I love my yearly visits to Hope Harbor, Oregon, the fictional town created by Irene Hannon where hope is always delivered! Harbor Pointe, book 12!! in the series features reconciliation stories, along with a second chance at love. I absolutely love that Hannon includes a story arc with married couples in each book in the series. The main plot thread usually involves two singles who search for their HEA, but secondary plots often include husbands and wives who need to reconnect and/or restore their relationships. The threads intertwine and make for a believable community of real and relatable characters. In Harbor Pointe, world-reknowned ballet dancer, Devyn comes home to the small town to help her estranged sister following an accident. She meets Aaron Steele and his family as she becomes involved in a community project. Sparks immediately fly. The romance is sweet and while there are obstacles, there are no scenes of overheard and misunderstood words or actions. You know, like seeing their love interest hug someone else. I liked that a lot! Other plot lines of estranged siblings, parent and child, and husband and wife were woven naturally into the narrative making this book very, very satisfying. You’ll always run into familiar friends in Hope Harbor — including Charlie, the taco making philosopher and sage, and the amusing seagull pair, all part of what makes the town and the book series special. If you are new to the series, please begin with book 1. You will not be disappointed.
Recommended
Audience: Adults
(I received this book compliments of NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
When life throws you off pointe, love helps you find your balance.
As a principal dancer with a prestigious New York ballet company, Devyn Lee is far from her hometown of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. But when a family emergency compels her to return, her visit turns into an extended stay after complications arise.
Widowed mill worker Aaron Steele pays no attention to the buzz in Hope Harbor about the famous dancer in town. Until his grieving nine-year-old daughter takes a fancy to Devyn after she agrees to help with a fundraising show for a local charity in which the young girl is performing. As the show–and Devyn–begin to lift his daughter’s spirits, his own life is brightened by the beautiful ballerina as she slowly but surely captures his heart.
But what are the odds that such an accomplished, polished woman from the city could ever fall for a small-town lumberman with two left feet?
Come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 70 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.
Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is book titles that describe me or my life. Uh, no! LOL! I read a lot of mystery/suspense and those titles can be seriously scary. And besides, I am a huge rule follower — just ask my husband, the man who never saw a rule that couldn’t in some fashion be broken. 😉 So I decided to flip the topic and go with titles that would describe my evil twin aka alter ego. This was a fun post to put together. I hope you enjoy it and find a great book to read.
If I was one to take on a life of crime, I would want to be thought of as a member of TheQueens of Crime. In pursuit of the lofty title I’d travel to Scotland and perpetrate a Highland Heist. Not sure if that would include a few shaggy cows, but who knows what a thief could discover among the heather. I might Ambush a man in a kilt to help me carry all the loot, making sure I hide my identity and not let on An Appearance of Impropriety. I must maintain an air of integrity and not get caught! But if I’m found out and pursued by the coppers, I’ll make sure my crimes are well Hidden by a Canyon of Deceit so I am not forced into Taking A Second Shot to fend them off. A good criminal must be able ToOutwit Them All! If I’m not successful, the authorities will say that Death Follows Her and I may be presumed Guilty Until Innocent .
Here’s a tip: the authors of these books are way better at telling tales than I am. Check out their fabulous books!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where the Wild Hearts Are by Sondra Kraak, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title: Where the Wild Hearts Are Series:Hearts of Sparrow Ridge #1 Author:Sondra Kraak Publisher: Trail House Publishers Release Date: April 7, 2026 Genre: Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy
Miles
Second chances come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s be clear, I did not see this one coming in any shape or size. I was over Juliette as soon as she started dating my brother years ago.
But here we are. I’ve lost my brother, Juliette’s lost her husband, and our short-lived summer camp romance from when we were teenagers is rising from the grave to haunt me—or rather, invite me into an unexpected, irresistible redemption opportunity.
No problem. I’m a handyman. I fix things for a living. And I want to fix everything that’s been shattered in Juliette’s life.
Unfortunately for me, I overwhelmed her years ago with my big personality. Who’s to say I won’t be too much again? But I hope and pray I’m not because there’s no holding my feelings back this time, and with the way she’s distracting me, using power tools is out of the question.
