Saturday, October 10, 2026

Belle's Christmas Carol

Merry Christmas! Okay, it's not Christmas yet but I love reading Christmas stories anytime of the year.

Scrooge makes an appearance. He's humbugging around but it makes no difference to Belle. She is determined to make Christmas as joyful as possible at the orphanage she just inherited.

Rafe Munroe, a young lawyer, is searching for his dead sister's child. In his search, his feelings for Belle have increased.

Cricket, the cutest 5 year old, makes everyone happy. He is treasured by Belle and now Rafe is enamored by this sweet boy. But can Rafe's mother feel anything for him?

A cute story. I enjoyed it. Bah humbug, Scrooge, Belle is better off with Rafe. Your loss, Rafe's gain.

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blogtour

About the Book

Book: Belle’s Christmas Carol

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England and perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her garden scaring away armadillos.

More from Michelle

Why I Gave Scrooge’s Belle Her Own Christmas Carol

Guest post by Michelle Griep

I’ve always been suspicious of characters who appear just long enough to break your heart and then vanish without so much as a forwarding address. Belle from A Christmas Carol is one of those.

Scrooge, of course, gets the full treatment. Ghosts. Doom. Moral terror. A dramatic overnight transformation. Turkey delivery. The works. And yes, yes, it’s all very moving. But Belle? Come on. All she gets is one aching goodbye and then is shoved neatly into Scrooge’s past. So, excuse me, Mr. Dickens, but I have questions.

What became of the woman who loved Ebenezer before greed got to him? Did she regret walking away? Did Christmas ever sting? Did she build a fine, sensible life or did some little corner of her heart still ache for him or not? That wondering became Belle’s Christmas Carol.

In my story, Belle Beaumont unexpectedly inherits Haven House, a struggling London orphanage with fire damage, muddled ledgers, eccentric staff, and children who are more than rambunctious. Naturally, Belle decides she will set everything to rights and give the children the most splendid Christmas imaginable because—like me—apparently the woman has never heard of pacing herself.

Then along comes Rafe Munro, a handsome barrister searching for a missing child, and Belle’s tidy plans start to change. Oh, did I mention he’s single? That’s because I wanted Belle to be more than Scrooge’s lost love. I wanted her to have grit, flaws, hope, purpose, and a future all her own.

Because sometimes the story doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes that’s where the real story begins.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , October 7

The Avid Reader, October 7

She Lives To Read, October 7

Texas Book-aholic, October 8

Devoted To Hope, October 8

Betti Mace, October 9

Inkwell Inspirations , October 9

The Lofty Pages, October 9

For Him and My Family, October 10

Romances of the Cross, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 12

The Vine and The Branch, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 13

Fruitfully Planted, October 13

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 13

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, October 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 15

Simple Harvest Reads, October 15 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, October 16

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 16

Devoted Steps, October 17

Lily’s Corner, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Blossoms and Blessings, October 19

Pause for Tales, October 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/KNJXt/belles-christmas-carol-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Lessons in Love

Leonora lives a life of sacrifice. She gave everything to her sister, her nephew and to her family. Her dreams and wishes took a back seat.

She would love to be married and have a family of her own. If that is not possible,she would love to be a teacher. In teaching, she becomes very close to her pupils and to one father who is dealing with his own loss.

A lovely, touching story. You can't help loving young Finn. Heartbreaking to see his grief unfold and Leonora's part in his healing.

Love can heal your heart. Only if you let it.

Kelly Irvin

Best-selling novelist Kelly Irvin's the author of more than 30 books and a dozen novellas in Amish romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction. Her latest novel, A Daughter's Choice, debuted in November 2025. She is a two-time winner of Selah Awards and Readers Choice Awards. Her women's fiction novel, The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos won Selah's for both women's fiction and audiobook.

Kelly also writes romantic suspense novels. Her most recent forays into this genre include Trust Me, Her Every Move and Closer Than She Knows, all set in San Antonio and South Texas. Publishers Weekly says of Closer Than She Knows, "this brisk, smoothly written thriller from Irvin pits court reporter Teagan O’Rourke, a murder mystery lover, against a cunning and vicious serial killer. Fans of serial killer fiction with a Christian slant will be satisfied."

