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!

Monday, May 25, 2026

Texas Cowboy Protector (Thunder Ridge Justice) by Connie Queen

Texas Cowboy Protector (Thunder Ridge Justice)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Secrets from the past…

and a child in peril.

Sawyer Cantrell never expected to thwart a kidnapping, much less save the son of his ex-fiancĂ©e. Texas Ranger Mallory Foster is back in Cedar Hollow to clear her late brother’s name of murder, but someone is determined to stop her. Narrowly evading the gunmen on their trail, Sawyer insists on helping investigate the case that broke up their engagement. But when Mallory reveals that Sawyer is her child’s father, the stakes grow even higher. With an unknown enemy willing to murder again to keep the past buried, can Sawyer and Mallory survive long enough to uncover the real killer?




MY THOUGHTS.....

What could be worse than having your car blown up? How about the attempted kidnapping of your little boy? Texas Ranger Mallory Foster's return to Cedar Hollow turns into a frantic race to protect her son and stay safe herself while solving three cold-case murders. She came back to clear her late brother's name, but she surely didn't think she would need help from her ex-fiancé, and she definitely didn't plan for her long-kept secret to be revealed!

Author Connie Queen fills this fast-paced drama with unanswered questions, hold-your-breath danger, and emotional turmoil. Intriguing characters, a well-constructed plot, and a second-chance romance make this a totally satisfying read! Texas Cowboy Protector checks off all of my boxes for captivating Christian suspense. I loved every minute of it!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Nebraska with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

Visit her Website or follow her on   Facebook     Twitter   Instagram



OTHER BOOKS BY CONNIE QUEEN


THUNDER RIDGE JUSTICE

Texas Cowboy Protector

View all my reviews

Saturday, May 23, 2026

The Last Mile Between Us (Welcome to Redemption, Alaska, #3) by Heidi McCahan

The Last Mile Between Us (Welcome to Redemption, Alaska, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Where broken hearts come to heal.

"You have to believe me, I would never do anything to hurt you."

"Too late, you already did."


Some hearts are worth the risk of breaking twice.

Caroline McGuire returns to Redemption, Alaska to prove herself as the town's new physician assistant. Haunted by a teenage mistake, she's determined to rebuild her reputation and keep her heart safely guarded.

Then Jude Mercer shows up injured at her family's resort.

Six months ago in Colorado, they shared an incredible night—and a kiss that made Caroline believe in possibilities. Then he ghosted her without explanation. Now the suspended biathlete needs her medical expertise, and Caroline must treat the man who already broke her trust once.

Jude came to Redemption to rehabilitate his scandal-wrecked career and avoid emotional complications. But facing Caroline again forces him to confront his pattern of running when things get real. This time, the stakes are higher—her professional reputation hangs in the balance, and his athletic future is slipping away.

When a medical crisis threatens everything they've both worked for, Caroline and Jude must Is protecting yourself worth losing the person who could heal all your wounds?




MY THOUGHTS.....

The Last Mile Between Us is the third book in the Welcome to Redemption, Alaska series, and it's just as enjoyable as the first two. I loved spending time with the McGuire family in this delightful little town and meeting two more residents of Redemption. It didn't take long to recognize the tension between Caroline and Jude, and to realize that their insecurities and similarities were much of the problem. Author Heidi McCahan's clever plot slowly introduces the possibilities, and the interactions between them are spot on! The sarcasm, humor, and witty banter made me smile and laugh when Caroline and Jude were together. Was there a future for a physician's assistant and a troubled athlete after all?

Redemption, Alaska. I believe I could be perfectly happy in this place that offers second chances, sweet romance, and inspiration. You don't have to read the first two books in this series to enjoy Caroline and Jude's story, but why deny yourself the chance for more reading pleasure?

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she’s a bestselling author who writes uplifting romance novels set in small towns. A perfect day for Heidi includes a cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She’s originally from Alaska, but currently lives in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle.

Learn more by visiting her Website

Follow Heidi on Facebook     X      Instagram     Goodreads

 
WELCOME TO REDEMPTION, ALASKA


Friday, May 22, 2026

Danger in the Rockies (Colorado K-9 Unit, 3) by Terri Reed

Danger in the Rockies (Colorado K-9 Unit, 3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A K-9 team’s investigation

leads to a deadly case of mistaken identity.

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…






MY THOUGHTS.....

