Review: Matchmaking the Cowboy by Emily Conrad

About the Book

What’s a little covert matchmaking between friends?

Lucy Aveline’s ex has a knack for making her feel small and helpless. She’d avoid him entirely, but he still owns a piece of her heart in the form of the pets he purchased for her but kept for himself. She visits Rosie and Jasmine when she can, vows to avoid another controlling boyfriend by staying single, and focuses on her large animal veterinary practice. Or that’s the plan until some longtime family friends attempt to set her up with former rodeo star Hollis Price. Lucy convinces them to drop the plot only when she promises to find Hollis a good match herself.

Hollis is more concerned with surviving his first Christmas after losing his dad than with finding love. Dad’s champion horse is aging, and rumors started by an unhappy client threaten the horse training business Hollis inherited from his father. When the kind and talented Lucy offers friendship, he accepts simply to add cheer to the season.

It’s not long before his interest in Lucy deepens, but so do problems at his ranch. Saving his father’s legacy begins to look as impossible as earning Lucy’s trust. Especially when her ex continues to use her love of animals against her and she won’t stop pushing her single friends at Hollis long enough to notice she’s the one he’s falling for.

Return to Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters in this Christian Christmas Romance.

Matchmaking the Cowboy is book 9 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, but each of the books can be read on their own.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This is my new favorite Emily Conrad book. I loved it! This book felt like home. There was something so real and authentic about it. The characters, the setting, the emotions, how God was woven so seamlessly through the pages! It was so good!

I really liked Hollis and Lucy. Hollis was such a gentleman. So selfless and willing to do anything for the ones he cared about. I loved his special relationship with all the horses. He had a real talent with them. Lucy was kind and compassionate. It was easy to see how much she cared about the animals. I really enjoyed watching Hollis and Lucy get to know each other better.

Drake, on the other hand, was one of the most despicable guys I’ve ever read about. The way he treated Lucy was horrible. He was so controlling and manipulative. I really wanted to see him get his comeuppance.

This book was a good mix of funny and serious. There were parts that had me laughing out loud, and others that had me near tears. I loved it so much and highly recommend it. If you’re looking for a faith-filled Christmas story that will give you all the feels, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker releasing November 12.

About the Book

A grieving young widow. The AI program that allows her to continue to “talk” to her husband. And a message she never expected: “I think I was murdered.”

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her hus­band, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted and, as the company’s legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason’s email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has “talked” to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn’t really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it’s slowing her grief recovery, but she can’t stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don’t know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the Northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Deadly Revenge (Pearl River #3) by Patricia Bradley

About the Book

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I've been looking forward to this book, and it did not disappoint. This whole series has kept me on the edge of my seat, but this one is my favorite. I was invested from the very first paragraph and could hardly set the book down to tend to other things. I finished it in record time. It was intriguing and suspenseful the whole way through.

I really liked Jenna and Max. They made a great team as they worked together to solve the baffling crimes going on around town. There were some things they had to work through, but I was rooting them on the whole time.

It was really interesting (and infuriating) hearing about what happened when the dam was built and the trouble it caused and might still be causing twenty years later. The tension and intrigue kept rising as the story progressed and had me turning the pages as fast as possible, eager to discover the outcome.

This was a fantastic romantic suspense that had a dash of psychological thriller thrown into the mix. I highly recommend it! Even though it's book three in the series, it stands alone perfectly fine.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Rift (Rift Trilogy #1) by Steven James

About the Book

Bestselling author Steven James unveils a gripping tale of loss, longing, and courage in his latest young adult horror trilogy, Rift.

Seventeen-year-old Sahara is sent to live in the Appalachian Mountains while wrestling with the tragic loss of her father in an accident she believes she caused. As Sahara battles her inner demons, a mystical rift between the spiritual and physical worlds triggers a chilling string of paranormal events. Nightmares bleed into the waking world, and Sahara must unravel the mysteries hidden within the fabric of her own mind to save those she loves.

Her quest leads to a turbulent exploration of self-forgiveness and resilience amidst unimaginable loss. Author Steven James says, "Sahara's grief becomes a potent catalyst as she confronts supernatural forces threatening her town, delving into the intricate connections between personal anguish and unearthly mysteries."

Rift weaves together ancient mountain folklore with universal themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, resulting in a compelling young adult horror novel. Heart-wrenching vulnerability intersects with spine-chilling suspense, carrying readers on an emotional odyssey that grapples with the power of shame, the fragility of certainty, and the courage required to confront the mistakes of the past.

Brace yourself for a roller coaster of suspense as Steven James invites readers on a dark and thrilling ride through the mysterious corridors between worlds.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author's Website / Sky Turtle Press

MY THOUGHTS

Haunting and atmospheric, this chilling tale gripped me and still hasn’t let go. I was completely captivated and flew through the pages as fast as I could.

I liked Sahara and really felt for her. She had a lot of regrets and blamed herself for her father’s death. But I thought she had a good heart and acted like a typical teenager. I loved her creativity and the way she told her stories. I liked seeing the genuine friendship between her and Cadence, and I loved the relationship she had with her Grams.

