Five Fall Favorites: Community

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Day One of the Five Fall Favorites event, hosted by Katja Labonte. This is an absolutely massive event, so you don’t want to miss all of the goings-on. Visit Katja’s blog, linked above, to find the full list of participating bloggers, and don’t miss the other bloggers in Team Hedgehog, of whom are listed at the end of this post.

There is also a giveaway and a daily opportunity to grab some free books provided by some of the bloggers. Learn more about the giveaway here and visit Katja’s blog, linked above, to learn which books are free today.

Today’s category is books featuring community. Read on to see my recommendations. Have you read any of these or are any on your TBR?

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A HEART’S HOPE by PENNY ZELLER

Community Element: A welcoming community filled with good-hearted people, some of whom can be chaotic in a well-meaning way (looking at you, Lucille).

Review Snippet: The romance is heartfelt and sweet, the characters are a mix of amusing and endearing, and the plot will hook you from the first page.

Blurb:

She’s from high society. He’s a humble rancher. Can an unorthodox marriage lead to love?

To what lengths will one woman go to rescue her sister? Desperate to save her sister from a deadly situation, McKenzie Chesterton takes matters into her own hands. If saving her sister means becoming a mail-order bride, then that is exactly what she would do. Even if it means traveling to the Montana Territory from the safety and comfort of her family’s Boston home. What McKenzie doesn’t count on is the risk of falling in love with her new husband.

Noah Sawyer just wants two things: to raise his son well and run his ranch. That’s why he allows a well-meaning busybody to talk him into placing a mail-order bride ad. While this is an unusual way of meeting one’s future spouse, Noah has faith that the Lord will bring just the right woman into his life. What he doesn’t count on is McKenzie Chesterton and the secret she brings with her.

What happens when truths are disclosed, and McKenzie’s real reason for answering Noah’s advertisement comes to light? Will the fragile love that has begun to grow between McKenzie and Noah survive the truth? Can God take an unconventional situation and bring two lonely hearts together?

A Heart’s Hope is a heartwarming, faith-filled, marriage-of-convenience love story.

READ THE REST OF MY REVIEW

FIND ON AMAZON

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HEALING HEARTS by SARAH M. EDEN

Community Element: The town, a mix of matchmaking matrons and nosy friends, is hilarious.

Review Snippet: Right from the get go the reader knows our heroine, Miriam Bricks, is running from something.

Blurb:

Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara’s message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.

READ THE REST OF MY REVIEW

FIND ON AMAZON

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A TRAIL SO LONESOME by LACY WILLIAMS

Community Element: The community build during the travels of a wagon train is displayed, illustrating both the good and bad.

Review Snippet: A Trail So Lonesome is a solid beginning to a new historical series.

Blurb:

He hired on as her fake fiancé to protect her reputation. She needs him to keep her secret safe. But their business arrangement is becoming dangerously real.

Evangeline Murphy is desperate to escape her ruined reputation, seeking a fresh start in Oregon Territory with the young girl the world believes is her sister. But the trail is unforgiving, and the weight of the scandalous secret she carries—that the child is actually her illegitimate daughter—could destroy everything. When the harsh realities of the frontier put Evangeline and her family in danger, she finds an unlikely ally in a rugged trail captain who agrees to a unconventional bargain.

Leo Spencer has his hands full keeping his siblings alive on the treacherous journey west. Haunted by a tragedy from the life he left behind, he needs funds to start fresh in Oregon—and Evangeline’s proposal of a pretend courtship offers exactly that. The arrangement keeps meddling matchmakers at bay while giving Evangeline the protection of his name. It’s strictly business. Until it isn’t.

As the dangers of the journey force them to rely on one another, the line between their pretend romance and true affection begins to blur. But Leo dreams of adventure once his family is settled, not another burden to carry. And Evangeline’s past is closing in. Can a love built on a fabrication survive the perilous journey west, or will their secrets tear apart the fragile bond neither expected?

READ THE REST OF MY REVIEW

FIND ON AMAZON

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A RANCHER FOR EASTER by SUSANNE DIETZE

Community Element: A community that rallies around those who need help.

Review Snippet: A Christian contemporary romance that I very much liked reading. And I don’t usually care for most Love Inspired books.

Blurb:

An inheritance with strings attached…forces him to tie the knot.

