About the Book

https://gleam.io/WuCup/wounds-and-rescues-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Wounds and Rescues by Kathleen Rouser

Excellent read. Easy to get caught up and interested in both Rose, Caleb and the kids. Then the mystery deepens and the pages turn faster until you know what happens. Likeable characters, faith lessons, heart wrenching moments. Rose is trying to be safe but steps out of her comfort zone for the kids from the orphanage and finds healing through the trials. Caleb is trying a new line of work and wondering if he's made the best decision. A nice couple you'll like getting to know and want the best for.

#WoundsAndRescues #KathleenRouser #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance #FildedAgeHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Book

Book: Wounds and Rescues

Author: Kathleen Rouser

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 6, 2026

A nurse with a wounded heart. A former lawman haunted by loss. An attraction neither can afford.

Rose Sinclair has built a careful new life in Stone Creek, hiding her painful past beneath a high lace collar. When private investigator Caleb Ellis arrives claiming he’s found a grandfather for two orphans she’s grown to love, she’s determined not to trust him—or let him take the children she’s come to cherish.

Caleb needs Rose’s cooperation to reunite the children with their family. But as questions begin to surface and shadows from Rose’s past reappear, it becomes clear someone is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the truth buried.
Forced to travel west posing as husband and wife, Rose and Caleb must protect the children while outrunning a past determined to destroy them. As danger closes in, Caleb must confront the faith he abandoned, and Rose must decide if she can risk her heart again.

Because this time, trusting the wrong person won’t just break them—it could cost them everything.

Perfect for fans of Karen Witemeyer and Mary Connealy, this faith-filled historical romance features a forced-proximity journey, blending danger, redemption, and a road that leads two wounded hearts toward love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

More from Kathleen

Joining an Orphan Home with Foster Care

Rose Sinclair makes a quick appearance in the third Stone Creek Brides novel, Scandals and Mercies as the head nurse at the local unwed mother’s home. With a tender heart and hurts of her own, she desires to help in a different way and moves to a nursing position at the town’s small orphanage. It is a loving sanctuary to around a dozen children and youth waiting for forever families.

During the era of orphan trains, the Child and Family Services of Michigan was established in 1891. They started “receiving homes” which cared for children with the goal of adoption. By 1906, the organization advocated for children to be placed in foster care when they couldn’t remain with their natural families. Thus began the trend toward foster care rather than orphanages.

The care received in the Anna and Jared Barrington Home for Children falls in between the two. In Rumors and Promises, the first Stone Creek Brides novel, readers see a glimpse into Gloria Myles’s life and how she became the guardian for her granddaughter, Elise. From this situation came her passion to care for orphans, as well as her desire to memorialize her daughter and son-in-law.

While most orphanages were often harmful institutions, I’d like to think that there were places like the Anna and Jared Barrington Home for Children, though I may have taken a bit of literary license.

I thought about what might happen if some of the children had the opportunity to be reunited with a faraway relative. How may that have taken place? Enter private investigator Caleb Ellis, who has lost several people he loved. He’s on a mission to bring together the scattered family.

In Wounds and Rescues, Rose becomes deeply attached to orphans Sam and Nellie Tubbs. The childhood trauma she experienced prompts her to become fiercely protective of them. From small-town Michigan of 1903 to the hills of Montana, she embarks on a journey of forgiveness, healing, and facing the past.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 10
Books Less Travelled, October 11
Texas Book-aholic, October 12
lakesidelivingsite, October 13
Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
For Him and My Family, October 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 15
Betti Mace, October 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 17
Devoted To Hope, October 18
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 19
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 20
Artistic Nobody, October 21 (Guest Review from Donna)
Holly’s Book Corner, October 22
Pause for Tales, October 22
Cover Lover Book Review, October 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

My reviews

https://gleam.io/KNJXt/belles-christmas-carol-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Belle’s Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep

Belle's been a teacher at an orphanage. It's now been bequeathed to her, so she's learning how to cope with running it. Rafe is a lawyer. Circumstances have them spending a lot of time together and their story unfolds as they get to know each other. Interesting twists to the story, wonderful, puzzling and complex characters throughout. Keeps you hooked until the very satisfying end. Great for Christmas or any time of year. Curl up before the holiday or give as a great gift. A Dickens of a story.

#BellesChristmasCarol #MichelleGriep #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance #HolidayRomance #BethanyHousePublishers #NetGalley

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the Book

Book: Belle’s Christmas Carol

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2026

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England and perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author known for her captivating historical romances. With a keen eye for detail, she pens tales that transport readers to the past where they’ll experience romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her garden scaring away armadillos.

