Hey book lovers,

If you missed any of this week’s posts, you’re going to want to scroll back — because we had cowboys, baking competitions, and best friends doing very questionable things in the name of “just pretending.” Grab something warm and catch up!

The Amish Cowboy’s Journey by Adina Senft is giving us a slow burn road trip through national parks, a restless hero, and the quiet girl who surprises everyone — including him. The kind of read where the small moments hit harder than the grand gestures. → [Read more]

A Baked Alaska for the Cowboy by Ruth Pendleton has a heroine who “fudged” her relationship status to enter a national baking competition… and her best friend Wyatt stepping in as the fake boyfriend who has secretly been in love with her for years. There’s a sequined cowboy hat involved. I simply cannot. → [Read more]

The Keys to My Heart by Olivia Sands is a breezy 110-page rom-com set at a destination wedding in the Florida Keys, where Callie’s plan for a drama-free weekend goes sideways the moment her best friend Wilder offers to play boyfriend. Tropical setting, fake dating, best-friend chemistry — perfect for a stolen afternoon. → [Read more]

What a week to love clean romance, am I right?

Happy reading! 📚

Sara

Hey friends,

This was a WEEK for the books pile. We had suspense without the sleep-with-the-lights-on factor, a faith story that’ll make you just sit and breathe for a minute, a futuristic biblical retelling that I cannot stop thinking about, and military suspense so intense readers say you can feel the battlefield through the pages. Catch up on anything you missed below!

Chesapeake Valor Series by Dani Pettrey Michele submitted this one for all of us who love edge-of-your-seat suspense but could do without the gore—and Dani Pettrey delivers exactly that balance. Military espionage, cold cases, and a romance that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Faith thread included, gratuitous content not. → [Read more]

Lake Shore Renewal by Jennifer Rodewald Kitty’s submission made me stop scrolling entirely. Two broken people learning to let go—and what’s waiting for them when they finally open their hands. This is Christian romance where the faith doesn’t just show up; it IS the story. → [Read more]

Protector by Megan Schaulis (The Susa Chronicles) A futuristic Esther retelling. I’m going to let that sentence do its work. Bodyguard/protector trope, fake relationship, forced proximity—all mapped onto one of the most beloved stories in Scripture, reimagined in a world you’ve never seen before. → [Read more]

Atlas by Ronie Kendig (Discarded Heroes: Scions) The next generation of the Discarded Heroes series is here, and our (anonymous!) reader says it carries the same epic, adrenaline-fueled storytelling that made the original a favorite. High stakes, complex characters, and suspense that does not let up. → [Read more]

Four very different reads, all worth your time. Which one’s going on your TBR first?

Happy reading!

Sara

Hello there friends,

We had QUITE a week of recommendations—Regency spinsters, survival stories, heroes who are equal parts tough and tender, and a hidden island castle. Yes, you read that right. Here’s your catch-up if you missed any of them!

The Spinster Chronicles by Rebecca Connolly Regency women banding together to protect debutantes from rakes and rogues—and finding love along the way. Amber devoured the whole series AND started mentally introducing these characters to the ones from Connolly’s OTHER series. Peak reader behavior, honestly. → [Read more]

The Road to Hidden Acres by Kristal Pawling Fox Sometimes you just need a break from the swoony stuff. Kelti called this one her “palate cleanser”—a survival story that’s gritty and realistic but wrapped in genuine hope. Clean, heart-filled, and exactly what you reach for between romance binges. → [Read more]

It’s Not Like It’s a Secret Series by Grace J Croy Kelti described the heroes as “a perfect mix of masculine protector and tender,” and I have not stopped thinking about that phrase since. Sweet but not surface-level, with writing Kelti says is just really well done. The whole series delivers. → [Read more]

Hidden Kingdom Romance Collection by Cami Checketts A royal family. A castle. A somewhat hidden island. Completely clean romance AND suspense in every book—and SO MANY BOOKS to binge. Jeanette submitted this one and I one-click added it before I even finished reading her description. → [Read more]

What’s on your TBR after this week’s picks?

