The Lost Story of Via Belle By: Melanie Dobson

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Lost Story of Via Belle
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Melanie Dobson
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Tyndale House
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: April 14, 2026
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical Fiction

Do you love dual timeline stories with mystery, suspense, and faith? Then this is the story for you. The Lost Story of Via Belle is the first book I have read written by Melanie Dobson, and I am so excited to read more of her stories.

This is a dual timeline story set in 1940 and 2006. In 1940, Olivia, who is a writer and goes by the pen name Via Belle, is trying to get back into the rhythm of writing after the death of her husband. After a speaking engagement at the college, she runs into Simon. Simon pursues Olivia, and they seem to have a lot in common-or so it would seem. As the story unravels, there are many layers to this story. I won’t give anything away, but it is perfection.

In 2006, Harper was a screenwriter trying to break into the industry. After the death of her mother, she is having a hard go of it. She returns to her mother’s hometown to spend some time at her “aunt’s” house. While there, she remembers that her mother’s favorite author, Via Belle, is from the town. As she researches Via Belle, she uncovers some of her hidden past and what really happened to the disappearance of Via Belle.

This story had such a great storyline, and I loved that both characters were writers. The intertwining storyline hooked me, and I was ready to uncover the mystery of Via Belle.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. 

The Stained Glass Window By: Crystal Walton

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Stained Glass Window
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Crystal Walton
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Impact Editions, LLC
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Love in Willow Creek #5
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: May 18, 2026
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Contemporary Christian Romance

The Stained Glass Window is the fifth book in the Love in Willow Creek series by Crystal Walton. Though I read this as a standalone, I did feel like I was missing a lot going on in the story, as there are a lot of overlapping characters. So, I would recommend starting with book 1 in the series. I am going to go back and read the other books for a fuller story.

This Christian suspense was a fun read, and I enjoyed the story. Shelly is trying to become a flight nurse, but with an open investigation against the doctor she works with, her dream job is on hold. So she begins to help with a home nurse for Clayton Briggs, who is trying to find purpose after an IED ended his military career and is recovering from a climbing fall. This story had a lot of action and suspense, keeping me on my toes. The character development was great.

The romance had lots of flirty banter with kisses only.

The faith element was intertwined throughout the story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Guardian by Jennifer Chastain

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Guardian
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Jennifer Chastain
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Sunrise Publishing
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romantic Suspense Fiction
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Heroes of Renegade
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: June 16, 2026

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

Guardian is book four in the Heroes of Renegade series, and each book has been amazing. This is a multiauthor series, but each story flows together perfectly. This is the first book I have read written by Jennifer Chastain. Each story can be read as a standalone without missing too much. There are some crossover characters that we get to touch base with, and 22 has been fun to catch up with those characters. This book had me on the edge of my seat and staying up way too late to finish it.

Ethan Butler is a US Marshall. He just got back from being on leave, while also being on a secret mission to try to figure out some things. Aubrey works in the Marshall office, and as a former person in witness protection, she knows some things, and her past always seems to be lurking behind her.

When a downed US Marshals prisoner transport plane shows up in the forest near Renegade, strange things start to happen. And that is when Aubrey seems to be the target. Ethan is there to help her out. Aubrey has a lot to unpack from her past trauma.

This co-worker's romance was kisses only.

Jennifer Chastain did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Storm at Nottingham Castle by: Ann Elizabeth Fryer

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Storm at Nottingham Castle
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Ann Elizabeth Fryer
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Independent
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Sisters of Sherwood #1
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: April 30, 2026
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Regency Historical Romance

If you enjoy cloak and dagger, Regency romance novels with some Robin Hood elements, this is the story for you. Storm at Nottingham Castle is the first book I have read written by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, and it was a fun read.

Charlotte and her two sisters find themselves with an unknown future when their stepfather dies. The girls are about to be thrown out of their home because they have no legal claim to the house. When a letter arrives from Charlotte’s uncle, it seems their only saving grace is to accept the invitation to move into his home. Upon their arrival, they find things are not as they seem. Her uncle lives in an apartment in Nottingham Castle. With many strange tenants, and her uncle who seems not to want them in the apartment during the day, they start to wonder if they are truly better than their fate would have been.

Charles, the property manager, steps in to help the sisters out. But there is still a lot of mystery behind the castle and the uncle. This story kept me guessing. With its gothic vibes and Robin Hood elements, it was a fun story to read. I look forward to the next story in the series.

The Christian element was a little lighter than I would have liked in this story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Giveaway and Review of the God Who series by Deborah Raney

Welcome to the Book Bee Blogger's Choice Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Author

DEBORAH RANEY dreamed of writing a book since the summer she read Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books and discovered that a Kansas farm girl could, indeed, grow up to be a writer. Her almost forty books have garnered multiple industry awards including the RITA® Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Carol Award, and have four times been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, shed light on the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and inspired the highly acclaimed World Wide Pictures film of the same title.

Deborah is on faculty for several national writers' conferences and served on the executive board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for 18 years. She is a transplant to Southeast Missouri with her husband, Ken Raney, having moved from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

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The God Who Series

Who Touches the Mountains Review

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.

Who Stirs Up the Sea Review

Who Stirs Up the Sea is the second book in The God Who series by Deborah Raney. These books can be read as standalones.

