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

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!

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.

Giveaway and Review: A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin

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

About the Book

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

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About the Author

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.

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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.

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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!

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

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