7.04.2025

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

An enchanting Texas romance with a fairy tale twist. One of my favorite stories comes to life in a small Texas town, in this wonderful retelling.

Callista is determined to save her family's struggling book binding business, so despite her father's injury she takes a job working for a rich recluse with whom she finds common ground and shared love of books. Everett has been misunderstood and has chosen a life hidden away on a castle-like estate outside a small town in Texas. He is surrounded by his devoted servant who are very protective of him.

Inspired by a beloved fairy tale this western romance blazes a path all its own, in this adventurous and compelling romance. I loved the full cast of characters, each with their own quirks that are a nod to the fairy tale. Endearing characters, with great interactions, and dialogue that build the story. There is also a strong resounding core of faith.

Overall, a fantastic start to a new series, I honestly haven't met a book by Karen Witemeyer that I didn't love. I loved Everett and Callista, and how they slowly grew to trust and admire each other, forging a bond stronger than friendship. Such a well done story. Highly recommend!

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

About the Author

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

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/00adcf54249

7.01.2025

Following the Clues by Dana Mentink // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Following the Clues (Security Hounds Investigations Book Four)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 27, 2024

A search-and-rescue mission
reveals a lethal secret.

After K-9 handler Kara Wolfe witnesses her childhood friend Beau O’Connor survive a targeted hit-and-run, she’s shocked to learn his mother’s missing. And Beau, who can no longer recognize familiar faces after an earlier attack, can’t shake the feeling these terrifying incidents are somehow connected. With the tracking skills of her blind bloodhound, Kara will help Beau locate his mother—but someone will do anything to sabotage their search. With the culprit on their trail, can they uncover a sinister plot…before their rescue mission turns into a fight for survival?

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review:

Someone is hunting him and he can't remember their face, and now he must trust a friend from the past to find the truth.

A fast paced read with plenty of mystery as Kara and Beau unravel what is behind the attack against Beau and his mother. I liked how they are both Christians and reconnect over the course of the story, finding more than just common ground. Kara is a K-9 handler with two talented dogs, one is a blind bloodhound with a super strong sense of smell, her other dog is very protective and guides her bloodhound. Engaging read with great character development and relationship building, with amazing dogs. I really liked how Beau had to learn to adapt to the challenges in the world around him, and how he finds ways compensate.

Action packed read, with a suspenseful mystery and well-paced plot. I liked that we got to see other members of the K-9 team from previous books as well, but this book also works well as a stand alone. Fantastic story from beginning to end, highly recommend!

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

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

The only thing more fun that writing about bloodhounds, is adding in some colorful new canine characters who aren’t quite your standard tracking champions. In this book, you’ll get to know Phil who was introduced at the end of book #3. He’s a livestock protector who steps in as a guide for Millie the bloodhound when her vision becomes impaired. Phil takes his job VERY seriously. He flat out refuses to wear a vest, or play with toys, and he doesn’t particularly like people, but he will lay his life down to protect Millie and Kara Wolfe. It was so much fun having this unlikely hero rise to the challenge as Kara and her ex-boyfriend must root out a saboteur on the local fish hatchery property. The secret they unearth will shock you, I hope! Please enjoy the adventure with Millie, Phil, and the rest of the Wolfe pack!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 24

Bizwings Book Blog, June 25

Carla’s Book Crush, June 25

Bigreadersite, June 26

The Avid Reader, June 26

Vicky Sluiter, June 27

Texas Book-aholic, June 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28

Devoted To Hope, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Betti Mace, June 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30

Labor Not in Vain, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Stories By Gina, July 2 (Author Interview)

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Because I said So – adventures in parenting, July 3

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, July 4

Lily’s Corner, July 5

Blossoms and Blessings, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Lights in a Dark World, July 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/00adcf54246

6.27.2025

Legends of Gold by Mary Connealy // Review

Lucie's Review:

Picking in the wake of the previous book in the series, the Mackenzie boys are still searching for the treasure, and Tilda accepts a teaching position at Hart Ranch.

