Dockside Secrets ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Dockside Secrets

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release Date: October 17, 2025

When Finley Burke moves to the peaceful lakeside village of Sunset Cove, she’s looking for a fresh start-not a mystery. But when a violent storm washes a strange tackle box onto her dock, she discovers more than fishing lures inside. Hidden within are antique jewels and secrets that link to a long-buried family feud and a suspicious death. As Finley digs deeper, she finds herself tangled in a web of

lies that threaten the calm of the cove- and her own safety.

With the help of her quirky but loyal neighbors, a sharp-eyed detective, Finley must uncover the truth before the past catches up to her.

Full of Southern charm, close-knit friendships, and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. Dockside Secrets is a heartwarming cozy mystery that proves it’s never too late to start over or to solve a mystery.

Click here to get your copy!

If you enjoy Christian Cozy Mysteries, I recommend checking out Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton

Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what we need, but life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. For Finley Burke, moving to the peaceful lakeside village of Sunset Cove is supposed to be an opportunity to begin again. Instead, one violent storm brings a mysterious discovery that turns her quiet new life upside down!

In Dockside Secrets, Finley finds a strange tackle box washed up on her dock after the storm. What she discovers inside is far more than fishing lures. Hidden among them are antique jewels and clues connected to a long-buried family feud and a suspicious death. Suddenly, Finley finds herself caught up in a mystery filled with lies, unanswered questions, and secrets someone desperately wants to keep buried. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous things become.

Thankfully, Finley doesn’t have to navigate this mystery entirely on her own. With the help of her quirky but loyal neighbors and a sharp-eyed detective, she begins piecing together the truth. But will she uncover the answers before the past catches up with her?

One thing that appeals to me about this story is Finley’s desire for a fresh start. I think many of us can relate to wanting to leave certain things behind and move forward into a new season of life. Sometimes those new beginnings come with unexpected challenges, and we have to find the courage to face them one step at a time. From a Christian perspective, I find comfort in remembering that we don’t have to know what lies ahead to trust God with the journey. Even when our plans take an unexpected turn, He can guide us through the uncertainty and give us the wisdom and strength we need for whatever comes next.

I’m also intrigued by the themes of truth, honesty, and the consequences of keeping secrets. As Finley works to uncover what really happened, the story offers an opportunity to reflect on how the truth often comes to light, even when people try to bury it. Scripture reminds us in Luke 8:17 that what is hidden will eventually be brought to light. While uncovering the truth isn’t always easy or comfortable, honesty and integrity matter, especially when the choices we make affect other people.

The close-knit community of Sunset Cove also sounds like a wonderful part of this story. I enjoy reading about neighbors who stand by one another when life gets difficult. That kind of loyalty and friendship reflects something I deeply value in the Christian life: the importance of encouraging one another, offering a helping hand, and being willing to walk alongside someone through a challenging season. We aren’t meant to face every difficulty alone, and having people who care enough to show up can make all the difference.

Of course, the combination of Southern charm, antique jewels, family secrets, and a suspicious death promises plenty of mystery and suspense! I can easily see how Finley’s discovery could keep readers turning pages as they try to figure out how everything connects. Sunset Cove may look like a peaceful place, but it seems there is much more beneath the surface than anyone realizes.

Dockside Secrets sounds like an appealing choice for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with intriguing clues, memorable community connections, and a suspenseful plot. I especially appreciate the themes of new beginnings, courage, friendship, and the importance of seeking the truth. These are reminders that resonate beyond the pages of a mystery.

Sometimes a fresh start doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. Sometimes it means finding the courage to face what comes, choosing honesty when the truth is difficult, and trusting God to guide us through the unknown. Finley’s unexpected adventure in Sunset Cove looks like a reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, there can still be hope, meaningful connections, and opportunities to begin again.

So if you enjoy Christian Cozy mysteries, check out Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

I must admit I have probably watched and read just about every Hallmark cozy mystery I have come across! I have become addicted to mysteries lately! I don’t limit it to just the cozy mysteries. Lately, I have been watching plenty of true crime. The attraction for me is the puzzle. I mean, really, who can resist a “whodunit?” I prefer more of the gumshoe approach, but I also watch several crime scene investigations.

It started out with a curiosity about why people do such actions. What motivates people to commit these crimes and then try to cover them up? In many cases, criminals just aren’t that bright. But there are some cases that remain puzzling.

I decided to give it a go. Dockside Secrets is my first cozy. It was fun to write this mystery in the little community outside of a big city. We moved to this new little cove on a lake, Sunset Cove, and this is where the characters live. The large city in the book, Sagebrush Bend, is in reality, Fort Worth, Texas. Plenty of changing landscapes here, and these appear in the story.

Grab this cozy and meet the quirky cast of characters: a retired forensic psychologist, a very proper southern lady, a nutty and loud best friend, and a middle-of-the-road peacekeeper join a fumbling local sheriff and a handsome detective to discover what really happened at Sunset Cove.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Holly’s Book Corner, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Lights in a Dark World, October 10

For Him and My Family, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

She Lives to Read, October 13

Sylvan Musings, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 14

The Avid Reader, October 14

Fruitfully Planted, October 15

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Avid Reader Nurse, October 17

Book Looks by Lisa, October 18

Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Donna)

Mary Hake, October 19

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 20

Lily’s Corner, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/55lW2/dockside-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

Belle’s Christmas Carol ~ A Review & Giveaway

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Belle’s Christmas Carol Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Belle’s Christmas Carol

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England and perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews.

Click here to get your copy!

Belle’s Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep is an Inspirational Historical Romance.

There’s something special about a Christmas story that brings together a little romance, a touch of mystery, and the hope of a fresh start. Michelle Griep’s festive historical romance novella, set in Victorian England, offers all that and more, with a few familiar faces from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol thrown into the mix.

Belle Beaumont, Ebenezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, finds herself unexpectedly inheriting a struggling London orphanage called Haven House. Determined to give the children a Christmas they’ll never forget, Belle dreams of snowflakes, merriment, and holiday magic. Unfortunately, the reality of running an orphanage is far less charming than she imagined. Fire damage has left part of the building unsafe, the records are hopelessly behind, and there’s no shortage of chaos from the mischievous children and eccentric staff.

Enter Rafe Munro, a barrister who has his own problems to solve. While working to clear an innocent man and searching for a child who may be related to him, Rafe finds himself at Haven House. When he offers to help Belle untangle the orphanage’s disorganized records, the two begin working together to uncover answers that could change their lives.

I love the idea of revisiting a familiar character like Belle and imagining what her life might look like after her relationship with Scrooge. Rather than leaving her defined by the past, this story allows her to build something meaningful and make a difference in the lives of children who desperately need love and security. Her determination to give them a memorable Christmas, even when circumstances seem set against her, adds a heartwarming element to the story.

The combination of an orphanage in need, a missing child, and a man seeking justice lends the romance more depth than a simple holiday love story. Belle and Rafe each have their own burdens and unanswered questions, and their growing connection offers the possibility of healing, belonging, and a second chance at happiness.

I also enjoyed the promise of the Victorian London setting, especially with Christmas approaching and everyone waiting for snow. There’s something wonderfully inviting about a historical Christmas tale filled with imperfect people, unexpected discoveries, and the hope that even difficult circumstances can lead to something beautiful.

