All’s Fair in Love and Christmas + Giveaway

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the job isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

‘Tis the season for romance, faith, and humor–all wrapped up in this enchanting holiday rom-com from award-winning author Sarah Monzon.

My Review:

This is me gobsmacked — again — by a Sarah Monzon book that defies description. A rom/com with so much heart that it had me laughing and wincing and tearing up and cheering all the way through. My bibliophile heart was put through the paces 🙂 by all the Jeremy and Mackenzie shenanigans.

And there’s so much Christmas!!! Monzon captures the joy of the season to sweet perfection. When I first read the synopsis about the holiday competition in the office, I was worried things might get nasty and spiteful but I couldn’t have been more wrong! And I can’t say more than that without major spoilers, but the way this hero and heroine are drawn together in the midst of all the holiday hubbub is sheer swoony delight!

I haven’t read many books that feature a heroine (or hero) with a social anxiety disorder and the author certainly managed to capture all the nuances that go along with that condition. And she does it with such compassion and understanding– a lovely blend of humour and angst. I alternately chuckled and cringed over some of the situations Mackenzie found herself in — even blushed for her a time or two. And I love, love, love (!) how the author addressed the faith aspects of this part of Mackenzie’s story. Again, I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but I really connected with the profound truths shared. Amen and amen again! So uplifting and confirming.

Even though I had a paperback copy on hand, I couldn’t resist purchasing the audible edition as well. Loved CJ Bloom’s narration — definitely a Christmas story I will happily return to every year.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Marting Communications Inc.

The Cowboy Bargain + Giveaway

A little competition brings a change of heart.

Sam Morgan never thought he’d see his ex-fiancée again after she skipped town days before their wedding. He certainly didn’t expect to find her opening a restaurant on his property—in the building he’d intended to sell his crafts from. This time Olivia’s sticking around, forcing Sam to strike a work together and see whose products sell best. Could their business venture lead to a surprising reunion?

A Lazy M Ranch Tale

My Review:

Yikes! A runaway bride / second chance love story which kinda made me apprehensive at first because, really, how could I connect with a heroine who dumped our hero in such an abrupt way? I shouldn’t have worried, not with Tina Radcliffe telling the tale.

So, Olivia — equal parts defensive and repentant — was surprisingly easy to like, despite her past decision to leave Sam virtually at the altar. Did I buy her reasons fully? Weeelll, truthfully, not really…but that doesn’t mean she didn’t find them valid at the time and who among us hasn’t made a bad decision we’re left ruminating over years later?

And, oh my, is Sam ever flummoxed when he discovers Liv setting up shop (literally) in the small town they were supposed to live out their happily ever after in? Especially when he learns that through a series of unfortunate events, he is her landlord! And then…well…stuff happens, throwing them together and forcing them to figure out how to get along…and maybe rekindle the love that never quite faded.

Happy sigh. I do love the way Radcliffe writes her big family/small town cowboy romances! And the Morgans are fabulous — from gramps to Sam’s brothers (two who are still unattached so — eep — more Lazy My Ranch visits in my literary future! Yeehaw! ) So many laugh-out-loud moments courtesy of brotherly banter. Nothing like a ranch house full of rowdy cowboys to steal a reader’s heart!

So…if you like cowboys and cozy small town vibes as the backdrop for heartfelt romance, look no further. The Cowboy Bargain is destined to be your next read.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas + Giveaway

Starr Lewis reluctantly returns home for the holidays jobless, single, and not at all prepared to be dragged into her sister’s wedding activities–or to witness her sister’s marriage to Starr’s ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve. But when her brother’s charming best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, Starr begins to believe that maybe coming home isn’t so bad.

As Starr endures wedding preparations, she takes comfort in Waylon’s presence and finds the perfect distraction in helping him keep his late mother’s Christmas shop afloat. As the spark between them grows, Starr must decide what she wants out of life–to go back to New York City or to stay and pursue a new dream.

A joyous, heartwarming, and magical holiday romance from Christy Award-winning author Toni Shiloh that will keep you cozy under the twinkling Christmas lights.

My Review:

The perfect holiday read! The kind you can devour in one sitting but the story still packs an emotional punch and leaves a reader aglow with the warmth of a yuletide happily ever after. Plus it’s fun and flirty, with enough swoonable moments to keep a romantic like me more than content. My heart’s still humming and I can’t wipe the silly grin off my face. 🙂

And there’s a wonderful faith thread about the importance of prayer. Both Starr and Waylon are wrestling with some major life changes and I really appreciate the raw honesty the author brings to their dilemmas. They are both Christians and invoke the power of prayer in their lives but that doesn’t always mean decisions are easy, or that they even feel divinely guided all the time. Sooooo relatable. And refreshing to read about.

