Spotlight on 'Anna of Arimathea' by Susanne Blumer

Hello Bookworms!

Winter is here, baby, and boy, what an entrance it's making! I live in the southern United States and am currently bracing for a possible ice storm. I had plans this weekend, but it looks like those plans will be postponed, which means more time to relax, try to stay warm, and read!

Today I am shining a spotlight on a Biblical Fiction book with an excerpt from the first book in a new series and an amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours at the bottom of this post. I hope you enjoy and stay warm and safe wherever you are. 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Arimathea by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Anna of Arimathea 
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #1 
Author: Susanne Blumer 
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date: December 7, 2025 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Some wounds are carried in silence. Some healings require more than medicine. 

Eighteen-year-old Anna bears the marks of a childhood tragedy that left her motherless, scarred, and lame. Hidden within the household of her father, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy councilman of the Sanhedrin, her days are measured in herb gardens and healing tinctures, in the steady work of hands trained to help others, and in the quiet safety of a world made small. 

Then Andrew of Bethsaida arrives at her father's gate with urgent business for Joseph and talk of a teacher who calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. A fisherman turned disciple, Andrew follows the rabbi Jesus with a conviction that unsettles every long-held expectation—including Anna's own. 

When Andrew's kindness cracks open the door to a larger world, Anna faces an impossible choice: remain in the safety of her father's estate or risk everything for the possibility of healing, love, and a life she never dared imagine. 

Set against the dusty roads and fishing villages of first-century Judea, where miracles unfold and mercy walks among the broken, Anna of Arimathea opens The Arimathea Chronicles—a richly imagined tale of faith, first love, and redemption in the footsteps of the Messiah.  

Anna of Arimathea is perfect for readers who love: 

    Biblical and historical fiction with rich period detail 
    Redemptive love stories that explore the cost of faith 
    Immersive historical worlds 
    Characters who choose courage over comfort  

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Spotlight on 'A Father's Dream' by Heidi Ennis

Hello Bookworms!

Historical Romances are some of my favorite novels and today I am shining the spotlight on a series starter! I hope you enjoy the excerpt from this Christian Historical 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 A Father's Dream by Heidi Ennis, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Father's Dream 
Series: Columbia River Saga #1 
Author: Heidi Ennis 
Publisher: At the Foot of Mountains 
Release Date: December 11, 2023 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A young Swedish immigrant determined to survive.  

A mountain guide haunted by his past.  

In 1883, in the Pacific Northwest, their lives collide in a faith-filled historical romance of courage, forgiveness, and second chances. 

Johanna Amalia Nilsdotter Oman has left everything she knows behind. By crossing an ocean and a continent, she now faces the two-hundred-mile journey up the Columbia River into Washington Territory. Her father purchased land near Lyle with dreams of building a sawmill, and Johanna is determined that nothing—not distance, danger, or loneliness—will stop her from reaching their new home. 

John is a man running from everything. Haunted by shame and regret, he has chosen the wilderness as his grave, determined to vanish into the mountains and die alone. 

But before he can disappear, he accepts one final job: guiding a Swedish settler named Nils Oman into the rugged foothills above the Columbia River. The promised twenty dollars will buy him freedom—or so he believes. 

But God has other plans. When Johanna’s path collides with John’s, both must face the truth they’ve been running from. In the shadow of towering evergreens and the roar of the Columbia, they will discover that even in the darkest wilderness, God’s love brings redemption, healing, and the courage to begin again. 

Fans of Christian historical romance, frontier love stories, and faith-filled pioneer fiction will be swept away by this tender story of hope, forgiveness, and second chances in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.  

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Book Review of 'Grandpa's Comrade' by Kelsey Gjesdal

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

I hope all of my fellow readers had a relaxing weekend. I have a few things going on behind the scenes that is keeping me busy. I can't speak on anything just yet but it's time consuming to say the least. Not to mention the insane weather fluctuations we're having in my neck of the woods that has been keeping my allergies work overtime and putting me down. Anyone else feeling the weather whiplash?