Michelle Griep brings together romance, mystery, and holiday cheer in a story that explores the importance of family—not just the family we’re born into, but also the people we welcome into our lives. Sometimes, the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped beneath a Christmas tree; they’re found in the love we give, the lives we touch, and the courage to embrace a new beginning.

If you enjoy Christian historical romance, Christmas novellas, and stories about love, family, and second chances, this sounds like a delightful addition to your holiday reading list. Fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews may especially enjoy the Victorian setting and romantic atmosphere.

A struggling orphanage, a determined heroine, a barrister with a mystery to solve, and the possibility of love make Haven House a promising place to spend a little time this Christmas season!

So if you enjoy inspirational historical romances, check out Belle’s Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her garden scaring away armadillos.

More from Michelle

Why I Gave Scrooge’s Belle Her Own Christmas Carol

Guest post by Michelle Griep

I’ve always been suspicious of characters who appear just long enough to break your heart and then vanish without so much as a forwarding address. Belle from A Christmas Carol is one of those.

Scrooge, of course, gets the full treatment. Ghosts. Doom. Moral terror. A dramatic overnight transformation. Turkey delivery. The works. And yes, yes, it’s all very moving. But Belle? Come on. All she gets is one aching goodbye and then is shoved neatly into Scrooge’s past. So, excuse me, Mr. Dickens, but I have questions.

What became of the woman who loved Ebenezer before greed got to him? Did she regret walking away? Did Christmas ever sting? Did she build a fine, sensible life or did some little corner of her heart still ache for him or not? That wondering became Belle’s Christmas Carol.

In my story, Belle Beaumont unexpectedly inherits Haven House, a struggling London orphanage with fire damage, muddled ledgers, eccentric staff, and children who are more than rambunctious. Naturally, Belle decides she will set everything to rights and give the children the most splendid Christmas imaginable because—like me—apparently the woman has never heard of pacing herself.

Then along comes Rafe Munro, a handsome barrister searching for a missing child, and Belle’s tidy plans start to change. Oh, did I mention he’s single? That’s because I wanted Belle to be more than Scrooge’s lost love. I wanted her to have grit, flaws, hope, purpose, and a future all her own.

Because sometimes the story doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes that’s where the real story begins.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , October 7

The Avid Reader, October 7

She Lives To Read, October 7

Texas Book-aholic, October 8

Devoted To Hope, October 8

Betti Mace, October 9

Inkwell Inspirations , October 9

The Lofty Pages, October 9

For Him and My Family, October 10

Romances of the Cross, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 12

The Vine and The Branch, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 13

Fruitfully Planted, October 13

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 13

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, October 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 15

Simple Harvest Reads, October 15 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, October 16

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Devoted Steps, October 17

Lily’s Corner, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Blossoms and Blessings, October 19

Pause for Tales, October 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed 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://gleam.io/KNJXt/belles-christmas-carol-celebration-tour-giveaway

Murder, Plainly Written ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Murder, Plainly Written

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Christian Amish Mystery

Release Date: September, 2026

She just wanted to fit into Amish Country. . .now she’s standing out!

First novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series, in which Amish writers crack the case of local mysteries.

Sadie Lynch thought inheriting her late Amish aunt’s candle shop was a blessing—a chance to leave her stalled writing career behind and find a fresh start. But running a Plain business when she’s not Amish isn’t exactly filling her store with customers—especially when the local minister insists she sell out.

Sadie, who doesn’t want to leave, thankfully meets Wanda—an Amish woman with a secret obsession. As Wanda continues to visit the candle shop, an unexpected partnership blooms when Wanda agrees to help Sadie’s shop in exchange for writing advice.

But the grand reopening of the candle shop takes a deadly turn when the body of the Amish minister is discovered behind the counter. Now Sadie is the only suspect, prompting Wanda and the Plain Order Ink Society to try helping her solve the mystery.

But in this Plain community, secrets burn brighter than flames—and nothing is as simple as it seems.

Click here to get your copy!

If you enjoy Christian Amish mysteries, you need to read Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele

really enjoyed the cozy-mystery feel of this story, especially the unexpected friendship at its heart. Sadie Lynch arrives in Amish Country hoping that inheriting her aunt’s candle shop will give her a fresh start. Still, instead of quietly fitting into the community, she quickly finds herself standing out—and not always in the best way.

Sadie’s struggle to make the candle shop work immediately made me want to root for her. She isn’t Amish; she’s trying to find her place in a community with very different expectations, and just when she thinks things might finally be turning around, the Amish minister is found dead behind her counter. Suddenly, her fresh start has turned into a murder investigation, and Sadie is the prime suspect.

What I especially enjoyed was Sadie’s relationship with Wanda. Their friendship begins in such an unexpected way, with Wanda visiting the candle shop because of her secret interest in writing. Sadie needs help with the shop, Wanda wants writing advice, and somehow the two discover that they make a pretty great team. I loved watching that friendship develop, and it added warmth to the mystery, keeping the story from being all about the murder.

Of course, the Plain community has plenty of secrets of its own, and Sadie and Wanda quickly discover that figuring out who killed the minister isn’t going to be easy. There are plenty of questions, suspicious circumstances, and people who may not be quite as innocent as they appear. I enjoyed trying to piece together the clues alongside them.

This was a fun introduction to The Plain Order Ink Society series, and I liked the unique premise of Amish writers coming together to solve local mysteries. The candle shop setting also added a cozy touch that fit perfectly with the Amish-country atmosphere.

If you enjoy Amish fiction with a mystery woven into it, quirky friendships, small-town secrets, and a cozy setting, this is a series worth checking out. I’m definitely curious to see what mysteries Sadie, Wanda, and the Plain Order Ink Society get themselves into next.

So if you enjoy Christian Amish mysteries, check out Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Mindy Steele was raised in Kentucky timber country and has been writing since she could hold a crayon against the wall. Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with just the right amount of humor, as well as engaging Suspense, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, Steele wants her readers to find themselves somewhere within her pages. A mother of four and grandmother to a half dozen blessings, Steele enjoys hiking and gardening, coffee indulgences and weekend road trips, and is personally doing all she can to make peanut butter its very own food group.

More from Mindy

Murder, Plainly Written

The Story Behind the Story

Stories often begin in the most unexpected ways, and this one started with a group of remarkable new friends.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a number of Amish authors from different communities. Among them were Old Order Amish writers, a New Order Amish woman, and a Danner Amish author from the Dan Amish church. What began as introductions soon blossomed into friendships that I treasure deeply.

Before long, I was invited to attend one of their monthly gatherings. Sitting among these talented storytellers, listening to their experiences, laughter, and unique perspectives on life, I found myself inspired not only by their writing but by their personalities. Since then, I have remained in contact with many of them, and our friendship continues to be a blessing.

When I was asked to write a cozy mystery series, my thoughts immediately turned to those wonderful authors. Their distinct voices, humor, wisdom, and observations about life seemed perfectly suited for solving mysteries. As we talked, they enthusiastically embraced the idea and even helped by creating character names for the series.

I could not resist imagining how each of them might approach a mystery. Who would follow the clues? Who would rely on intuition? Who would ask the questions no one else thought to ask? Those playful questions became the foundation for this series.

Murder, Plainly Written is the first book in that journey. While the story itself is entirely fictional, many of the characters were inspired by real people, and many of the settings were drawn from real places and experiences. It has been a joy to blend mystery, friendship, and a touch of Amish life into a story that celebrates the people who inspired it.

