Thursday, August 28, 2025

Girl Lost by: Kate Angelo

Girl Lost is the second book I have read by Kate Angelo, and it did not disappoint. This book had me holding my breath, trying to figure out what would happen next. I felt totally immersed in this book. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

The character development is great. Luna had a rough childhood, which changed the trajectory of her life. Having a teen pregnancy and choosing to give her daughter up for adoption was a big life change. Being in the CIA, Luna has grown a lot. But she is still searching for something. She comes to her hometown to find her daughter. And that is when things really change. She finds her family. Corbin also had a rough childhood- his father was in prison serving a life sentence. He has a lot to unpack and overcome.

The small-town setting was perfect for this story. The storyline kept me on my toes. I enjoyed all the layers of this story. I loved the intertwining of agencies, CIA and special agent. As a special agent, Corbin is trying to figure out the case of a missing girl when an even bigger case is uncovered. We have kidnapping, medical experimentation, heart transplants, adoption, murder, and so much more. All the pieces to make a great thriller and suspense.

This second-chance romance was the perfect kisses-only, no spice book.

Kate Angelo does 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.

Monday, August 25, 2025

Giveaway and Review: A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin

A Lady Divided JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Lady Divided

Title: A Lady Divided 
Series:
House of Fire #1 
Author: Sandra Ardoin 
Publisher:
Corner Room Books 
Release Date: August 28, 2025 
Genre:
Christian Historical Romance

Just when she thinks she’s defeated the past, it returns with a vengeance. 

Fighting to keep her late husband’s dream alive and her land-grabbing neighbors at bay, Laurel Tillman longs for a peace she knew before the war. But when her skill with a rifle saves a stranger from a mountain lion attack—a man whose life she once wouldn’t have hesitated to take—wartime memories rush back. 

While raising her daughter and taking responsibility for the stray women who work on her sheep ranch, Laurel can’t wait to get the injured Yankee out of her house. Getting him out of her heart is an entirely different matter. 

Quinn Spencer, a former Union cavalry officer, owes Laurel a debt, but his career as a new lawyer in town comes with a warning to stay away from the unconventional women of La Casa del Fuego. Then, with the discovery of a dead man on Laurel’s ranch, Quinn must choose between his career and justice for a woman who can’t bear the sight of him. 

As they battle an unknown adversary who sets out to destroy Laurel, will she join forces with her former enemy? Or will she allow the past to overcome any chance of a truce between them . . . and, possibly, something more? 

Meet the women of La Casa del Fuego—House of Fire—as they are forced by circumstances to live their lives outside the bounds of accepted femininity.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Books2Read | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available


About the Author

Sandra Ardoin

As the author of reader-described heartwarming historical and contemporary romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith.

She is the married mother of a young adult and co-sitter for a granddog. As well as being a team member in her church's library, she reads Christian fiction, binges TV shows with her husband, and seldom says no to eating out. 

Visit her at sandraardoin.com. Connect with her on BookBub, Facebook, X, and Goodreads. Subscribe to the newsletter and keep up with what’s new, discover what’s upcoming, and learn of specials.


Review

A Lady Divided is the first book I have read written by Sandra Ardoin, and I look forward to reading more. This post-Civil War romance was a great blending of the worlds between the two opposite sides. It grabbed my attention from the start and brought me along on the journey as secrets were told and redemption received.

The character development was good. Laurel is trying to heal from her past while also trying to raise her daughter as a widow. Trying to decide whether to keep her ranch and her husband’s dreams alive or sell her ranch. Laurel is also wrestling with God. Feeling like she cannot be forgiven for what she has done. Quinn is trying to heal and also find his place after the Civil War. Being a Union soldier in Confederate land, things are a little bit hard. Wrestling with secrets and learning the truth, he has a lot to unpack.

The storyline and setting were great. Here we are, years after the civil war, which has torn the country and families apart. La Casa del Fuego has a story behind it, and so do the women who live there. As a group of all women on the sheep ranch, the town has turned its back on them. The layers in this story were great. I loved uncovering each layer and finding out who was trying to pin the blame on Laurel.

The romance was a slow burn, enemies to lovers, kisses only, which was perfect and sweet.

Sandra Ardoin did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story. With a great reminder that God forgives us.

“But God reached out and shook some much-needed sense into me recently.” “God shook sense into you? And here I thought you volunteered your acquaintance.” “You haven’t exactly been a beacon of welcome and friendship.” He grinned. “But I forgive you.” … “You forgive me?” “Yes…. And God waits to forgive you for whatever you think is unforgivable. He cares about you.”

*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 $25 Amazon eGift Card and two (2) ebooks of their choice from Sandra Ardoin’s Published Books!

(1) winner will receive three (3) ebooks of their choice from Sandra Ardoin’s Published Books!

A Lady Divided blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 25, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 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

Friday, August 22, 2025

Into the Spotlight by Leslea Wahl

Into the Spotlight is the third book I have read written by Leslea Wahl. This is a YA book, which is evident. Though it can be enjoyed by all ages, it is a YA mystery, and if that is your genre, it is the perfect book for you. I enjoy reading YA for a change of pace and finding my daughter some new books to read.

The character development was good. Josie, at the beginning, is disrespectful to her mom. Telling her she ruined her life. By the end of the book, Josie realizes that her mother’s books have actually helped other girls out, and she forgives her mom and mends their relationship. Throughout the book, Josie is trying to figure out who she is, which is a big part of being a teenager and young adult. Josie does a lot of maturing while away, both mentally and spiritually.

The setting and storyline were good. I loved the island setting. It was the perfect place for a summer read. The storyline was good. We have a lot of different things we interact with. There was helping immigrants and refugees, respect for elders, trying to solve the case of who was breaking in and stealing, baseball, crushes, and more.

The romance aspect is light and sweet, kisses-only. We do have a fake dating that comes to light, and Josie is hurt by it. Then Josie's heart opens up to Ryan. For a YA book, I was not a fan of the fake dating relationship, because that behavior would be devastating in real life, and I don’t want my preteens exposed to that right now. Having multiple crushes on boys at the same time is typical for YA as they are trying to figure out life.

Leslea Wahl did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. It was encouraging to see how the character's faith was being developed through the story. Though written from a catholic aspect, it can be enjoyed by all. There are mentions of Hail Marys.

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

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Noble by Mesu Andrews

Noble is the third book I have read written by Mesu Andrews, and each book has blown me away. This book is a work of art that brings the bible to life. The research that went into this book is evident. Opening the book, I found myself once again immersed in David’s life, and I felt like I was right there in the story. This book was encouraging and also gave me a better understanding of the Old Testament. I look forward to the next story in King David’s Brides series.

The character development is great. Within the story, we see how David is being prepared to be King of Israel even while in hiding from Saul. Through everything, David is seeking God and repenting for his missteps. His heart is truly after God. Maakah is dealing with a lot. Having such a huge shift in a world within castle walls, to seeing the death and destruction of life. Learning about the God of the Israelites and what He has told His people to do. Maakah does not want to become the third wife of David.

The biblical and historical elements were spot on and beautifully executed. I loved that Mesu Andrews used bible verses at the beginning of each chapter for context.

The romance element was done really well. I loved that it showed the intimacy of marriage and the relationship between God, husband, and wife, while also tackling the hard issues that we see in the bible of multiple wives. It is an interesting dynamic that occurred during that time.

Mesu Andrews did an amazing job staying true to the bible and using her own creativity and research to bring us a story about King David and his wives. This bible retelling story has immersed me so deeply into the bible. While at a bible study this week, I was able to pull some things I learned about Maakah that related to our bible study. It helped bring the passage to life. This was perfect.

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

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Journaled With Love by Erma M. Ullrey

Journaled With Love is the first novel I have read written by Erma M. Ullrey, and I look forward to reading more. This book was a mix of You’ve Got Mail and Hallmark, all wrapped up in one. It made for a sweet story that sucked me in from the start. I rated this 4.5 stars, and I am rounding it up to 5. I really enjoyed it and will probably reread this book in the future.

The character development was great. Macie is the daughter of a company owner, but her mother demands that she come home from her vacation. At the beginning, Macie comes off as a spoiled rich woman. As we pull back the layers of Macie, we find that there is more to her than just what she seems. Ryan is very work-focused and is working towards buying a car and moving out of his sister’s garage apartment.

The setting was good. I loved the family-owned business. It made for a fun dynamic. The storyline was fun. Ryan is faced with losing his job to the boss’s daughter, Macie, who doesn’t even want to be there. He is told to show her how to do his job. With the forced proximity, they find themselves spending more time together and trying to make things work. While also starting to enjoy being around each other. But when Ryan finds a journal on the bus and begins to correspond, he starts to have feelings for this person. We have some great elements for a fun story: forced proximity, matchmaking, boss’s daughter, correspondence with a stranger, love, going to church, faith, and so much more.

This forced proximity, opposites attract romance, was the perfect balance of tension and sweet romance.

Erma Ullrey 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.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Meant For Me by: Betsy St. Amant

Meant For Me is the third book in the Magnolia Bay series and is the third book I have read written by Betsy St. Amant. This series was cute. It sucked me in, and I am a little sad to leave this town behind. Though this was a great conclusion to the series. I have enjoyed this series, and I plan to visit Magnolia Bay again.

The character development was good. Linc is dealing with his foster care upbringing. With his grumpy exterior, he normally comes off wrong. When a little girl ends up on his steps, and is told it is his daughter, he finds himself with guardianship of his daughter that he never knew he had. Zoey lost her store to a fire in the last book and is trying to get a handle on her life. Things seem to be spinning out of control. That is how she finds herself asking to stay in Linc’s spare room. Even with her world in chaos, Zoey still shines through with her sunny personality. It was great watching Linc and Zoey grow together and learn to be parents.