Juliette
I don’t need my brother-in-law, Miles, swooping in to save me and my girls. I may not be thriving as a single mom, but I am surviving. The last thing my life needs is more upheaval, which is what I’ll get if I misread this chemistry between me and Miles.
Besides, my heart’s got a bigger issue: the summer camp that saved my life is for sale, and my old dream of running a camp is resurrecting with a vengeance. Only, it’s even less practical now than when I was a teenager.
I can’t let my heart run away with my good sense—regarding Miles or camp.
But I really want that camp, no matter how impossible the dream. And why am I acting like a schoolgirl crushing hard on her first boy? It’s just Miles.
Wild hearts scheme big to buy a summer camp in this swoony, second chance romance with found family, quirky characters, and sizzling chemistry. And it’s all wrapped up in a low spice, inspirational package. Where the Wild Hearts Are is the first in a new rom-com series featuring adventurous friends and the love and laughter they bring to their small, mountain town.
Excerpt
Juliette
I slip from bed and peak through the slit between blinds and window to see Miles, a deep frown on his scruffy face, which is pressed up against the glass. I throw back the blinds, and he stumbles away in surprise. Sliding the window open, I whisper-yell, “What is your problem?”
“You didn’t answer my text.”
“It’s midnight. I fell asleep like a normal, tired human.”
His gaze travels over me, and he grins.
“What?”
“You’ve got bed wrinkles on your cheek.”
I touch my cheek. “Why didn’t you knock at the door?”
“I thought it’d be more romantic to come to your window.”
I … what? I can’t process this right now.
“Just kidding.”
I’m awake enough to be disappointed, but it’s a good reminder to my run-away feelings: Miles is kind and friendly, and I shouldn’t read his words or actions as anything more than tender, familial affection. That’s the phrase I’m sticking with: tender, familial affection.
But what about those lingering looks? And that kiss on my head when we tucked the girls in?
I am in no state of mind for an inner argument, so I focus back on Miles, who’s still talking.
“I did knock at the door. You didn’t hear, and I didn’t want to pound and wake the girls or scare you.”
“As if someone knocking on my bedroom window isn’t scary.” I cover my yawn. “Come on.” Letting the blinds fall back, I trust him to meet me at the front door.
Sondra Kraak (pronounced croc, like the shoe) is a part-time writer, full-time Jesus follower. A native of Washington State, she now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she serves as the Worship Coordinator at her church. She and her Michigan-born husband, Nate, have two children–a daughter in college and a son in high school. Sondra fails miserably at social media and Jane Austen trivia, but she’s a champion sports fan (yah, hockey!), and has recently had success making sourdough bread (miracles do happen). Don’t ask her to drink eggnog (or kiss her husband after he does), but she’ll happily consume most teas and coffee, so long as it’s decaf (otherwise her heart races and she gets chatty). Her current to-do list includes training for a backpacking trip and folding laundry that’s been left in the dryer for two days. But first, just one more chapter.
Connect with Sondra by visiting sondrakraak.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Where the Wild Hearts Are (winner’s choice between ebook or print)!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 13, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Happy Friday! Today I am featuring How to Sparkle by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, the second book in the Magnolia Bluff contemporary romance series. I loved the first book, Stealing Magnolias, and am really looking forward to reading this book! Leslie is great at creating fun characters, sassy dialogue, and sweet romance with a good faith foundation.
Here’s the first line:
As my plane barreled toward earth, I squeezed my eyes shut and grasped the back of my arms under my legs in the brace position like the flight attendant had instructed only a couple of hours before.
When a whimsical interior designer and a rock solid contractor join forces, they discover that sometimes the biggest renovations happen in the heart.
While Zoe Stockton knows how to sparkle, no amount of fairy dust could transform her into a leader. But with the biggest renovation project of her career at stake, she must crush her anxiety and gather the confidence to navigate intense clients and looming deadlines.
Far from her support network in Chicago, Zoe needs a partner with insight into the Georgia Low Country. Thankfully, general contractor, Brad Chastain, not only exudes southern charm, but he’s also great at his job.In ways that go far beyond construction, Zoe and Brad connect. But he needs stability, not sparkles and whimsy, to convince his parents that he’s ready to take over the family business.
