Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

Friday, February 13, 2026

Eye of the Mind By Sara Davison- Chrristian Romantic Suspense Review

Eye of the Mind JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Eye of the Mind

Title: Eye of the Mind 
Author: Sara Davison 
Publisher:
Independently Published 
Release Date:
December 17, 2025 
Genre:
romantic suspense (with thriller elements)

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

She can't picture his face. 
But he knows hers. 

Firefighter Jules Adler suspects her blind date with Officer Dante de Marco will not go well. When she witnesses a violent crime, the night goes from bad to worse fast. 

Dante, the police sketch artist, is tasked with getting enough details from her to draw the killer. If only Jules could visualize the man’s face. 

She and Dante are forced to spend a lot more time together than either would like, trying desperately to come up with a likeness. The problem is, with a ruthless psychopath closing in, that time is about to run out. 

For fans of fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat suspense, slow-burning romance, humor, and deep issues of faith.


My Review

Though this book is shorter at 173 pages, it's powerful, making a big impact on the reader. Eye of the Mind is many things: a mystery, romance, and an edge-of-your-seat thriller. 

After a miserable blind date between Jules and Dante, she leaves to only stumble upon a killing, and the murderer sees her face. Honestly, this man and his tactics made me shake at times. He was always two steps ahead of Dante and Jules.  The anxiety was real as Jules experienced the killer messing with her mind and threatening her and her loved ones.

 Though the blind date had gone wrong, Dante and Jules became closer, working together to find the man terrorizing her. Dante is a policeman and a sketch artist, so it was a natural transition for the story to go. As they both grieved a loss, they had abandoned God. Strength is given to them to move forward in life as they heal and grow closer to each other and to God. Such beautiful words are spoken here without being preachy or trite. Sara Davison always knows how to balance things out in her books. My favorite quote shows how touching her words are: “Pain might be the price you have to pay for love, but the price you pay for refusing to accept that love is far higher.”

Eye of the Mind is packed with emotion, fast-paced action, and terror. Reading it all in one sitting keeps the suspense high as you become absorbed in this new world. I highly recommend this romantic suspense thriller to all readers. 


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available


About the Author

Sara Davison

Sara Davison is the author of numerous romantic suspense series. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a HOLT Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better and subscribe to her short, monthly newsletter at ontheedgesuspense.com.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Eye of the Mind plus a $25 Amazon card!

Eye of the Mind blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 10, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 17, 2026. Winner 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Hidden Identities: A Guardian Novel By Traci Hunter Abramson-Romantic Suspense Review



 Book Synopsis

A betrayed CIA operative and a covert guardian join forces to outwit a global traitor before his next move turns deadly—all while navigating an unexpected spark between them.

Jia Wu is one of the CIA’s most skilled undercover operatives—sharp, adaptable, and able to disappear into any environment. But when a covert mission in Thailand goes sideways and her partner is taken captive, Jia barely escapes with her life. The bigger problem? Her location was leaked, and there’s only one Someone inside the agency betrayed her. With her trust in the CIA shaken, Jia turns to the one man outside the agency who might be able to help.

Erik is a guardian whose job is to protect intelligence assets from threats too dangerous or too compromised for official channels, so when Jia calls on him for backup, he doesn’t hesitate. The plan is They’ll travel to Singapore, infiltrate the world of a criminal mastermind, and rescue the captured agent. But as the line between professional and personal becomes increasingly blurred, Erik and Jia’s path forward becomes anything but simple. The clock is ticking as they confront a terrifying truth—the traitor they’re chasing may be closer than they think.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 3, 2026
  • Genre: Romantic Suspense
  • Series: The Guardian Series
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524429589
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****




My Review

Not a fan of sleep? Grab Traci Hunter Abramson's latest, Hidden Identities. I've devoured tons of her books and tell myself not to start reading them at bedtime. I ignore my own rule every time. Once I dive in, I can't quit. It's an all-nighter for me.

The Guardian Series stays true to form with every book. They pack solid characters, non- stop action, high risks, and slow-burn romance. Hidden Identities follows suit with everything you hope is in a Guardian's novel. 

Sparked by a shared history and a midnight betrayal, Erik "Ghost" and CIA operative Jia Wu must team up to stop a global virus. Their high-stakes mission is packed with life-threatening clashes and surprising highlights—including the Saint Squad’s timely arrival, a darling mini labradoodle recruit, and an ending far more intense than expected.

While Hidden Identities works perfectly as a standalone, reading the full series enriches the overall journey. Traci Hunter Abramson has delivered another winner that consistently meets her high standard of excellence, and we, the readers, are the lucky ones.


****Meet Author Traci Hunter Abramson****


Traci Hunter Abramson, a former Central Intelligence Agency officer, was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the CIA for six years until she resigned to raise her family.

Traci is a popular writing instructor and keynote speaker. She has written more than fifty best-selling novels, several of which have won awards. Traci was also honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2025 for her contribution to the writing community. She loves hearing from her readers. Learn more about her

HERE: https://www.traciabramson.com/


~*~*~*~*Purchase Hidden Identities ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

                               Paperback-https://shorturl.at/7WBlh

  Kindle-https://a.co/d/0eT62rza

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Whispers at Painswick Court By Julie Klassen-Historical Romance/Mystery Suspense Review

 



Book Synopsis

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer--and protect her heart--before it's too late?

Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers
  • Genre : Historical Romance/Mystery Suspense
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 2, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764244868
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****




My Review

Whispers at Painswick Court blends many genres in one story. Anne Loveday starts work as a nurse for an old, odd, wealthy widow. Soon, strange events make her question what she got into. Anne stands out as a kind, caring soul, true to her role.


