The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Heartwarming Christmas story of hope and new beginnings. 

Years ago, Vanessa Mayfield lost a beloved family heirloom with a story of resilience and hope attached to it and passed through the generations. On a whim she stops at a pawn shop where she strikes up a friendship with the co-owner, Ben Miller. 

A sweet story of love, sacrifice, and faith. I liked that Ben and Vanessa are both older, and start their friendship based on shared interests and shared faith. Great interaction and I loved how the story also follows Vanessa's daughter, Sadie and her sweetheart. 

Well-written, heartwarming Christmas story, that is being made into a major motion picture. Wonderful, sweet romance, full of faith, with some real tear-jerker moments. Highly recommend!

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

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming romance set in Iceland during the American occupation of WWII, exploring the enchanting tradition of Jolabokaflod. 

Tatiana keeps busy, working a publishing house and hosting her young niece in the city for Christmastime, while harboring a secret. When the publishing house is flooded with orders for Christmas, she and the other workers must pull long hours working around the clock to fill the orders. Editor and children's book author and illustrator Anders Johannson has admired Tatiana from afar and takes the opportunity to lend a hand with the orders. I liked his quiet observance and thoughtfulness, and I liked how he and his family opened up their lines of communication more over the course of the story. 

Truely a wonderful read, perfect to put you in the Christmas mood, with a lovely setting and time period I hadn't really ever thought much of before now. I absolutely love the Jolabokaflod tradition and learning more about their love of books at Christmas time. I loved Elea's excitement about Christmas, she is very encouraging and has a way of saying things as she sees them. A charming story that you will want to read again and again, with great characters, strong interaction, heartwarming with inspiring themes of faith and family. Highly recommend! 

 

I checked out a copy of this book from my local library. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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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Riches Beyond Measure by Mary Connealy // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A rip-roaring satisfying conclusion to the series, filled with adventure, treasure-hunting, romance, and faith. 

After an earthquake Cord and Annie find themselves swept into finding answers to what really happened to the mysterious Mackenzie treasure. Cord has dreams of buying his own ranch and has been working on Annie's ranch to save the money. He has admired Annie for a long time, and I liked how he is supportive of her and her daughter. Together he and Annie make a great team, as they search for answers and explore a future together. 

Engaging read, with a lot going on and many familiar faces. It was great seeing things that were built up to come to fruition, in this exciting adventure. Caroline is so sweet, and I loved the relationship that she has with Cord and his grandfather. 

A strong second chance romance, full of faith, adventure and treasure seeking. It was so nice to see everything come together in this well-worth-it conclusion!

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

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A high-stakes suspense that finds Therese and Blane racing the clock to save a young girl who has become a pawn in a sinister plot. 

There is a LOT going on in this story, as they fight the elements in a fast-paced chase, full of political intrigue, near misses, and more, with a strong vein of faith and captivating characters. A very intense read, with great character interaction and growth, action packed adventure that also packs a big emotional punch. 

I admired Therese for being strong in her faith and not compromising no matter what. Therese and Blane make a good team, supporting each other through the twists and turns of their rescue mission. 

Overall, a well written read, full of intense action and a compelling plot. Wonderful characters, and great tension. Highly recommend!

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

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review:

Shelby loves working at her grandmother's small-town bookstore, but when her grandmother passes, Shelby is shocked to find that now she shares ownership with her old high school ex-boyfriend, Gray Briggs. 

Engaging small-town second chance romance, with a dual-timeline story telling style that tells what happened in the past, and what is going on in the present. Great pacing, and familiar faces. I liked how Gray kept pushing and doing the right thing, even when everyone was against him. Shelby loves her bookshop and it was cool to see how she and her Gram shared so many memories inside the shop. 

Heartwarming second chance romance, inspiring story of trusting God and doing the right thing no matter what. Great interaction, with 2 likable characters that you can cheer for throughout. Wonderful read all the way through!

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

The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt // Takeover Blitz, Excerpt, and Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Heart of Bennet Hollow 

Author: Joanne Bischof DeWitt 

Publisher: Tyndale 

Release Date: October 7, 2025 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart . 

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor. 

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters. 

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all. 

An inspirational historical romance retelling of Pride and Prejudice for fans of Julie Klassen, Sally Britton, and Sarah E. Ladd. A clever, clean love story. Southern historical fiction in the vein of Michelle Shocklee and Pepper Basham. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

Special Excerpt:
 Lizbeth knew some fine colliers, but something in her heart longed for more than sweeping the porch steps on one of the rowhouses where miners and their families dwelled in the shadow of the coal company. A place where grime and dust tried to coat anything in its sight.

 Was that the life she was meant for? Who was she to think that there might ever be more?

