3.24.2025

One Final Target by Janice Cantore // Review

Lucie's Review:

A tension filled suspense, that kept me guessing right up to the end.

Police sergeant Jodie King is at a loss after being the only survivor of a IED blast that took the lives of her team. So she decides to make a fresh start, retiring from the force, but the threats continue to follow her.

New sheriff's department detective Sam Gresham is at the right place and the right time to save Jodie from a targeted attack. He gets assigned to her case, and together they work to keep Jodie out of harm's way and figure out why they are targeting her.

This story pulled me in instantly with compelling characters, and a suspense-charged storyline. Jodie has a history of loss, and she is struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the attack and survivor's guilt. Sam is a steady presence, and dependable shoulder to lean on in the thick of things. I liked that he encouraged her to re-examine her faith and make steps towards healing. The characters have well developed arcs and I liked the strong threads of faith woven throughout. Ms. Cantore does an excellent job of bringing the suspense, politics, and drama to life in a realistic way. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.17.2025

Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Truth Cursed

Author: Angie Dickinson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: February 18, 2025

Speaking the truth can be a dangerous thing.

Cressida Hoth is alone in the world. Orphaned and unwanted, she is inflicted with a peculiar curse by her mischievous aunts and banished to a finishing school in the secluded kingdom of Dernmont. Students train in every accomplishment suitable for young ladies: music, dancing, etiquette…and strangely, poison-making, fencing, and lock- picking.

The school is a front for a rebel spy ring, and when her training is complete, Cressida is selected to join a mission to infiltrate the kingdom’s royal court. She has been thrown unceremoniously into a world of ball gowns and espionage, but she is still under a curse, and it threatens to expose them all.

Defending her teammates and her secret, Cressida discovers that the kingdom’s buried history and the truth behind her curse run far deeper than she imagined.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Orphaned and alone, Cressida Hoth is sent to a boarding school that holds a surprising secret. Cursed from her youth with a dangerous affliction, she learns to navigate the challenges of her curse in ways that she never imagined.

An action-packed coming of age fantasy adventure read, with a heroine finding herself, and learning who to trust in a world of spies, intrigue, and deception. There is a lot going on, and I was drawn into the premise and plot easily. Cressida is a likable protagonist, and I liked her care for others, and friendship with Emric. I did wish that more time had been spent with the boarding school, and there were a few instances of information dumping that felt like they took me out of the story a bit.

There is a lot to like about this fun mashed up adventure, with solid themes of friendship, truth, and who to trust, in this clean teen read, with light romance, and plenty of sword fighting!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Angie Dickinson is a lifelong lover of magical stories that point to truth, hope, and redemption. She received a B.A. in English Literature and is now a fantasy writer, living in the woods of Michigan with her husband and four children. Angie is saved by grace alone and is in awe of her Savior’s unrestrained love. She is blessed by her big, boisterous family and is fond of Earl Grey tea, reading too late at night, and taking every opportunity to share her passion for fantasy and fairy tales.

More from Angie

A few years ago, while I was pregnant with my third child and feeling an itch to write a story, a question popped into my mind. Could I write a relatable main character who is cursed with a peculiar impediment that affects every relationship and interaction? What would that look like and how challenging would it be? This was the beginning of my journey toward creating and learning to know and love Cressida, the main character of Truth Cursed.

This book became an ode to so many of my favorite things: girlhood friendships, mystery, fantasy, ballgowns, hidden weaponry (poisons! blades!!), court intrigue, an epic castle setting, sweet romance, and coming-of-age character growth that is anything but graceful. In many ways this story is old fashioned for this fast-moving publishing world, embracing an amalgam of the story types that I grew up reading and wishing to read.

As I wrote, I discovered my reader, and she was younger me. So I wrote for her, for my own future teens, and for every reader who loves to fall into a cozy, wholesome, and intriguing story. I’ve attempted to present my reader with a mirror and true hope as they unravel the mystery and adventure of Truth Cursed. I will forever be thankful to my Creator for the opportunity to share Cressida’s story.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4

cecereadsandsings, March 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 5

Allyson Jamison, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 6

By the Book, March 7

Lily’s Corner, March 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 9

The Lofty Pages, March 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Inspired by Fiction, March 12

Hannahbandanarama, March 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 13

Faery Tales Are Real, March 13

Holly’s Book Corner, March 14

Blogging With Carol, March 15

For Him and My Family, March 16

Labor Not in Vain, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/00adcf54166

3.14.2025

The Farmer's Marriage Bargain by Heidi Main // Review

Lucie's Review:

Can a marriage of convenience turn into lasting love?

When widowed single mother to triplets, Emma Bailey, can't afford the medication that her daughter needs, her late husband's friend suggests a surprising solution.