Happy reading! 🌟

Sara

Hey book lovers,

Friends, what a week! We had a thriller that left Ethelann on the edge of her seat, a 14-book series a mother made her daughter read (and now they’ve both devoured the whole thing), time-traveling ninjas, and a beach read that transported one Alaskan (me!) somewhere warm and sandy for approximately five blissful minutes. Here’s what you missed:

Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch — Ethelann is already a devoted Jessica Patch fan, which makes it even more impressive that THIS book still rose to the top of the pile. When a book stands out in a lineup of favorites, the tension and plotting are clearly next-level. → [Read more]

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon — Janet never planned to read this series. Her mother insisted. She ended up reading all fourteen books—and her mother did too. A bachelor priest in his sixties, a children’s writer next door, a dog the size of a sofa, and an unloved boy. Something beautiful is about to begin. → [Read more]

The Moment Thief by Courtney Grace Powers — When a reader submission includes the phrase “time-traveling ninjas and a murder mystery,” I drop everything. This YA mystery shines brightest in the friendship at its center—one girl, two guy best friends, and a platonic bond Jennifer says feels genuinely layered and real. → [Read more]

The Cody Bay Series by Amy Rafferty — A beach read that makes you feel like you’re right there watching it all happen—which, when you live in Alaska in March, is basically a superpower. Romance, mystery, and adventure wrapped up in one bingeable series. → [Read more]

What book this week caught your eye? I’m curious which one is landing on your TBR first! 🌊📖

Sara

Hey, friends!

If your week got away from you (no judgment—mine involved questionable amounts of coffee and zero folded laundry), here’s your catch-up on everything we recommended this week. Tasteful faith, compulsive page-turning, and a short read with serious heart? We covered it all.

📚 Not Until Now by Valerie Bodden Diane C. brought us this one, and the premise alone had me leaning in—a woman witnesses a car accident in a small town, helps the little girl, and ends up taking in the child when the mom falls into a coma. Oh, and the heroine uses a wheelchair. Christian fiction that Diane says is “not overboard with religion, just very tastefully done.” → [Read more]

📚 The Beginning by Catherine Coulter Jo perfectly described that thing we’ve all done: “This is the last chapter for the night”… and then three chapters later you’re still going. FBI suspense that hooks you from page one and doesn’t let go—without the gory crime details. → [Read more]

📚 Booking My Heart by Brynn Denise Sometimes you just need sweet and simple, and Terra delivered. Friends to lovers, second chance, small town—this is the comfort-read trifecta. Pick it up when you want to feel good without any heavy lifting. → [Read more]

📚 A Father’s Choice by Shalynn Mellerup Author Shalynn submitted her own book, and I love what she said about it: it’s about “stepping up when life throws the unexpected.” A shorter read that packs romance and adventure without sacrificing plot. Perfect for when you want something complete and satisfying in one sitting. → [Read more]

That’s the week! Which one are you adding to your TBR first?

Happy reading!

Sara

Happy weekend, friends!

If your week got away from you (same), here’s your catch-up on what the Wild About Books community has been reading—and trust me, this batch has range.

The Gauguin Connection by Estelle Ryan — Judith is seven books deep in this series and says each one has been good. Dr. Genevieve Lenard is a fascinatingly unconventional mystery protagonist, and watching her slowly build a found family across the series is the kind of long-game character development that keeps you clicking “buy next.” Oh, and there are art and music lessons woven in. → [Read more]

Rising Storm by Edie James — Rebecca called this one out for leaning hard into the SUSPENSE side of romantic suspense, and I’m here for it. Faith-based but not preachy, with imperfect, realistic characters? That’s the sweet spot so many of us are chasing. → [Read more]

Assisting the Athlete by Liwen Y. Ho — Marisa highlighted something that stopped me in my tracks: the characters in this book actually look to Scripture to make their decisions—not just as decoration, but as a real part of how they navigate life. Faith that’s lived out, not just mentioned. Completely clean with all the emotions. → [Read more]

Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja — If you’re a Laura Frantz fan, perk up. Megan L. called the setting, characters, and story “just perfection,” and it’s set during the American Revolution with a friends-to-lovers romance that delivers. → [Read more]

What a week! Which one are you adding to your TBR first?

Happy reading! 📚

Sara

Happy weekend, friends!

If your week got away from you (same), here’s your quick catch-up on what the Wild About Books community recommended this week. Grab your coffee and let’s go.

Honor and Defend by Lynette Eason Mickey brought us this Rookie K-9 Unit pick, and it’s all about one thing: JUSTICE. K-9s and law enforcement teaming up to protect the innocent? That’s the kind of romantic suspense that just hits right. → [Read more]

A Thousand Words by Mandi Blake Sandy summed this one up in a single word: “Inspirational.” And honestly? Sometimes that’s the highest praise a book can get. Small-town Christian romance that leaves you feeling uplifted. → [Read more]

Alyssa’s Desperate Plan by Sarah Lamb Linda recommended this historical romance before she even finished it—that’s how much she’s enjoying it. Her character description of “a very embarrassed woman” might be the most relatable thing we’ve published all week. → [Read more]

What are YOU reading this weekend? Hit reply and tell me—I love hearing from you!

