Thursday, September 18, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Series)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she’s suddenly in possession of someone’s baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he’s the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn’t want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he’s in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby’s missing mother–all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

You will need to buckle up for this ride. It has been a long while since I have read a story with a volcano being a major character in the book, and that one was a rememberable one. This one really had me on the edge of my seat. There was a lot of circumstances that were stacked against the characters, and the volcano was only one of them. A big and dangerous one, but still if only that was all they were fighting.

The story starts out with truck driver Kit Garrido waking up from an accident. Personally, I have never envied truck drivers. Not a job I would want, and certainly not as a lone female. But Kit enjoys it and excels with it. However, her truck is crashed, she has no memory of the short-term events, that caused bullet holes in her window and left a baby and as stack of cash in her cabin. Not her baby, not her money.

That is how former cop Cullen Landry finds her. Both are wary of one another, but the need to get away from the volcano is pressing. The only more pressing issue is the killer's returning. So, like I said, buckle up for this intense and thrilling romantic adventure as two adults and a baby try to stay alive from nature and man.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

Hello, dear readers! Are you ready to leap into the world of a woman trapped near an erupting volcano? I know. Dropping that character into circumstances where the very earth under their feet is unreliable, where they are cut off from their technology, their transportation, civilization itself with no way to summon help, feels almost cruel. Imagine you’re in a volcano eruption zone with no way out. Now add in a stranger’s baby, a vulnerable infant, , and you are their only hope to stay alive. Why am I so compelled by those scenarios? Me, the woman who loses her backpack in the airport. I believe it’s because in those difficult, stressful moments when we accept our own helplessness that the grace of God shines brightest. Real people and fictional ones survive. Wells of strength are discovered. Hidden rivers of resilience surface. Big cities, island roads, overpasses, in the shadows of volcanoes… in the darkest moments we realize we’re never truly without His help.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, September 5

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

EmpowerMoms, September 6

Blossoms and Blessings, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

Labor Not in Vain , September 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9

The Sacred Line, September 10

The Avid Reader, September 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 11

Cover Lover Book Review, September 12

For Him and My Family, September 12

Lights in a Dark World, September 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14

Holly’s Book Corner, September 14

Blogging With Carol, September 15

Lily’s Corner, September 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 16

Simple Harvest Reads, September 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 18

Pause for Tales, September 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54292

Monday, September 15, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Canyon of Deceit by Diann Mills

Canyon of Deceit JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Canyon of Deceit

Author: DiAnn Mills

Publisher: Tyndale Fiction

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Genre: Romantic Mystery & Suspense

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

About the Author

DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone's story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Selah Award, and the Golden Scroll; and been finalists for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and the Carol Award. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She's an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on social media or her website, diannmills.com

My Thoughts:

Buckle up your seatbelt as this high adrenaline thriller takes you through dangers unknown and up against some really evil villains. A villain that likes to play mind games with his prey.

Therese Palmer, a wilderness survivor expert, and a woman with a sad past is called on to help locate a friend's kidnapped daughter. Unfortunately, the said friend is not giving all the details and does not want the authorities called in. However, this is not a job that Therese can do alone. The mountain and desert where the little girl is being held is no easy terrain. Therese needs help and she knows just who to call.

Blane Gardner is highly skilled and just who Therese needs, despite their romance not really working out. Blane is a cowboy through and through and he will do what it takes to protect Therese and the girl.

No matter how they planned and prepared, these two have their work cut out for them. Not only are they dealing with psychopathic killers, a father who seems to not be telling the whole story, Russian spies, but also the rough terrain and the wildlife. This mission is going to push them to their limits. One working through their faith and the other looking at faith from the outside. Quite an adrenaline filled story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Canyon of Deceit and $25 gift card to winner's choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 16, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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

Sunday, September 7, 2025

My Thoughts and More on The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn

About the Book

Book: The Undercover Heiress of Brockton

Author: Kelly J. Goshorn

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 1, 2025

A Socialite in Disguise Seeks Truth and Justice

Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers.

Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area.

When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting historical taking place during the year 1905. It is a fictional story set around the real-life tragedy of the explosion of a shoe factory in Brockton, Massachusetts. The author takes us through romance and danger, especially when several fires look like they were deliberately set.

Henrietta Maxwell, Etta for short is an heiress who really wants to be a reporter. She is only allowed if she goes by a man's name and no one finds out. She was a unique character on a quest for a story, dressing up like a man the best she could to fulfill her lifelong dream. In one of her investigations, she literally falls onto firefighter Leo Erickson. Together they decide to work to find out the truth of the fires.

Firefighting is in Leo's blood, and he doesn't mind helping out Etta either. This was a unique setting with equally unique characters. This is the first time I have read about firefighters in the past, usually they have been contemporary reads. I always enjoy a historical that teaches about something in the past. This one did that while delivering just the right amount of romance to keep me hooked.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kelly J. Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith, and family set in nineteenth century America. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, won the Director’s Choice Award for Adult/YA fiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in 2019, and earned recognition as both a Selah Award finalist in the Historical Romance category and as a Maggie Award Finalist for Inspirational Fiction. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, binge-watching BBC period dramas, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

More from Kelly

A Little Swedish Flavor

Beginning in 1844, Swedish immigrants began arriving in Brockton, Massachusetts. By 1920, Swedes accounted for approximately 30% of the city’s population. Their long-lasting impact on Brockton’s character remains evident today with annual cultural celebrations and religious festivals.

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton is set in the Swedish neighborhood of Campello. My hero Leo Eriksson’s favorite meal is Kalops, a savory beef stew that is traditionally served with boiled potatoes and pickled beets. For Leo, a bachelor who takes most of his meals at The Drake Tavern, the dish recalls happy childhood memories of his mother’s cooking.

Kalops contains typical stew ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, but what makes this dish unique is the addition of allspice. Allspice adds a warm spicey flavor to the recipe that makes it perfect for a chilly winter day.

I had the opportunity to taste test this recipe, and while I would never brag about my own cooking skills, I have to say that it turned out quite well. I’d love to hear from you if you decide to give this traditional Swedish dish a try.

Kalops (Swedish Beef Stew)

Recipe courtesy of Skandibaking.

SERVINGS: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS

2.4 lbs chuck roast (or other beef cut suited for stews)

1 medium onion

2 cloves garlic

3 large carrots

1 stalk celery

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp butter

3 tbsp flour

1/4 tsp ground allspice (or more to taste!)

2-3 bay leaves

3 cups beef stock (can also use water and bouillon)

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

SERVED WITH: 7 large potatoes

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep the beef by cutting into 1 inch cubes. Season well with salt.
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil when preheated and add beef in one layer, searing on all sides. If you need to sear the meat in batches, you can remove one batch before adding the next to ensure that it browns well.
Dice your onion and celery while the beef is cooking (or prep ahead of time). Finely mince the garlic cloves.
Once the meat is browned on all sides, add in the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until just softened.
Chop your carrots into bite sized pieces. You can either add the carrots now if you like them super soft or add them with about 45 minutes left of cooking if you prefer them to have more of a bite.
Add one tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add in three tablespoons of flour and stir until everything is coated. Add in ground allspice.
Pour in beef stock, stirring while adding to dissolve the flour coating. Once all of it has mixed in, add in 2-3 bay leaves. Now is a good time to taste for initial seasoning – add in salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Let the stew simmer for about an hour and 15 minutes; add more water or stock if needed! Now is also the time to add the carrots if you want them to be less soft.
Simmer for an additional 45 minutes or until the beef is very tender – in the meantime, prepare the potatoes for serving.
Prep potatoes by peeling and cutting in half. Place in a pot with cold water and add salt. Heat over medium-high heat with the lid on until it boils. Remove the lid and boil for about 15 minutes or until a knife poked into the center of a potato releases easily (you can also just taste for doneness!). Drain and set aside until ready to serve.
Remove bay leaves. Check for final seasoning (add more salt if needed). Add stew to bowls and serve with boiled potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you would like. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 27