Engaging and charming, this is a sweet story of love in the broken places. Emma is a fantastic mother to her three young ones, and has been doing a great job of taking care of them and keeping things running since her husband's death. I liked that she and Carter bonded over their faith. Carter is a thoughtful friend, and I liked how he took his time giving them space to get used to him. He is great with the kids, and I liked that there are great everyday interactions, as well as a strong bond of shared faith.

A winning story of faith, family, and finding love again. I liked that both Emma and Carter are Christians who took their commitment seriously. The three kiddos are adorable, and I liked how the story talked about the struggles of living with chronic disease. A heartwarming second chance romance that is well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.12.2025

Courting the Country Preacher by Angela K. Couch, Carolyn Miller, Naomi Musch, Kari Trumbo // Review

Lucie's Review:

Four stories of women throughout the years past, who fell in love with a man of the cloth.

The Mountie's Rival by Angela K. Couch

Jonathan is excited to be starting a new life apart from the shadow of his twin brother, but things don't exactly go to plan.

He finds a friend in an unexpected source in the daughter of the town drunk. April is a strong Christian, used to being looked down on because of her family, she does her best help the people of the town without them knowing.

This was a charming romance, with captivating main characters and strong faith. I liked how Jonathan and April found each other, and found someone who saw their true selves.

Convincing the Circuit Preacher by Carolyn Miller

It's love at first sight for Dorothea Maclean when she sets eyes on the local circuit preacher. She just has convince him--and her family.

A sweet romance, set in Australia with a class difference relationship. I liked how supportive her sister was of her and Mr. Hammill. And I liked how she matures and grows into the role of a supportive spouse of a man of the cloth.

The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch

Everett is determined to make the most of his second chance, serving as a clergy man to the rough and tumble men of the logging camp. He catches the eyes of the trader's daughter, but finds that he has some competition as women are few and far between in this male dominated territory.

A well written read with good relationship building and themes of faith, I liked how Angeline and her father also grow closer too. I liked the setting of the logging camp, and how Angel and Sky Pilot bond through questions about faith. Great interaction, highly enjoyable.

Mail Order Minister by Kari Trumbo

A small town church is looking for a new pastor, but so is the other church in town. Olive's parents have matchmaking on their mind, but she isn't so sure.

A cute small town, prairie romance with strong faith. I like dhow Olive and Finch become friends, and how they get to know each other throughout the story. A cute rea with, great characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.11.2025

Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn // Review

Lucie's Review:

Child Psychologist Marielle Coleman and her foster son find themselves caught in a winter storm, while on the run from his mother's killers, where they run into Marielle's ex in a remote camp.

An engaging suspense, with great characters and high stakes in this second chance romance. I liked how Marielle reconnected with Graham, as well as how he is willing to jump in and help Marielle and Ian.

Overall, it was an entertaining read with a lot going on, and it kept me guessing. I liked the great relationship building, and second chances. Ian is a sweet child, who has been through so much! Wonderful read, with a satisfying ending!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.10.2025

A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker // Review

My Review:

Miss Genevieve Wilde is determined to take matters into her own hands when her late father's pocket watch is stolen. She hires a thief taker, Jack Travers to help her in her investigation, which uncovers far greater foul play at hand.

Genevieve is independent and intelligent, she also isn't afraid to go after what she wants. I liked how she an Jack worked together to unravel the strange happenings. They have good chemistry, and I liked how they spent a lot of time together. Plus a humorous fake cousin twist!

Overall, this was a sweet, swoony regency romance, with a good amount of mystery and relationship building. I liked the dashes of suspense, as well as the sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shiloh by Lori Benton // Review

My Review:

A journey toward a new beginning.

Picking up in the aftermath of Mountain Laurel Ian Cameron and Seona have made the best of their situation, but a chance encounter gives glimmers of a new start, but is it too late?

The powerful conclusion that not only brings closure to Ian and Seona's story but that also serves as a sequel to other stories in this author's cannon as well, but can be read just with Mountain Laurel.

Ian and Seona work to move past the things between them in this intricate and complex historical novel of new beginnings and fighting for love. The author does a wonderful job of showing realistically human characters, and the challenges of holding to faith when its hard. An intense read, with deep emotions, and a rustic frontier spirit!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.08.2025

Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl by Karen Baney // Just Read

Lucie's Review:

A cute age gap relationship, friends to lovers romance, with great interaction and themes of faith.

Adan Franco has his life turned upside down when he becomes the guardian of an opinionated preteen boy. Jett bonds with Laney, and I liked how Solana and Adan come to depend on each other throughout. It was great returning to the Vargas Ranch, seeing familiar faces again, and following the secondary storylines as well.

An engaging read, with great interaction and a wonderful full cast of characters. I loved how the family is supportive of each other, and how the events of this book give Adan and Solana a second chance at love.