I hope as you read you get to know the characters and perhaps solve a mystery or two along the way.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

—Mindy Steele

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 30

The Avid Reader, September 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2

Texas Book-aholic, October 3

Artistic Nobody, October 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Guild Master, October 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

Avid Reader Nurse, October 9

Mary Hake, October 9

Fiction Book Lover, October 10 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 11

The Bookish Ledger, October 12 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print 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://gleam.io/q9rfA/murder-plainly-written-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Ballerina’s Bargain ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Ballerina’s Bargain

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 8, 2026

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre was part of their bargain. Losing their hearts wasn’t.

London, 1815

Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents’ execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father’s secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down.

But when Emmeline’s hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.

For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.

Click here to get your copy!

If you enjoy Christian historical romances, you need to check out The Ballerina’s Bargain by Lorri Dudley.

Some stories entertain you, and some stories quietly work their way into your heart. This one did a little of both for me.

I was drawn to Emmeline Laurent almost immediately. After losing her parents in France, she has every reason to live cautiously, yet she refuses to let fear keep her from protecting the children she teaches or the theatre that has become their home. I loved her determination. She isn’t fearless—she refuses to let fear make her decisions. Watching her step forward despite having so little control over what was happening around her made her a character I couldn’t help but root for.

Then there is Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, who is carrying more than anyone should have to carry alone. A failing theatre, family responsibilities, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters, and secrets left behind by his father have convinced him that selling the theatre is the only responsible choice. He has his plans, Emmeline has hers, and neither expects their lives—or their hearts—to be turned upside down.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There is plenty of tension between them, but beneath that is something deeper: two people discovering that sometimes the life we carefully plan isn’t the life God has planned for us.

That theme really resonated with me.

How often do we look at a situation and think we know exactly what needs to happen? We see a door closing and assume we’ve reached the end, when God may be opening a path we can’t see yet. Emmeline and Grant both have to learn that surrender isn’t giving up. It’s releasing the need to control the outcome and believing that God sees the bigger picture.

I appreciated that faith wasn’t simply a background element in this story. It became part of the characters’ journeys, especially as circumstances forced them to confront what they feared, what they wanted, and what they were willing to place in God’s hands. That message felt especially meaningful because life rarely unfolds as neatly as we imagine it will.

And plenty is happening beyond the romance. Emmeline’s hidden past begins to surface, danger threatens the theatre, and the secrets surrounding Grant’s family add another layer of suspense. I enjoyed how these elements kept the story moving while also pushing the characters to face things they had tried to leave behind.

But what stayed with me most was the reminder that God’s way forward isn’t always obvious. Sometimes what looks like a closed door is simply an invitation to stop relying on our own plans and follow Him somewhere unexpected.

Emmeline and Grant’s story is filled with courage, secrets, danger, romance, and heart. More than that, it offers a beautiful reminder that God can make a way when we can’t see one—and that what He has prepared may be far different, and far better, than what we thought we needed.

If you enjoy Christian historical romance with strong characters, emotional depth, a touch of suspense, and a faith message that feels naturally woven into the story, this is one I’d definitely recommend.

So if you enjoy Christian historical romances, check out The Ballerina’s Bargain by Lorri Dudley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

More from Lorri

Many young girls dream of growing up to become a ballerina. There is a romantic whimsy to the airy skirts, graceful movements, and illusion of defying gravity as dancers balance en pointe and extend their limbs with such elegance that they seem almost infinite. While modern audiences often associate ballet with beauty and enchantment, behind the heavy stage curtains of Regency England’s opera-ballet lurked a darker reality.

Many of the ballerinas came from impoverished families struggling to put food on the table. Girls trained from a young age, long before the onset of womanhood, and were expected to endure grueling hours of rehearsal despite blisters, sore muscles, and bleeding feet. For some, ballet offered a better alternative for a working girl than scrubbing floors and emptying chamberpots as a scullery maid, laboring as a laundress near scalding water and hot presses or cleaning dangerous cotton machinery in a mill.

At least the stage held the possibility of applause—if the performance was well received. If it wasn’t, audiences could be merciless. Performers might be shouted down, heckled off the stage, or pelted with food. Fights occasionally erupted among patrons in the pit or upper gallery, while disreputable men gathered in the front row of what was known as Fops’ Alley in hopes of catching a scandalous glimpse of the ballerinas’ ankles.

Their wealthy counterparts could become a ballerina’s sponsor, gaining special access to backstage rooms where they could ogle the dancers and receive in-person introductions after a performance. These men were known as protectors, though the title was a misnomer. In exchange for a ballerina’s exclusive attention, they offered gifts the young women could scarcely afford themselves, like new ballet slippers, ribbons, bracelets, or other trinkets.

While saving the theatre and its ballerinas from these so-called “protectors” forms the premise of The Ballerina’s Bargain, the novel doesn’t dwell on the darker details of these backstage arrangements. Instead, it focuses on the heroic efforts of its protagonists to spare the young ballerinas from a wretched fate. However, the tension of what may happen should they fail lingers in the wings throughout the story.

Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, September 19

The Lofty Pages, September 20

Books Less Travelled, September 20

Devoted To Hope, September 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

She Lives To Read, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Melissa’s Bookshelf, September 23

Fruitfully Planted, September 24

For Him and My Family, September 24

Sydney Schmied Books, September 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25

Connie’s History Classroom, September 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 26

Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

Sylvan Musings, September 28

Leslie’s Library Escape, September 29

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 30

Cover Lover Book Review, September 30

Holly’s Book Corner, October 1

Pause for Tales, October 2

To Everything There Is A Season, October 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/aa58y/the-ballerinas-bargain-celebration-tour-giveaway

AS A BRIDE IN THE WILDERNESS ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: AS A BRIDE IN THE WILDERNESS

Author: EJ Ashmore

Genre: Biblical Fiction, young adult

Release Date: January 10, 2026

Eliza is sure happiness has arrived. She and her family, never to be separated again, join the rest of her people on the road to a land filled with milk and honey. A land to call home. Even better, Seti, the love of her life, has joined her people, pledged allegiance to her God, and vowed to marry her.

But life isn’t that simple. Not only are her plans disrupted by a detour into the great unknown, but she has suffered a severe concussion, thanks to Seti. Her people and her family, though loveable, prove to be a squabbling mess, and Seti, can’t stay out of trouble. Freedom is not so easy. Who is she really, and how does a free woman act?

Seti, an Egyptian, once had everything, or so he thought. He willingly gave it all up for Eliza and her God. Now reduced to an outcast sleeping outside his best friend’s tent, he has no money and no way to prove himself acceptable to Eliza’s family or her people. For the first time ever, he is filled with insecurity and fear. Fear of losing Eliza to his foolishness, but most of all, fear of disappointing the God who saved him. Yet, his every decision leads to disaster.

Click here to get your copy!

If you are looking for Biblical fiction for Young Adults, check out AS A BRIDE IN THE WILDERNESS by EJ Ashmore.

Finding Freedom, Faith, and a New Beginning

I have to admit, I really enjoyed getting back into Eliza and Seti’s story. Just when Eliza thinks life is finally giving her what she has hoped and prayed for—her family is together, she’s traveling with her people toward the Promised Land, and the man she loves has chosen her and her God—everything gets complicated again.

Because, of course, life doesn’t always follow the happily-ever-after plan.

What I especially loved about this story is that Eliza’s freedom isn’t portrayed as the end of her struggles. In many ways, it’s the beginning of a completely different kind of journey. She has spent so much of her life simply trying to survive that now she has to figure out what it means to actually live as a free woman. Who is she now? How does she make her own choices? And how does she trust God when she doesn’t have all the answers?