I really enjoyed the writing style. There was something so authentic about it. And I loved the almost eerie quality to it. The story really came to life.

I enjoyed the folktales and ghost stories. I was familiar with a couple of them, but they took some surprising turns. They were chilling! I got goosebumps on numerous occasions.

There was a brilliant twist that I didn’t see coming, even though I probably should have. It ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, which has me so anxious for the next book. It can’t come out soon enough! I absolutely loved this spooky tale and would give it more than five stars if I could. I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Rift (Rift Trilogy #1) by Steven James

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Rift by Steven James. I loved this spooky YA thriller! 

About the Book

Bestselling author Steven James unveils a gripping tale of loss, longing, and courage in his latest young adult horror trilogy, Rift.

Seventeen-year-old Sahara is sent to live in the Appalachian Mountains while wrestling with the tragic loss of her father in an accident she believes she caused. As Sahara battles her inner demons, a mystical rift between the spiritual and physical worlds triggers a chilling string of paranormal events. Nightmares bleed into the waking world, and Sahara must unravel the mysteries hidden within the fabric of her own mind to save those she loves.

Her quest leads to a turbulent exploration of self-forgiveness and resilience amidst unimaginable loss. Author Steven James says, "Sahara's grief becomes a potent catalyst as she confronts supernatural forces threatening her town, delving into the intricate connections between personal anguish and unearthly mysteries."

Rift weaves together ancient mountain folklore with universal themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, resulting in a compelling young adult horror novel. Heart-wrenching vulnerability intersects with spine-chilling suspense, carrying readers on an emotional odyssey that grapples with the power of shame, the fragility of certainty, and the courage required to confront the mistakes of the past.

Brace yourself for a roller coaster of suspense as Steven James invites readers on a dark and thrilling ride through the mysterious corridors between worlds.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Some words have the power to impale your heart.

And sometimes that's quick and merciful.

But sometimes it's terrible and long and torturous and seems like it will never end.

And I've been on both sides of the impaling.

Friday 56

When I'm slow in responding, Grams says, "Sahara, don't you be lettin' pain become your home. The deeper anger grows roots in your heart, the harder it is to weed it out when the time comes. And that time better come."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: My Ghost Only Haunts Her Favorite Vampires by Rachel E Scott

About the Book
What happens when a dangerous Vampire meets a Ghost that’s a goodie-two-shoes?

He falls for her, of course.

Thea Donovan has heard the stereotypes about Ghosts her whole life. How they can stick their hand in your chest and rip out your heart without you ever seeing it. But she knows the stigmas are wrong. After all, she’s a Ghost herself. But when her brother is wrongly accused of a mass attack, her usual efforts to win people over won’t be enough to free him. She’s going to need some help.

Enter Killian James. Killian has only one mission in life: to take down the Organization and get his revenge. When the arrest of a young Ghost appears to be connected to the very group that Killian has spent over a decade hunting, he decides to look into it. Turns out that the young Ghost has a sister who’s willing to do anything to free her brother. Even work with Killian.

Thea isn’t sure that making a deal with the infamous Vampire is in her best interest, but it is in her brother’s. So, despite Killian’s reputation and his indifferent attitude, she agrees to partner up with him. Between his connections and her Ghostly skillset, they should be able to free her brother and put an end to the Organization. If they don’t die first.

But Killian has become fond of the Ghost that haunts the cold cavity where his heart used to be, and he’ll employ any measures to keep her safe. No matter the cost.

My Ghost Only Haunts Her Favorite Vampires is the first book in The Haunted Lovers Department. This is a series of Halloween themed standalones set in a cozy world where it’s always autumn. These books, like all of Rachel E. Scott’s books, are clean reads that have no gratuitous violence, sex, or vulgar language.

*While these books are inspired by Halloween, none of the creatures nor the story elements are creepy or gruesome in any way. These books can be read in any order but are best read chronologically.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was the perfect cozy fall read! I loved it!

The world building was great. It wasn't overly complicated, which I appreciated. I enjoyed learning about the different types of paranomals. Their trademarks and abilities were so interesting!

I thought Autumnvale was such a charming setting! I wouldn’t mind living in a place that’s fall all the time.

The characters were wonderful. They were so fleshed out and, even though this is a fantasy book, they were so real. I felt for Thea. She received a lot of unwarranted hate just for being a Ghost, but I admired her strength and how she never gave up. I was really intrigued by Killian. He was a complex guy who I enjoyed getting to know.

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last. I had a lot of fun reading it and look forward to more from her. If you’re looking for a charming and cozy closed-door romantasy with all the fall vibes, you’ll love this book!

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Cook (Queen Esther's Court) by Tessa Afshar

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Queen's Cook (Queen Esther's Court) by Tessa Afshar releasing November 19.

About the Book

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings, but instead he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother while settling the debt, Roxannah approaches Adin--the man whose kind eyes still haunt her--to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah strives to overcome prejudice and adversity as she ascends through the ranks in the royal kitchen. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther herself, a woman of grace and wisdom, who is navigating treacherous palace politics and whispers of her inability to produce an heir after six years of marriage. Amid this unfolding connection, Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Amestris and Esther's reign hang in the balance.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?