More from Michelle

Why I Gave Scrooge’s Belle Her Own Christmas Carol

Guest post by Michelle Griep

I’ve always been suspicious of characters who appear just long enough to break your heart and then vanish without so much as a forwarding address. Belle from A Christmas Carol is one of those.

Scrooge, of course, gets the full treatment. Ghosts. Doom. Moral terror. A dramatic overnight transformation. Turkey delivery. The works. And yes, yes, it’s all very moving. But Belle? Come on. All she gets is one aching goodbye and then is shoved neatly into Scrooge’s past. So, excuse me, Mr. Dickens, but I have questions.

What became of the woman who loved Ebenezer before greed got to him? Did she regret walking away? Did Christmas ever sting? Did she build a fine, sensible life or did some little corner of her heart still ache for him or not? That wondering became Belle’s Christmas Carol.

In my story, Belle Beaumont unexpectedly inherits Haven House, a struggling London orphanage with fire damage, muddled ledgers, eccentric staff, and children who are more than rambunctious. Naturally, Belle decides she will set everything to rights and give the children the most splendid Christmas imaginable because—like me—apparently the woman has never heard of pacing herself.

Then along comes Rafe Munro, a handsome barrister searching for a missing child, and Belle’s tidy plans start to change. Oh, did I mention he’s single? That’s because I wanted Belle to be more than Scrooge’s lost love. I wanted her to have grit, flaws, hope, purpose, and a future all her own.

Because sometimes the story doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes that’s where the real story begins.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , October 7
The Avid Reader, October 7
She Lives To Read, October 7
Texas Book-aholic, October 8
Devoted To Hope, October 8
Betti Mace, October 9
Inkwell Inspirations , October 9
The Lofty Pages, October 9
For Him and My Family, October 10
Romances of the Cross, October 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11
Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 12
The Vine and The Branch, October 12
Maureen’s Musings, October 13
Fruitfully Planted, October 13
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 13
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 14
Mornings at Character Cafe, October 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 15
Simple Harvest Reads, October 15 (Guest Review from Donna)
Cover Lover Book Review, October 16
Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 16
Vicky Sluiter, October 16
Devoted Steps, October 17
Lily’s Corner, October 17
Holly’s Book Corner, October 18
Mary Hake, October 18
Blossoms and Blessings, October 19
Pause for Tales, October 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

My reviews

NetGalley

Barnes and Noble

Monday, October 12, 2026

Defiant Ones: Phillis Wheatley: Patriots, Prophets, Poets & Spies Book 4 by Heather Blanton

Phillis was a little girl when she was purchased at the slave trade by a Christian, praying couple who wanted to save one of the slaves. They were able to gradually earn her trust and as she became comfortable there, she began to learn, sometimes on her own, and as they discovered this, they taught her. She wrote a poem that was meaningful and touching about a prominent visitor to their house. As she wrote several more her owner pursued having them made into a book, and Phillis gained some fame. As she learned, they had all been concerned that she would never be able to go anywhere with freedom, but God made things right. Touching, meaningful, beautiful story.

#PhillisWheatley #HeatherBlanton #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #USRevolutionFoundingHistory #ChristianShortReads #BeautifullyFlawedProductions #DefiantOnes @HeatherBlanton

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My reviews

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Defiant Ones: Deborah Sampson by Heather Blanton

Another fascinating story of a young girl who was made tough and rugged, and determined to fight for our country's freedom at a time when desertion was high. As a little girl she was brought to live on a farm where she was raised among ten boys, shaping her muscles and skills. She made a tremendous contribution to our fight for freedom and supported top officials in her career. Very impressive and inspiring.

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#DeborahSampson #HeatherBlanton #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #USRevolutionFoundingHistory #ChristianShortReads #BeautifullyFlawedProductions #DefiantOnes @HeatherBlanton

My reviews

Monday, October 5, 2026

Defiant Ones: Sybil Ludington: The American Revolution's Bravest Women - Patriots, Prophets, Poets & Spies

Love history, strong women and want a quick read? Get to know Sybil Ludington who at the age of 16, in the spring of 1777 rode to rally patriots because the British were burning a nearby town. It's a pleasure to learn about her and her relationship with her family and neighbors, and about what a horsewoman she was at a time when women were only allowed to ride sidesaddle. Based on a true historical person. Engrossing short read!

