Review: The Amish Quiltmaker's Uninvited Guest by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Esther’s distant cousin, widower Menno Eicher, needs to be hard-headed and practical. Swamped by family and farm responsibilities, he must find the perfect wife as quickly as possible, so he’s shown up in Colorado—with “finding a wife” on his To-Do list! Esther’s community has many women who could match his ever-growing requirements. Yet after a chance meeting, Menno keeps coming back to baker Joanna Yoder. Hard-working, honest, and forthright, she’s distracting Menno from his search, opening his heart—but refuses to believe he’s falling hopelessly in love with her . . .
 
Happily busy inventing and selling delicious desserts, Joanna has no time for someone as ridiculously exacting as Menno. After all, what sort of man thinks choosing a wife is like picking a pie at the general store? But once she sees the surprisingly kind heart, doting father, and understanding man beneath his hard-to-please ways, she has second thoughts. With faith and genuine love, might the few things they have in common overcome the differences between them—and prove precious enough to risk a future together?

My Review

Handsome Menno and lovely Joanna have a sweet meet-cute and are definitely interested in each other... until Menno proposes right away! He has a list and Joanna doesn't want to be just another can of corn. As much as Menno tries with some other nice ladies in the community, he and his girls just want Joannna. He has to overcome his habit of saying hilariously not-quite-appropriate things and putting Joanna on edge. Joanna is justified in wanting to be wanted for herself and not just a role that anyone could fill. Menno is just not great at expressing his deeper desires and emotions since he is pragmatically focused on following his bishop's counsel to find someone to fill the role of wife and mother. With plenty of angst and laugh out loud moments, they both are able to realize and understand their attraction and compatibilty... with the help of a great cast of characters from family and community. I'm loving this series!

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.

Don't miss the other books in the Amish Quiltmaker series . . .

 

 

 

Review: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

My Review

Fairy tale adaptations are a favorite genre of mine, and with Karen Witemeyer as a favorite author, I knew I would enjoy her Western take on Cinderella. The story elements are creative and unique, with the male lead as the one in poverty, our female lead wealthy, and a father presenting several "opportunities" for her to marry. Samantha knows her own mind and is fiercely loyal to her family. As she grows into adulthood that brings some conflict when her path doesn't necessarily align with the goals of others. Asher has some prejudice against her family, but is willing to have an open mind when sees how Samantha has a compassionate heart as she tutors his younger brother. Samantha and Asher both go through a growth arc as they come up against trials and develop their faith to get through them. The mystery kept me in suspense and the twists at the end I did not see coming. A sweet romance and I was glad that the story deviated from the original enough to feel fresh and not predictable.

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 Texas Ever After series

 

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

  

 

Title: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry 

Series: Treasures of Halstead Manor 

Author: Susan L. Tuttle 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 18, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Adventure 

In pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again? 

With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction. 

But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together?

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

 

Excerpt

“There’s a book I need you to collect for me.”

Natalie’s interest piqued. He was speaking her language. Plus, if he wanted them looking for a book, chances were it was rare, old, or both. He wasn’t simply speaking her language—he was speaking it fluently.

“What is it?” Natalie leaned in.

“A handwritten and illustrated copy of Lewis Carroll’s first attempt at Alice in Wonderland, which he titled Alice’s Adventures Under Ground.” The thought of a handwritten manuscript by Lewis Carroll vaulted Natalie out of her seat, but before she could speak, Brooke jumped in.

“That doesn’t make sense. Carroll gave that first edition to Alice Liddell, the little girl everyone believes inspired the story. That copy is now on display at the British Museum.”

Brooke owned a pawn shop and immersed herself in antiques. In fact, she’d once been an antique runner, acquiring pieces for wealthy collectors. Her knowledge and background often overlapped with Natalie’s, but no one knew history and literature quite like Natalie. This instance was case in point.

She looked across the room as she addressed everyone. “True, Carroll did give a copy to Alice, but it’s been rumored for years that he wrote an even earlier version that’s been lost since before Liddell’s copy was given to her.”

A line formed between Brooke’s perfectly manicured eyebrows. “I’ve never heard that theory.”

