Tuesday, June 23, 2026

The Eyes of River Review





About the Book

 In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run.


She's been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the United States Post Office to his late mother's friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy's dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (Goodreads)





My Thoughts


I really enjoy books by this author and this one is no exception. She writes with such authenticity and deals with some hard topics. This story isn't necessarily easy to read due to the entire plot point. Lizzy is accused of murder and her brother is sent away to protect him from an abusive father. While not terribly graphic, the author doesn't shy away from tough scenes. So it is difficult read at times but weaved in is a lot of growth and grace. There are some twists and turns that I didn't love and some of the secondary characters act a bit harsh from what I would prefer toward Lizzy but overall I enjoyed this Appalachian novel!

Four Stars. 

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





Don't Upstage the Body Review

 




About the Book

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family's services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she's tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker's body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation. 

 
Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be. 
 
Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls. 
 
With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem. (Goodreads)






My Thoughts

I started this book with some anticipation but unsure if it would nail the landing with the plot. I am happy to say that I LOVED this book. It takes a couple of chapters to get into it but then it takes off and I was totally invested. The characters made this story shine. Hippolyta is quirky and hilarious and it is a joy to try and sort out the murder mystery with her. Crispin made me smile basically the entire time. The secondary characters are so well written and made the pages just fly by! There is some fun unexpected romance but overall this is just a great mystery read. This might be one of my favorite books I have read this year AND made for a great escape read. I highly recommend!

Five Stars. 

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






Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Bookish Wishes

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Wishes 

Oh how the bookish wishes never end. It is a joy to discover new stories. Here are some I have had an eye on for awhile. Have you heard of any of these? I am excited to see what other people are hoping to read! 


The Princess List by Hannah Currie

Falling in Somerset by Jenny B. Jones


Mistletoe and Malice by Lori Dejong

Marrying Miss Milton

What the Silent Say by Emerson Ford


Sky of Seven Colors by Rachell Nelson


Regency & Regicide by J. J. Fischer


The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano

Windvale by Karen Thornell



Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson





Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Books I Can’t Believe I’ve Not Read Twice

 I changed the idea for today's Top Ten Tuesday because usually if I haven't read a book, even a popular one, it is for good reason. I couldn't think of any books I felt like I had missed out on by not reading it yet. 

I like to re-read my favorite or just plain good books. Here are some I can't believe I haven't read twice. 


Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

Take A Chance On Me by Susan May Warren-her best series in my opinion. 

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Obsessed by Ted Dekker

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson


Monday, June 1, 2026

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley Review

About the Book

Book: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley (The Silver Teapot Series Book Two)

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: May, 2026

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.

Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

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.

 

 

More from Carolyn

Do you know someone who has found love online?

I do. I have numbers of friends and even a family member who have found love and married thanks to dating apps and the like. This newer form of meeting people is something I’ve referenced in several of my books (including Only You Can Love Me), as several of my characters have used an app called Dream Match, a romance matchmaking app for Christian singles around the world. But when I first mentioned Dream Match years ago I didn’t realise at the time that I’d end up writing a story about how the inventor of Dream Match would finally meet her match.

And it seemed perfect to me that Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, known for her matchmaking skills, should be reflected in a modern day context as being the ultimate matchmaker, EJ Bennett, who is responsible for helping hundreds of people find love online. Even if she doesn’t think she needs or wants love for herself.

Playing with Jane Austen’s characters and putting them in a modern setting is a lot of fun. So not only does Emma Woodhouse become EJ Bennett, but George Knightley becomes EJ’s best friend and app co-designer Jordan Knight, the straight shooter she needs. And Frank Churchill, the man Emma starts to fall for, becomes Eric Churchill, son of a TV mogul squillionaire.

The first book in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, also played around with some of Austen’s settings, placing the story in a small town in Australia called Wattle Vale. I had fun further developing the Australian connections by setting other key scenes in iconic places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, which naturally meant I had to visit for “research.”

