Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Who Touches the Mountains by Deborah Raney

Who Touches the Mountains is the first book I have read written by Deborah Raney and it has been such a pleasure. I look forward to reading more books by her. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next one in the future.

The character development was great. Liesl has the perfect job, until it is no longer perfect. Trying to figure out her next steps in life and where she wants to be. Zach is still trying to process and grieve the loss of his wife, Jenny. Pulling back the layers and watching him go through some of the grieving process was encouraging.

The setting and storyline were great. I loved being in the North Carolina mountains at this cute little Inn. It was totally Hallmark vibes. As the storyline progressed, and we got to meet some of the other characters I had a fun time trying to figure out what the significance was at first. As it was coming to light, it was interesting to see what would pan out, and then the big plot twist happened. I was not ready for that (no spoilers). But the connection that happens between Liesl and Zach brings a different depth.

The romance was a sweet, kisses-only romance that was perfect. I loved that Zach was getting a second chance at his happily ever after again.

Deborah Raney did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved how much scripture and prayer were included. Even their struggles in coming back to God. I loved that even though both Zach and Liesl took a break from church while they were going through their struggles, they both chose to go back to church and reconnect with God.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Burning Secrets by Susan May Warren

Burning Secrets is not the first book I have read written by Susan May Warren and it will not be the last. She has become an instant read for me. I have found everything so far, written by her is enjoyable, and Burning Secrets was no exception. This is the fourth book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series. Though it can be read as a standalone, you cannot go wrong reading the whole series.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know JoJo more. Seeing her love for wildlife-the wolves brought an added dynamic to the story. Crew had some issues to work through as well. Being undercover he has a few things to work out.

The setting and storyline were great. Through this series, I have come to love Alaska. Once again, we come face to face with the militia and learn some new details about it. As Crew is there undercover as an FBI informant, we get to see more of what is going on. This book kept me in suspense.

The fake relationship to more is the perfect fit for this story. The romance aspect is low-spice, kisses only, and perfection.

Susan May Warren does a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story. It was a great reminder that God is always there for us. Even in the hard times, even if we don’t feel like we can see Him, God will never leave us.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Meet Me on Blueberry Hill by Lisa Jordan

Meet Me on Blueberry Hill is the first book I have read written by Lisa Jordan and it did not disappoint. This is the fourth book in the Jonathan Island series, and it has completely blown me away. Featuring different authors but all creating this perfect story. You can read this as a stand-alone, but you will not be disappointed if you read them all.

The character development was good. Sadie is dealing with the loss of her sister and her past relationship that ended badly. Learning to trust men again after being burned in her past relationship takes a process. Asher is dealing with the guilt of feeling responsible for the deaths of friends. Seeing him process this all while also trying to find who he is and who he is in Christ.

The setting and storyline were perfect. I loved the Hallmark small town/island setting. If you love Hallmark movies this is the story for you. You have a secret identity, untold truths, carriage rides, and the boy next door.

This grumpy next-door neighbor romance between Asher and Sadie is a sweet and low-spice, kisses-only romance.

Lisa Jordan did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved seeing the real struggle of the characters as they come back to God after such a great tragedy.

Quote: “I’m sorry for the pain you’re feeling. Just know, God will never betray you. Or humiliate you. His love will sustain you and give you the strength to move forward. You can always go to Him for wisdom and guidance. He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Home Safe by Tracy Baack

Home Safe is the third book I have read written by Tracy Baack, and she has become an instant read for me. This book will pull at your heartstrings and instantly fall in love with the characters. Cheering them on all the way.

The character development was fantastic. Danae is trying to figure out her life as a new single mom, while also dealing with her dysfunctional relationship with her parents. Jason is battling all kinds of emotions as he fights to find new ground in his new life with Danae and all the trauma he has gone through in his short life. Griffin is working to figure out who he is outside of baseball.

The setting was perfect. I didn’t know how I would feel about a sports trope as that is not my favorite thing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Baseball trope. Even though there were a lot of scenes on the Baseball field/stands, there were a lot of times where it was off the field. The balance was perfect.

