Tuesday, May 13, 2025

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell GIVEAWAY!


 She’s your best friend. She knows all your secrets. That’s why she’s so dangerous.

It starts with a simple favor—an ordinary kindness mothers do for one another. When her best friend, Emily, asks Stephanie to pick up her son Nicky after school, she happily says yes. Nicky and her son, Miles, are classmates and best friends, and the five-year-olds love being together—just like she and Emily. A widow and stay-at-home mommy blogger living in woodsy suburban Connecticut, Stephanie was lonely until she met Emily, a sophisticated PR executive whose job in Manhattan demands so much of her time.

But Emily doesn’t come back. She doesn’t answer calls or return texts. Stephanie knows something is terribly wrong—Emily would never leave Nicky, no matter what the police say. Terrified, she reaches out to her blog readers for help. She also reaches out to Emily’s husband, the handsome, reticent Sean, offering emotional support. It’s the least she can do for her best friend. Then, she and Sean receive shocking news. Emily is dead. The nightmare of her disappearance is over.

Or is it? Because soon, Stephanie will begin to see that nothing—not friendship, love, or even an ordinary favor—is as simple as it seems.

Bell masterfully ratchets up the tension in a taut, unsettling, and completely absorbing story that holds you in its grip until the final page.

Pick up your copy here...


Darcey Bell was born in 1981 and raised on a dairy farm in western Iowa. She is a preschool teacher in Chicago. A Simple Favor is her first novel.

Read this book before you watch the movie. You can thank me later.

Monday, May 12, 2025

You Can Never Die by Harry Bliss GIVEAWAY!


 New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss loved his sweet dog Penny, a joyful part of his life for seventeen years. Every day that he cared for his beloved pet, Harry joked with her, talked to her, and drew the adorable creature―Penny’s presence is unmistakably, hilariously incorporated into Harry’s iconic cartoons. In one, he gazes up at the night sky, remarking on the vastness of outer space, while she digs into the ground, unbothered, fuzzy tail wagging in the air.


Harry grew up in a family of artists, a rowdy and turbulent bunch, and attended art school in Philadelphia. A therapist once suggested that perhaps when he looked at Penny, he saw himself as an innocent child. As Harry grieves Penny’s loss, he reflects on his parents in their later years, his love for his wife and home, and the colorful artists, friends, and mentors who have shaped him.

With humor and gut-wrenching honesty, You Can Never Die is an intimate portrayal of a man making sense of the beautiful and painful world around him. This singular memoir integrates sharply crafted, witty stories with hundreds of gorgeous cartoons and never-seen-before sketches from Bliss’s career.

Pick up your copy here...

No author headshot

Harry Bliss is an internationally syndicated cartoonist and cover artist for the New Yorker magazine. His self titled Cartoon 'Bliss' appears in newspapers throughout the United States, Japan and Canada. Bliss has illustrated over 25 books for children and is currently collaborating with entertainer Steve Martin on books of cartoons. Harry Bliss is the founder of the CCS Cornish Residency Fellowship for graphic novelists, located in Cornish New Hampshire.

www.harrybliss.com

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry Giveaway!


 The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.


I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?

Pick up your copy here...


Devney is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

I don't normally read this genre but after reading Shield of Sparrows I will be reading it at least by this author. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it; I could not put it down. I can't wait for the next book to come!
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Animals of the National Parks

 

America's national parks are some of the most magical places in the world, and home to a diverse array of creatures, both well known and more unusual. From American Bison (which are also the largest mammals in the parks) to flying squirrels (which can glide the length of a football field) to Xeme (which take two full years to grow their adult feathers), this picture book takes children on an enchanting alphabetical adventure through the natural world.

The book features fascinating facts about each animal, including information on where they can be found. A passport page to record visits and an illustrated map of all the national parks will encourage children and their families to make the most of every trip. With beautifully evocative art that's nostalgic yet contemporary, this is a special gift for outdoor and national park lovers of all ages.

Pick up your copy here...


Fifty-Nine Parks is a beloved and renowned art collective that believes public lands and the art of printmaking are worth preserving. They are known for their original poster art, which celebrates America’s national parks and features the work of prominent artists from all around the world. Fifty-Nine Parks donates proceeds of its poster sales to the National Park Service and the series is archived by the Library of Congress. This book was created in collaboration with Fifty-Nine Parks and New York Times bestselling illustrator Kim Smith.

