June 2025 – Page 7 – My Sanctuary

Happy Publication Day – 3 June 2025

Keeping The Score By Kelly Jamieson

An unexpected game changer…

Ford

My brain is hard-wired to hockey. To train hard, to win, to be the best. I don’t date, I basically live and breathe hockey and I plan everything. Until I find a newborn baby outside my apartment. It’s like something out of a movie, except she’s mine and this is my life. I panic, the only person I know who can help is my neighbor Andi. But in doing so, I risk inviting her into my life. So far she’s just been a friend, but I’m out of my depth and losing control. Now with each late night together, we feel like a family and I can see the lines blurring.

Andi

I have no idea how to look after a baby. But Ford has always come through for me. So now it’s my turn to help. It’s only temporary. I know Ford is a pin-up, but I’ve never been attracted to him…until now. Seeing him holding his tiny daughter is melting my heart. I thought I had no interest in love and settling down, but I’m catching feelings. I just know this set-up won’t last forever, but I’m scared of what will happen when things go back to normal…

Review Card & Book Review- Taken At Christmas By Jodie Bailey

Keeping a little girl safe

means trusting no one…

When ex-deputy Mia Galloway is assaulted and threatened at her town’s Christmas parade, she’s convinced her adopted daughter is also in danger. Mia is rescued just in time by investigator Hayden McGrath, her late husband’s best friend, who vows to protect Mia and Ruthie. And the stakes only get higher when Ruthie’s birth mother is found murdered. Someone desperately wants this child, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her. With time running out, uncovering the truth is Hayden and Mia’s only hope of saving an innocent child…

About The Author

My Review

Taken at Christmas is a gripping blend of suspense and heartfelt emotion. Mia Galloway, a former soldier and deputy, is fiercely protective of her daughter, Ruthie, as they face a dangerous threat during the holiday season. However, Mia’s battle isn’t just external—she struggles with panic attacks stemming from the trauma of her husband’s death, adding a deeply personal dimension to the story.

At her side is Hayden, her late husband’s best friend, who has been a steady presence in her life. As danger intensifies, their connection grows, forcing them to navigate unresolved grief and the possibility of new love. Hayden becomes Mia’s anchor, offering support and safety as she pushes through her fears to protect her daughter.

This emotionally charged thriller explores themes of courage, resilience, and redemption, all set against a tense and chaotic Christmas backdrop. With compelling characters and a moving storyline, it’s a must-read for fans of suspense with emotional depth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review- Family Of Three Under The Tree By Traci Douglass

AN UNEXPECTED GIFT IN THEIR STOCKING

Radiologist Riley isn’t interested in romance. After an accident left her in a wheelchair, she’ll prove she doesn’t need anyone’s help—especially neurosurgeon Sam’s. But despite his being infuriatingly gorgeous, she can’t knock her new research partner’s commitment to their study. Single dad Sam’s still fighting his grief and is hell-bent on curing the disease that stole his wife. Yet he can’t stop thinking about Riley…or the way his little girl lights up around her. With their undeniable attraction growing, could a family of three top their Christmas lists?

About The Author

My Review

After losing his wife, Sam moves to Wyckford with his young daughter, Ivy, to start fresh and continue his medical research on the disease that claimed his wife’s life. Riley, a radiologist at Wyckford Hospital, is fiercely independent despite using a wheelchair after a tragic accident that killed her parents. Her ultimate goal is to regain her mobility and walk again.

Sam and Riley frequently cross paths at work and through Ivy’s friendship with Riley’s niece, Adi. Although they are drawn to each other, both are hesitant to pursue a relationship—Sam is still grieving, and Riley is focused on her recovery. Despite their reluctance, their bond deepens as they spend more time together.

Their journey is filled with challenges, but through trust, communication, and love, they discover that healing and new beginnings are possible. Set against the backdrop of Christmas, this story blends romance, hope, and family, offering an inspiring tale of finding love when you least expect it.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – Rediscovering Christmas By Mindy Obenhaus

She feels she’s lost everything…

Will love give her hope?

When a wildfire destroys her home, widowed schoolteacher Tori Stallings finds herself unexpectedly living with her mother- and brother-in-law—and struggling with her faith. With everything Tori owns consumed by the blaze, Micah vows to help his late brother’s wife and son rebuild their lives. The two of them have always been friends, but living under the same roof has their friendship turning into something more. Can love bloom amid tragic loss and shaken beliefs, and give them a fresh start for Christmas?

About The Author

My Review

Tori Stallings, a young widow and single mother, returns to her hometown with her six-year-old son, Aiden, to rebuild their lives. Welcomed by her late husband’s family, she works on restoring her inherited home while preparing for her new teaching job. However, her plans are derailed when a wildfire destroys her house, leaving her devastated and estranged from her faith and community. Micah, her late husband’s younger brother and former best friend, steps in with unwavering support, helping Tori heal and rediscover hope. Their friendship blossoms into love, but just as Tori begins to envision a future with Micah and Aiden, unforeseen challenges threaten their newfound happiness. Set in the close-knit town of Hope Crossing, this heartfelt story explores themes of faith, resilience, and second chances, offering readers an inspiring tale of personal growth and love.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Review Card & Book Review – The Grump Whisperer By Katy James

Horse barn manager Bronwen Jones is just about at her wit’s end. The barn is under new ownership, and things are going downhill fast. Now the situation is dire: bills are unpaid, they’re low on feed and hay, and the mountain of manure is the stuff of nightmares.

Which is when he arrives. Former show jumper Ian Kingston is an absolutely gorgeous wreck of a man with a deep scowl. He had the career she always dreamed of—until his most recent injury destroyed any hope of professional riding. Ian wants nothing to do with Bronwen, the responsibilities for horses or anything that reminds him of what he’s lost.

Only, Bronwen isn’t about to let their resident Mr. Rochester off easy. Not when there are horses that need tending. And when a glorious but skittish stallion arrives, Bronwen and Ian are forced to work together—even as attraction crackles between them. Both must face the pile of crap that’s keeping them from moving forward…and the outcome may be the greatest ride of their lives.

About The Author

My Review

The Grump Whisperer by Katy James is the first book in the Morningsong Farm series, focusing on Bronwen, a devoted farm manager, and Ian, a grumpy former show jumper. When the farm is sold, Bronwen faces challenges under the new ownership, especially with Ian, who uses the farm as a retreat. Their initial animosity slowly shifts to romance, though the transition feels abrupt, with little emotional buildup. Set in a small-town atmosphere revolving around the farm, the story showcases Bronwen’s passion for horses but struggles with pacing, as key romantic developments feel rushed despite a promising start.

My Rating