Healing the Mountain Man's Heart: a dedicated doctor and a surly mountain man find love and faith

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is the first book in the Brothers of Sapphire Creek Ranch series by Misty M. Beller. Jericho Coulter is the eldest of the Coulter brothers. He has been entrusted with the safety of his family and the secret they hold dear. After a family tragedy, they follow a strict rule: no outsiders. Dinah Wyatt is a talented and determined doctor, travels with her sister, Naomi, as she prepares to be a mail order bride in Montana. When they come to the ranch, they are met with a surly Jericho who was ready to send them away. However, Dinah’s skills are immediately needed as one of the brothers becomes injured. As Dinah cares for the injured man, sparks fly between Jericho and Dinah. However, in the wilds of the Montana Territory, where trust is hard to come by. Can Jericho and Dinah learn to trust each torah and embrace the love between them?

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is my first book by Misty M. Beller and it won’t be my last. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, this story had me glued to the pages. It is dramatic and faith filled with real struggles and questions with faith. Jericho is a man hurt by the tragic events in his family and, as a result, he turned from God. Dinah is a woman of faith who feels called to use her skills as a doctor to any one who is injured or ill. The two clash as they have different missions and yet together they find a common thread with the people they both care about: their families. There are moments of humor and times of tense danger. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart. 

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love's Sacrifice: two broken people discover Jesus's redemptive love and in each other

Love’s Sacrifice by Evangeline Kelly is a story of love, faith and discovering the strength to overcome the past. Avery Loggins has learned to depend on no one but herself. Her mom couldn’t be trusted and her father walked out years before. When she landed a job at a popular diner as a kitchen assistant to Dean Galloway, the very handsome but grumpy chef. Eventually Avery agrees to a night out with Dean and before they know it, they do not want the night to end. So they end up eloping. Avery has a shocking moment of reality and leaves Dean with a goodbye letter. However, Dean doesn’t want to let her go. When he shows up, determined to show her how much she means to him, they both learn the true meaning of sacrifice and find a love that can last a lifetime. 

Love’s Sacrifice is a contemporary Christian romance in which two broken people discover Jesus’s redemptive love. The story is fairly fast paced with a sweet romance with hard hitting issues and beautifully explains the love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. I loved both Avery and Dean as individuals who have been deeply hurt by life’s circumstances. I also loved these two people who rejected even talking about God and God placed people in their lives that quietly opened their eyes to His love. From the good friend to a family who has lost it all and still has joy and a man who has turned his life around all show Dean and Avery the power of God’s love. Overall, I could not put this book down and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly, highly recommend Love’s Sacrifice. 

Love’s Sacrifice is available in eBook

Murder at the Front: a World War I murder mystery

Murder at the Front is a prequel story to the Dora and Rex 1920s Mystery series by Lynn Morrison. It is 1918 in Le Touquet, France, Lady Dorothy “Dora” Cavendish has sworn to never marry. In order to satisfy her parents and be able to stay at the front as a battlefield nurse, she enters a marriage of convenience with Lucien, the Viscount of Lisle. When Lucien is ambushed during a secret mission and killed, there are more questions than answers. Only one man, Lord Reginald “Rex” Banks-Ternsby, seriously wounded, had survived. Rex is convinced that the mission was compromised and someone within their ranks betrayed them. With Dora’s determination to prove her worth with Rex's drive to discover the truth, they set out to reveal the traitor. However, the discovery leads to a fall out neither of them expected and will change their lives forever. 

Murder at the Front takes place near the battles of World War I, five years before Dora and Rex meet again in 1920s London in book one of Dora and Rex Mysteries series. I haven’t read the mysteries series before and did not know these characters. It is a fairly short book, only 16 chapters. However, I was bored. It felt very slow going and not particularly interesting. Dora is headstrong and determined to forge her own path; however, I didn’t particularly connect with her at all. Rex was a strong character as well. The mystery was ok. There wasn’t the usual time to get to know and suspect a long list of people. The reveal of the culprit felt rushed. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy wartime mystery stories, you may enjoy Murder at the Front. 