“It’s not well known, and many believe it to be myth. I can send you a link to the few articles I’ve read.” Natalie had no trouble recounting the periodicals’ names, article titles, or publication dates. Her memory simply worked that way. If she engaged with something once, she didn’t forget it.

Brooke nodded, seemingly content with that answer for now. Natalie wasn’t offended by the need to prove her statement. Over the past few months, she’d come to know Brooke and her desire for concrete answers. Natalie couldn’t say she blamed her. Right about now she’d love some solid solutions to her marriage.

“Natalie’s correct,” Caspar said. “This is a rumored copy, yet it is very much real, and I have a lead on its location.”

More Books from this Series

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About the Author

Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Along Came Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry and a $25 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 February 19, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 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!

Review: Winning the Mountain Man's Love by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

As the second brother of six, Jonah Coulter has no shortage of family, yet he’s more than ready to find a woman who doesn’t see him as her second choice. Haunted by the loss of his sister Lucy and the rejection of his former fiancée, he sets out to find the aunt of a lost child his family has taken in. Maybe reuniting the girl with her only remaining family will give him the purpose he craves.

After fleeing her past and the man who killed her late husband, Patience Whitman has reinvented herself in the untamed Montana Territory. Relying on her gambling skills to survive, she’s determined to earn enough to buy the life she dreams of—a bit of land and a home of her very own, far enough away from people that she can finally find peace. But then a man shows up in town searching for her and says his family has taken in her niece, Patsy’s perfectly laid plans go awry. If Anna really is here in the Montana Territory, Patience can’t abandon the only family she has left.

As Jonah and Patsy navigate the treacherous landscape of their pasts and little Anna’s future, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust each other. But when Patsy's dangerous past catches up to them, they must risk everything to claim the happily ever after they both crave.

My Review

I enjoyed the journey of Jonah as he searched and found Anna's aunt. She has had a rough road of unexpected circumstances, but each time she shifts her path and plans to keep going. Jonah brings bittersweet news- the death of Anna's family members but also a niece that needs her care. Patsy again pivots and does the next right thing, reuniting with Anna and building a relationship with her. Jonah has been disappointed in love- he's a protector and rescuer with a heart of gold. I appreciated how he learns from his past and uses those lessons to develop a stronger bond with Patsy and help her with her faith. As always the author weaves in powerful messages with danger and adventure. Another wonderful addition to the series!

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 Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series 

Review: Dropping the Ball by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Pull off the swankiest New Year’s benefit gala the city has ever seen? Kaitlyn Armstrong has got this. Do it with the high school rival who once humiliated her? Kaitlyn Armstrong so does not have this…

Kaitlyn Armstrong has a mission this holiday pull off a glitzy fundraising gala to redeem her family’s reputation. After all, besides one tiny—okay, catastrophic—failure in high school, Kaitlyn is her family’s rock. Who better to trust?

But then Kaitlyn meets the architect she must work with to pull off the event. Micah Croft is the man who broke her nose, her heart, and her perfect academic record in high school.

Now he’s breaking her eight-year streak of avoiding him.

Kaitlyn fell under his spell once and it ruined graduation. Distraction means failure, and she can’t fail again—not when it will cost her family public humiliation in front of Austin’s social elite.

When the gala plans go wrong, and Micah is the only part that feels right, can Kaitlyn risk choosing him over finally making up for her mistakes in the past?

Dropping the Ball is a closed door romcom featuring old high school rivals with a strong dose of Gilbert and Anne competition and pining. It's a holiday romance with all the sizzle and swoon, but no spice.

My Review

I loved all the dynamics in this book! There's shared history, complete with a high school rivalry and embarrassing moment that was pretty funny - she broke her nose because of a pectoral sighting! The vulnerability and fallout from which led to Kaitlyn's blaming of her life's misdirection on Micah. I loved how she goes through the healing process of forgiveness, seeing things from a more mature perspective, and allowing Micah the grace of not knowing the events he set in motion by helping. They have both come a long way and their new way of relating to each other is just plain awesome. So much chemistry and depth woven together with a snarky humor vibe to balance it out. Also loved Kaitlyn's relationship with her sister Madi, who was the main character in Betting on the Brainiac. So glad that the author dove into Kaitlyn's story with Dropping the Ball. One of my favorites of the year!

