The Rancher's Prayer by Donna Gartshore

Book Details: 

Title: The Rancher's Prayer 

Author: Donna Gartshore

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 205 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

To earn the love he’s always wanted,
He must let go of his past…

Luke Duffy is desperate to save his family’s ranch. Especially after decisions made by his late father land their horse therapy business in trouble. But help comes in the unlikely form of guest Arabella Lark. As a PR expert, Bella has plans that could make the ranch thrive, but Luke’s rocky past makes him hesitant to rely on her. The single mom also has a lot on her plate: her job is on the line, and her daughter struggles with anxiety. Will they find the strength to face their challenges and create a new beginning together?

My Thoughts: Deeply Moving

I fully enjoyed Bella and Luke's story, which was deeply moving. Bella and Luke each carried a huge burden. Bella's burden was due to a very difficult situation that deeply impacted her ability to trust. However, this situation also made her a very caring mother who shared a special relationship with her daughter, Lily. As for Luke, his burden came from a family situation. It made him doubt himself and feel like nothing he did was good enough for finding a solution. It also made it difficult for him to trust anyone who might be able to help.

Bella and Luke struggled to move forward and deal with their situations. Their faith was tested on many occasions, but through working together, things began to shift as they started seeing things in a different light.

Their story is one of romance, faith, learning to trust, healing, and overcoming. It also beautifully illustrates the importance of trusting God and His will, even when the road is hard and we don't know where it will take us. The story is beautiful, heartfelt, and moving, and one 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: Donna Gartshore

Publishers Weekly best selling author,Donna Gartshore, lives in Saskatchewan, Canada .Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities. --This text refers to the paperback edition.  

Her Second Chance Christmas by Isabella Bruno

Book Details: 

Title: Her Second Chance Christmas 

Author: Isabella Bruno

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Home for the holidays…

Or home for good?

A frightening diagnosis—and a subsequent breakup—forces marketing executive Penelope Shay to return to Cedar Ridge to find peace. But when she learns her beloved childhood home is at risk of being sold, she’ll do anything to save it—even if it means teaming up with Matthew Banks, her high school boyfriend. The plan is simple: she’ll offer the contractor her marketing expertise on a project in exchange for his help to raise funds in a cookie contest. As the two work closely together, old feelings quickly reignite. But with the uncertainties of Penny’s health looming, is a future together possible?

My Thoughts: Moving and Heartfelt

This is a wonderful, moving, and heartfelt story of Penelope and Matthew's reconnection, with plenty more woven into it.

Penelope is in search of peace after receiving a frightening diagnosis. However, peace eludes her when she finds out her family home will be sold, and she unexpectedly runs into Matthew, her former boyfriend. The irony is that Matthew's own search for peace is disrupted when he runs into Penelope. However, as they work side by side, they begin to deal with their roadblocks, and things start changing for each of them and their relationship.

Penelope and Matthew's story is one of romance, trust, forgiveness, and second chances. There are also some wonderful faith messages woven in, which include trusting God and His plan, as well as His love for us. These are not overdone, but they are flawlessly blended into the story in a way that makes one reflect while enjoying the other elements of the story. All of this makes for a beautiful, heartfelt story.

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: Isabella Bruno

Isabella Bruno has been writing stories for as long as she can remember – and she still has the grammatically-challenged grade school manuscripts to prove it! In addition to word-wrangling, faith, family, and food are her greatest passions. When she isn’t getting lost in a fictional town, Isabella can be found volunteering at ministry events, crafting at her sewing machine, and shamelessly spoiling her niece and nephews. You can connect with Isabella on her website, isabellabrunowrites.com  

A Winter of Sweet Secrets by Heidi McCahan

Book Details: 

Title: A Winter of Sweet Secrets 

Author: Heidi McCahan

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Pages: 352 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

What will it take to save her family’s candy company…and end a decades-long feud?

For generations, the Evergreen Candy Company has been a beloved small-town Alaskan tradition run by Jovi Wright’s family—until now. With her grandparents no longer at the helm, Jovi’s parents are considering selling it. When her sister calls with the news, Jovi hops on a plane back home to help rescue the family business. Her plan: launch Grammie’s salted caramel chews as a new product. But with Grammie’s memory fading and the recipe missing, Jovi has her work cut out for her.

Still reeling from being jilted by her fiancé, Jovi welcomes the distraction of trying to re-create the recipe from scratch. The distraction she’s not so sure about is single dad Burke Solomon. The disillusioned author and his adorable little girl have moved in to his late aunt's cabin just down the road from her grandparents' home, where she's staying. And the discovery that their families have been feuding since before either of them were born is too irresistible to ignore.