Of Tell Her No Lies, The Library Journal says, "Irvin creates a complex web with enough twists and turns to keep even the most savvy romantic suspense readers guessing until the end. Known for her Amish novels, this two-time Carol Award finalist shows that her talents span subgenres from tranquil Amish stories to rapidly paced breathless suspense.”

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers,, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Texas League of Writers, and Women's Fiction Writers Association.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly wrote nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso, where she was exposed to culture and language that serves as fodder for her fiction writing.

Kelly retired in 2016 from her position of 22 years as public relations manager for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. She writes full-time. She and her husband live in Texas. They have two children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and poetry, read books by her favorite authors, and visit the babies.

Monday, September 21, 2026

Cherish

Tabitha has done the rounds. She has asked her aunts (all of them) about love and marriage. She was still confused.

She realized that she left out her Mom. She probably should have went to her in the first place. But why was her Mom so hesitant to answer Cherish's questions? Maybe Wilma, Tabitha's grandmother, will have the answers.

I hope Tabitha's story continues. Will she find love? Is milking cows her forever job?

I love the Amish books by Samantha Price. Ms. Price knows how to tell a story. A good story.

I received this book from the author to review.

https://www.amazon.com/Cherish-Amish-Bonnet-Sisters-Daughters-ebook/dp/B0GPMFLP8Y?dplnkId=79988000-e569-4f1c-afb3-29e67d28d33c

Author-

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance and cozy mysteries. Raised in the Brethren faith, she writes with a heartfelt understanding of the Amish way of life.

When she’s not writing, Samantha enjoys quiet moments at home with her rescue cat and her fluffy white dog, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Snowy from the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries.

Find a full downloadable and printable Series-Reading-Order at: SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

Annie and the Mistaken Match

Annie was happy with her job. At least, she thought she was. But in her wildest dreams, she wanted to be seen, acknowledged.

She worked as a lady's maid. She was close to the sisters, May and Ella were beyond kind. One day they decided to bring Annie to a society affair. Not as a maid but one of them. Annie knew it was a mistake.

As a result, a whole new world opened up for Annie. A world that was forbidden. Or was it?

I enjoyed this story. It was what I look. A clean romance. Wonderful characters. I loved the illustrations.

I received this book to review from the author.

About the author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author ofstories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground inupstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has sixteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, Emma’s Engagement, Madison’s Mission, and her newest, Irish Rose Orphans' Christmas: Prequel to Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series. Her book awards include four Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary TitanBook Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, a Living Now Book Award, and a Selah Award.
Before Susan jumped into the fiction world, she served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. Her first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. Susan is also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, she is published invarious book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. Susan has also written several hundred published magazine and newsletter articles. 
Susan is past president of American Christian Fiction Writers-CS (ACFW), former vice president of Christian Authors Network (CAN), a member of Christian Independent Publishing Association (CIPA), and a regular writer’s contest judge.
For over twenty years, Susan has been a speaker at writers’ conferences, teachers’ conventions, writing groups, and other organizational gatherings.
Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to the Thousand Islands she loves.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

E is for Englischer

All alone. Her parents gone. Her brother overseas. Ella Pendleton is trying to find herself. In the meantime, she agreed to be a companion for an older Amish couple at their farm.

It's not easy working on a farm. But Ella is slowly but surely getting the hang of it. She has become very attached to their sheep and an Amish man named Russ Tate.

Ella shared the sweetest Christmas Eve with Russ. That evening changed everything for Ella and Russ.

I loved the story. The characters were wonderful. A page turner.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.”

Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.

Purchase here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496758862?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

A Christmas Proposal

Beatrice felt she had no chance to ever have a family of her own. She lost the love of her life in The Great War. She was not going to allow herself to feel such sorrow again.

As time goes by, she meets the new doctor, David, and a small child that has her changing her mind.

Beatrice also has to deal with her mother's expectations for her. What a snob her mother was. Does Beatrice allow her mother to destroy her future or does she grab the happiness that is within her reach?

I couldn't figure Beatrice out when she discovered David was going to serve the country. Her rash decision made no sense to me. I can't say too much as I don't want to spoil it. Fortunately, Beatrice saw the error of her ways.

I didn't read book one but I soon caught on where the story was headed. I enjoyed the book.

I received this to review from Boldwood Books.