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson Giveaway!


 He was never going to leave the island, and she wasn't going to stay. But if she walked away, she would always wonder . . .

For digital content creator Cretia Martin, home is wherever her carry-on suitcase lands. And it's constantly landing in new places as she travels the world. She's never been interested in settling in one spot--after all, houses are just places that collect junk and tie you down. But when she literally bumps into local dog breeder Finn Chaffey on Prince Edward Island and all the tools of her trade end up in the harbor, she can't exactly leave until she gets things sorted out.

Finn is horrified by the part he played in the accident and offers to help, arranging for Cretia to stay with a friend at the beautiful Red Door Inn. The longer Cretia is forced to remain in one place, the more she discovers what she's been missing with life on the road--and the more she wants to see Finn and his business succeed. But helping him means staying put, the one thing she always swore she wouldn't do, and risking the only thing she's never put on the line--her heart. 

Pick up your copy here...


By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.

I was looking for a fun light read, and I found it. I have enjoyed the Read Door Inn series this one might be my favorite. I love the traveling influencer; I want to travel and tell people about all the places.
The whole don't be like your mom made this a fun read.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher GIVEAWAY!


 She's ready for adventure--isn't she?


Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain--and the bears--better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Pick up your copy here...


Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne's website at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

What a sweet romance with a little mystery this one was. Not Fisher normal story or setting. It makes me want to go to a national park now. It was so much fun to read.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Summer on Camp May by Monica Garner GIVEAWAY!


 Fast friends since forever, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share a special love for the historical beach town of Cape May. For Lu, it was a welcome escape from the corporate arena into a simpler life—owning a B&B with her soon-to-be-husband, Zach. . . . Kenya fell for Cape May's tranquil shores and believed she and her high school sweetheart would be there together forever. . . . And family vineyard owner Natalia feels it’s the perfect place to complete her happy marriage with the baby—or babies—she desperately longs for . . .


But as the trio plans Lu's lavish wedding, the bride-to-be is stunned when the estranged father she thought was dead shows up to make amends—and throws her every certainty about family and love into heartbreaking doubt. Meanwhile, widowed Kenya is drawn to a kind, attractive stranger, even as she wonders if passion is enough to risk her future on. And when Natalia uncovers an unthinkable betrayal, the secrets she and her friends have kept from each other will explode across the long summer nights . . .

Moving and relatable, here is a captivating story of true sisterhood, and the ties that challenge us—and help us heal.

Pick up your copy here...


Monica Garner writes women's fiction. Her novel Summer on Cape May is scheduled for release in April of 2025. She is the co-author of Road Trip, a novel written in collaboration with Electa Rome Parks.

Her alter-ego Monica Richardson writes romance. Her debut romance title, AN ISLAND AFFAIR, was released in 2015 by Harlequin's Kimani Romance. She currently has 4 books that are a part of that Talbots of Harbour Island series. And her latest romance novel, The Last Sunset Over Mexico, was released in March of 2021 by Rose Gold Press.

Her alter-ego, Monica McKayhan currently has 11 titles in print. Four are adult novels, and 7 are young adult titles. The first book in her young adult series, Indigo Summer, was the launch title for Harlequin's imprint, Kimani TRU which made its debut in January of 2007. That same year in May, Indigo Summer snagged the #7 position on the Essence bestsellers list, another first for Kimani Press. It also appeared on the bestsellers list in the May 2007 issue of Black Issues Book Review (BIBR). Indigo Summer appeared on the American Library Association (ALA)'s list of 2008, 2009 & 2010 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Monica's young adult title, Ambitious, appeared on the ALA's list of 2013 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults. In 2009, Monica received a film option from Karat Films for the first five books in the INDIGO SUMMER series. And Tropical Fantasy was her last title as Monica Mckayhan.




Sunday, May 4, 2025

Fortunate Harbor by Davis Bunn GIVEAWAY!


 It’s a promise of better things to come . . .


With its colorful history, and miles of sand, tide, and windswept oaks, North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a paradise for locals and tourists alike. For Curtis Gage, returning after nineteen years to be the new assistant manager of a 5-star, ocean-front resort, it’s a chance to start a new life—and come to terms with an old one. This is where his father, a revered police chief, died in the line of duty. Whisked away by his mother when he was just a child, Curtis always yearned to come back and reclaim this magnificent necklace of islands as home.

