Review Card & Book Review – Her Christmas Secret By Gabrielle Meyer

Her life was right on track

Until her past came knocking…

Nothing ever rattles school principal Valerie Wilmington…until the child she gave up a decade ago, and allowed her mother to raise, now becomes her responsibility. Valerie wants desperately to be a good mom but struggles to connect with the daughter she barely knows. She finds solace in the contractor and single dad hired to renovate her school, Wade Griffin. As their children become fast friends, Wade helps Valerie navigate her new family’s first Christmas. But Wade’s been lied to before, and Valerie’s secret will change everything…

About The Author

My Review

Valerie, the principal of a Christian school in need of repairs, meets Wade, the man hired to fix it. At the same time, Valerie takes in Hailee, the daughter she had at 18 but was raised as her sister, now sent to live with her. Valerie and Wade, a single father, grow closer, but Valerie fears her secret about Hailee could jeopardize their blossoming relationship. The story, set in a Christian community with wholesome themes, develops into a heartwarming Christmas romance filled with endearing characters, family bonds, and gentle faith elements, capturing the charm typical of a Love Inspired book.

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Review Card & Book Review – Second Chance Christmas By Jahquel J

Being known as the daughter of the Sageport’s town drunk always left Faith Stone defending her mother and herself. Her only solace was her boyfriend, Rome. Even as a teenager, Faith knew she wanted forever with Rome Atkins. Their small town, her mother’s struggles, and everyone’s opinions of their relationship couldn’t hold them back forever. After graduation, they would put Sageport behind them and start life anew together . . . but prom night changed everything.

Fifteen years later, Faith, now a divorced, single parent, finds herself back in Sageport for the holidays. The memories and pain are still fresh, as if everything happened yesterday, especially when she runs into Rome, who never left Sageport. Also fresh are the unexpected lingering feelings they still harbor for each other. Do old wounds run too deep, or can the joy of Christmas provide enough healing power for a second chance love reunion?

About The Author

My Review

This is an emotional, second-chance romance about Faith Stone and Rome Atkins, who are brought back together after 15 years of separation. Their relationship was shattered when Rome’s brother died in a car accident caused by Faith’s mother, prompting Faith to leave Sageport for Atlanta. Now, Faith returns to care for her father after his stroke, confronting painful memories and unresolved feelings. As she reconnects with Rome, old emotions resurface, and they must face their past to find healing. The story realistically portrays the characters’ struggles, growth, and eventual rekindling of their love, leading to a much-deserved happy ending.

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Happy Publication Day – 21 March 2025

Playing For Keeps in Starr’s Fall By Kate Hewitt

As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.

It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.

Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zach is also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.

When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?

Review Card & Book Review – Evergreen Christmas By Janet Dailey

Barrel racer Jordyn Banks is thrilled to discover affordable land for sale in charming Noel, perfect for breeding her horses. But that’s not all. A nomad with no family—other than her beloved Quarter Horse, Star—she also hopes to find a home within the close-knit Appalachian Mountain community. Yet Jordyn didn’t bargain on inheriting a controversial Fraser Fir—or falling for a handsome single dad whose adorable little girl tempts her to dream of being far more than a property owner . . .

Since losing his wife in childbirth six years ago, Nate Reed has devoted himself to their daughter, Roxanna, and built up their thriving Frosted Firs Ranch. For nine years straight he’s won Noel’s contest for the most perfect Christmas tree for the Town Square. It’s a tradition he began with his late wife. But this year, Jordyn Banks is determined to harvest her Fraser Fir and compete—meaning Nate will finally be challenged—in more ways than one . . .

Throughout the event, Nate can’t help noticing that Roxanna is dazzled by Jordyn’s strength, beauty, and quirky sense of humor. Soon enough, Nate is falling for her, too. But can a feisty wanderer ever really settle down? Is Nate ready to open his heart to someone new? And is it possible that sometimes love does grow on (Christmas) trees? . . .