So I hope readers enjoy this little taste of Australia, and all the fun references to Jane Austen’s Emma. Be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media for more Jane Austen inspiration and fun, and get ready to enjoy Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, a sweet and swoony best friends-to-more romance that shows the path to true love is never smooth – even for the professional matchmaker.

Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28

Book Looks by Lisa, May 28

The Sacred Line, May 29

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 30

Pause for Tales, May 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 31

Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

To Everything There Is A Season , June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Lyssa Loves Books, June 5

Wishful Endings, June 5

Fruitfully Planted, June 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , June 6

Cover Lover Book Review, June 7

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, June 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf , June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 8

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Holly’s Book Corner, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. 

GIVEAWAY


My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I was excited to dive into this story! I love the premise of the plot and Jordan is an okay character but I just never got to a point of caring about Emma-Jane (EJ). I thought I might warm up to her and that I would enjoy the story unfolding more as the pages turned but this one just fell a little flat for me. I understand her character is supposed to grow and change but I just didn't care for her regardless. I think the overall truth in this book is a good example of how we don't want to act and how the world can suck us in so quickly. There is a message about God being in control and letting Him lead in our lives instead of trying to be in control. I appreciate what the author was going for and there were some chapters that I enjoyed but this just wasn't the book for me. 


Two Stars. 


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

Thursday, May 28, 2026

The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids + Giveaway!




Splash into Scripture this summer! Dive into God’s Word & soak up truth with these Bible resources for curious & creative kids: • Explorer Bible for Kids • Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids • Scripture Memory Cards


Bring the Bible to life for kids with the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids & companion products! Explore the (yet) unknown with the NEW dictionary & lock in key truths with these fun, NEW Scripture memory cards! 




GIVEAWAY

 1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Explorer Bible for Kids + Toddler Theology Series Bundle (retail value of approx. $149.99) 

*Giveaway winners must be a US resident. 

Enter the giveaway by filling out THIS FORM by 6/11/2026. 


What all is included!?  2 copies of the Explorer Bible for Kids, 2 Explorer Bible for Kids Dictionaries, Explorer Bible Stickers, an Explorer Bible T-shirt, and the Toddler Theology Series set (6 books in set).




My Thoughts

I LOVE this Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids! It is truly unique and I could spend hours pouring over it. It might be for kids but it is pretty great for adults too! There are so many charts that are wildly helpful, such as the Judges of Israel. It organizes so many details of the Bible so that you can easily look things up while studying. There is a wonderful picture of the city of Jerusalem that shows you where certain things are located. I am a visual person so being able to see these charts and images are SO helpful in my understanding and also for kiddos! I hope to use this book when teaching Sunday School as well to help them understand certain details. If you have children or teach children in any way, I highly recommend this resource! 


Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 



#ExplorerBibleDictionaryMIN #explorerbibleforkids #christianstandardbible #EBFK #learningathome #homegrownkids #splashintoscripture #scriptureforsummer

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

My Favorite Books by My Favorite Authors

Top Ten Tuesday: My Favorite Books by My Favorite Authors


 Well this is an impossible list to narrow down. There are so many wonderful authors and books! I have some other favorite books but they aren't necessarily by my favorite authors. So this list is just from my favorite authors and my favorite book they have written. 



The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright. She is an auto buy author and I love every single one of her books. 


A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz-LOVE her books. 

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano-So hard to narrow down. Her books are special each in their own way. 

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof holds a special place in my heart. 

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

The Duke's Bargain by Megan Walker

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews


Drake Hall by Christina Baehr







Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The Girl Upstairs Review + Giveaway

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

About the Book

The Girl Upstairs

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…  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available


About the Author

Jessica R. Patch

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places. She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso. 

You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed copy of The Other Sister and a $10 Amazon gift card!