Grab this book if you're a fan of danger and adventure, because the non-stop action begins in the opening pages! An investigation of an illegal adoption ring sends K9 officer Maren Anderson to a suspected OB/GYN clinic. What she doesn't expect in this visit is a frantic attempt to dodge bullets and a shocking view of her "presumed dead twin sister" fleeing the crime scene. Her rescue by DEA Agent Colt Dawson introduces her to even more danger! He is trying to capture the leader of a drug ring, and multiple clues point to Maren's sister, Opal. Is it possible that the missing key to Colt's investigation may be held by someone who looks just like Maren?

The intriguing characters and thrilling plot kept me turning the pages, but best-selling author Terri Reed didn't stop there. A glimpse of Maren and Colt's past experiences offered depth to the story, and their realistic emotions created the perfect conflict. Could they overcome their doubts and trust their hearts? I loved the romantic tension and the faith that's woven into their story. Inspiring faith, but never preachy...one of Reed's trademarks! And I can't forget two loyal canine protectors, Haven and Rusk!

I recommend Danger in the Rockies for fans of heartwarming but thrilling romantic Christian suspense.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my opinions alone.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 




 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Terri Reed's awarding winning romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 5 Romance Bestsellers and Publishers Weekly top 5 Religion Fiction Bestsellers, Publishers Weekly top 5 Mass Market Paperback Bestsellers, Nielsen's Bookscan top 25 Bestsellers and featured in USA Today and have been #1 Amazon Bestsellers, as well as Fresh Picks at FreshFiction.com. Her novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and agility training with her dog.

Learn more by visiting Terri's      Website    Facebook     Instagram



Colorado K-9 Unit

Book 1: Searching for the Truth by Laura Scott
Book 2: Tracking the Taken Child by Sharon Dunn
Book 3: Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Find Me at the Table (Jonathon Island / Season 2, #3) by Andrea Christenson

Find Me at the Table: Enemies to more, a cooking competition, and the man whose career she accidentally destroyed. (Jonathon Island | Season 2 Book 3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

She ruined his career with one review. Now they have to cook together.

A food critic who can't cook. A chef who can't let go. One cooking competition that changes everything.

Ava Harper writes restaurant reviews that can make or break careers—but she's hiding a secret that would destroy her own. The daughter of celebrity chefs never learned to cook. When her editor forces her to compete in Jonathon Island's Flavor Fest, she's not just out of her depth—she's partnered with Zach Sullivan, the chef whose restaurant her review accidentally ruined.

This should be a disaster.

Zach has nursed his grudge for years. He's blamed Ava for every setback, every failure, every sleepless night. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job under a tyrannical chef, and his only shot at redemption means working alongside the woman he's spent years resenting.

The problem? She's nothing like he expected.

Between burnt garlic bread, sabotaged flour, and the watchful eyes of celebrity judges, Zach and Ava discover that the truth behind that fateful review isn't what either of them believed. As old wounds finally come to light, they'll have to decide: Is forgiveness worth the risk? And is love the recipe they've both been missing?








MY THOUGHTS.....

Find Me at the Table is another delightful book set on Jonathon Island, and I'm once again reminded just how special this place is! Jonathon Island, Michigan, with its charming landmarks, wonderful people, and the ever-present opportunity for friendship and forgiveness. Exactly what chef Zach Sullivan and food critic Ava Harper both need, but can they find it with each other?

Author Andrea Christenson offers a realistic portrayal of two people challenged to forgive past hurts. Zach's career as a chef was damaged by a review that Ava submitted in error, and Ava has a secret that could derail her credibility as a food critic. Forgiveness doesn't happen immediately, and trust isn't easy to find. Will their time on Jonathon Island give both of them a second chance?

Find Me at the Table is a wonderful addition to the Jonathon Island, Second Season series. I love the sweet chemistry, the enemies-to-lovers trope, and the inspiring nuggets of faith that Christenson plants throughout her story. There's also a chance to reunite with the amazing Sullivan family! Wonder what comes next in this outstanding series from Sunrise Publishing?

I received a complimentary digital copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing. There was no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Christenson is a contemporary Christian romance author. She’s a pastor’s wife with a biblical studies degree and over 20 years of ministry experience. Her stories are clean, faith-filled, and family-honoring, and can be trusted to entertain the heart, engage the mind, and edify the soul. Andrea lives in Plymouth, MN, with her husband and two daughters.

Learn more by visiting her Website

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Find Me at the Table by Andrea Christenson


Monday, May 18, 2026

The Sheriff's Secret Past (Aspen Creek Cowboys #1) by Tina Radcliffe

The Sheriff's Secret Past(Aspen Creek Cowboys #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

To give his family the perfect future…
He must face his past


There are only two things on Sheriff Chase Everett’s his upcoming reelection, and adopting his sweet niece after his sister’s death. The last thing he needs to worry about is the new editor of the local newspaper digging into his past. Newcomer Emily Taylor is eager for a juicy scoop for the Aspen Creek Journal, and the handsome sheriff is the perfect subject. But Chase has a dark secret that he’s desperate to hide. He needs to keep his distance from the feisty journalist, which should be easy, until a dog and a little girl bring them together…







MY THOUGHTS.....