With a looming deadline and the stresses of single parenthood, the last thing Burke needs is a bright-eyed optimist like Jovi next door. But he finds himself asking for her help adjusting to life in Evergreen more than he'd like to admit. And untangling the history of what happened to the friendship between his late aunt and Jovi's Grammie provides an antidote to his writer’s block. But when Burke unearths several shocking family secrets, will revealing them settle the feud or bring everything he and Jovi have been working toward crashing down around them?

My Thoughts: Cozy and Sweet

A Winter of Sweet Secrets is a lovely, cozy, and sweet read that tells Jovi and Burke's story with an added touch of mystery.

The author did a wonderful job developing Jovi and Burke's story while infusing just enough details to keep me guessing about the mystery behind the feud. Secondary characters, especially Darbie Jane, added much to Jovi and Burke's story without overshadowing them. 

The story includes romance, second chances, and even some real-life challenging issues, as well as details about Alaska, which added a special touch that had me visualizing everything. In addition, it deals with how situations from the past can deeply affect one and just how far-reaching those effects can be. However, it also offers a message of hope in overcoming them. The story is cozy and sweet, but it is also touching and heartfelt, making it a story that should not be missed.

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:  Heidi McCahan

Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she's a bestselling author who writes uplifting romance novels set in small towns. A perfect day for Heidi includes a good cup of coffee, dark chocolate, and reading books with happy endings. She's originally from Alaska, but currently lives in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world's greatest goldendoodle.

  

Dangerous Montana Inheritance (Big Sky First Responders Book 4) by Jenna Night

Book Details: 

Title: Dangerous Montana Inheritance 

Series: Big Sky First Responders Book 4

Author: Jenna Night

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Pages: 208  

Genre: Christian Suspense/Clean & Wholesome Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A shocking bequest
could cost her life.

Attacked on the property she unexpectedly inherited, Rose Balfour barely escapes with the help of former hostage negotiator Henry Walsh. Someone is determined to keep her from testifying at a loan shark’s murder trial. But when she does and the danger continues, Rose suspects there are answers in the house left to her. Teaming up with Henry, Rose uncovers surprising evidence and a powerful enemy determined to silence them. Not even Henry’s isolated ranch is a safe refuge. With their lives on the line and captors closing in, can Rose and Henry expose the web of secrets—before they vanish forever?

My Thoughts: Fantastic

Dangerous Montana Inheritance is a fantastic, fast-paced, page-turner of a story. 

When Rose and Henry reconnect under some dangerous circumstances, they're not exactly overjoyed. Memories of the past, along with the baggage they each carry, make their initial reconnect somewhat rocky. However, as one dangerous and unexpected happening after another keeps them together, things change. This results in a story of mystery and intrigue with a dose of romance that kept me glued to the pages, as I tried to figure everything out while watching the effects on Rose and Henry's relationship. 

The characters are strong, and the storyline is engaging and captivating. The twists, turns, and romance, along with the themes of trust, second chances, and faith, make this fantastic story 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.

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About the Author: Jenna Night

Jenna Night is one of Love Inspired Suspense's 'Killer Voices.' She lives in the Inland Northwest, which provides the perfect setting for her novels of adventure, romance and suspense.  

Jenna@ jennanight.com

https://www.facebook.com/JennaNight/ 

The Pretender: The Big Valley Disappearance #3 (A Mifflin County Mystery) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Details: 

Title: The Pretender 

Series: The Big Valley Disappearance #3                                                        (A Mifflin County Mystery)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amsih Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

A Woman Missing for Two Years Suddenly Returns Home

In book three of the Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s return creates more hurt and confusion in the Big Valley.

Two years since Rosa Petersheim mysteriously disappeared from her Amish home, there has been no word from her. Her family and friends have suffered in the silence, though they have tried to move on with life.
 
Then one day Rosa just as suddenly reappears at her parent’s home. . .with a husband in tow.
 
Rosa is ashamed of the choices she made that caused her to leave home. And now that she is back, her father is not welcoming, and her siblings and friends want explanations that she can’t give.
 
Will Rosa’s family accept her and Anthony? Can the Big Valley ever be home again?

My Thoughts: Great Conclusion

The Pretender is a great conclusion to the Mifflin County Mysteries series. And while it is part of a series, author Wanda E. Brunstetter blends in enough details that make it readable as a stand-alone without missing anything.