Some things you'll find in this novel:


-A grumpy old patient facing danger

-Spoiled adult daughter

-Slow burn romance

-The ghost of King Charles haunting the manor 

-A Murderer on the loose

-Basement dungeons

-Missing big kitchen knife

-Handsome doctors and old friends

-Twists and a shock ending

The story keeps you on edge with fake clues tossed everywhere. It all pulls together by the finish. There was the perfect amount of romance, intrigue, and family drama. You'll enjoy Whispers at Painswick Court if you're a fan of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.


****Meet Author Julie Klassen****


Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Visit www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.




~*~*~*~*Purchase Whispers at Painswick Court ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/f2ntREN

Kindle-https://a.co/d/2JeL6Pl

Monday, January 26, 2026

Beyond The Clouds: Book 3 of Women of Midtown Series By Elizabeth Camden- Historical Fiction Review

 



Book Synopsis

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together--until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir--until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them--or the possibility of falling in love again?

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers
  • Series : Women of Midtown
  • Genre :  World War I Historical Fiction
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 20, 2026
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764241737
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****



My Review

The Women of Midtown series has been outstanding. I've read all three books, and each tells a strong story.  Beyond the Clouds is historical fiction from World War 1 in 1917.

Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney met as kids in an orphanage, and in their teens, they fell in love.  A mix-up, hidden truths, and grudges tore them apart. Years pass, and war brings them back together. Delia is working for the CBD, which supplied food supplies to occupied Belgium. Finn is now a celebrated war hero who flew planes over France, was shot down, and was rescued by good Belgian people. Soon, they are working together to raise support and funds for the CBD. It starts rough as Delia still fumed over Finn taking their saved cash for a future kite shop. She refused to forgive him.

The story shares deep emotions for the characters and the readers. Delia starts to forgive, and Finn learns to forgive himself. Both grow stronger and braver than they ever thought, and angst hits hard at times.

I loved this second-chance romance. Elizabeth Camden researched the era's people and events in depth. I highly recommend you read all three books in this series. Each one was so unique and worth every minute of reading. Beyond the Clouds was a fabulous novel to end this series.

****Meet Author Elizabeth Camden****



Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.





~*~*~*~*Purchase Beyond The Clouds ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Paperback-https://a.co/d/eUQvvbA

Kindle-https://a.co/d/hAIAnIR

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sonnets and Serpents : A Sweet Young Adult Romantasy (Casters and Crowns Book 2) by Elizabeth Lowham- YA Clean Romantasy Review


 Book Synopsis

A cynical shapeshifter. A hopeful princess. A love they never saw coming.

Silas Bennett grew up in a kingdom where magic-users are persecuted, especially those with the rare ability to transform into animals. After discovering he could shapeshift into a serpent, Silas was nearly killed—only to escape to a neighboring kingdom where he could study and use his magic freely. Now, he is determined to become a professor at the university he calls home, even though he is only nineteen. But first he must distinguish himself in his research field by proving that legendary magic stealers exist.

Princess Eliza, a hopeless romantic inspired by sonnets and their promises of true love, refuses to believe her beloved Henry perished at sea. She will do whatever it takes to find him and bring him home—even if it means traveling to another country and asking for help from a shapeshifting outcast.

With Eliza’s relentless optimism pitted against Silas’s unyielding cynicism, the two enemies can’t seem to have a civil conversation. But when they are unexpectedly bound by a pair of magical bracelets, which can only be unlocked by a kiss of true love, they quickly discover that they’ll have to work together as they navigate different languages, their past prejudices and fears, and a blossoming relationship. When their search for the truth about magic stealers threatens both Silas’s magic and Eliza’s safety, the two must learn to be vulnerable and trust each other’s hear
ts.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2025
  • Series:   (Casters and Crowns Book 2) 
  • Genre: Romance Fantasy
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639934359
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****





My Review

Sonnets and Serpents is book two in the Casters and Crowns series. It's a fantasy tale packed with magic and an enemies-to-lovers romance. Crown Princess Eliza stars alongside Silas Bennett, a scholar and snake shapeshifter. They clash in every way because of their differences. Eliza hunts for Henry, the man she calls her true love, and she travels alone to a strange land. Along the way, she bumps into Silas and an adventure begins that they never would have imagined.

I wondered at first if Eliza and Silas could team up because their differences seemed too big. With the author's magic, the bumpy path was woven for them to possibly fall in love.  They faced biases about each other head-on. Eliza seemed like a pampered royal and Silas a monstrous shapeshifter.

I grew to love these two as problems mounted up for them while looking for Henry and trying to find the mystery behind the deaths of professors. I loved the magic bond linking Eliza and Silas, and this set up many humorous and lively interactions between them.

Pick up this clean Romantasy of adventure, magic, loss, hope, and pushing past your old limits. Sonnets and Serpents will deliver a story you'll stay up to read. 


****Meet Author Elizabeth Lowham****

Elizabeth (Liz) Lowham began writing at fifteen years old and never stopped. A lifelong obsession with fairy tales led her to begin her publishing journey with fairy-tale retellings—Beauty Reborn and Astra Remade—before she found her home in no-spice romantasy with Casters and Crowns, which has received a starred review and a national book award, among other accolades. Her own version of happily ever after is happening with her family in Colorado and involves copious amounts of snuggles, chocolate truffles, and cozy books.

Learn more on her personal website



~*~*~*~*Purchase Sonnets and Serpents ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/c1PBYu6

Kindle-https://a.co/d/3CIiRzW