Still Waters by Patricia Johns

Still Waters is the second book I have read written by Patricia Johns, and it did not disappoint. It is book two in The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill series, and it could be read as a standalone, but we get to revisit characters from the first book. This book follows two different Amish characters: Beth Peachy and Danny Lapp, who have been friends for years. Beth is trying to learn more about her family history, but her Mammi (grandma) is being very closed about the past, while also dealing with Dementia. Beth is helping her Mammi as they get ready to move her in with Beth’s mom. Danny is dealing with his own family secrets when he discovers his brother, who has left the faith, has started talking about the Amish faith and twisting the truth on social media. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and trying to figure out the family secret. I loved getting to check in with Tabitha and see her doing her veterinarian work as an Amish woman. She is having a hard time relating to the Amish woman, having returned after divorcing her husband. She is starting to find her place within the community, but is also having to face some hard aspects of being divorced. Patricia Johns did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. *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.

Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen

Echoes of a Silent Song is the second book I have read written by Amanda Wen, and it blew me away. I went in blind with this one. I did not read any reviews; I did not read the synopsis. I picked it based on the author and publisher, and it did not disappoint.

This split-timeline story, filled with music, was perfect. It was split between the present day, where the FMC Blair has been the only solid person for the choir. When Callum begins the year, there is no hope that he is staying for longer than his one-year commitment.

The character development in this book is great. Blair is struggling with who her ex-fiancé cheated on her with and how she reacts to men. Callum is dealing with the suicide of his fiancée. In 1969, we have Iris, who is dealing with something. The doctor diagnosed her with anxiety, but it could have been something else. The medicine they had her taking was affecting her music composing.

This book touches on suicide and lots of emotions, as most teenagers go through. Amanda Wen portrayed a beautiful story that is going to stick around my head for a while. This is the top 10 for 2025 for me.

This second chance at love romance was kisses only and sweet.

Amanda Wen did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book.

*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: The Seed of Faith by Daniel Petronelli

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Seed of Faith by Daniel Petronelli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Seed of Faith 
Author: Daniel Petronelli 
Publisher: Walnut Publishing Company 
Release Date: October 26, 2021 
Genre: Christian - middle grade fiction

Pencraft : Christian - Children Book Awards Winner (2023) 
Kirkus Reviews - Our Verdict: GET IT! 
Mom’s Choice Awards (2022) 
Gold Medal Moonbeam Children's Book Awards: (2021) 
Gold Medal: Religion/Spirituality  

"Petronelli weaves a Christian-themed holiday tale that offers no hint of the ending, which is indeed a surprise, and will have young readers rooting for the boys as they try to save Christmas for Shiloh." 

"Pritchett's full color, painterly illustrations are soft and muted with a pleasant glow that adds to the book's overall charm."  

"A warm and inspirational holiday tale"  

It’s Christmas Eve in the small foothill Village of Shiloh. 
A father retells the miraculous story that no one will ever forget. 
A group of young boys lost in a powerful storm 
fight to survive on that glorious night. 
The incredible chance encounter with a kind stranger may be their only hope.

This award-winning book chronicles the spiritual journey of these children. 
The lessons learned, the gift received and the lives that were changed. 

This timeless Christian tale centers on the true meaning of Christmas; helping those less fortunate, love thy neighbor and assures children …and adults, that if we lose our way, face hardship or struggles, that God is always there by our side. 

This uplifting epic adventure will inspire readers to believe in Christmas miracles all year long, and in the power of just one tiny seed – The Seed of Faith.  

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

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About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader. 

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins. 

When not with his family and friends, he can be found on the first tee … asking for another mulligan. 

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today. 

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world. 

Learn more at TheSeedofFaith.net

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Review

The Seed of Faith is the first book I have read written by Daniel Petronelli. This book is a Christmas treasure. When I saw it, I knew it would be a book to add to my Christmas book treasury, a book to be read over and over again to my children. I look forward to sharing this story with my kids this Christmas. Though this is Christmas-themed, it could be enjoyed any time of year.

This story was heartwarming and cozy. Full of Lessons of faith, sharing with others, loving your neighbors, and the true meaning of Christmas. This was a story told by a father to a daughter about what happened to him on Faith Hill. It is a story that can be enjoyed by all ages.

*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.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card plus a signed hardcover copy of The Seed of Faith!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 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/CAN 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!