The storyline- tugged at my heartstrings. There were many layers to this story. Danae is in the process of adopting Jason, while also meeting and falling in love with a famous baseball player, Griffon, each with their own issues. I loved that there was insight into dealing with trauma for kids and that they dealt with it in a real way, both for adults and kids.

This opposites-attract romance was a kisses-only story. It was clean and perfect.

Tracy Bacck sometimes includes faith in her books, this book does not. The only hint to it is that prayer is mentioned a few times, but other than that, there is nothing mentioned. It does not take away from my rating, though I did want to mention for those who purely like Christian fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Monday, June 30, 2025

Giveaway and Review: Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay

Midnight Offensive JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Midnight Offensive

Title: Midnight Offensive 
Series:
Toxic Truths #1 
Author:
Elle E. Kay 
Publisher:
Faith Writes Publishing 
Release Date: May 14, 2025 
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line. 

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack. 

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

Grave Consequences


About the Author

Elle E. Kay

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. 

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

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


Review

Midnight Offensive is the first book I have read written by Elle E. Kay and I look forward to reading some more books. This story was such a whirlwind, it took me a moment to unpack. If you like a good Christian suspense novel, this will hit the spot.

The character development was ok. I personally had a hard time connecting with them for the first half of the book. I think it was due to the fast pacing of the story. Once I got passed that, I enjoyed getting to know Sadie and Craig.

The storyline was fun. Right from the start a lot is going on in this story. Craig and Sadie are set up on a blind date, luckily, they are very close, so they have fun catching up on the date. The next day Sadie notices a suspicious guy hanging outside her building. From there everything spirals out of control. We have kidnapping, biological warfare, gunshots, evading kidnapping, and a double agent. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

The romance as brother’s best friend to more with some light second chance was a fun dynamic. The romance was low-spice, kiss only.

Elle E. Kay does a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle's most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Midnight Offensive JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Giveaway and Spotlight: Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Series

Pip O'Possum (Work Then Play) Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful) Benjamin Bat (Humility) Nuts (Sharing is Caring) Jeremy Jay (Resilience) Author: Kathy J. Perry Publisher: Chickadee Words Release Date: April 4, 2025 Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals' adventures, friendships, and foibles, they'll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!) PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Kathy J Perry

Of the many jobs I’ve held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for me because investing in kids is so important. To this end, I continue to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact.

Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. When not writing, you’ll find me painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. Is this retirement? Apparently so! I’m loving every minute of it with my husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy J. Perry by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

BOOK EXCERPTS

**********

PIP O’POSSUM:

“That’s a lot to think about. I guess it’s about time I grow up. Will I still have time for fun?”

“Sure! There’s time for both work and play. But if you don’t do the hard labor—and I mean to the very best of your ability—you won’t succeed in life. You might end up as one of my meals. That would be unfortunate for you, wouldn’t it? Would you rather live—and live well—or be my breakfast?”

Boon covered his eyes with his goggles and blinked.

**********

SALLY SKUNKSKIN: (ending)

Over time, Sally made several friends: a skunk named Samson, the entire O’Possum family, and the raccoon who didn’t trust her. The raccoon even apologized for being unfriendly. But Amos became her best friend.

He and Sally talked whenever she stopped by his dam for a drink, her beautiful tail held high.

Sally and her new friends helped one another in good times and bad. Her grumbles were buried in her past. At last, Sally Skunkskin’s heart was grateful for everything: her home, food to eat, and most of all, her close friends.

********

BENJAMIN BAT:

I’ll show her some tricks she can’t do.

“Watch this now,” he said as he fluttered away. Benjamin zipped and zapped all over the ravine. He sailed over trees and between narrow branches, giving a grand performance for the flycatcher.

Curious, Benjamin glanced toward JoJo for a split- second. His mistake cost him.

A barred owl was in hot pursuit!

Instantly realizing his error, Benjamin turned sharply to avoid capture, but one of the owl’s talons pierced his wing! For a few seconds, Benjamin was helpless. The owl carried him upward, but his wing’s skin tore, freeing Benjamin.

