My Thoughts and More on Mary's Redemption by Lena Nelson Dooley

 

About the Book

 

Book: Mary’s Redemption

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 11, 2025

Her childhood friend wants to rescue her from her responsibilities, but she can’t abandon her grieving family.

Despite being adopted, Mary Lenora Caine was always “God’s Blessing” to her mother. But after her mother passes, and her father can barely cope, Mary bears the burden of running the home on her own. Her drudgery hides any blessings for her future, until her childhood friend, Daniel, begins courting Mary with promises to take care of her.

For years, Daniel Winthrop has carried a torch for Mary, but his vision for their future together clashes with her duty to her family. Can’t she see he’s offering a better life? But when Mary’s faced with her worst possible scenario, Daniel isn’t sure he can handle the burden.

Mary and Daniel seem set on a path that will test their dreams and the boundaries of their love. Can they trust God’s plan for them and overcome the obstacles between them and their future together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is the second story of the drama of triplet sisters separated at birth when their widowed father gives two of them away. This is Mary's story. Mary has always known she was adopted, but for whatever reason she was not told the details. She loves her adopted family, but when she was eleven, she and her family had to go through another devastating blow. Now it is just her, her father, and three younger siblings. Unfortunately, her father has not been a good one for some years.

Daniel Winthrop has grown up with Mary and he loves her and wants to make her his wife. He sees how much she works for her family, and he wants to make her life easier. He has grand plans. 

Young love is pure and sweet, but when heavy burdens come again and threaten to take all Mary holds dear, will Daniel be strong enough to let some of his plans go? Will their love burn brighter for the sacrifices or be snuffed out? There is a lot of emotion in this story. Daniel doing some growing especially when he regards Mary, and Mary, letting her burdens go.

This was a story of growth and maturity and loving someone through the thick and thin.

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

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

 

 

More from Lena

My mother died when I was 7 years old. Back in my growing up years, grown-ups didn’t tell children a lot of things. My aunt, who was living with my mother and father and older brother when I was born, gave me some surprising information when I was in my 30s. After my mother came home from the hospital with me, she had to go back in a little while later. She had surgery to remove a mass of bones and tissue they believed was my twin that didn’t develop.

I found that interesting, because there had been times over the years when I felt as if part of me was missing. I became fascinated with the connections between twins and other multiple births. This fascination planted the seed that became the stories of the McKenna Sisters series.

At one time, there was a lot of discussion about which influenced people more—heredity or environment. These discussions added depth for the story of the triplets. I prayed a lot when writing these books, and God helped me see how to connect the girls when they didn’t know about their other sisters.

They were definitely reared in totally different environments, and Mary’s was the hardest. It was difficult for me to put her through so much anguish.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

Stories By Gina, March 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2

For the Love of Literature, April 3 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, April 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 5 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 6

Cover Lover Book Review, April 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena 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/00adcf54185

My Thoughts and More on The Rancher's Unexpected Bride by Lauralyn Keller

 

 

About the Book

Book: The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2025

In the rugged Montana Territory, a Boston socialite’s bid for freedom collides with a rancher’s quest for a family.

According to Boston’s elite society, Ella Mountbatten has it all: status, prestige, and a bright future. What they don’t know is that her life as a socialite has become a gilded cage of abuse and oppression under the control of her cruel fiancé and domineering parents. Desperate to escape, Ella flees Boston and seeks refuge in the small town of Harmony Springs, Montana Territory, where her former friend now resides as the sheriff. But with her family determined to drag her back to Boston, Ella’s hard-won freedom—and her very life—hang precariously in the balance.

Rancher, Cody Brooks, is ill-equipped to be the guardian of three orphaned children. But that’s the situation he’s in after the death of his best friend. Now, what he needs is a wife to help provide love and stability to his makeshift family. So when a runaway heiress arrives in need of protection, it seems a marriage of convenience may be the answer to both their prayers.