Thank you so much for stopping by for my thoughts on this Adventure Novel 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 Grandpa's Comrade by Kelsey Gjesdal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Grandpa's Comrade 
Author: Kelsey Gjesdal 
Publisher: Kelsey Lee Writes LLC 
Release Date: November 11, 2025 
Genre: Christian YA Fiction, Multigenerational Fiction, Military Fiction, Adventure Novel

A boy who wants to be a hero. A girl who just wants to be lost in her books. And a Grandpa with a past that won't leave him alone. 

Teens Jess and Will are stuck with their grandparents for three weeks while their parents go on a second honeymoon. Neither are too excited to be bored in a house full of off-limits secrets. But when Will's curiosity gets the best of him, the siblings uncover a mysterious box with a hidden message that could change everything. As former Navy SEAL Grandpa plans a rescue mission for a long-lost comrade, the teens must decide if they're ready for a real adventure. Jess and Will must navigate the unknown territory of South Korea... and Grandpa's PTSD. With each new clue comes haunting memories, and time is running out. Can Jess and Will find Grandpa's Comrade before it's too late? 

Join Jess and Will as they learn about true bravery, family love, and the price of heroism.  

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Book Review of 'My Accidental Leading Man' by Leah Busboom

Hello Bookworms!

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it and what better way to gear up for the day of amore than with a new series! My first choice had to be the novella from one of my favorite authors. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Clean Romance and let me know in the comments if you celebrate Valentine's Day and have any traditions. I only seem to celebrate by reading romances.💜

About the Book

Title: The Accidental Leading Man
Series: Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute
Author: Leah Busboom
Publisher: LBRB Consulting, LLC
Release Date: January 12, 2026 
Genre: Clean Romance

She wrote the rom-com script but didn’t expect to star in it or fall for her leading man.

Margorie:
I’m thrilled when a studio options my Valentine’s rom-com script. But when the female star drops out and the filming schedule leaves no wiggle room, I’m forced to step into the leading lady role. Acting beside Grant Akerson is no hardship—he’s one of Hollywood’s silver fox leading men. Except the on-screen sparks between us don’t stay on screen. Am I just faking a romance for the cameras or falling for my leading man?

Grant:
The more I get to know Margorie, the harder I fall. Between our real-life awkward meet cute, a botched kissing scene, and this undeniable attraction, the line between acting and reality starts to blur. When did faking it become so real?

Should Margorie and Grant stick to the script or follow their heart?

My Accidental Leading Man is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll find:

• Later-in-life Rom-com
• Workplace Romance
• Fake Dating
• Small town
• Kisses-only

Buy My Accidental Leading Man for a fun second chance at love!

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Book Review of 'A Cry in the Dark' by Jessica R. Patch

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

Jessica R. Patch's FBI: Strange Crimes Unit series was recently put on Kindle Unlimited and I couldn't download them fast enough! Having read The Garden Girls in 2024 and not having a chance to read the first two books in the series yet, I immediately downloaded and got lost in another twisted case. I reviewed the first book in the series earlier this week and I am back today to share my thoughts on the second book in the series. Enjoy!

About the Book

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Series: FBI: Strange Crimes Unit #2
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: February 28, 2023 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

"Jessica R. Patch is my newest automatic buy author. If you like romantic suspense, you need to read this book.” –Lynette Eason, award-winning, best-selling author of the Extreme Measures series

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.
But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.
And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

“With twisted psychology and relatable characters, readers will feel like they discovered the Criminal Minds version of a fiction book. I definitely recommend reading this book after dark for the full effect, and be sure to lock your doors before you go to sleep.” –Jaime Jo Wright, author of The Souls of Lost Lake

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Book Review of 'A Bridesmaid's Guide to The Things People Hide' by Abigail Scott

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

My Cozy Mystery reads continue this week with the second book of the Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery series! I reviewed the first book in the series earlier this week and I am back with the second book in the series today! I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this second installment and be on the lookout for my review of the third book in the series coming soon.

