Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt

Old Town Symphony is the second book I have read by Milla Holt, and I was completely blown away. I think this might be my favorite one in this series.

The character development was great. Kezia had lots of layers to her. She is trying to make things on her own, choosing her own path rather than the path her parents planned for her. She is not quite making it on her own, but her voice sure is known. When she decides to join the show, we really see how alone she is in this world. Seeing her process this was heartbreaking. I was rooting for Kezia the whole way. Zach has his own things he is processing. Some things that he isn’t even aware of.

The setting was great. I loved the setting being set in the United Kingdom. It’s not often we get to see the music industry from the UK side. I also loved the music reality TV setting. It was such a fun concept, and to see the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of that, as well as the music industry. The storyline was great. The start of a music reality TV show had some fun dynamics. We have a family deep in the music industry, broken family relationships, loneliness, competition, longing for more, music industry, songwriting, forbidden romance, and more.

This slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance was great, and kisses only.

Milla Holt did a good job of intertwining faith throughout the novel.

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

An Irish Kiss By: Carolyn Miller

An Irish Kiss is the first book I have read written by Carolyn Miller, and it was such a delight. This book was the perfect book for those who love Hallmark movies, castles, Irish views, funny meet-cutes, swoony moments, and faith.

The character development throughout this book is good. I loved watching Rory learn that she shouldn’t just jump to conclusions. While also learning to turn to and trust God. Aidan is on a journey to uncover the past. Trying to figure out the truth, but also finding himself falling for Rory. So, while hoping for a different outcome, Aidan also wants to maintain a relationship. It was also great seeing their faith as well.

The setting is perfection. Being in Ireland was such a great place to be, but adding in a castle made it truly perfect. The storyline was entertaining. Rory is working multiple jobs, one of them being at her family’s castle-made hotel. Where she mistakes Aidan for a trespasser, then finds out he is a guest. Rory keeps jumping to conclusions and getting herself in trouble. Aidan is an Australian who is on an investigative trip to see if the land the hotel/castle is on belongs to his family.

Enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract romance is perfection, sweet and kisses-only romance.

Carolyn Miller did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. The scripture the pastor is reading, Philippians 4:6-7, truly met me where I was at this week and made me stop and read the passage. I love when Christian fiction does that and meets you at a deeper level. God’s word is live and will meet us where we are.

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

Charting the Course by Leslea Wahl

Charting the Course is the fourth book I have read by Leslea Wahl. This is a YA book and is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone, though there are some overlapping characters. This is a YA mystery with coming-of-age themes.

The character development was good. Liz is dealing with the emotions and challenges of being a teenager and working through being a child of divorced parents. Liz’s dad, Wade, on this trip, is confronted with his true self. Seeing how his actions have affected people, especially his daughter. Watching the relationships being rebuilt was touching.

The setting was so fun. Set on a cruise ship for a high school reunion was such a fun idea. Reading it made me want to be there. The storyline was fun and perfect for YA. Liz is forced to come on this 30-year reunion cruise with her father because he has no one else to bring. As the trip goes on, Liz is swept up in a singing competition. While competing, she also runs into some people who know her friend Josie from the previous book. They ask her for help to find out who is stealing on the ship. Things get uncovered interestingly. But that is not the only mystery Liz is trying to figure out; she is being sent on a faith journey as well. With mystery, stealing, high school feuds, old flames, and new crushes, there are lots of elements that make this story a fun read

The romance aspect is light and sweet, kisses-only. This is a YA with the main focus not being romance, so it was the perfect amount for this genre.

Leslea Wahl did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. Though written from a catholic aspect, it can be enjoyed by all.

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

Giveaway and Review: The Recluse's Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Recluse's Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Recluse's Vindication 
Series: Our House on Heather Wynd 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: September 12, 2025 
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

The Loch Ness Monster isn't the only recluse seeking a Scottish haven. 

Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he's not the boy she remembers. 

Eleanor Finch's life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben's whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home. 

But Eleanor isn't the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future ... unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon

Also Available

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.

Connect with Danielle Grandinetti by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Review

The Recluse’s Vindication is a short novella written by Danielle Grandinetti, part of a multi-author series: Our House on Heather Wynd. It can be read as a standalone, but it does have crossover characters from some of Danielle Grandinetti’s other books. This pre-World War II novella explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, rumors, myths, and second chances.