I found myself really connecting with that part of Eliza’s journey. Sometimes we can finally reach the thing we’ve been praying for, only to discover that there are still lessons God wants to teach us on the other side of it. Freedom doesn’t necessarily mean an easy road. Sometimes it means learning to trust Him in an entirely new way.

And then there’s Seti.

I couldn’t help but feel for him. He has given up the life he once knew because he believes Eliza and her God are worth it. But now he’s an outsider with very little to his name, sleeping outside his best friend’s tent and wondering whether Eliza’s family and people will ever truly accept him. The confident man he once was is suddenly struggling with insecurity and fear.

What makes Seti so endearing is that he genuinely wants to do the right thing. He wants to prove himself. He wants to honor Eliza. Most of all, he doesn’t want to disappoint the God who has changed his life. Unfortunately, his attempts to make things right have a frustrating tendency to land him in even more trouble!

I found myself smiling at some of Seti’s misadventures while also wanting to tell him to just slow down and trust God. And maybe that’s exactly why his character worked so well for me. He isn’t perfect. He doesn’t always get it right. He’s learning—and sometimes learning comes through some pretty painful mistakes.

That’s what made the faith element of this story especially meaningful to me. Eliza and Seti aren’t suddenly transformed into people who have everything figured out simply because they have chosen to follow God. They still struggle with fear, relationships, identity, and uncertainty. They still make mistakes. But they are learning to bring those struggles to God and trust Him with what comes next.

I loved that reminder because faith doesn’t mean we suddenly know exactly where the road is going. Sometimes it means taking the next step even when we can’t see very far ahead.

There is plenty happening along the way—family disagreements, unexpected trouble, romance, humor, and plenty of uncertainty—but underneath it all is a beautiful story about learning what freedom really means and discovering who you are when God is at the center of your life.

For me, Eliza and Seti’s journey was about much more than reaching a promised destination. It was about becoming the people God was calling them to be along the way. And honestly, I think that’s what made this story resonate with me. We can have our plans, our expectations, and our ideas about what life should look like, but God often uses the unexpected parts of the journey to grow us the most.

Eliza and Seti still have a lot to learn, and I’m enjoying watching them figure it out. Their story has heart, faith, romance, humor, and plenty of challenges, and I found myself genuinely invested in where their journey would take them next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.So if you want a work of Biblical fiction for young adults, check out AS A BRIDE IN THE WILDERNESS by EJ Ashmore.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

EJ Ashmore is a wife, mother, and nurse, with a passion for young believers who are searching for answers about God. Whether it be what God wants, who He is, or why He does some of the things He does, she seeks to use ordinary, relatable characters to illustrate God’s unwavering faithfulness and devotion even to those who feel unworthy or invisible.

More from EJ

Why I wrote this:

This all began when my teenage son couldn’t grasp why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart and then punish him for it. But then I read Joel Richardson’s Sinai to Zion, and how  God’s love story for His people (Israelite or Gentile/Christian) is framed after ancient Jewish wedding customs and how God designed marriage to mirror His desired relationship with His people.

But I also wanted to reach young girls who felt as I did as a teenager: ugly, unworthy, a constant failure, insecure, and constantly bullied. God seemed to hear everybody else but me. But God’s love story is for the individual as much as for a nation. He pursues, He gets the girl, He proves His worthiness again and again, and He builds her up as His beautiful bride who He will have an intimate relationship with.

Add in the depravity of humanity who barely know their God, stuck in a desert with nothing to do and have no idea how to act not only as free people but as people of God, yet God chooses them and loves them and wants to live in their midst.

I deeply desire for my reader to come away from this pondering how God pursued and pursues them in their own lives, and have a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of the why God does what He does.

Blog Stops

Books Less Travelled, September 15

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Artistic Nobody, September 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 19

Guild Master, September 20 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Pilgrim, September 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 21

Fiction Book Lover, September 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

The Bookish Ledger, September 24 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 25 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, September 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 26

Lily’s Corner, September 27

Books, Books, & More Books, September 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, EJ 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://gleam.io/cQ41F/as-a-bride-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Letters to the Editor ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Letters to the Editor

Author: Paul Michael Garrison

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Release Date: November, 2019

Writing is hard. Editing is murder.

Editor Nathanael Carver has made a career out of exposing corruption and publishing people’s dirty secrets. From his hate mail, it seems one of his high-profile enemies wants revenge. But the person with murder in mind may be someone closer to home.

Carver enlists the help of Kate Baxter, a police detective with problems of her own: disapproving parents, sexist coworkers, and a smoking habit she can’t seem to kick. The support of her tribe and ample time at the gun range help to keep her sane. As her personal life and the case bleed together, Kate gains insight into Carver’s world, keeping her eye on those closest to him. Kate is on the cusp of progress when Carver, against her advice, drops the case—only to be viciously attacked. Now it’s Kate’s turn to drag everyone’s dirty secrets into the light, but not before at least one body hits the floor.

Click here to get your copy!

If you enjoy mystery or suspense novels, check out Letters to the Editor by Paul Michael Garrison.

When Secrets Turn Deadly

I’m always up for a good mystery, especially one that keeps me wondering who I can trust, and this story definitely had me looking twice at the characters along the way.

Nathanael Carver has made a career of exposing corruption and bringing other people’s secrets to light. That may make for good journalism, but it also makes for plenty of enemies. After receiving threatening hate mail, Carver has reason to believe someone wants revenge. The bigger question is who—and how close that person might actually be.

Enter Kate Baxter, a police detective who has plenty of complications in her own life. She’s dealing with disapproving parents, sexist coworkers, and a smoking habit she can’t seem to leave behind. Fortunately, she has a supportive group of friends and the gun range to help keep her grounded. I liked getting to see this more personal side of Kate because it made her feel like more than just the detective assigned to a case. She has her own struggles, frustrations, and baggage as she tries to do her job.

As Kate starts digging into Carver’s situation, things become increasingly complicated. She begins to realize that the threat may not be coming from some obvious outside enemy. Sometimes the people closest to you have the most to hide.

And then Carver makes the frustrating decision to drop the investigation despite Kate’s warnings. Of course, that doesn’t make the danger disappear. Instead, he ends up viciously attacked, and suddenly Kate has even more reason to uncover what is really happening.

I enjoyed the way the suspense kept building as Kate pulled back one secret after another. Just when I had a pretty good idea of where things were going, another piece of the puzzle came into view. The story has that unsettling feeling of knowing something is very wrong but not knowing exactly who is responsible.

What I especially appreciated was that the mystery isn’t completely separate from the characters’ personal lives. Kate’s struggles and relationships become part of the story, making the investigation feel more personal as the danger gets closer.

If you enjoy suspense filled with secrets, corruption, murder, and characters who aren’t always what they seem, this one offers plenty to keep the pages turning. Sometimes bringing the truth to light comes at a very high price—and Kate Baxter is about to find out just how high that price can be.

Take a look at Letters to the Editor by Paul Michael Garrison if you enjoy mystery/suspense novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Originally from the Midwest, Paul Michael Garrison has spent roughly half his life in Upstate South Carolina. His published novels include Letters to the Editor and its sequel, The Lies People Publish. He holds degrees in publishing, theater, and creative writing (MFA). He has written for the stage, and his short fiction has appeared in The Windhover, Quantum Fairy Tales, and Heart of Flesh. Paul Michael frequently performs with the Greenville Shakespeare Company. Whether on stage or in writing, he enjoys the art of becoming someone else.

