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, September 4, 2026

Fatal Finale (The Erin Delaney Mysteries #3) by Nancy Mehl

Fatal Finale (The Erin Delaney Mysteries #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms her worst fears--Erin has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The man's message comes with a Contact the police or FBI and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl delivers thrills like no one else in the closure of her high-stakes romantic suspense series.








MY THOUGHTS.....

I always enjoy Nancy Mehl's books, but this series' conclusion is surely one of her best! I was immediately drawn into Erin Delaney's frantic search for her friend Kaely Quinn. I knew the villain's identity, but I couldn't understand the motive or his terrifying ultimatum. "You have six days to save her. I won't change my mind."

Fatal Finale is a chilling tale of fear, cryptic messages, and Kaely's intriguing reunions with people from her earlier profiling cases. Such a treat for all of us who've read the previous adventures of both Erin and Kaely, and a wonderful invitation to those who've missed their fantastic stories!

Mehl's multi-faceted characters always intrigue me! Good people with human failings, evil people with a faint glimmer of good, and others who suffer from mental illness. All, however, are candidates for God's forgiveness and grace. If you long for fascinating characters, riveting suspense, and inspiring faith, this story is for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A positive review was never required!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 







ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. First published in 2001, she has now authored nine books, including an omnibus mystery collection, Cozy in Kansas, which contains three of her previously published Ivy Towers mysteries. Book three in the series, For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Mystery Book of the Year award. Nancy's main writing interests lie in mystery although her new Harmony Series leans more toward the romantic suspense genre. Nancy runs a HUD program for the city of Wichita and is president of a volunteer organization, Wichita Homebound Outreach. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Kansas Authors Club.

Learn more about Nancy at her      Website     Facebook     Twitter    Instagram  

ERIN DELANEY MYSTERIES

Fatal Finale
.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2026

House of Wind: A Novel by Laura DeNooyer

House of Wind: A Novel
ABOUT THE BOOK

Not all abuse leaves bruises. Not all prisons have bars.

Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys.

Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire--with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see--and no one would believe.

How do you escape when no one thinks you need to?

For sixteen years, she has stayed silent. Stayed faithful. Stayed afraid. Until one night forces her to choose between the life she has built . . . and the truth she can no longer ignore.

Her husband's warning echoes: "Planting wind only reaps a harvest of tornadoes."

But what if the storm is the only way out?




MY THOUGHTS.....

Appearances are often deceiving, and the opening pages of this book show how very deceptive they can be! Pastor Ron Burkham's true personality quickly emerges, and his wife Wendi has finally had enough. After years of emotional and verbal abuse directed at both her and their children, Wendi Burkham is ready to fight back!

Congregations with popular, charismatic ministers are often oblivious to the fact that their leader may harbor a secret personality. House of Wind isn't an easy read, but author Laura DeNooyer never sensationalizes this story! Personal revenge is never a motive, as Wendi considers Christian counseling to save her marriage and heal their family, and God's Word and prayer are often mentioned in this emotional story laced with faith and Christian values!

I received an advance copy of this novel, but all opinions are my own.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. As a Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and a multi-award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Laura has served as president of her American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Learn more at Laura's Website 

All That Is Hidden

A Hundred Magical Reasons

House of Wind

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026

We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson

We Wish You a Messy Christmas
ABOUT THE BOOK

This Christmas, the perfect gift might just be learning to let go and love the chaos.

It's Christmastime, and Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor, veterinarian Malcolm McEntire. Life should be merry, but Olivia is worried about her mother Jane's reaction to this budding romance. Their families couldn't be more different. Perfectionist Jane cannot tolerate the unorganized, messy, fun-loving McEntires, and the thought of being permanently linked as in-laws will surely send her over the edge.

Desperate to save both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her dad concoct an intervention to turn Jane's holidays into a big mess. But they barely launch their plan before fate intervenes with a serendipitous mess of its own.

In this delightful Christmas novella full of faith and hope, Melody Carlson delivers small-town charm, family dynamics, and a sweet contemporary romance perfect for the holiday season.






MY THOUGHTS....

How do I know when September has arrived? Learning that Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novella is available! This year, Carlson delivers a touching story filled with intriguing characters, an engaging plot, and an inspiring message. Yes, there's a promising romance between the adult children of next-door neighbors, but the drama revolves around the differences between the two families, as in perfection versus realistic living! Jane Bradshaw's need for perfection triggers unfair judgment and actions that adversely affect her family's happiness. Would she really cancel their family Christmas?

We Wish You a Messy Christmas is a wonderful beginning for my 2026 holiday reading! It is chock full of faith, wisdom, and yes, a little messiness! My initial annoyance with Jane soon turned to sympathy and an increasing awareness. I'm certainly not a perfectionist, but am I guilty of allowing the busyness of the season to override the true meaning of Christmas? Do I allow external circumstances to curb my joy of Christmas?

This book is a must-read for all who enjoy contemporary fiction woven with hope, forgiveness, and holiday spirit!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

Connect with Melody

We Wish You a Messy Christmas


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