The character development was good. Ben is struggling to overcome the guilt of killing people to save others. Struggling with this and the burden he feels God has placed on him, Ben has become a recluse to try to hide from his past and help those in need, as hatred for the Jews and the disabled grows. Eleanor has also become an outcast since Ben left their town 16 years ago. However, Eleanor is struggling with other issues. Watching them lean into each other and heal and open their hearts to one another was touching.

The setting was perfect. I loved the little Scottish town, thick with myths and rumors. During a time in history when countries were in great turmoil, on the verge of war. The storyline was great. With mystery and myths of the Loch Ness Monster, rescuing children from Germany, second-chance romance, and forgiveness, this story will pull at your heart.

This second-chance romance was sweet with kisses only.

Danielle Grandinetti did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive paperback copies of: The Recluse's Vindication, The Italian Musician's Sanctuary, & The Heart of Beauty, all by Danielle Grandinetti!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 10, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Giveaway and Review: Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Canyon of Deceit 

Author: DiAnn Mills 

Publisher: Tyndale Fiction 

Release Date: September 9, 2025 

Genre: Romantic Mystery & Suspense 

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy. 

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone. 

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina. 

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives. 

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

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About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone's story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Selah Award, and the Golden Scroll; and been finalists for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and the Carol Award. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She's an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. 

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on social media or her website, diannmills.com

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Review

Canyon of Deceit is the first book I have read written by DiAnn Mills, and I look forward to reading more. This romance suspense kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Suspense mixed with wilderness survival skills made for a fun dynamic in this story. If you love Christian suspense, you do not want to miss this one.

The character development was good. Therese has a lot of guilt and trauma from her sister’s death. The burden of guilt that was put on her was a lot to bear. Blane has his own layers to pull back.

The setting was perfect for this suspenseful survival story. The storyline was off the charts. I love a good suspense story, and this did not disappoint. Every time I thought everything was going great, a plot twist happened. We have kidnapping, murder, wilderness survival skills in the Guadalupe Mountains, rock climbing, helicopters, FBI, near-death, and so much more.

The romance was a kisses-only romance that was perfection.

DiAnn Mills did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. Therese has gone through some faith-rocking events, but she still holds on to her faith in God. Blane has a rocky faith and battles with the truth Therese speaks. I loved the truth given in this book.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Canyon of Deceit and $25 gift card to winner's choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 16, 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.

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Giveaway and Review: Love Between the Pages by Natasha D. Frazier

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Love Between the Pages by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Love Between the Pages 
Author: Natasha D. Frazier 
Publisher: Encouraging Works 
Release Date: September 8, 2025 
Genre: Christian fiction romance

Book lovers? Yes 

 Best friends? Till the end! 

Focused on their careers? Who isn't? 

In love with each other? Well, let’s not rush things... 

Lisa Atkinson has finally achieved her dream—running her family’s beloved bookstore, Between the Lines. With a supportive circle of family and friends, including her best friend Jayden, life seems perfect. But before she settles into her new role, a crushing tax debt threatens to snatch her dream away. Desperate to save her bookstore, Lisa cooks up an ambitious grand re-opening event to raise the funds she needs. Little does she know, the key to her success is hiding in plain sight—her best friend Jayden, who moonlights as the elusive bestselling author, Justin Love. 

Jayden Reynolds is on the brink of a major career milestone, becoming a partner at his accounting firm. Exciting news, right? Except, he’s grappling with uncertainty about his future as he secretly basks in the success of his romantic debut novel that has readers swooning. As he navigates the wild world of love and ambition, he’s also realizing that he wants more than just friendship with Lisa—the woman who has held his heart far longer than he can remember. 

As Lisa and Jayden’s bond deepens amidst the whirlwind of deadlines and pressure, their playful banter takes a turn toward something more. Will they navigate their way through the chaos and finally embrace the sparks flying between them? It’s a delightful journey from best friends to lovers, filled with humor, heart, and a dash of shenanigans!  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Related Book

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About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

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

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Review

Love Between the Pages is the first book I have read written by Natasha D. Frazier, and it did not disappoint. I look forward to reading some more in the future. This is the second book in the At Last series, though you do not need to read the first book to read this book. It appears that the first book is the story of Lisa’s friend Ginger & Brock’s love story, who get married in Love Between the Pages. So, I personally plan to go back and read Batch of Love. Just to revisit the story and see how everything unfolded for them.