About the Book

Title: A Bridesmaid's Guide to The Things People Hide
Series: Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery #2
Author: Abigail Scott 
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: September 26, 2025 
Genre: Cozy Mystery

The Hartwell family has everything: billions in the bank, a stunning New Hampshire estate, and a tragic legacy that's claimed every family member before age fifty. While Emmy is no stranger to wedding-day chaos, the Hartwell Estate is on another level, with a guest list that includes—

    · senators, governors, and helicopter arrivals,

    · people who offer diamonds to apologize for messing up your hair,

    · the world’s most competitive wedding party,

    · and a bride who’s one second away from fleeing.

Her cover? Author. Her real job? Quietly using her skills as a professional bridesmaid to make sure the bride gets her happy ending. Emmy thinks she’s got things under control…until a string of alarming incidents turn the weekend upside down.

Emmy finds herself working alongside John Sutton again—now a Detective Sergeant but just as infuriating and magnetic as ever—when he reappears in the most unexpected way possible. This time, her butterflies have become caffeinated bees.

And through it all, she needs to figure out why this man, nicknamed “The Fairytale” by her friends, despises weddings so much.

With her sharp eye for detail and a knack for unlocking secrets (literally—she can pick any lock), Emmy must read the room the way she always does—watching what people reach for, what they hide, and what they’re willing to lose—to uncover a culprit in a world where everything looks perfect from the driveway.

✨ Why Readers Love It:
    💎 A glamorous, high-stakes setting—where wealth hides the darkest secrets.
    🔍 Emmy’s return—witty, warm, and utterly human as she unravels another mystery.
    ❤️ A detective that doesn't just give butterflies, he gives caffeinated bees.
    🕵️♀️ Perfect for lovers of Agatha Raisin, Hannah Swensen, and cozy tales with a touch of romance.

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Book Review of 'Her Darkest Secret' by Jessica R. Patch

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know what a massive fan I am of Jessica R. Patch. So, imagine my excitement when I saw on Instagram that her FBI: Strange Crimes Unit series was recently put on Kindle Unlimited! Having read The Garden Girls in 2024 and not having a chance to read the first two books in the series yet, I immediately downloaded and got lost in another twisted case.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Crime Thriller and be on the lookout in the coming weeks for another review from this series.

About the Book

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Series: FBI: Strange Crimes Unit #1
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: June 28, 2022 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

"A taut, psychological thriller with deeply relatable characters. Patch’s brilliantly created plot will keep readers turning pages until they reach the shocking conclusion. I highly recommend it!” —Nancy Mehl, author of the Quantico Files series

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

“Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch grabbed me in the first scene of this edge-of-your-seat suspense and didn't let go until the end!” —Patricia Bradley, author of the Memphis Cold Case novels

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Book Review of 'A Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder' by Abigail Scott

Hello Bookworms!

2025 was the first year I really dove into new genres one of those being cozy mysteries. While it was an adjustment at first it quickly became one of my favorite genres of the year and today I am featuring a novel that I read over the holiday break that charmed me in the best way.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Cozy Mystery and let me know in the comments if you're a cozy mystery fan and any recommendations for me. I am currently reading the rest of this series so be on the lookout for more reviews coming soon!♥️

About the Book

Title: A Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder
Series: Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery #1
Author: Abigail Scott 
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 17, 2025 
Genre: Cozy Mystery

She's paid to be your best friend on your big day... but she never expected murder to be part of the deal.

Emelia Walsh has one of the most unusual jobs on the planet—she's a Professional Bridesmaid. Armed with an emergency kit that would impress MacGyver, Emmy steps into strangers' weddings and becomes whatever the bride needs: a confidante, an emotional buffer, or a human fire extinguisher.

When Emmy arrives at the picturesque Evergreen Summit Resort for Monica Turner's winter wedding weekend, she's prepared for the usual challenges: wardrobe malfunctions, family tensions, and maintaining her cover as the bride's "old college friend." What she's not prepared for is the web of secrets, rivalries, and suspicious circumstances swirling beneath the perfect snow-globe setting.

When a shocking murder disrupts the wedding plans, Emmy’s role shifts from emotional buffer to amateur sleuth—all while dodging questions from handsome but infuriating Detective John Sutton, who seems both suspicious of her—and strangely interested.