The Lewis family is…interesting. Five siblings, a Christmas obsessed mama (she gave all her children Christmas names, after all) and a kind, but somewhat distant father. Interesting dynamics within the family as well, which strikes a realistic chord. And I’m looking forward to getting to know more about these characters…and their happily-ever-afters…in future books.

While I did have a paperback copy of ‘You Make It Feel Like Christmas’ on hand, I couldn’t resist diving into the audible edition because of it’s wonderful narration. Jasmin Walker’s portrayal of these characters is pitch perfect and made me enjoy the story all the more.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Big Sky Secrets + Giveaway

To stop a killer, the truth must be uncovered.

Stunned by the revelation he has a three-year-old son whose mother was murdered, rancher Eric Montgomery is searching for the truth. But he quickly realizes he has a target on his back when he and his boy are attacked outside private investigator Cassie Anderson’s office. With Cassie’s help and expertise, Eric must untangle a web of secrets to figure out why…before he becomes the next victim.

My Review:

I didn’t intend to read this book in one sitting, but, once I started, I couldn’t stop. Rife with tension from the very first page, Big Sky Secrets has the kind of impeccable pacing that makes it impossible to look away from the page. The suspense seeps over into the romance and makes everything that much more enthralling.

So, a bit of a reunion romance trope in that Eric and Cassie were on the cusp of starting a relationship born out of friendship. One fateful kiss and things went catawampus — you know how that goes. 🙂 But now they are brought together under the most stressful of circumstances and the past has to stay in the past as they learn to trust and rely on each other so they can get to the truth…and protect Eric’s young (and surprise) son! Lots of romantical pressure to add additional strain to the situation.

And, oh, mercy — the plot twists!!! Gobsmacked. Gasping out loud. Whiplash inducing. All kinds of thrilling page-turning goodness.

The Lost Manuscript + Giveaway

A priceless manuscript could be one woman’s key to finding her missing grandmother—and to her own second chance.

It’s not just Ellora Lockwood’s home that’s being emptied as she prepares to sell—her heart seems to be empty too. Since the mysterious disappearance of her beloved Grandma June and separating from her husband, Alex, Ellora has felt adrift. Then comes an invitation from Alex to teach history at a summer program at Alnwick Castle in England. He’s even found information about the location of a medieval manuscript that was her grandmother’s obsession before she vanished.

Warily, Ellora accepts Alex’s offer. Surrounded by lush English countryside and captivating history, she pieces together clues about the manuscript’s whereabouts—and uncovers new questions. Could someone have been sabotaging her grandmother’s work? Anonymous threats lead Ellora to suspect she too may be in danger, but as she and Alex work together, she’s finding strength, new purpose and the courage to see this quest through, wherever it may lead…

My Review:

First off, I’ll say that I’m not really a fan of estranged marriage romances. It’s not a trope I gravitate towards, and, in fact, will go out of my way to avoid. BUT — wowzers! did Mollie Rushmeyer ever bowl me over with all the emotional nuances of Ellora and Alex’s love story. I felt as raw and bruised and hurting as both of them did — but I had the added bonus of being party to their inner most thoughts so I could really understand how things fell apart in such a spectacular fashion. And that just made me all the more emotionally invested in their love story. Let’s just say Rushmeyer isn’t particularly kind to her characters. 🙂

Totally captivated by Alex! And if you told me I’d be fan-girling over the guy who walked away from his marriage I’d have uttered an emphatic ‘pshaw!’ But, I’d have been wrong. There are so many reasons to love Alex and I can’t tell you any of them without posting spoilers. You just have to meet him for yourself. But have a fainting couch handy for when you do.

And Ellora is as old-fashioned quirky as her name. She’s not only a history professor, but she rocks vintage fashion with flare! And she’s nursing a mountain load of hurt that’s turning into a grudge bordering on bitterness. But, somehow, she’s still lovable!

This is very much a redemption story — the redeeming of a marriage and the author writes with such beauty and truth that it brought tears to my eyes.

“They hadn’t chosen love or at least the type of selfless, truth-giving love they were called to as God’s children and husband and wife to each other. And when they inevitably messed up, they did not forgive as God forgives…” (p 121-122)

Then there’s the lost manuscript quest and the missing grandmother mystery and a summer in England to try to figure it all out…and learn how to fall in love all over again, this time with Christ as their foundation!

Ranch Showdown + Giveaway

Seeking refuge at a ranch…has fiery consequences.

After being threatened by her sister’s ex, Sierra Lowery has forty-eight hours to surrender documents linking him to a bombing before he kills her and kidnaps her nephew. With the evidence missing and anyone who helps becoming a target, hiding out with Detective Cole Walker, her college sweetheart, might be her only chance for survival. But as explosives detonate in the wake of their search, their ranch safe haven could become a dangerous trap. 

My Review:

Explosive suspense (in more ways than one!) along with a reunion romance made this another read-in-on-sitting Love Inspired Suspense novel. This line knows how to keep the pacing fast and furious while still leaving room for romance to blossom, and Tina Wheeler nails it on both counts.

Plus we’re back with the Walker clan, hiding out at their ranch until Cole and Sierra can figure out what’s going on. Which is all kinds of wonderful and awkward since there was a time when they all thought Sierra would officially become part of the family. 🙂

No worries if you haven’t read Wheeler’s first book, Ranch Under Fire, which released earlier this year and introduced readers to the Walkers, this second book definitely reads as a standalone and is advertised as such. But it has some carry over secondary characters and leaves me hoping we haven’t seen the last of these brothers.

Hooray for page-turning escape reads like this one! And may the author keep them coming!

Midnight’s Budding Morrow + Giveaway

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?

Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend’s rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family’s estate, he can’t be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father’s stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn’t until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

My Review:

published in 2022

Eeeeppp — Regency Marriage of Convenience with a Gothic flare! Have your fainting couch cleared, and keep your hankies handy for this emotional rollercoaster of a read.

I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I started reading ‘Midnight’s Budding Morrow’. Loved Sarah, but James? Yikes!!! Belligerent rake would be doing him a kindness. And the situation he puts Sarah in….I was an emotional basket case by the time he went back to war.

So, this is very much a two part story with the the first part a set up for the amazing redemptive tale found in the second. James is very much the prodigal son when he comes home from the battlefront. But it’s a change that Sarah doesn’t trust and his father is certainly not like his biblical counterpart, welcoming his wayward son back home with open arms. Somehow I found myself suddenly switching allegiance and getting snippety with Sarah because she couldn’t see into James’ heart the way I could (courtesy of being party to his inner thoughts.) Made for such an emotionally riveting love story!

And so profound! The faith elements in this novel are the kind that burrow into your heart and leave you with lots to ponder.

“It is most wonderful to see how God can restore the brokenhearted, and free those who have been bound to their pasts.” (p 294)

This really sums up James and Sarah’s story. How no one is ever too far gone, no situation is too desperate for God to restore. It starts out bleak and grim, oozing all that Gothic ‘charm’ but, gradually, as the story progresses, light penetrates into the dark and gloomy corners — not only of the estate, but the hearts of the people who live there — and by the end we’re filled with hope and the wonder of new beginnings.

Profoundly beautiful and powerfully told.

Seagrass Secrets + Giveaway

He’s her best friend. She’s the woman of his dreams.

Firefighter Colby Morris needs answers. After discovering a dead body, he then learns his best friend’s address was in the man’s pocket. He’ll do anything to keep Emmy safe—yet he wants to keep his heart safe also. That’s why he’s never told Emmy he’s in love with her.

Emmy Sutherland is trying to make amends after she hits a man with her truck while driving in a torrential downpour. When the island’s clinic floods, she has no choice but to let the stranger stay at her inn. But recent events on Cape Corral have her feeling apprehensive. 

Events continue to escalate, leaving Colby and Emmy scrambling to find answers. But as more secrets are uncovered, more danger arises. Can Colby and Emmy discover the truth? Or will their feelings get in the way—endangering not only their lives but their lifelong friendship?

My Review:

published in 2020

Playing catch up with this series and am enjoying reading the books fairly close together…I can almost see how some readers wait until they have an entire series before diving in. Not that I’ll ever have the patience or fortitude to do that when I read new releases. I gobble them right up and happily/unhappily wait for the next book, even if it’s a year on the horizon. But it’s kinda fun to binge read a catch-up series. 🙂

So, Saltwater Cowboys — they aren’t full time cowboys. The heroes all hold different law enforcement / emergency worker type full-time jobs. But they all cowboy up to take care of the wild horses on their island. There’s an angst inducing background plot that is threatening the horses’ habitat which, hopefully, will reach a satisfactory conclusion by the sixth book. It’s driving my anxiety levels up in the meantime because I’m a softie when it comes to animals and the environment.