As they work together at Magnolia Bluff, will their friendship bloom into something more or wither under the pressures of work and family?
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.
Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT topic is buzzwords — words attributed to a book that make you want to read it. With a little tweaking of the topic, I am bringing to you books that might appeal to you if you are looking for a specific trope or plot device. There are 5 buzzwords but 10 books of a variety of genres! I hope my list achieves its goal to make you want to read them immediately! 😉
Spring has been around for weeks in my area of the country, but it has been erratic! We’ve had record high temps, severe weather threats, and even a bit of snow! So crazy! But the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, and my husband is mowing the grass! LOL! Today’s TTT topic is Spring TBR Lists. I am embarking on a novel approach to my reading life — choosing to read what I want, when I want. Even the few review titles are those I really, really want to read. It’s been a while, folks! I am having a blast! I had to really think about today’s post because past seasonal TBRs have been filled with required reading (books for review.) Today’s list features book club picks and mood reads, which are hard to plan for. But I think I have a great list planned. Let me know what you are reading this season.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title:When They Met Again Series: Letters from Lancaster County Author:Leslie Gould Publisher: Bethany House Release Date: March 17, 2026 Genre: Fiction / Romance / Amish / Contemporary
A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life.
It’s love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she’s less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be “just friends,” but Adam’s not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer–someone she deems a much more suitable match.
When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents’ successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance–but is Adam’s love enough to finally win Joanna over?
For readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray, a sweet Amish romance with matchmaking grandmas and themes of enemies to lovers, he falls first, and love at first sight versus “just friends.”
Excerpt
Mandy and Miriam’s grandfather, Daniel, was the bishop of their district, and he and Elaine were hosting the ice cream social.
Joanna noticed a stranger—a man— who was tall, muscular, and handsome with sandy hair and deep brown eyes.
She didn’t recognize him, and she tried not to stare.
After the singing, the guys took turns cranking the ice cream freezer and showing off their muscles. The stranger had a five o’clock shadow and appeared a few years older than most of the Youngie. As they all stood around in groups eating the ice cream, Caleb introduced him to Joanna and Mandy. “This is Jacob Byer,” he said. Miriam stepped into the circle. Caleb continued. “Jacob is new to our—”
“Hallo!” Miriam said, interrupting Caleb. “Welcome to Strasburg Township.”
Jacob took a step backward but then smiled. “Denki. And who are you?”
“Miriam.” She grinned and then swept her hand toward Mandy. “This is my twin.” She nodded toward Joanna. “And our friend Joanna.”
Forcing herself to be outgoing, Joanna asked Jacob, “Where are you from?”
“Ohio. Holmes County.” Jacob took a step closer to Joanna. He towered over her, even though she was five eight. “I have an uncle who lives here. Enoch Byer.”
Joanna spoke as confidently as she could. “Are you visiting
Lancaster County or do you plan to stay?”
Jacob’s eyes twinkled as his gaze met hers. “I’m staying.”
Someone called out, “Joanna!” She turned. Adam sauntered toward them. “Are you ready to leave?” She wasn’t.
“I hope I’ll see you soon.” Jacob gave her a charming smile that left her feeling flustered. Miriam was now standing beside him.
Joanna gave Jacob, and everyone, a wave and turned around slowly. She didn’t want to hurry and make Jacob think she was courting Adam. Nor did she want to go too slowly and risk having Adam say something embarrassing in front of Jacob. Her heart beat faster. Perhaps she hadn’t met the right person yet—u ntil now.
On the way home as Adam chatted away about the ice cream, about Mandy and Caleb, and about his grandparents’ business that he was excited to learn, Joanna thought about Jacob. About how tall he was. And how handsome with his square jaw and deep brown eyes. And his charming smile. Compared to Adam, who seemed to be an open book, Jacob was quiet and mysterious. She couldn’t stop thinking about him.
When they reached Mammi Lu’s, Joanna thanked Adam for the ride and started to open the buggy door.
“Wait!” Adam set the brake and jumped to the ground. “I need to do that for you.”