In this charming first installment of the Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder series, Emmy discovers that when you make a career out of stepping into other people's stories, sometimes those stories include murder.

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Spotlight on 'The Unending Light' by Brett Armstrong

Hello Bookworms!

Christian Fantasy is a genre that is quickly becoming one of my favorites to spotlight, and today I am excited to shine the spotlight on an amazing series and share an excerpt from the latest installment in the series. 

I hope you enjoy an excerpt from this Epic Fantasy 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 Unending Light by Brett Armstrong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Unending Light 
Series: Quest of Fire #7 
Author: Brett Armstrong 
Publisher: Expanse Books 
Release Date: December 16, 2025 
Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

War has consumed the Lowlands in both Jason and Anargen’s eras. Each teen struggles to keep true to the Quest as the armies led by the dark powers of the Lowlands edge closer to victory. 

A secret buried in Ordumair can guarantee that evil Monarch Ilyron destroys the Tower of Light Anargen has striven to defend. And Jason’s brother, Dorian, has found an equally powerful weapon in the mysterious land of Jhi. The ancient threat of dragons returning to the Lowlands threatens to plunge the Lowlands into ruin. 

Losses that leave both teens grieving deeply and an ever-diminishing list of allies means they must be willing to give everything to rescue their world from the looming desolation. But they must face the truth that it is still far too little to win, unless they can hold on till the King’s Day arrives.  

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Book Review of 'Chasing Kensie' by Drew Taylor

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome to first official week of January 2026! I enjoyed the relaxing few weeks with Christmas and ringing in the New Year and got some much needed family time but now it's back to the grind. Does anyone else get the January blues or is it just me? What better way to get myself out of the after-holiday season funk than to read a good book like the one I am featuring today.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this 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 Chasing Kensie by Drew Taylor, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Chasing Kensie 
Author: Drew Taylor 
Publisher: Taylor Made Publishing 
Release Date: December 23, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She moved to Alaska for a fresh start. He made her the object of his wry affection. 

Kensington Smith, a high school English teacher fueled by coffee and plaid, looks for the good in people. The hot-but-vexing P.E. teacher and football coach, who is unfortunately her best friend’s older brother, is the exception. When he’s tapped to assist her with the annual Winter Solstice Dance, he rewrites Kensie’s long-held lesson plans of loathing as he reveals the man behind the flirtatious façade. 

Nicolas Lancaster has a little thing for the pretentious, people-pleasing English teacher of Crescent Cove High School… a thing where he revels in riling her up. But as his proclivities shift and he chases the heart of the woman he’s taught to despise him, Nick begins to understand the pain behind the practiced smile she dons—a mirror that reflects his own inner demons. 

Two hearts. Two histories. 

One source of Hope.  

Chasing Kensie is a Christian contemporary romance sparkling with Alaskan winters, unknown feelings, and a love that will light up the darkest of nights.  

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Book Review of 'An Unexpected Texas Reunion' by Heidi Main

Happy New Year Bookworms!!

I'm feeling like it should be starting and not ending. I'm not going to lie, I am sad to see this season end, and try as I might, I did not feel as connected this year as I normally do. But despite my feelings, the new year has dawned, and I am kicking off 2026 with my first Love Inspired review! 

I hope you enjoy my thoughts and let me know in the comments how you rang in the new year. We had a family game night and toasted in the new year together. It was a great start.♥️

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: An Unexpected Texas Reunion
Series: K-9 Companions #40
Author: Heidi Main
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: December 30, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance  

 

Rebuilding a life one paw print at a time.

After a traumatic experience, Brenna Park hopes that leading a youth summer camp with her emotional support dog, Lulu, will help ease her back into her life. Only, she didn’t expect to be sharing the responsibility with the man she left behind a decade ago. Recently widowed, Owen McCaw returns to his family’s ranch with his infant daughter to mend his estranged relationship with his parents and agrees to help out at his mother’s camp. As Brenna and Owen clash over every decision, they can’t ignore their growing connection either. When camp comes to an end, the two must decide if risking their hearts is worth a second chance at love…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

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