Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters, #1) by Karen Witemeyer

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Amazon

About The Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

My Review

I love Noreen O'Sullivan, such a spirited young women, with such a big heart for those in need. She now belongs to the Secret Society of Spinsters, and you have to wonder for how long with sparks flowing between her and the deputy sheriff.
Alcoholism is personal to her, she has experienced it early in her life, with her father, and has a personal vendetta against spirits. I love that this is a faith based read, and we deal with forgiveness, hard, but necessary.
There are a lot of surprises here, and it was a fun journey, but not easy. Those that are supposed to be there for you, seem to be the ones whom let you down.
I did love how things turned out here, and will be looking for more for this author, whom I know will give me a great read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Deadly Currents (Hidden Bay, #3) by Elizabeth Goddard

Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father's manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the "ghost ship" Specter's Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind--Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason--to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter's Bounty.

But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.

Amazon

About The Author

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.

My Review

This is the third book in this series, but this can be read alone, with some recurring characters.
This read has a lot of twist and turns, and I was kept wondering just whom was the culprit, and what did they want?
Cressida is hurting after the death of her beloved father. After loosing her job, she has made it her mission to finish her Dad's book. Now someone wants her dead, and as we journey this picturesque Washington State Pacific Harbor town. Why?
Answer do come, along with some really big surprises. We are offered some sweet romance, and forgiveness, along with danger around every corner.
This read will keep you up for answers, and also holding your breath as to whom will survive!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was required to give a positive review.

Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore

As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. After traveling there to look for her, Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn’t appear to add up.

FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan’s wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information, and he knows there’s more to this case, especially when he loses contact with Efren and law enforcement comes up short in their search for him.

When Ben’s and Lainie’s investigations converge, Lainie’s not eager to work alongside Ben given their complicated history, but she’s willing to do so if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Soon, Lainie can’t deny Ben’s dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie’s disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie’s past . . . and someone is playing a perilous game aimed at personal revenge.

Amazon

About The Author

A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She's always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today's Christian Woman before tackling novels. She now lives near the Gulf Coast in Florida. She loves swimming, bike riding, golf, and walking her dogs, Abbie and Tilly.

Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Code of Courage is her latest stand alone novel. Janice also authored the Line of Duty series - Crisis Shot, Lethal Target, and Cold Aim, the Cold Case Justice series—Drawing Fire, Burning Proof, and Catching Heat—the Pacific Coast Justice series—Accused, Abducted, and Avenged—and the Brinna Caruso novels, Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat. Breach of Honor is another stand alone.

Visit Janice's website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore or with the Romantic Suspense A-Team athttps://www.facebook.com/groups/191544598913684.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book, there is action from the beginning to the end! Just when you think the answers are here and danger past, nope, there is more action.
This is Christian Suspense at its best. A read that I wanted answers, but didn't want to end so I could stay with these characters longer!
The author gives us missing people, presumed deceased, possible shark attacks, bodies, greed, and best a sweet romance.
People whom are above the law and will do anything to stay that way, and then those that have chosen a profession that vows to stop the evil ones!
You don't want to miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, February 16, 2026

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Trailbreaker (Prairie Nightingale) by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare

Trailbreaker (Prairie Nightingale)
by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare

About Trailbreaker

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Trailbreaker (Prairie Nightingale)
Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Wisconsin
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas & Mercer
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 299 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1662535996
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1662535994
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1662529801
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F5RKCRFK

Suspicions that a serial killer is terrorizing a pristine tourist spot draw a single mom and budding private investigator into a twisting and deepening mystery of secrets and murder.

Single mom and newly minted private investigator Prairie Nightingale has opened the doors of her Green Bay, Wisconsin, agency and is ready for work. She and her crew aren’t quite prepared for their first client, though: Bernie Dubicki, a notorious online journalist and not-altogether-reliable provocateur, who claims the idyllic vacation destination of nearby Door County is home to a serial killer.

She’s pinpointed four seemingly unrelated deaths that haven’t raised suspicions for anyone else. But when a college student vanishes, Bernie’s sizable retainer convinces Prairie to help connect the dots. And trusted, flirty FBI agent Foster Rosemare thinks Bernie might be onto something. Prairie never expected her first investigation to be so big—like Dateline big—but she does have an inquiring mind and a knack for seeing things no one else can.