A full cast of characters and storylines with a lot going on a building on the foundation of the previous book, so you miss a lot if you skip to this book. Tilda has never known her family, so when someone comes into her life claiming to be a long lost family member, she is intrigued. Josh Hart is worried about Tilda, and that the promises she is being made are not true, but I liked how he stood by her and helped her search for answers. There are also strong themes of faith and family throughout.

I liked that it includes the couple from the previous story, and continues their story as well. There is a lot going on, and a lot of characters with connecting threads. I'm excited to see how it all turns out in the final book.

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

6.26.2025

The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold // Review

Lucie's Review:

Feeling like her world is falling from it's axis Nikki Werner drives and drives, until she finds herself at her bachelor uncle's farm. She hasn't seen her uncle in years, but he recognizes that she needs a safe place to run to and lets her stay in the old farmhouse.

A character driven novel full of heart, with a feel good story that touches the soul. Nikki finds her unexpected trip extended as she finds friendship and community, while uncovering stories of grit, faith, and perseverance along with a trove of German recipes.

A simmering story that builds in poignant and significant ways into something that silently grows into a profound heart touching experience. A full cast of memorable characters, sweet secondary storylines. Great relationship building and subtle moments that speak volumes.

Overall, a strong and vulnerable story of families, friendship, and faith along with good food. Highly recommend this well-rounded heartfelt novel.

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

6.25.2025

If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: If Jesus Came to My School

Author: April Graney

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: June 10, 2025

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a young girl learns how Jesus’s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion. In this whimsical tale, a young girl imagines what it would be like if Jesus visited her school as a boy. She would show Jesus around her classroom, introduce her friends and teachers, listen to story time, and eat lunch together! But Jesus wouldn’t stop at learning and sitting in class. He’d invite the lonely to join in on games and find a way to love and get along with everyone. Soon the young girl realizes that even though Jesus doesn’t attend her school, he can live through her. Through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, children will be inspired to make a difference in their schools through their actions. Because as they treat each other right and classes become families, Jesus truly will be in their school.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

A heartwarming and encouraging story about a little girl who imagines what it would be like to bring Jesus to school with her.

This charming story is told in verse and rhyme with sing-song rhythm to it, and its cool to see the little girl's child-like faith accepting and showing how she sees Jesus as her friend, and knows that He wouldn't stand for injustice and sees the pain of others. It is a sweet, but stirring story and shows how even young kids can understand who Jesus is and how we can show Him to others. Heartwarming and inspiring, yet ringing with truth. A great conversation starter and reminder for the young person in your life that God is with them wherever they go, and Jesus doesn't have to physically go with them to school everyday to be there. Adorable accompanying illustrations as well.

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

About the Author

April Graney is a teacher at Cookson Hills, a children’s home and school for at-risk students in Oklahoma. She is the author of The Marvelous Maker: A Creation and Redemption Parable and the ECPA Christian Book Award finalist The Marvelous Mud House: A Story of Finding Fullness and Joy. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, April loves studying and teaching the Bible. Her greatest joy has been raising five children with her husband Tom in their crazy, loud, happy house at New Life Ranch, a summer camp and retreat center where they have served for over twenty years.

More from April

When my husband, Tom, was in high school, a classmate leaned over and casually asked, “Hey, would you like to go to church with me sometime?” Tom wasn’t opposed to church. He’d just never been invited before. This invitation got him to a place where he began hearing the gospel. Finally, at a youth rally, my future husband tearfully repented of his sins and trusted in Jesus’ death on the cross for his salvation. He walked down to the center of that arena, with hundreds of others who had done the same. I’m incredibly thankful for his classmate who had the courage at school to ask his friend to come to church, something which changed the entire trajectory of his life.

Our nation’s schools are filled with kids who need to hear the gospel. After encountering the woman at the well, Jesus told his disciples in John 4:35, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” I believe this could be said of our schools today. There are nearly 60 million school age children in the United States. The Barna Group reports that nearly half of all public educators are practicing Christians, and 86 percent of Christian families send their children to public school. Christians are in public schools. I hope to support and equip them, by providing tools for them to teach their children about Jesus, the gospel, and his love. I hope to help families to see the fertile soil of our nation’s schools, and be faithful to shine the light and love of Jesus in our schools. They are ripe for harvest.

