The Glades by Angela Hunt

 

 

Katherine Armstrong planned every detail of her birthday weekend on a private island in the Everglades: the guest list, the menu, the flowers, the entertainment. She even arranged to keep the water at a safe distance.

But when a storm tears through the Glades, the power goes out, the phones die, and the island is cut off from the mainland. Then Casper, the caretaker, disappears. And in the dark water beyond the dock, something patient begins to move.

Katherine has spent years building a life that looks flawless from the outside. Now she has to hold that life together long enough to get her children off the island alive. But the longer the storm rages, the more the island reveals what it has been hiding—and what Katherine’s husband may have known all along.

Because the real danger isn’t just in the water. It’s in the family story everyone has agreed not to tell.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 160 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels and nonfiction.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City. Afterward, the dog gave out paw-tographs at the airport.

When she's not home writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers' conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Readers may visit her web site at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

 

My Review

 A story that goes back years, when it wasn't against the law and then it was?
So much heart ache and loss, and for what? So a rich man can have a novelty? Yes, the book grabbed me, and sure didn't let go until the last page is turned.
The author does highlight Miccosukee and Seminole Indian tribes, the native American people of Florida, and I loved the way they were included into this read.
If you enjoy heart pumping read, this one will keep you riveted, from betrayal to missing people. Whom are your real friends?
We are really rubbing shoulders with the rich in this read. Money is no object, and breaking the law is for everyone else.

Falling Into Us by Denise Hunter

 

Gabby Donaldson's late mother left her with one final task: deliver a letter to her estranged mother. Once Gabby fulfills her mom's deathbed promise, she'll leave behind the grandmother she never knew and return to her carefully constructed life in the city. With a fulfilling career as a jewelry designer, she's convinced she doesn't need roots to feel whole.

But locating Rosemary proves more complicated than expected. And when journalist--and single dad--Mason Morrison offers help in exchange for telling her story, Gabby agrees. The arrangement seems simple enough: he gets the human-interest piece that could be his big break, and she gets to fulfill her mother's final wish.

What neither anticipates is how quickly professional boundaries blur. As Gabby is drawn into Mason's world--and the life he's built with his precocious twelve-year-old daughter--Gibson begins to feel less like a stopover and more like home.

Yet the past has a way of complicating the present. If Gabby uncovers the truth about her family, will it free her to move forward--or make leaving impossible? And when the story is finally written, will she return to the life she planned . . . or risk falling into one she never saw coming?

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Denise Hunter is the internationally-published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 Club and been featured in Southern Living and Woman's World.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling, drinking chai lattes, hiking, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.

You can learn more about Denise through her website.

 

My Review

 

The book reads like a warm hug, and keeps giving throughout the read! The author does a beautiful job with weaving this tale, and how it is all woven together is wonderful!
Finding love, not just romantic, a young girl whom has lost her Mom, a young women whom has also lost her mother, a man whom has lost his wife. Then a man whom was airlifted out of Vietnam, closure, but how it comes to be is wow!
When some of the conclusions start to happen, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, will they be what you hoped?
I loved the epilogue, and now wish I could continue on in this story!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber

 

For single career woman Clare Madison, Christmas means pre-made cookies and artificial trees. But when her sister needs her help, Clare volunteers to care for her six-year-old nephew, Ricky.

Determined to give Ricky a memorable Christmas, Clare enlists help from her best friend Erica, who loves kids, and her colleague Ethan, who agrees to dress up as Santa . . . if Clare goes on a date with him.

As Clare navigates the challenges of caring for her nephew and the prospect of romance with Ethan, she begins to discover the true magic of the holiday season. Ethan's bond with Ricky and his kindness towards Clare bring unexpected joy and new adventures—filled with ice skating, baking, and a sense of fulfillment she never expected.

But when her old life threatens to interfere with the festivities, Clare must decide what she truly wants before the season’s magic slips away.

Amazon  

 

About The Authors

 

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

 

My Review

 This read is such a gift, I loved unwrapping it from beginning to end!
When circumstances make it so she is going to take her five year old nephew for the month of December, we are there. The characters of aunt and nephew are wonderful. You can just imagine a women living along whom doesn't cook, now having a five year old living with her. Her attempts of pleasing him, attempts to do what his heart desires, and we end up with a disaster. What did she have in the oven? Funny!
You are going to be chuckling, and witnessing some sweet romance, along with some drama that threatens both the romance and their jobs.
This is a don't miss treat!
I received this book through #Net Galley and the Publisher #Ballantine Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Christmas Courier: A WWII Historical Novella by Roseanna M. White

 

1943. Lyon, France. After bidding her students farewell for the holidays, Madeleine Perrin is looking forward to a quiet, simple Christmas at home with her mother. With the war raging on and rations tight, she knows it will be up to her to make the day festive and find special ways to remember the papa she lost and honor his love for Christmas. But first, Madeleine must smuggle secret messages hidden in her students' essays to the Resistance network. She never expects the person waiting to receive them is her childhood best friend, the man who broke her heart.

