Dark Harvest.

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to the author, Persis Lassister for providing with E ARC, in exchange for an honest review. 

 

 RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 14,2025 

 

When the dead won’t stay buried, the living aren’t safe either. 

 
After losing her job as a morgue technician, Raven thinks working at a Halloween fall camp will be a harmless way to pass the season. But the camp is far from ordinary—campers have a tendency to vanish, and whispers of missing teens haunt the cabins at night. 

Enter Damien, a mysterious camp counselor with a shadowy charm and secrets that make Raven’s dark humor seem almost normal. As the disappearances escalate, Raven realizes the camp is hiding more than tricks and treats—and she might be in danger of becoming part of its terrifying game.
Between the chilling mysteries, stolen moments of passion, and a growing attraction she can’t ignore, Raven must survive the season… or fall for the darkness.

 🌷

 
Haunting. 

Be ready to read this until you reach the end. From the moment I read the first few sentences of Dark Harvest, I knew that I would have a hard time putting this book down. I shouldn’t be surprised, since I’m already one of the biggest Persis Lassister fans. It’s the way that she describes everything that is going on that pulls you into the story instantly. I tend to be picky when it comes to horror/spooky books, but I loved the way that Persis set up the scene, and the way she described everything; I imagined as if I were there, as if I were Raven. 

I loved Raven and Damien, although sometimes I had mixed opinions about him. There was a part of me that knew there was a reason I was wary of him, but I couldn’t help but love him at the same time. I loved the setting; it gave such a creepy vibe, and this novella will give you the Halloween vibes. I loved this story so much, including the setting and the characters, but I don’t want to give too much away. You will have to read to find out. It is one of the best horrors/spooky stories I have read. Highly recommended!

The Christmas Keepsake(Love In Bloom,#2)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to the publisher,Forever(Grand Central ) for providing with E ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.  

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree. 

Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show. 

Two things are keeping Mallory A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up. 

As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic. 

 🌷

 
What a beautiful story! 

The Christmas Keepsake impacted me deeply. I finished the story last night and can’t seem get it out of my head. This story is what I love about holiday stories, and the type of stories that you can read year-round. I have a feeling that The Christmas Keepsake will be the book that I will be returning to in the future. I adored this book from beginning to end. If I didn't have to study, I'd spend all day reading this remarkable story. The Christmas Keepsake is not just a love story, but it’s a story about family, friendships, grief, healing, and hope. 

I’ve been reading Annie Rains books since 2017 and loved the ones I have read. However, I have to say that Christmas Keepsake is my favorite; the one book that you won’t be able to put down, no matter how hard you try. I recommended this book to my friends who I know would love it. I loved Mallory from the start. I know it couldn’t be easy to see someone you love, not remembering you, and trying to put up a front and work simultaneously. I connected with Mallory more than with the other characters. I had a great-grandmother who had dementia, and I remember the heartbreak I felt when she no longer remembered me. She might not have seen it, but Mallory was strong, and I loved that she didn’t give up. 

One of the things that I love about this book is that as a reader, you find yourself connecting to most of the characters in the story, including the minor characters. I read The Finders Keepers Library last year, and I loved Savannah's story, but I loved Mallory's story more, and I can't help but wonder about the next one. I loved reading Nan’s journal and how each homemade ornament went with different parts of her story. I cried several times while reading Nan’s journal entries, feeling as if I was there with Nan, feeling all those emotions that she was feeling. It was as if I traveled back in time. Of course, I couldn’t help but love Hollis. I like the way that he was helping others, especially Mallory. I found myself rooting for the two of them from the start. The Christmas Keepsake already makes me want more holiday stories. A must-read.

The French Kitchen.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to publisher,Thomas Nelson Fiction for  E ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Paris, 1952 -- An ex-pat wife living in Paris signs up for a cookery class taught by an American chef with an indomitable wit and decidedly French airs--an instructor by name of Julia Child. Amongst classes of the L'Ecole des Trois Gourmandes, with pots and pans and prim Paris wives learning to sauté in the French way, Kat Fontaine learns much more than she bargained for. 

Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, Kat soon finds a simple cookery class unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war and questions about the high-ranking society husband whose past is as murky as her own. But when the puzzle pieces start to come together--and her carefully crafted Paris world begins to fall apart--Kat must confront her own secrets against the mounting suspicions of the husband she thought she knew . . . 