More from Paul Michael

The Creation of Kate Baxter: Meeting the Detective of Letters to the Editor

How do you come up with your characters?

It’s one of the most frequent questions I (and probably a lot of authors) get at book events. Some authors talk about their characters as creations, while others insist their characters come to them fully formed, gradually revealing themselves to the writer. As with most writing philosophies, I personally tend to fall in the middle.

But I can tell you that Detective Kate Baxter in her trademark trench coat did not spring from my imagination fully formed like Athena from the mind of Zeus. Several thoughtful factors came into play during her creation.

The Mystery Came First

For many novelists, the character comes first, but Letters to the Editor began with the mystery. I imagine that’s common for mystery writers. It was an idea I’d had for some time, just simmering in the back of my brain.

It wasn’t until I signed up for a novel-writing class that I decided to actually flesh the mystery out and put it down on paper. So, if I was going to write a classic mystery, I was going to need a detective.

The Professional Detective

Cozy mysteries can be great fun, but in a series (and they usually end up as series) I find the trope of the amateur detective who constantly stumbles into one mystery after another a bit strained. Requiring a high suspension of disbelief, it works best in comic, here-we-go-again scenarios.

I wanted to create a world that felt more grounded and to leave the window open for my detective to come back (which she did in The Lies People Publish). And that’s one reason Kate serves on the Fulton Springs Police Department.

The Girl Next Door

I recall feeling bombarded at the time by burned-out detectives, whether in literature, film, or television. The investigator whose life is an unholy shambles, who’s nursing a substance abuse problem (usually alcohol), whose family or private life is completely shattered. I kept seeing these broken-down characters, and they just depressed me. I struggled to relate to them in any way. With their addictions and psychological damage, I questioned how legitimately they could function in everyday life, let alone track down murderers and other criminals.

I wanted a more relatable detective, not a beleaguered trainwreck nor a genius human computer of the Sherlockian variety. I wanted someone who, even if you couldn’t relate to her directly, you could imagine her living next door.

When an interviewer referred to Kate as a bit of a hot mess, I must admit I got defensive for a moment. And then I realized that she probably is—the way all of us are in the right light. She struggles with her relationships and goals and with living out her values and beliefs as most thoughtful people do.

When I began the novel, I had a female friend who was a police officer. Kate is not based on her, but I won’t deny that my friend (and her stories) inspired some of Kate’s characteristics, her tribe of friends, and even a few anecdotes that worked their way into the story.

Midwestern Woman of Faith

While I live in the South, I grew up in the Midwest. At the time of writing, I felt I could more accurately capture the Midwestern sensibility than a Southern one, both for Kate’s character and the setting in general. Plus, my publishing background (I was a book editor at the time) was going to inform the novel’s setting, and the Chicago metro area seemed a more likely representative of that world.

My writing instructor called Kate “a church-going detective,” which made me laugh a little. If, in forming Kate, I was reacting against the broken-down detective, I was also reacting against the portrayal of Christians in the arts. There seemed to be two extremes: in Christian fiction, the Pollyannaish Christian who lived a sanitized version of life, and in mainstream literature, religious hypocrites and wackadoos. I realize that may be a tad reductive, but that’s how it felt. Why couldn’t we have something a little more authentic, more fair, more nuanced?

While not necessarily tackling a spiritual journey, I wanted to show Christians in real-world, everyday contexts. I know some readers may find Kate’s faith alienating, but no reader is going to agree or sympathize with every character they read. That’s only natural. But as I researched the genre, I found mainstream novels with detectives with all kinds of worldviews, so why not a mainstream novel with a Christian detective?

Introducing Kate Baxter

These influences formed the initial skeleton of Detective Kate Baxter, but they don’t begin to paint the entire picture of the character she developed into—the insecurities and challenges she faces as a single woman; her love for her friends, her pets, and classic literature; or her belief that the best therapy is found at a gun range. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Letters to the Editor and meet her yourself.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10

Leslie’s Library Escape, September 11

Vicky Sluiter, September 12 (Author Interview)

Book Looks by Lisa, September 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 14

Texas Book-aholic, September 15

For the Love of Literature, September 16 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, September 17

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 18

For Him and My Family, September 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 20

Lily’s Corner, September 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 22 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Paul is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book and its sequel!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/XImFE/letters-to-the-editor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sparks of Hope ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Sparks of Hope

Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

A woman rebuilding after tragedy and a grieving father searching for hope discover that the past isn’t finished with them.

After the Peshtigo Fire reduces her teaching dreams to ash, Willow Deeran refuses to let the flames win. She pours her last hope into an audacious plan: opening an orphanage for the children left homeless by Wisconsin’s deadliest wildfire. All she needs is funding—and a partner she’s never met.

Violin maker Valentine Ashardt has spent the year since the fire hiding behind his grief, haunted by the daughter he lost in the blaze. Helping Willow build the orphanage offers more than purpose. As silent co-owner, he’ll have access to every child who comes through its doors. Surely, one of them will be his Mary.

As anonymous threats mount, old accusations resurface, and a mysterious little girl with no memory arrives on their doorstep, Willow and Valentine must decide if their dreams might not look different than they’d once hoped. Because sometimes God’s plan looks nothing like what we imagined. And sometimes the family we’ve been desperately searching for has been standing beside us all along.

For fans of Joanna Davidson Politano and Jody Hedlund—a tender story of faith renewed, purpose rediscovered, and love rising from the most unexpected ruins.

Click here to get your copy!

If you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, you should check out Sparks of Hope by Avrie Swan. There are some books I enjoy while I’m reading them, and others that make me stop and think about them after I’ve finished. This was one of those books for me. It pulled me into a story of grief, hope, unexpected family, and learning to trust God when life looks nothing like we thought it would.

Willow Deeran has already lost so much. After the Peshtigo Fire destroys her dreams of becoming a teacher, she could easily give up. Instead, she takes what little hope she has left and pours it into a new dream—opening an orphanage for the children who were left homeless by the devastating fire.

I really liked Willow. She isn’t some character who moves past her tragedy and suddenly has everything figured out. She’s hurting, she’s disappointed, and she’s trying to figure out what comes next. But she keeps going. There was something about that determination that really resonated with me.

Valentine Ashardt is carrying his own heartbreaking loss. He lost his daughter, Mary, in the fire, and he’s spent the past year trying to live with that grief. When he becomes involved with Willow’s orphanage, he sees an opportunity to help—and to find out whether his daughter might have survived.

I felt for Valentine. His grief and desperate hope made his choices understandable, even when they weren’t always the best choices. I couldn’t help but wonder what I would do if I were holding onto that tiny possibility that someone I loved might still be alive.

Then a little girl arrives at the orphanage with no memory of who she is.

Of course, that immediately had my attention!

As threats begin to emerge and old accusations resurface, the story takes on a layer of mystery and suspense. I found myself wanting to know how everything connected and, especially, what would happen with the little girl.

So if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, I definitely recommend checking out Sparks of Hope by Avrie Swan. I definitely enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

More from Avrie

Hello, folks!

It’s hard to believe Sparks of Hope is the third and final entry in The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles series. Writing this book was bittersweet… but also undeniably exciting. Willow and Valentine’s story took me some time to develop, and the result is a book with a lot of heart. Their tale explores themes of found family and growth while also rounding out Carina and Charlotte’s journeys. I hope you enjoy the conclusion to their stories!