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 28

Texas Book-aholic, August 29

Devoted To Hope, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31

Blogging With Carol, August 31

Hannahbandanarama, September 1

For Him and My Family, September 1

Stories By Gina, September 2 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, September 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, September 3

Mary Hake, September 3

Book Looks by Lisa, September 4

Books Less Travelled, September 4

Blossoms and Blessings, September 5

Bizwings Book Blog, September 6

Holly’s Book Corner, September 6

Lily’s Corner, September 7

Jodie Wolfe, September 7

Pause for Tales, September 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 9

Cover Lover Book Review, September 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kelly 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54286

Thursday, September 4, 2025

My Thoughts and More on A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch

A Scheming in Parliament JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Scheming in Parliament

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2

Author: Erica Vetsch

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

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

About the Author

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

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

My Thoughts:

This is the second in the Of Cloaks and Daggers series that specifically focuses on the duo Bertie Thorndike and Philippa Cashel in their quest as secret agents to root out evil and help the less fortunate. There were some surprising turns of events for both of them. Bertie has been elected to the House of Commons hoping to ferret out the evil corruption and who may be behind it and involved with it.

Philippa has just been given quite a shock as her later father, who never cared for her nor acknowledged her as his, did just that in his last will and testament. Not only that but he has also left her a fortune.

I liked that these two are continuing to grow strong in their faith and even in their own skins. Both of them have past reputations to overcome, and while others may want to remind them, they view them for the most part in a healthy way. The past and forgiven. I also enjoy their very slow burn romance. The end of this story and not quite a cliffhanger promises the third book is going to be quite fun. Hopefully, raising those romantic stakes a bit higher. I also believe I learned some interesting tidbits on the English Parliament.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Mutiny of the Heart by Vickie McDonough

About the Book

Book: Mutiny of the Heart

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 19, 2025

A proud Loyalist and a jaded patriot are bound by a child and a shared loss—but as sparks fly, they must decide if love is worth trusting the enemy.

Heather has no reason to like Lucas Reed. He is an American, who’s fight for liberty from England led to Heather’s family’s financial ruin and the death of her father. But her cousin’s dying wish was that Heather take little Jamie to his father in Charleston, and she’s determined to honor that wish, even if it breaks her heart to do so.

Lucas Reed knows the boy at his door cannot possibly be his, but there’s no denying that Jamie has the trademark Reed blue eyes, black hair, and dimples. Still, Lucas is ready to close the door to the boy and his escort until Miss Hawthorne presents him with a letter. He instantly recognizes the writing he thought he’d never see again. The contents of the letter shatter his resolve, forcing him to open his door—and his carefully guarded heart—to the boy and his steadfast guardian.

As Heather and Lucas work together to create a new life for Jamie, can they resist their growing attraction? Or will mutinous hearts finally admit their love when an enemy’s desperate plot threatens their lives?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Twin brothers, one good, the other bad destined to come to heads as too many secrets and betrayals lay between them. Heather has been caring for her cousin's son, Jamie, after her death and has promised to take him back to his father. Except that his father knows nothing of him. Bound with only a promise and a letter, Heather and Jamie make the arduous journey to reunite father and son.

Lucas Reed is shocked with the news that he has a son, and for good reason. His missing beloved has died and passes along the secret that they now share so that his evil twin will not find out about Jamie. What a situation Lucas finds himself in looking into the eyes of his brother's son. However, he is bound and determined to face the stigma and gossip and raise Jamie as his own knowing the secret could be devastating for Jamie. Now if only he could get Heather to remain, especially since he is falling in love with her.

This story was full of a family feud, romance, sword fighting, danger, and pirates. It was quite an adventure, and it was just the sort of story I really enjoy. This is the kickoff to more Reed family stories.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Vickie

Most of my writing career I’ve been an author of western historical fiction set in the late 1800’s, but a visit to Charleston and Savannah while on vacation, stirred up a desire to write in a different time period. I was born and raised in Oklahoma, a state that is only 117 years old. I was quickly enchanted by Charleston’s rich history and fell in love with the centuries-old homes and cobblestone streets.

