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!

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Secrets in the Castle Library (In the Castle Library #3) by Ann Swindell

Secrets in the Castle Library
ABOUT THE BOOK

The past year of Melanie Tallebois’s life has unraveled, both professionally and personally. Usually unflappable, she can’t understand why life isn’t going to plan. So when she’s offered a professorship at the University of Lethersby, she seizes it as her chance to find the happiness that has eluded her for as long as she can remember. The fact that her best friend is the nation’s princess and has invited her to live in the castle for the summer doesn’t hurt, either.

The only thing eluding Eddie Canon are answers. As director of the National Museum of Lethersby, he’s spent years chasing the truth behind Queen Alma’s disappearance over a century ago. Now, tasked by the royals to tie up the loose ends of the national mystery, he’s studying in the castle library and still coming up empty-handed.

The last person Eddie wants to work with is Melanie, who inserts herself into his research—and his life. She’s brash, annoying, forthright...and altogether brilliant. Eddie thinks it wise to push her away, but as the research continues to stall, he can’t ignore that their friendship has begun to blossom.

When the long-lost queen’s mysteries finally come to light, Melanie is plunged into darkness—and Eddie questions everything he thought he understood about faith and love. Together, they must uncover the secrets in the castle library and decide whether they’re willing to trust God with a story far greater than their own.



MY THOUGHTS.....

Secrets in the Castle Library is a mesmerizing conclusion to an awesome series! It has a castle setting, a reunion with beloved characters, and a beautiful faith message combined with history, mystery, and romance. Melanie knows her friends have changed after reading a former Queen's journal, but she doesn't realize that she will also benefit from those inspiring words. Will Melanie discover the key to her own happiness and self-worth as she searches for clues about Queen Alma's disappearance?

I have become a forever fan of Ann Swindell after reading this book and the previous book in the "In the Castle Library" series! Her efforts to share the Gospel message are powerful but never overbearing, and her stories may impact other readers searching for answers. Secrets in the Castle Library is a delightful story of love, faith, and acceptance. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary digital ARC. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Swindell writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.

Learn more at Ann's Website .

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IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY SERIES

Christmas in the Castle Library
Secrets in the Castle Library

View all my reviews

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Chasing Daniel's Daughter (Daniel's Daughters, Book 3) by Mindy Steele

Chasing Daniel's Daughter (Daniel's Daughters series Book 3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

After a storm destroyed her family's home, Martha Jane Raber was certain Aiden would rush back to Miller’s Creek to be with her. While waiting to become his wife, M.J. offers to help a friend learn to read. As the season blooms around Miller’s Creek, M.J. grows more determined than ever to get her own happy-ever-after.

If Sam Lewis could change one thing about himself, it would be the smudge on his last name. Taking a job with Daniel Raber might have cost him, but he soon discovers a new friendship with a woman who speaks to rainclouds and roosters. Being only her friend while she pines over another takes some strength, but Sam knows his place. That was, until M.J. disappears and Sam has no choice but to chase after the miller’s daughter.







MY THOUGHTS.....

This book continues a story that first captured my heart several years ago. Daniel Raber instantly became a husband and father when he rescued a young widowed mother and her three little girls from a tragic situation. Their captivating love story showed that heroes don't always wear capes, and the best fathers aren't always biological! 

In the third and final book in the Daniel's Daughters series, the little girls Daniel Raber chose to father have all grown up. Two are married, and the youngest is hoping to be a bride soon, if her intended beau ever returns to Miller's Creek. Martha Jane is concerned, but this doesn't change her sweet, caring nature. Becoming friends with Sam Lewis sets the stage for an unexpected development. Had M.J. been considering the wrong person for her happily-ever-after?

Author Mindy Steele shares an engaging story of love, faith, devotion, and family. I loved returning to Miller's Creek, reuniting with many of M.J.'s friends and family, and watching Daniel become a typical father bear when his daughters are involved. Chasing Daniel's Daughter warmed my heart and left me convinced that Steele has no limits in creativity or writing ability! It is enjoyable as a standalone, but I suggest you read His Amish Wife's Hidden Past, the book that started it all, and the other books in the Daniel's Daughters series!

I received a copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Mindy Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy-ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within the pages of her Amish fiction or romantic suspense novels.

Learn more by visiting Mindy's Website. 
You can also follow her on Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter



Daniel's Daughters Series
Chasing Daniel's Daughter

View all my reviews