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.

Don't miss the companion book . . .

 

 

 

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Right Before Their Eyes
Series: Faith Endures #2
Author: Carrie Walker
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Genre: Romantic Women's Fiction

Sometimes the love you need most looks different than you imagined. 

Clare Martin thought nothing of agreeing to live with her dementia-ridden grandmother when her parents left on mission. Balancing that with her job as a social worker and the expectations of her career-driven boyfriend proved doable—until Grandma started a house fire. 

Mason Hughes has loved Clare for years, but the time was never right to tell her and now she’s dating someone else, fixing Mason firmly in the friend zone. He’s working to be a pediatric neurologist, a dream inspired by a special boy with a terminal brain condition and must choose a medical school. Finances are so tight he’s forced to consider a program across the country, a troubling fact he’s kept secret. 

Lucia Roberts, a seventeen-year-old on Clare’s caseload, loses her foster home and is placed in an unwelcoming group home. At every turn she’s met with rejection and becomes desperate for any proof she has value—enough to make choices that could affect the rest of her life. 

When Grandma Dottie and Lucia's paths take a dangerous turn, Clare frantically tries to save them. As their lives knit together, will they find the love that’s right before their eyes?  

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

 

Interview with Author Carrie Walker

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure :) I’m a mom of 7 who married my high school sweetheart almost 25 years ago. We live in Michigan and have always lead a very busy, fulfilling life. I call myself a “complicated introvert.” I love people and so enjoy having meaningful conversations, but put me in a new crowd and I’ll hide by the wall I promise you! 

What do you do besides writing?

Currently, my husband and I have dusted off our youth ministry hats (we served as high school youth ministers for the first ten years of our marriage) and are helping as adult leaders in our daughter’s group. So wonderful! We love playing board games, have a pet Lab, and enjoy pickleball as well.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I really enjoyed the research into the lives of kids in the foster care system (though some of the things I learned made me sad, I learned so, so much.). 

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters?

I do this in different ways. Pictures is definitely one way. I’ll scroll through images of people in the right age range to find an image that looks like the character I’m envisioning. At least once in every book I have a generous friend or family member that volunteers to let me borrow their personality and looks for a character (There is one in this book too, hint. hint.). That’s always fun, since I know that person well and it’s very easy to envision their character. Sometimes I’ll tell another person about the story I’m working on and the type of character I’m trying to figure out and I can just see a light go off in their mind with ideas and when they share it gets me rolling to develop the rest.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

“Living Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. When the book started, I knew Clare and Mason needed a song. I went through so many, and the lyrics to this one just told their story in so many ways that I would often listen to it to get into the mindset for the characters before writing a scene. 

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

That God is always working, even if you can’t see Him, even if you’re looking and still can’t see Him. And when the moment comes that He reveals what’ He’s done in your life, you will look back on the journey and see Him in every step of it. 

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

The third book in this series releases in the spring of 2026. That will be the conclusion to this three-book series and features Lucia as a lead character, Mason as he’s an adult and another new character. And you’ll be able to see how little Theo, is still changing the world, even years later.

 

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Carrie Walker is an award-winning author who lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. As an avid reader, she pens what she loves to read, stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Besides writing, Carrie enjoys board games, time with family and counting down the days ’til Christmas.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Right Before Their Eyes as well as a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 18, 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!

Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

  

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus's heart divines a different truth--one that might just get Penelope killed.

An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.

My Review

This is such a creative retelling of Snow White! The setting is not your usual Western, either- it features a traveling performance troupe, a ranch for retired cowboys, and a Texas ranger following an investigation. Penelope is genuinely good, and embodies the essence of the classic Snow White. She has had a life of struggles, but is still compassionate and caring. The old cowboys adopt her as a granddaughter of sorts, and she reciprocates their kindness with actions of service such as cooking, cleaning. The ranch becomes a real home to her of affection and security, something she craves. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between her and Titus- they didn't have many scenes together before their relationship accelerated from Titus's suspicion and accusations to romance. The villainess was truly conniving, and a handful of scenes are from her perspective to keep the plot moving along. Thankfully the faith and loyalty of Penelope's new "found" family helped all things work together for her good.

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 Texas Ever After series