Review: The Christmas Door by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Closed doors protect. Open doors invite. This Christmas, one door will change everything.

Influencer Amayah Harper is known for finding beauty in forgotten places—especially in weathered doors and the stories behind them, which she shares with her fast-growing audience. When a journalist arrives to feature her work, Amayah feels an unexpected pull toward him, even as she senses he’s hiding carefully guarded secrets.

Luke Cross needs a career-making story, not a connection. Instead, he finds a woman whose kindness disarms him and whose faith challenges everything he thought he understood—leaving him caught between ambition and truth.

As unsettling events begin to disrupt Amayah’s peaceful life, Luke is drawn into far more than a simple exposé. Together, they’re forced to confront past wounds, unexpected truths, and the possibility that God sometimes opens doors they never knew existed.

A cozy Christmas romance with a touch of suspense—filled with warmth, hope, and the quiet miracles that happen when hearts dare to open.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely adored this story! It was such a heartwarming and faith-filled Christmas romance. I enjoyed the touch of suspense too.

Amayah was a very likable character. She had such a kind soul. I loved seeing her strong and steady faith and her total and complete trust in God. It was so inspiring! I thought her Door Project was a neat idea. The symbolism of the doors was moving and really left me thinking.

I didn’t know what to think of Luke at first. I knew he meant well with his assignment, but I was worried about the damage he could do with it. I enjoyed getting to know him, though. It was good seeing his character growth.

The Crump kids were a handful, to say the least, but my heart went out to them. They were trying their best.

This might be a quick read, but it packs a lot of goodness into it! If you’re looking for a quick, faith-filled Christmas story, grab a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed. I loved it!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Christmas Door by Christy Barritt

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 The Christmas Door by Christy Barritt. This is a really sweet Christmas romance that has a touch of suspense. I'm almost done and have really loved it! 

About the Book

Closed doors protect. Open doors invite. This Christmas, one door will change everything.

Influencer Amayah Harper is known for finding beauty in forgotten places—especially in weathered doors and the stories behind them, which she shares with her fast-growing audience. When a journalist arrives to feature her work, Amayah feels an unexpected pull toward him, even as she senses he’s hiding carefully guarded secrets.

Luke Cross needs a career-making story, not a connection. Instead, he finds a woman whose kindness disarms him and whose faith challenges everything he thought he understood—leaving him caught between ambition and truth.

As unsettling events begin to disrupt Amayah’s peaceful life, Luke is drawn into far more than a simple exposé. Together, they’re forced to confront past wounds, unexpected truths, and the possibility that God sometimes opens doors they never knew existed.

A cozy Christmas romance with a touch of suspense—filled with warmth, hope, and the quiet miracles that happen when hearts dare to open.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Amayah Harper angled her phone toward the front door, watching as the tripod holding it sank into the thin, powdery snow on the sidewalk.

Friday 56

Luke couldn't remember the last time he'd laughed like that.

Not the controlled, polite kind of chuckles. But the real laughter, the kind that came from somewhere unguarded.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Christmas on the Goblin Express by J. J. Fischer

About the Book

For Claire Samson, the only way to survive Christmas this year is to escape it.

High-achieving Australian medical student Claire Samson has struggled to enjoy Christmas in recent years, but this is the first Christmas she will be all alone, with her parents overseas and her grandfather in a coma. Claire is desperate to quit med school, but medicine was Grandpa’s dream for her, and her rural hometown desperately needs more doctors—doctors which could have changed her grandfather’s prognosis.

Just when Claire thinks Christmas will be unbearable, a steam train straight out of Platform 9 ¾ appears . . . a train invisible to all but Claire. It’s the Goblin Express, run by Christmas-hating elves and full of washed-up souls from hundreds of worlds who come aboard to escape the holidays. As it turns out, humans aren’t the only species who can loathe their festive seasons.

Upon boarding, Claire befriends several of her fellow travelers, including a mysterious hooded figure who totally gives her Strider vibes and may or may not actually be a night elf. But when the Goblin Express comes under attack, Claire and her new group of mismatched friends must band together to save the train . . . and maybe even find a little bit of Christmas spirit in the process.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a fun Christmas story. It’s whimsical and unique and so heartwarming! It was exactly the type of book I needed right now.

Claire was a very likeable heroine and was easy to relate to. I really felt for her and what she was going through with her grandpa. Quinn was my favorite character. He was so mysterious. I was eager to find out more about him. I also really liked seeing all the different people and creatures on the train.

While this book was fun and had me laughing out loud in spots, I also appreciated it touching on the grief that can surround Christmas. It can be hard when you’re missing loved ones. There was a scene that really touched my heart. It had me near tears.