One of my favorite elements in Sparks of Hope is Valentine’s occupation as a luthier. My family has always enjoyed music, and since I took violin lessons for several years when I was younger, I thought it only fitting to include a violin maker in one of my stories. I didn’t know much about the process of building violins when I started my research for the book, but I soon discovered it’s a fascinating and detailed craft. I have the utmost respect for the skilled people who shape the instruments enjoyed by so many.

While music plays a small role in Sparks of Hope, the story’s central theme is purpose. Have you ever wondered what God’s plan was for your life? That question weighs heavily on Willow’s mind after a disaster ruins all her carefully laid plans. She finds herself needing to choose a new path and pursue a different dream…although achieving it may not be quite as simple as she hopes.

In honor of the upcoming release of Sparks of Hope, I thought it would be fun to do a “this or that” game featuring some elements from the book. Which options do you prefer? Pick your favorites and then head over to my Instagram (@avrieswanwrites) or website (avrieswan.com) to share your choices!

• Scarf or shawl
• Griddlecakes or fresh bread
• Cottage or townhouse
• Sleigh ride or autumn walk
• Frozen harbor or snowy forest

Blessings,

Avrie Swan

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 12

Books Less Travelled, September 13

lakesidelivingsite, September 14

She Lives to Read, September 15

Simple Harvest Reads, September 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

For Him and My Family, September 16

Texas Book-aholic, September 17

Betti Mace, September 18

Holly’s Book Corner, September 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 20

Cover Lover Book Review, September 21

Pause for Tales, September 21

Devoted To Hope, September 22

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 23

Connie’s History Classroom , September 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24

Blossoms and Blessings, September 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Avrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/qaNE5/sparks-of-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Until I Knew You ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Until I Knew You

Author: Tanya Eavenson

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: April 21, 2026

Photographer Jacob Michaels has spent his life running, from foster homes, from emotional attachment, from anything that asks more of him than a fleeting moment through his camera lens, except for Clay Logan, his one true friend and the only person who ever saw past the walls.

Olivia Logan lives in a world of color and quiet, expressing through art what words cannot, and Clay understood her without explanation, offering a steady presence in a world that often feels overwhelming.

But when a hiking trip ends in tragedy and Jacob returns alone, everything changes, and Clay’s final request becomes Jacob’s new reality: take care of Olivia, protect her, don’t walk away.

Now her legal trustee, Jacob steps into a life he never intended. Bound by grief and a promise neither asked for, he and Olivia are drawn into a fragile closeness they don’t know how to navigate.

And perhaps God isn’t finished mending what was never meant to be broken.

Click here to get your copy!

Until I Knew You by Tanay Eavenson is a Contemporary Christian Romance.

Some stories stay with me because of their romance or storyline, and others make me think about how God works in the broken places of our lives. This story felt like the latter for me.

Jacob Michaels has spent most of his life running—from foster homes, from emotional attachment, and from anything that might require him to let someone truly into his life. His camera allows him to observe the world without becoming part of it. The one exception is Clay Logan, his best friend and the person who sees beyond Jacob’s carefully built walls.

So when a hiking trip ends in tragedy, and Jacob returns alone, he is left grieving Clay and carrying the weight of his final request: take care of Olivia.

Olivia is grieving, too. She experiences the world through color and expresses what she can’t always put into words through her art. Clay understood her and gave her a sense of security. Now Jacob suddenly finds himself responsible for a woman he never expected to have in his life.

This is where I really connected with the story.

Jacob doesn’t want this new responsibility, but it’s not because he doesn’t care. Caring is exactly what scares him. He has spent years keeping people at a safe distance, and now he is being asked to stay, make a commitment, and open his heart.

I appreciated that Jacob’s transformation doesn’t happen overnight. He has to work through grief, fear, and the habits he’s developed over a lifetime. Watching those walls slowly come down felt much more believable—and much more meaningful—than an instant change would have been.

I also appreciated Olivia’s character. She isn’t simply someone Jacob needs to protect. She has her own strengths, her own way of seeing the world, and her own grief to navigate. I liked watching their relationship develop as they learned to trust one another.

The faith element is what gave the story an added depth for me. I found myself thinking about how God can use circumstances we never would have chosen to accomplish something we never could have anticipated. The pain doesn’t disappear, and neither Jacob nor Olivia gets an easy path forward, but there is hope in knowing that God can bring healing even through heartbreak.

Jacob thought he was keeping a promise to his best friend. Yet that promise becomes the beginning of something much bigger—a chance to learn about love, trust, vulnerability, and what it means to stop running.

I came away from this story reminded that God doesn’t waste our broken places. He can use unexpected people and unexpected circumstances to bring healing and purpose into our lives.

For me, this is a heartfelt story about grief, healing, trust, and unexpected love, with a beautiful reminder that God may be doing some of His deepest work in the moments we least understand.

Sometimes the path we never would have chosen is the one God uses to lead us exactly where we need to be.

So if you enjoy Christian Contemporary romances, check out Until I Knew You by Tanay Eavenson.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist who writes heartfelt stories of love, faith, and second chances.  To date, she has written thirteen fictions novels and seven craft books for new writers. Her historical romance The Rescue, from the All Roads Lead to Texas series, won the 2018 Cascade Award, and the series has gone on to be a finalist for several awards.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family or curling up on the couch with a cup of coffee, chocolate, and a good book.

More from Tanya

“If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.”

Some stories come from imagination . . . and others feel gently placed on your heart for a reason. Until I Knew You is one of those stories.

At its heart, this is a story about grief, love, and healing, but also about the quiet ways God works in our lives, even when we do not fully understand what He is doing. Jacob and Olivia’s journey was never meant to be easy, but it was always meant to lead somewhere meaningful.

Olivia was a character I approached with a lot of care. I truly wanted to do this right. Along the way, I had the privilege of speaking with several people who have worked closely with autistic children and adults. They were so generous with their time, answering my questions and sharing their experiences, and I am incredibly grateful.

“If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” Patricia’s words stayed with me and shaped how I wrote Olivia. Every individual is unique, and it was important to me that Olivia reflect her own voice, her own experiences, and her own way of seeing the world.

There is a moment in this story where Olivia observes a black widow, something many would fear or turn away from, but she sees beyond that fear and recognizes that even it was created with purpose. Not random or a mistake. That realization reflects something deeper woven throughout this story, that each of us, no matter how we are seen or misunderstood, was created with intention and for a purpose.

I wrote this story to the best of my knowledge and ability, with respect, care, and a genuine desire to honor both the beauty and the challenges within it. My hope and my prayer is that you not only enjoy this story, but that you also find something meaningful within its pages.

Here’s a short excerpt.

Olivia

It happened so fast. … Clay didn’t make it. … Clay is dead.

I could still feel the heat of Jacob’s breath against my face, his nearness burning my skin. I wanted to scream, How dare you! Leave me be! But his words rushed through me, painfully churning their way through my heart, touching the deepest parts of my innermost being, and I felt them there for a moment, but it was the fear of being without Clay that clenched my throat.

I struggled to make sense of it all, to breathe, and by some miraculous power I’d been able to hold myself upright, but the moment Ellie made Jacob leave the house, my knees buckled, and I hit the floor so hard pain radiated up my right side.

I gasped. The air forced into my lungs caused my body to crave more. The pressure in my chest grew. Please, Lord. I can’t. Breathe.

