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!

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Find Me in the Story (Jonathon Island / Season 2, #1) by Lisa Jordan & Susan May Warren

Find Me in the Story (Jonathon Island | Season 2 #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

He built walls. She brought sunshine. Something had to give.

Eliza Quinn is running—from grief, from memories, from a hometown that holds too much pain. When her mother's illness pulls her back to charming Jonathon Island, she tells herself it's temporary. Help with the family. Don't get attached. Don't stay.

Then she meets Oliver Sullivan.

The brooding bookstore owner hasn't smiled since his wife died. His shop is failing. His heart is frozen. He doesn't need a partner, and he definitely doesn't need the sunshine-bright marketing whiz who keeps throwing open his curtains and filling his quiet world with chaos.

Except... maybe he does.

Forced to work together on a literary festival to save the bookstore, Eliza and Oliver discover that their differences might be exactly what they both need. She brings light to his shadows. He gives her a reason to stay. Between late nights and early morning arguments, something unexpected begins to bloom.

But trust doesn't come easy for two people who've been hurt. And one misunderstanding could destroy everything—including their chance at love.

Find Me in the Story is a heartwarming grumpy-sunshine romance about healing, second chances, and discovering that the best chapter of your life might be the one you never planned to write. Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, and cozy Hallmark movies.


MY THOUGHTS.....

It's such a treat to visit Jonathon Island again, and I couldn't have asked for a better return! Two grieving people join forces as Jonathon Island prepares for a special Book Festival. Eliza Quinn is an over-the-top enthusiast who doesn't just ask for a job in Oliver Sullivan's bookstore; she informs him that he needs to hire her! Will this somewhat reserved owner be willing to work with someone as outgoing as Eliza?

Find Me in the Story is a touching story of loss, grief, and second chances. Oliver's outward grumpiness can't hide his love for children or his joy in offering a story time each Saturday morning. This dedication isn't lost on Eliza, and her enthusiasm may be just what he needs! As their friendship deepens, Oliver accepts that he and Eliza may have a mutual story waiting to be written.

"New-to-me" author Lisa Jordan shares a lovely story of hope, faith, and healing. I recommend Find Me in the Story to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a complimentary ARC from Sunrise Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning author for Harlequin’s Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romance that promises hope and happily ever after. His Road to Redemption, her ninth published novel, was released in January 2022. Happily married to her own real-life hero for over thirty years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons. By day, she is the content manager for Novel Academy, an online writing academy powered by My Book Therapy. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys quality family time, being creative with friends, or getting lost in a good book. 

Learn more about Lisa at lisajordanbooks.com.

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Susan May Warren
 is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith.

For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website or connect with Susan on FacebookInstagram, or Twitter.



Jonathon Island | Season 2

Find Me in the Story by Lisa Jordan

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Monday, March 30, 2026

Sung in the Shadows (The Art of Love and Danger, #2) by Crystal Caudill

Sung in the Shadows (The Art of Love and Danger, #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

No one can know Nora Davis's true identity as the daughter of the famed opera singer Constanza Brisbane. After Nora escaped a kidnapping as a child, the Brisbanes slipped into the shadows and changed their identities to avoid the still-prowling captors. But after Constanza's paranoia caught up to her, she landed in Longview Asylum. It's here that Nora engages in secret singing lessons with her mother and avoids Ezekiel Beaumont.

Employed by Pike's Opera House, Ezekiel visits his suicidal ma in the asylum every week. As Nora's and Ezekiel's weekly visits align, he begins to wonder whether Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane who went missing mid-performance. And he’s determined to find out.

When Nora is forced to make Ezekiel's acquaintance, the singing world becomes a little too close for comfort, but she's drawn to Ezekiel all the same. While Nora and Ezekiel grow closer, Nora begins to fear that she, too, is losing her mind when she suspects she’s being watched. Will Ezekiel be able to protect his mother from suspected danger, along with the woman he’s falling for?




MY THOUGHTS.....

Crystal Caudill's wonderful writing talents are on full display in this new book! Sung in the Shadows is a mesmerizing tale of intrigue, mystery, and suspense within the fascinating world of opera singers in the last decades of the 1800s. Nora Davis loves this world, but she can't reveal her true identity because her mother is incarcerated in an asylum for the mentally ill.

Remarkable characters, superb plotting, and intricate historical details make this such an outstanding story. I especially loved the author's Historical Notes. Longview Asylum for the Insane and Pike's Opera House are two Cincinnati, Ohio, landmarks that played prominent roles, and the addition of romance, humor, and an inspiring faith message added to my enjoyment!

"We can do everything right and it still not be enough. Only God is enough, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like He is."

Caudill kept me fully engaged in this touching story that targets the stigma that a diagnosis of mental illness can produce. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

A complimentary copy was provided by the author and Kregel Publications via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. These opinions are mine alone.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Crystal Caudill is the author of "dangerously good historical romance," with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW.

She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Learn more at crystalcaudill.com. You can also find her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram.


  


THE ART OF LOVE AND DANGER

Written in Secret
Sung in the Shadows

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