About The Author

My Review

Jordyn Banks moves to Noel, North Carolina, after buying land sight unseen, hoping to settle down with her Quarter Horse, Star, and start a horse-breeding business. She unexpectedly acquires a perfect Fraser Fir tree on her property and gets pulled into the town’s annual Christmas competition, where she faces her charming new neighbor, Nate Reed, a nine-time champion. As a barrel racer, Jordyn feels Noel is where she truly belongs. As Jordyn settles into her new home and community, unexpected connections form. The story sets the stage for a promising series filled with small-town charm and romance.

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Review Card & Book Review – Tide Together By Melanie Summers

What happens when a stressed-out bridesmaid and a laidback pilot are stranded alone together on a sun-kissed Caribbean island?

Paige Chadwick is having the worst day of her life. Her tyrant boss has made her three days late for her sister’s destination wedding trip, and now she’s stuck on the wrong Caribbean island with the wedding just hours away.

Enter Mac Gamble, a brooding yet irresistibly attractive pilot, who reluctantly agrees to get her to the church on time.

When a fast-moving storm leaves them stranded on a deserted island, they’re forced to rely on each other to survive. As they navigate their new surroundings, tempers flare and an undeniable attraction grows.

Amidst the stunning sunsets and white sand beaches, Paige starts to see that underneath Mac’s gruff exterior is a heart of gold.

Can these two opposites find a love as deep as the ocean, or will their differences stir up a hurricane of heartbreak?

About The Author

My Review

Paige, a workaholic feeling like the family misfit, rushes to her sister’s Caribbean wedding and ends up stranded with Mac, a loner pilot with financial troubles. As they navigate their differences, they discover unexpected chemistry and life lessons. Though charming, the story follows familiar romance tropes, with some predictable character dynamics and messages on happiness.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Rebound Play By Kate O’Keeffe

If you get a second chance at love with your hockey star ex, should you take it?

Keira
What do you do when your NHL superstar ex skates back into your small town? Drop to the ground and hide behind the bleachers, hoping he doesn’t see you. But Lady Luck must be in a bad mood today because Dan spots me, my hood over my eyes, pretending I’m not there.

Mature? No.

Necessary? Oh, yes.

Humiliation washes over me, and the wall around my heart stands firm. Dan might be back, but I can’t afford to let him in again. Not after the heartbreak of losing him once before.

When he offers to coach my nephew, I reluctantly agree. Every smile he flashes at me, every kind word, threatens to crack my resolve. But I can’t go through that again. I have to protect my heart.

Dan
I want Keira back. End of story.

About The Author

My Review

In this heartwarming romance, former high school sweethearts Dan and Keira reconnect years after their separation. Dan, a former popular jock turned professional hockey player, and Keira, a bookish caretaker for her ill sister and her niece and nephew, are brought back together when Dan returns to their small town, Maple Falls, for a charity game. As they reconnect, their past romantic feelings quickly resurface. However, for their relationship to last, they must confront the issues that caused their initial breakup.

This is the second book in the “Love on Thin Ice” series, and it captures the essence of small-town charm with a fall festival and farmers’ markets as key elements in the story. Despite being a shorter read, it’s filled with fun, romance, and endearing characters, making it perfect for fans of cozy love stories.

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Review Card & Book Review – Windy Creek: Six Book Series By Leslie North & Mary Sue Jackson

Welcome to Windy Creek… Your new favorite small town!Settle in for a marathon of steamy nights with six sexy cowboys and the fiery women who lasso their hearts…

In Cowboy’s Doorstep Baby, Sam Carden’s life gets complicated when an old flame shows up with their infant daughter and hands her off—permanently. Aspiring chef Arielle Rose agrees to care for the baby as she hones her cooking skills. But can she ignore the sizzling attraction between her and Sam?

In Her Second Chance Cowboy, rancher Colin McCabe is the guy you call when you need a favor. So, when his best friend needs a venue for their wedding, Colin volunteers his ranch’s historic barn. But he didn’t realize it would mean working side-by-side with the Maid of Honor and wedding planner, Nancy Sharp… His high-school sweetheart!

