Book Covers that Give off Fall Vibes

 I love fall and I love fall book covers even more! Here are some of my favorites!

Happy Top Ten Tuesday!

The Maid of Sherwood Forest Review

 

About the Book

Mariah thought Robin Hood was just a legend—until time pulled her into his world and the outlaw stole her heart.

Nothing about Mariah Clinton’s passion for archery or her work as a sous-chef in contemporary London prepares her for the moment she’s pulled into another time—and another life. One minute, she’s stepping into McQuivey’s Costume Shop to rent a medieval gown. The next, she’s standing in a castle kitchen in twelfth-century Nottingham—with no idea how she got there or how to return to modern time. Forced to pose as a kitchen servant, she must draw on ingenuity and courage to survive in a world in which she shouldn’t exist. But when her skill with a bow draws the attention of outlaws in Sherwood Forest, she’s swept into a conflict that is more dangerous—and more thrilling—than she could ever have imagined.

Robin Hood has spent years outwitting the sheriff, protecting the innocent, and keeping his men one step ahead of Prince John’s reach. But when he crosses paths with a mysterious archer who shoots like no woman he’s ever met, he knows she’s hiding something. Her words, her ways, even the fire in her eyes—none of it belongs in his time. Yet the more she stands at his side, the harder it becomes to imagine Sherwood Forest without her.

Mariah is torn between a past she understands in modern-day London and an uncertain future with an outlaw who has stolen her heart. But as the sheriff’s grip tightens and betrayal looms, one truth becomes clear—some choices are impossible to undo, and love, once found, is not so easily left behind. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

This story is such a unique twist on the life of Marian (Mariah) and how she crosses paths with Robin Hood. The author does a great job at making it relatively believable. I haven't watched or read many retellings of Robin Hood so I think I was a little bit at a disadvantage to some of the quips and comments throughout the book. That being said, this book really is quite an adventure that goes from the kitchen at the castle to Sherwood Forest. I loved the archery aspect (obviously necessary) and I thought Robin Hood's character was well written. It made me wish I was right there with them in the forest. The last few chapters held a lot and I wish that it was a tad longer. But there is a fun surprise at the end for us time travel fans! I am eager to read the next book in this series. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Books on My Fall 2025 Reading List

Top Ten Tuesday

Fall Reading List 

My fall list is rather long but here are some books that are at the top. 

Wicked is the Hollow

About the Book

 A STRANGE TOWN. A SPRAWLING MANSION. A PERILOUS ROMANCE.

Ever since her mother vanished, Selah Whitlock has been drawn to the unexplained. So it feels almost fated to live in Foggy Hollow, a place where mystery abounds. Even more so when her father accepts a job at the Vandenberg estate, the epicenter of the town’s most infamous cold case.

Moving into the estate’s carriage house pulls Selah into the orbit of the Vandenberg Jude, the brooding heir with a tragic past, and Rafe, effortlessly charming and undeniably dangerous.

Then a centuries-old portrait surfaces bearing Selah’s exact likeness. Suddenly, she isn’t just chasing a mystery. She’s caught in the heart of one. As the town prepares to celebrate its bicentennial, Selah and Jude are pulled into a secret that spans generations. Something sinister is stirring beneath the golden leaves and carved pumpkins. And the deeper they fall, the deadlier the consequences. (Goodreads)

Buy Here

My Thoughts

I have loved everything by this author so I was eager to dive into this new mystery! The characters are quirky and unique and the setting is perfect for a spooky gothic type mystery. There is some romance but it simply adds to the story and doesn't overtake the plot. I really loved the idea for this story but to be honest by the middle of the book I was a little unsure. I wasn't certain if the reader was supposed to believe what was happening to be truly paranormal or not. There were a lot of odd things (as there should be in such a mystery) but I didn't know if we would get a real world explanation or not because it isn't obvious until the end. YES there really are things that happen that can't be explained and there are some crazy paranormal things that occur. Start the book with this mind set and you will enjoy it all the more! This book is written quite a bit differently from other books by this author but I still enjoyed it! It is also the start of a new series and there is a slight cliff hanger but the main storyline is wrapped up by the end. I enjoyed the book for what it is and now that I know the ending I kind of want to read it again!

If you enjoy spooky paranormal reads this is the book for you!

Four Stars.

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review."