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#SybilLudington #HeatherBlanton #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #USRevolutionFoundingHistory #ChristianShortReads #BeautifullyFlawedProductions #DefiantOnes @HeatherBlanton

My reviews

https://gleam.io/GCnUr/the-marquesss-masked-archer-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Marquess’s Masked Archer by Abbey Downey

Lovely and frustrating romance. Sylvia and Miles have obstacles navigating high society and friendship. Neither is looking for a match but well, things happen to change plans. If God has set your path that's the best route, but many obstacles lie along the way for them. An interesting match - she's an archer, he's a scientist and both are members of top-level society and both have secrets. Self-uncertainties and interfering people delay them. Sweetly satisfying conclusion.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheMarquesssMaskedArcher #AbbeyDowney #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #GuildedAgeHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: The Marquess’s Masked Archer

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2026

A hidden identity. A relentless marquess. And a summer where love could expose everything.

When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her—a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It’s the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build.

Miles Wentworth didn’t come to Ohio looking for love. He came to study insects, escape the shadow of a devastating scandal, and prove that a man can build a life on his own terms. But a chance encounter with a boldly independent woman—first in a glittering ballroom, and then behind the mask of a legendary archer—upends every carefully laid plan. Determined to protect her, even from himself, Miles steps into a dangerous game of secrets and deception—one that draws them closer with every anonymous letter and stolen moment…even as the truth has the power to ruin them both.

A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense—a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. Perfect for fans of Jen Turano and Roseanna M. White.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her middle schoolers in all their activities and fixing up a 125-yar-old farmhouse with her husband.

More from Abbey

“Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be impressed and entertained by the marvelous skill of Lady Robin, our own famed archer. Reminiscent of Robin Hood of old, she performs feats with a bow that are only dreamed of by most masters. Now, please, sit back and enjoy the show.” – The Marquess’s Masked Archer

Why do fictional characters hide? They might keep their entire identity hidden under a costume, their face covered with a mask, or just parts of who they are kept behind a confident act, but secrets are often an element of the conflict in books we love. And it’s for the same kinds of reasons all of us have tried to hide aspects of ourselves at one time or another. Fear. Shame. Protection. Freedom. Survival.

Characters in fiction reflect the truth of our human existence. Most of us probably aren’t dressing up as a female Robin Hood to perform archery trick shots or writing secret admirer letters to win a love interest, like my characters do in The Marquess’s Masked Archer. But the reasons Sylvie and Miles choose secrecy are all too relatable.

Sylvie’s goal in hiding behind a green hood is to give herself a taste of freedom. Her high society world is prescribed and controlled. There are very few opportunities for her to make choices in life. And while she longs to have more freedom, she also worries that if she were to get the independence she so desires, she would fail miserably and be forced to return to her parents in shame. Isn’t it relatable to want something desperately but at the same time be terrified that we can’t actually handle getting it?

In a different way, Miles hides behind a new life for protection. After false accusations in his youth left him disgraced in England, he wrestles with his purpose. His passion for medical entomology has given him hope for a normal life, but he also feels the constant weight of expectations due to his noble title. He’s certain people only see what they want to when they look at him, so he hides away doing his research, hoping no one will look at all. How truly human is that? We hide so much of ourselves out of worry that people won’t understand or will immediately jump to conclusions about who we are based on one glimpse.

But God didn’t create us for secrecy. The tension of hiding makes it difficult for Sylvie and Miles to fall in love, in spite of their interest in each other from the beginning. Every step forward brings new worry that they’ll be found out and their plans will be destroyed. Each romantic moment comes with the discomfort of knowing they aren’t being completely genuine with each other. Even Sylvie and Miles’s first kiss is shrouded in questions about whether the other knows that they meant it.

In the end, Sylvie and Miles’s story is also about what happens when they’re forced to take off the masks. It takes trust in each other and in God for them to finally get to the moment of happily ever after that we all love so much. Just like in fiction, when we trust God with those secret parts of ourselves, we can start to see how living in truth offers more freedom than hiding.

Do you enjoy a hidden identity or secret admirer trope? What’s your favorite book that includes one of those?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 26
Texas Book-aholic, September 27
Pause for Tales, September 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28
Madi’s Musings, September 29
For Him and My Family, September 30
Book looks by lisa, October 1
The Vine and The Branch, October 1
Devoted Steps, October 2
Leslie’s Library Escape, October 2
Lyssa Loves Books, October 3
Devoted To Hope, October 4
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 5
Blossoms and Blessings, October 6
Holly’s Book Corner, October 7
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8
Lily’s Corner, October 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Abbey is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

My reviews