historic house to restore. He stumbles upon information about the previous owners and the weight of their secrets. 

This book has a slower more reflective pace, as both of the main protagonists struggle with perseverance, forgiveness, and second chances. Juniper is strong and supportive of her friend Edie, but also struggles to come to term with her own husband's absence and what it means for their family. Johnny is learning to move on, and let go, even though he didn't want his marriage to end. I liked that he is determined to be the dad his kids need, and try to move forward with co-parenting with his ex. 

Overall, a more character driven and reflective read, the first split time novel I've read from this author. It takes a little more time, but you do feel like you get to know the characters well through their humanity, struggles in faith, and resilience. Beautifully written journey of faith, hope and accepting second chances. 

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

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 

A death at 322 Predicament Avenue awakens stories of other haunting tragedies that happened within its walls. 

A haunting story of two women split by time, trying to get to the bottom of the disturbing events that happened decades apart. In the present-day Norah finds an unlikely friend in a true crime history podcaster and his daughter, as disturbing details emerge. While in 1910 Effie James wants to know what her sister saw on Predicament Avenue has taken a toll on her and left her fighting for her life. A British stranger with an odd tale comes to their small Iowa town looking for answers as well. What truths will they discover?  

A mysterious and riveting tale, that unwinds into an explosive ending. I found both timelines engaging, filled with faith and a search for truth. Effie envies the bravery of her bolder sister, Polly. But I liked how she find her own type of courage. 

Overall, there are so many twists and turns, making the story so hard to put down. Compelling storylines, and suspense to keep you on your toes. A thoroughly enjoyable and haunting read. 

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

The Story of Harriet Tubman: The Trailblazer Who Led Many to Freedom by Shar Walker // Review

My Review: 

A middle-grade biography of the life of Harriet Tubman, chronicling her life from childhood to her continued fight for equal rights after the end of the Civil War. 

A well written biography, it does a great job of explaining words and giving historical context to the time period. Great for older elementary and middle school readers. I liked learning about Harriet Tubman beyond the underground railroad and how she stayed active and involved. I was inspired by her perseverance and determination despite all her set backs. 

Overall, a quick read, great for middle grade reading levels, that does a great job of covering the life of Harriet Tubman, though this telling has a more subjective slant, and I would recommend further reading for a more objective history. 

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

A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by Angela Bell /// Review

My Review: 

A delightful return to the steampunk world from the pen of Ms. Bell. 

Margaret Kingsley is the behind-the-scenes genius creating all sorts of gadgets for the Daughters of Genius (a.k.a. D.O.G.), an elite team of covert investigators. Her area of expertise is needed at the frontlines in regard to a case investigating patent theft. Margaret is clever and independent despite her ability difference, she hates to feel a burden to others and has trouble letting people in beyond her parents. 

Charles Noble is a gifted former musical prodigy who gave up his dreams to take care of his family when they needed him. Now he works as a clerk, but has taken on organizing an event for a prestigious inventor. Charles is a faithful son, never begrudging his family the personal sacrifices he had to make for them. I liked that he is confident about his attraction to Margaret and sees her as the brilliant woman that she is. 

A fast paced and fun read, with humorous acronyms and touches of steam punk magical realism. I liked how supportive of Margaret her parents are, as well as her friends at the D.O.G. Margaret and Charles are strong likable characters anchored by their faith. An entertaining and enjoyable read, full of adventure. Absolutely delightful read. I'm excited to read more in the series. Highly recommend!

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

Wildflower Bride by Mary Connealy // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Wildflower Bride

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 11, 2026

From bestselling author Mary Connealy comes a thrilling Western romance about finding belonging in unexpected places—a tale of a fierce woman warrior caught between two worlds, a gentle-hearted rancher, and the faith that brings them together. Perfect for fans of historical romance and unconventional heroines.

Abby has lived with the Flathead tribe since they rescued her as a child, forgetting her white heritage. But when her village is massacred, and she’s saved by kind-hearted rancher Wade Sawyer, she’s forced to confront her past and future. Though drawn to Wade’s gentle strength, she refuses to be bound to the white world that once abandoned her.

Wade Sawyer has spent his life trying to please his tyrannical father while battling his own demons. When he finds Abby—fierce, independent, and unlike any woman he’s known—he sees a chance at real love. But winning the heart of a woman who trusts no man and bridging the gap between two worlds seems impossible.

As they face deadly rustlers, family conflicts, and their own fears, Wade and Abby must learn to trust in God’s plan for their lives. But can Abby let down her defenses and embrace a future with Wade? And can Wade prove that true strength lies in gentleness and faith?

A moving story of finding home, healing from the past, and discovering that love knows no boundaries in the untamed Montana Territory.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming romance that you can cheer for throughout. 

Wade Sawyer has lived constantly being beat down by his overbearing father, and I admired him for living out his faith even when it was hard. Abby lived her life among the natives for years, but when her people are massacred, she feels incredibly lost and torn between two worlds, longing for the simpler ways of the tribe. Can she trust the gentle rancher who is carving a place into her heart? 

Wade is an admirable man, doing his best to honor his father and live his faith. I liked that Abby stands up for herself and isn't afraid to say things how they are. The bad guys were just so wicked in this story, I didn't really enjoy reading the parts that were in their heads. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with likable characters, great plot, and a sweet romance. I liked the strong themes of family, faith and forgiveness. 

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 over 80 books and novellas. She has over a 1.8 million 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

I try to write books I love, and I re-read my own books. I’m a big re-reader and if I find myself uninterested in a book I wrote, I take that as a bad sign.

I happen to LOVE Wildflower Bride as much as any book I’ve ever written.