It happened so fast.

Clay didn’t make it.

Clay is dead.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, September 2 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, September 3

Artistic Nobody, September 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Guild Master, September 6 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, September 7

Fiction Book Lover, September 8 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Pause for Tales, September 9

The Bookish Ledger, September 10 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 12 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 13

The Quiet Bookmark, September 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $45 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/TcQZ8/until-i-knew-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Bible Companion Book 9 Hosea–Malachi The Minor Prophets ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Bible Companion Book 9 Hosea–Malachi The Minor Prophets

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Non-fiction, Bible Study

Release Date: February 19, 2026

Are you overwhelmed by the evil and suffering around you?

In the time of the Minor Prophets, evil seduces and overpowers God’s people. The Bible Companion Book 9 Hosea–Malachi tracks what happens and why. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scripture without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal, group, or homeschool Bible study.

As God’s disobedient people race toward destruction, the prophets do all they can to stop them. The sins and problems they address still plague us today. But their visions of a day when God deals with Satan and makes all things new gives us hope. Evil is a reality we cannot escape apart from God’s grace. If we have drifted, the prophets show us the way back. If we are holding to the Lord, they show us how to endure dark times with optimism and purpose.

Click here to get your copy!

The Bible Companion Book 9: Hosea–Malachi, The Minor Prophets by Karen Westbrook Moderow continues The Bible Companion series. It is a Bible Study work.

Sometimes it is hard not to feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world. Evil, suffering, injustice, and uncertainty seem to be everywhere. Reading through the Minor Prophets reminded me that these struggles are not new. God’s people faced many of the same issues thousands of years ago.

The Bible Companion Book 9: Hosea–Malachi offers a simple way to study these often-overlooked books of the Bible. The one-chapter-a-day format makes it easy to spend time in Scripture without feeling like you have added another overwhelming task to your day. There are no complicated schedules or piles of homework. Instead, each short reading is followed by thought-provoking questions that encourage you to consider what God is saying and how His Word connects to your own life.

What I especially appreciated is how relevant these ancient messages still are.

The prophets spoke to people who had turned away from God and were heading toward destruction. They warned them about the consequences of their choices while continually calling them back to the Lord. Their struggles with disobedience, misplaced priorities, injustice, and sin are issues we still see today.

But this study isn’t simply about judgment.

There is also a beautiful message of hope woven throughout the Minor Prophets. Even when God’s people were unfaithful, God remained faithful. The prophets pointed toward a time when God would ultimately deal with evil and make all things new. That reminder feels especially meaningful when the world around us seems so dark.

I also found encouragement in the reminder that there is always a way back to God. If we have wandered, He calls us to return. And if we are trying to remain faithful in difficult circumstances, the prophets remind us to keep going with hope and purpose.

That is one of the things I appreciate most about this Bible study. It doesn’t ignore the reality of evil, but it also doesn’t leave us without hope. Instead, it continually points us back to God and His grace.

The Bible Companion Book 9: Hosea–Malachi would be a great resource for personal study, a small group, or homeschool Bible study. Its straightforward format makes it approachable, while the questions encourage you to go beyond simply reading the words and really think about how Scripture applies to your life.

The Minor Prophets may not always be the first books we turn to when we need encouragement, but there is so much here for us. They remind us that God sees the darkness, calls us back when we wander, and gives us the strength to persevere when times are difficult.

Evil is real, but it doesn’t have the final word. God’s grace, faithfulness, and promise of restoration give us a reason to keep looking to Him—even when the world feels incredibly dark.

So if you are looking for a Bible Study, check out The Bible Companion Book 9: Hosea–Malachi, The Minor Prophets by Karen Westbrook Moderow along with the rest of The Bible Companion series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen

Throwing Jonah Overboard

Jonah is a minor prophet with a big story. The tale of a runaway prophet who is swallowed by a big fish is the perfect analogy for many of life’s upsetting circumstances like the one my minister friend is experiencing.

He had to report his boss for ongoing unethical behavior. The church leaders listened and are now verifying facts, a process that could take weeks. In the meantime, the board asked my friend to stay in his role and submit to his boss with kindness and respect while they decide how to proceed. Because he loves the Lord, the church, and its leaders, he wants to comply. Yet he feels like he’s been thrown overboard. How can he maintain a good attitude while working daily under someone who has hurt him and the ministry so deeply?

I immediately thought of Jonah. God commanded him to go Nineveh and warn people of coming judgment. Jonah did not want to go. For good reason. The Ninevites had raped, pillaged, and burned their way through his home territory multiple times. So, instead of obeying, Jonah boards a ship heading the opposite direction. But the Lord sends a violent storm that threatens to sink the ship. When the crew cast lots to see who brought this calamity on them, the lot falls on Jonah. He tells them to throw him overboard and they will be saved. Not wanting to take a life, the sailors delay but ultimately toss him into the sea.

We may identify with Jonah if our choices have put others at risk. Or perhaps we’ve felt like the sailors, caught in the consequences of someone else’s action. In my friend’s case, his courageous decision to speak up intensified a storm already brewing. Now he bears the brunt of it.

Storms take us to the depths. The discomfort of tense relationships can feel as confining and foul as the belly of a whale. But Jonah’s story gives us a needed perspective. The crisis was never just about the prophet. As the pagan crew wrestled with fear and guilt, God was working in their hearts. After He calmed the sea, they offered sacrifices and made vows to Him. Jonah’s crisis led to their salvation and proved a major theme of Scripture—God is in control.

In the book of Jonah, God doesn’t reveal truth through the words of the prophet but through the man’s pitiful example. His life is a mirror. We see his rebellion, his anger, his submission (of sorts), his obedience (of sorts), and see ourselves. The contrast between us and Jesus couldn’t be sharper. The Father sent His Son into enemy territory too, but Jesus didn’t run. He loved us. Died for us. Saved us. And now He calls us—just as he called Jonah—to rescue others.

We are God’s messengers and He will reveal Himself through us one way or another. So we should not be surprised to find ourselves in situations where our survival depends on Him. Being thrown overboard does not mean abandonment. It’s the opposite. Whether we jump or are tossed in by others, we fall into the hands of the living God. Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah.” That fish—as scary as he must’ve been to Jonah—saved him from drowning. It’s often the same for us. The dark place looming before us can be our deliverance.

Jesus used the story of Jonah to describe His death and resurrection: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:40). Unlike Christ, Jonah was guilty. Bad choices got him to the point where sacrificing himself was the only way to save his shipmates. To his credit, he went willingly. And at that moment, Jonah became Christ-like—choosing death so others could live.

God’s plan always includes others. In the vortex, they too will make choices that affect their character and eternal destiny. But whether we or those in the boat with us act out of honor, necessity, or maliciousness, God remains Lord of the storm.

As it rages, God may call us to return to the very ones who hurt us and show them the mercy Christ showed us. We may sit in the belly of the whale for a season engulfed in grief or confusion. Yet even that dark space has its blessings. Jonah used his “time out” to confess his need, express gratitude, and commit to obeying the Lord. We can do the same.