Rancher Thatcher Dalton accidentally triggers a marriage requirement to his inheritance and now must find a wife in six months…or lose his farm. When widowed bookkeeper Bliss Anderson suddenly finds herself without a job, she knows that the adoption of her epileptic foster daughter will be in jeopardy — unless she accepts Thatcher’s proposal of a marriage of convenience. As the platonic couple settle into married life and parenthood, they soon find that remaining just friends is harder than expected. But when a long-held family secret threatens their growing happiness, it’ll take a little girl’s Easter wish to turn them into a real family…

READ THE REST OF MY REVIEW

FIND ON AMAZON

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MISTLETOE AND MAYHEM by JANICE THOMPSON

Community Element: Nosy Southern gossips and a hilariously chaotic town.

Review Snippet: While not verbatim, that quote from Aunt Bessie Mae had me cackling.

Blurb:

A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

READ THE REST OF MY REVIEW

FIND ON AMAZON

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Team Hedgehog

Myself at Madi’s Musings

Abigail @ Read Review Rejoice

Phoebe @ Black Otter Books

Savannah @ Blue Flower Story Company

Ryana Lynn @ Life of Heritage Corner

Review – Deadly Schemes

What happens when Kennedy is caught in the crosshairs of a madman’s schemes?

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About the Book

Title: Deadly Schemes
Series: Close Proximity #2
Author: Penny Zeller
Release Date: 9/15/26
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Audience: Adult

What happens when Kennedy is caught in the crosshairs of a madman’s schemes?

Kennedy Olohan loves her new job at the local senior center, where she not only plans activities but also does her best to advocate and protect the participants she sees each week. When someone begins targeting her for her concern over murmurings of shady real estate dealings aimed at seniors, Kennedy finds herself the victim of someone who doesn’t want their deceit revealed.

Detective Trace Ridgely is finally healing from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident while volunteering with the local mountain rescue team. He never anticipated that one of the first cases upon his return is a suspicious death at the local park…and that the case might be connected to two seemingly random occurrences. As he delves deeper into each case, he begins to suspect that Kennedy is the common denominator.

Danger mounts against Kennedy as more deception is uncovered. Can Trace determine who is behind the schemes and protect Kennedy before it’s too late?

An elaborate plan.
A get-rich scheme.
A deadly outcome.

AMAZON

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My Review

Rating: 5 Stars

Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller addresses the increasing danger that faces our senior citizens by focusing on scams aimed at this vulnerable population.

Not only does that element of the plot make this book unique, but the twists, turns, and not knowing who the evil mastermind is until the last minute kept me turning the pages. I liked how Zeller reminded us that evil can blend in anywhere. Reading the criminal’s point of view gives readers the full experience as we see things not only from his chilling and heartless perspective as he lurks in the shadows, but that of our heroine’s and hero’s, as well.

Kennedy is a strong heroine. Zeller made her an average woman just trying to live her life, which makes this story feel all the more real. Trace, the hero, has a dry sense of humor, which adds a funny element when he’s interviewing suspects. We also see more of the past book’s main characters, which is nice.

As always, Zeller delivers not only a story with a strong plot, but one with faith and clean romance. This is truly a Christian Romantic Suspense, where the characters live out their faith and their faith is present in their lives, unlike some books that claim to be Christian but have no faith whatsoever. The romance is cute and I liked how Zeller has it grow organically.

Sensitive readers should note that there are a few deaths (nothing overly described or gory); the manipulation of seniors; stalking, harassment; and the ultimate showdown between good and evil, which does result in some injuries.

While this book highlights just some of the dangers targeting seniors, I believe it is a book everyone should read so they are aware of some of the ways you can be targeted.

With it’s twisty and edge-of-your-seat plot, strong faith element, and sweet romance, Deadly Schemes is a perfect book for readers who enjoy clean Christian Romantic Suspense.

*I received a promotional copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

Remembering 9/11

Today is the 25th anniversary of the attack on the twin towers. I was just a toddler when it happened, so I don’t remember watching it occur in real time. But I have seen the pictures and videos. I’ve read the recollections. I’ve heard accounts from those who watched in horror as a vicious attack on the U.S. was carried out.

We say we will never forget, yet we see a generation that has, and the result of that is an elected socialist in NYC who is attempting to rewrite history.

Just remember: a history forgotten is a history repeated.

Today we remember 9/11/01 and honor the heroes and victims of this brutal, demonic attack.

Never forget.

