Book Spotlight: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

Hello Bookworms!

I first want to say thank you for all of the birthday wishes and love this week. It's meant the world to me and has made me feel so special. So far, 45 has been pretty great, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the year. Lots of changes are happening and while they're scary I am also very excited.

Today I am featuring a Small Town Contemporary Romance from one of my favorite authors, so enjoy the excerpt and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Brewed Awakening 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: May 5, 2026 

Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance 

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? 

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door. 

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again. 

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat. 

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry. 

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever? 

Book Review: Miss Beth Bettencourt by Eva Marie Everson

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day weekend. Mine was amazing and exactly what I needed. My oldest son stayed with me for the weekend, and I got spoiled with quality time, gifts, and some delicious goodies. I could not ask for more to celebrate not only Mother's Day but my 45th birthday. Now it's on to marathon cleaning and packing as we are gearing up to put our house on the market! As you can tell, I haven't had a lot of down time to read, but I literally lost sleep reading the novel that I am featuring today and have zero regrets.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Southern Christian Fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Miss Beth Bettencourt by Eva Marie Everson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Miss Beth Bettencourt 
Author: Eva Marie Everson 
Publisher: Kregel 
Release Date: May 12, 2026 
Genre: Southern Fiction/Christian Fiction

Will an unlikely romance tear down Beth’s walls of indifference? 

It's 1962 in Bynum, Georgia, and Beth Bettencourt's world is turned upside down when she wakes to a man snoring in the guest bedroom. 

She's home alone; her parents are traveling abroad, grieving her twin sister's unexpected death. Instead of accompanying them, Beth stayed in Bynum to tend to her kindergarten and closely guard her own heart. 

A beautiful and beloved member of the community, Beth is an unusual specimen for her time as she nears thirty and remains unmarried. She holds deep-seated unforgiveness toward her twin, Elise, who ran off with Beth's beau. To make matters worse, Elise took their grandmother's ring, which had been promised to Beth. 

But now a stranger enters her home and her world. David Patrick Martin seems ready to break down her walls of indifference and find the core of Miss Beth Bettencourt. But can he be trusted with Beth's past, her present, and more importantly, her future?

Book Review: The Escape Game by Gina Holder

Happy Friday Bookworms!

Today kicks off my birthday weekend, and I am starting off the festivities in a unique way. We are planning a birthday trip to a local escape room, so I thought I'd get in the spirit and read a novel that is set in an escape room. Not only was it an exciting read, but it also got me even more pumped for my own escape game!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Escape Game by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Escape Game 
Series: The Game Masters 
Author: Gina Holder 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: May 5, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. 

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. 

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. 

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. 

They’re players. 

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face. 

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. 

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.  

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb? 

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

Book Spotlight: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel

Hello Bookworms!

This year my 45th birthday falls on Mother's Day. I was actually born on Mother's Day, so the years that it lands on that day are pretty cool. This year, my mom is in town for the first time in a long time, so I am eagerly anticipating getting to spend the weekend with some of the most amazing women in my life while also celebrating another year of me.

I hope you enjoy today's spotlight and excerpt from this Wholesome Contemporary Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family 
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #3 
Author: Tara Randel 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Solving crimes  

And falling in love! 

Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.  

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Book Review: A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore

Happy Saturday Bookworms!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far! I am busy getting my house packed up and cleaned. We're getting photos ready to be taken and are hoping to have the house listed in the next week so things are gearing up quickly. I have very little downtime, but when I do, I am reaching for a book like the one I am featuring today.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Inspirational Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Child to Bind Them 
Author: Donna Gartshore 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can one little girl… 
Heal wounds from the past? 

Landing a contractor job at New Hope Ranch finally allows Mitch Cooper to give his daughter, Gemma—who has a developmental delay—a stable home…if he can find reliable childcare. But when therapy horse trainer Aubrey Simpson eagerly offers to look after the three-year-old, Mitch finds himself hesitant to agree. Realizing Gemma is the baby she gave up for adoption, Aubrey will do anything to help the little girl—even spend time with her cautious father. But as unexpected feelings grow, will Aubrey reveal the truth…and risk her newfound family?

Book Spotlight: His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I have been dealing with some severe weather in my neck of the woods and when the weather gets bad I like to put on some of my favorite storm chasers and hole up with a good novel like the one I am featuring today. I hope you enjoy the spotlight and excerpt on this Sweet Contemporary Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: His Ranch Redemption 
Series: Fern Hollow #1 
Author: Laurie Winter 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

He was her first love… 
Can he be her forever? 