One of the many lessons in Jonah is this: God never gives up on us. He will track us to the end of the earth—not only to restores us to Himself but to make us effective messengers. He wants everyone around us to know that Jesus saves, that He is sovereign, and that there is no cause for fear. “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps” (Ps. 135:6). Even if life throws us overboard, we are never abandoned. Never adrift. God is in control and our lives are in His hands.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8

Lots of Helpers, September 9

Girls in White Dresses, September 9

Simple Harvest Reads, September 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 11

Texas Book-aholic, September 12

Artistic Nobody, September 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 14

She Lives To Read, September 15

Guild Master, September 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17

Fiction Book Lover, September 18 (Author Interview)

Because I said so adventures in parenting, September 19

The Bookish Ledger, September 20 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/0YRWn/the-bible-companion-book-9-hoseamalachi-celebration-tour-giveaway

Shadowing You ~ A Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Shadowing You (The Wright Heroes Book 10)

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 8, 2026

When the wife he believed dead calls from China, an ER doctor races to find her before her enemies silence her forever.

Ethan Wright never recovered from the death of his first love.

Six years ago, Mei Lin discovered evidence linking powerful officials to a human trafficking ring. She planned to smuggle the details out of China and join her new husband in America—but COVID sealed the borders before she could escape. Snatched by the men she’d been investigating, she was wrongfully imprisoned while authorities claimed she had died in quarantine. Now, Mei Lin’s sudden release doesn’t mean she’s free.

Ethan will stop at nothing to get his wife out of China, but he has no idea where she is. He must reach out to his estranged father, a former CIA agent who has powerful connections. With his dad’s help, Ethan begins a desperate search. He finally finds Mei Lin, but she refuses to run without the evidence that could expose the conspiracy—and ensure they’re never hunted again.

Reunited after years apart, Ethan and Mei Lin must rediscover the love they thought they’d lost—while staying one step ahead of enemies who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

From a USA Today bestselling author… You’ll love this heart-pounding suspense and gripping romance as Ethan and Mei Lin discover that real love is strong enough to survive anything.

Click here to get your copy!

Shadowing You by Robin Patchen is the tenth book in The Wright Heroes series. This Christian Romantic Suspense novel will draw you in and keep you reading.

Imagine believing the love of your life died six years ago—only to receive a phone call telling you she’s alive.

That’s the emotional and suspenseful setup of this gripping story, and it immediately pulled me into Ethan and Mei Lin’s world.

Ethan Wright never truly recovered from the loss of Mei Lin, his first love and wife. Six years earlier, she had been in China trying to uncover evidence connecting powerful officials to a human trafficking ring. She intended to get the information out of the country and reunite with Ethan in America, but COVID changed everything. The borders closed, Mei Lin disappeared, and Ethan was told she had died.

Except she hadn’t.

Mei Lin was actually imprisoned by the very people she had been investigating. Now she has unexpectedly been released, but freedom doesn’t mean she’s safe. When Ethan discovers that his wife is still alive, he refuses to sit back and hope she makes it home. He will do whatever it takes to find her.

That search leads him to the last person he ever expected to ask for help—his estranged father, a former CIA agent with the connections and resources to help track Mei Lin down.

And once Ethan finally finds her, the danger is far from over.

I really enjoyed the way this story blends romance and suspense. There is plenty of action and danger to keep the story moving, but beneath it all is a deeply emotional story about two people who thought they had lost each other forever. After six years apart, Ethan and Mei Lin have to figure out how to reconnect while dealing with everything that has happened to them.

I also appreciated that Mei Lin isn’t simply waiting for Ethan to rescue her. She is strong, determined, and willing to risk everything to get the evidence she uncovered into the right hands. She knows that escaping isn’t enough. If they truly want to be free, they have to make sure the truth comes out.

The suspense kept me wondering what would happen next, and I found myself wanting to know who to trust and whether Ethan and Mei Lin would actually make it out safely. Their reunion adds an especially emotional layer to the story because they aren’t just running from enemies—they’re also trying to reclaim the life and love that was stolen from them.

What makes this story stand out for me is the idea that some love is worth fighting for, no matter how impossible the circumstances may seem. Ethan never stopped loving Mei Lin, and when he discovers she is alive, he doesn’t hesitate to go after her.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with high stakes, dangerous secrets, unexpected twists, and a love story at the heart of it all, this is definitely one to pick up. It’s a fast-paced and emotional story that kept me invested in Ethan and Mei Lin’s journey from beginning to end. Shadowing You by Robin Patchen and the rest of The Wright Heroes series will keep you reading. I definitely recommend reading these books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

More from Robin

Saying Goodbye to Shadow Cove

When I typed the last sentence of Shadowing You, the final Wright Heroes of Maine book, I was dehydrated from all the tears I’d shed. These Wrights feel like family to me. I can’t imagine leaving them behind.

From about book five, I knew about Ethan, the son his father kept secret. I didn’t know his plot yet, though. When I met Mei Lin and understood where she’d been for the last six years, I couldn’t wait to share their story.

But first, I want you to get to know Gavin.

The Wright family has two branches. Roger Wright and his wife, Peggy, raised six sons on an apple farm in central Maine. Roger was a physician who never put his work ahead of his children. He was steady and present, the kind of man his boys grew up wanting to be.

His brother Gavin is a different story. He was a CIA officer, gallivanting the world while his wife, Evelyn, raised their five daughters. For most of the girls’ lives, he was distant and guarded, always one assignment away from coming home. Even after he retired from the CIA, he started a business that kept him close to DC—and far from his family in Shadow Cove.

None of those girls knew anything about their father’s son.

Ethan was raised by a single mother in Virginia. Gavin supported them but visited on his own terms. Ethan grew up knowing he was his father’s secret, too shameful to share with Gavin’s real family.

All Ethan ever wanted was a family of his own, which might be the reason that, when his girlfriend finished nursing school and returned home to China, he followed her and proposed. They were married the same week. But after the honeymoon, Ethan had to return to the States, and Mei Lin had to stay in China until her visa came through.

It should have been a matter of weeks, maybe a couple of months at most. But the pandemic hit. And then Mei Lin disappeared. A few months later, Ethan and her parents got word that she’d contracted the disease and died.

But Mei Lin isn’t dead. Six years ago, she uncovered a human trafficking ring and started gathering evidence against the man in charge. She didn’t know he was on to her until she was arrested and thrown into prison. Nobody came to visit her, not her parents, not her brother, and not the husband who’d promised to love her forever. A few years into her imprisonment, she lost hope that she’d ever be freed. And then, after six torturous years, she was released—just like that.

She might be out of prison, but her enemy can’t let her escape from China. Mei Lin calls the husband who left her to rot, not asking—or expecting—anything from him except some money to help her get to safety.

She certainly doesn’t expect him to fly around the world to find her.

But Ethan hasn’t forgotten Mei Lin. Now that he knows she’s alive, he’ll do everything in his power to get her to safety, including rushing into a country he barely understands. And reaching out to the father he rarely speaks to.

But Gavin isn’t the only one who jumps in to help Ethan and Mei Lin escape China. I won’t spoil it for you, but I know you’ll enjoy seeing some old friends in this story.

Thanks for spending your valuable time in Shadow Cove. Enjoy one last story before you move on to your next destination.

As for me, I’ll be just up the coast in Briar Bay, Maine, where three castaway children…

Well, we’ll talk about that one next time.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, September 9

lakesidelivingsite, September 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 10

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

For Him and My Family, September 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 15

Blossoms and Blessings, September 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 17

Mary Hake, September 17

Holly’s Book Corner, September 18

Cover Lover Book Review, September 19

Pause for Tales, September 20

Devoted To Hope, September 21

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Anchoring You!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/VphI6/shadowing-you-celebration-tour-giveaway