 Ma had fussed that she was headstrong. Pa dubbed her noble. And all the girls knew her as well-read. Those weren’t particularly good qualifications for a bride. No. Men around here needed women who could diaper a baby and store coins beneath the mattress. Stretching provisions remained the order of the day, not reading books or caring for her mules or hoping she could have a purpose that she’d been uniquely made for. 

Tilting the basket, Lizbeth searched for more chamomile, unable to believe that a man might love her and her purpose. That he could need her for such. Especially since she didn’t yet know what that purpose might be. Best she remain alone and live out a quiet life right here, surrounded by her sisters and her beloved mules. Perhaps that was her calling all along. Otherwise, she’d need to nail her dreams to the floor and go the way that all young women in New River went. To be a miner’s wife, owing every cent her husband made to the company store just for flour and salt.

Also Available:

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale Fiction | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Christy and Carol Award–winning author Joanne Bischof DeWitt writes romantic fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. Her historical romance The Lady and the Lionheart received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews and was the very first independently published novel to win a Christy Award. It has also recently taken to the stage. As a longtime Jane Austen fan, Joanne is often making popcorn with her mom so they can rewatch their favorite adaptions, and as a new wife, she celebrates God's own redemptive love stories. Joanne thanks the Lord daily for bringing along her very own hero who's a perfect balance between Colonel Brandon and Mr. Darcy. Together, they're a blended family and the grateful parents of six teens and young adults, making them huge advocates for conversations, laughter, and large dinner tables.

Connect with Joanne by visiting JoanneBischofDewitt.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Heart of Bennet Hollow and a $25 gift card to Amazon, Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Walmart!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 22, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 29, 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

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

Prowl by Colleen Coble // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Picking up where the last book left off, Paradise and Blake are still working together on the wildlife refuge, but Paradise has taken over the private vet practice in town, and the sanctuary is still recovering from the bad publicity from previous events. 

When a body is found in the tiger enclosure, they find themselves fighting to keep the refuge open against ever increasing odds. 

A fast paced and suspenseful read, with great characters and a tension filled plot. There is a lot going on from multiple angles. I liked that Blake and Paradise work together through it all, and we see a familiar face from another series. 

Overall, a compelling read with a lot going on. Great growth and character interaction. Highly recommend!

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

Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan // Review

Lucie's Review: 

FBI investigator Christy Williams comes to Mercy, TX, looking for answers in a decade old cold case of her friend's disappearance. But stirring up the past puts her in the sights of someone who would prefer the past stays hidden. She partners with the cousin of the main suspect, Deputy Mike Tyner to get to the bottom of what really happened so many years ago. 

Action packed read that kept me on my toes, with good interaction and great tension. I liked that Christy wanted to find answers about her friend, invested the time and money to be qualified to officially search for answers. It deals with difficult topics like addiction. Riveting read, with an engaging plot. 

Overall, well written and makes for a quick read. I liked how Mike cares for his cousin and wants to find the truth too. Suspenseful read!

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

Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Mistletoe and Mayhem (The Little Red Truck Mysteries: Book Three)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction/Christmas

Release Date: September, 2025

A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming cozy mystery, at Christmastime that finds Mason and RaeLyn working out the final details to walk down the aisle, while her parents are getting used to the idea of an emptying nest. 

Probably my favorite of the series so far, with a satisfying story arc great characters and a warm reunion of familiar faces. I loved how this book had more of her parents, and a lot of themes of family and embracing the positive changes. Engaging mystery, with an engaging heartwarming feel. I loved the strong themes of faith and family throughout, especially at Christmastime. 

Satisfying read, and it was so wonderful to see characters that I have watched fall in love and come to care for finally tie the knot. Engaging plot, amazing characters. Excellent read!

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

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

 

 

 

More from Janice

In the mid-90s, as my children and I drove up to the Mabank area from our home in Houston, we saw smoke off in the distance. The closer we got to my mother and stepfather’s acreage—sixty-three gorgeous acres of cattle land—the thicker the smoke got.

When we arrived on Mom’s street the reality of what faced us was unavoidable. The property across the road, to our left, was in a roaring blaze, flames moving so fast my car could barely get past them on the narrow country road.

We miraculously made it to Mom’s driveway and went inside her home, hearts racing. In that moment, a decision was made to gather in a circle and pray. We offered up a passionate plea for the Lord’s protection then rushed outside to grab hoses to help water everything down.

As I sat to write Mistletoe and Mayhem, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, I was faced with the memories of this terrifying trip. Just as you read in this story, firefighters got that massive blazed stopped, right at the edge of her property. And I can tell you as a first-hand witness that not a spark landed on any of us. Whenever I reflect on this event I’m reminded of God’s ultimate faithfulness. He spared us from certain catastrophe.