Sheriff Chase Everett is running for reelection, and his victory seems assured. The people of Aspen Creek love him; he's a devoted uncle to his deceased sister's little girl, and he's extremely easy on the eyes! The only issue is that he is hiding a 20-year-old secret that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. Chase's secret is especially relevant because it is related to an incident of domestic violence that altered his life forever! Is his future about to be destroyed by Emily Taylor, the ambitious new editor and publisher of the Aspen Creek Journal?

The Sheriff's Secret Past is a heartwarming story of faith, family, and second chances. I adored the amazing chemistry between Emily and Chase, but many other characters constantly stole the show! Who wouldn't love a sweet little girl and a cute puppy to boost the adorable quotient, supportive co-workers, and The Soul Sisters, a group of well-intentioned older women who made me laugh out loud? 

Author Tina Radcliffe always puts a smile on my face and joy in my heart, but she also challenges me with her nuggets of inspiration. I highly recommend The Sheriff's Secret Past to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance. I look forward to reading more about these Aspen Creek Cowboys!

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


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Tina Radcliffe hails from Western New York. She left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa, she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. before heading to Colorado as a library cataloger.

​A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina is a Romance Writer of America and American Christian Fiction Writers Honor Roll member.

Tina is also a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist. She is a four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Mentor of the year finalist. ​Her Harlequin books have won the ACFW Carol Award and the Holt Medallion. She has placed or won over thirty RWA chapter-affiliated contests in her career. As a short story writer, she has sold over forty short romances to Woman’s World Magazine.

​Tina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. A popular workshop speaker, she currently lives in Arizona, where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.

You can connect with Tina at her   Website     Facebook     Pinterest      Instagram     BookBub 
Tina also has a great newsletter filled with fun facts and great giveaways for her newsletter subscribers. Sign up for her newsletter HERE.
ASPEN CREEK COWBOYS
The Sheriff's Secret Past

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Monday, May 11, 2026

I Am Strong! I Am Smart! : Drawing Upon the Power Within Through Love, Laughter, and Self-Belief by Fay A. Klingler

I Am Strong! I Am Smart!
ABOUT THE BOOK

Luisa May, known to her family and friends as Lu, loves to play games with her Grandma. When she’s bullied at school, Grandma has a special puzzle for Lu to help her see how valuable she is—no matter what others say, or how much doubt she feels within herself. Soon after, Grandma has to go to the hospital, and Lu finds out Grandma needs help recovering. Then it’s Lu’s turn to help Grandma see how valuable she is—no matter how much doubt she feels within herself. It’s a beautiful parallel for young and old alike, as each age learns from the other.

Written and illustrated with loving hands, this delightful children’s story offers a heartfelt message that unites and bonds generations. From the award-winning pen of Fay A. Klingler, I Am Strong! I Am Smart! provides to women of all ages a reminder of the tremendous gift of “girl power.”




MY THOUGHTS.....

This is a touching story of the special bond between a young girl and her grandmother. Eye-catching illustrations and a heartwarming story make it a perfect choice for young people, but it certainly isn't just for children! Reading this sweet story as a family provides a perfect opportunity to discuss important issues. We're reminded that bullying is never acceptable, aging is inevitable, and family love is everything. More importantly, we are God's children, and He loves each of us!




All of the illustrations are beautiful but  this touched me deeply. I'm taken back to holding my grandmother''s hands, and reminded that this is currently  representative of the relationship between my 12-year-old granddaughter and me! Oh, the joy that comes from being her grandmother!






The relationship between Grandma May and Lu is especially poignant to me. This sweet book transported me back to days spent with my special Mamaw! Days of joy when we made biscuits in her farmhouse kitchen and sang together while washing dishes. The moments of pride I felt when I wore dresses she made from flowered feed sacks, and my overwhelming sadness when she didn't recover from her illness. I was only twelve when Mamaw passed away, but those memories have never faded!


Author Fay A. Klingler shares an engaging tale of faith, trust, and the power of love and support between generations. I can't say enough good things about I Am Strong! I Am Smart!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. There was no obligation for a review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Fay A. Klingler, author and illustrator, is an award-winning creative and technical writer, as well as a sought-after motivational speaker for women's groups and radio and television audiences. Her expertise includes successful patterns for life, effective grandparenting, and betrayal recovery.