When school children encounter the love of Jesus, they become places where kindness, love and respect can flourish. With the divisiveness in our nation, it’s so important to teach our children how to treat each other with kindness, inclusion and understanding. We can teach our children that everyone is created and cherished by God. We can help reduce bullying in schools when children celebrate their differences and stand up for each other. Our schools would be places of impact for the individual and the school community. These are the truths that I hoped to communicate in If Jesus Came to My School, and I hope that readers will take these lessons to heart and make a difference in the world!

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , June 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22

Artistic Nobody, June 23 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kids Lit, June 24

Labor Not in Vain, June 25

Cover Lover Book Review, June 26

Guild Master, June 27 (Author Interview)

May Hake, June 27

A Reader’s Brain , June 28 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 28

Older & Smarter?, June 29

Texas Book-aholic, June 30

Vicky Sluiter, July 1

Fiction Book Lover, July 2 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 3

Jodie Wolfe, July 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, April 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/00adcf54242

6.24.2025

Burning Secrets by Susan May Warren // Review

Lucie's Review:

Jojo and Crew find themselves in too deep as they face not just the Alaskan elements, but a secret terrorist organization that doesn't like to be meddled with.

A high stakes suspense with compelling characters, and a nail-biting plot. I liked how Jojo and Crew were both raised in strong Christian homes, by parents who rooted them in Scripture. It was also fun seeing familiar faces from previous books in the series. Jojo is a smokejumper, working on her masters in wildlife management, she has a sharp eye for the strange behavior by the local animals.

There is a lot going on, I liked the fantastic interaction and relationship building, as well as full-bodied backstories, with strong cords of faith throughout the whole story. Crew and Jojo are a great team, and I liked how they supported each other in the face of danger.

Overall, a thrilling survival suspense, with high stakes and admirable values. I liked how Crew has to thing about how he's been living the past few years in the name of keeping his cover, and I liked how he did what it took to keep Jojo safe. Highly recommend this book and the whole series!

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

6.10.2025

Burning Hearts by Lisa Phillips // Just Read

Burning Hearts JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Burning Hearts by Lisa Phillips hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Burning Hearts

Series: Chasing Fire: Alaska #1

Author: Lisa Phillips

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Romantic Suspense

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.

THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE…

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother…and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia.

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving.

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska’s Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he’ll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head…

And hunted.

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them…and the terrible cost of a second chance at love.

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Fire: Alaska romantic suspense series.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Sunrise Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Review:

Jamie Winters goes after her brother Tristan who has found himself entangled with a highly dangerous militant gang, but finds herself kidnapped instead.

Logan has never stopped loving Jamie and is determined to see her safe again. An elite smokejumper he puts it all on the line to bring Jamie home safe. A high-octane suspense with a lot of action, great interaction and strong faith. Logan and Jamie must work together to evade the militia and I liked how they grew a stronger bond throughout the course of the adventure. Jamie is used to taking care of herself, and her brother, being the strong one. Logan is determined to prove to her that he can be the stable support she can depend on.

Overall, a well written survival suspense with good emotional depth, amazing characters and strong faith. Great start to a new series, and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

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

About the Author

Lisa Phillips

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 90 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians. Discover the exciting world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

Connect with Lisa by visiting www.authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Burning Hearts and a $10 gift card to the Sunrise Shop!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 4, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 11, 2025. 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

6.01.2025

The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke // Review

My Review:

A young woman's journey to faith, as the wife of an ambitious pharisee bent on discrediting Jesus.

Realistically set during the time of Jesus's physical ministry on earth this story does a great job of showing the culture and attitudes of the time, especially in regard to women. Mary is a young bride, pulled out of her simple life because of her great physical beauty to be the wife of a young pharisee, Enos.

My heart went out to young Mary, who quickly has her name change to Simona, leaving behind everything she knew for a cold husband, with nothing but ambition on his mind. She is a kind spirit, curious about the teacher who is healing many, and earning the devotion of her servants quickly. It is a sad story in many ways but also infused with hope.

Overall, a story of hope and resilience set in Biblical times. Heartbreaking at times, but a good representation of the time period. Well written novel of faith from one of the pioneers of Christian fiction.