In Cowboy’s Sexy Ex, Sally Weston was always the one for injured stuntman Jarod Hunter – until she broke his heart. But Sally never stopped loving Jarod and now that he’s back, they’ve got a glimmer of hope. Can these two wild souls finally find each other?

In Cowboy’s Christmas Wife, rancher Daryl Rivers is about to lose it all. So when single mom Laura, a woman he’s admired for years, offers him a way out of his financial woes, he reluctantly agrees. There’s just one catch… to access her trust fund, Laura needs a husband. Daryl agrees to a fake marriage, but things get complicated when they mix business with pleasure…

In Rancher’s One-Night Stand, Michael Townsend feels obligated to honor his family’s legacy. His decisions reflect on his character—and how the people of Windy Creek vote come election time. Sleeping with Jenna Griffin, his political campaign manager, was definitely the wrong decision. That’s why their one-night stand is going to remain just that… No matter how much she drives him to distraction…

And in Cowboy’s Fake Marriage, aone-night stand leaves rodeo star Shane Clayborn with sole custody of his infant daughter. But the mother’s parents want custody. To prove he can provide his daughter a stable home, Shane makes a deal with Lila Quinn. He’ll help her buy her dream ranch if she’ll pose as his wife. Lila’s one rule? They’ll remain strictly platonic. But rules are meant to be broken…

About The Author

My Review

Here are the summaries of each book:

1. Cowboy’s Doorstep Baby: Sam’s day takes a turn when Arielle arrives, bringing surprises at the worst possible time as he prepares for an important meeting crucial for his ranch. Arielle, new to her job, encounters the chaos firsthand. Along with baby Molly, the trio navigates a challenging day full of unexpected events.

3. Cowboy’s Sexy Ex: Jarod comes back home after a serious stunt accident in Hollywood to find Sally working at his aunt and uncle’s ranch, which he is set to take over. They were once a couple, but their breakup left both with broken hearts. The story explores whether they can mend their past relationship and work together or if Jarod will leave once more.

2. Her Second Chance Cowboy: Nancy returns to town for a friend’s wedding, only to find her parents have rented out their house, leaving her without a place to stay. Colin, with his adorable daughter Bex, offers her shelter. There is a shared past between Nancy and Colin, and now they have the opportunity to rekindle what was once lost. Will they seize their second chance?

4. Cowboy’s Christmas Wife: Laura Jo returns to town after years away, following her parents’ fatal car accident. She reconnects with Daryl, a childhood friend who needs her help to save his family home from foreclosure. As they support each other through their struggles, their friendship blossoms into something more lasting.

5. Rancher’s One-Night Stand: Michael and Jenna work together as he campaigns for office, but a one-night encounter between them leads to unexpected consequences. They must navigate this surprise while considering how it could affect Michael’s political aspirations.

6. Cowboy’s Fake Marriage: Shane, a single father to baby Ruby, meets Lila when he notices her distress and offers comfort. What begins as a kind gesture turns into a plan to keep his daughter with him while helping Lila find happiness. Their connection grows, leading to a heartwarming tale of love and new beginnings. 

Each story delves into themes of second chances, rekindling past romances, and finding love in unexpected places.

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Review Card & Book Review – Christmas At The Little Paris Hotel By Rebecca Raisin

Turn a tumbledown Paris hotel into a perfect boutique, bookish retreat, and have it open for Christmas? What could possibly go wrong? 

When Anais receives a near-derelict Paris hotel in her divorce settlement, her first thought is to tidy it up and sell it immediately. All she wants is to move on and forget her disaster of a marriage ever happened.

But selling it proves impossible, so she has only one option: to make it gorgeous and open by Christmas… when her funds will almost certainly run out.