5 Things to Never Say to an Author – Part One

Welcome to a new series I personally call, “How To Get Yourself Turned Into a Fictional Villain”. Real things said by real people to real authors.

Look, I know a lot of folks don’t understand the intricacies of publishing, and sometimes you don’t mean things to sound rude. But I encourage you to take a second and contemplate how YOU would like this said to YOU about YOUR job.

Welcome to “5 Things Not to Say to Authors, Part One”, where I list actual things authors have been told, then respond to them with a bit of spicy attitude and some education.

My dear fellow writers, let me know some of the ridiculous things people have said to you.

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#1 You’re a bot because you only use ‘zon to publish.

My patience with you has just expired. Tell me you’re ignorant without telling me you’re ignorant.

Seriously, those who make this claim know absolutely nothing about publishing. I found this heartwarming little declaration yesterday in a “Christian” Facebook book group, where I soon learned the admin allowed the moderator (who made the post) to trash indie authors, but refused to let us defend ourselves (because “it’s NoT a deBatE”). Some “Christian” group. If you’re even in a group like that, get out. Toxic people and their idiotic claims aren’t worth it.

#2 When can i get this book for free?

Right when your employer starts making you work for free, Margaret.

This is one of the most audacious and insulting questions. People are under the misconception that all art should be free. They also think we shouldn’t be paid, or, you know, survive. We’ve created such an entitled society of readers that they expect to spend nothing if they want to read. Go to the library, then.

Authors, it’s your choice whether or not to put your book for free. But never let anyone bully you into it.

#3 Do you indie publish because no real publisher wanted you?

Thanks for insinuating we’re illegitimate authors.

I’ll have more to say about this in another part of the series, because I have a lot to say. For now, let’s leave it at this is even worse than “make your book for free”. Anyone who says this to you is not worth your time.

#4 Oh, writing isn’t that hard.

Then you try it. And don’t come crying to me when you learn the truth.

Writing is hard. It takes emotion and time to hone and perfect. And even if you’re just writing just because, it is still difficult for so many different reasons. Writing isn’t that hard? Sure, and balancing on dental floss stretched over Niagara Falls is easy.

#5 Don’t you have a real job?

Many of us do have other jobs, but some authors are successful enough to not need to.

Another person to ignore if they say this to you. Most of us do have to work other jobs, because we don’t make much from writing. But there are some who can make it their full-time job and bring in enough income. Regardless, it’s a ridiculous question that doesn’t need to be asked.

Dear Book Community: Don’t Lose Your Humanity

Opinions are like belly buttons. Everyone has them.

The past few days have been big for the bookish community, primarily bookstagram, although I’m sure there are conversations on Facebook as well. The first wave has come from a well-known author recently announcing that she is going to remove the sex scenes from her books and shift to closed-door instead. Some members of the spice community reacted harshly, and not only did they react, but they are now harassing, defaming, leaving vitriolic comments on this author’s post, and being vile people in general. The amount of temper tantrums and obnoxious, rage-filled rants is only rivaled by what I’ve seen on political posts.

The second wave came on a smaller scale. My friend, Courtney Ranger, posted that spice in books will always be damaging. She didn’t say people couldn’t read spice. She didn’t say everyone who supports spice is awful. She just mentioned her opinion. Like what happened to the author above, some members of the spice community lost their minds.

Both authors have been called pro-censorship. Both have been called crass and derogatory language. Both have had posts made about them, with some comments calling for violence. All because people couldn’t act their age and accept that someone dares disagree with them. We are seeing “respect for me, but not for thee” playing out in a gruesome spectacle.

Dear Book Community, you are very close to losing your minds…and your humanity.

Just because an author removes the spice from her books doesn’t mean she’s forcing “purity culture” (a crutch phrase used by those who are abusing these authors) down your throat. Just because an author says she disagrees with spice doesn’t mean she’s “pro-censorship” (learn how to use a dictionary – look up the real definition). Everyone will have their own opinions, but whether or not you agree with those opinions, and no matter who those opinions come from, we must be civil in how we approach stating our disagreement.

Because when you resort to changing terminology to support your “big feelings”, harass those who disagree with you, and treat those who disagree with you as sub-human, you’ve lost your own humanity.

To my Christian readers and authors, we are called, obligated, to stand up for the truth and what is right. That means we need to take a stand against p0rn in books. That means we need to promote pro-life. That means we need to encourage the consumption of literature that honors Christ. When we stand for what’s right, we need to do so in a way that honors our faith and the One whom we follow. Remember, we can’t shine the light when people can’t tell us apart from the world.