But he never imagined the risks . . .

This coastal haven is in attorney Rae Alden’s blood, and the resort’s expansion is encroaching on precious Fortunate Harbor. For Rae and the old-town families she represents, their generations-old heritage is not for sale for all the money in the world. Who’d have guessed that the ordeal would tie Rae to Curtis, a childhood sweetheart whose family tragedy once converged, fatefully, with her own past? The landgrab is reuniting them in more ways than one. Because the property is more valuable than even Rae believed. The proof is in a secret deed and a long-lost map to a bona fide buried treasure.

If pirate legends, rekindled romance, and real-life adventure aren’t enough to make the heart pound, Curtis and Rae discover they aren’t the only ones hunting. In love and in danger, they have each other, and are finding a place to call home. That alone is a fortune worth fighting for.

Pick up your copy here...

Davis Bunn's novels have sold in excess of eight million copies in twenty-six languages. He has appeared on numerous national bestseller lists, and his titles have been Main or Featured Selections with every major US bookclub. In 2011 his novel Lion of Babylon was named Best Book of the Year by Library Journal. His recent title Trial Run has been named Best Book of The Year by Suspense Magazine. Lately he has appeared on the cover of Southern Writers Magazine, Retailing, and Publishers Weekly, and his titles have earned Starred and Top Pick awards from Library Journal, RT Reviews, Booklist, and Kirkus. His most recent series, Miramar Bay, have been acquired for world-wide condensation-books by Readers Digest. Currently Davis serves as Writer-In-Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He speaks around the world on aspects of creative writing.

Davis is so descriptive. The setting was great It didn't hurt that I love North Caralina being I live there.
The story just took me away. I didn't want the story to end. Such a sweet romance.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

It Simply Can't Be Bedtime by Pamela Paul

 

Bedtime routines get a jolt of silliness and creativity when a dad and daughter face off in this timeless scenario.

When dad says it’s bedtime and his daughter strongly disagrees, her stuffy hilariously comes to her defense.

Lady Pigsworth is quick to point out the many ongoing projects that just can’t be abandoned, the danger of sleeping in a butterfly costume, the alarming spinach stuck in the girl's teeth, and more. Each over-the-top declaration of why it can’t possibly be bedtime yet leads the group through common bedtime routines in animated and heartwarming scenes—until Lady Pigsworth’s demands reach questionable heights, even to the little girl, so she takes matters into her own hands to get both of them into bed.

Dreamy illustrations and the hilarious Lady Pigsworth make for a perfect read-aloud that will leave any kid content to shut their eyes, at least for a little bit.

Pick up your copy here....                                                                                                                                It Simply Can't Be Bedtime: Paul, Pamela, Salerno, Steven: 9780593532164: Amazon.com: Books

No author headshot available

PAMELA PAUL is an Opinion columnist at the New York Times and the former editor of The New York Times Book Review. She is the author of eight adult books and Rectangle Time, a book for children. Prior to joining The New York Times, she was a contributor to Time and The Economist, and her work has appeared in The AtlanticThe Washington Post, and Vogue.

The First Pictures of us by Mandy Fender GIVEAWAY!


 Two Strangers.

One Love Story.

She was done with love, until a single photo changed everything.

Leia Schaffer walked away from the life she thought she wanted. Calling off her wedding was the hardest decision she’s ever made, but deep down, she knew she deserved more than a love that left her feeling small. A year later, she’s settled into a quiet, predictable life in her small Texas town, content with her work at an animal rescue and Saturday mornings with her best friend. Love? Not on her radar.

Until a blindfolded photoshoot with a stranger turns her world upside down.

Graham McCawley wasn’t supposed to be there. Filling in at the last minute for a feel-good news article, he never expected the woman standing in front of him to steal his breath and shake his carefully built world. Strong, beautiful, and guarded—Leia is everything he was praying for.

As their unexpected connection deepens, Leia finds herself drawn to Graham’s quiet strength and genuine kindness. But opening her heart again means risking everything, especially when their photographs go viral, bringing unwanted attention and past fears to the surface.

Can they trust God—and each other—for a second chance at something real?

Pick up your copy here...