Happy reading! 📚

Sara

Happy weekend, friends!

If your week got away from you (no judgment—mine involved [Alaska life detail]), here’s your catch-up on what the community served up this week. We went from gritty redemption to cozy mysteries to portal-hopping romance, and honestly? I love that range.

When Grace Like A River Flows by R. Marshall Wright Sherry called this one a “great story about redemption,” and the small-town setting paired with an honest look at the battle between good and evil? That’s the kind of faith-based fiction that sticks with you long after the last page. → [Read more]

Secret Inheritance by Hazel Smith When Vicki says a cozy mystery “has it all,” you don’t ask questions—you just add it to your TBR. This is the first in the April May series, so if it hooks you, there’s plenty more where that came from. → [Read more]

Eternal, Everywhere, With You by Sherry Rossman Laurin described the writing as “lyrical” and the characters as so endearing you’ll want to “take them home with you.” Portal fiction with romance AND mystery? That’s a combination I didn’t know I needed. → [Read more]

Which of these is calling your name? Happy reading!

Sara

Hey friends!

If your week got away from you (same), here’s a quick catch-up on the reader recommendations that landed in your fellow booklovers’ inboxes. Grumpy heroes, working dogs, and a fantasy romance find that had one reader practically cheering—let’s dive in.

The Grumpy Mountain Man by Deanna Lilly Evelyn called this one “sweet clean” and “touching”—and sometimes that’s all we need to know. Grumpy military hero + mountain setting + heartwarming without being heavy? Comfort reading perfected. → [Read more]

Forged Brothers Security Series by Kendra Warden Laura’s verdict: “All the favorite elements—romance, K-9s, suspense.” Clean Christian romantic suspense with working dogs? Yes please. → [Read more]

Operation Jewels by Sofia Simpson Clean fantasy romance with faith elements AND a heroine with a disability? Kitty was thrilled to find this rare combo. Add forbidden romance and grumpy/sunshine tropes, and you’ve got something special. → [Read more]

Acts of Valor Series by Rebecca Hartt Katherine has read this military series multiple times—and when a reader says that, I listen. Authentic military detail, genuine camaraderie, plus suspense and romance that deliver. → [Read more]

Which one’s calling your name? Happy reading!

Sara

Subscribe now

Hey, friends!

If your week got away from you (no judgment—mine involved questionable amounts of coffee and at least one forgotten load of laundry), here’s your catch-up on what landed in inboxes this week. From cowboys to medieval France to a series that hooked an entire marriage, we covered some ground.

Bluegrass State of Mind Series by Kathleen Brooks When Sondra told me her husband also loves this series, I knew we had a winner. Quirky small-town residents, romantic suspense with comedy woven in, and characters who make you want to move to Kentucky. Relationship goals, book edition. → [Read more]

Poitevin Hearts Series by Joyce DiPastena For the history lovers who want their medieval France accurate—Esmare raves about how this author paints the period right, weaving real historical figures alongside fictional ones while being clear about which is which. Respect for the reader AND the history. → [Read more]

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar Anna put it perfectly: Tessa combines her background, the Bible, and historical research into every book. If you’ve read Afshar before, you know. If you haven’t? You’re about to discover a new favorite. → [Read more]

His Eleventh Hour by Liz Isaacson Debbie hasn’t been disappointed by a Liz Isaacson book yet—and watching the Hammond family grow into adults, parents, and grandparents across the series? That multi-generational storytelling hits different. → [Read more]

What’s on your nightstand this weekend?

Happy reading!

Happy Sunday, friend!

If you missed any of this week’s recommendations, here’s your quick catch-up. We went from a book about how we read to a romance that had a 60-year-old mom and her 25-year-old daughter both refusing to put it down. Range, people. We have range.