When Rosa returns home accompanied by Anthony, they have a plan in place that they feel is doable. However, bumps in the road begin getting in the way of the plan's success. As Rosa and Anthony spend more time together, along with Rosa's family, feelings shift and secrets unfold, along with family drama. All of this results in a story of faith, forgiveness, self-discovery, and new beginnings, which is touching and heartfelt. 

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:  Wanda E. Brunstetter 

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Ask Scarlett: Can Being Outside Help Me De-Stress? And More Questions about Nature and You

Book Details: 

Title: Ask Scarlett 

Author: Rebecca Baines 

Publisher: Magination Press — American Psychological Association

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Pages: 80 

Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8

Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 14 years

Genre: Children's Environment Books/Children's Nonfiction

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Based on the popular Ranger Rick® magazine feature, Ask Scarlett is a fun question-and-answer reference book that satisfies kids' curiosity about nature and how being outside can make you feel better.

With a fun and quirky attitude, Scarlett explains why nature helps the brain, how it supports creativity, and how it helps kids become planet protectors, along with the answers to dozens upon dozens of other nature and health questions. Once kids know what Scarlett knows, they'll be nature experts—and aficionados extraordinaire.

Science continues to show the positive effects of nature on mental health. Magination Press and the National Wildlife Federation® together hope to ease stress through a collection of books showing the benefits of nature for improving mental health, reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and encouraging empowerment for people, communities, and the planet.

My Thoughts: Highly Recommend

This book is loaded with great information! It deals with so many wonderful topics that are sure to capture the attention of the reader and encourage him/her to put some of the suggestions into practice. It is loaded with real-life situations that include great pictures and illustrations, along with some touches of humor. 

I think this would also make a great addition for any teacher to use in the classroom. It would spark some wonderful discussions and even encourage research and possible experiments dealing with some of the topics. The book is multifunctional, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Camp 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: Rebecca Baines

Rebecca Baines is a children’s book writer and editor. She is the former editorial director at National Geographic Kids and has written books for kids about topics from dogs to bones to eggs to spiders.   

An Amish Second Chance Romance (Surprised by Love Book 8) by Rachel J. Good

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Second Chance Romance 

Series: Suprised by Love Book 8

Author: Rachel J. Good

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 320  

Genre: Amish Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Cathy Zehr prides herself on her skilled donut-making—and on her plain speaking. After all, talking about others’ failings is only telling the honest truth—and it might prevent others from making the same mistakes. But gossiping has made her an alt maidel—someone never courted to be a wife. And she’s finally at a loss for more than words when she must care for her ailing brother's young sons. To find out what not to do, she turns to reserved woodworker Myron King, a bachelor who raised his orphaned niece and nephew. His advice proves invaluable—plus, Cathy discovers they have much in common. Yet she fears their growing closeness will never overcome her deep trauma—much less lead to love . . .

Myron is taken aback by Cathy’s request—yet he’s also intrigued. Perhaps confessing his parenting regrets will ease some of his guilt. Still, he’s surprised when Cathy truly listens to him, even softening her blunt manner. Myron is even more surprised by his growing attraction to her—despite his fears about risking heartbreak again. But when their deepest secrets suddenly collide, can faith, forgiveness, and courage unite their longing hearts?

My Thoughts: Outstanding

This later-in-life romance between Cathy Zehr and Myron King is outstanding. Both of them have skeletons in their closets that have shaped who they are: slightly abrasive characters with some judgmental tendencies. 

Before Cathy and Myron work together, they only see the faults of each other, but not their own. But as they spend more time together, they begin to see those behaviors in a different light. Myron is a quicker study than Cathy, though. Cathy's struggles to overcome threw some delays into their collaboration and their relationship. However, little by little, newfound self-discoveries, along with the help of a very special woman and faith and trust in God, open the door for healing and love to make their way in. The result is a beautiful and touching story of faith, love, hope, overcoming, healing, and second chances that is 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:  Rachel J. Good

USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities. In searching for the best Amish soft pretzels, she's visited many Amish markets, auctions, and mud sales. Because of her love of Amish food, she tries to include recipes in her books as often as possible. When she's not traveling, she spends time with family and writing.

In addition to her Amish novels, she's written more than 60 books, including children's educational books, adult nonfiction, and fiction for children and teens under several pen names. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Rachel enjoys meeting readers and speaks regularly at book events, schools, libraries, churches, book clubs, and conferences across the country. She also loves talking about Amish life, using authentic Amish clothes and goods, and/or doing coloring parties.

You can connect with Rachel on her website (http://www.racheljgood.com) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels).