Good morning, friends.
I had the realization yesterday I'd not chosen Spotlight Authors or books for this week; the whole month actually.
I will be in the RSJ Romance Writers' conference all this week. In preparation for the event, everything else just fell by the way. I will get the Friday Photos scheduled for your inspiration as well as the rest of the Thoughtful Monday posts. Spotlight Authors and Reviews will resume next week.
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning, friends!
Already been a week and it's only Wednesday! Thankfully, I had a story to distract me.
Dr. Stephen Ambrose likes
his world orderly. His medical instruments are labeled, his routines timed, and
his patients cared for with quiet efficiency. What he never expected from Miss
Mabel’s matchmaking service was a whirlwind bride who brings more laughter than
silence and more peppermint lozenges than medical charts.
Della Tate has spent years volunteering in San Francisco’s free infirmary, learning every trick of nursing without ever earning a certificate. She’s cheerful, determined, and convinced that God has called her to help others, even if her new husband would prefer she sweep floors and keep quiet. But the people of Hickory Creek adore her, even as she turns Stephen’s carefully controlled life upside down.
When a mother and child nearly lose their lives in childbirth, the resulting controversy summons Stephen and Della before the Texas Medical Board. The hearing could cost him his license and her the chance to serve beside him. As uncertainty looms, both must decide whether love and faith are strong enough to withstand the weight of doubt—and whether God’s plan for them is larger than their fears.
With humor, heart, and a touch of Miss Mabel’s divine mischief, The Doctor’s Distracting Bride is a Christian Western romance about courage, calling, and discovering that sometimes God’s best prescriptions come wrapped in laughter and love.
They ask for quiet, obedient brides. Mabel sends them the ones with fire.
The Doctor's Distracting Bride is Book 6 in the Bride's of Miss Mabel's Registry.
London James has an interesting voice with her books. First off, Miss Mabel doesn't connect couples necessarily what they ask for. She has an innate ability to read between the lines to make the perfect match.
She also uses a unique trope. Rather than the 'Cinderella', 'Enemies to Lovers', etc, she uses stories from the Bible. For this one, she called on the Book of Ruth. Definitely a unique way to tell a contemporary (or in this case Historical romance) love story. I found her way of getting the couple's attention to their own predicament refreshing.
While she tells a great story, I did find a couple of editing issues, including an entire paragraph duplicated, one right after the other on a page. There were a couple minor editing issues as well. For the editing only, I'm giving a slightly lower quill rating this week.
I'm giving The Doctor's Distracting Bride...
. 8
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning, readers!
We're stepping into June all about the brides. This week's novella was interesting. Let's get into the book and the review.
The reality show ended
with an engagement, so why doesn’t this feel like the fairy tale she thought it
would be?
The Rejection Connection hardly sounds like the place to fall in love, but Wynne Hardy walked off the reality-TV set with an engagement ring. And in the whirlwind of publicity and preparation that follows a TV-bride-to-be in her fifteen minutes of fame, Wynne barely has time to consider how she really feels about her new fiancé . . . to say nothing of how she still feels about her ex.
As the wedding plans develop, so too do Wynne’s doubts: Is she in love with Andy? Or is this really about Callum—the ex-boyfriend who sent her onto Rejection Connection in the first place? A nationally televised snub might be the best revenge . . . but is it a good reason to get married?
When Callum resurfaces at the worst possible moment, Wynne can’t help wondering if she’s made a huge mistake. Is her marriage a publicity stunt? And what happens when the cameras stop rolling, and she has a husband she barely knows?
A June Bride is Book 7 in the A Year of Weddings series.
I've never been a fan of reality TV, unless it's a cooking show (those are a little harder to script, I think, though not impossible). But as this story brings to light, most of it is scripted for ratings. Meredith brings that to light when, as her Marathon Mom fame is dying, she steps onto Wynne's wedding dress train for a shot at a new run; a way to keep herself in the spotlight. Wynne doesn't see this at first. She's too caught up in her upcoming wedding to her chosen one on the reality show, The Rejection Connection. But was she really 'rejected'? Or did she misunderstand why Callum walked away?
The evolution of this story was smooth, believable, and worth the read. Once you read the book, please leave a comment either here, or in your own review whether or not Andy was really in it to find a partner or was he also riding the reality train?
I'm giving A June Bride...
Remember, you can find out more about Marybeth Whalen and her books by clicking any of the links below.
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning!
Was nice to curl up and really enjoy the book yesterday. I needed the break. The canning is done until fall, so that's one thing off my plate and I can get back to writing.
In the mean time, I have a soft romance for you today. This book was special. One of the reasons I love to read novella's because they show the author's true artistry in telling a tight, well-structured story. This week's book is a great example of Christine Sterling'stalent.
She offered herself as a bride, to save her future—and his heart.
Elizabet Garrett is out
of time and out of choices. Cast out by her brother’s growing family, she knows
the early American frontier offers little mercy to an unmarried woman with
nowhere to go. When she witnesses a wounded farmer being rejected by his mail-order
bride, Elizabet does the unthinkable. She steps forward and offers herself as
the substitute.
Peter Arkin has learned not to hope. Finding a wife on the frontier isn’t easy when you have a disability. He has survived loss, injury, and a bitter struggle with anger on his isolated homestead. When his carefully arranged mail-order match fails, the last thing he expects is a stranger’s brave and desperate proposal. Elizabet never intended to fall for the rugged man behind the scars, but her past threatens to follow her into marriage.
Peter starts believing in love again, but his temper and self-doubt could destroy the fragile bond they’re building. Can two wounded hearts find healing, faith, and love on the unforgiving frontier, or will fear cost them everything?
Set in the small town of
Flat River, Nebraska, this heartfelt and uplifting historical romance is
perfect for readers who enjoy 1800s western frontier stories filled with strong
pioneer women, rugged men, and the courage it takes to choose love. If you love
clean historical romance rooted in faith and hope, with frontier hardship and a
love which grows stronger through God’s grace, then read The Farmer’s Bride
today and discover why readers keep coming back to Flat River.
I loved multiple things about this story. First and foremost a disabled hero. It isn't often we see disability featured, especially in a historical. He was so sweet. Elizabet helped him see he wasn't incapable of a lot of things, including love, just because he was missing a leg. They were both bruised from various occurrences in their past. They found each other when they needed to someone to help them heal.
As for Elizabet. I loved her character. The fact that her brother acted the way she did. Elizabet left to begin her new life with Peter with a small carpet bag holding her meager possessions. I won't give anything away but safe to say, Peter had much more restraint than I would have.
The Farmer's Bride is Book 1 of 7 in the Flat River Matchmaker series. Christina said we'll see some of the characters make appearances along the way. I want to read the others if for no other reason than to find out if Elizabet's brother comes to his senses.
You'll find a complete list of the series on...
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/351177-the-flat-river-matchmaker
I'm giving The Farmer's Wife...
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning, friends!
As we close out the first month of 2026, I have one more 'winter' photo to share. Valentine's Day will soon be here. Have you seen The Valentine with Betty White? Great movie.
Good morning, readers.
I don't know about you but I'm enjoying short reads this month. This one is only ninety-one pages. You could almost read this from start to finish while dinner is in the oven.
When a desperate young
mother leaves her newborn on Anna Stoltzfus’s doorstep, the quiet Amish woman’s
carefully ordered life begins to unravel. The note she finds reveals a truth
she never expected to face—the baby is the son of Samuel Miller, the man who
once broke her heart and left their community behind.
Every time Anna looks at the child, she sees Samuel’s face. Keeping him would mean living with a reminder of the love she lost. But when Samuel’s brother, Jacob, steps in to help, the reminders multiply. Jacob has his brother’s eyes, his voice, even his smile—but where Samuel was restless, Jacob is steadfast and kind. And soon Anna begins to wonder if her heart can tell the difference.
As Christmas draws near and English authorities threaten to take the baby away, Anna faces an impossible choice. What if keeping him means opening her heart to love again—and risking the pain she’s fought so hard to forget?
I think it's safe to say that many of us have been hurt at some point in our life, making trusting again can be a difficult step to take. Anna was destroyed when Samuel didn't come back from his Rumspringa. Side-eyes and whispers in her beloved Amish community didn't help. Daniel did. Who can resist baby blue eyes in the face of a tiny, innocent bundle. Eyes that look upon you with such trust like no other. I loved how Jacob stepped up to help Anna, whatever she needed. Unmarried and no children of his own, he was a natural caregiver and helpmate. Deadlines can force people to step out of their comfort zone and make critical decisions. Sometimes they get it right.
I'll be reading more from this author and am giving AN ORPHAN FOR CHRISTMAS...
All my best!
~Angela
Good morning, readers!
Today, I'm introducing you to author, Mary Lantz. Sadly, there really isn't a headshot, or a bio. She has no followers on Facebook (unless they just aren't showing on her page without me logging in) but a lot of what appears to be really great reads on Amazon and on her Goodreads page.
In lieu of that, I'll share that I'll be reviewing An Orphan For Christmas. Her catalog seems to be mostly Amish romances. I'll share the review tomorrow. In the mean time, here are the minimal links I have for this author:
I'll be back tomorrow with the review.
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning, readers!
Thank you for your patience. I enjoyed my holiday last week and I hope you did too.
Ruby Hill loves writing
heartwarming small-town romances. Her stories often revolve around the magic of
Christmas, capturing the essence of community, love, and holiday cheer. With a
talent for creating charming characters and cozy settings, Ruby invites readers
to escape into worlds where romance blossoms amid twinkling lights and falling
snow.
She sounds like my kind of author. We just experienced our first 'dusting' of snow this season. I'm ready for more so I can curl up with a cup of bouchée hot chocolate and the rest of her series. You'll see why tomorrow. Hint: 11 books of Christmas!
In the mean time, check out Ruby Hill's links below:
Good morning, friends!
I have someone special to share with you today. I am so happy to introduce you to our author this week. Beth Carter creates fabulous reads through both stand alone and series romance. I've known Beth for years. She's worn many hats but I think author is her best yet. However, those other hats brought something to her current career as an established contemporary romance author. If you like your reads with a bit of laughter, then her books need to be on your list.
Formerly a bank VP and
hospital marketer, Beth Carter reinvented herself at mid-life to pen novels and
children's picture books. She doesn't miss the 8 o'clock meetings, nor heels,
whatsoever and prefers yoga pants to corporate suits. Carter is a bestselling,
award-winning author of the popular six-book COCONUTS series, as well as
standalone novels: BRIDE SWAP, BRIDE GAMES, THE CHRISTMAS FIB, MIRACLE ON AISLE
TWO, and SLEEPING WITH ELVIS. She penned THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK for charity,
as well as four children's picture books, and a nonfiction book: I WROTE A
BOOK. NOW WHAT?
The author splits her time between Missouri and Florida. Fueled by coffee, nature, stories from being a single mom, plus her wild imagination, Carter writes hilarious, heartwarming novels. She loves board games, reading, boating, dancing, pickleball, chardonnay, and the beach. Connect with Beth Carter through the links below.
Tomorrow, I'll be reviewing her latest book, The Christmas Fib. If you're looking for a quick holiday read after a long day of Christmas shopping, this is the book for you!
WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS BLOG
I'll be back tomorrow to share more about The Christmas Fib.
All my best!
~Angela
Good morning, readers!
We have reached our final October read and this was a good one. Good enough that I want to read Book 2 of the Holiday Romance series.
He’s a vampire haunted by his past. She’s a cursed black cat shifter. This Halloween, will love finally set these two tortured souls free from the shadows of their past?
Joe Evensen has never been a fan of Halloween. However, as the owner of Last Drop bar, each year he hosts a Halloween Bash for Crescent Creek. It’s a business decision, but it also serves as a distraction from the ghosts of his past who torment him while the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Joe doesn’t expect this Halloween to be any different, but it is.
Ivy Pendle has been cursed since her eighteenth birthday. She’s spent years only allowed to walk in her human form on Halloween in search of her mate and never finding him. Doubting she ever will, she decides to spend her last Halloween allotted as a human enjoying herself instead of stressing about being stuck in her shifter form forever.
When the two meet by
chance, there’s a spark of something between them. But is it simply a case of
misery loving company, or something more?
I've never been one to read shape shifters but this one was really good... like high number of quills good. Wait, I won't get ahead of myself.
I loved Ivy. Took me a minute when she talked about her cat after she'd shifted to human she was talking about her 'inner' cat. See, I told you I was new to this shape-shifter thing. I really got in tune when Ivy went to the Last Drop bar and felt something for Joe. Ivy's inner cat was not shy about voicing an opinion on the hunky bar owner.
I also loved how Ivy felt at home the minute she was behind the bar. Like she'd found not only her soulmate but a true home where she felt comfortable. I won't give any spoiler alerts but I suggest when you pick up Book 1, go ahead and check out Book 2, New Years With A Dragon. It is also not lost on me that the word BOB is in the link for Book 2 - my husband's name and he collects dragon figures. LOL
I hope there will be more stories from this community. Crescent Creek kind of reminds me of Halloweentown before the evil mayor did his thing.
If all the gore of the season is not your thing, then this cozy Halloween romance is the perfect quick read between trips to the door to pass out cand - if you can put the book down long enough to answer the door.
I'm giving HALLOWEEN WITH A VAMPIRE...
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning, readers!
I leave for the Ozark Creative Writers conference early in the morning. If you've not registered, there is still time to join us. The link icon is in the sidebar. This is a great multi-genre conference I look forward to attending every year. If you come to the conference, be sure to look for me. I promise to help make your first time at our conference a memorable one.
Today's read, Countdown to Halloween!
In the heart of October,
with just twenty days until the most haunting night of the year, the town of
Winterwood is buzzing with excitement. From finding the perfect Halloween
costumes to setting up the eeriest decorations, the anticipation grows. But beneath
the layers of pumpkin spice and candy corn, family drama simmers, threatening
to boil over.
Amidst the chaos, an upstart social media influencer with a reckless streak, turns Winterwood upside down with wild antics and viral challenges. Every post, every video becomes more ridiculous than the last, upping the stakes and stress-levels of everyone involved.
Countdown to Halloween is a delightful tale of love, laughter, and lanterns, where every tick of the clock brings a new twist, turning a quaint town's Halloween preparations into an unforgettable adventure. It's a reminder that even in the midst of darkness and drama, there's always a reason to celebrate. Prepare for a spirited ride full of twists, turns, and treats that you won't forget!
While each book has its own special charm, this series follows a continuing storyline with growing relationships and deepening connections. For the coziest and most rewarding reading experience, I recommend starting from the beginning and enjoying the journey in order.
Countdown to Halloween is Book 6 in a 9-Book series; each one counting down to a different holiday.
I'm taking into consideration I should have, and do recommend, starting with Book 1 (perhaps a great book to kick off your Christmas reading)
Because I started with Book 6, there were a lot of characters to attempt to remember their names and position within the small town. For instance, One of the early mention of Granny by Grace (granddaughter) you get the impression she's past on. Yet in a future chapter, Granny comes into the room, along with her bestie, Gladys. I had to read that passage three times to make sure Granny was still among the living and not a typo in the story. I know this is a Halloween story but I didn't think she meant raising her characters from the beyond.
I also realize this is a 'small-town' romance, with everyone coming together but there are a lot of characters trying to play a roll that I believe would best be played behind the scenes, not actually IN the scene.
The sole focus should be on Grace and Cody, their romance and Grace trying to do too much. Even she admits she needs help. She and Cody put a plan into place to help balance that so they can both spend more time together. by the way, Cody is the hot cowboy in this story.
I read books to escape the drama of real life. This story did not deliver that key component in why I curl up with a book.
For that reason, I'm giving Countdown to Halloween...
You'll find more about Dianna Houx and her books by following any of the links below.
All my best!
~Angela
Good morning, readers.
While out with Bob for our anniversary last week, I came across today's author/ book in the cafe at Barnes & Noble. I've noticed in the past few months they've been featuring books in the cafe for $5 with purchase. This one had all the Fall vibes, perfect for kicking off September.
Katie Cicatelli-Kuc (Chickatelli-Koots) is a writer, editor, and content consultant.
Katie spent over a decade working for children’s books publishers as an in-house copy editor and production editor before becoming a full-time writer.
Katie is the author of four young adult novels, an assorted collection of books for young readers, and several published nonfiction pieces for adults. Her newest young adult novel, Mint to Be, goes on sale October 7, 2025 and is available for pre-order.
Born in the Midwest and raised in the Midwest and Florida, Katie now lives in a yellow house next to a mountain in New York’s Hudson Valley with her family and their animals.
To learn of upcoming book events, follow Katie on Instagram.
Here are links for Katie. I'll be back tomorrow with my review of her newest release, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice!
WEBSITE INSTAGRAM AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
All my best!
~Angela
Good morning, readers!
Popping in a tad late but at least it's still Tuesday, right? LOL
The sassy and sensational
Beth Gelman loves to pull your heartstrings and get you riled up with her
books. She has earned honorable mentions at The Bookfest Awards. In addition,
Eight Crazy One Night Stands made her an #1 Amazon Best Selling Author. The BookFest
2025 Awards has graciously awarded Beth a first-place award for her work on
Never Getting Ahead in both Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Multicultural.
Beth brings the steam in her contemporary romances about women who speak up,
take what's theirs, and embrace their wild side. Authentic, resilient, loyal,
and spiritual, she’s not afraid to learn, fail, speak her mind, or try new
things. More importantly, she loves her husband, twins, and all the dogs in the
world!
I came across Beth while scanning Amazon for a book for this week. I'll be reviewing FALLING BEHIND - the first of two books in the Dazed & Confused series. I also have some special news about this book, so make sure you come back tomorrow.
In the mean time, you'll find Beth by clicking any of the links below. Also if you are in Michigan, make sure to check out her
Good morning, readers.
I have a treat for you today.
I had the pleasure of visiting with the author, Amy Lillard, in June at the Between The Pages conference. Sweet gal and it shows in her writing.
I read one of her most recent Amish romance books, One More Time For Joy.
In this uplifting
inspirational romance series, award-winning author Amy Lillard unites a “Widows
Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie
Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. Will appeal to fans of
Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.
At the heart of a Missouri Amish community, a circle of caring friends—the Widows’ Club of Paradise Valley—sees each other through life’s storms, in this uplifting series from award-winning author Amy Lillard . . .
Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny—seriously injured after a fall—has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she’s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows’ Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor—if Joy will accept his help.
Uriah understands family challenges—he’s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy’s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah’s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah’s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright—the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love . . .
There are three things that drew me to this book, specifically:
* I live in the area where there are several Amish families. Their simple life always intrigues me. I'm not sure I could live that simplistically, and if you know me at all then you know their religion and mine differ - a lot.
* I love Amish romance books, in general. You can't get much more clean than an Amish love story.
* Second chances at love have my heart and what I write.
With those things in mind, One More Time For Joy was a must read for me. I loved the concept of the Widows Club; a group of women who'd all known loss of a spouse. One even four times! I can't imagine losing Bob. At my age, I wouldn't start over but in other stories you find that some of these women do just that. Such strength.
Joy thought her strength was in her ability to make a new life for herself and her children, including Johnny B. She's told he'll never walk again. Whether it truly is her faith or something just doesn't want to acknowledge, she is determined to believe he will walk again.
Between running a bakery from her basement, caring for Johnny B and her other three children while trying to be everything to everyone, she is flat wore out! But she keeps putting one foot forward every day, beginning at 4 a.m. She has to. She doesn't have anyone.
Her brother-in-law, Uriah starts out helping her with things his brother might have done, to be a help-mate for her. Widower with four girls of his own, he knows how hard being a single parent is. I loved that these two came together. How Uriah slowly blends them together and becomes the man Johnny B and Christopher need in their life.
There is a lot to this story that just makes me smile. The only issue I had was late in the book when Joy comes home and hears voices from Johnny B's dawdihaus (basically an efficiency apartment) and the door is closed. From what I understand of the Amish, mixed couples wouldn't be 'behind closed doors' alone. I think the opportunity was missed for Joy to tap on the door and make sure the door was kept open in mixed company.
For that little piece, I'm giving One More Time For Joy...
.8
You'll find more of Amy's books and about her by following the links below.
WEBSITE INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE GOOD READS
PINTEREST COZYMYSTERY BOOK BUB
All my best!
~ Angela
Good morning, readers.
I have a really good, quick read for you today.
Lauren Juniper and Nathan
Brickner were once inseparable. Summers by the creek, winters sledding, and
dandelion wishes made from childhood dreams. He wanted to chase the world. She
chose the gentle allure of the town that had always known her.
Eight years ago, Nathan left Dogwood Creek chasing after adventure. Lauren stayed behind, building a life rooted in her vintage flower shop. Suddenly, he’s back—no longer the boy who once brought her dandelions to wish on, but a successful bridge engineer leading the town’s project to replace the old stone bridge that has always been the heart of their community.
To the town, it’s progress.
To Lauren, it’s personal.
Her grandparents got engaged on that bridge!
As she fights to keep the charm the bridge has always had, she finds herself face-to-face with the man who broke her heart—and still knows exactly how to make it skip a beat. Nathan sees safety and innovation. Lauren sees memory and meaning. But somewhere in the clash of old and new, the spark between them flickers to life once more.
Like dandelion wishes caught on the wind, can they gather the scattered seeds of love and rebuild the trust they lost, or are some hearts too withered to open again?
I really enjoyed this book, and not because I know the author personally.
The story is well- crafted. Lauren and Nathan have very similar personalities. At the core they both had the same dream, Nathan just didn't realize it at eighteen. All he could see was getting out of their small town, building a life with prestige and fancy cars. What he failed to realize was he could lose the most important part of his life by walking away from Lauren to pursue those 'things'.
Lauren, on the other hand, is happy in her home town, the memories, friends and the life she grew up in. Well, as happy as she can be when Nathan walks away. She can't put all the blame on Nathan. In a sense she walked away from them, too by not replying to his efforts to contact her.
If you're looking for a quick read, a sweet Christian romance, then you have it in Dandelion Serenade. Lori Soard has crafted a beautiful story you will want to read.
Dandelion Serenade is Book 4 in the 5-Book Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series.
Book 1 - Chasing Snowflakes - Lori Soard
Book 2 - An Early Spring - JoAnn Durgin
Book 3 - Love In Bloom - Lisa Prysock
Book 4 - Coming Soon!
I'm giving Dandelion Serenade ...