The setting and storyline were great. I love the small town of Magnolia Bay. Being from Louisiana, it was easy to picture this small southern town. The foster care aspect was an interesting dynamic. Hard to see the bad, knowing that it is happening to children every day, but seeing the love and belonging that Amelia felt was touching. I loved this marriage of convenience trope paired with best friends to more. All in all, this story was great.

This friends-to-more, marriage-of-convenience romance between Linc and Zoey was perfect and sweet, just a no-spice kisses-only romance.

Betsy St. Amant did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.

Quote: “God invites us to participate in His plans, and our prayers do matter. But it’s never up to us. It’s never God plus our efforts. It’s God, working it all for our good.” She blew out her breath. “Usually despite us.”

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

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Fog Harbor Series by Nicole Deese

The Words We Lost

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Words We Lost is the first book in the Fog Harbor series. This is the first book I have read written by Nicole Deese, and I was not disappointed. I could not put the book down. I went into this book blind, not knowing much about it, just that I had book two and wanted to read book one first. The books in this series can be read as standalones, but then you would miss out on one of these great stories. This story was a journey, a journey through grief and forgiveness.

The character development was great. Ingrid is struggling with grief over the loss of a best friend. Through it, she has also lost her ability to read, which is a big deal when you are an editor. In fulfilling her friend’s final wishes, she must go on this scavenger hunt with her old flame. Ingrid has a lot of deep hurts to heal before she can go on. Joel is also grieving the loss of a close cousin. He is very supportive, and I love seeing how he processes his own grief.

The storyline was amazing. I loved that there was a story within the story. I also loved getting a glimpse into the publishing world. There were so many great elements in this story that makes it stand out, the treasure hunt, the story within, the process of grief, the overbearing, sneaky boss, untold secrets, and childhood trauma-dealing alcoholic father. The story was touching and had me reading late into the night, tears streaming down my face. This story touched me.

This second-chance romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.

The faith content was a little bit lacking in this book. I would have liked to see a little bit more.

The Roads We Follow

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Roads We Follow is the second book in the Fog Harbor series. This is the second book I have read written by Nicole Deese, and I look forward to reading more. I could not put this book down.

The character development was great. We have a lot of dynamics going on. Raegan is trying to pursue her dream of being a writer while also helping the family business. Micah is trying to figure out who his biological father is after a test reveals that his dad is not his dad, with the help of his mother’s old journals.

The storyline was great. I loved the tour bus, road trip setting. I loved getting a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of publishing. This story had some great elements: forgiveness, family tension, sister bonds, singing, writing a book, journals, past-meets present, and more. This made for the perfect touching story.

The romance was the perfect kisses-only romance.

Nicole Deese did a great job intertwining faith throughout this book. I loved the prayer garden that Micah’s mom had.

The Voices We Find

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Voices We Find is the third book in the Fog Harbor series. This is the third book I have read written by Nicole Deese. I had a slow weekend planned, so I started with book one and completed the whole series. To say I could not put the book down would be an understatement. The books in this series can be read as standalones, but then you would miss out on one of these great stories.

The character development in this book was huge. August is trying to navigate the death of both his parents on a mission trip while becoming the guardian of his adopted sister. Who has become hearing impaired from the accident. August is also dealing with having to pivot his career and lifestyle. Sophie is struggling. She has had to put her dream on hold after having a panic attack on stage. She finds herself having to return home. Through it all, she is finding her new dreams and finding faith.

The storyline was everything you need in a story. Wow! We have a lot of things to unpack in this one. We have hearing impairment, adoption, faith-shattering tragedy, sound recording studio, winery, federal investigation, and finding faith. Sophie is coming home and trying to figure out life, while also dealing with her brother and father, who aren’t treating her right. When she finds out about Voice actors, it becomes something she can pursue. She finds herself in August's home studio. Sophie and Gabby, August's sister, become close. As Gabby faces hearing impairment, she has been learning ASL, and Sophie joins her for the classes and learns ASL. The ending to this book is great, and I did not see that plot twist coming. Not going to say anymore because spoilers, but this book was truly great.

The romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.

Nicole Deese does a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. We have August, who is fighting his faith, and Sophie, who is just starting her faith journey. Then there is Gabby, who, through all the tragedy and loss she has incurred, can still put her trust in God. This touched me and made me cry. What an encouragement.

Quote: “Is there really a market for people too lazy to read for themselves? I mean, I’m no expert here, but reading a book versus listening to one seem like two completely different experiences. Does it even count as reading?” As I myself, listened to this book as an audiobook. I might have spat my coffee out from laughing so hard.

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