But with danger closing in from Boston and the challenges of building a new life together, Cody and Ella must confront their deepest fears and desires. Can their marriage of convenience blossom into true love, or will the shadows of Ella’s past tear apart the fragile hope they’ve found in Harmony Springs?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

A battered woman, a desperate man, and three orphaned children are thrust together to form a family none are too sure of. However, for survival this marriage of convenience needs to work, and it was a good one.

Ella Mountbatten has run away not only from a controlling family, but an abusive fiancé as well. Running to her longtime friend now turned sheriff for help. What she finds out west is more than she bargained for, a husband and three young children.

Cody Brooks has become the guardian to three young children, one a baby. Not only is he a single man, but he has a ranch to run as well. When his brother-in-law suggests a wife, Cody begins to see the reason in that. And at the right time, into his life walks Ella, who has some issues herself.

Starting out as just a marriage of convenience, these two quickly learn that they can rely on one another in the day-to-day chores, even with their past hurts. But when danger follows Ella from home, it will take all of their wits and love to stay alive because neither her father nor fiancé is ready to let her go. Just how much is Cody and Ella willing to sacrifice for one another?

This was a fun one, with plenty of heart, romance, and danger that really pulls you in this story. It is certainly one I will be rereading, and I cannot recommend it enough.

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

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Lauralyn

Stories have a funny way of percolating in my mind. I’ll be driving or doing dishes or some other mundane activity, and all of a sudden, an idea pops into my head. What my mind does with it then determines the course of a story.

Here’s a peek at my thought process for The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride.

Marriage of convenience stories are fun—maybe I could write one. Oooh, and I love Montana. It should take place there. Historical, of course, since stepping back in time is also fun. Hmmm….who should the characters be? Maybe a socialite….or an heiress….where would someone like that be from? Philly? New York? Ooh, I know—Boston! Yeah, Boston. Let’s see, her name can be Ella, though that doesn’t sound terribly high society. Maybe Ariella, but she prefers being called Ella. And she wants to leave town because she feels that society life is suffocating her. Hmmm, that doesn’t quite seem like a strong enough reason. Oh! She comes from a stuffy family….with harsh parents….and an abusive fiance. That’s why she runs away. I can iron out the details later. Okay, so Ella runs from Boston to Montana. Now, who’s her love interest? A farmer might work, but why would they agree to a marriage of convenience? I suppose Ella could be a mail-order bride….hmmm, no, that might not work. She needs to leave in a hurry (the why to be determined later). Maybe the guy (let’s call him Cody—that’s a good name) is a widower raising young kids and needs a wife to help. Or….no, he took in the kids after their parents died. That’ll create an immediate need for a wife. Perfect! Actually, I think he should be a rancher instead.

And just like that, a story is born. Sometimes it comes to me in moments, other times in weeks. This story developed over a couple of years. I wrote one draft, decided it was too fluffy, and ended up giving it a complete rewrite. I’m very happy with how Ella and Cody’s story turned out. It’s a sweet, love-comes-softly romance, and I hope you enjoy it.

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, April 1

Texas Book-aholic, April 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 5

Devoted To Hope, April 6

lakesidelivingsite, April 7

Stories By Gina, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest Review from Melissa)

For Him and My Family, April 12

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

A Reader’s Brain, April 14 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, April 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn 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/00adcf54189

My Thoughts and More on An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

  Title: An Unexpected Companion 

Series: K-9 Companions #31, Legacy Ranch #1 

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: April 1, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? 

After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

---

About the Author

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.

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

My Thoughts:

Here in this story, we have characters who all have been hurting since the death of their loved ones. Widow Molly and her two young boys, Grayson and Bryce are still reeling from the aftereffects of the tragic loss of their father. Meanwhile, widower Dirk is trying to move on with life after an accident stole his wife and daughter and part of his leg. He and his service dog Molly have decided to work on a ranch. That ranch that belongs to Tessa's aunt, and the ranch she and her boys will be staying at for the summer.

