About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Friday, February 14, 2025

Love Blooms on Valentines: A Contemporary Romance Collection by Chautona Havig, Katy Lee, Helena Smrcek, GIna Conroy

Love Blooms on Valentines: A Contemporary Romance Collection
ABOUT THE BOOK

Four Heart-Warming Christian Contemporary Romance Novels. One Exciting Valentines Collection.

Be My Inspiration - 
Chautona Havig

Award-winning songwriter Tanner Lawson believes avoiding romantic relationships is the secret to his success. But when writer’s block hits, he uses his church’s modified “Yankee Swap” gift exchange to set himself up on dates with one of the women for "inspiration."
Of course, Dana Lyles has noticed Linus Stenson. You’d have to be stupid not to. And when he obviously rigs the gift exchange? That means he must have noticed her, too, right?
His secret identity is sure to cause problems (if she ever finds out), but he just needs a few dates to prime the romance pump.

Two Wrongs to Right Katy Lee
Rubi Stone is a single mom who is navigating her recent widowhood as she keeps her charter boat business afloat in Royal Bay. Grady Andrews is only interested in taking down the billionaire tycoon who runs the seaside town and figures the locals will thank him for it in the end, even if they don’t realize it yet. With his plan set to destroy the beach club from the inside, all that’s stopping him is his growing concern for Captain Rubi and her little girl. His actions could send them both adrift in the storm he’s creating. But could Rubi’s love be the lifesaver he needs to set him on the right path…and into her arms forever?

Be Mine, Again - Gina Conroy
Rosie Santini, a cynical NYC obituary writer, lost faith in love after high school sweetheart, Rocco DeLuca, left for culinary school in Italy and never returned. Now stuck in a dead-end job, she’s given the chance to write a career-changing Valentine's feature but struggles to write about a subject she doesn’t believe in. When past flames reappear, Rosie confronts unresolved heartaches and trauma surrounding Valentine’s Day. As she considers which ex to give a second chance, she realizes forgiveness might unlock both a future in love and her career, opening doors to possibilities with an ex or perhaps someone new.

Million Likes - Helena Smrcek
Amber’s Valentine’s Day earn one million likes to win her dream job as a show host. But returning to her Colorado hometown to create viral content brings more than she bargained for—especially when her ex, Lucas, is there.
To boost her chances, Amber enlists Lucas to play her “perfect boyfriend” in a series of romantic videos. Amid laughter, heartfelt moments, and reconciling her complicated past, Amber begins to rediscover her faith, confront her insecurities, and realize she’s more than her scars.
As love blossoms, Amber must fleeting fame or a life rooted in faith, love, and true happiness?


MY THOUGHTS.....

Longing for a heartwarming romance but short on reading time? Love Blooms on Valentines is a collection of four short stories with romance and faith as their central themes. The focus of this review is A Million Likes by Helena Smrcek. Social media influencers are an important part of today's society so this story immediately captured my interest. I must admit that I was often irritated by social influencer Amber's deception and the methods she used to achieve her goal but isn't this what a good author does? They place realistic characters in intriguing situations that pique your interest and trigger your emotions!

Smrcek shows Amber's personal growth by weaving a strong thread of faith into the story and introducing a wonderful male character to help Amber discover the true meaning of beauty and success! A Million Likes is an enjoyable contemporary romance and I look forward to reading the other three stories in this collection, Love Blooms on Valentines.

I received a complimentary eBook but there was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller. Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.





#1 Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author Katy Lee has published more than 40 novels, including her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense books. She writes inspiring stories filled with high speed suspense and sweet romance.

Katy has multiple awards and nominations, including Romance Writers of America’s RITA® Awards, the Daphne du Maurier Mystery Awards, the Faith, Hope, & Love's Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and Selah Awards.

Katy also teaches and coaches new and seasoned writers online and at her week-long writing retreats. She runs a non-profit organization for guiding people to heal through writing called Story Haven Writers, Inc. Katy lives in the rugged mountains of Utah and is a special education teacher when she's not plotting her next story. See her Website for details on her books, story consulting, and ways you can support healing through Story Haven Writers, Inc.