Books I Picked Up This Summer

Today's TTT is about candles and I just am not a candle person. So I decided to create this post about the books I picked up at random book sales this year and a couple that were ebook sales.  I haven't read most of these so I don't know if they are good or not. Let me know if you have read them! Do you enjoy used book sales?

Winterset Review

 

About the Book

A hidden past. A house with secrets. And one chance for two wounded hearts to find love together.

Northern England, Late Fall, 1820

Katherine Lockwood is hiding for her life in the most unlikely of places: the forgotten priest holes in the abandoned Winterset Grange manor house. When Kate learns that Winterset’s long-absent owner, Mr. Oliver Jennings, is about to return, she is desperate to find a way to make him leave, even if it means “haunting” him from behind her protective walls.

After a grand tour of the Continent, Oliver returns home to England determined to make the most of his inheritance. But from the moment he arrives, nothing is as he expected. His manor is in disrepair, the steward hired to care for his estate is a thief, and to top it all off, Winterset is haunted. Undeterred, Oliver resolves to reclaim his life, piece by piece.

When Oliver discovers the hidden rooms, he’s shocked and pleased that his “ghost” is actually a beautiful young woman. Captivated by Kate and her story, he invites her to stay at Winterset under his protection.

Yet, danger persists as the man who threatens Kate’s safety learns of her ruse and attempts to exact his revenge. Kate and Oliver find themselves ensnared in a perilous game of cat and mouse against a powerful opponent while also trying to untangle their blossoming feelings in this enthralling gothic Regency romance. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

Having read Summerhaven, I was really excited to pick up this book. To my complete delight I realized that Oliver is the brother from the book Summerhaven! There are so many tie ins and that aspect of this story is a excellent. The concept of the priest holes is fascinating. The history surrounding the hidden places within the house makes me want to do more research. I had heard of them before but this book definitely makes it more intriguing. The first few chapters in and I was eager to see how Kate hiding would play out. This makes it tricky as the main characters don't actually meet each other for awhile. So with that being said, the character development and romance in this story fell a little flat for me. The second half of the book seems a bit thrown together and the instant love really didn't work for me. There are some funny moments but I struggled with the added drama and the dialogue between Oliver and Kate. The ending has a nice conclusion and of course the setting is lovely. Overall, I enjoyed it for the history and getting to see our friends from the previous book. 

Three and a half stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

My First 100 Bible Words Board Book

About the Book

 A way for toddlers to learn their first words through beloved Bible stories

My First 100 Bible Words introduces children to Bible stories and language at the same time. Little ones will learn words for colors, animals, objects, shapes, numbers, emotions, and more!

Toddlers will discover language and faith through memorable Bible scenes like Noah's ark, Moses and the burning bush, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions, and more, all the way to Jesus's birth.

The bright colors and simple stories will capture a toddler's attention and guide them from creation to Jesus.

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

This is such a great board book! My toddler instantly was interested in this because of the bright colors and pictures. It takes you through the main Bible stories and some pages have counting words (Daniel and the Lions), colors (Genesis), food (the Last Supper), etc. Each topic includes the Bible verses and references so you can look it up in the Bible to go along with the book if you wanted. It is a sturdy board book that can withstand care of a toddler. It states that it is good for ages 0-2 but I would say even older. This would make a great gift or addition to your board book library. I highly recommend! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from Kregel. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Books with Memorable Bad Guys

Top Ten Tuesday-Villains Edition 

I don't read a ton of books that necessarily have what you first think of as villains. I immediately think of Disney villains and most of these are not that. BUT I did come up with some books that have some villain types that are memorable. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Snake alert! 

A Scheming in Parliament Review + Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

 Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More in this Series:

---

About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 My Thoughts

This is the second book of this series and I recommend you read book one first. I was eager to see where we would find Philippa and Bertie and I was delighted to find them amidst mystery once again! Many things are afoot and there is an interesting blackmail situation that carries through. There is also a delightful goat scene that made me giggle, along with a very subtle and light romance thread. I am very curious on what happens in the next book with how things are left in the last chapter..no spoilers here but eek!! Truly the best part of this story is not only Philippa's redemption from her past, but how it carries forward in how she helps others. She shines such a light on how God makes us new, even after we have lived in such darkness. He is the only One who can do this and it is so evident in Philippa's own life. I love how God's grace is portrayed in these novels and it really adds to the storyline. 

I enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next!

Four Stars.

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own."