I highly, highly recommend this heartwarming and fantastical story. I loved it so much and know I’ll want to reread it every Christmas.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Whiteout: Two Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason & Dani Pettrey

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 Whiteout by Lynette Eason & Dani Pettrey releasing February 3. 

About the Book

Brace yourself for a snowbound adventure in this 2-in-1 novella collection from your favorite romantic suspense authors as an avalanche forces two couples to face down their enemies in a ski resort shut off from the outside world.

In "Buried in Shadows" by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker didn't follow her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man Cassandra left at the altar to save his life. When an avalanche traps their skiing party in an abandoned lodge, it soon becomes dangerously clear Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he is willing to kill to make her his.

In "Snowbound Secrets" by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Christmas on the Goblin Express by J. J. Fischer

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 Christmas on the Goblin Express by J. J. Fischer.

About the Book

For Claire Samson, the only way to survive Christmas this year is to escape it.

High-achieving Australian medical student Claire Samson has struggled to enjoy Christmas in recent years, but this is the first Christmas she will be all alone, with her parents overseas and her grandfather in a coma. Claire is desperate to quit med school, but medicine was Grandpa’s dream for her, and her rural hometown desperately needs more doctors—doctors which could have changed her grandfather’s prognosis.

Just when Claire thinks Christmas will be unbearable, a steam train straight out of Platform 9 ¾ appears . . . a train invisible to all but Claire. It’s the Goblin Express, run by Christmas-hating elves and full of washed-up souls from hundreds of worlds who come aboard to escape the holidays. As it turns out, humans aren’t the only species who can loathe their festive seasons.

Upon boarding, Claire befriends several of her fellow travelers, including a mysterious hooded figure who totally gives her Strider vibes and may or may not actually be a night elf. But when the Goblin Express comes under attack, Claire and her new group of mismatched friends must band together to save the train . . . and maybe even find a little bit of Christmas spirit in the process.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

December is a month best served cold. Grandpa told me that once, and he was right, as always.

Friday 56

A jolting sensation, like the feeling you get when your body lurches awake before you've fully fallen asleep - hypnic jerks, I recall from a sleep lecture I ironically struggled to remain awake for - literally throws me out of bed. 

What have you been reading?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Atlas (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 1) by Ronie Kendig

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 Atlas (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 1) by Ronie Kendig releasing January 27, 2026.

About the Book

Some hearts are worth fighting for—even when the battle comes home.

Olympic sharpshooter McKenna Neeley thought her biggest challenge was living up to her legendary father's legacy as Nightshade's team sniper. But working as a junior Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, she's about to face her most perilous mission yet—and it has nothing to do with diplomacy.

When a high-stakes dinner party brings Dante Riddell back into her life, McKenna's carefully ordered world tilts off its axis. The brooding security specialist from Omen Tactical Group was her childhood crush, but now he's all grown up—and guarding secrets as closely as he guards his VIP clients.

Despite finally being claimed by his father as a teen, Dante has spent his life believing he isn’t worthy of the Nightshade legacy. When his duty collides with McKenna's consular work sparks fly and keeping their distance becomes impossible. She's everything he remembers and more—brilliant, compassionate, and dangerously distracting. His job is simple: complete the mission and walk away before his damaged heart gets involved.

But when a deadly enemy disrupts peace talks, simple plans shatter like glass.

Trapped together in a web of international intrigue, McKenna and Dante must trust each other—and God’s plan—forging a love that's been years in the making. Because sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with weapons, but with faith, forgiveness, and the courage to believe in second chances.

Can two wounded hearts find healing in each other's arms, or will the shadows of their past destroy their chance at forever?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Menagerie of Dragons (The Gilded Age of Dragons Book 1) by Christina Baehr

About the Book
Ormdale, Yorkshire, 1910

Una Worms thinks nothing of putting out a salamander fire or soothing a feverish wyvern, and she is never, ever late for tea.

At only 19, the youngest daughter of England’s famous dragon-keeping family is the one who keeps life running smoothly for everyone at the Royal Menagerie of British and Foreign Dragons.

But when a mysterious villain infiltrates the menagerie—and even worse, Una’s prodigal sister, Violet, appears unannounced—Una’s tidy schedule is thrown into turmoil, and she will have to confront parts of her past she would rather forget.

Meanwhile in London, restless suffragette Penny Fairweather stumbles across a story that could launch her journalistic career, even as her irritating civil servant brother, Crispin, is drawn into a thrilling shadow-realm of espionage. When both hit the trail of a dragon-obsessed secret society, the Fairweather siblings will have to decide which is more important: their ambitions or their lifelong rivalry.