I had also recently read a friend’s book series that featured pirates and felt challenged to create a pirate story of my own. After a lot of research and brainstorming with my critique group, Mutiny of the Heart was birthed.

1788, the time period of my story, was a time of turmoil for Charleston. The city was still recovering from the American Revolution. It had been captured by the British in 1780 and held for two and a half years. Finally, the British hevacuated Charleston in December 1782. The decade after the war saw industries beginning to bring the city and its inhabitants back to renewed vitality and population growth. It’s during this busy time that my English-born heroine comes to Charleson.

Heather Hawthorne is tasked with a near impossible job—deliver Jamie, the young boy she has come to love as her own, to the boy’s wealthy father in Charleston. Heather despises America as her English father lost his wealth and life in his fight against the American war for independence. But Deborah, Heather’s ailing cousin, pleaded with her to take Jamie to his wealthy father, Lucas Reed, owner of Reed Shipping. Though her heart is breaking, Heather honors Deborah’s death wish.

Lucas Reed knows the boy at his door cannot possibly be his, but there’s no denying that Jamie has the trademark Reed blue eyes, black hair and dimples. Still, Lucas is ready to close the door to the boy and his escort until Miss Hawthorne presents him with a letter. He instantly recognizes the writing he thought he’d never see again. The contents of said letter will change his life, bring both joy and heartache.

Enjoy the first episode in the Reed family saga, Mutiny of the Heart.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, September 3

Pens Pages & Pulses, September 4

Fiction Book Lover, September 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

Stories By Gina, September 8 (Author Interview)

Sylvan Musings, September 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 9

Cover Lover Book Review, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 11

Guild Master, September 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 14

Holly’s Book Corner, September 15

Artistic Nobody, September 16 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vickie 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54294

Monday, September 1, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Kissing the Texas Ranger by Cari Lynn Webb

Kissing the Texas Ranger JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Kissing the Texas Ranger by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Kissing the Texas Ranger
Series: A Three Springs Texas Romance #1
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

To solve the case…

He'll steal her heart

Special Ranger Bodie Hopson arrives in Three Springs, Texas, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a bison herd belonging to the strong-willed farmer Sarah Rickelle. Posing as a new ranch hand, Bodie suspects she's an insurance fraudster, but then quickly realizes she's more of an ally than a criminal. As they join forces to track down the thief, their growing attraction makes it difficult to stay professional. But when the case takes a dangerous turn, Bodie faces a life-changing decision: follow his law enforcement career or fight for the woman who’s stolen his heart.

Also Available

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari Lynn Webb by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

My Thoughts:

This was a feel-good romance between two people that fall in love and a snarky grandmother to boot.

Sarah Rickelle lives on a farm with her grandmother. Most of the time it is your usual farm work, except that their bison keeps disappearing. Sarah and her grandmother are trying to get to the bottom of the disappearances, and or theft without letting everyone know about it.

Special Ranger Bodie Hopson steps in to be Sarah's ranch hand. Bodie is actually investigating Sarah to see if she is committing insurance fraud, which in his head he is pretty sure she is. Until he gets to know her and the farm and finally understands what she and her grandmother have been up against.

I really enjoyed the romance, however what really stood out to me was how innocent Sarah was in this matter. But Bodie had deemed her guilty. If anyone has ever dealt with insurance claims and through no fault of their own needs to work for the payout, this story is for you. Sarah had such a big heart and it showed in the way she cared for her grandmother and with her care of the animals. A mystery romance out on the farm.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and print copies of 2 Backlist Books of winner's choice between the following titles: The Rancher's Secret Crush, A Proposal for Her Cowboy and A Cowgirl's Christmas Reunion (or may substitute with ebook(s) of any other Cari Lynn Webb title).