I wrote for ten years before I got my first book published. On that fateful day when I earned my first contract, I had twenty finished books on my computer. And I didn’t just write them and move on. I’d go back (re-reading even then) and polish them. I took stand alone books and shortened them, lengthened them. Turned them into series, saved all versions in case an editor wanted a series or did NOT want a series.

Each book well, not ALL twenty of them, but a whole bunch, had about nine versions, all saved separately. Love Inspired length, trade fiction length, series, stand alone. I kept them all. But when I felt like I’d really improved one of them, I went back to the other versions and made those same improvements. I did a LOT of writing within those twenty books.

Wildflower Bride was the first book I wrote from scratch after I signed a contract for it. Maybe for this reason, I especially love it. I took everything I knew, everything I learned and put it into this book. I remember staring at that blank page…I had about six books published by this time…and holding my hand flat on the computer screen and praying, God help me to remember everything I’ve learned.

The hero is Wildflower Bride is the villain in Montana Rose. He is wretched. But to me, he was a broken man. My editor, when I told her Wade was the hero, said, “I can’t imagine it, but go for it.”

He is saved at the end of Montana Rose. A young Christian trying to do right in the face of enormous pressure from his powerful, abusive father, in The Husband Tree, and a sad, lonely, but strong man, still growing in his faith at the same time he’s very solid in it, in Wildflower Bride.

I just loved him.

I love the wild beginning of Wildflower Bride, the heroine is an adult woman taken in by an Indian tribe at the age of ten when they find her, alone in a cabin, with her family all dead from a fever. She loves the people who saved her.

Then people start trying to save her from the tribe and she is insulted and wants no part of this new world when her small band of native family is killed in a massacre. Again, she survives.

Abby, she only vaguely remembers her birth name, fits nowhere. And she’s so at home in the wilderness she’s planning to live on her own, somewhere.

Wade falls desperately in love with the strength he finds in her.

These two need each other so badly, but Abby is a hard one to convince she should spend her life with Wade.

Then Abby finds that one of her family, an older brother who didn’t come west with her family, is alive and living nearby.

The way they discover each other, well, I just love it. Wade is starting to look pretty good compared to the grouchy, quick to swing a fist, brother. Still, she begins to remember her big brother, and she remembers loving him. Abby is a confused woman.

Can Abby find her place anywhere in the world? Can Wade find enough backbone to stand up to his father…so far he’d just cut him out of his life. But Pa needs him even if he’s too awful to admit it. Wade’s pa needs God, too.

And those evil men who destroyed her village, haven’t gone away and they want more from Wade and Abby than anyone can imagine. They have to be stopped and Abby and Wade have to find a way to work together to stop them.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Labor Not in Vain, August 20

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 21 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Book Holds and Jello Molds, August 24

Guild Master, August 25 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 26

Simple Harvest Reads, August 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 28

Cover Lover Book Review, August 29

Fiction Book Lover, August 30 (Author Interview)

The Vine and The Branch, August 31

Mary Hake, August 31

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/reBqi/wildflower-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey by Hannah E. Harrison // Review

My Review: 

A beautiful and heartfelt story written and illustrated by the author, about a donkey who has gone from a cruel master to a kind and understanding master and is scared of messing up and it changing how the good farmer sees him. 

A lovely story that both adults and children can enjoy with charmingly classic illustrations. The story references Matthew 11, as well as the parable of the sower, while also showing the attributes of God and how we can trust him when anxiety rises. Such a wonderful message for all readers, this book makes a wonderful read-aloud, as well as a book to start conversations about God. 

A beautifully done from beginning to end that is sure to become a treasured favorite in your child's library. Makes a great gift. Cute, humorous, classic, and full of truth. Highly recommend!

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

Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon // Review

My Review: 

When budget cuts at the library leave Martha Aldridge out of a job she goes where she said she would never go again to ask for a donation. Instead of publishing mogul Mr. King, she finds his son Julien, and they strike a mutually beneficial bargain, a donation in return for her help finding the next big thing in children's publishing to save the floundering imprint. 

A delightful clean rom-com, with a confident protagonist, I liked how Martha was confident in her own skin and has a lot of insight into books that kids like, and what they need. This was such a fun and funny read, with great situational comedy and undeniable chemistry. I liked that Julien and Martha are in their 30s and 40s and are both mature adults who talk about things and know what they want. 

Julien wants to prove to his ailing father that he is ready to take over the reins at the publishing company, but his father has put an impossible task before him. I liked that Julien is decisive, and sees Martha's talents even when she doesn't see them herself and is endlessly supportive of her. 

Overall, my favorite of the series and a fantastic conclusion. I loved seeing the couples from the previous books and catching up with their lives. I flew through this book, and it was over far too soon. Fantastic plot, characters that you can cheer for, great humor, and chemistry. Not heavy on Christian themes, but it is clear that the characters are Christians. Highly enjoyable rom-com!

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

High -Caliber Holiday by Susan Sleeman // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Morgan Thorsby has found herself the target of a killer, but in a town where her family name is despised it's hard to nail down a single suspect. As incidents increase, ex-marine sniper Brady Owens comes to her aid to keep her safe and away from the killer's threats. 

An action-packed suspense that keeps you on your toes. Morgan is a likable character wanting to make a new start after the fiasco that was working for her family's company that went under. I liked that she has embraced her faith and really wants to help others. Brady feels compelled to help her, as the danger increases, and he sees her clever and quick-thinking at work. I liked how they get to know each other through working together, and their shared convictions. 

Overall, a fast-paced listen that I didn't want to pause. Great storytelling, original plot, great narration. Compelling characters that you can cheer for throughout. 

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