I loved the premise of this book. Emma owns a small flower farm, which she inherited from her parental grandparents, located on Saint Simons, Georgia. Emma’s book club decides to take a DNA test as an extra activity to go along with the book. Emma doesn’t think she will find anything exciting from the DNA test because she knows her parents’ heritage. When her results come back, she assumes that a mistake has been made when she has no Italian. When she retakes the test and receives the same results, only one thing could make sense: her dad is not her dad. Her father has passed, and her mom is not forthcoming with the truth. Through it all, Tadhg has become her comfort and friend. But he has his own secrets and doesn’t know how to tell Emma.

The meet-cute between Emma and Tadhg was so sweet. I loved watching their relationship unfold throughout the story. The romance elements were perfect and sweet.

Watching Emma struggle through this secret and find truth, leaning into God for comfort. Deborah Raney did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story.

“God was here all along. Even when I couldn’t feel it. And it was Him who controlled it all- the waves and the wind…”

“Sometimes I think He has to stir up the sea of our lives a little just to get our attention. Or to move us in a different direction.”

Who Names the Stars

Who Names the Stars is set to release later in 2026. I am very excited to see what the third book in the God Who series has instore for us.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner's choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!

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 8, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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!

Find Me in the Lyrics by: Christina Miller

Find Me in the Lyrics is the first book I have read written by Christina Miller. This is the fourth book in season 2 of Jonathan Island series, and each installment has been a great read. This series is for those who love all things Hallmark. This small island town is sure to win your heart.

Ariel has been touring with her aunt. She is trying to find her own footing and has been given control of making some decisions as her aunt starts to step back. Coming to Jonathan Island for a breather.

Caleb has the burden of trying to keep the family Inn running, which has been in the family for generations and has a deep history. But due to some family tragedies, things have been a little rocky.

When Ariel and the band end up at Caleb’s Inn, they partner together to try and help bring the hotel back to life, and Caleb steps in to play with the band while a member is out. I loved watching Ariel and Caleb work through their past and step into their giftings, while also growing spiritually.

The romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.

Christina Miller did a great job of intertwining faith elements throughout the story.  

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Giveaway and Review: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by: Carolyn Miller

 

About the Book

Book: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley (The Silver Teapot Series Book Two)

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: May, 2026

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.

Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

 

 

More from Carolyn

Do you know someone who has found love online?

I do. I have numbers of friends and even a family member who have found love and married thanks to dating apps and the like. This newer form of meeting people is something I’ve referenced in several of my books (including Only You Can Love Me), as several of my characters have used an app called Dream Match, a romance matchmaking app for Christian singles around the world. But when I first mentioned Dream Match years ago I didn’t realise at the time that I’d end up writing a story about how the inventor of Dream Match would finally meet her match.

And it seemed perfect to me that Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, known for her matchmaking skills, should be reflected in a modern day context as being the ultimate matchmaker, EJ Bennett, who is responsible for helping hundreds of people find love online. Even if she doesn’t think she needs or wants love for herself.

Playing with Jane Austen’s characters and putting them in a modern setting is a lot of fun. So not only does Emma Woodhouse become EJ Bennett, but George Knightley becomes EJ’s best friend and app co-designer Jordan Knight, the straight shooter she needs. And Frank Churchill, the man Emma starts to fall for, becomes Eric Churchill, son of a TV mogul squillionaire.

The first book in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, also played around with some of Austen’s settings, placing the story in a small town in Australia called Wattle Vale. I had fun further developing the Australian connections by setting other key scenes in iconic places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, which naturally meant I had to visit for “research.”

So I hope readers enjoy this little taste of Australia, and all the fun references to Jane Austen’s Emma. Be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media for more Jane Austen inspiration and fun, and get ready to enjoy Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, a sweet and swoony best friends-to-more romance that shows the path to true love is never smooth – even for the professional matchmaker.

Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28

Book Looks by Lisa, May 28

The Sacred Line, May 29

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 30

Pause for Tales, May 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 31

Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

To Everything There Is A Season , June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Lyssa Loves Books, June 5

Wishful Endings, June 5

Fruitfully Planted, June 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , June 6

Cover Lover Book Review, June 7

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, June 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf , June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 8

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Holly’s Book Corner, June 10

 

Review

Not Precisely, Mr. Knightley is the second book in the Silver Teapot series by Carolyn Miller. And though it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series as a whole for greater enjoyment. Each book has been loosely based on Jane Austen's works, and this one is based on Emma.

Emma-Jane Bennett, or EJ to her friends, has created a Christian matchmaking app with the help of her friend Jordan Knight. She is finally at a place where she can quit her job to try to launch the app full-time and work on expanding its reach. When she meets Eric Churchill at a party, and he begins to pursue EJ, or is it the app he is after? Eric is rich and is after the matchmaking app, and is trying to purchase it. But not everything is going great. EJ is wrapped up in the money and fame that is coming from hanging out with Eric Churchill. EJ has a lot to figure out as she has lost herself in the new friendships, and feels too good for her family and friends. When the truth comes out, Emma-Jane must decide what is true. I loved that this story was set in Australia.   

Watching EJ letting her faith slip and watching her come back to her relationship with God and work on her heart was a great reminder to put God first.

The romance was sweet and perfect with kisses only.  

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print 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://gleam.io/doE7D/not-precisely-mr-knightley-celebration-tour-giveaway