Book Review: When The Silence Breaks

3 Aug

The first book of a brand new romantic suspense series by Elizabeth Goddard, When The Silence Breaks, releases tomorrow! I had the good fortune to receive an ARC, so I dug in as soon as I could. This novel checks all the boxes for fans of the genre. Find out more below.

A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers–and danger closing in. 

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather’s deathbed confession connected to her brother’s murder, she’s determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand. 

After his father’s death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can’t stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find. 

This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.

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.

My Impressions:

When The Silence Breaks is the first book in Elizabeth Goddard’s new Mercy Ridge romantic suspense series. This book has it all for fans of the genre — fast-paced suspense, dangers from all sides, twists/turns/surprises you don’t see coming, and a sweet romance with a swoon-worthy hero. I loved it!

The action starts right away as the main characters are caught up in a mudslide in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. I have never been to that area of the country, but it was if I was feeling the ground shake and the devastating power of nature along with the main characters. And nature never gave up as the book progressed! A former agent of an unnamed federal agency hires an ex-Navy Seal turned hiking guide to help her uncover a decades old mystery. While the threats from nature are real (which is a great plot device in itself), they are tracked by unknown determined and deadly human assailants. I loved the history behind the mystery, while feeling the tension of the quest with all its risks. The main characters have an immediate attraction that translates into learning to trust each other — something they both needed desperately. As always, the author interjects a faith message that compliments, rather than overwhelms the narrative.

When The Silence Breaks kept me furiously turning the pages even as I wished the story could go on. But luckily, there is more to come in the small mountain town of Mercy Ridge.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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August Book Club Pick — South of Somewhere

3 Aug

My book club skipped in July. I think that’s the first time ever in over 20 years. Even during Covid we met online when we couldn’t in person. But life is busy and a break was needed. In August we will be back at it with South of Somewhere by T. I. Lowe. This book is a personal book for the author, and I know it will definitely spark some great conversation. If you’ve read it, we would love to know what you think. Find out all about it below.

When Juniper Wilder’s grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she’s burned a lot of bridges, ones that can’t be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother’s South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There’s an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it’s hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she’s hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she’s made.

T. I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She is the author of 21 novels, including the #1 international bestseller and critically acclaimed Under the Magnolias and her debut breakout Lulu’s Café. Her novel Indigo Isle won the prestigious Christy Award in the contemporary romance category and was subsequently named Christy Award Book of the Year. She lives in coastal South Carolina with her husband and family.

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First Line Friday — The Spring in Trulee Holler

31 Jul

Happy Friday! Today I am featuring a novel by a new-to-me author — The Spring in Trulee Holler by Jana Hutcheson. This book has everything that thrills my reader heart — a small, Southern town, tough issues, and an intriguing plot. Give it a look. I’ll be reviewing this book in September.

Here’s the first line:

If you’d asked a few months ago, I would’ve told you Trulee was the most ordinary place on earth.

Jess Lockhart thought she’d fought her hardest battle when she beat a rare form of lymphoma. But months into remission, it’s fear of the unknown-especially of cancer’s return-that’s stealing her future. Once an aspiring fashion designer, she’s lost her drive to create and now spends her days working at her father’s hardware store in rural Trulee, Alabama.

When a young botanist rents the barn-loft apartment on her family’s property, Jess thinks she’s finally found something to take her mind off her mortality. Not only is Silas Haney strikingly handsome, but he’s irresistibly mysterious. His cryptic remarks and odd behavior suggest he’s hiding something. Then an accident exposes his secret: Silas once drank from a spring that made him immortal. Now he’s searching for the spring once more, hoping the tree that legend says grows from it can reverse the eternal youth he now sees as a curse. And that spring lies hidden in the woods behind her house.

Convinced the spring is the answer to her problems, Jess blackmails Silas into taking her along on his quest. But as forced companionship turns into affection, Jess begins to question whether escaping the fear of death is the same as truly living. When a crisis arises, Jess must decide: Will she trust God with her future or scoop destiny into her own hands?

Jana Hutcheson lives and teaches in the same small Alabama town where she grew up. A public-school teacher for over thirty years, she holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education from the University of North Alabama. The Spring in Trulee Holler is her debut novel. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found taking long afternoon walks, reading on her patio bed swing, and spending time with her family.