In this case she’ll have to look deep—not only into the secrets of strangers, but into Door County’s woods—to solve a mystery decades in the making.

About Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare

Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare write critically acclaimed, bestselling mystery and romance, usually (but not always) together. They are the authors of the Prairie Nightingale mysteries and the TV Detectives mystery series. If you want more of their stories, check out their queer romances co-written as Mae Marvel, as well as solo work by Ruthie Knox (het romance), Annie Mare (grounded queer paranormal romance), and Robin York (Ruthie’s pen name for New Adult romance). Ruthie and Annie are married and live with two teenagers, two dogs, multiple fish, two glorious cats, four hermit crabs, and a bazillion plants in a very old house with a garden.

Author Links:

Webpage: https://ruthieknoxandanniemare.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruthieknox and https://www.facebook.com/anniemareromanceauthor

Instagram: @ruthieknoxromance and @spinsterpress

Purchase Links – Amazon – Bookshop.org – Barnes & Noble –

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 4 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

February 5 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 5 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

February 6 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

February 9 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

February 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 11 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 12 – Reading Reality – REVIEW

February 12 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

February 14 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

February 15 – The Mystery of Writing – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here

Celebrate Lit Presents: Plague of Lies Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

About the Book

Book: Plague of Lies

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Plague of Lies

The man who taught him how to live was living a lie.

Scott Andrews was content to be a rule-follower, happily attending church and youth group while planning a future with his beautiful girlfriend, Cindy. He and his friends planned to change the world. But when his mentor is exposed as a fraud, Scott’s life turns upside down. He’s forced to grow up, but unlike the man who betrayed him, Scott is determined to live honestly.

Lauren spent her life believing she was a mistake. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, a letter arrives from the father she’s never met. It seems out of character for a deadbeat dad who wanted nothing to do with her. But with the letter in hand, Lauren’s life suddenly has a purpose. She’ll confront the man and demand to know why he abandoned her so many years before.

It’s time for the truth to come out.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Like many writers, I began as a reader. My favorite authors were those whose styles were realistic and relatable, so when I began creating my first novel in my thirties, I knew that, above all, I wanted my stories to connect with readers.

My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book before finally submitting it to Elk Lake Publishing. They loved the book, and helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.

I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These timely novels spotlight healing after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and seek solutions, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.

My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible’s Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.

More from Marbeth

I wrote Plague of Lies during school holidays while teaching at my church’s Christian school and raising two teen boys. Some of the conflict in the novel was inspired by the sudden appearance of a youth pastor from another school (my sons played against that school in basketball and football). He joined our church and was immediately placed in leadership positions. Later, it came out that he was fleeing from a bench warrant.

My story follows the fallout after a beloved church leader and mentor is exposed as a fraud and shuffled off to another church. I wanted to explore what happened to one of the students left behind as he attempts to pick up the spiritual pieces of his life.

While the book contains some heavy subject matter, it also offers hope, encouragement, and relatable main characters.

Scott Andrews, a seventeen-year-old who is blindsided by his mentor’s moral failing, has a failing of his own. But, instead of running away, he repents and becomes determined to live his life with complete honesty.

Eighteen years later, the fallout of the lies and betrayal continues as Lauren Andrews-Gianni reconnects with her long-lost father and learns the truth about her birth, why Scott walked away, and how he remembered her during their forced separation.

The rebuilding of Scott and Lauren’s relationship is the crux of the book and serves as a picture of how our Heavenly Father is preparing a home for us

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 4

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Guild Master, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 10

Fiction Book Lover, February 11 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 12

A Reader’s Brain, February 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 15 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, February 16 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 16

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, February 17 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

Plague of Lies Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/vm5xP/plague-of-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Dying to Live Here (Estate Sales Mysteries) by Shelley Marsh

Dying to Live Here (Estate Sales Mysteries)
by Shelley Marsh

About Dying to Live Here

Dying to Live Here (Estate Sales Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Florida
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Fawkes Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 10, 2026
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1957529516
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GFNR9XDT

When tech burnout Emma Stewart follows her best friend’s advice to view a quaint beachside home in Harbor Shores, Florida, she expects palm trees, sea breezes, and maybe a fresh start. What she doesn’t expect is to stumble into a murder scene—and become a prime suspect.