To the book community in general, calm down. Chill out. Act your age. Just because someone decides to follow their convictions doesn’t mean you need to unleash your entire vocabulary of crass language in the comment section. Just because someone says something you disagree with doesn’t mean the world is ending.

It’s okay to have your opinion. It’s okay if someone else has an opinion, too. What’s not okay is you taking every opposing opinion as a personal attack on your existence. If you disagree, scroll on. Or state your side respectfully. Screaming is for toddlers. Not teens and adults. Don’t lose your humanity all because someone disagrees with you.

I personally don’t support authors who use AI covers. I don’t believe closed door automatically equates “clean”. I won’t support books that include a political bent I disagree with. I will professionally call out content in books so other readers are aware. Disagreeing with those authors doesn’t give me license to rampage against them, put up posts declaring how awful they are, or how they’re the downfall of civilization.

With opinions comes responsibility. If you don’t want to lose your humanity, remember that those on the other side are people as well. You can stand up for what you believe in, but you don’t get to go nuclear and be vile, vicious, and abhorrent like those who have attacked the authors I mentioned above. People are willing to converse with you when you are polite. They are willing to have nothing to do with you when you go in unhinged.

Christians, be bold and respectful when professing the truth. General reading community, we all need to count to ten before reacting.

Dear Book Community: Have your opinions. But don’t lose your humanity when someone disagrees.

Review + Giveaway – A Lot Like Lavender

Madi’s Musings is participating in the tour for A Lot Like Lavender by B.R. Goodwin, which is hosted by JustReadTours.

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About the Author

B.R. Goodwin is a Georgia native, married to her college sweetheart, and the mother of three wild animal children she adores.

When she isn’t writing Christian Fiction, she’s reading, hiking, bee-keeping, soccer mom-ing, or planning her family’s next big adventure while drinking copious amounts of tea & coffee. Above all else, the heartbeat of everything she does in life, friendship, and writing is with an eye to sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone she meets. Connect with her at Facebook or Instagram.

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About the Book

Operating Purple Pastures & Alpaca on my own was not ever in my plans, but neither was becoming a widow and a single mom at twenty-two. Though I love this land and the life I’ve built for myself and my daughter—including the alpacas we adore, the strays we’ve taken in along the way, and the rolling hills of lavender surrounding our farm—all the years of hard work and one-woman juggling since James’ death may not be enough to keep it all together.

In fact, I’m failing. Miserably. At farming, running a small business, managing the wild women of the Honey Hill PTA, and maintaining any semblance of a personal life.

To top off my utter insufficiencies, I’m now being forced to accept help from the last person I ever expected to show his face again, Jordan Love. But—though it pains me to admit—having him around repairing fences, caring for my fur babies, and bonding with Molly is the first time I haven’t felt so alone in all this since I lost my husband.

And most unexpectedly, Jordan’s return to my life feels a lot like mending my heart.

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For ten years, I’ve done a great job working through the grief of losing my best friend and the shame of selfishly walking away from the people we both cared about when I should have stayed. Even still, I knew coming back home to Honey Hill would dredge up regrets for past decisions. But when I see Emory Nelson for the first time since James’ death, I don’t expect the feelings I’ve kept well-suppressed for so long to come bubbling to the surface. Feelings I’ll need to get well under control if I intend to stick around.

I ran away when she needed me most. With a second chance to show up for Emory and her daughter, there’s no way I can walk away again. I’m determined to be someone she can depend on, even if it means forever pretending I don’t want more.

Challenging. Beautiful. Forebearing. Resilient. Worthwhile…

Love looks a lot like lavender.

goodreads | amazon | romance-landia

other books in the series

forget me knot

head over wheels

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My Review

A Lot Like Lavender is a contemporary romance with a mix of humor and serious topics. I thought the emphasis on family was sweet and important in a time where the world doesn’t value family and loyalty.

The times of humor were hilarious, too, especially when discussing the PTA herd. Those ladies (and You Got Trey) were something else. The commentary comparing them to wildlife had me laughing. The deeper and more serious parts evoked emotion, as well. I liked the theme of how grief and healing look different for everyone, and that men grieve too. The loss of a pet was both sad and bittersweetly amusing with the balloon incident.