Rue, 1943 -- Deep in the heart of Nazi-controlled northern France, Manon Altier shifts between working for the enemy by day--as a French chef at the famous Château du Broutel, where names like Himmler, Rommel, and Goebbels frequent the guest list--and running with underground networks against the Vichy regime at night. Working undercover to filter information to agents within the burgeoning OSS, Manon digs deep into the glitz and glamour of a Nazi stronghold that has her teetering on the edge of being discovered at any turn. But when an intriguing stranger appears at the chateau claiming to work with the French Resistance, Manon must lean on her instincts to judge whether to run and hide or stand firm--even as a terrifying discovery tests her resolve to continue the fight.

 🌷

 
I love historical fiction, especially the ones that are different and unique. I have been reading historical fiction for years and have read a few different versions and takes on WWII. What I loved about The French Kitchen was that it differed from any other historical fiction I have read. This book's level of detail was outstanding; as a reader, it makes everything easier for me to visualize. As I read, I could see it so clearly; like a movie playing in my mind. That was my favorite part of the book. The story started out interesting, but halfway through, it seemed to shift to a slower pace for me, only to pick up again after a few chapters. Also, the shift between the different timelines was slightly confusing for me at the beginning. But as I continued reading the story, I understood why she structured it that way. 

Of all the characters in the book, Kat was my favorite. I admired her courage, resilience, and how she never gave up looking for her brother. Although I enjoyed reading from Manon’s perspective, I always looked forward to reading Kat’s story. Although sometimes I was afraid of how Kat’s story might end. I liked the way that Cambron had a way where all the characters stood out, even the main characters. Even though I cannot begin to imagine what they had to endure, reading this book, I felt as if I did. It was as if I was stepping into their shoes. I still cannot get these characters out of my mind. Incredible. 

I heard of Julia Child, but I knew her as a chef. I had no idea about her backstory, which was fascinating. I even found myself researching after I finished the book. What I loved about the book is the powerful friendships and relationships between the characters. I could go on about this book, but I don’t want to give the story away; you must read it to find out for yourself. This is my 2nd book by Kristy Cambron and so far, my favorite. I cannot wait to check out the others.

Cuckoo In The Nest.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to the publisher,Boldwood Books for E-ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

I've moved into a shared house. My three new housemates aren't just reserved, there's a distinct chill in the air, an unspoken tension that makes me uneasy. 

I'm not here to make friends, though. 

I have my own secrets. 

Nikki is like a sister to me and I'm here to find out what happened to her. 

Where is she? 

I'm convinced someone knows more than they're letting on. Is she simply missing? Or has something far more sinister occurred within these walls? 

I'm not leaving until I find out if Nikki is alive or dead. 

 

 🌷

 
What a wild ride! When I came across Cuckoo In The Nest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since Diane Saxon is a new author to me. The title and cover caught my attention; it looked exactly like the type of thriller I enjoy reading. Just look at that cover! You can’t help but be intrigued by the story. The story did not disappoint me; it was just the type of thriller I enjoy, the one that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing. Almost every page had me wondering what would happen next, if Alex found out what happened to Nikki. From the start, you can’t help but wonder who was responsible for Nikki’s disappearance. 

The dual timeline worked well for this story; you see what happens through Nikki and Alex’s eyes. Throughout the story, I had a bad feeling that one of the housemates was responsible for what happened to Nikki. Like Alex, I tried to put all the clues together, based on those messages that Nikki sent to Alex. Part of me was afraid to see what Alex would discover. I liked the way that the author kept you on edge of your seat until almost the end of the book. I did feel that the book's first part was slower than the book's second half. However, once the story picked up, I kept turning the pages because I was having difficulty finding a stopping point. 

Suspense was one of the best parts of this story. I enjoyed that not only the main characters stood out, but also the minor characters. I could keep going on what else I liked about this story, but I don’t want to give too much of the story away. I am glad I got the chance to read this book, and I cannot wait to check out the rest of Diane Saxon’s work. Highly recommended for any thriller fans.

Dream Girl Drama(Big Shots,#3)

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★  

 

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne. 

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged. 

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister. 

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more…

 

 🌷

 
It’s official. Tessa Bailey has become one of my favorite romance authors. Dream Girl Drama had so many things that I love about romance, but I liked the fact that this story had so much more than romance. I loved how Sig convinced her to follow her dream and become more independent. However, part of me wondered if he did it because he wanted Chloe to be closer to him. It didn’t take me long to see how much Sig cared about Chloe. I have been curious about Chloe and Sig since they were introduced in the 2nd book. I was curious about how they met and what had happened since then. I was excited to read their story, and I knew from the first page that it was going to be a story that I would have a hard time putting down. 

