Review: A Season of Wishes by Julie Daines, Samantha Hastings, Rachel Kelly Stones

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

This Christmas, the best wishes aren't found on a list.

The Trouble with Wishes by Julie Daines
Catherine Haywood is desperate to claim the affection of her long-time friend Frederick Milton, but Frederick only seems interested in courting the new young lady in town. Catherine makes a series of wishes, thinking that is the safer route rather than openly putting her heart on the line. But as each wish is fulfilled, she realizes getting what she wished for is not the same as getting what she wants.

We Wish You a Miserable Christmas by Samantha Hastings
Two secret pen fellows meet only to learn that they already know one another in this Christmas comedy of errors! Miserable Margaret resents Mr. Frank Warner and truthfully he is a little afraid of her. They are thrown together in a Christmas house party in London and spend the season skating, decorating, going to the theaters, and even dancing. Margaret discovers that she isn't miserable after all. And Frank, with her help, finds the courage to believe in himself and work for his own happily-ever-after.

Pranks and Wishes by Rachel Kelley Stones
Elizabeth Quincy will do anything it takes to stop her childhood friend, Thomas Westin, from proposing marriage to her younger sister this Christmas. Thomas Westin has a plan. He’s determined to convince Lizzy to be his bride. Only, she keeps avoiding any conversation related to love. In this friends-to-lovers novella, Lizzy and Thomas must learn to trust themselves and each other to see if their feelings will be reciprocated.

My Review

I'm always so happy to read a new collection from Timeless Regency! This book featured three of my favorite authors, and the Christmas theme was heartwarming. Unrequited love, secret wishes, pen pals in disguise, and a prank gone horribly wrong bring liveliness to these stories and I was engaged the entire time I was reading. They are perfect for busy times of life because I can finish a story with a sweet happy ending more quickly, while still enjoying characters that come to life and a full plot. I love reading these during the holidays and any time of year really! A Season of Wishes made it onto my list of favorites to re-read.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

 

Timeless Regency Collection series

 

Don't miss any of the 20 books in this series!

 

Review: Dating an Amish Flirt by Rachel J. Good

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Between heavenly homemade bread, irresistible desserts, and stunning crafts, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmer’s Market provides warm-hearted community—and love’s surprising possibilities . . .

With her sweet nature and delicate beauty, Rachel Glick attracts boys like bees to a flower—despite her best attempts to discourage them. Downhearted since her beloved brother’s death, and isolated as the sole caretaker to her invalid mother, Rachel would welcome the friendship of other girls. But her unfair reputation as a flirt leaves her snubbed. Yet she’s only ever loved Josh Yoder, her childhood best friend. Why he distanced himself from her in eighth grade, she’ll never understand. And now, though he’s been a blessing doing repairs around her farm, he is courting another girl, so there is no going back . . .

Josh has been in love with Rachel since he was a boy. But he can never forgive himself for hurting her—or for the reason behind it. He can only do his best to lighten her burdens and hope others see her good heart. Still, the sight of her fills him with fresh longing, much as he tries to focus on his girlfriend and forget the past. Yet when jealousy flares, igniting trouble, they both must look to faith to do what’s right—and bring joyous futures for everyone . . .

My Review

This has been a fun series to read and see how the lives intertwine in the close-knit Amish community. Mrs. Vanderberg, a local octogenarian with astoundingly accurate insights into the hearts of her neighbors, is known for her matchmaking abilities and uses her wealth and influence to help solve the problems the couples face. With the title, I anticipated this book to be light hearted, and was surprised with how angsty it was. Rachel is the supposed flirt, but she is actually mired in grief and isolated by the gossip and rumors from the other girls. Josh seems to have it all together, but he is a hot mess of guilt and self-punishment. Their thoughts of regrets and anguish get repetitive and I almost gave up on the book, but pushed through and got to the good stuff when Rachel receives an unexpected surprise and then when Mrs. V gets involved. It was frustrating to see Rachel not stand up for herself or communicate with Josh, and Josh was a bit of an idiot with his relationship with Anna Mary. The surprise that draws them together is a turning point and helps them realize that sharing the truth and giving forgiveness will bring healing and joy.  

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Surprised by Love series

 

 

Review: Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Her greatest sacrifice became her greatest legacy.

Zacharias has loved Elisabeth all his life. When negotiations are made for their marriage, the childhood friends trust that their future will be bright. But as their story unfolds in their village near Jerusalem, the life they build together is marked by both the joy of love and the sorrows of loss and longing, for as the years pass by, the steadfast couple is never blessed with the thing they desire above all: a child.

Now beyond childbearing years, it seems that the couple’s righteous desire will never be granted—until a divine promise is made, and they learn that their fate will transcend the bounds of age and mortal comprehension. Elisabeth and Zacharias are destined to play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of ancient scripture, and they soon come to understand that God’s plan is far grander than they ever dreamed.

My Review

I read quite a bit of Christmas themed books this time of year, especially rom-coms. This book, however, has become my new favorite Christmas novel! I loved the story of the early years of Zacharias and Elizabeth, bringing the historical figures to life with personality and details from the era. I can always rely on the author for immaculate research and love the way she weaves it into her stories. It is eye opening to realize how different cultures from the past can be from ours, yet there are universal things we have in common like relationships and feelings. 