 Murder at the Front is available in paperback and eBook

Love's Broken Road: two broken hearts and a second chance for love

Love’s Broken Road is the first book in the Lincoln Love Stories series by Julie Coulter Belton. After surviving an abusive marriage and the death of her husband, Victoria Newel needs a clean state. She takes her five year old son and moves across the country to Lincoln, Utah and takes a job as a math teacher. Her new principal assigns Drew Dalton, an English teacher, to be her tour guide. Drew lost his wife to cancer a couple years ago and the thought of finding a new love is far, far from his mind. However, when he meets Victoria, he begins to see the possibility. As her gentle nature and strength draws him to her, he offers her friendship and maybe something more but Victoria is so guarded. Can Victoria ever open her heart and trust herself and love again? Is Drew truly ready to take a chance on a new love?

Love’s Broken Road is a sweet second chance with drama and love triangles. The story was short but sweet. The drama was good and expected with a love triangle. I did find that everything seemed to move quickly for Drew and Victoria despite their pasts. Especially Victoria as she went from recovering from the aftermath of an abusive marriage to being infatuated with Drew. Even the love triangles seemed to resolve with more “We can be friends” sentiments that I don’t know would happen in real life. The ending was sweet and the story came full circle. There was an incident involving Victoria’s son that details of how it occurred seemed unrealistic. I put down the book and asked “would a five year old be capable of that?” Overall, the story was enjoyable; however, I am unsure if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a second chance romance, I recommend Love’s Broken Road. 

Love’s Broken Road is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

The Wedding Favor: a sweet, funny age gap romance that will have you laughing, crying and cheering

The Wedding Favor by Sharon M. Peterson is the newest book in the Two Harts universe. Iris Sampson can’t believe she agreed to be the best woman at her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. The embarrassment was enough but now she needs a hot date as her plus one. Abe Ramos, her new gorgeous neighbor and single dad, offers to be her date. In return, she agrees to watch Hallie, his nine year old daughter. With tattoos, ear piercings and thirteen years older than her, Abe is the exact opposite of her ex. As they spend time together, she begins to dream about being a real family with Abe and Hallie. However, Iris has no idea what her future holds. She has no idea what she wants to do for her career and the rest of her life but she really wants Abe to be in it. Will their age difference keep them apart? How will their families and the town react to their relationship?

Sharon M. Peterson has become one of my autobuy authors. She writes stories with heart, humor and real life struggles and characters you want to root for. Although I usually avoid age gap romances; however, I knew Ms. Peterson would create characters and a story that would not be the typical age gap romances I’ve read in the past. The Wedding Favor is so good. It is sweet, with humor and even a few tears. I liked that the character discussed the age gap as an issue with maturity and a little humor. I found myself getting angry at certain attitudes by some characters about their relationship and cheered when Iris and Abe stood up against such attitudes. I closed the book with a great smile. The Wedding Favor will have a permanent place on my bookshelf. I love Iris and Abe’s story as individuals and as a couple. I look forward to future stories in Two Harts. I highly, highly recommend The Wedding Favor. 

The Wedding Favor is available in paperback and eBook

Everything to Love: a friends to lovers romance set in a small town

 Everything to Lose is the first book in the Newberry Spring series by Harlow James. Wyatt and Kelsea have been best friends since they were babies. She has been in love with him since she was ten. When Wyatt left for college and Kelsea stayed behind in their hometown, she gave up the idea that they could ever be more than just friends. Now eight years later, as she buries her true feelings, she helps him run his brewery restaurant. It seemed to work until Wyatt’s twin brother, Walker, was tired of the two of them dancing around the elephant in the room and devises a plan to make his brother jealous and admit his own feelings. Kelsea knows it would be playing with fire but going against the rules she set to play it safe felt exciting. She knows it could backfire but is she willing to risk everything she knows and loves to finally have the love of her dreams? 