#blogtour

#rararesources

A Christmas Proposal

She lost everything in the Great War – her brothers, her fiancé, her way of life. Will this new war bring back long-buried feelings?

Beatrice is settling into life in the countryside, along with Victoria and Nell, as a teacher evacuee. Her world is turned upside down again when she meets David, the new doctor at the military hospital, whose kindness and gentleness warm her frozen heart.

Her remaining defences crumble entirely when the family of one of her pupils is killed in an airstrike, and she can no longer deny her motherly affection for the child.

But is Beatrice willing to risk the loss and heartache that comes with love in wartime? When David volunteers for military service and history threatens to repeat itself, Beatrice must dig deep to find the courage to live the life she’s dreamed of…

A gripping, festive Second World War saga for fans of Daisy Styles, Katie Flynn and Elaine Everest.

Purchase Links

Universal Amazon, Apple & Kobo link: https://mybook.to/AChristmasProposal

Blackwell’s: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/search/?format=&keyword=Rose+Warner+A+Christmas+Proposal

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-christmas-proposal/rose-warner/9781835980286

Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/christmas-with-the-teacher-evacuees-rose-warner/7731557?ean=9781835980286&next=t

Hive: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Rose-Warner/A-Christmas-Proposal--The-uplifting-festive-WW2-romance-saga-novel/30586719

Author Bio –

Rose Warner, who also publishes as Jen Gilroy, writes historical women’s /saga fiction and feel-good contemporary romance. She has been a finalist for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon Award and Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award.

Canadian-British and although now based in Canada, she lived in England for many years and has undertaken extensive research in the WW2 and post-war periods. As Jen Gilroy she writes sweet small-town romance for Harlequin Heartwarming (HarperCollins) and has also published with Grand Central Forever (Hachette) and others.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, ice cream, ballet and paddling her purple kayak.

Visit Rose / Jen online at https://www.jengilroy.com

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenGilroyAuthor/

X: https://www.x.com/JenGilroy1

Friday, September 4, 2026

Thawing the Frontiersman's Heart

Roisin must risk everything to search for her father. He is lost but so is she.

And in her search, she found herself in a stranger's home in the middle of a snowstorm.

Jared was scared physically and emotionally. Only Roisin in her particular ways could change how he feels.

A love story that involves risks. A love story that opens up the world and how they see it with a new perspective.

I enjoyed the story. It was a delight to ride with Roisin and Jared.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

About the Book

Book: Thawing the Frontiersman’s Heart

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 25, 2026

A missing father. A deadly storm. And a stranger who may be more dangerous than the wilderness.

Kentucky Territory, 1785
Roisin Duncan has spent her life guarding secrets—her father’s failing mind, her own quiet eccentricities, and the fear that one misstep could see them both locked away like the aunt she lost. But when her father disappears into the wilderness caves he loves, Roisin has no choice but to venture beyond the safety of her carefully controlled world. Caught in a brutal snowstorm, she finds refuge at the cabin of Jared McFadin—a man as scarred on the outside as he is within.

Haunted by war, Jared has built a life of isolation on the edge of his family’s land, convinced he is more danger than protector. But when a desperate young woman arrives at his door, he cannot turn her away.

As they search the treacherous caverns and race against time to find Roisin’s father, the greater danger may not be the wilderness, but the fears that have kept them both imprisoned. To survive, Roisin and Jared must risk what they’ve guarded most—their trust, their hearts, and the fragile hope that love might be stronger than their weaknesses.

Perfect for fans of Lori Wick and Janette Oke.

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.

More from Andrea

Prior to becoming officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) went by many names including Combat Fatigue, Shell Shock, and Soldier’s Heart. However, none of these categorizations even came about until the Civil War.

When considering the horrors faced by the soldiers that fought for our freedom 250 years ago, though, there is no doubt that it would have had a lasting effect on the mental health of a great number of men. And yet, during the Revolutionary War, the only term used for any kind of anxiety or sleeplessness amongst soldiers was simply Nostalgia.

But we all know that PTSD is extensively complicated, rather than simple homesickness. Not only can it bring flashbacks and nightmares, but it can cause hypervigilance, insomnia, and considerably more. It affects a person’s thoughts, behavior, mood, and overall quality of life.