On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior Venessa’s reading this in her book club and said it made her want to try books she’d previously avoided. A non-fiction book about reading that actually changes how you read? That’s the kind of meta I can get behind. → [Read more]

The Women Who Gave Us Jesus by Casey Parr Wells Katherine submitted this part-fiction, part-devotional about the women in Jesus’ lineage—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Mary. Stand-alone sections make it perfect for devotional reading without losing your place. → [Read more]

Auto-Buy Authors: Dana Mentink & Maggie K. Black Multiple readers submitted these names as their “read everything they write” Christian suspense authors. We turned it into a community question—who are YOUR auto-buy authors? The comments are gold. → [Read more]

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros Barbara’s exact words: “Raw, emotional, heartbreaking. It’s perfect.” When both she (60+) AND her daughter (25) couldn’t put it down, you know this second-chance military romance delivers. Clear your schedule for this one. → [Read more]

From My Backlist

Speaking of range—did you know I started my writing journey with time-travel romance? Vestige of Power is where it all began: a rugged mountain man, a feisty 1850s journalist, and God literally transporting someone across the country (it’s biblical, I promise). → [Read more]

Zoom Hangout Tomorrow!

Don’t forget—our monthly book chat is tomorrow morning! No required reading, no pressure, just bookish people talking about bookish things. I’d love to see your face.

Monday at 8:00 AM Anchorage Alaska time

Here’s the link and the password is “read”: ZOOM LINK

That’s the week! What are you diving into this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sara

Happy weekend, friends!

If you blinked and missed this week’s recommendations, I’ve got you covered. We went from spiritual journeys to WWII heroism to small-town healing—basically, something for every reading mood. Let’s dive in.

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers April loved the spiritual journey here—watching a character move from sin to redemption through genuine, often painful growth. Classic Francine Rivers emotional depth that “really kept my attention.” → [Read more]

The Unforgettable Queen of Diamonds by Nellie K. Neves Forbidden love + mistaken identity + secret danger, and Terra says the main characters are “easy to love”? That’s the romantic suspense sweet spot right there. → [Read more]

Hidden Flames by Terra Taylor Closed-door romance with second chances, small-town charm, and bodyguard vibes. Terra’s philosophy—”love conquers all” and brokenness lets light in—is exactly the kind of hope we’re about here. → [Read more]

Goodnight from Paris by Jane Healy This one’s based on a TRUE story—American actress Drue Leyton Tartiere’s WWII resistance work helping save Allied pilots. Leona called it inspiring, and real-life heroism always hits different. → [Read more]

Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather Webber April said this one “filled my heart to the brim.” Broken-hearted people finding healing, love, and family in a small town. Sometimes you just need a book that leaves you feeling hope. → [Read more]

What are YOU reading this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sara

Subscribe now

Happy weekend, friends!

If your week got away from you (no judgment—mine involved explaining to my kids why we can’t adopt a moose), here’s your quick catch-up on what landed in the newsletter this week.

Stealth Genesis by Vikki Kestell — Jo promises you “will not want to put it down” and describes it as “unusual technology and building of Faith.” If you’re open to speculative fiction that asks big questions while keeping you turning pages, this series starter might be your next binge. → [Read more]

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh — Diane was “really on the edge of my seat through the majority of the book” with this historical romance based on a true maritime disaster. Think Titanic-level tension with survival stakes that’ll grip you. → [Read more]

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi — Sometimes a character’s heart makes the whole book. Brenda loved the “kindness, generosity, mysterious loveable character” at the center of this one—recommended for “anyone who loves to read and loves a good story.” → [Read more]

TWICE by Mitch Albom — Esther calls this “completely different from routine romance stories,” and honestly? Mitch Albom doing second-chance romance IS intriguing. Expect the emotional depth he’s known for. → [Read more]

Framed in Death by J.D. Robb — For the mystery lovers: Esther reads ALL the books in this long-running series (that’s dedication!) and says this latest is “full of suspense” with satisfying character updates. → [Read more]

What’s on your nightstand this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sara

Share

Subscribe now

Hello there book lovers,

Happy Sunday, friends! If your week got away from you (no judgment—mine involved frozen pipes and a very dramatic five-year-old), here’s your quick catch-up on what the community recommended this week.

Winter’s Secret by Lyn Cote — Denise hit the trifecta: “Great writing, storyline and characters. Good twists and turns.” Small-town romantic suspense with mystery that keeps you guessing. → [Read more]

Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Series by Misty M. Beller — Montana mountains in the 1800s, isolated ranch life, and brothers finding love while leaning on faith through trials. Diane appreciated how authentic the historical details feel—plus it’s free on Kindle Unlimited. → [Read more]

Nearing Home by Billy Graham — A little different from our usual romance focus, but Patricia (nearing 80!) found such wisdom and companionship in Billy Graham's reflections on aging well. Sometimes we need books that speak to exactly where we are in life. → [Read more]

Misshelved Magic by S. R. Crickard — A beta reader who STILL recommends it after being deep in the editing trenches? That’s genuine enthusiasm. Matthew calls this romantasy “the perfect mix of enchanting and cute”—workplace romance meets friends-to-lovers with a faith journey. Clean romantasy readers, this one’s for you. → [Read more]

What are you diving into this week?