I love a good romance and Everything to Lose sounds like a great friends to lovers romance and with a great opening prologue, I was looking forward to a great story. However, it was so cringey that I found myself not rooting for Kelsea, Wyatt or their romance. The story is told in a dual point of view which is usually great and exciting; however, there was no real distinction between Kelsea’s voice or Wyatt’s. With the first book in a series, there is a certain amount of information describing the town and the residents; however, there seems to be way too much focus on this information than Kelsea and Wyatt’s potential relationship. Oh the dialogue! Some of it was so cringey, especially from Wyatt, I literally rolled my eyes. So not romantic at all! Even the spicy scenes were cringey. I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Everything to Lose. 

Everything to Lose is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove: a cozy mystery romance that wasn't

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is the first book in the Seaside Inn Mystery series by Rimmy London. Abby Tanner falls in love with a hauntingly beautiful manor that sits on the seaside. It has been abandoned for decades and it seems for good reason. Even though the estate is crumbling and she encounters a very chilling sight on the back porch, she can’t seem to stop thinking about how beautiful it would be all fixed up. The only thing stopping her is the two million dollar price tag. With a twist of fate, Abby is able to make an offer and while it is accepted, there seems to be someone or something that is determined to keep her away. Can she learn who is behind the gruesome occurrences? Can she find the determination to stand her ground and make the estate beautiful once again? 

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is described as a “cozy mystery” with an “on-again, off-again romance that will have your toes curling in delight.” With “pages turning” and “hearts warming,” I was promised an adventure that I would await another trip to Poppyridge Cove. However, there is no way this is a cozy mystery. While it starts off as a cozy mystery would, it turns too dark to be cozy anymore. Abby doesn’t truly stop and think and acts on impulse. Her boyfriend is annoying. There is also no consistency in the characters' backstories at all. And if you are an animal lover, please do not read this book! I did not enjoy this book and I definitely will not be continuing the series. There was nothing heart warming or toe curling about this story. I do not recommend The Secret of Poppyridge Cove. 

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook 

Saltwater Cove: a second chance romance with a touch of drama

Saltwater Cove is the first book in the Wescott Bay series by Amelia Addler. Second chances can happen at any time. Margie Clifton discovers this as she starts life over on San Juan Island. When her brother gives her a property, she knows exactly what she wants to do. The property would be the perfect place for a wedding venue. She soon meets Hank Kowalski, the town’s Chief Deputy Sheriff. Gruff and ruggedly handsome, the last thing Hank wants is a relationship especially that his beloved wife passed away two years ago. However, Margie’s strength and beauty draws him in and he begins to wonder if a new love would be possible. Margie has a secret, a secret that could destroy everything. Can they find the courage to fight for their second chance and find their happily ever after? 

Saltwater Cove is a sweet second chance romance with plenty of humor, drama and a bit of mystery. Margie is a sweet woman who doesn’t like to say anything bad about anyone. Her ex-husband? She bites her tongue in order to keep the peace for her adult children. Her man child son in law? She doesn’t want to be involved in her daughter’s marriage. And the secret she is holding, she has kept for over 20 years. When readers first meet Hank, he is bored and Margie’s presence adds a spark that his life needed. There were moments when I wanted to shake the characters, especially the son in law. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you like sweet second chance romance with a touch of drama, I recommend Saltwater Cove.  

Saltwater Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Keep Me in Mind: a second chance romance

Keep Me in Mind is a book in the Brewer brides series by Kerry Evelyn. When Liam Brewer left town, he told the girl he loved that he would be back. However, she would send him an email which left him heartbroken. Nine years later, she never left him heart or mind. Now, he is back in town in order to renovate a family barn into a wedding venue for his cousin. Little does he know that the contractor hired to do the job is the woman who broke his heart. Beck is shocked to discover that the architect she is supposed to meet is the man the boy she loved became. The moment their eyes met, the old feelings came rushing back. While Liam is willing to give their love a second chance, Beck feels she doesn’t deserve it because losing him again would be unbearable. 