Joanna waited, a little impatiently. When Adam appeared at her door he extended his hand to her as he grinned.
She took his hand and jumped down. “Denki.” She started toward the back door. Mammi Lu had left a battery- operated lantern hanging to light her way.
“Wait,” he said again but not as enthusiastically as before. “Aren’t you going to ask me to stay? Lemonade on the porch? Maybe a cookie.”
Joanna turned toward him at the bottom of the steps. “I’m tired. From the trip and everything.”
“Oh.” He took off his hat and ran his hand through his dark hair. “I wanted to talk about the trip. About sitting in the back of the van together. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel something.”
Annoyed, Joanna said, “I didn’t feel anything.” But she had. Although it paled when compared with what she was feeling for Jacob.
His face fell. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. At the office, right? You’re coming by to talk to Mammi about a job.”
“Jah.” Joanna momentarily regretted not asking him to stay. But not enough to change her mind. “See you tomorrow.” If she got the job, she and Adam would have a chance to get to know each other. Perhaps she’d want to court him eventually— unless Jacob Byer asked her out first.
Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including multiple Amish fiction series. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren. Learn more at LeslieGould.com.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card plus a copy of The Shop Down the Lane and When They Met Again!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 16, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2026. Winners 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.
Happy Tuesday and happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today TTT bloggers are sharing books with green covers. I am hitting the review archives and my TBR shelves to bring books featuring greens of all shades. Some of the covers have more green than others, but I felt that green is what first strikes the eye.
Today’s topic is fitting not only for the holiday, but because my yard is GREEN! It’s cold today (for central Georgia) but flowers are in bloom and the trees are full of new leaves. Such a beautiful day! I hope you have one too, plus some reading inspiration.
Today’s TTT topic, Ordinal Numbers in book titles, looks easy on the surface. It proved harder than I thought though. There are lots of books with first and second in the title, but beyond that there are not many others. Plus, I wanted to include books that I have either read or that I want to read. I ended up adding a few books that my husband has enjoyed (the Joel Rosenberg titles) as well. I hope you find a book that interests you!
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title: A Texas Easter Blessing Series: Legacy Ranch #3 Author:Mindy Obenhaus Publisher: Love Inspired Books Release Date: February 24, 2026 Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Christian Romance
A new ranch home could lead to a new family.
After his marriage fails, single father Ryder Sinclair returns to his hometown with his young son to care for his ailing mother. He’s surprised to run into his teenage crush, Kendall Hunt, whose career as a professional chef has been shaken by scandal. As the two work together to save an Easter event usually hosted by Ryder’s mother, Kendall finds herself longing for this sense of family with Ryder and little Shepard. But when she has a chance to go back to the life she once knew, will she choose the dream she’s spent years chasing…or the new dream that has taken hold of her heart?
Excerpt
“I’m sorry I’ve been behaving like a jerk.”
The corners of her pretty mouth tilted upward. “Oh.” Dropping her arms, she shifted from one sneaker-clad foot to the next. “In that case, please, go on.”
“You’ve brought something to Shepard’s life that he’s never really had.”
Her brow puckered. “Such as…?”
“The way you interact with him. You treat him as if he’s special. That his thoughts and opinions matter.”
“That’s just common decency, Ryder. You know, the whole ‘do unto others.’”
“Yes, but he rarely got that from his mother.”
“What does that have to do with you behaving like a jerk?” One eyebrow arched in a playful manner.
He stretched out his arms before clasping his hands atop his head, knowing what he was about to say was going to make him look even worse.
“I was afraid he’d get attached to you only to be disappointed when you leave.” There, he said it.
Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.
Connect with Mindy by visiting www.MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a copy of A Texas Easter Blessing and $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 4, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 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.
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
I am an Amazon.com affiliate, which means that I earn a small percentage of the sales from products purchased through links on my site. I NEVER recommend a book in order to receive a profit. Proceeds from affiliate sales help to defray operating costs of the blog.
Giveaways are open to persons 18 years or older. All winners are picked randomly. No purchases are necessary to enter a giveaway. All giveaways are for US entries only and are void where prohibited.
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