Fay and her husband, Larry, have twelve children, many grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren in their blended family. They reside in Draper, Utah.

Learn more by visiting her Website

Follow Fay A. Klingler on     Facebook     Instagram    Goodreads





View all my reviews

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley (The Silver Teapot #2) by Carolyn Miller

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley  (The Silver Teapot #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ's head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan's feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen's chastised Emma--only without her Mr. Knightley.



MY THOUGHTS.....

Are you ready for a trip down under? Carolyn Miller takes us to Australia in an enjoyable story loosely based on a classic Jane Austen novel. Austen's Emma had trouble recognizing what was important, and Miller's Emma Jane Bennett has that same problem. She designed a dating app to help Christian singles find perfect matches, but its success is fueling her desire for wealth and prestige. Will EJ's faith suffer, along with her relationship with her lifelong best friend, Jordan Knight?

Miller does a wonderful job with the character development. I admired Jordan and his deep devotion to both EJ and God. And then there's EJ! Couldn't she see what she was throwing away? I was often aggravated until I realized it was because her behavior was so realistic! Wasn't EJ reflecting our society's obsession with fame and success? Do we allow those obsessions to alter our standards and beliefs?

I loved the friends-to-more romance and a return visit to The Silver Teapot Café. This may be a rom-com, but it also has a strong element of faith. I recommend Not Precisely Mr. Knightley to all who enjoy Christian contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children.
 
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.

Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. 
 
Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook Instagram , and  



THE SILVER TEAPOT SERIES

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Witness Safeguard Mission (Canine Defense Book 4) by Carol J. Post

Witness Safeguard Mission (Canine Defense Book 4)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.
A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

From Love Inspired  Courage. Danger. Faith.








MY THOUGHTS.....

So good! From the opening scenes to the satisfying epilogue, I was totally engaged in this exciting story. Nicole Woodard and her younger sister are catapulted into a frantic race to stay alive after witnessing their father's murder. This is certainly terrifying for Nicole, but can you imagine the fear of seven-year-old Maddy? Their shock, horror, and disbelief are perfectly depicted, along with their gratitude after Officer Braydon Feldman comes to their rescue. Will Braydon and his K9 partner, Caesar, succeed in protecting these witnesses?

Reading a book by this author is always a thrilling adventure! Intriguing characters, non-stop danger, mind-boggling suspense, and a well-developed plot are her strong points, but Carol J. Post never fails to add those personal vibes! Realistic emotions and inspiring nuggets of faith kept me fully invested and longing for more! I recommend Witness Safeguard Mission to all who enjoy heartwarming romantic Christian suspense.

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, my resume reads as if I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is my love for writing. I currently pen fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. My books have won several awards and been nominated for two RITA® awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.

After spending most of my life in Florida, a few years ago, I moved to the mountains of North Carolina, where I write my stories outside on the back deck in the summertime and inside in front of the fireplace in the wintertime. When I’m not writing or doing writerly things, I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking—almost anything outdoors. My two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for my liking, so I now pour all that nurturing into taking care of two sassy black cats.

Learn more by visiting Carol J. Post'Website

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Canine Defense

Book 1: Searching for Evidence
Book 2: Sniffing Out Justice
Book 3: Uncovering the Truth
Book 4: Witness Safeguard Mission


Detecting Deadly Threats (K-9 Search and Rescue, 16)



View all my reviews

Friday, May 1, 2026

Find Me in the Blooms (Jonathon Island / Season 2, #2) by Alyssa Schwarz

Find Me in the Blooms (Jonathon Island | Season 2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

He ran the night before their wedding. She's been running ever since.

Wedding photographer Kate Sullivan has spent five years proving she's fine. Fine with the panic attacks. Fine being the overachieving sister everyone counts on. Fine that Lincoln St. James called off their wedding and disappeared.

She's not fine. But nobody needs to know that.

When her doctor orders a mandatory break, Kate retreats to charming Jonathon Island to help her family with the spring flower festival. Sun. Blossoms. No stress.

Then Lincoln walks back into her life.

The florist hired for the festival is the man who shattered her heart—and he's more gorgeous than ever. Worse? He's looking at her like he still loves her. Like he never stopped.

Lincoln knows he doesn't deserve a second chance. He panicked and ran, terrified of becoming his absent father. But Kate Sullivan was the best thing that ever happened to him, and he's spent five years regretting the night he let fear win.