Keep Me in Mind is a quick, sweet second chance romance. A story of young love whose life circumstances would tear them apart, Liam and Beck never forget each other. Liam did not know the reasons behind her sudden Dear John email. I loved the matchmaking plot that Liam’s cousin puts into motion in order to get Liam and Beck back in town at the same time. I understood Beck’s hesitation about taking a second chance on a relationship with Liam. And my heart broke to hear of the events which led to her email. However, I enjoyed Liam who was lovingly patient with her and showed her that his love had never gone away. It was a quick read great for an afternoon of reading. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to future stories in the Brewer bride series. I recommend Keep Me in Mind. 

Keep Me in Mind is available in paperback and eBook

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies: a post World War II espionage adventures

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the first book in the The Oxford Guide series by Kate Westbury. In Oxford, England in 1951, Ginevra “Gin” Bishop is following in her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford. With her impeccable red lipstick, clever comebacks and top marks, she wanted to prove she is more than just a society debutante. Sidney Braithwaite is a brooding young man who is determined to ignore his memories and nightmares of the war as he forges a new life in Oxford. When they first meet, it is obvious Gin and Sidney have very little in common; however, when the British Security Service pairs them together. With her charm and his espionage experience, they are the perfect team to pick up the trail of a Soviet spy operating at the university. At first, Gin and Sidney clash; however, there is a spark they cannot deny and they must find a way to finish the mission before they get caught in the enemy’s crosshairs. 

I found the premise of this book to be interesting and looked forward to getting into the world of spies with a bit of romance. Set in post World War II Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the debut novel by Kate Westbury. The book sets to layer mystery, romance and academia. Unfortunately, I was bored. The story dragged on and was a bit dull at points. There were just too many characters to keep track of and a lot of information thrown out. I didn’t care for Ginevra at all while I did enjoy Sidney. I felt Sidney had more depth and substance to him. Overall, the story did not live up to my expectations. I was disappointed that I did not enjoy it more. I was looking forward to an exciting story of mystery and romance. If you enjoy espionage stories, you enjoy The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies. Unfortunately, I do not recommend The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies. 

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Gods Will Sing Our Song: a World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love

The Gods Will Sing Our Song by Autumn Krause is a sweeping World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love. In 1942, the world is at war and two lives are set to meet and their lives will change forever. Seventeen year old Ren Hamada has a troubled past that seems to follow him. Violet Aratani seemingly has the perfect life with loving parents and a bright future with college in front of her. However, in May 1942, Ren, Violet and their community of Japanese Americans were rounded up and sent to the Manzanar Relocation Camp in the California desert. Ren and Violet have little in common except the family relics they prize. Together, they discover a god walks among them as his mortal form is tethered to the camp and only Ren and Violet have the power to release him. Would a divine favor be powerful enough to save them and their families? Will they have the strength and resilience to fight for their survival? 

I was first pulled to this story by its cover and then I knew I wanted to read it when the blurb. Inspired by the author's true family history of internment and resilience, The Gods Will Sing Our Song is a fast paced, intriguing story with emotion and tensions. The internment of the Japanese Americans during World War II is another horrible, devastating period of American history. Ms Krause describes the internment camp and its condition in vivid detail that my heart broke for these people who loved the US and their only crime was being Japanese. I enjoyed the mixture of history and Japanese mythology. Ren and Violet’s interaction with the god was fun and powerful as Ren is skeptical and Violet believes. I could not put this book down as tensions rose. I even loved reading the author’s note as she explained the inspiration for this powerful story. While this book is categorized as young adult, I highly, highly recommend The Gods Will Sing Our Song for everyone. 

The Gods Will Sing Our Song will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

on September 1, 2026

Aloha Hideaway Inn: a small bed and breakfast, a big resort and a budding romance

Aloha Hideaway Inn is the first book in the Getaway Bay Resort series by Elana Johnson. Stacey Stapleton has big plans for Aloha Hideaway Inn, her bed and breakfast. But when Sweet Breeze, the new high rise resort opens in the bay, her plans come to a halt. She decides to go undercover and spy on the resort by spending a night. She learns that the resort cannot hold a candle to her quaint bed and breakfast. No matter how flawless it looks or how handsome and smart the owner is. However, when a tropical storm hits the bay, she and her guests must take refuge at the Sweet Breeze. As they wait out the storm, Stacey spends more time with Fisher DuPont, the owner of Sweet Breeze, and she realizes he is not the corporate monster she imagined. Can Stacey and her beloved Aloha Hideaway Inn survive the changes and the start of a new budding relationship? 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is a sweet clean romance in the Hawaiian tropical paradise. Unfortunately, I feel like I’ve read this story before. A small inn, a big resort and a forbidden romance between their owners. I liked Stacey as she tries to preserve her family’s legacy in her beloved bed and breakfast. I also liked Fisher as a man who is trying to overcome the shadow of his unscrupulous father. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. I enjoyed how the community came together as they faced the storm. I did not enjoy the miscommunication conflict as Stacey and Fisher constantly jump to conclusions and simply don’t clear the air by communicating! Overall, the characters were good but I just couldn’t shake the feeling I had read this story before. I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy a clean, sweet romance in a tropical paradise, I recommend Aloha Hideaway Inn. 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is available in paperback and eBook

Her No 1 Fan: a psychological thriller as a woman must fight her her life and her freedom

Her No 1 Fan by Abby Davies is a psychological thriller which grabs readers from the beginning and will not let go. Rachel Brown plays Doctor Elouise Sparks on the popular TV series “Emergency,” Despite her success, she receives devastating news that brings her dreams crashing down. Before she can tell her husband, Mikey Bell takes Rachel from her home to his remote mountain cottage. He has a strange request and he promises to let her go by Christmas, if she fulfills this request. However, there is someone else in the cottage who makes it clear that they will not honor Mikey’s promises. They have a different request for Rachel and make it clear that there is no intention to let her leave. What vicious plans are being made? Is there a way out? Can Rachel figure out a way to escape? 

Abby Davies is a new author to me and Her No 1 Fan is a thriller I never read before. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Rachel’s story and the terrifying situation she must fight to survive. The tensions build as Mikey lovingly takes care of Rachel, she feels she can appeal to him to let her go. The second person in the home, I don’t want to reveal who, was the truly terrifying person and their presence adds to the tension. I enjoyed Rachel’s resolve and determination to gain her freedom whether by being let go or fighting her way out. The only let down was the ending. While exciting, the story ends abruptly. I closed the book with a “What?” Overall, I enjoyed the story despite the abrupt ending. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I recommend Her No 1 Fan. 

Her No 1 Fan is available in paperback and eBook

Just Add Romance: it was supposed to be a brief fling, what happens when they add a little romance?

Just Add Romance is the first book in the Everly Falls series by Heather B. Moore. Everly Kane’s might has always been on the Plan B track. Despite her mother’s objections, she is perfectly happy with her job, her nights at the movies and leaving the past behind her. She definitely doesn’t want the reminder that her sister is soon to be married to her ex boyfriend. When she runs into an architect who is in charge of the renovations for her beloved theater, her life is about to change. Austin Hayes is a widower with a young daughter. The last thing he wants is to juggle a relationship. Since he is in Everly Falls for only a few weeks, he doesn’t need to worry. However, when he meets Everly, he can’t help but be drawn to her. She doesn’t want a commitment. All he can do is give the time he is in town. They agree to a fling. What happens when they add a little romance? 

Just Add Romance has been on my To Be Read List for a while. I finally got the chance to read it. From the very beginning, I sympathized with Everly. First being named after her hometown, missing her late father and dealing with her mother’s constant disappointment, she is determined to live her life on her terms. Austin is a man still hurting from his wife’s death and figuring out single fatherhood. When the two start hanging out, there is a connection neither one could deny. Their romance was sweet with laughter and fun banter. The drama and conflict was good without being overpowering and even a little surprising with how it was resolved. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was fun, fast paced. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down, finishing it in a few hours. I am looking forward to the other books in the series. If you enjoy a fast paced clean romance, I highly recommend Just Add Romance. 

Just Add Romance is available in paperback and eBook

When the Moon Hatched: a romantasy that failed to live up to the hype

When the Moon Hatched is the first book in the Moonfall series by Sarah A Parker. When the Creators created their beloved dragons, they never expected they would fall and they punished those responsible. Raeve’s job is simply to kill. As a member of the rebel Fíur du Ath, she must complete her orders without being caught. When a well-known bounty hunter is employed by the Crown to capture members of the Ath, Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles who intended to use her as a political statement. Kaan Vaegor took the crown as king and continued his hunt for the moonshard when he stumbled across Raeve in shackles. As a song from the past begins to echo louder and louder, they learn of some truths that may be more dangerous than they ever imagined. 

When the Moon Hatched has been all over social media for a while with both rave and not so rave reviews. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing premise, I was excited for the romantasy that story of “fast paced fantasy romance” with “witty banter and strong sassy protagonists.” The book is a beast at 576 pages and over 89 chapters. The prologue reeled me in; however, the rest of the book failed to keep me hooked. The author knows how to develop mood and atmosphere; however, I was bored and completely lost at times. There was so much going on with the magic system, the mythology and the politics that it was overwhelming. Overall, I was expecting to be taken to a magical world of action adventures and disappointed in this book. I do not recommend When the Moon Hatched. 

When the Moon Hatched is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Lost Letters of Aisling: historical drama of love, courage, and confronting one's past

The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen is a historical drama of love, courage and confronting one’s past. After a near fatal illness, she only requested one thing from her granddaughter, to take her home. To Ireland, to the country she fled after World War II. Despite being close, Rainey knows very little of her grandmother’s past, she knew she could not tell her grandmother no. When they arrive at Aisling, Rainey discovers a trunk filled with letters. The letters take her to 1945 Dublin as the Germans surrender, there are celebrations in the street. Fourteen year old Evie meets her best friend, Harding McGovern. Harding is fiery and the two become as close as sisters. When rumors fly that Harding is involved in black market trade, while dangerous, would be able to fund her dream to immigrate to America. While uncertain of the truth, Evie is determined to stand by her friend at all costs. 

I love historical fiction with a good dual time point of view. The Lost Letters of Aisling promised to be a story of family, friendship, love and the freedom that comes from letting go of the secrets that we hide. From the opening chapter, I was excited until one piece of information took me out of the story entirely. During the celebration, the author writes that the crowd began to sing “God Save the Queen.” However, in 1945, King George VI was King of Great Britain, so “God Save the King” would have been performed. From that point on, I didn’t trust any of the author’s historical details, and there weren’t many, and the characters used phrases that wouldn’t have been common. There were also a few loose ends left at the end of the story which gave an unsatisfying ending. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Lost Letters of Aisling. 

The Lost Letters of Aisling is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Last Caretaker: a mystery suspense thriller which doesn't live up to its premise

The Last Caretaker by Jessica Strawser is a mystery suspense as one woman tries to move forward with her life. Katie needed a fresh start and her best friend, Bess, offered her a new start. The job is as a residential caretaker at a nature preserve. She wasn’t exactly a nature person but she is willing to try. From the moment she arrived, something was off. The farmhouse looks like the last caretaker simply disappeared and her belongings were left behind. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, Kate realizes that the caretaker job is much more than she realized. Unsure who to trust or where to turn, Katie begins to dig deeper into what the last caretaker left behind and she must decide how much she is willing to risk in order to do the right thing. 

I was intrigued by the premise and I looked forward to a spine tingly mystery. However, from the beginning, I was bored. Even after the woman arrives late at night and the mystery opens up, I was bored. There was no intrigue. It was so slow for a thriller suspense. The storytelling didn’t flow smoothly and I found my attention drifting. The writing style was choppy and some sentences were confusing and did not make sense. There was no suspense, no thrilling tension and the final twist fell flat. The characters weren’t people I wanted to root for or see to the end. I understand what the author was trying to do and cover an important topic; however, I feel it didn’t work well. I did not enjoy this story at all. I do not recommend The Last Caretaker. 