I can assure you, we as a family never forgot the mercy and grace of God as we faced our Isaiah 43 moment. No doubt you’ve been through a few fires, too. Fear not. The Lord is right there, ready to carry you through. You can trust Him, even in the fiery trials of life.

Blessings on you all,

Janice Thompson

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1b-3

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5

Texas Book-aholic, October 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7

For Him and My Family, October 8

Blossoms and Blessings, October 9 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 11

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Bizwings Book Blog, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 15

Labor Not in Vain, October 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away a $25 Amazon e-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.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92786-mnjkp2ge

The Christy Award Finalists 2025 // JustRead

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2025 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2025 Finalists & Winners (announced on November 7th)!

You are Invited

The Christy Award Gala 2025 

 Via webcast November 7, 2025 | 7 pm CT 

 Featuring Chris Fabry, T.I. Lowe, Jessica Hooten Wilson, and a host of Christy-winning authors

This is our year to gather together VIRTUALLY to celebrate and honor the best Christian fiction of the year. The Christy Award® Gala Webcast will be held the evening of Friday, November 7th and will feature a premiere cast of the industry’s authors to announce The Christy Award winners in nine categories, The Christy Book of the Year®, and The Amplify Award for Christian Fiction.

The special evening will be hosted by radio personality and award-winning novelist Chris Fabry and will include keynotes by Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson and award-winning and Christy Book of the Year 2024 author, T.I. Lowe. The event will also include award-winning novelists Jaime Jo Wright, Johanna Rojas Vann, Lori Z. Scott, Katie Powner, Jamie Ogle, Rachelle Nelson, Vanessa Miller, Gabrielle Meyer, Crystal Caudill and Amanda Barratt.

Some of these books were reviewed on this blog! Reviews are linked. 

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The Christy Award Finalists 2025

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

A Run at Love, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Nature of Love, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Roads We Follow, Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Who Touches the Mountains, Deborah Raney (Raney Day Press)

FIRST NOVEL

 

Darkfell, Amanda Wright (Quill and Flame Publishing House) 

Until Our Time Comes, Nicole M. Miller (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) [REVIEW]

The Yellow Badge, Addison Crissone (Addison Crissone)

GENERAL FICTION - tie

Between the Sound and Sea, Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) [REVIEW]

Bitter and Sweet, Rhonda McKnight (Thomas Nelson) 

Lowcountry Lost, T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) 

The Way Back, Heidi Chiavaroli (Hope Creek Publishers)

HISTORICAL

All We Thought We Knew, Michelle Shocklee (Tyndale House Publishers)

Born of Gilded Mountains, Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) [REVIEW]

The Queen's Cook, Tessa Afshar (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) [REVIEW]

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - tie

As Sure as the Sea, Jamie Ogle (Tyndale House Publishers) 

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, Joanna Davidson Politano (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) [REVIEW]

The Seaside Homecoming, Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) 

Walking on Hidden Wings, Rachel Scott McDaniel (Kregel Publications) [REVIEW]

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER - tie

The Crown Conspiracy, Connie Mann (Tyndale House Publishers) 

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) 

Serial Burn, Lynette Eason (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) [REVIEW]

Shattered Sanctuary, Nancy Mehl (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) 

Terminal Danger, Jerusha Agen (SDG Words)

SHORT FORM - tie

A Daffodil in the Dress (within Something Borrowed), Susie Finkbeiner (Kregel Publications) [REVIEW]

Forgiving the Cowboy, Tabitha Bouldin (Love Inspired) 

A Heart in Disguise (within Something Borrowed), Rachel Scott McDaniel (Kregel Publications) [REVIEW]

A Letter to Eli (within Something Borrowed), Allison Pittman (Kregel Publications) [REVIEW]

SPECULATIVE - tie

 

A Slice of Sky, Nancy Moser (Mustard Seed Press) 

Darkfell, Amanda Wright (Quill and Flame Publishing House) 

Memoria, J.J. Fischer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) 

Protector, Megan Schaulis (WhiteCrown, an imprint of WhiteFire Publishing)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block, Jasmine Mullen (Moody Publishers) T

he Chaos Grid, Lyndsey Lewellen (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) 

Echo Nova, Clint Hall (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) 

Jake Rogers' Planet, Philip Wilder (Great Commission Alliance)

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Register for The Christy Award 2025 Winners Webcast

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 7 at 7 p.m. CT. – free but registration is required. Celebrate this year’s finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Author and Reader Event

Join fellow readers and 46 writers at the third annual Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, The Christy Award webcast watch party, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings.

Learn more about the 2025 Read Write Rendezvous

Registration Ends Oct 15!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of The Christy Award 2025 finalist titles for one category of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 10, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 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 HERE

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