Giveaway and Review: The Hidden Legacy by: June Foster

 

About the Book

Book: The Hidden Legacy (A Ford Family Rach: Book Two)

Author: June Foster

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Austin Ford has inherited the weight of his family’s legacy, overseeing the sprawling Ford Ranch as his father steps back and his siblings forge their own paths. But when his beloved horse, Jack, falls gravely ill, Austin calls upon the new veterinarian in town, igniting a chain of events that will change everything.

Dr. Willow Lawson, a skilled veterinarian, is stunned when she first lays eyes on Austin Ford. The young, handsome rancher is the spitting image of her deceased husband, a shock that causes her to faint right in the horse barn. Determined to overcome the haunting memories, Willow throws herself into her work, even as her heart begins to stir for the charismatic rancher.

As Austin grapples with the strange, unexplained holes appearing on the North Pasture, he is drawn into a deeper mystery. Night flights over the ranch reveal flashing lights in the darkness, suggesting the holes are no mere animal burrows.

Amidst this growing unease, Austin and Willow’s budding relationship is tested when her clinic is vandalized, leaving her devastated and out of work. The attacks seem to be more than random acts of violence, especially when Austin’s father recounts tales of buried gold hidden on the ranch by their ancestor, Great Grandfather Jeremiah, during the Great Depression.

With prowlers encroaching on his land and his desire to protect Willow intensifying, Austin must navigate the treacherous waters of old family secrets and new-found love. Together, can Austin and Willow unravel the mystery threatening their lives and find solace in each other’s arms? Or will the shadows of the past and present prove too formidable to overcome?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She’s published with Winged Publications.

June is active in her church and her ladies’ fellowship group. She enjoys writing devotionals as well as fiction. She frequently attends writers’ conferences such as Blue Lake Writers’ Conference and Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format. In 2023, June won the Ames Award for her book Christmas at Cranberry Cove, book three in the same series.

More from June

If you love fields of Texas bluebonnets, rolling hills dotted with woolly sheep, and good-looking cowboys, you won’t want to miss The Hidden Heritage.

Veterinarian Willow Lawson never expected to faint the first time she laid eyes on Austin Ford—the ruggedly handsome owner of the Ford Ranch. But their unexpected meeting is only the beginning.

When strange holes appear in the Back Pasture, Willow and Austin join forces to uncover who—or what—is behind the digging. As danger closes in and their lives are threatened, a bond forms between them, stronger than either expected.

But just as love begins to bloom, a shocking revelation from the past threatens to tear them apart. What secret lies buried at the Ford Ranch—and can love survive its unearthing?

 

Review

The Hidden Legacy is the third book I have read written by June Foster, and I look forward to reading more. This is the second book in the Ford Family Ranch Series, though it could be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing big pieces to the story.

It was a pleasure being back at the Ford Family Ranch. The storyline was great. Getting to uncover the mystery behind why Austin looks so much like Willow’s deceased husband. Paired with the mystery holes in the pack pasture, it was an adventure to unearth the truth behind them both.  

The blossoming romance between Austin and Willow was sweet and kisses only.

June Foster did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book.  

*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.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Stories By Gina, October 24 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 25

Patti Wolf, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Guild Master, October 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

For Him and My Family, October 29

Fiction Book Lover, October 30 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Bizwings Blog, November 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 3 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 3

Cover Lover Book Review, November 4

Pause for Tales, November 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, June is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d284/the-hidden-legacy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Giveaway and Review :Curveball on the Dance Floor by Karin Beery

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Curveball on the Dance Floor by Karin Beery, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Curveball on the Dance Floor 
Series: Novak Sisters #2 
Author: Karin Beery 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: October 28, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Chris can handle a curveball at the diamond. Can she handle one on the dance floor? 

Naturally athletic Christine Novak doesn’t shy away from physical challenges until her older sister needs help on the dance floor. Though she prefers cleats to heels, Chris agrees to help—it’s only for four weeks and for a good cause. But dancing doesn’t come as naturally as throwing a ball, so her sister calls in backup. Handsome, talented, experienced backup. 

Tony Caldwell—champion ballroom dancer and Chris’s first childhood crush—agrees to show her the stops, but between her memories of Tony fifteen years ago and the ten-year age gap, Chris struggles to keep her feet in place. Determined to help her succeed, Tony steps out the studio to prove to Chris that she can dance, and that he’s not who she thinks he is. 