In this Wilderness Romance series, and particularly in Thawing the Frontiersman’s Heart, I strove to give readers a small glimpse of what this might have looked like for the Revolutionary War soldiers to which we owe so much.

I pray that it serves to bring awareness to the struggles that many men during the time likely faced in darkness, without recognition or support. And I hope that you enjoy both Jared and Roisin’s stories as they each strive to find freedom from the confines of their own minds.

Happy Reading!

Andrea Byrd

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, September 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 2

Texas Book-aholic, September 3

For Him and My Family, September 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 5

Devoted To Hope, September 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 7

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Books, Books, & More Books, September 9 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, September 9

Blossoms and Blessings, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Pause for Tales, September 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 13

Lyssa Loves Books, September 14

Cover Lover Book Review, September 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/VzZoo/thawing-the-frontiersmans-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, August 31, 2026

A Contrary Betrothal

No one and I mean no one can write historical fiction like Denise Farnsworth. Once again I am blown away with her writing. The book starts in 1813 on the Tennessee-Cherokee Nation border.

Susanna was the daughter of Captain Moore. Her father had the say to whom she was to wed. His pick- Dr. Hawkins. He was alright but Susanna didn't love him.

Sam Hicks was half-Indian. He met Susanna and was smitten. But he had no chance.

Battles were raging around them. Danger lurked at every corner. Sam and Susanna couldn't stop the passion between them. They couldn't even if they tried.

A romantic read. I loved it. I don't recommend this but how can you not melt when Sam and Susanna's blood was blended together after they were injured.

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#romance

About the Book

Book: A Contrary Betrothal

Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 18, 2026

A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love.

Sam Hicks may be the educated son of a Cherokee chief, but his command of multiple languages and diplomatic skills can’t erase the prejudice he faces as a mixed-blood warrior. When he’s tasked with guarding Colonel Moore’s spirited daughter, Susanna, at a wilderness fort, he never expects to lose his heart to a woman he can never have.

Susanna Moore dreams of making her own way on the frontier like her Cherokee stepmother. The last thing she wants is an arranged marriage to the fort’s stuffy doctor—especially after she meets the noble and intelligent Sam Hicks. When she’s captured by a turncoat warrior during a Creek uprising, Sam risks everything to save her.

Their shared values and growing love give them hope—but with the Creek War raging and cultural pressures mounting, can a Cherokee lieutenant and a colonel’s daughter overcome the loyalties and prejudices set against them?

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The seed idea for A Contrary Betrothal came from another author a number of years ago. She proposed a collection of stories in which the heroes were all Native Americans who served their country in different wars. I still love the idea even though it never came to pass! In fact, I loved it so much, I went ahead and wrote my story. And that story became Bent Tree Bride, first published with Smitten Romance. Now, it’s joining my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series as book six.

Many people are unaware that the Cherokees fought alongside American troops under Andrew Jackson during the Creek War or Red Stick War, a portion of the War of 1812 that occurred in present-day Alabama. The Creek people were allied to the British, as the Cherokees themselves had been during the American Revolution. The motivation for this was, of course, to keep their land. Their warriors were so valuable to Jackson that they broke the ineffective cannonade on the town of Tohopeka, swimming across the river from behind and making the victory possible that ended the war at Horseshoe Bend.

Sam Hicks, the hero of A Contrary Betrothal, is a mixed-blood Cherokee lieutenant with the head of a scholar and the heart of a warrior. His struggle to intermingle the old ways and the new ways proves reflective of the metamorphosis of his people. Even though he’s been educated as the wealthy son of a chief, he knows his white colonel’s daughter, Susanna Moore, is out of his reach. But when he’s assigned to guard her and her little brother at a wilderness fort, he can no longer deny his attraction to the feisty young woman who’s determined to convince her father she can survive on the frontier as well as her Cherokee stepmother.

A Contrary Betrothal will resonate with readers who enjoy stories by authors like Laura Frantz, Shannon McNear, Michelle Griep, and Lori Benton. The forbidden love and fish out of water tropes create plenty of angst, and the battlefield scenes echo Last of the Mohicans. When people have asked me which of my books would translate well onto the big screen, in fact, this is one I think of. I invite you, dear reader, to be swept away by the action and romance of my final book of the Scouts of the Georgia Frontier.