Next in the much-loved world of Wormwood Abbey comes a new series from Christina Baehr, The Gilded Age of Dragons, set in a dazzling era where mythical creatures must compete with airships for the heart of a generation.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I loved The Secrets of Ormdale series so much and was so eager for this spinoff series that's set ten years later. It did not disappoint! In fact, it was even better than I was expecting.

I loved seeing beloved characters but also loved meeting the new ones too. And I absolutely adored all the dragons!

I liked that part of this story took place in the countryside and another part in London. I liked seeing the dichotomy of the two places.

I enjoyed seeing the ever-evolving family dynamics and sisterly bond between Una and Violet. Things might've been strained, but you could see that the love was still there, as was the hope that things could get better.

Reading this book felt like coming home again. I loved it so much! It was a fun read that also touched upon serious social issues as well. I’m very much looking forward to the next book! Fans of the first series will love it, but people new to it will enjoy it as well. I highly, highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Menagerie of Dragons (The Gilded Age of Dragons Book 1) by Christina Baehr

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 A Menagerie of Dragons (The Gilded Age of Dragons Book 1) by Christina Baehr. I'm almost finished reading it and have absolutely adored it! 

About the Book

Ormdale, Yorkshire, 1910

Una Worms thinks nothing of putting out a salamander fire or soothing a feverish wyvern, and she is never, ever late for tea.

At only 19, the youngest daughter of England’s famous dragon-keeping family is the one who keeps life running smoothly for everyone at the Royal Menagerie of British and Foreign Dragons.

But when a mysterious villain infiltrates the menagerie—and even worse, Una’s prodigal sister, Violet, appears unannounced—Una’s tidy schedule is thrown into turmoil, and she will have to confront parts of her past she would rather forget.

Meanwhile in London, restless suffragette Penny Fairweather stumbles across a story that could launch her journalistic career, even as her irritating civil servant brother, Crispin, is drawn into a thrilling shadow-realm of espionage. When both hit the trail of a dragon-obsessed secret society, the Fairweather siblings will have to decide which is more important: their ambitions or their lifelong rivalry.

Next in the much-loved world of Wormwood Abbey comes a new series from Christina Baehr, The Gilded Age of Dragons, set in a dazzling era where mythical creatures must compete with airships for the heart of a generation.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday (From the Prologue)

Ormdale, Yorkshire, 1896

She did not like being called Baby.

Friday 56

"I'm not sorry I threw the brick," Penny blurted.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Track of Courage (Call of the Wild Book 1) by Susan May Warren

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 Track of Courage (Call of the Wild Book 1) by Susan May Warren releasing January 6.

About the Book

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop Singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaska blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Risking His Heart (Christmas in Redemption Ridge) by Emily Conrad

About the Book

Falling for her best friend is not on her (forced, way-too-early, medical) retirement bucket list.

Career-driven cop Neenah Casper is forced by an injury to turn in her badge at age thirty-two. The same day she’s named guardian of an orphaned fifteen-year-old girl. With all her plans in pieces, it’s no wonder she starts feeling more than friendship for her supportive best friend Cody. But life’s taught her nothing lasts forever, and surely these feelings will pass once she finds a new life’s purpose.

Though Neenah friend-zoned him years ago, Officer Cody Adams has never stopped watching her back and hoping for more. Helping with her new ward could be just the opportunity to show her how much more he could be. Meanwhile, he’s also fighting to earn a promotion and impress his unpleasable police chief father by catching a home burglar and a Christmastime prankster. Neenah’s newly minted neighborhood watch might help him save Christmas and earn the job, if only the group didn’t bring complications of its own.

As Neenah and Cody wrangle octogenarian vigilantes, Christmas bandits, and complicated families, the chemistry between them only grows. But if they act on it, they won’t be able to go back. With their friendship and careers on the line, is love worth the risk?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a sweet small-town Christmas romance! I always love Emily Conrad’s books, but this one might just top them all. I absolutely adored it!

I really liked Neenah and Cody. Neenah had been through a lot. Having to retire early from her job as a police officer really shook her. I really felt for her, but loved seeing her discover herself and her purpose again. Cody was a genuinely good guy. So likeable and easy to root for. His relationship with his dad wasn’t the best. But I loved seeing him come into his own and stand up for what he wanted.

I really enjoyed the mystery of the decoration-stealing Yeti. I was so invested in it and curious what the outcome would be.

If you’re a fan of sweet, faith-filled Christmas romances, you’ll love this book! I highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS