BELLE'S CHRISTMAS CAROL by Michelle Griep, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

A Historical Holiday Romance Novella with Themes of 

A Christmas Carol set in Regency-Era England

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"Dearest Isabelle. . . It is my desire to leave to you Haven House, for there is no one who loves the children more fervently. Please consider."

When the director of Haven House, a London orphanage, is killed in an unfortunate accident Belle Beaumont is handed the keys. With its menagerie of mismatched employees, looming repairs, disorganized paperwork and rambunctious children, Belle is understandably second guessing her decision within twenty four hours.

Barrister Rafe Munro stumbles upon a family matter which leads him to the front door of Haven House. The lovely orphanage director appears a tad overwhelmed, and Rafe finds himself putting aside his demanding work schedule for at least an hour a day to assist Belle, when one thing leads to another and then to quite another.

Expertly imagined, this is undoubtedly one of the sweetest Christmas stories that I have ever read! "God bless us everyone"! (and let it snow!)

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.4.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge's former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they've ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

 

Bethany House Publishing, September, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy BELLE'S CHRISTMAS CAROL at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House
 

TWELVE DAYS AND TWELFTH NIGHT by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A Historical World War II Holiday Novella with a Hollywood Celebrity, 

Opposites Attract, and Second Chance Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This story, which is set in San Diego, California in 1943, sees a scarred hero looking for a new purpose in life and an enthusiastic heroine trying to prove herself when up against constraints. Maggie Oliver and Prescott Duke have things in common: their faith, their love of country and their drive to entertain deserving soldiers and sailors with a unique USO show. 

Ms. Sundin uses humor to lighten the story, yet there is meat to chew on as Prescott faces his limitations and Maggie yearns to make a difference.  

Disappointment threatens on many levels but the duo persevere. Their love story is inspiring as they overcome misunderstandings and learn humility and forgiveness. And learn wisdom from Grandpa Bill Curtis who warns Maggie not to meddle. 

The perfect story to read at Christmas with a blending of a favorite Christmas Carol and Shakespeare.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: orchestrate a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie's invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she'll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances. 

 

Revell Publishing, September, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy TWELVE DAYS AND TWELFTH NIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE LAST VALENTINE by Andrea Renee Cox, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula for #JustRead

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Last Valentine Author: Andrea Renee Cox Publisher: Writing to Inspire Publications Release Date: April 17, 2026 Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Tragedy, Sweet Romance, Men's Fiction, Short Story

Zechariah attempts to make his wife's last Valentine's Day extra special, but everything keeps going wrong. When her final moments draw near, will he find a way to push beyond his own grief to gift her a final burst of joy? This award-winning romantic tragedy is perfect for fans of the movies Roman Holiday, Collateral Beauty, and A Walk to Remember. PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Fable | BookBub

Also Available (by Andrea Renee Cox)

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PAULA'S REVIEW:
Poignant little story that brought tears to my eyes, showing the love of a husband to his very ill wife. Zecheriah wanted to give his wife Emmalie a meaningful Valentine gift. 

Ms. Cox writes to make you feel the emotions of the characters. She showed that heartfelt and meaningful actions were gifts that money can’t buy. 

The point that came across was that when everything goes wrong, the best place to be is close to Jesus.

Although it was quite different, I was reminded of the story The Gift of the Magi by O’Henry. It had the same sacrificial tone that embodies true love. 

Short but heartwarming, this story pulls at the heartstrings.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Writing to Inspire Publishing through Just Read tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
5 stars and a strong faith thread

About the Author

Born and raised in north Texas, award-winning author and Editor of the Year nominee (2026) Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting Christian fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction, sweet romance, or romantic tragedy, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website (andreareneecox.com), and readers are welcome to follow her blog and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates in her journey.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an electronic copy (PDF, MOBI, or EPUB) of The Last Valentine, a paperback copy of Novelists in November, and a couple of bookmarks and stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

CONSPIRACY by Colleen Coble, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

SANCTUARY SERIES #3

REBECCA REVIEWS:
"Someone has an attack leopard?"

Apparently so. Wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden had come face to face with the big cat and lived to tell the story, thanks to her boyfriend Blake Lawson's quick response. The evidence showed that a privately owned animal had been turned loose on The Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve for the express purpose of stalking Paradise, and oddly enough the encounter is coupled with an unveiled threat on the cusp of her half-brother Drew's visit.

Solving her parents' murder had been hanging over Paradise's shoulders for fifteen years. The coincidental deaths of Drew's parents in the same time frame was certainly curious, making everyone convinced that the two incidents were connected. Now that the two siblings have re-united, they begin to dig through every thread of evidence, while it becomes crystal clear that someone is ready and willing to kill again in order to hide a decades old conspiracy.

With its dizzying array of plot threads and red herrings, this story leads readers through a maze of possibilities, with a conclusion that most would never see coming, and even if they had, would never have predicted the depth of depraved intentions. On the bright side, there is the sweetest romance that has been a long time coming, along with encouraging reminders that God really does have a plan worth waiting for, and yes, we all need community . . . just ask the lemurs! 
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW: 

BackCover Blurb:
In the third book in USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series, Paradise Alden learns firsthand that a conspiracy of lemurs is a family . . . but a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

Fifteen years of secrets. One chance for justice.

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard--a chilling embodiment of Paradise's deepest fears--is now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can't unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

Colleen Coble's Conspiracy combines gripping suspense with slow-burn romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Lynette Eason.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy CONSPIRACY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House