Taking a Second Shot by Leslie DeVooght

Book Details: 

Title:  Taking a Second Shot

Author: Leslie DeVooght

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: December 30, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Can he convince her
that he’s playing for keeps?

Struggling professional soccer player Rainey Allen has come to her grandparents’ small town in Georgia to train—certainly not to coach kids. But when a grief-stricken little boy gets excited about playing with her, she can’t refuse. Even if his uncle is Scott Wilcox, the source of Rainey’s worst preteen memory. Once on track to be a professional athlete himself, Scott is grappling with his new life as the high school baseball coach and guardian of his orphaned nephew. But as playing soccer puts the light back in Henry’s eyes, old wounds begin to heal. When Rainey gets her big break, will she give up on her dreams…or leave behind the family who stole her heart?

My Thoughts: Sweet Romance

This sweet romance is a wonderful story of two people with a history who end up reconnecting. Rainey and Scott's story had me smiling, laughing, pondering, and even brought a few tears to my eyes. Their story is one of faith, love, second chances, forgiveness, and new beginnings. These elements are blended in a way that kept me glued to the pages, as did Rainey's grandmother's antics and Henry's rollercoaster of emotions.

However, another element made this story extra special: a thought-provoking scenario and lesson that were woven throughout the story. In life, our human side seems to constantly be working toward various goals. Some may even take us on a lifelong journey. However, as we strive toward these goals, do we truly seek God's will and way with these goals? In the story, Scott had been through this, and Rainey is dealing with it. I love how the author presented this and how much it resonated with real life. It made the story that much more special, making it an absolute must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

                      -------------------------------------------------

About the Author:  Leslie DeVooght

Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

  

A Harvest of Amish Blessing: A Collection of Amish Romances by Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Tracy Fredrychowski

Book Details: 

Title: A Harvest of Amish Blessings 

Authors: Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Tracy Fredrychowski

Publisher: The Tracer Group, LLC

Release Date: September 22, 2025

Pages: 338  

Genre: Amish Christianity

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

In A Harvest of Amish Blessings, beloved authors Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Tracy Fredrychowski invite you into a world where hearts are healed, faith is renewed, and love grows when we take time to give thanks. From handwritten notes and surprise visits to rekindled friendships and life-changing choices, each story is a reminder that the richest harvest comes from the heart.

Helping Hands by Mindy Steele
One moment Andrew Graber was helping his brother, Robert, on a roofing job. The next he was gone, leaving behind his young wife and children. With a store to run and a family to provide for, Beth Graber struggles to transition between being a wife to becoming a widow. But Beth is not alone. Married into a family larger than any other, she can barely find time to herself to grieve the devastating loss of her husband. But when a string of notes begins to appear, Beth might discover how much she is thankful for.

Letters of Gratitude by Rachel J. Good
An Amish schoolteacher assigns her students to write anonymous letters of gratitude to community members for Thanksgiving. When she receives a deeply moving letter herself, she sets out to discover who wrote it, eventually finding it came from a reclusive woodworker who lost his faith after his wife's death. Their friendship begins as she helps him reconnect with the community and find reasons for giving thanks again.

Thanksgiving on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand
It’s going to be the worst Thanksgiving ever. Anna and Felty Helmuth’s family can’t be bothered to come to dinner, so Anna plans to clean out her closets and eat Cream of Wheat, just to spite her ungrateful relatives. But when surprise visitors arrive, Anna learns that Thanksgiving isn’t so much about the turkey as it is about having a grateful heart for unexpected blessings.

Seasons of the Heart by Tracy Fredrychowski
During the annual Harvest Dinner, Patricia Wengerd finds herself at a crossroads. A chance encounter sparks dreams of adventure, while a lifelong friend's steady presence offers comfort. As she navigates matters of the heart, Patricia embarks on a journey of faith and the call of something more. This heartwarming love story follows Patricia as she learns that sometimes, the path laid out, though unexpected, could lead to the most fulfilling destination. Will she follow her heart or the dreams she thought she left behind?

Whether you’re cozying up for the holidays or savoring stories of faith and family, A Harvest of Amish Blessings is a collection to cherish all season long.

My Thoughts: Great Read

In their own unique way, these four wonderful stories all convey powerful messages of gratitude, faith, family, community, and love. Added to that are some great recipes, making this a great read.