With the HOA president lying in a pool of blood and her bestie splattered with the evidence, Emma suddenly finds herself knee-deep in neighborhood secrets, rivalries, and a suspiciously missing knife. Armed with nothing but her dry wit, a talent for digital sleuthing, and an adorable bulldog named Hopper, Emma must navigate a world of nosy neighbors, passive-aggressive happy hours, and one dangerously charming lawyer.

In Harbor Shores, the homes are charming—but the secrets are deadly.

About Shelley Marsh

Shelley Marsh writes laugh-out-loud mysteries set along Florida’s sun-splashed coast. Her forthcoming debut, Dying to Live Here (Feb 10 2026), launches the Estate Sale Mysteries series, pairing clever puzzles with a hint of romance. When she isn’t prowling estate sales for story fodder, Shelley combs beaches and bookstores, searching for treasure.

Website: www.ShelleyMarsh.com

Press Kit: https://writershelleymarsh.com/press-kit/

Facebook: Author Shelley Marsh

Instagram: A1ABeachWriter https://www.instagram.com/a1abeachwriter/

X: https://x.com/shellmarsh

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@BookTokBelle

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@A1ABeachWriter

BlueSky: @shelleymarsh.bsky.social

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 10 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

February 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 12 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 13 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 17 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

February 19 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

February 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 21 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

February 22 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

February 23 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 23 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage Author: Lauralyn Keller

About the Book

Book: The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 20, 2026

She wants the freedom to practice medicine, and he needs a wife. But their bold escape from Boston’s high society rests on a marriage vow neither intended to make real.

Victoria Mountbatten has fought hard to earn her medical degree, but her powerful father uses his influence to block any doctor from hiring her. Faced with an ultimatum—marry a society gentleman or face disinheritance, Tori sees only one path to freedom. She makes a bold proposition to Dr. Harrison Blake, a colleague she’s worked alongside for years: a plan that will take them far from Boston’s stifling society.

Harrison Blake has always dreamed of building a hospital in the untamed West where he can truly help people. But his inheritance comes with a catch—he must marry before his thirtieth birthday. So even though Tori’s proposal is shocking, a marriage of convenience may be the perfect solution for both of them.

In the quiet moments of Harmony Springs, feelings grow and lines blur. Can their partnership blossom into true love, or will the walls around their hearts destroy the fragile trust they’ve built?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

More from Lauralyn

You might have noticed all three books in the Second Chances in Harmony Springs series feature a marriage of convenience. While that was partly for continuity, it also spoke to my own heart.

I love this trope. There’s something beautiful about the type of romance where two people agree to something practical and unemotional, only to slowly discover all the messy, tender, unexpected feelings they absolutely did not plan for. It’s a popular trope because beneath the external circumstances—inheritance rules, social expectations, survival needs—lies a universal truth: sometimes love grows in the unlikeliest places.

For me, the appeal isn’t just the forced proximity or the slow-burn tension, though I love both. It’s the way a practical arrangement forces two people to reveal their truest selves. A marriage of convenience strips away the excitement of courtship and goes straight to the heart of compatibility. The characters must ask: Can we build a life together? Can we rely on each other? Can we trust each other with our hopes, fears, and futures?

Those are deeply romantic questions, even when the relationship begins with a contract instead of a kiss.

In The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage, Tori and Harrison enter their agreement not out of despair, but from determination. Tori refuses to sacrifice her dream of practicing medicine, even as Boston society tries to conform her to their expectations. Harrison is more heart-driven, longing to build a hospital in the untamed West where he can serve those who need it most. Their marriage isn’t about survival. It’s about carving out the freedom to become who they were meant to be.

That mutual ambition changes the dynamic. Instead of one rescuing the other, they rescue each other, and in doing so, they learn to see beyond professional camaraderie into something far deeper and more vulnerable.

What I love most about their journey is the way real affection steals up on them quietly. They start as friends and coworkers, but then things begin to change. Little glances. Quiet confessions. Moments of care neither expected to give or receive.

A marriage forged for convenience becomes a partnership rooted in respect. And that becomes the foundation for love. That’s the irresistible beauty of this trope: the idea that love can flourish not in spite of practicality, but right alongside it.

I hope you love this story as much as I do. It’s a heartfelt conclusion to a series that’s been in the works for years. I’m deeply grateful to all who’ve come along on this journey, and I look forward to seeing where the road takes us from here.