Daniel Raymond has thrown himself into his work as courier for the Resistance, carefully concealing his Jewish ancestry that, if discovered by the Nazis, could put his life at risk. Haunted by regret about the day Madeleine professed her love and he turned her away, Daniel longs to make things right. When he sees her again, he dares to hope for reconciliation―and realizes the love he once denied has only grown deeper.

As Christmas nears and Daniel recovers from a wound sustained in a courier run, forgiveness and romance soon blossom between Daniel and Madeleine and the two begin planning a future together. But when a mission goes wrong and Daniel is captured by the Gestapo, Madeleine must turn to her Resistance allies―and a centuries-old law―to attempt a dangerous rescue before it's too late.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

 

My Review

 First I loved that this book is based on a true story!
The time is when the evil has taken over Europe, and we are in occupied France, Lyon, and the heart of these people, along with the sacrifices! Some of these people give the ultimate, and others work with the enemy, but I loved the forgiveness, so hard to do!
We are give a beautifully written Christian historical read, some sweet romance, danger, and family.
This is a fast read novella, that lingers a long time after the last page is turned.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Belle’s Christmas Carol Author: Michelle Griep

 

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.

My Review 

I loved this read! Belle was blessed to not to end up with Ebeneezer Scrooge, I can't even imagine. Such a great add to this story, and her relationship with him does add to how this read ended!
Belle does inherit an orphanage, an unusual thing for a young women, but she has given her heart to this place. She also inherits and unusual cast of characters that work at the home. They sure kept her on her toes!
Enter Rafe Munro, a Barrister whom thinks he has found his nephew? What he doesn't expect is sparks between him a Belle.
This is a story that will linger long after the last page is turned. We are offered some delightful children, some sweet romance, some unsavory characters, and a bit of danger!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
 

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

Vicky Sluiter, 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

Celebrate Lit Presents: Murders in the Marquee Author: Dana Mentink

 

About the Book

Book: Murders in the Marquee

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: September 1, 2026

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over sixty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Revell.

 

 

More from Dana

Ice cream or pie? Cake or cookies? Beach or mountains? The answer for me is always, “Yes!” I’m a restless soul, I suppose, but I’ve never been able to choose one delight over the other. I’m that way with writing too. I started my career in mystery and sidestepped to suspense. It’d be so much easier to stick with one genre but no. Dana Mentink has to write both, it seems. I attended a Harlequin anniversary celebration in Toronto a couple of years ago and listened to the editors discuss their futures wishes. Tina James mentioned she’d like to see an “Only Murders in the Building” type book or maybe a historical mystery. Whammo! The idea hit me like a train. What about both? An Only Murders in the Building/Downton Abbey type mashup? The series idea was born. Lots of twists and turns? Check. Humor? Check? An unlikely crime solving trio? You bet! I’m truly thrilled to have been allowed to step back into mystery land. I hope you’ll enjoy the results!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

Books Less Travelled , September 30

She Lives To Read, September 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Wishful Endings, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 3

Lily’s Corner, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 6

Life of Literature , October 6

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Blossoms and Blessings, October 8

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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/hz50N/murders-in-the-marquee-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Portal by Melane Bower

 

She has been praying since before she could speak. Now she is the only thing standing between the ones she loves and a darkness determined to destroy them.

Thirteen years ago, Stephanie Hudson and her family vanished without a trace, and her best friend Mariah feared the worst. Now Stephanie and her two daughters have stepped back into Mariah’s life, fleeing a distant, abusive husband… and a generations-old secret hidden behind the walls of Hudson’s Tavern.

As darkness closes in on the young family’s hiding place, the fearless faith of thirteen-year-old Rebekah becomes the main defense against the forces of a cursed bloodline, a mysterious spirit, and hate crimes threatening to destroy their small town. With her estranged father’s fate hanging in the balance, Rebekah and a small circle of believers must face the powers hunting them before the darkness claims their family for good.

For readers who love spiritual warfare, suspense, and authors like Frank Peretti, Jamie Jo Wright, and Ted Dekker, The Portal is a heart-pounding supernatural thriller about prayer, courage, and the unseen war that lurks far nearer than anyone dares believe.

When evil comes for everyone you love, will your faith be enough to withstand it?

Amazon 

 

About The Author

n addition to crafting novels of Christian suspense, Melane has been a professional copywriter since 2005, specializing in creating fundraising letters, website copy, and newsletter content for nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. In 2015, she refined her writing to include freelance ghostwriting and book editing services, including for a Christian book publishing company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "The Portal" is her debut novel.

 

My Review

 This was a page turner, a powerful Christian read.
A read that is full of spiritual warfare, and yes, this is a fictional read, but it felt so real! Do I believe that all of what happened in this book could really happen, yes! The forces of evil are strong!
The author gives us a beautiful thirteen year old girl, Rebeckah, and her love of the Lord. She does surprising things in this read, but her faith is unbreakable. There are other strong Christians put in her path, but loved how she worked on some she loved to show them the right path.
The author does a great job of bringing this story alive, there is a lot of bad stuff going on here, including kidnapping, human trafficking, along with demonic possession, and more. We need to be reminded to be vigilant and keep the Lord close.
I received this book through the New Haven Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.