Widowed Sarah Carmella has a wonderful daughter and fulfilling work running her grandparents’ horse rescue. So there’s absolutely no reason for regrets and what-ifs when her ex-husband, Pete O’Keefe, arrives in town for a mutual friend’s wedding. She and Pete eloped young, then went their separate ways when tragedy struck. But memories of their whirlwind romance and Pete’s charm have Sarah fearing for her heart. Because Pete would never settle down in tiny Fern Hollow. Fresh out of the army, he already has another job chasing danger lined up. Yet, could falling for each other all over again become the adventure they both need?

Book Review: The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I have been anticipating this post for weeks and am so excited to finally share my thoughts on one of my favorite authors’ latest masterpieces that is releasing this week! I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Psychological Thriller and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Girl Upstairs 
Author: Jessica R. Patch 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Psychological Thriller

"Jessica R. Patch weaves a dark, twisty tapestry that’s both unsettling and unexpectedly hopeful. Masterful." –New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan

She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life. 

Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better. 

Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath. 

As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…

Book Spotlight: Escape to Passignano by Normandie Fischer

Hello Bookworms!

On Monday, I celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary with the love of my life. My husband is not the most romantic person in the world (though in the past, he has had his moments), but just slowing down for a day in this extremely busy season of getting our house ready to be put on the market was exactly what we both needed. It reminded me that he is still my best friend and my favorite person to be around, and I also got to dream of our future home as well as eat one of the best spinach chicken wraps I've ever tasted.

This week, I am keeping things light on the reading front and instead highlighting some amazing books complete with excerpts that I know you'll enjoy, starting with a Christian Women's Fiction. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours, and happy reading!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape to Passignano by Normandie Fischer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Escape to Passignano 
Series: Carolina Coast Stories 
Author: Normandie Fischer 
Publisher: Sleepy Creek Press 
Release Date: March 31, 2026 
Genre: Christian Women's Fiction

Can dreams be trusted when life feels like a nightmare?

Sophia chose to honor her deceased husband’s wishes by visiting his hometown of Passignano sul Trasimeno in the Umbrian region of Italy. She’s trying to find the peace he promised, really she is, while she studies his language and sips caffè with a view of mountains and lake. Only, things begin to happen involving a red-haired child who speaks of things she cannot know—and the child’s father whose very presence challenges that peace. 

Dr. Luca Moretti still wrestles with guilt three years after the death of his wife and older children. Overwhelmed by grief, Luca gave the care of his toddler daughter, Noemi, to his sister. It was supposed to be temporary; it wasn’t. Now, Luca wants Noemi back. 

When his sister flees, taking Noemi into hiding, Sophia joins forces with a desperate Luca to piece together dreams and voices and supernatural nudges to retrace Noemi’s steps. It’s going to take trust, though, something in short supply for both Luca and Sophia. They’ll have to learn to trust in one another, and, more importantly, to trust in God—that a God who would allow such pain really does mean to work it all out for good. For Noemi. For the two of them. And for a troubled woman from North Carolina who enters their orbit with her own demons, demons God uses—and dispels—as He wills.  

Book Review: The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan L. Tuttle

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

A novel that I have been anticipating for months is finally here and I am beyond excited that I get to share my thoughts with you today! This series has been one of my recent loves by one of my favorite authors so how can I not be excited!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Romantic Mystery & Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner 

Series: Treasures of Halstead Manor #3 

Author: Susan L. Tuttle 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 24, 2026 

Genre: Mystery & Suspense / Romance 

Will the key unlock more than a vault filled with treasure? 

Brooke Sumner has been carefully avoiding Storm Whitlock ever since he betrayed her trust. When he joins Caspar's mysterious treasure-hunting group, she steps away to focus on her antique shop and keep herself busy.

Then Caspar invites her back for one final assignment, and Brooke is torn. Returning to Halstead Manor to help the team find the second half of a key is intriguing. It also means she'd be working with Storm. But she doesn't trust his motives, so she reluctantly rejoins to keep him in check. As they dive into their expedition, Brooke finds her heart softening toward those she'd once held at arm's length. And is it possible she misunderstood Storm's betrayal of their friendship? 