 

The second part of the book is so special- the visit from an angel to Zacharias in the temple, his affliction of being struck dumb, and the miracle of John's conception. The emotion of Elisabeth and Zacharias through these events is close to the surface and I felt connected to them and their experiences in a way I never have before. Mary's visit to Elisabeth during both of their pregnancies was an incredible part, as she lived and worked quietly with them, and shared with her family her own angelic visitation and miracles. The scriptures and prophecies are intensely studied by Zacharias and his brother, and Mary gleans this important knowledge from them to prepare her for her role in raising the Savior of the world. Elisabeth and Zacharias rejoice that their son will prepare the way for Christ and also take their roles seriously. The days leading up to the birth of Christ are filled with so much anticipation and hope, it made the Christmas season feel so much more powerful and meaningful to me (and brought tears to my eyes in several places!)

 

I highly recommend this book as *the* must-read Christmas book of the year, and for any time following! What a truly enriching and inspiring experience to read this story. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Biblical Novels by H.B. Moore

Blog Blitz & Review: The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bishof 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.

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

 

My Review

There are few things I love to read so much as a Pride and Prejudice adaptation! I can be critical of the ones that are more of a retelling that doesn't offer much variation, but this book brought the classic story to the turn of the century deep in Appalachia, with new challenges alongside the universal struggles of our beloved characters. The slight shifts and twists that made this story its own while weaving in parts of the original in fresh ways made it entertaining to read. I was delighted with the portrayal of each member of the Bennet family, and loved how the author stayed true to the original personalities while adding depth and insight into each of them. They are more humble circumstances compared to the original Bennets, but in relation to their neighbors and the coal barons, the relative prosperity matches well enough to Pride and Prejudice. Lizbeth and Jayne are the resourceful, mature sisters that share a close bond, and aware enough to be slightly embarrassed by their family while loving them fiercely as well. 

William and his lawyer Callum are in the remote part of Virginia to determine if the local coal mine and surrounding property is a wise investment. It was fun that his luxurious train car represents his wealth, and the awe of the Bennet sisters when they are invited to tea there. William is confident in his own sphere, but Lizbeth brings out the awkward in him, and his self-mortification causes some miscommunication... thankfully resolved as they become friends. It was fascinating to learn historical details of the era and behind-the-scenes of the coal mine negotiations. I developed an appreciation for both the workers and the owners of the venture that supplied the fuel for energy. William is forward thinking in how to improve the mine productivity and conditions of the workers, including the poor mules who were raised by the Bennets and worked to death down in the mine without seeing sunlight again. The complications of land ownership, rumors and gossip, family interference, and misunderstandings bring conflict to William's relationship with Lizbeth and the Bennets, making the resolution all the sweeter and more satisfying in the end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Also Available

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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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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!

Takeover + Review Blitz for 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

 

 

Excerpt

Alina suffering under the control of the monster who might have killed her mother caused me to forget all manner of good sense. How had the kidnappers navigated her to Dog Canyon? How had they raised and lowered her over steep inclines and slippery shale rock? With ropes? Carried her?

If I accepted the job, I needed a member of law enforcement whom I trusted . . . Someone wilderness-worthy with negotiation skills and able to expertly use a firearm without hesitation.

A man’s name held my attention. Seven months ago in Houston, I’d trained Texas Rangers on wilderness-survival skills through a four-day-long series of hands-on classes. One of the Rangers worked in the Crisis Negotiation Unit—CNT. A man I respected. He had a master’s degree in psychology and a reputation as a risk-taker. I needed a trained professional who put others first . . . providing he let me lead and give the orders.

Captain Blane Gardner.

I hesitated to call him. We’d gone out three times, and I enjoyed his company and commitment to the Texas Rangers. Then I invited him to church. He claimed he and God weren’t on speaking terms, so I ended the relationship. Although I’d made the right decision, several sleepless nights passed before I could push his pecan-colored eyes, thick red hair, and fit physique out of my heart. My pulse sped at the idea of spending hours alone with him in the wilderness, and the thought of putting myself through the emotional roller coaster again sent my pulse racing, but saving a child’s life took priority.

With thirty minutes before I had to leave to meet Professor Ivanov, I pulled up Blane’s contact info on my phone. Any other time, I’d have been considerate of the early hour, but not this morning. I pressed in the numbers, and a groggy man answered. 

 

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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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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.

Enter Giveaway

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Takeover + Review Blitz for 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

 

Excerpt

“One of the reasons I love it at Eleos is that we’re all the same. None better or worse than any other. There’s no judgment or shame, just a chance to be different than we were before.” Mary sat back, looking out the window. “Being your lady’s maid is the safest and happiest I’ve been my whole life. I don’t imagine there could be anything better.”

Philippa studied Mary’s profile, noting her pretty features and clear skin. She might not aspire to being anything beyond Philippa’s maid, but Philippa hoped there was better in store for her somewhere, someday. Perhaps even love, marriage, and a family? Surely there was someone out there who would appreciate Mary Rush for the treasure she was. (p. 107)

 

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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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!