Most of the book captivated me to the moment where I only put it down when I had to. I liked Sig and how he cared for Chloe; however, I did feel that he was too possessive, which was one of the qualities I didn’t like about him. It just didn’t feel right to me. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen between them, given that their parents were getting married. Their attraction was obvious from the instant they met. Despite their complex relationship, I found myself cheering for them to find a way to be together. Based on how she acted at the beginning of the book, I thought I would have a hard time liking Chloe. Out of all characters, Chloe is the one who took me by surprise with her transformation and ended up becoming one of my favorite characters. That is what I love about this book, most of the characters stand out, including the minor characters. 

Wells and Josephine were my favorite couple from this series; Chloe and Sig are now my second favorite. There was something about the two of them; just the way they were with each other, I knew they belonged with each other. Even though there were times that I got annoyed with Sig, I could see his reasons behind it. Big Shots has definitely become one of my favorite sports romance series, and I am excited to read Robbie and Skylar’s story in Pitcher Perfect.

Key To The Island House.

 

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5★

Thank you to publisher,Bookoture for  E ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 25,2025 

 

 

Egypt, 1942. After her husband and baby son are killed, Nadia flees to Villa Eden in Cairo. The gorgeous scents of the blooms and calming water garden soothe her aching heart… and give her the strength to keep fighting. 

With a group of other young Europeans at the villa, she works undercover against the Nazi threat to Egypt. Friendships form as they host extravagant parties for ambassadors and generals – and gather vital information whispered in quiet corners. 

Until betrayal snatches yet another person she loves from Nadia. And the villa’s high walls may be the only place to keep a dark wartime secret safe… 

Cairo, present day. After the death of her fiancé, Sophie arrives in Egypt, clutching an old photograph of her aunt. Sophie always loved her stories, but all Aunt Nadia would say about the villa was that she could never return. 

Sophie hopes that solving the mysteries of her aunt’s past will help her deal with all the loss in her life. But when she finds a note in her aunt’s handwriting, tucked in the villa’s library, it seems Nadia has lied to her for her whole life…
Sophie is left questioning everything. Will the truth from the war tear her apart, just as it did her aunt? Or will facing these secrets help heal not just her own heartbreak, but also one from decades ago?

 

 🌷

 

 
What a heartbreaking, yet astonishing story. 

I feel like I shouldn’t be surprised by this author by now. The Key To The Island House is my third book by Amanda Lees , and yet again I found myself on the edge of my seat while reading this story. As a reader, it doesn’t take long to get captivated by the story and fall in love with the characters; each is unique in many ways. I love how Lees pulls you into each of the characters' stories, visualizing and feeling everything that the characters are. I still cannot get Sophie and Nadia's story out of my mind. Such astonishing women. 

This is one of the things that I adore about Women’s Fiction. I liked how Lees interweaves the two timelines, and this was one of those times when I didn’t have a preferred timeline. I loved both Sophie’s and Nadia’s perspectives, both of which had so much going on. I felt that Nadia’s timeline had a slower start than Sophie’s, but it didn’t take me long to reach the point when I kept turning the pages because I was so engrossed in the story. loved that it took place in Egypt, which is not a setting you see often in books. All the descriptions made me picture myself in Egypt with both Sophie and Nadia. 

Character development was phenomenal, especially for Sophie. In my opinion, she has changed in so many ways since the beginning of the book. Of course, I loved that it was a historical mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat even more, making you wonder and anxious to see what will happen next. I’m officially one of the biggest Amanda Lees fans and cannot wait to read her other works. Highly recommended for historical fiction and mystery fans.

The Lost Story Of Eva Fuentes.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to publisher,Berkley for providing me with E-ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 30,2025.

London, 2024: When American expat Margo Reynolds is hired to source a book that’s more than one hundred and twenty years old, she thinks her greatest challenge is going to be that there’s only one copy in existence. However, it quickly becomes clear that her client isn’t the only person determined to procure the book at any cost. Thrust into a deadly quest, Margo teams up with an unlikely ally—the man she loved and lost—and is forced to confront the ghosts of her own past as the lingering feelings that simmer between them ignite. 