The character development was fun. Lisa is in her 40s and has just been given ownership of her mother’s bookstore. Finding out that the taxes have not been paid in a few years comes as quite a shock. Lisa is trying to figure it out while also learning the ropes of being the owner. Jayden has been in his career for 17 years and finally asked about being a partner. Now that he has the opportunity, he is trying to figure out what he wants in life. Watching them both figure out life and their love is such a fun development.

The bookstore setting is such a fun one. I have been enjoying seeing all the behind-the-scenes of writing a book and things that go into it. It loved the setting. The storyline was very cute and perfect. We have book clubs, friendships, store ownership, big life choices, weddings, secret authors, people working together to save the store, and falling in love. All the makings of the perfect sweet, swoony contemporary romance.

This best friends-to-more romance is the perfect no-spice, kisses-only romance. It is perfect and sweet, with the perfect level of swoon.

Natasha D. Frazier did include some faith aspects, such as going to church and mentioning their faith. I would have liked a little bit more. Though I did not love that Lisa and Jayden shared a bed, even if they were just snuggling. I would have preferred to see her share a hotel room with her mom or even Aunt Wanda.

I must say Aunt/Momma Wanda was one of my favorite characters. She had such a fun personality.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Love Between the Pages book box which contains an autographed copy of the book and curated book themed swag!

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 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.

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Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage by Christen Krumm

Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage is the perfect ending to the Jonathan Island series. Though I am sad to say goodbye to this town and its residents, it really has been a fun place to visit. If you love a good Hallmark series, this is the series to read. This is the first book I have read by Christen Krumm, and I look forward to reading some more.

The character development was great. Bronte was a foster kid and has a lot to unpack from her past in the system. Watching Bronte process things while also writing her book on a short deadline was fun. Jonah is trying to figure out what he wants to do next. Feeling the family pressure of being a doctor, it’s a hard decision to make. Follow his family calling or lean into God’s plans for his dreams.

The setting is perfection. If you have seen any of my other reviews about Jonathan Island, it’s very clear that I have fallen in love with this island town. The storyline is great. It starts with some confusion when Bronte rents the White’s home, and Jonah comes home to try to surprise his family, only to find that someone else is staying there. The family is away on vacation, so they can’t get a hold of anyone, paired with a snowstorm, and every place is booked. Bronte and Jonah decided to stay together in the family home and make the best of a bad situation. Bronte is on a writing deadline and trying to write her next novel. I have been really loving all the books with behind-the-scenes on writing a book lately. Such a fun dynamic. In this book, we get to check in on all the other couples in the series and see where they are at. It was a fun way to end the perfect Hallmarkesque series.

The Forced-proximity turned romance is perfection, sweet and kisses-only romance.

Christen Krumm did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. This was a beautiful reminder that when we feel like we are not accepted, we always belong to God, we can always find our home in Him.

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

Giveaway and Review:A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

 Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More in this Series:

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

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

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Review

A Scheming in Parliament is the second book I have read written by Erica Vetsch, and I look forward to reading more. This is book two of the Of Cloaks & Dangers series, and I would definitely recommend reading them in order. I loved being back with Philippa and Bertie on another adventure to uncover a dangerous plot in parliament. It was like watching one of those BBC murder mystery series.

I loved being back with Philippa and Bertie for a second time. Watching them develop even more as characters. Bertie is not a politician, but he has been elected to parliament as part of his undercover work. While doing his work, he gets invited to the Theban Club, which is a secret club with some weird Egyptian vibes and some secrets that Bertie unearths. Philippa is still working with the Elios school to rescue women from prostitution. She is doing the work when she accidentally opens Aunt Dolly’s letter and unearths a secret.

The romance is a slow-burning romance. When I say slow, I mean slow, and that is perfectly ok with me. I am excited to see what might come of this relationship in book three.

Erica Vetsch did a fantastic job of intertwining faith throughout the book. It was a great reminder that our past does not define us. God is a good of forgiveness, and he wants a relationship with all of us.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 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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Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol is a sweet Christmas novella written by Melody Carlson. It’s short and sweet and all things Hallmark.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Carol, who starts as quite the Christmas Scrooge. With all the conflict of having a Christmas birthday and being named Carol. Christmas is not her favorite time of the year. Watching Carol, being stuck in Michigan during Christmas time with her estranged aunt, was a Christmas miracle. Victor has a lot he is dealing with. He chooses to come home and help his mother with his declining father. Which came with some big life changes. I loved watching Victor fall for Carol.