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

My Thoughts and More on The Engineered Engagement by Erica Vetsch

About the Book

Book: The Engineered Engagement

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A hidden genius, an ambitious shipbuilder, and a daring deception—can she prove her worth without losing her heart?

Eli Kennebrae plans to revolutionize cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. But his grandfather’s meddling obligates him to an arranged engagement. Though Josie Zahn is kindhearted and strikes his interest, Eli needs an engineer for his ship, not a fiancée.

Josie has admired Eli for years, but to him, she’s just “one of the Zahn girls.” Worse, society expects her to marry, not pursue her passion for mathematics and engineering. If she could only get Eli’s attention, she could help him achieve his goals.

Then “Professor Josephson,” a brilliant mathematical mind, provides the analyses to make Eli’s ship design a reality. As Eli finds unexpected kinship in the professor’s work, he remains unaware of the truth—Josie is the genius behind the numbers. When deception and ambition collide, will Eli see Josie for who she truly is before it’s too late?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Eli Kennebrae is the last of the brothers to be married off in his grandfather's matchmaking scheme. But what happens when the bride picked is already in love with someone else? Will her sister be a suitable substitute?

This story features second sister Josie who is very smart, she was trained by an engineer tutor. However, she lives in a society that frowns on her zest and zeal for the field. To truly use her talent, she has to pretend to be someone else. Josie is also already in love with Eli. Though she feels very inadequate as it seems as though he only sees her as the substitute. I felt for Josie as she is dealing with insecurities at not being enough for anyone.

I have enjoyed this whole series, and I am glad that the brothers listened to their grandfather. I think Eli and Josie's story was my favorite, Josie was such a smart capable woman who often was overlooked. She and Eli made the perfect match after some trials.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

One of the most frequently asked questions an author gets is “Where do your ideas come from?” The truth is…all over! But for me, the main place that story ideas start is in a museum. I see an artifact or object or hear a story as I wander a museum, and I begin to wonder about the people who used the object or survived the events that led to their story being in a museum.

The Engineered Engagement was inspired by a tour of the Great Lakes cargo ship the Meteor. The Meteor is a whaleback and is on display in Superior, WI, just across the harbor from Duluth, MN where the story is set.

I first toured the Meteor when I was eleven years old…awhile ago now. But many years later my husband and I took our kids to tour this amazing piece of engineering. The design, which is characterized by low rounded hulls, decks, and deckhouses looks decidedly odd and different from other ships. This design minimized the wind and water resistance encountered in more traditional hull shapes. The creator/design engineer of the whaleback was a Scotsman named Alexander McDougall who was a ship master and seaman on the Great Lakes.

The first whaleback hit the lakes in 1887, and over the next 11 years, 43 more joined her. One of the largest whalebacks was the steamer named the Frank Rockefeller. This ship was later renamed the SS Meteor. The Meteor hauled iron ore and sand for much of her career, and she is the only whaleback that remains.

As I toured the ship, learning nautical terms and all but feeling the rolling of the deck beneath my feet, I couldn’t help but admire Alexander McDougall for ignoring the critics, the snide remarks, and the jeers that always accompany a design pioneer and creating anyway. Looking for a better way to make something or do a task should be admired. He was tenacious, and I wanted to imbue my characters, Eli Kennebrae and Josie Zahn, with that same tenacity.

The Engineered Engagement involves ship building and hydrodynamics. Now, I know nothing about either of these disciplines, but I did glean some information, hopefully enough to make my characters, Eli and Josie, sound like they do. Ah, the joys of writing fiction! And while Eli and Josie are loaded with brains and tenacity, I also wanted them to have real emotions, to care about each other. One of the joys of writing fiction is getting to live through the eyes/hearts of your characters and feel what they feel. The Engineered Engagement was a joy to write.

If you are interested in Great Lakes shipping, I highly recommend the Duluth Canal Camera, https://www.duluthharborcam.com/p/canal-park-cams.html

And if you are interested in learning more about the SS Meteor, I recommend this site: https://superiorpublicmuseums.org/ss-meteor/