Having said all that, you could easily read these books out of order. This is #4 and it was fun getting a glimpse into previous heroes/heroines futures. And, of course, to swoon and angst over Colby and Emmy. Best friends since grade school — yay, I so enjoy a friends to more trope! Colby clued in years ago that he was in love with Emmy but he’s been afraid to destroy their wonderful friendship so has stayed quiet. So we have a tortured lovelorn hero and a clueless heroine (in the beginning.)

Love the way Barritt develops their romance — the insecurities and fears of letting go of something sure for the uncertainty that comes with a chance at love. And, be still my heart, Colby!!! My heart hurt for him, but then there came a point when I just wanted to shake some sense into him before he did something drastic and…let’s just say it’s a rocky road to this happily ever after.

And the mystery…I was so flummoxed. The whole read I was: What. Is. Happening?! And why is Emmy involved? She’s lived her whole life on the island? This doesn’t make sense! But there are clues…very cleverly laid out for an astute reader to notice. Ha, more so in hindsight for some of them. But, I did have my suspicions about…well…something…and I was proved right so I feel somewhat vindicated. Like maybe I don’t have to turn my armchair sleuthing badge in quite yet.

I listened to the audio edition of Seagrass Secrets (and my, are there a lot of secrets!) and enjoyed Stacey Glemboski’s interpretation of these characters very much. Excited to dive into the next one very soon.

The Mark of the King + Giveaway

Life in this new world requires more strength than she ever imagined

After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption. Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict.

New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects. The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin. When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girard for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit?

With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace — and love — can overcome the stigma of the king’s mark upon her shoulder.

My Review:

Wickedly intense. Enthralling. There were times I had to set this book aside because I just couldn’t take any more. But I always returned to it after a few fortifying breaths because how could I leave Julianne in that predicament? Or the next one? Or the next?

Mercy, but I’m amazed that this area got settled. Still confused as to why the French wanted to claim it in the first place when they didn’t support their troops. The historical information is intriguing and frustrating and unbelievable. How did women survive childbirth? (beware to the faint of heart — the midwifery details are…detailed!) Only the strong survived — and then by the grace of God! And don’t get me started on the lack of women’s rights and the barbaric actions of some of the soldiers. Goodness, but my emotions were all over the place as I devoured this book.

Marc-Paul stands out as a man of dignity and honor. Strict, legalistic, he serves his country devoutly. But he also learns the true meaning of grace as he draws closer to the Lord. And that softens him in delightful ways.

Julianne is strength personified. Defiant. Determined. Unstoppable. She is a survivor — and the things she survives — truly unimaginable. How a loving author could treat a heroine so…it’s shameful, that’s what. 🙂

Rife with drama, heavy with sorrow but lifted by faith, The Mark of the King a sweeping tale of love and loss and second chances.

Muskoka Shores + Giveaway

Serena Williamson loves working at Muskoka Shores, the fancy resort on Lake Muskoka, and making couples dreams come true. But after returning from a celebrity wedding to find her own hopes crumbling to dust, she sets out for self-improvement, and to prove her ex was wrong. But when a misunderstanding concerning the new assistant church minister leads to more self-doubt, can she ever really trust a man again?

Joel Wakefield is looking forward to a fresh start for himself and his sister in this beautiful small town beside Lake Muskoka. He hadn’t counted on meeting a curvy cutie with a gift for hospitality and a gracious heart. Can he show her that it’s what is inside that truly counts?

My Review:

This love story is for every woman who has struggled with not feeling good enough. So emotional and funny and hard-hitting with a wonderful, uplifting faith thread about being ‘enough’ in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. And the power our words hold — to build up or tear down. So impactful!

An enemies to more trope plays out to perfection as misunderstandings abound. I laughed out loud and winced in sympathy and shed a tear or two by the end. So relatable all the way through!

Fans of Carolyn Miller’s Original Six Hockey series will get a thrill over the wedding in the first chapter. I haven’t read all the books in that series (yet) so I couldn’t fully appreciate the romantic glow but there are some lovely details as Serena oversees the wedding reception and makes for a nice bridge between the series.

Of course, I adore the iconic Canadian setting and the fact that the we get to visit through two seasons. Lots of time for our hero and heroine to get sorted while readers get to appreciate the beauty in my part of the world. 🙂

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Andrea Kummer and hoping the rest of the series comes out in audio as well. Otherwise I’ll have to mix and match with paperbacks! Gasp!