Helena Smrcek'
s
 grandparents gifted her with the wonder of storytelling. She grew up surrounded by their unconditional love, endless patience, and captivating tales. The most cherished moments came at twilight. Her Grandpa would settle into his wing chair, a cat purring on his lap, while Helena and her grandmother snuggled on the sofa, ready for storytime.

Learn more at her Website     Facebook     X      Instagram 


Gina Conroy

From the moment I received my first diary in the second grade, I've been in love with the written word and the power it has to touch, stir, and reach from the depths of one soul to another. That passion for storytelling has been the thread weaving through my life ever since. Whether writing fiction or real life stories, I infuse faith, vulnerability, laughter, and hope in my stories where characters come alive, mysteries unfold, and redemption shines.

When I’m not writing, I’m teaching and mentoring others to pursue their passions and embrace their creativity. Born and raised in New York but now living in the Midwest, I’ve built a balanced life where writing, teaching, and adventure collide. Whether it’s developing engaging writing classes for writers of all ages, writing mystery novels or rom coms, or encouraging writers at all stages to chase their dreams, I love helping others uncover their stories.

An empty nester turned caregiver, I dream of traveling the world, dancing my way through every country, and penning stories full of adventure, faith, and hope. You can learn more about my books and my coaching on my website. It’s easy to find because it's simply my name dot com. Let’s connect—I’d love to hear from you!

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House: He Cares About Your Heart by Dana K. White


Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House: He Cares About Your Heart

ABOUT THE BOOK

The phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” isn’t found in the Bible. Your house can never be good enough to please God—not because you can’t scrub it or declutter hard enough, but because that is never what He was looking for in the first place. Join Dana K. White, author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life, as she works through removing the shame associated with having a messy home and reveling in the grace and love of our Savior.

This book is for you, if no matter how competent you feel in other parts of your life, you still feel overwhelmed and defeated by your messy home. While it’s true that keeping a clean and organized living space can contribute to a sense of peace and well-being, it should never be equated with your worth, moral standing, or what Jesus thinks about you. 

Dana K. White, trusted by millions for her no-holds-barred cleaning confessions and practical decluttering method wants to:

  • remove any shame or identity crisis associated with disorganization 
  • help you understand God's love and purposeful design for you that is much bigger than any mess in your house. 

Sharing relatable stories, biblical teaching, and practical life application, Dana will help you find a sense of freedom, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose for you and your house.






MY THOUGHTS.....

How often have you heard "Cleanliness is next to godliness" and thought these words came from Scripture? No, this isn't found in God's Word. How often have you read the qualities of the 'perfect woman' described in Proverbs 31? Many of us long to pattern ourselves after this role model but do you realize that cleanliness is never mentioned in these noted verses? 

The title of this book captured my attention immediately. Believe me, it isn't fun to feel guilty about a messy house! My Mom was the ultimate housewife, and I learned early that I couldn't measure up to her standards. After reading this book, I was reminded that the messiness of my house isn't what God sees in me. He sees my thoughts, my actions, and the condition of my heart so any concern I feel should be associated with these things. These are the things I need to work on!

Author Dana K. White doesn't condone laziness, and she doesn't promote perfection. There are tips to help us declutter, encouragement to keep us going, and inspiration from God's Word. We are reminded that God's Grace has nothing to do with an immaculate house or a clean heart: it is a gift freely given that can never be earned.

This is a well-written book laced with humor and heartfelt advice. I recommend "Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House: He Cares About Your Heart"!

I received a copy from the author via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars 









 ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Dana K. White is the creator of the No Mess Decluttering Method and (much to her own surprise) a Decluttering Expert. Dana shares realistic home management strategies and a message of hope for the hopelessly messy in her books: Organizing for the Rest of Us, Decluttering at the Speed of Life (a Wall Street Journal bestseller), and How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind. Dana teaches her strategies through her blog, podcast, and videos at ASlobComesClean.com
and trains coaches in her unique decluttering process at DeclutteringCoaches.com.


You can also follow Dana on    Facebook         Instagram


View all my reviews