Sensitive readers should note that there are discussions of loss of loved ones and the grief that follows. There is also the loss of a beloved pet.

For the faith element, there are a few mentions of God and Jesus. There was also some content I wasn’t thrilled about. There is a play on words, using “Asscroft” instead of “Ashcroft” to describe an admittedly unlikable fellow who deserved to be spit on by an alpaca. Alcohol consumption was shown in a positive light, a character said she lusts over a man, the main characters slept in the same bed and on the same couch, him shirtless, and characters are encouraged to make out with each other. This made the book feel like it was trying to walk both sides: have some mentions of God, but push the line with certain areas of content.

I received a copy of this book from JustReadTours and the publisher for promotional purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Enter the Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Grits and Glamor (A Romance on the Menu Christian Romcom) as well as an exclusive swag pack including stickers and character print!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Enter the Giveaway

Review-Kate Landry Has a Plan

I turned to him, and he winked at me. Winked! We needed clear lines in place between us. We would not be flirty friends. We’d be friends, period. The sooner I made that distinction, the better.

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About the Book

Title: Kate Landry Has a Plan
Series: Beignets for Two #2
Author: Rebekah Millet
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Audience: Adult
Appropriate for: Ages 17+

I turned to him, and he winked at me. Winked! We needed clear lines in place between us. We would not be flirty friends. We’d be friends, period. The sooner I made that distinction, the better.

Forty-year-old Kate Landry’s carefully planned life has become as messy as the powdered sugar on her famous beignets. Juggling the responsibilities of running her café, raising her teenage niece, and the emotional baggage from her breakup, Kate finds her world once again turned upside down when her first-ever crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town as the hunky local librarian.

As Kate struggles to implement her plans to expand her café amid the New Orleans Mardi Gras madness and the meddling of her conniving ex-fiancé, Micah becomes the unwitting hero of her misadventures, stirring up feelings she thought she’d long buried. How can falling in love in the Big Easy be this hard?

Purchase on AMAZON

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Review

Rating: 5 Stars

Kate Landry Has A Plan is a story that will both touch your heart and make you laugh.

From pooping parrots to a sniveling ex, Kate Landry has a lot going on. And that’s not taking into consideration raising her niece or running her business. I related with Kate so much. The need to plan and have everything perfect, and just trying to dodge all of the chaos life sometimes enjoys throwing one’s way. Millet set her character arc up so well.

Micah was a sweetie. Hayley, even with all of her drama, was adorable too. And viewing Julia as a side character in this book now makes me want to go read her story. Perhaps one of the most memorable characters was Cest Fou (or, as I called him, Cest Fiend), the miscreant of an avian with overactive bowels. Miss Adelaide was also a hoot.

In addition to the humorous scenes, this book also offers several touching scenes. We’re reminded of the importance of giving our plans to the Lord, the importance of family, and how forgiveness is vital if we’re to heal from the hurts from our past. A line I found particularly poignant was, “You don’t need an apology from someone to forgive them” (pg 310). How often do we wait for an apology before even considering forgiving the other party?

Another element I appreciated was role of caregiving. Caregiving can be mentally, emotionally, and physically draining, no matter how much we love the person for whom we’re caregiving. The caring and gentle way Kate remembered her mamaw and Micah and Kate interacted with Micah’s father was so tender and emotional.

I recommend adding Kate Landry Has A Plan to your TBR if you enjoy Christian contemporary romances that promote faith, family, and humor.

ALSO FIND:

This book on Goodreads

Review: Bookmarked for Love

Can a jeopardized children’s library program spark a partnership that saves their careers but costs them their hearts?

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About the Book

Title: Bookmarked for Love

Series: Checking out Love, Book Three

Author: Sarah Monzon

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Contemporary Romcom

Christian or Clean: Clean

Recommended for: Adult Readers

Blurb:

When children’s librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library’s children’s programs, she’s determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library’s behalf. The bad news? She swore she’d never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family’s publishing empire, and now he must prove he’s ready to take the helm by turning around the company’s languishing children’s imprint. That wouldn’t be a problem, except he doesn’t know the first thing about children’s literature. But when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can’t refuse. He’ll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a best-selling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they’re forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.

In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon presents a story that will delight fans of bookish-themed reads and forced-proximity romance.

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My Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Bookmarked for Love is a cute contemporary rom-com.