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

5.28.2025

Seven Brides for Seven Texans by Gabrielle Meyer, Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barrett, Lorna Seilstad, Keli Gwyn, Susan Page Davis and Vickie McDonough // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Seven Brides for Seven Texans

Authors: Gabrielle Meyer, Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barratt, Lorna Steilstad, Keli Gwyn, Susan Page Davis and Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 29, 2025

Seven stubborn brothers navigate the delicate balance between duty and desire in this sweeping saga of romance, redemption, and second chances on the rugged Texas frontier.

In 1874 Texas, the wealthy patriarch of the 7-Heart ranch delivers an ultimatum to his seven independent sons: marry within the year or forfeit their inheritance. The directive sends these confirmed bachelors scrambling to secure their futures while protecting their fiercely guarded freedom While the youngest brother races to be first at the altar, the other brothers are more reluctant to tie the knot.

The Hart brothers face unique challenges on the road to romance with a cast of remarkable women: a long-lost love haunted by the past, a former sweetheart guarding her heart, a cave-dwelling lady with mysterious money, a mail-order bride who falls for the wrong man, and a Civil War nurse willing to heal a scarred soldier's heart. Will they find true love under the pressure of their father's demands, or will they sacrifice their inheritance to maintain their independence?

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review:

First Comes Love by Gabrielle Meyer

The youngest Hart boy, Hayes, is determined to beat his older brothers to the altar, so he puts up posters advertising for a wife all over town. The preacher's daughter, Emma, who also is the local schoolteacher, is a headstrong goal setter. She doesn't like his plan, and takes his signs down at every turn. But can these two motivated individuals find middle ground and perhaps, love?

A cute romance, a little more lighthearted than the other stories, it has great chemistry and opposites attract protagonists.

The Heart of Texas by Lorna Seilstad

Chisholm Hart is a Texas Ranger, devoted to his job, he helps a young woman rescue her cousin, and get to the bottom of a cattle rustling scheme.

Caro is a fiery woman, who loves her family and isn't afraid to stand her ground. It is a cute story with lots of action, adventure, and a dash of romance.

The Truest Heart by Amanda Barratt

Old love is rekindled in this sweet second chance romance.

Annie is a devoted mother, and starting over has been challenging. Her son Robby loves getting to now the Hart family, and especially takes to Travis and his father. Travis and has never loved anyone but Annie and is happy to have her back in his life, he doesn't want to waste any time convincing her to become his bride.

Such a sweet story, with great interaction, and a wonderful plot! One of my favorites of the collection.

A Love Returned by Keli Gwyn

Houston Hart has become a successful business owner out in California, but he comes home to claim his piece of the inheritance. Once he get's home he is determined to show his family that he can pull his weight on the ranch. He reunites with childhood sweetheart, Coralee from the neighboring ranch.

A sweet story of rekindled love and coming home.

For Love or Money Susan Page Davis

Crockett Hart sees smoke and rushes to help the neighbors. Jane is a clever young woman who makes the best of a bad situation. Crockett comes over to help when he can, and he brings his brother too. I liked seeing their relationship grow, they have good interaction, and it was a heartwarming story of good things coming out of tragedy.

Mail-Order Mayhem by Vickie McDonough

Austin Hart is the oldest of the brothers, and as his younger brothers are all getting married around him he writes for a mail-order bride. Rebekah accompanies her sister, Jenny, to Texas to meet Austin.

Rebekah and Jenny are sisters in a tough situation, with little other options available to them but to marry well. Rebekah encourages her sister to marry Austin, as she can see what a good man he is. But the more she tries to convince her sister to give Austin a try the more it becomes harder to hide her growing feelings for Austin.

A mixed-up mail-order bride situation that has you cheering for the protagonists to end up together against all odds.

Love At Last by Erica Vetsch

Bowie fought in the Civil War and through it all he never forgot the one nurse who showed him kindness, despite his disfigurement. He decides to take a stab in the dark and find Elise, the woman who left such an imprint on his heart. Elise has been struggling after the war working in her uncle's button factory, so she takes Bowie up on his offer of marriage.