Overall, a enjoyable addition to the series. I liked getting to see Adan and Solana get their own story, and see them bond over their shared values. A well done, Christian romance with great characters that you can read as part of a great series, or by itself as a wonderful stand alone!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.07.2025

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard // Review

Lucie's Review:

A fast paced survival suspense, with strong likable characters, filled with faith and resilience.

Remi Grant has been managing a storm watching lodge on the Washington Coast ever since she lost her memory. But when the storms pick up she finds that her past has come back to haunt her, but she doesn't remember what she forgot. Hawk Beckett comes to her aid, and pretty soon he's swept into the mystery too, trying to help Remi remember before it's too late.

An engaging suspense read, with a compelling plot, and a great mix of survival and intrigue suspense. Remi is making the best of her new life, and I liked how she held to her faith in uncertain times. She and Hawk make a great team, it was nice seeing them work together and problem solve.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end, and great start to a new series. Loved the outdoors survival suspense, as well as the high stakes intrigue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.06.2025

Sabotage at Cedar Creek by Janice Thompson // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Sabotage at Cedar Creek (The Little Red Truck Mysteries Book Two)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date: February, 2025

Who Would Sabotage the New B&B?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book two of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s summertime in Mabank, Texas, and the Hadley family’s new antique business is open and running well with Tilly, the red antique truck, as its mascot. Raelynn Hadley enjoys driving Grandpa’s truck around as she seeks out antiques for her family’s store.

Raelynn is excited that her best friend, Tasha, will soon open a new vacation rental to accommodate the area’s growing tourism, but an unexpected act of sabotage threatens to spoil all that Tasha has worked for.

Raelynn immediately gets to work sleuthing out who could be behind the crime. Could it be the bitter neighbor, intent on spoiling Tasha’s plans? Perhaps it’s a nearby resort owner, worried about the potential loss of revenue. Maybe it’s the former owner’s daughter who was left out of the will and believes the home should be hers. Or maybe it’s the squatter who had taken up residence in the home before renovations. Raelynn is determined to solve the mystery for her friend in time for opening day.

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review:

A cozy mystery, with friendly familiar faces, in a small southern town, with a dash of romance.

Raelynn is back with her signature red truck ready to help family and friends while running her antique store. She is happy to help Tasha untangle the legal mess and sabotage surrounding her rental property, as more and more suspects emerge. My favorite part of the book though, was when Raelynn spent time cooking with her Aunt Bessie May. It was so fun learning about her aunt's past, and uncovering the secrets from years ago.

A heartwarming read with great characters, and a cozy mystery, that adds moments of light suspense. It was so easy to come back to Mabank, TX and the friendly faces there.

A highly enjoyable read, with a lot of things going on and a full cast of characters, strong themes of faith, as well as a strong sense of community. I'm excited to read more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

More from Janice

Travel with me to East Texas to celebrate the 4^th of July. Let’s meet at Cedar Creek Lake, a vast expanse of water tucked in and around some of the sweetest little Texas towns you’ve ever seen: Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Payne Springs, Eustace, and Seven Points, just to name a few.

Along the edge of the lake you’ll find 320 miles of idyllic shoreline, dotted with homes, campsites, and cabins for rent. And right there, on the prettiest patch of land imaginable, you’ll discover a newly renovated vacation home, recently purchased by a local gal named Tasha. Her quaint fixer-upper is just about ready for its first guests and she’s giddy with excitement.

Also thrilled is Tasha’s BFF, RaeLyn Hadley! RaeLyn has grown up near the lake and loves this place. She can hardly wait to see her bestie’s dream come true.

Of course, not everyone in the Cedar Creek area is happy to see Tasha’s new vacation rental open for business. Behind the scenes, evil lurks. Nefarious plans are already in motion, though RaeLyn and Tasha can’t yet see them.

Days before the house is listed, the beautiful home is vandalized! Clearly, someone wants to stop Tasha in her tracks. But, who would sabotage the inn. . .and why? RaeLyn won’t quit until she’s got answers, but she needs your help.

What role will you play in this tale? Visit the inn. Get to know the gals. Help them figure out the whodunit. Spend time in town with the locals, celebrating the 4^th of July. I promise, you’ll have a blast. There are quilt shows, cupcake walks, and more Texas BBQ than you can eat in one visit.

Your belly will never be empty as you set out to help RaeLyn and Tasha solve this crime. Just don’t let all of those handsome Texas fellas distract you from the task at hand. They have a tendency to do that.

Hang on for the ride, folks, because an East Texas tale is one that’s always filled with twists and turns! So, what are you waiting for? Jump into that little red truck and let’s hit the road, headed to Cedar Creek Lake!