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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — A Cowboy to Call Her Own

30 Jul
A Cowboy to Call Her Own JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Cowboy to Call Her Own by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Cowboy to Call Her Own

Title: A Cowboy to Call Her Own
Series: The Bluegrass Blackwells #1
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

This big-city cowboy
Just swept her off her boots!

Saving his family’s Kentucky racing stables is priority number one for cowboy Asher Blackwell. Love is not on his agenda. But when pretty chef Kelley Munroe pulls him into a clumsy two-step, he’s charmed. And making a deal with her to cater for the stables adds a little sunlight to his days. As a shared love of horses draws them together, and they’re roped into planning the town’s Fourth of July celebrations, the sparks between them blossom into fireworks. Asher wasn’t looking for a fresh start, and his life is in New York. But Kelley’s healing support is cracking open his guarded heart. Could she be the cowgirl he’d always hoped for?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Excerpt

“A cowboy can’t live on pastries alone,” Kelley teased.

“This cowboy intends to try.” Amusement flashed in his startlingly blue eyes. He moved aside and lifted a large open basket between them. “I was out near the back pasture, checking on our retiree trio and stopped to get you these.”

Kelley glanced at the fresh blackberries, noting that her box from the previous night was carefully tucked inside. “You were up early.” And thinking about her. Not that she was lingering on that minor detail.

“My days always start early at home,” he said, satisfaction in his words. “Besides, my mother taught me never to return a dish empty. You really don’t want to taste anything I bake, so I figured this was the next best thing.”

If they were sharing best things, it was Asher in the diner again, even if it wasn’t for another morning dance. Could you stick around for a while, cowboy? There was something about him that made her feel happy. Scratch that. She was finding that on her own these days. Still, there was a wedding venue where they could dance. For one night.  You game, cowboy. All she had to do was stay in the moment and ask. Kelley opened her mouth.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

About The Author

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card and 2 print books by Cari Lynn Webb from the Blackwells Backlist!

A Cowboy to Call Her Own blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 28, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Top 10 Tuesday — Last Week’s Topic

28 Jul

Happy Tuesday! I am going off topic today because I am just not feeling the suggested prompt of today’s TTT. I missed last week because we were in Virginia welcoming grandbaby #4, so today my list includes recently-ish read books that live in my head rent-free. A couple are pretty creepy — I am not sure what that says about my head! 😉 I hope you find one to pique your interest.

For on-topic blogger lists, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books That Were Hard to Let Go

All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee

Between The Sound And Sea by Amanda Cox

The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton

The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch

The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt

Mists over The Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin

On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman

Wicked Is The Hollow by K. E. Ganshert

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

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First Line Friday — All The Suspects on Campus

24 Jul

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to feature Heather Day Gilbert’s upcoming release, All The Suspects on Campus. Heather has been a must-read mystery author for a long, long time! A secret library, an amateur sleuth who loves Agatha Christie — this cozy mystery checks all the boxes. I cannot wait to read it! It releases in January 2027 and is ready for pre-order!

Here’s the first line:

“I find it hard to believe he could love anyone at all.”

A secret library. A murdered colleague. Can professor Jo Blue Oliver use her love of Agatha Christie to solve a case?

Jo Blue Oliver, an outspoken English professor at a small West Virginia college, has made a fascinating literary discovery in her new home: a hidden library tucked behind a secret door. The cozy room is stocked with an entire leather-bound collection of Agatha Christie books—the perfect setting for a private book club with her college-grad daughter, Millie.

Unfortunately, before the first meeting even takes place, fellow English professor Lucas Clements is found strangled in the campus pool. Then a skittish young student named Avery is reported missing. Noticing parallels to one of Dame Agatha’s classics—their first book club pick—Jo Blue can’t resist doing a little sleuthing of her own.

But if there’s one thing any Agatha fan should know to expect, it’s a plot twist—and a rising body count. Jo Blue’s library is just one of many secrets in this college town…and some of them are downright deadly…

Heather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award winner and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with unpredictable twists, much like the Agatha Christie books she read growing up. She also writes Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.