Can this marriage of convenience turn to real love? A sweet romance, with likable characters and plenty of heart. Bowie has a gentle hand with animals, and I like the slow build relationship.

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

About the Authors

Gabrielle Meyer, a Minnesota native, draws inspiration for her historical fiction from the rich stories and landscapes of her home state, where she lives on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. A former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, Gabrielle loves weaving real people, places, and events into her captivating tales.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch weaves her love for Jesus, history, romance, and sports into her stories, including The Debutante’s Code, the first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series. When she’s not crafting fiction or planning her next trip to a history museum.

Bestselling author Amanda Barratt brings to life overlooked moments in history through her award-winning novels, including The Warsaw Sisters, Within These Walls of Sorrow, and The White Rose Resists. Based in Michigan, she’s often immersed in research, tackling her ever-growing TBR stack, or savoring a slice of lemon cake.

Carol Award finalist Lorna Seilstad explores life’s complexities with humor in her nine novels, including the Lake Manawa Summers and Gregory Sisters series, as well as several novella collections. When she’s not writing, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, plans weddings, or spends time with her Pyredoodle, Honey Bea.

Keli Gwyn crafts inspirational historical romances that she loves to read. A California native, she now lives in the greater Sacramento area with her husband and their sweet orange tabby, enjoying life close to family.

Vickie McDonough, a CBA, EPCA, and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas, brings the Old West to life in her award-winning romances featuring ranchers, cowboys, and lawmen. Though married to a computer geek who fears horses, she lives out her ranching dreams through her stories—and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, making cards, and traveling.

More from Erica

Hi, I’m Erica Vetsch, and I loved collaborating on the stories for the 7 Brides for 7 Texans collection. It was fun writing stories that were so intertwined, and working closely with the other authors in the collection to bring the whole concept together.

Initially, I was approached by a publisher, asking if I would be interested in heading up a novella collection loosely based on the idea of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, the classic musical. The parameters were that the stories must be no longer than 25K words, be historical in setting, and that I could choose the overall concept, as well as my team of authors.

I, of course, jumped at the chance. Before I contacted anyone, I worked up a rough idea of the premise of the stories. A wealthy Texas rancher with seven strapping sons is tired of waiting for them to get married and provide him with grandchildren, so he issues an ultimatum. Get married by the end of the calendar year, or you’re disinherited.

I named all the sons after famous Texans, and gave them a birth order, then I began contacting writing friends to see if they were interested in joining the project. Everyone I asked said yes! 😊

Then the real fun began. We formed a private Facebook group, and as the characters were chosen by the various authors, the order of the stories in the collection formed, and as ideas for storylines poured in, I began creating what we came to call The Master Document.

In the MD we tracked main characters’ names and appearances, secondary characters, a map of the fictional town of Hartsville, TX, and more. It eventually ran to more than 20 pages of information. We named the town newspaper, the general store, and kept track of the layout of the Harts’ massive ranch house. Keeping these details all in one place made it easy for the authors to flesh out their story world in a way that was consistent with everyone else’s stories.

Because the stories are so closely tied and on such a tight timeline, each of the authors’ characters would appear in another author’s novella. We needed to respect each other’s visions for the characters and treat them with respect, while also having the freedom to write our own stories.

Early on, as the project coordinator, it was established that if a dispute arose between two authors on how something should go, it would be myself who would cast the final vote. However, that contingency never came into play, as all the authors worked so well together.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was, that as the project lead, and the one writing the final story in the collection, I needed to know the most about all the stories. Just before the deadline to turn our stories into the publisher, each author sent their story along to me to read for continuity. I spent a long weekend at author Gabrielle Meyer’s house, and we read every novella aloud, making notes for consistency and continuity throughout. These notes were turned in to the project editor, and she used them in her editing process to make sure seven separate stories felt cohesive.

It truly was a fun—and to me—unique, project, and when the publisher asked if I would like to head up a follow up collection, I was eager to say yes, and thus 7 Brides for 7 Texas Rangers was born.

Both of these intertwined collections went out of print, but they are now being released once more, this time through Wild Heart Books. I’m thrilled that we can tell our stories to new readers and prolong the lives of these characters.