Happy reading!

Sara

Subscribe now

Hey, friends!

If you blinked this week, you might have missed some seriously swoony recommendations from our community. Let me catch you up on the books that had readers staying up too late and immediately clicking “buy.”

How to Fall for a Cowboy by Cassandra Joelle Lillian called the faith content “incredible”—and when a character’s journey from seeking worth in appearance to finding it in God lands that well, you know the author nailed it. Add perfectly paced romance and fall vibes? Cozy reading perfection. → [Read more]

When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer Time crossing—not just time travel, but existing in multiple eras simultaneously. Sarah H. says women both old and young love this entire series, and that multi-generational appeal tells me Gabrielle Meyer is doing something special here. → [Read more]

The Second Story Book Shop by Denise Hunter Set in a bookstore. With a dog. And a grandma Amy promises we’ll fall in love with. Second chance romance, forced proximity, small-town charm—this one checks every single box. → [Read more]

Seaside Book Series by Jesse Kelley Donna’s review said it all: “You laugh, you cry, you stay up to read the next book.” When a series has you immediately diving into the sequel instead of sleeping, that’s the mark of something special. → [Read more]

Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman Katherine loved the “tongue-in-cheek humor and word play” balanced with believable military action and authentic faith. Each character memorable, pacing spot-on—this is romantic suspense done right. → [Read more]

What are you diving into this week?

Happy reading!

Sara

Subscribe now

Hey, friends!

If your inbox got a little wild this week (same), here’s your catch-up on what the community’s been buzzing about. We’ve got a trilogy that stays with you, a title that’s already funny before you open the book, and a twist one reader called “major, major.”

Quick heads up: My books are leaving KU after Dec 31st, so if you're a KU reader, borrow what you want now to keep access. → [Read more]

For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann with Brandi Gabriel Can we just appreciate this title? Sharon’s one-word review sealed the deal: “Funny.” Amish rom-com with friends-to-lovers? Yes, please. → [Read more]

Mac by Melanie D. Snitker Lisa came in hot with the praise on this one—well-developed characters, smooth writing, natural dialogue, and a “major, major twist” she didn’t see coming. Bodyguard romance with real suspense. → [Read more]

Until We All Find Home (Trilogy) by Heather Wood Bonnie submitted this entire trilogy because it moved her that much. Historical adventure with found family and faith journeys that feel earned through the struggle. → [Read more]

The Imagination Series by Staci Stallings Roni read this series seven years ago and still thinks about it. That’s the kind of story that teaches you something while you’re falling for the characters. → [Read more]

What book has stuck with you longest? I love hearing what stays in your heart!

Happy reading,

Sara

Subscribe now

Hey friends!

If you missed any of this week’s recommendations, here’s your quick catch-up. Five books, five different flavors of clean fiction goodness—from bodyguard romance to grumpy detectives who might be part fae. (Yes, really.)

A Rebel’s Promise by Yours Truly (Sara Blackard) He kept her letters for fifteen years but never opened them—now they’re stuck on an Arctic expedition to the North Pole together. When it’s -50°F all week in Tok, sharing the book where two people fall back in love across 1,300 miles of frozen ocean just feels right. → [Read more]

Truffles and Treachery by S.M. Lark Clean cozy mystery, Alaska setting, paranormal elements that don’t overwhelm, and grumpy/sunshine romance? A tech exec inherits a chocolate shop, a food critic drops dead after trashing her truffles, and she’ll have to embrace her kitchen witch legacy to clear her name. → [Read more]

Dominic by Kari Trumbo Kitty’s review nailed exactly what we want from romantic suspense: “nonstop action” AND “relationship develops throughout.” Bodyguard romance with that perfect balance of danger and swoon. → [Read more]

The Indentured Queen by Carol Moncado Patricia loved the grumpy character redemption, the pacing, and—my favorite part—”relationship develops realistically.” Royalty fiction + fake relationship + KU? Yes please. → [Read more]

Nameless by Candle Sutton When Natalya says she loves ALL the books by this author, I pay attention. “Skillfully plotted with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.” Book 1 in a series—perfect time to jump in. → [Read more]

That’s the week! Which one’s jumping to the top of your TBR?

Happy reading!

Sara

Subscribe now