Mandy Fender is an award-winning author, speaker, and blogger who hopes to glorify God and uplift others. She has worked in youth ministry for over a decade, and is currently serving in children's and women's ministry. She counts herself blessed to also be able to serve through writing, which has been her dream ever since she was a little girl. Her writing has been featured in Devozine magazine for teens, local newspapers, and Epifiction.

It is her aim to live and love like Christ in all that she does and says. She's a new homeschool mom of two and serves in full time ministry with her husband in the great state of Texas.

My Thoughts... This was such a touching story of healing and true love. The way that Graham and Leia met is so fun and I loved that part so much. Leia was broken but I loved how imperfect she was. This whole story came together so well and for me it was not long enough. It ended way too soon for me. I cannot wait to read Fenders next book. I highly recommend this book. Mary Reader received this book from the publisher f or review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle GIVEAWAY!

Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Pick up your copy here...



 USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began writing while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and spa days with friends.

Several of Nancy's novels have been adapted for television. You can find the complete list of movies and a free downloadable checklist of all of Nancy's books in series order on her website.


My Thoughts...
I loved The Shell Collector is has been a favorite of mine for years. But then Naigle takes us back to Whelk's Island and gives us Tugs story and I could not have been happier. I enjoyed this sweet romance and getting to catch up with the characters from book one was so much fun. I highly recommend this book.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter GIVEAWAY!


 Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.

Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

Pick up your copy here...


Denise Hunter is the internationally-published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 Club and been featured in Southern Living and Woman's World.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling, drinking chai lattes, hiking, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.

My Thoughts...
I love a good emotional read, and Hunter delivered a good one this time. Single parenting and some struggles and a little romance Hunter really gave it all to us with this book.
This is one I will be recommending to friends.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche GIVEAWAY!


 From popular content creator Kelsey Impicciche, Voice of the Ocean follows a daring young siren who defies her people to save a human prince, unearthing ancient magic and igniting a dangerous romance amid treacherous waters.

As the youngest daughter of the siren queen, Celeste's life is tightly controlled. Desperate to prove her worth and escape her destiny--trapped in the palace as a royal figurehead--she intends to join the Chorus, an elite group of siren warriors. With the final test on the horizon, Celeste feels the pressure to finally gain control over her temperamental Song--a magic gifted by the Goddess herself. But when Celeste encounters a seemingly harmless ship in Staria's waters, helmed by the intriguing Prince Raiden Sharp, her path veers toward forbidden waters.

Believing the handsome sailor to be innocent of any wrongdoing, Celeste defies siren law to save Raiden's life--despite knowing he is the son of a king who has murdered many of her kindred. The penalty for Celeste's betrayal should be death, but the queen offers her an alternative: right her wrong by assassinating the prince. Determined to first discover the truth behind the prince's clandestine mission, Celeste agrees to become human.

But the human world is nothing like she expected, nor is the prince the charming and noble man she assumed him to be. Disguised among Raiden's ragtag crew, she searches for the truth. But as Celeste finds her place aboard the ship, friendships--and attraction--begin to grow. Will Celeste be able to do what must be done? Or will her choices unravel a kingdom, devastating sirens and humans alike?

Pick up your copy here...



Kelsey Impicciche is a professional YouTuber and Twitch streamer with over a billion minutes viewed across various platforms, which altogether means she plays video games for a living.

When Kelsey isn't making simulated characters fall in love online, she's writing about different characters falling in love in very difficult situations.

Voice of the Ocean is her first novel, with the hopes of this becoming a regular thing. In the meantime, Kelsey can be found sitting beside her dog Chewbacca or making fun videos about books and games online @kelseydangerous.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick GIVEAWAY!

 

Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb.

By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman's dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia--one of Northern Virginia's most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman's Place--a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn't that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia's newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte's orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women--Bitsy and Viv--to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they'd been sold isn't all roses and sunshine--and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments--and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.
Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Amazon.com: The Book Club for Troublesome Women: A Novel: 9781400344741: Bostwick, Marie: Books

Marie Bostwick is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than twenty works of uplifting contemporary and historical fiction. Translated into a dozen languages, Marie’s novels are beloved by readers across the globe. Her 2009 book, A Thread of Truth, was an “Indie Next Notable” pick. Three of her books were published as Reader's Digest “Select Editions.” Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Connect with her online at mariebostwick.com