She’s not counting on the grumpy American bar-owner next door, Noah, coming and interfering at every moment though. Nor is she expecting to find a mysterious room – which holds the key to a one-hundred-year-old secret – about a woman who chose love against the odds.

One thing’s for sure… as the fairy lights twinkle all over the city of lights and the first snowflakes start to fall… this will be a Christmas in Paris to remember.

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Anais, who, after a messy divorce, is left with a run-down hotel. Undeterred, she sets out to restore it before Christmas, with the help of her spirited cousin, Manon. Her plans are complicated by Noah, the charming but irritating bar owner next door, who becomes both a rival and a love interest, sparking a playful competition and undeniable romantic tension.

The story combines humor, heartwarming moments, and a touch of mystery as Anais and Noah navigate their differences, ultimately learning to work together. Described as a “Parisian Hallmark movie,” the book goes beyond a cozy holiday setting, exploring themes of inner healing, family bonds, and resilience. With its endearing characters and lighthearted tone, it’s a story about finding love and rediscovering joy amid life’s unexpected challenges.

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Review Card & Book Review- Meet Me In A Mile By Elizabeth Hrib

Lydia McKenzie is not a runner. Not even close. But in her quest to be taken seriously at work—and catch the eye of her office crush—she signs up for the New York City Marathon as part of her architectural firm’s outreach program. Now she just needs to avoid making a fool of herself. Thankfully, she knows how to outsource.

Personal trainer Luke Townsend is definitely a runner, and he’s exactly what Lydia needs to get in shape: experienced, motivational, funny, kind, well muscled… And when he and Lydia bond over her redesign of the Manhattan Youth Center, a place near and dear to Luke’s heart, their training time intensifies from hitting the pavement to hitting the sheets. Still counts as a workout, right?

Suddenly, everything Lydia thought she wanted feels less clear, but she’s determined not to let a little unplanned indiscretion derail her goals. There’s no reason she and Luke can’t keep training as if they don’t share mind-blowing chemistry. They’re professionals. But when her project proposal suddenly hangs in the balance, and her office crush offers some awfully tempting one-on-one help, she’ll have to decide which direction her heart wants to run.

About The Author

My Review

This is a dual POV friends-to-lovers romance featuring Lydia, who signs up for the NYC marathon to win over her office crush and impress her boss. She hires Luke, a dedicated youth center worker, as her marathon coach after a chance encounter, but soon finds herself developing unexpected feelings for him. Their relationship grows naturally through marathon training and shared career ambitions, strengthened by their chemistry and banter.

The story is enriched with themes like architecture, sustainability, and personal growth, adding depth beyond the central romance. While the love triangle subplot and the development of side characters (Eric, Kirsten, Jack) may feel predictable or underdeveloped, Lydia’s evolving connection with Luke is compelling. The subplot with Jack, though somewhat drawn out, encourages Lydia’s self-reflection. Overall, it’s a light, witty, and engaging read that balances humor with the complexities of personal and romantic growth.

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Review Card & Book Review- Honeybee By Dawn O’Porter

For best friends Renée and Flo, adulthood isn’t the party they expected.

Renée’s dreams of being a writer are going nowhere. Flo’s hiding a secret shame. They’re both failing in work and love.

Why did nobody warn them? Why does adulthood feel less like freedom, and more like a trap?

Careening from one disaster to the next, and learning to spread their… wings, Renée and Flo must uncover the secret to living their best lives.

But maybe we never stop growing up. And maybe they’ll survive the course – if only they stick together.

About The Author

My Review

Renee and Flo, childhood friends from Guernsey, reconnect at a funeral and decide to live together, despite their differing personalities and lifestyles. Renee, a carefree 22-year-old aspiring writer, still lives on the island, while Flo, a more serious marketing professional, returns from London after a personal crisis. As they navigate their renewed friendship, they face their own struggles, secrets, and fears, all while adjusting to adulthood, grief, and new responsibilities. The story blends humor with emotion, capturing the complexities of friendship and the challenges of growing up.

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