The setting was perfect. A snowy small town in Michigan seems like the perfect scene for a Hallmark movie paired with the perfect storyline. There were so many great elements, snowed in, cancelled Bahamas trip, estranged aunt, small town, Christmas dance, helpful neighbor, and so much more. This made for the perfect Christmas novella.

The romance was a sweet, kisses-only romance.

Melody Carlson did a good job of intertwining faith throughout the book.

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

The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmeyer

The Rules of Falling for You is the first book I have read written by Mollie Rushmeyer, and I am excited to read more of her books. This dual POV Rom-com with a nod to Regency is the perfect blend of funny and real.

The character development is good. I enjoyed watching Zoe as she is navigating her type 1 diabetes and growing her regency romance podcast, while also looking for the perfect guy. There was a lot of growth to find out what has always been right in front of her. Harrison has some things to unpack for himself. He is still trying to find his footing after his previous job, as well as his relationship with his parents.

The setting was perfect. Set in Minnesota for a singles retreat at a historical estate made for a great story. The storyline was a fun one. Now, if you don’t like Jane Austen or cheesy stories, this is probably not the story for you, and that is ok. I enjoyed it. Zoe is a podcaster who talks about Jane Austen and all things Regency. I loved all the different pieces of Regency throughout the novel. The singles retreat was such a fun concept and fit in perfectly with Zoe’s podcast. I loved all the different activities that the group got to do, as well as all of Zoe’s mishaps; it added to the rom-com aspect.

The romance was a sweet, a best friend’s brother, opposites attract, kisses-only romance.

Mollie Rushmeyer did a good job of intertwining faith throughout the book, with mentions of prayer and mentioning God.

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

Giveaway and Review: The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Day Sarah Ran Away 
Series: The Sisterhood Pie Pact #1 
Author: Janell Goodrich York 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: August 19, 2025 
Genre: Women’s Fiction

A heartfelt tale of discovery and resilience when plans fall apart. 

Sarah Goodwin loved her life as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart into every moment with her only daughter, Emma. But now, Emma is off at college and rarely visits or answers her calls, leaving Sarah feeling adrift in a sea of routines—no more soccer games, fundraisers, dress shopping, or birthday parties. As each monotonous day blends into the next, Sarah longs for something more. 

When Emma announces she’ll be home for the summer to plan her wedding, Sarah is thrilled at the thought of shared dreams, endless to-do lists, and the promise of reconnecting. But her perfect summer quickly unravels when unexpected events send her on a daring journey with new companions—an adventure filled with twists, revelations, and surprises she never saw coming. 

As Sarah journeys west, questions loom. What will her husband do when he discovers she’s gone? Where will this journey lead her? And most importantly, what lies ahead for Sarah now?  

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

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About the Author

 

Janell Goodrich York is a retired high school guidance counselor. She was born in Indiana, but raised in a small town in Southwest Missouri. Janell loves to travel, especially to beach destinations. She loves to hang out with her family and spoil her two dogs. Janell lives in Missouri with her wonderful husband, Jim. Her first book, The Day Sarah Ran Away, was published by Scrivenings Press August 2025.

Connect with Janell by visiting janellyork.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Review

The Day Sarah Ran Away is the debut novel of Janell Goodrich York, and it was such a pleasure to read. I was completely blown away by how much I could relate to Sarah. Though I am in the throes of motherhood, I can totally picture myself having a moment like Sarah in the future.

The character development was good. I loved getting to know Sarah and seeing her process her new season of life. Sarah has been a stay-at-home mom, with her whole life revolving around her daughter. Through Sarah’s journey, she is also going through an emotional one as she tries to discover who she is in this season of life. Also, getting to hear the stories of the other ladies in the group was a great dynamic.

This was such a fun journey to go on. Sarah finds herself on a grandma tour trip after her husband tells her to ‘get a life’. Stopping at some interesting places and doing things she normally wouldn’t do. From the Wizard of Oz Museum to can-canning at the Western show, to being stranded in the desert with no gas, the adventures all add to Sarah’s sense of life.

There are a few faith elements included, but it is on the light side. With a few mentions of prayer and a stop in a church.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away and book swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 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

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