Havana, 1966: Pilar Castillo’s days are spent working as a librarian in Havana, her nights spent hoping for her husband’s freedom after his unjust imprisonment. But Pilar has a secret that could jeopardize her life. She’s fighting Fidel’s regime in her own way, and when she comes into possession of a book that was published more than sixty years earlier, she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to protect the literary works entrusted to her care. 

Boston, 1900: For Cuban teacher Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to participate in the largest cultural exchange between Cuba and the United States is not only a chance to represent her country at a critical time in its bid for independence, but also an opportunity to work on the book she’s writing. When a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger alters the course of Eva’s summer at Harvard, and as secrets, lies, and forbidden love rise to the surface, Eva’s life—and legacy—is irrevocably changed. 

 

 🌷

 
Chanel Cleeton did it again! I cannot get this story out of my mind; it is heartwarming yet heartbreaking. I know that I shouldn’t be surprised since I have been reading the author since 2020, and I loved every single one of her books that I have read. The Lost Story Of Eva Fuentes is one of those stories that you find yourself captivated by the plot and connecting with all the characters from the first page. Every page had something happening, and as the story progressed, it got harder for me to put the book down, and on a few occasions, I stayed up later than I should have. 

I enjoyed reading from three different timelines. I liked the way that the author connected the three timelines in one book. Every timeline had me on the edge of my seat, eager to see what would happen with Pilar, Eva, and Margo next. Although I loved all the timelines and characters, I did feel that Margo’s had the most suspense; whenever I was reading from her timeline, I was glued to the pages and kept turning the pages because I was anxious to see how it would end. Each character holds a special place in my heart. I cannot seem to get them out of my mind. Although I loved all the books I read by Cleeton, this has become my favorite one. 

I loved the different settings in this book, and Cleeton described it so vividly that I could imagine myself there, along with Eva, Pilar and Margo. The combination of mystery and historical fiction worked brilliantly. I could say a lot more about what I liked about this story, but I don't want to spoil anything before the release. You will have to pick up the book to find out. I would recommend this book to all history fiction and mystery fans. A must read for book lovers.

Wrong Kind Of Perfect.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5★

Thank you to the Love Story PR and author,Jillian Marie For E ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 16,2025

 

 

What if the life you built… wasn’t the one meant for you?

 
Natalie Bradford should be happy. 

She has everything she ever dreamed of — a loving husband, two wonderful children, and a beautiful life in sunny Orange County. But behind the curated smiles and perfectly packed school lunches lies a woman slowly unraveling. Her marriage is more routine than romance. Her days blur together. And somewhere along the way, Natalie lost sight of who she really is. 

Then comes Will Parker. 

He’s everything she’s not supposed to want — gorgeous, magnetic, and completely off-limits. But their connection is undeniable. A chance encounter becomes something deeper, more dangerous. As the tension builds, so does Natalie’s craving for something real… something that reminds her she’s still alive. 

Torn between loyalty and longing, Natalie must
Is she willing to risk everything for the wrong kind of perfect?

 

 🌷

 
I love reading debut novels. Even though you never know what to expect from them, seeing what you will discover is exciting. When I came across Wrong Kind Of Perfect on Instagram, the title alone hooked me, followed by the cover. I couldn’t help but be curious about the story. It was such heartwarming story, but the one that dealt with real life issues. I liked how the author described everything and portrayed the characters’ emotions. I could see it and feel it all, like a movie. Just when I thought that I came across a part where I could put the book down, I found myself turning the pages more because I felt so captivated by the characters that I wanted to see what would happen with them next. 

The first few chapters started slowly for me, but once the story picked up, I couldn’t get enough of it and the characters. I loved Natalie, Will, the most, but I also adored Natalie’s sister and the kids. Natalie’s sister reminded me of my best friend, who is like a sister but who would do anything for me. I’m glad that Natalie had that type of bond with her sister. Of all the characters, Natalie was the one that I could relate to the most. I preferred reading from her perspective the most. 

I liked how Will and Natalie’s relationship developed through the book. Even though I knew I probably shouldn’t have, I rooted for the two of them from the beginning. No matter how hard I tried, the one character I couldn’t seem to relate to was Natalie’s husband, Jason. He just fell flat for me. The ending was the most surprising; it was far from what I had expected, and I am still unsure how I feel about it. Wrong Kind Of Perfect is more than a love story; it’s also about self-discovery. Congratulations to Jillian Marie on her book! I’m excited about what she has in store for us next.