Without full support from both wings, he nose-dived, slapping flat against a large boulder in the gulch. He rolled down hill through broken rocks and tangled roots.

“Ow! Ow!” he cried with each bump and bounce. The barred owl, whose sharp eyes never lost sight of Benjamin, dove down to finish him off.

JoJo sprang into action.

Shocked and angry, she tackled the much larger bird, pecking at its back over and over until it moved on to find an easier meal. Worried for her new friend, she swooped down to Benjamin’s rescue. “Are you okay?”

**********

NUTS:

Poppy’s stomach grumbled, so she scurried down her tree to dig up a nut—but another squirrel was already there. With her paws on her hips, she stood up and said, “Wait a minute, Hickory. This is MY walnut. Mine! I hid this one, along with many others. I’m sure of it.”

Hickory crossed his arms over his chest. “No, Poppy. I buried this one.”

Neither hoarder would give the nut to the other. They were far too hungry to share but not too hungry to argue. For several minutes, they ignored the exposed treasure.

Andy, another gray squirrel, sneaked between them, snatched the prize for himself, and scrambled up to his nest.

Andy’s movements were so quick that neither Poppy nor Hickory saw him grab it. Poppy only noticed it was missing when she bent down to grab it herself.

“Now see what you’ve done?” Poppy said. “It’s gone.”

“Well, I didn’t take it,” said Hickory, still not unfolding his arms.

The two of them searched the ground but couldn’t find the nut. At least not until Poppy heard “nibble, nibble” coming from above.

She pointed up to the branches. “I think Andy’s got it.”

Hickory’s mouth fell open. “Well, I’ll be...”

**********

JEREMY JAY:

“Hmm.”

Jeremy picked up his claw and stared at it. His talons lay flat and twisted.

“Hard to imagine how this could ever be useful, though. It’s not like it makes my other leg better. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

Boon puffed out his chest. He didn’t like animals putting themselves down. There was no feeling bad for yourself on his watch.“

No one’s perfect. No one, nowhere.

“I’ve always strived for perfection, even with this.”

Jeremy turned his head to the side. Isn’t perfection the goal?

“Do the best you can with what you have, bub. That’s it. When you do, you’ve won. But it takes practice and hard work.”

Jeremy held his foot out for Boon to study. If they were going to talk about it, then this huge bird should see it all, so that he could know it all. “How can this ever be useful?”

“Open your mind, boy. Start imaginin’ it as a tool for nest-buildin’. Start thinkin’ of how you can use it. You might surprise yourself by what you can do.”

“Thanks, Boon.”

“You’re welcome. Just remember, nobody’s perfect.”

**********



Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a 5-book signed softcover bundle of the Oakwoods Series, bookmarks, and a $50 Amazon digital gift card!

Oakwoods Series blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Burning Escape by Michelle Sass Aleckson

Burning Escape is the fourth book I have read by Michelle Sass Aleckson, and she has become a must-read author for me. It is the third book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series, which each book can be read as a stand-alone, but so far, the series has been addicting, I have been skipping the TV and reading these books instead. So, if you want to dive into a great adventure, check out the Chasing Fire: Alaska series or any of the other related series, you will not be disappointed.

The character development was good. Tori has a lot of layers to unpack. Learning to trust others and trust God. I loved getting to check back in on Orion and see what he is up to. He is off in Alaska trying to prove himself, not just riding on his grandpa's or parents’ coattails.

The storyline and setting were perfect. Up in Alaska, fighting fires is a fun place to be for the day. We start with the perfect meeting, thinking that they will never see each other again. The next day they come face to face fighting for the same smoke-jumping slot. Having to work as a team. We find ourselves once again encountering the militia. While trying to get away they find themselves in a community and the only way to try to get through seems to be to pretend they are married. This book is action-packed and kept me on my toes.

The fake relationship to more is the perfect fit for this story. The romance aspect is low-spice, kisses only, and perfect.

Michelle Sass Aleckson did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. It was a great reminder that letting go and leaning into God is the best place to be.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.