Reading from the POV of both a librarian and a writer added a fun twist, and for anyone who has ever written and hope of publishing, Martha’s dream of getting published will feel familiar. And, as someone who spent countless hours working in VBS, Toddler Time, and Children’s Church, I admire Martha’s patience and skill with kids. Julien provided a good POV as well, and it was interesting to see things from a publisher’s perspective and all that is involved.

Another element I appreciated was that Martha is a plus-sized heroine. It’s nice that those of us with a bit more padding are being represented in a positive light, and Martha’s positivity about her image will boost the morale of any plus-sized reader. It was a subtle, but needed reminder that we shouldn’t society to dictate the standards for beauty, and that we are valuable no matter our size and build. There is also the reminder that life is precious and everyone should slow down and appreciate family.

The bits of history were fascinating, especially the part that discussed the Civil War.

Content List:
A few mentions of God and prayer; “sexy” is used once or twice; there is an unnecessary liberal comment about the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder; a hypothetical abu$ed child is brought up. The discussion of content warnings for books is also brought up, which might create some strong feelings in readers depending on where you stand on the topic.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with JustReads for promotional purposes. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Five Ways to Ruin Your Book Cover

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a common phrase heard in the bookish world, whether you’re a writer, reviewer, or both. But let’s admit it. Most of us, myself included, do judge books by their covers, for both the good and bad that decision brings.

While there is some truth to not judging a book by the cover, that is no excuse to give your story a sloppy, unprofessional, or just general blah cover. I’m not saying to shell out hundreds of dollars for a cover, because you can make a tasteful cover that costs very little or nothing (if you use certain elements of Canva, which brings its own set of controversy). Regardless of your budget, you can have a good cover.

No matter what genre you write or what your cover budget is, here are five ways to ruin your book cover (and five things to look out for if you’re looking into a designer/premade covers).

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1. Use an illegible font for your title

I get it. I really do. You find a font that you just love and feel deep in your bones that it would be perfect for your cover. That’s all fine and well unless your font is illegible. Potential readers spend less than two seconds on a book cover. Just because you’ve figured out what the font says, doesn’t mean they have.

Illegible fonts aren’t necessarily ugly or low-quality. Some of the most elegant calligraphic fonts would be considered illegible.

Example of illegible font:

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2. Use the wrong font for your genre

My dear fellow writers and authors, you don’t use cursive for suspense, block font for historical romance, or horror font for rom-coms. Look at quality comp covers, note the used fonts, and ensure you’re using the proper one for your genre.

With that said, some types of font are multi-genre. Take Cinzel, for example, which is a classic. Sans-serif fonts (e.g. Arial and Lato) work well on just about any type of contemporary genre and spec-fic genre if used correctly, and can even be used tastefully on certain subgenres of historical and fantasy. The same goes for some popular serif fonts (e.g. Times New Roman and EB Garamond).

Example of the wrong font for a genre:

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3. Use cursive for your author name

The author name is a vital part of the cover. It tells the reader 1) who wrote the book, 2) name recognition, and 3) is part of your branding. If you want your cover to look even moderately professional, do not use cursive for your name. I implore you. Yes, you may think it’s pretty or fancy. But you are making your cover look like “one of those indie books” (the type which give indies a bad name), which is not what you want.

For so long, indie published authors have been demeaned and looked down on because we decided to take the self-publishing route. Part of that attitude has spawned from some dreadful covers. I’m not saying traditional publishers only pump out good covers, because I’ve seen some questionable ones come from trads. But I am saying indie authors can achieve professional covers on a small, or even nonexistent budget. So please, don’t fall into the cursive name trap. It only lends an unprofessional element to your cover.

Example of what not to do for your name:

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4. Use the wrong font size

This point, to an extent, has more wiggle room than the others. Regardless, there are some definite do nots when it comes to font size on your cover. Here are two to always take into consideration: don’t have your font be too small, and don’t have your font be too large. Too small and it is impossible to see. Too large and it’s obnoxious…and takes up most of your cover.

Some authors’ names will be larger than the title because the publisher (or indie author) is relying only on name recognition to sell the book. Unless you’re a huge, massively successful author, I don’t usually recommend this. Your book’s overall cover, description, and genre should help sell, not just name alone. That said, the length of an author’s name and/or title can affect font size. Again, there is more wiggle room here, but your name and title should always be able to be read.