The Last Caretaker is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love on the Rocks: a second chance romance with faith, struggles and a happily ever after

Love on the Rocks is the second book in the Crane’s Cove by Kerry Evelyn. Kat Daniels regrets the day she chose barrel racing over her fiance, Easton Crane. A year later, she returns to Crane’s Cove with a secret. Easton Crane has loved Kat for as long as he can remember. When she shows up a year after their broken engagement, he is confused and conflicted. Especially when he sacrificed six years of his life to care for her after her traumatic brain injury. He is full of questions: what brought her back to town? Is she going to stay? What is she hiding? When a hurricane hits the cove, the life of Kat’s beloved horse, Easton and Kat must work together to save her. Can they also battle the storm of old memories? Can the wounds heal? Can their second chance at love be even stronger than before? 

Love on the Rocks is a clean, sweet Christian based romance with a small town community. It has been a while since I read the first book; however, the story in this book was easy to follow without a lot of information from the first book. From the beginning, Kat was closed off and hiding a secret that she tried to drink away. When the storm threatened her beloved horse, my heart dropped. I was even angry at Kat for her animosity toward Easton. However, as Kat’s hard facade began to crack, my heart broke for her. I loved the struggles with faith the characters experience in this story. Many authors who write faith based stories don’t really dive into struggles; however, Ms Evelyn does this beautifully. It felt real and relatable. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Love on the Rocks. 

Love on the Rocks is available in paperback and eBook

The Purple Thistles: three women return to their hometown after the death of a loved one and have their lives changed forever

The Purple Thistles by Carolyn Brown is a story of three women who recent an inheritance which brings them back to their Texas small town. Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria come from three very different backgrounds and were never friendly in high school. Kate was a part of their town’s elite until she was disowned and shunned by her parents. Elizabeth fled her religiously strict family and returned with a secret. Gloria grew up in poverty with an alcoholic mother and struggles with her own demons. Their only common thread is the love and care from Ula, a beloved nanny and mother figure to them all. When Ula passes away, each woman inherits a portion of Ula’s estate. As they work through their painful pasts, heartbreak and their newfound friendship, Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria see the possibilities of bright futures and unexpected romances.  

The Purple Thistles is a bittersweet story of three women who find friendship and a community through their grief and strength to stand up to their families and their pasts. From the very beginning, my heart broke for these women as they came back to town with broken dreams and painful memories. However, through their shared memories of Ula, they find strength with each other and their newfound community and even have second chances at love. There were moments of great laughs and loving moments. I cheered for these women as they each confronted those who would try to keep them down. I also loved the symbolism with the thistle. Overall, I loved this story and was a bit sad to see it end but enjoyed the happily ever after Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria are now living. I highly recommend The Purple Thistles. 

The Purple Thistles will be available on December 1, 2026 

in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Lies: a Hollywood movie star and a personal trainer romance

Broken Lies is the first book in the Second Chance Chicago series by Gina Azzi. Eli Roth is a Hollywood heartthrob who could have any woman he wanted. He wants Zoe Clark. She captivated him from the moment he laid eyes on her with her wicked curves, wise cracking mouth and bold confidence. Even when she rejected him, he was amused and set out to hire her as his personal trainer on set in the Seychelles. As she focuses on her job to keep him in shape for his role, the spark between them turns into a wildfire blaze. He even begins to see a future with her that he never thought he deserved. However, Zoe harbors a secret and finds lies with pretty words. Eli falls for it all. 

Broken Lies is a fairly short book which ends on a cliffhanger and Twisted Truths, the second book, is the continuation of Eli and Zoe’s story. I was irritated at Zoe as she alluded to her secret and she refused to talk to her loved ones about it and in turn, readers are also left in the dark as well. While I could guess and assume what her secret was, I disliked the constant alluding to her secret. Eli and Zoe’s romance was okay and it is a bit irritating that I would have to read book 2 in order to see their happily ever after. Overall, I was bored and did not enjoy this story. I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Broken Lies. 

Broken Lies is available in paperback and eBook.