Now, working side by side among blooming orchards and island magic, the feelings they buried come rushing back. But trust doesn't rebuild overnight—and some wounds run deeper than either of them knew.

Can a runaway groom prove he's finally ready to stay?







MY THOUGHTS.....

Jonathon Island. Who wouldn't want to live in a place where dreams begin, lifetime friendships are made, and second chances are freely given? I've loved visiting here many times before, and now, I have another chance. Find Me in the Blooms features an emotional reunion between Lincoln St. James and his ex, Kate Sullivan. They were engaged, he ran away from their engagement party, and Kate was left with a broken heart. He's back but how will they ever manage a working relationship, even if it is temporary?

I loved the realism in this second-chance story. Broken hearts and shattered dreams don't disappear overnight, and enemy-to-something-more takes a lot of work, but author Alyssa Schwarz offers the perfect depiction of the journey. I also loved that flowers play a major role, and Lincoln's romantic side is allowed to blossom and bloom!

If you enjoy stories filled with romance, faith, and redemption, grab a copy of Find Me in the Blooms. You may fall in love with Jonathon Island yourself!

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 






ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

An award-winning author of "Fields of Glass," Alyssa Schwarz is a Colorado native who attended the Colorado School of Mines, got her masters in Geological Engineering, and promptly became a watercolor artist and author (as one does). She loves writing heartfelt romances with happy endings, a bit of mystery, faith, humor, and second chances. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking, quilting, painting, or doing any number of crafty activities. 

Learn more by visiting Alyssa's Website. 

Follow her on Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest



Jonathon Island | Season 2

Find Me in the Blooms by Alyssa Schwarz

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Thursday, April 30, 2026

Maggie's May Song (An Amish Romance Birthday Series, #5) by Diane Craver

Maggie's May Song (An Amish Romance Birthday Series, #5)
ABOUT THE BOOK

She thought she’d found her forever… until the shadow of her sister’s love threatened to take it all away

Maggie Kauffman is thrilled to marry Simon Wittmer until doubts creep in. Simon was once engaged to Maggie’s older sister, Elizabeth, who’s now unhappily betrothed to someone else. Does Elizabeth still love Simon? And worse—does he still love her?

Maggie tries to ignore her fears, but it’s hard when Simon’s mother, Esther, openly favors Elizabeth. Winning over her critical future mother-in-law feels impossible, especially since Maggie and Simon are expected to live with her after the wedding. The tension grows when Maggie hears rumors that Simon and Elizabeth recently met for coffee.

Torn between confronting them and pretending she didn’t hear, Maggie begins to question everything. Is she truly Simon’s choice—or just a replacement for the woman he really wanted?

In the warmth of the family bakery and the uncertainty of her own heart, Maggie must decide whether to trust her love—or walk away before she’s hurt even more.



MY THOUGHTS.....

Maggie's May Song is a realistic portrayal of family dynamics, especially the relationship between siblings. One minute they're best friends, the next they can't stand to be near each other! This is what happens when Maggie questions the previous relationship her soon-to-be husband once shared with her sister. Does Simon still have feelings for Elizabeth? What about the very obvious affection that Simon's mother has for Elizabeth? Will Simon change his mind?

Author Diane Craver shares an engaging story with multi-faceted characters, intriguing plot twists, and authentic emotions. I understood Maggie's uncertainty about Simon's commitment and her conflicted feelings about Elizabeth, but I also sympathized with Simon's confusion when Maggie wouldn't share her doubts. As I continued to read, I found myself thinking of the words of the famous song from the movie White Christmas. "Lord, help the mister who comes between me and my sister. And, Lord, help the sister who comes between me and my man!"

Family, faith, and forgiveness are considered keys to happiness, but Maggie's May Song reminds us that fear and misunderstandings can slowly take it away! I recommend this heartwarming story to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a digital ARC from the author via BookFunnel. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Although she started her career writing non-fiction, Diane Craver switched to writing fiction. She is the author of the recent Amish Adoption Series, and she has received wonderful reviews for this series. Also, two popular Amish series, Dreams of Plain Daughters and The Bishop’s Daughters are self-published. Diane also writes romantic suspense, inspirational contemporary romance, historical Christian fiction, and women’s fiction. Her emotional reads receive great reviews. 

She enjoys her life in southwestern Ohio with her husband Tom, six children, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Life is never boring with two daughters, Sara and Amanda, born with Down syndrome living at home. Diane’s husband of thirty-nine years is very supportive of her writing career, as well as her awesome children. She gives thanks daily to God for her wonderful blessings, including being in remission from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Learn more by visiting Diane's Website.

Follow her on Facebook. 


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