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Spotlight on Historical Fiction — The Light of Stars

23 Jul
The Light of Stars JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Light of Stars

Title: The Light of Stars
Author: Jenelle Hovde
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

Excerpt

Breakfast at Seven Oakes had never tasted so bitter.

I ignored the plate of cold toast in front of me as my two guardians plotted out my future with nary a thought for my opinion. If anything, my request to go to London seemed to ignite Grandfather’s opposition to my studies and my volunteering at the local girls’ school run by Miss Tippens, where I assisted occasionally, offering what I could of astronomy.

“A season has its place,” he said, folding his napkin with brisk precision. “But the time has come for my grandchildren to step into their proper roles.”

“I agree,” Aunt Clarice replied from her end of the table. “Your studies are far too consuming as of late, Katherine. It is most unladylike.”

I winced at the poke against my fascination for astronomy. Nor did I wish to remind Aunt and Grandfather that the stars remained my only link to my mother, who had often stood on the terrace in the evening, pointing out constellations to me.

How ironic that I was kept secluded within this country manor, forced to fill my days reading every book I could find, while my beloved Edward frittered away his studies at Cambridge, going so far as to earn a formal written rebuke from the university.

I hadn’t the stamina to argue with Aunt this morning, especially about my desperate need to leave Seven Oakes.

She had always hated books of any nature, cringing at the stash of romantic literature stacked under my bed.

“An heiress has no need to teach or gallivant with children of an inferior station,” Grandfather added.

“I cannot stay within this manor for the rest of my life,” I answered. 

“I am old enough for more beyond the countryside.” Perhaps even a return to India . . .

He studied me for a long moment before clearing his throat. “With regard to a London visit, I have very good news that arrived this morning.”

Ah, I would learn of the two letters Grandfather had shoved into his desk!

“You will marry before the summer ends.”

I froze. Aunt Clarice gasped, while Grandfather removed a slip of paper from his coat. After nudging the letter in my direction, he waited as I picked it up with shaking fingers and unfolded the paper.

It was not the note I had hoped to read. No evidence of Hyderabad marked its surface.

His smile stretched tight when my gaze met his, yet the faint warmth did nothing to ease my nervousness.

“I want only the best for my family. I am most pleased with this development. So it would stand that you need not fret over experiencing a season after all.”

The precise handwriting brought a well of acid bubbling up inside me. Impending marriage . . . Sebastian Sinclair . . . to arrive in London within six weeks . . . Perhaps longer, depending on the ship and the weather.

Numb, I set the paper down.

“No need to look so concerned,” Grandfather said as he stabbed at his poached egg, sending it into quivers. “Lord Sinclair and I have planned this marriage for you since the day you were born. I had hoped for Hugh, the eldest Sinclair, but he married another and then died in a most unfortunate incident. Now it is Sebastian who brings two indigo plantations and all the vast estates tied to the Sinclair name. We cannot refuse such an alliance between our two distinguished families.” Sebastian Sinclair.

Not him. Anyone but him.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

No Stone Unturned

 

About The Author

Jenelle Hovde

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Connect with Jenelle by visiting jenellehovdeauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

The Light of Stars JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Spotlight on Historical Romance/Mystery — The Robber And The Witness

22 Jul
The Robber and the Witness Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Robber and the Witness

Title: The Robber and the Witness
Series: Christmas Cabin Historical Romance Novellas #3
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 21, 2026
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance/Mystery

Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.

A simple favor, a best friend’s promise, and the end of the line.

Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend’s sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he’s merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she’s grown into a charming beauty.

Evangeline Whitaker’s older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she’s an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard.

With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss’s cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline’s Christmas spirit might be the death of them both.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

A sweet 1931 Christmas mystery featuring a closed-door romance between a protective bodyguard and the woman who witnessed too much.

Excerpt

Evangeline shifted on the wooden bench, noting more passengers gathering in the station. Where had the tall man gone? A sliver of unease slithered down her spine. Gideon’s train would hopefully arrive before the one on which they would return to Manitowish Waters. She couldn’t leave without him, and it was already an overnight trip, arriving in town at noon tomorrow. If they weren’t delayed by the snow.