"In this friends-to-more romance, we get to see the beauty of being known, being loved, and finding the people who want to walk alongside us." —Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

Book Review of 'Where the Wild Hearts Are' by Sondra Kraak

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I hope you are all doing well and had a good weekend. I was able to spend some quality time with the family and get a little bit of a rest, all of which was unexpected but much needed. 

Today I am kicking off the week with a sweet story. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where the Wild Hearts Are by Sondra Kraak, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Where the Wild Hearts Are 
Series: Hearts of Sparrow Ridge #1 
Author: Sondra Kraak 
Publisher: Trail House Publishers 
Release Date: April 7, 2026 
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy

Miles 

Second chances come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s be clear, I did not see this one coming in any shape or size. I was over Juliette as soon as she started dating my brother years ago. 

But here we are. I’ve lost my brother, Juliette’s lost her husband, and our short-lived summer camp romance from when we were teenagers is rising from the grave to haunt me—or rather, invite me into an unexpected, irresistible redemption opportunity. 

 
No problem. I’m a handyman. I fix things for a living. And I want to fix everything that’s been shattered in Juliette’s life. 

Unfortunately for me, I overwhelmed her years ago with my big personality. Who’s to say I won’t be too much again? But I hope and pray I’m not because there’s no holding my feelings back this time, and with the way she’s distracting me, using power tools is out of the question.  

Juliette 

I don’t need my brother-in-law, Miles, swooping in to save me and my girls. I may not be thriving as a single mom, but I am surviving. The last thing my life needs is more upheaval, which is what I’ll get if I misread this chemistry between me and Miles. 

Besides, my heart’s got a bigger issue: the summer camp that saved my life is for sale, and my old dream of running a camp is resurrecting with a vengeance. Only, it’s even less practical now than when I was a teenager. 

I can’t let my heart run away with my good sense—regarding Miles or camp. 

But I really want that camp, no matter how impossible the dream. And why am I acting like a schoolgirl crushing hard on her first boy? It’s just Miles.  

Wild hearts scheme big to buy a summer camp in this swoony, second chance romance with found family, quirky characters, and sizzling chemistry. And it’s all wrapped up in a low spice, inspirational package. Where the Wild Hearts Are is the first in a new rom-com series featuring adventurous friends and the love and laughter they bring to their small, mountain town.

Spotlight on 'Ashton' by Anne Perrault

Hello Bookworms!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a good start to the week. I spent the entire weekend getting my oldest son moved into his first apartment and spending time with family on Easter. It was a whirlwind of emotions and chaos, and I loved every moment. Now to start getting my own house to be put on the market. Don't even get me started on my feelings about that!

Today I am featuring another series starter! I hope you enjoy an excerpt from this Contemporary Western Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours. 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ashton by Anne Perrault, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ashton 
Series: Yellowstone Descendants #1 
Author: Anne Perreault 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: October 1, 2025 
Genre: Christian Fiction/Contemporary Western Romance

Return to Yellowstone with the next generation of our beloved characters from the original series.  

Saddlehorn, MT 

Ashton Anderson, former town sweetheart and prodigal son of rancher Clint Anderson, has finally returned home. Where has he been for the last ten years, you ask? Apparently, working a smaller rodeo circuit up north. With his strength and skill, he should have done well, but he has returned battered, bruised, and grieving the loss of his faithful gelding, Dusty. As for the girlfriend who turned down his marriage proposal all those years ago . . . 

Kelsey Winters has left her less-than-idyllic past behind. She now helps others as a therapist at the therapeutic riding center outside of town, although her own personal life seems to be a solid mess. She’s tried to be a good older sister to her brother, Darren, but she can’t protect him—or herself—from his poor choices. They’re one bad decision away from homelessness when they’re robbed and Darren is put in jail for possession of a controlled substance. 

Due to circumstances beyond their control, Kelsey and Ashton’s long-ago romance resurfaces. But will it leave the gate running, or suffer a colossal wreck?

Book Review of 'The Ultimate Blindside' by Leslea Wahl

Happy Saturday Bookworms!

I hope everyone is having a blessed Easter weekend. When you're reading this I will be helping move my oldest son into his first apartment. Twenty one years ago I gave birth to him on Good Friday and twenty one years later I am releasing him into the world. Talk about going full circle and hitting a mom right in the feels! Not to mention me meditating on the meaning of this Easter weekend...all I can say is I am an emotional mess while my heart is also so full. Life really does life doesn't it?

The novel that I am featuring today was a great distraction for me as I entered this time of transition. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this YA Adventure Mystery and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours. Have a safe and happy Easter weekend! He is risen indeed! ♥

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Ultimate Blindside by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Ultimate Blindside 
Series: Blindside Series #3 
Author: Leslea Wahl 
Publisher: Perpetual Light Publishing 
Release Date: February 3, 2026 
Genre: YA Adventure/Mystery

Jake’s silver-medal life is movie-worthy. 

Sophie’s role is about to be sabotaged. 

Their sleepy Colorado town is overrun by a Hollywood film crew as the two teens, now high school seniors, find their private lives laid open for the world to see. Meanwhile, a mysterious woman and her daughter seek the couple’s help running from a powerful, dangerous man. In this tale of twists, whom can Sophie and Jake truly trust?  

Book Review of 'The Rancher's Reckoning' by Victoria Bylin

Happy April Bookworms!

We are in the whirlwind of moving my oldest into his new apartment but I had to pop in to share my thoughts on a wonderful new Historical Romance! I hope you enjoy and let me know in the comments if you have any April Fools Day ideas. I would love to prank my son one last time before he's out of my house. ;)

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Rancher's Reckoning by Victoria Bylin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Rancher's Reckoning
Series: Men of Midas #1
Author: Victoria Bylin 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: January 22, 2026 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Time to Mourn . . . A Time to Love

Caleb Trent has endured more loss than a man should have to bear. Tragically widowed in a devastating hotel fire, he’s chosen to bury himself alive on a remote ranch in northern New Mexico. Never again will he risk loving anyone the way he loved his wife and family.

Married less than a month, Elsa Downey has sorrows of her own. Widowed, penniless and pregnant, she’s being chased by the heartless outlaw who murdered her husband. When a blizzard strands her at Caleb Trent’s ranch, she’s forced to take refuge despite his surly attitude. Yet behind the sneer, she sees another side of Caleb—the kind and caring man he once was.

Having a woman under his roof is Caleb’s second worst nightmare. The first is falling in love with her. It’s up to him to protect Elsa Downey from all harm. And it’s up to Elsa to bring light and love into Caleb’s dark world.

Vibe: Poignant. Emotional. Tugs at the heart.
Themes: Courage. Second chances. Letting go of the past.
Fun elements: Bacon. Clouds shaped like bunny rabbits. Sweet kisses.

Book Review of 'Special Target' by Jerusha Agen

Happy Monday Bookworms!

This weekend was an absolute whirlwind and had several surprises that are amazing, unexpected, and having me feeling all the feels. Not only did my oldest turn 21 last week but he also found his own place and will be moving this next week! How is this possible?!! So much change and more in the foreseeable future as we will be listing our house to sell in a few weeks and our new house is breaking ground tomorrow! I knew 2026 was going to have some pretty big milestones but I did not expect this trajectory. That's life, huh?

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Suspense Thriller and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Special Target by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Special Target 
Author: Jerusha Agen 
Publisher: ‎ SDG Words, LLC 
Release Date: March 26, 2026 
Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers? 

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances. 

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew. 

The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive. 

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.  

A gripping and gritty standalone Christian suspense thriller from the bestselling author of the Guardians Unleashed Series.  

Spotlight on 'Sung in the Shadows' by Crystal Caudill

Hello Bookworms!

Yesterday we celebrated my oldest turning 21, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in my feels about it all. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I have an adult son or the fact that he's only a few months away from moving away from me! It's a lot, but that's what I love about being a bookworm and the book community in general. Not only do I have support, but I also can mentally escape when needed. I am so thankful that you've stopped by today and listened to the ramblings of an emotional mama.♡ 

I hope you enjoy the spotlight and excerpt from a new Historical Romance from a beloved series and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post to continue the blog hop and enter the amazing giveaway for The Art of Love & Danger! 

Welcome to the Blog Hop for Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill for The Art of Love & Danger series!

About the Book

Title: Sung in the Shadows 
Series: The Art of Love & Danger #2 
Author: Crystal Caudill 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: March 17, 2026 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother's permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it's one she can avoid fanning for only so long.
 
With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont's soul is weary, but Nora's presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike's Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He's determined to find out.
 
Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she's being watched, and her own paranoia blooms.
 
As the line between what's real and false grows fainter, will Ezekiel's and Nora's faith and love overcome?