The Girl Upstairs blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 27, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 4, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for the print copy. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours



My Thoughts

Oh my goodness I really enjoyed this one! It is a twisty and suspenseful read that had me guessing most of the time. I LOVE the surprises and the house with all of its creepy charm. I think the characters are well written and the marriage portrayed with all of its challenges. There are a few twists and turns and it leaves you guessing throughout most of the book. I will say that while this book is dark and deals with some difficult topics, there is still light in the ending. Stick through until the end and it is well worth it.  If you enjoy phycological thrillers this is the one for you! 

Five Stars. 

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









Wednesday, April 22, 2026

She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible GIVEAWAY



About the Bible

 The She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible experience was designed with special attention to the details to make opening your Bible every day even more enjoyable: • Spiral-bound CSB, like you’ve never seen before   • Beautifully illustrated key verses   • Wide margins for journaling, notes & prayers   • Daily reading logs for accountability   • Five volumes, perfect for portability   • Built-in community with other women through She Reads Truth   • Additional study helps like timelines, maps, charts & book introductions.




Order your copy today wherever books and Bibles are sold! BUY HERE



GIVEAWAY

1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Five-Volume Hardcover set of the She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible (retail value of $149.99) 

To enter: You fill out THIS form. 

* Giveaway winners must be a US resident. Enter by May 6th!


My Thoughts

I had never heard of a spiral bound Bible until I discovered this one! It is a bit larger than I had anticipated-it is a very large notebook size. So for me personally, this is not one that I would really want to carry around often. It is perfect for opening on a desk and digging deep into study. Because of the notetaking space you don't need another notepad (unless you REALLY need lots of space). I love the paper, it isn't too thin and it isn't slick so it is perfect for writing on. The font is a good size and the charts and maps are helpful and a great addition. Each book of the Bible has an overview at the start, which I always find helpful. I think with it being spiral bound it has pros and cons. It lays flat and allows you ease in writing. On the flip side, I think it would tear pretty easily if you carried it around many places (without closing it properly) or folded it open in half. Overall I really like this Bible and have been using it at my kitchen table. If you are needing a unique way to take notes and it all be in one place this could be the Bible for you! 

Five Stars. 

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#SheReadsTruthNotetakingBibleMIN #SheReadsTruth #SheWritesTruth #ChristianStandardBible #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

He Calls Me Daughter-Now on Angel + Giveaway!


*Note I previously reviewed but the film is now available on Angel! So this is a new giveaway and encouragement to join Angel!


About the Film

He Calls Me Daughter is a deeply personal and emotionally powerful film that explores what it means to carry a father wound and what it takes to heal from it. Through raw storytelling and spiritual insight, the film reveals how unmet needs from an earthly father can shape identity, relationships, and self-worth. But it also offers a path forward. One rooted in the love of a Heavenly Father who restores, redeems, and redefines what it means to be a daughter. This is not just a story about pain. It is a story about healing, forgiveness, and identity. 

Watch He Calls Me Daughter now on Angel and experience a story of healing, identity, and restoration.

Join Angel Guild! 

 Angel provides a home for stories that go beyond entertainment and into transformation. He Calls Me Daughter is the kind of film that resonates deeply but is often overlooked by traditional platforms. Angel ensures stories like this are seen, shared, and experienced by the people who need them most.


My Thoughts

This is a film that intrigued me and I very much enjoyed watching. It is a well put together documentary type film of different people discussing their father wounds. I loved hearing different perspectives and experiences that different women have had and also encouragement from Alex Kendrick on what a father is to do. There is a wonderfully strong statement that God is the only Father who can love us how we need to be loved unconditionally. I think it is a well known fact that not having a father figure or having a terrible father figure has a lasting impact on a daughter. It is difficult to understand that we have a Father who loves us when in that situation. I thought the interviews were well put together and overall I found this film to be encouraging and it will create much needed conversation. 


GIVEAWAY!

$10 Amazon Gift card

$10 Amazon gift card! US Entries only please. 


#HeCallsMeDaughterAngelMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

$10 Amazon Giftcard