The adults in this novel are very mature especially in dealing with their situations and issues. I liked that they were very sensitive to one another, but especially to the young boys. This story really showed how even though they all carried around a very similar pain, it at times can feel that individually you are all alone. This was an emotional read of two hurting families, who find hope in new beginnings with one another.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of An Unexpected Companion and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 2, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 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!

My Thoughts and More on Intentional Fires by Rebecca McLafferty

 

About the Book

Book: Intentional Fires (Book Two in the Sunrise Crik Series)

Author: Rebecca McLafferty

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 10, 2024

A widowed Christmas tree farm owner and her fiancé, a forest service special agent, deal with fires, thefts, and a 90-year family feud—stretching them to the snapping point.

After experiencing an attack, theft, and arson on the family Christmas tree farm, newly engaged Toni Stevens searches for those responsible, including disputed historic records. With two boys and a mother to support, the pressure is on her to increase profitability of the tree farm. Who is trying to ruin her? Can she put a stop to the generational feud?

Toni’s fiancé, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan is hunting down a potential arsonist turned murderer. His rugged paths uncover Montana drug runners, feudal secrets—and a host of emotions that were buried alive.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Fire, murder, and an old neighbor feud fuel this story with plenty of suspense. In Montana widowed Toni Stevens still takes care of her family's Christmas tree farm along wither her mother and two sons. Her fiancé, Sam Duncan is a US Forest ranger that keeps an eye on the lay of the land, especially when fires rear their ugly heads.

All too soon their lives start to get a bit active when fires start popping up, a body is discovered, and people are intentionally getting hurt. Not only that, but a huge theft is taking place as well.

I found this story very interesting since I don't know a whole lot about tree farms. Being on the land and seeing through Toni's eyes her love and hard work that went into her land. The feud was also interesting. We get to see how it all started from the very start, as hints of the continuing saga are put into the story.

Will Sam be able to uncover all that is going on, or is the danger going to wipe out all he and Toni loves? An interesting thriller.

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

About the Author

Wisconsin resident Rebecca McLafferty began her writing career by co-creating a writers’ group and hosting writing conferences on her alpaca farm. Married for 51 years, mother of two, grandmother to five, and an Aussiedoodle mom, Rebecca cherishes writing, reading, and fellowshipping. Author of Intentional Fires, Intentional Heirs, and Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields, she loves getting to know readers

 

 

 

More from Rebecca

There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Rebecca McLafferty totally agrees!

Rebecca is the author of the Sunrise Crik Series, which consists of action-packed romantic suspense novels set in current-day Montana. She and her husband have vacationed and explored the Livingston to Bozeman area where this series takes place. The town of Woodridge is fictious, but a number of area establishments mentioned within her stories are real.

The phrase “The Big Sky” was coined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author A.B. Guthrie in his 1947 novel of that name. In addition to the obvious vision of unobstructed sky, Big Sky Country—to Rebecca—represents big dreams and big faith. It symbolizes the backbone of Montana!

Are you wondering how Rebecca can authentically write about growing Christmas trees? It’s because she and her husband owned Country Memories Farm in Wisconsin where they raised alpacas, and planted and grew Christmas trees! She also operated Country Memories Mercantile (now downsized to an online store). Their love of educating others evolved into an operation that hosted school, family, and community events. That’s why she loves to interact personally with people from all walks of life!

And are you wondering how Rebecca knows about police department operations—even drug smugglers? She worked for a tourist-town’s police department—a fascinating place to get ideas!

Rebecca admits to having worked dozens of unusual jobs (great discussion material for another time). She wondered why she experienced such diverse occupations before God revealed to her that she needed authenticity for her novel writing. What she hasn’t experienced herself, she has visited or thoroughly researched.

The title, Intentional Fires implies forest fires. That’s obvious. But there are other types of fires that burn intentionally. Internal fires can sustain a 90-year feud and lifetimes of unforgiveness, resentment, and broken dreams. Do you suffer from an internal fire?