Another passenger entered along with the strongest gust of wind and snow yet. Evangeline shivered, casting a glance toward the rear door where the tall man had exited. Evan fully believed that she was too trusting, that she was too kind. And yet, Evangeline couldn’t understand why that was such a bad thing. Yes, her brother constantly worried about her safety, but didn’t Jesus ask them to be kind? Wasn’t she supposed to help those in need? What harm could come from watching this man’s luggage while he went to the privy?

Still, perhaps the trouble wasn’t watching the bag. It was what to do if the man never returned.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

About The Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed paperback of The Robber and the Witness, a notebook/pen set, and a wooden ornament!

The Robber and the Witness blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — Until April

20 Jul
Until April JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Until April by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Until April

Title: Until April
Series: Coastal Hearts
Author: Janet W. Ferguson
Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC
Release Date: June 25, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Michael Galloway has always believed freedom means living life on his own terms. His career is dedicated to saving the environment and teaching others the importance of taking care of the earth, rivers, and oceans. He’s building a life with no room for complications. Especially in his love life.

Then tragedy turns April Yancy’s world upside down.

After her husband’s death, April discovers he’d been hiding devastating secrets, leaving her buried in debt and struggling to protect her children’s future. The last person she expects to come to her rescue is Michael—the man who shattered her heart years ago.

Michael has few regrets, but hurting April back in grad school still haunts him. When her situation grows desperate, he devises a risky plan to help her rebuild her life…even if it means jeopardizing his carefully guarded independence.

Accepting Michael’s shocking offer could cost April more than her pride. His resistance to her faith clashes with the convictions she holds dear, and trusting him again feels impossible. Yet as doors keep opening and her prayers keep nudging her toward him, April begins to wonder if God is offering her a second chance at more than survival.

An emotional second-chance love story of forgiveness, redemption, and unexpected faith.

Excerpt

A shrill sound jerked April Yancy’s chin up, and her spine straightened in the beach chair she’d lugged out on the sand. At the same time, another spasm tore through her belly. If only she’d been well enough to ride with Jack. He had begged to go out on a jet ski for weeks. They’d promised him a ride for his third birthday, and he’d clung to that scrap like a seagull with a piece of bread ever since.

Stupid stomach virus. Robert’s parenting skills didn’t allow her the option of resting while he “took care of” Jack.

Where were those two? They should be riding close by now. Her eyes blurred as she stared out at the water. So much nausea.

A wisp of yellow in her peripheral vision caught her attention. The stripe of a life vest. Multiple watercrafts sped around the rock jetties. Which one held Jack? What color had they rented?

A constricting band of dread snarled around her ribs. She hauled herself to her feet, ran toward the rocks, then climbed up to see better.

A colossal crash reverberated across the water. The bone-crunching sound sucked the oxygen from her lungs. She surged forward, scrambling over the riprap. Two of the crafts floated empty of their riders.

Then she saw blond curly hair bobbing in the waves.

Oh, God, no. Not my baby. A scream ripped from her throat. “Jack!”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

For the Love of Joy
Healing Skye
Holding on to Hope

About The Author

Janet W. Ferguson

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist, Maggie Award Winner, and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.

Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children and a cat that allows them to share the space.

Connect with Janet by visiting janetfergusonauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Until April, a hummingbird feeder, a fabric bookbag (made by Janet’s daughter), and lip balm!

Until April blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 27, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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First Line Friday, Christmas in July Edition — Christmas in The Castle Library

17 Jul

Happy Tuesday! Is Christmas in July still a thing? Well today on By The Book it is! Today’s featured first line is Christmas in The Castle Library by Ann Swindell. My copy came courtesy of a book swap by my book club. I haven’t read it yet, because I generally start my Christmas reading mid-November. But that should probably change. What do you think? When do you start reading Christmas books?

Here are the first lines:

Ellie Sawyer looked at the time in the corner of her computer screen. One minute left.

Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday.
 
Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.

Ann Swindell and her writing have been featured widely by The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, (in)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and many other publications. She is the owner of Writing with Grace (where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses), and holds an MA in Writing from DePaul University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Seattle Pacific University. Ann lives in West Michigan with her pastor-husband and their children. Learn more at annswindell.com.

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