Helping Hands by Mindy Steele Sometimes situations feel overwhelming and impossible. They may also seem like there is no second chance for love. With the help of a special person, Beth Graber finds out that they are all possible. 

Book Quote: Taking a deep breath, Beth couldn't help but say what was on her mind at that exact moment. "...He's left me to figure all of this out alone. I keep trying, then someone tells me I'm doing it wrong, or best try it this way. I just want to do one thing without a fuss. Is it too much to ask?..."  "I see." Lester took a step back. Clearly, he had never met an angry Amish widow before.

Letters of Gratitude by Rachel J. Good  An assignment on gratitude adds a spark to buried feelings, new beginnings, and turns a seemingly impossible feat into a possible one. 

Book Quote: "So we're like spies?" David's face lit with delight. Where had he learned about spies? Judging from the sinister edge to his words, it hadn't been from Bible stories.

Thanksgiving on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand Thanksgiving turns into one surprise after another for Anna and Felty Helmuth, bringing one amusing event after another, as well as heartfelt connections.

Book Quote: Anna wasn't about to let him get away with that. She stepped onto the porch and boldly hooked her elbow around his arm. When you were eighty-five years old, you could get away with a lot of bad behavior.

Seasons of the Heart by Tracy Fredrychowski Knowing what God wants for us and what we think we want for ourselves doesn't always match, and assumptions aren't always accurate. And Patricia Wengerd is about to be challenged on all accounts. 

Book Quote: "You know, sometimes unexpected detours lead to the best destinations. Sometimes the unplanned moments make the best destinations."

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

                                                  

Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen

Book Details: 

Title: Shielded by the Cowboy 

Author: Connie Queen

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: December 30, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/                                                         Christian Mystery & Suspense

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A witness in danger…
and a protector standing guard.

Pregnant widow Holly Myers just wants a fresh start for her and her unborn child, but when she witnesses a double murder, her quiet life is shattered. On the run, she finds refuge with former Deputy Sheriff Clive Cantrell, who is determined to keep her safe. But with killers on their trail who’ll stop at nothing to silence Holly, staying alive might just be impossible. Especially when clues link the murders to a drug trafficking operation hidden on Clive’s family’s ranch. And stopping the criminals could prove lethal for them both.

My Thoughts: Fantastic Story

This is such a fantastic story! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The pacing and the balance between romance and intrigue were spot on. Although Holly and Clive's trust issues caused some minor delays in finding the culprit, they also made their developing relationship more meaningful. I was holding my breath for them and for the mystery to be solved, and I was not disappointed. This book is a wonderful read that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Connie Queen

Connie Queen, a New York Times bestselling author, spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Texas with her husband, and Murphy, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense novel.

  

Saving Daniel's Daughter (Daniel's Daughters series Book 2) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title: Saving Daniel's Daughter 

Series: Daniel's Daughters series Book 2

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Steele Publishing 

Release Date: November 3, 2025

Pages: 210  

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

When a storm threatens Miller’s Creek, an unexpected hero will emerge.

As the harvest wedding season approaches in the small Amish community of Miller’s Creek, Kentucky, love is everywhere and if Rosemary Raber isn’t careful, she might just catch the bug. After a childhood trauma, Rosemary vowed to never let anyone close outside of her own family. Keeping her head down, focusing on her honey and cheese business always worked before. At least it had before one meandering mutt sneakily plotted against her.

My Thoughts: Heartfelt

This heartfelt story deals with the far-reaching effects of trauma. But even more, it is a story of hope and healing, which is what Rosemary needs to experience. While on the surface she seems to be doing fine, she holds back some parts of herself, keeping them private and secure, especially her heart. 

Enter Paul, the gentle giant. He's a hard worker and has a sweet and caring spirit. He also thinks about Rosemary a lot, but the walls she has erected around herself make it difficult for anything more than friendship to be between them. 

While it seems that the possibility of a relationship for them is an impossible feat, faith, hope, love, and healing play an important part in making it a possibility. Well, that and a mischievous four-legged creature that seems to be on a mission to help out. 

The author’s descriptive writing made Rosemary and Paul’s friendship and relationship feel profoundly heartfelt throughout the story. Theirs is a lovely story of healing and love that deeply touched my heart, and I think it will do the same for anyone who reads it.