Example of wrong font size:

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5. Poor contrast

This one should go without saying, yet here I am, having to say it. Don’t put dark font on a dark background or light font on an equally light background. You need a good contrast between the two. Yes, you can shadow and outline (to a point before it begins to look terrible), but you shouldn’t rely on those two options alone. You want your primary text to be easily visible (name and title), not making potential readers having to squint and wish for a lens upgrade just to see what the text on your cover is saying.

Example of the wrong font/background contrast:

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There you have it—five ways you can ruin your book cover. Let me know if you want Part Two, because, believe it or not, there are more ways you can ruin your cover.

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Madisyn Carlin is an author, voracious reader, and owner of Mountain Peak Edits & Design, which offers author services like cover design and editing. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found attempting to garden and baking.

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Plants to Use in Your Writing

Review: You Had Me at Bigfoot

Rookie journalist Daphne and war photographer Clark investigate a missing maid and rumors of Bigfoot sightings—uncovering danger, buried lies, and unexpected romance deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

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About the Book

Title: You had Me at Bigfoot

Series: A Daphne Drew Mystery

Author: Nancy Campbell Allen

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Cozy Mystery

Christian or Clean: Clean

Recommended for: Ages 16+

Blurb:

Rookie journalist Daphne and war photographer Clark investigate a missing maid and rumors of Bigfoot sightings—uncovering danger, buried lies, and unexpected romance deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Rookie investigative journalist Daphne Drew is finally on assignment—though it’s not exactly the hard-hitting story she imagined. Sent to cover a high-society wedding at an opulent Pacific Northwest lodge, Daphne expects floral arrangements and champagne flutes, not whispered rumors of a missing maid . . . or reports of Bigfoot sightings.

She’s not alone. Tagging along is Clark Finklestine-Henry, a decorated war photographer with a haunted past—and a camera sharp enough to catch more than just candid reception shots. Together with their loyal dogs, Daphne and Clark begin to suspect something much darker is lurking in the forested shadows of the hotel grounds.

As wedding guests arrive and tension simmers beneath the surface, Daphne and Clark uncover a tangled web of lies, legends, and lost fortune—one that ties the vanished maid, some returning friends, and the infamous DB Cooper together in a mystery that’s anything but folklore.

Find This Book on Amazon

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My Review

Rating: 4 Stars

This is a fun romance/mystery combo that will hearken back to the mysteries some of us read during our childhoods.

The note to the reader, which prefaces the story itself, notes that You Had Me at Bigfoot was inspired by the author’s love of Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo. And I could definitely see that as I read this book. The nods toward Nancy Drew almost brought about a certain level of nostalgia (sorry…I never watched Scooby Doo…), because I remember being a kid, reading Nancy Drew, and wishing I could solve a mystery or two with her.

Daphne and Clark are fun characters with well-rounded arcs. I enjoyed how they were opposite in so many respects, but instead of that being a rub, the author used that to draw them together. Hannah seems like a great-aunt everyone would like to have, and while I’m allergic to dogs, I’d happily take Tobey or Fidget as a pet.

The setting is also fun. We go from a run-down magazine building to a quirky hotel that’s trapped between being a Bigfoot museum and a grand place located in Oregon.

As the title suggests, Bigfoot–or the concept of Bigfoot–plays quite a large role in the plot. Some characters believe he exists, while others don’t. It’s tongue-in-cheek and never makes a definitive claim, which is perfect whether you’re a believer or a skeptic.

The romance is clean. There is a delightful slow-burn, a fun twist on the “only one room” trope, and some kisses.

Now for the content warnings. This book leans into the question of if the paranormal exists. That would usually make me leery, but the way this is handled is more in the vein of Nancy Drew/Trixie Belden than an actual, serious, in-depth take. That said, a character mentions a friend believed he could speak with ghosts (to an extent). What I wasn’t fond of was the horoscope mention. It wasn’t necessary and lent nothing to the chapter in which it appears.

Sensitive readers should note that there is some violence. A bomb threat and holdup are mentioned; there’s a poisoning; a murder; a kidnapping; and some injuries. All similar to what you would find in the old detective stories.

You Had Me at Bigfoot is a fun story of a journalist and a photographer who find themselves in the middle of an unexpected mystery. Perfect for fans of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Trixie Belden. I look forward to book two.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley for promotional purposes. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

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No part of this review may be used for AI training. No part of this review is permitted to be copied, used, or otherwise utilized by anyone except the reviewer, author, or publisher.