• Whether you live in Montana or dream of visiting the west . . .
• Whether you have an entrepreneurial spirit that wants you to succeed . . .
• Whether you want to fall in love, rekindle your faith, or root for an underdog . . .

Come and experience the heartfelt struggles that Montanans fight with all their might to protect.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

Stories By Gina, March 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Blossoms and Blessings, March 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 27 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28

A Reader’s Brain, March 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Guild Master, March 31

For Him and My Family, April 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 2 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 2

Holly’s Book Corner, April 3

Vicky Sluiter, April 4 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/00adcf54181

My Thoughts and More on Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller

 

About the Book

 Book: Forgotten Identity

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: January 14, 2024

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a suspense, thriller that is downright creepy to me. Mainly because it just happens to an ordinary family just living their life. Living in the mountains with only one close set of neighbors, Mariah, her mother, and her two children are ready to ride out the blizzard that is barreling down on them. She knows this is going to cut off communication with the outside world for a while. Nevertheless, they have prepared as much as possible. That is, she thought so.

When her dog gets out and leads her to a very beaten man on the verge of death, Mariah just cannot leave him there. Nursing him at their home, during the blizzard, Mariah and her mother hope that when he wakes from his severe injuries that he can answer who he is and what happened to him. Unfortunately, when George awakes, (the name the children lovingly call him), he does not remember anything. Now what? 

However, there are some rather rough looking people who keep knocking on their door looking for an injured man, for various reasons. Something out of a horror novel for me. I would have seriously been barricading my home and fortifying it. Anyway, the suspense amps up as every chapter ends. This is not a high chase one, this is a suspense with a family just living their everyday life and I think that is why it was so intense for me. Great read.

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

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Hello, Reader!

Thank you so much for joining us for the Forgotten Identity blog tour. Enjoy the sneak peek into the book below.

Blessings,

Penny

Mariah bit back a sigh as they neared. While grateful Nosy stopped when he did, couldn’t the dog have chosen another place to investigate besides the ravine that could be deadly if someone mis-stepped and fell into it? At least the handful of boulders near its edge warned of the ravine’s proximity.

Nosy’s barking turned to a whine as he pawed at the snow.

No, not just the snow.

The snow covering a shoe protruding from behind a large boulder.

She reached for her son, Jordan, and slowed both of their paces even as her pulse quickened. Maybe the object just looked like a gray tennis shoe. Or maybe it was a shoe, but a discarded shoe Nosy found somewhere, brought home, and forgot about until now.

Still…

“Jordan, stay where you are, please.”

“Aww, Mom.” Despite his protest, Jordan did as she requested.

Mariah advanced. Better be safe than sorry, and on the one percent chance this wasn’t a shoe found, forgotten, and rediscovered by Nosy, Jordan did not need to see whatever, or whomever, was attached to the shoe.

“Mom?”

“Just a minute, Jordan.”

A few seconds later, she saw an image she’d not soon forget.

Partially obstructed by the boulders and surrounding dormant foliage, a man’s body lay face up in the snow, dangerously close to falling over the side of the ravine.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19

Madi’s Musings, March 19

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Stories By Gina, March 22 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, March 22

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 25

The Sacred Line, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 27

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29

Mary Hake, March 29

lakesidelivingsite, March 30

Cover Lover Book Review, March 31

Holly’s Book Corner, March 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 1

Pause for Tales, April 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/00adcf54178

My Thoughts and More on Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Kate Landry Has a Plan 

Series: Beignets for Two #2 

Author: Rebekah Millet 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: March 18, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

Forty-year-old Kate Landry's carefully planned life has become as messy as the powdered sugar on her famous beignets. Juggling the responsibilities of running her café, raising her teenage niece, and the emotional baggage from her breakup, Kate finds her world once again turned upside down when her first-ever crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town as the hunky local librarian. 

As Kate struggles to implement her plans to expand her café amid the New Orleans Mardi Gras madness and the meddling of her conniving ex-fiancé, Micah becomes the unwitting hero of her misadventures, stirring up feelings she thought she'd long buried. How can falling in love in the Big Easy be this hard?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series:

---

About the Author

Rebekah Millet is a double Selah Award, Cascade Award, and ACFW First Impressions Award-winning author of contemporary Christian romance novels. A New Orleans native, she grew up on beignets and café au lait, and loves infusing her colorful culture into her stories. Her husband is an answer to prayer, who puts up with her rearranging furniture and being a serial plant killer. Her two sons keep her laughing and share in her love of desserts.

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

My Thoughts:

This was a fun, romantic story with deep issues but never lost the faith message. I really liked that this story, and Julia's story deals with couples in their 40's who have already lived a bit of life, which brought a maturity to their problem solving and faith.

Kate has a plan to purchase and expand her cafe, keeping her and her late sister's dream alive. Due to tragic circumstances, Kate is raising her thirteen-year-old niece while hanging up her happily ever after when her fiancé walked out on her those eleven years ago. Kate is not looking for love, but when the boy who first kissed her walks back into her life, she starts feeling tingles and butterflies, things she doesn't want to feel.

Micah is a fun guy, extremely romantic and his pursuit of Kate was so sweet and genuine. Their back and forth and the comical situations Kate finds herself in with him had me laughing out loud many times. And while this story has a lot of silliness it also has a lot of heart as well. 

Author Millet is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her mature characters and swoony moments and laugh out loud situations.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. 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 Julia Monroe Begins Again, Kate Landry Has a Plan, and a $20 Cafe du Monde gift certificate!

 

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 26, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 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 the policies found here.

---

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

My Thoughts on A Time of Proving by Alena Mentink

 

About:

She lost her family to tragedy. He lost his when he ran away. What will second chances cost them?

Miriam Locklin thought she could keep her family together, just as her deceased parents would have wished. But when she is banished to a small Midwestern town to live with an uncle she’s never met, she realizes the fight for her family may be harder than she ever imagined. And she has no one in the little town of Osceola to fight for her.

Determined to clear his name, Jase Hoffman returns to his hometown of Osceola to prove he’s not the villain everyone believes him to be. Facing the people he left behind is no easy task. When he unexpectedly meets Miriam—for the second time—he can’t help but be drawn to her. But his broken relationships prove he’s no good at family.

As their feelings for each other grow stronger, one man could destroy everything Jase and Miriam hold dear. Yet love is only true if it’s been tested…and the hardest test is yet to come.

A Time of Proving can be read as a standalone or as a continuation of the Home to Osceola series. Faith and danger mix on the Nebraska prairie, and characters discover the value of family ties and love. Fans of Lauraine Snelling and Tracie Peterson are sure to enjoy.

My Thoughts:

Family and coming home were the main themes in this story. Both of the main characters were longing for both, and both had been disappointed in the way life was treating them lately.

Miriam Locklin has one goal in mind, keep all of her siblings together. After the unexpected death of their parents, the Locklin siblings have been parceled out to other family members. Even Miriam and her twin brother are separated as he is out looking for work to try to get everyone back under the same roof. Not only that, but Miriam is also trying to get away from a persistent scoundrel who wants to marry her, who will just not leave her alone. And he is not above using force.

Jase Hoffman has a bad reputation due to unfortunate past circumstances. He is not necessarily all to blame, but the time has come for him to come home. However, his parents are worried about getting hurt again. He needs to prove himself to them.

Jase and Miriam are meant to be together. From the first when he saves her and especially since they keep ending up in the same places. They do fall for one another, but again, Miriam has only one goal in mind. She wants her siblings back together. Jase needs to prove to her that he is good with that. 

A Time of Proving is an apt title for this book. I really felt for Jase as he is trying to make something of his life. He is sorry for the past, he loves his family, and he loves Miriam. His proving gestures are so moving that I don't know how Miriam held out for so long. 

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