I received a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes in favor of her rural surroundings. Winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHL Reader’s Choice award, Steele has been a welcome addition to the Amish genre. Her knowledge and admiration for the Amish contribute to her ability to understand boundaries and customs, providing readers with an inside view of Plain life. Her accidental debut into romantic suspense proves she is a writer of words and a storyteller at heart. Her books are peppered with humor and sprinkled with grace, charming all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending.  

On the Edge of Trust: A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with FBI Intrigue and Clean Romance by Patricia Bradley

Book Details: 

Title: On the Edge of Trust 

Author: Patricia Bradley

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Pages: 352  

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

My Thoughts: A Total Page Turner

There's just something about a book that grabs you from the very first line and doesn't let go until you've read the very last page. On the Edge of Trust does just that. It kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing, holding my breath, and turning pages as fast as I could the entire time.

As I read the story, I had my suspicions about who, how, and why, but I never got it right, leaving me very surprised by how everything turned out. The characters are well-developed, and the relationship between Tori and Scott makes the story even more engaging. Their romance blends with the mystery, just enough to keep you engaged without completely taking over the suspense. The twists and turns of the story add to the intrigue, which is sure to keep the reader captivated until the very last page. However, it's not just a story of intrigue. It's also a story of faith, love, trusting, letting go of prejudices, and doing what God wants you to do, and that makes it a definite must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Patricia Bradley

USA Today best-selling author, Patricia Bradley is the recipient numerous awards, including an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in suspense, a Selah winner, was a Carol and a Daphne du Maurier finalist. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She is now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga. The first book in the series, Counter Attack will release in mid-2023.

She has conducted writing workshops for American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats (where she was the keynote), the Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group.

She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books, and when she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.  

Christmas Promises (A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance Book 2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: Christmas Promises 

Series: A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance Book 2

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Pages: 332  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Could just friends…

Turn into something more?

With its twinkling lights, evergreen wreaths and freshly fallen snow, small-town Medina, Ohio, is bursting with holiday charm. And accountant Chloe Winner has everything in order, including a successful business and a warm community at the Loaves of Love food bank. But she has one tiny problem—her inconvenient feelings for fellow volunteer Jamison Smith. After all, the easygoing park ranger is her complete opposite. Plus, she’s dating his best friend, who is a much better match…isn’t he? Something about kind, thoughtful Jamison is making Chloe’s season so much brighter. Could falling in love find a place on her Christmas to-do list?

My Thoughts: Heartfelt

Chloe and Jamison's friends-to-more-than-friends relationship story is beautiful and heartfelt. Their relationship had its pluses, which included their already established friendship, trust, and companionship. However, it also had its bumps in the road revolving around family, new discoveries, and a love triangle. Actually, it has two love triangles. One is expected. However, the other is a very different type. I hadn't thought of it, but once it came to light, it made perfect sense and added a new element to the story, which helped me understand the character's struggle and, in turn, added another dimension to Chloe and Jamison's relationship.

Following Chloe and Jamison's changing relationship was touching and made for such an enjoyable story. The sense of community and family bonds added special touches to their story, as did a pair of teenagers going through teenage issues. The author's descriptive writing of their angst and their transition to pre-adult life added even more realism, which also impacted Chloe and Jamison. All of these elements were woven together flawlessly, making the result a wonderfully touching and heartfelt story.

I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

                              -------------------------------------------------

About the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She's published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

  

Out of Time ( Book #3): A Clean Romantic Suspense Thriller Set in a Shadowy Mysterious by Irene Hannon

Book Details: 

Title: Out of Time

Series: Undaunted Courage Book 3

Author: Irene Hannon

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Pages: 365  

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, and an isolated estate where danger lurks in every shadow.

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and century-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begins to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.

Sheriff Brad Adams has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues.

But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  

My Thoughts: Riveting

This romantic suspense is absolutely riveting! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I wanted and needed to know all of the secrets and who done it. 

I was also very intrigued by the history and the language that I'd never heard of. Cara's issue was also very intriguing, because I had very little knowledge of it. Both topics were flawlessly woven into the story, and they showcased the author's research on them, which significantly enhanced the story's realism.

Along with the suspense and new information are some wonderful friendships and relationships that develop, which include romance. The romance does not outdo the mystery but adds a wonderful touch to the story. It also helped me connect more to Cara and Brad and the difficulties they had to overcome. 

This is a real page-turner of a story. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories, I suggest you add this one to your to-be-read list. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.