Extra practices and time together do more than boost Chris’s confidence. As her nerves subside and reality replaces her memories, Chris and Tony become more than dance partners, but their new adult connection might not be enough to overcome the past that catches up to them.  

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Author of hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance, Karin Beery lives in northern Michigan with her husband and pets. They drink too much (decaf) coffee, put up their Christmas tree the first weekend in November, and do their best to live every day for the Lord.

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

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Review

Curveball on the Dance Floor is the first book I have read written by Karin Beery. Though this can be read as a standalone, I think it would be better read in the series order. I felt like I was missing something.

The story was cute. I loved the FMC jock angle. Most books I read have the MMC as the jock, so it was fun to see a female athlete. The dance competition aspect was a fun aspect. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Tony and Chris develop. The supporting characters were great, too. I loved Tony’s family. A lot is going on in the story, and a surprising plot twist that I won’t spill.   

This age-gap, friends-to-more romance was sweet, with kisses only.

This is not a faith novel, so there was no faith aspect. It is clean, there is mention of Tony’s past, hook-ups, but Tony has changed from that life.

*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.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Finally Forever (book #1 in the series) and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 21, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 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/CAN 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!

Giveaway and Spotlight: The Heart of Bennet Hollow by: Joanne Bischof DeWitt

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

About the Book

Title: The Heart of Bennet Hollow 

Author: Joanne Bischof DeWitt 

Publisher: Tyndale 

Release Date: October 7, 2025 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

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

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

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

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

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

Also Available:

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

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About the Author

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

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

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Excerpt

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

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

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

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

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Tour Giveaway

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

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 22, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 29, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Giveaway and Spotlight: Together This Christmas by: Beth K. Vogt

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Together This Christmas by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Together This Christmas 
Author: Beth K. Vogt 
Publisher: Story Architect 
Release Date: October 13, 2025 
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Contemporary Romance Christmas novella (spiritual thread)

What if true love is only a text away? 

Mila Maxwell is happy with her life in New York City. Her boyfriend Zane is perfect for her – and yes perfect means he offers her the stability she’s always wanted. Zane’s also not threatened by the endless text thread she keeps with her best friend, Ben Kendrick. Why should he be? They’re friends, nothing more. 

Christmas is coming – a holiday she’d much rather skip – and Mila’s the maid-of-honor for her college roommate’s December wedding. When disaster strikes the wedding coordinator, Mila rushes to Colorado to save Angie’s big day and plunges headfirst into all the marital falalala. 

As Mila works the details for Angie and Charles’ wedding, Ben steps up to help.  After all, he’s the best man and someone in his life should have a happily ever after. This may be Ben’s last chance to convince Mila that they were meant for more than long texts and short video chats. 

Mila must confront her fears about love and choose: Zane, who offers her the security she’s always longed for, or Ben, who has never given up on her. What if her true love has always been one text away?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BethVogt.com | Amazon

Also Available

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About the Author

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She writes both contemporary romance and women’s fiction because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International (now MomCo), Beth blogs for The Write Conversation and enjoys speaking to writers groups and mentoring writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

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

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Excerpt

Unlike some people, New York City didn’t bypass Thanksgiving and move right to Christmas. Even after living in Manhattan for three years, Mila—like many other New Yorkers—still loved the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now less than two weeks away. And no, Santa’s appearance at the end wasn’t her favorite part. Mila would ignore hints of the upcoming fa la la la la and enjoy time with Zane.

“That bag isn’t too heavy for you?” Mila nudged her boyfriend’s shoulder as they maneuvered through the crowd on Fifth Avenue. Ever considerate, Zane adjusted his pace to accommodate her much shorter stride. While her three-inch heels compensated for her five-foot-nothing frame, there were some things she couldn’t overcome.

Zane shifted the yellow bag with the red LEGO trademark and took Mila’s hand. “I can manage just fine.”

“The real question is, how many hours will you need to put that vintage PAC-MAN Arcade together?”

“You want to help me?” Zane’s brown eyes registered surprise.

“That’s not a serious invitation. You get too much satisfaction out of completing a model all by yourself.”

“Maybe I’ll slip a LEGO set into your stocking. Something small for you to start on.”

“Already thinking about Christmas shopping?”

“Never too early, right?”

Mila sidestepped a trio of teen girls who talked and texted as they walked. “Agreed.”

Because it was easier to agree than talk about what she really thought about Christmas.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a "My Holidays are All Booked" mug from Pippi Post, and a print copy of Together This Christmas!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 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!