Second Time's Sweeter.

 

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to the publisher, Attic and author,Melissa Mastro For E ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

A recipe contest brings two finalists to a chocolate factory in Belgium where they face off—and find love—in this heartwarming and hopeful story about second chances.

 
Ophelia Watson is having a hard time, so when she sees a news article about a recipe competition that offers a grand prize of $25,000 and a trip to Europe, she immediately jumps at the opportunity.
Tate Ripley is struggling, too, and with a nudge from his best friend, he begrudgingly submits a recipe to an annual competition in honor of International Chocolate Day. He isn’t expecting much; it’s just a silly recipe contest, after all. But, to his surprise, it becomes so much more. 

Ophelia and Tate meet in Brussels, Belgium, to see who will be crowned champion. Only one can take home the grand prize, but they might both leave winners. 

Chocolate may not be the answer to all of life’s problems, but it can definitely make things sweeter, and sometimes, it can even be the catalyst for a second chance at love.

 🌷

 
This was such a sweet story! I adored it in so many ways. I had always loved short stories. Even though they are brief, they can still capture your heart. That’s the feeling I got while reading Second Time’s Sweeter, and I connected with both Ophelia and Tate, but mostly Ophelia. I liked how Melissa portrayed those characters' emotions; it was so vivid that I felt those same emotions. The only issue with short stories is that once you reach the end, you find yourself craving more, and that’s the same feeling I got from this story. I wanted to know what would happen to Tate and Ophelia after. 

I loved it because it was a cooking competition, I love those and have seen quite a few of them over the years. I liked it because it was a different cooking competition. I felt for Ophelia, and I could relate to her because when I was 16, someone close to me went through precisely the same thing that Ophelia was going through. I already know that I'm going to read anything Melissa Mastro writes. I am excited to see what she has for us next!

Worst Nanny Ever(Babes Of Brewing,#2)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the Author Agency and author,Angela Casella For E ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

 RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 12,2025

She's horribly unqualified...and everything they both need.

 
Travis

 
The last time I saw my ex-fling, she was toasting her engagement to a record producer. So when I heard she'd had a baby, I assumed he was the father...until she showed up at my house seven years later with a little boy and said, "Your turn." 

I’m a drummer who works afternoons and nights. My life is loud, chaotic, and definitely not kid-friendly. But I was raised by a nanny, and I see no harm in finding one for my son. 

Too bad he rejects every single person I hire. 

The only person he actually likes? 

Not a nanny. She's a friend of a friend and the former floor manager at a brewery. But she has just enough childcare experience that I offer her the job out of desperation...and instantly regret it.
Hannah is a bossy, opinionated hurricane of a woman who tests my patience, my sanity, and my number one don't fall for the nanny.

 
Hannah

 
Let the record show, I am not a professional nanny. I did, however, help raise my little brother, so I know my way around a juice box and a tantrum. Which is more than Travis can say. 

My new boss is uptight, repressed, and needs more help than he realizes, especially since single parenthood isn't the only challenge he's facing. His band is about to become more than just a hobby, and the past he doesn't want to acknowledge is pushing its way into the present. 

I was determined to pop in, whip things into shape, and leave, but the more I get to know them, the more I want to stay...

 

 🌷

 
Have you ever encountered a book in which, after a few pages, you knew that you would love the story? That’s the feeling I got about Worst Nanny Ever after reading the first chapter. Maybe it was the way it was written or the emotions I got through the characters; I found myself in their shoes, feeling and doing everything they were. It took everything in my power to put this book down. If it weren’t for college, I would have read it until I finished it. I was captivated by the story and the characters; even a few of the minor characters stood out for me, as did the setting. 

I loved most of the characters in the story, but my favorites were Hannah, Travis, and Ollie. I liked how the author developed the relationship between Travis, Hannan, and Ollie; it felt real. I haven’t read the first book in the series because I didn’t realize there was one until this one started. However, I didn’t feel lost at all, and now that I have read Worst Nanny Ever, I plan to go back and read the first one. Plus, I’m curious about Rob and Sophie’s story. I loved how caring Hannah was, not just with Ollie but Travis and her friends. She reminded me of a few of my friends, the type of person you want on your side. 

I enjoyed the humor in this story, especially the banter between Travis and Hannah. I adored the way all the friends were there for one another. I could go on about what else I liked about the story, but I don’t want to give too much away; you have to read to find out. I’m already excited for Briar’s book. Highly recommended.