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 »

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

TRACK OF COURAGE by Susan May Warren-Christian Romantic Suspense Review

Track of Courage by Susan May Warren Banner

TRACK OF COURAGE

by Susan May Warren

January 5 - 16, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Track of Courage by Susan May Warren

CALL OF THE WILD

 

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense Thriller
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800746056 (ISBN10: 0800746058) Pbk
Series: Call of the Wild, #1
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | ChristianBook | Baker Book House

    ****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

Track of Courage packs one adventure after another in this gripping romantic suspense novel. At 315 pages, I devoured it in just one day.

Pop star Keely Williams heads to Alaska to find her birth mother, but it ends in disappointment. Dawson Mulligan heals from a knee injury that might end his law enforcement career. Their worlds collide when hijackers seize Keely's plane, crashing it, and the pilot dies.  Now a target's on her back for what she saw. Keely flees through Alaska's icy wilds like hunted prey, with the hijackers hot on her tail.

Dawson, flying home with his cousin, spots the wreck, lands, and rescues Keely because of his dog's tracking skills. He protects her along with his dog, Caspian, at his side. Truth is, Caspian often steals the spotlight. So does Wren, the sweet girl they meet in the Woodcrest village. Warren builds characters so well that you bond with them quickly.

Her writing is so immersive; her words paint vivid details. You feel the icy Alaskan chill and crunching snow. The story races along, perfect for all the tension. Amid the chase blooms a romance between two guarded souls. They open up, trust again, and fall in love. Faith weaves in gently, as both see they need God.

Track of Courage kicks off the Call of the Wild series. Warren's fans will spot old friends here. She nailed this one, so I'll grab more of her work. I adored the book and its themes of family, community, faith, loyalty, and love. The endless thrills hook you, stir deep feelings, and leave you craving for an Alaska trip.

Read an excerpt from TRACK OF COURAGE:

 

 

Author Bio:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 100 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota.

Catch Up With Susan May Warren:

SusanMayWarren.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @SusanMayWarren
BookBub - @SusanMayWarren
Instagram - @SusanMayWarren
X - @SusanMayWarren
Facebook - @SusanMayWarrenFiction
YouTube - @SusanMayWarrenFiction

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the TRACK OF COURAGE Tour Schedule

 

 

 

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TRACK OF COURAGE by Susan May Warren | Print Book & Gift Card

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Wednesday, January 7, 2026

A Fortunate Miscalculation By Karen Thornell-Historical Fiction Review


 Book Synopsis

Part One of: The Gentlemen's Gamble (6 books)

A wager. An inconvenient love. A fortunate miscalculation that changes everything.

Andrew Langford is an honorable man. So it is deeply inconvenient when Sophie Renard, the woman he loved, appears at his door on the very day he’s reminded of a youthful wager that will cost the last unwed man a small fortune. She is beautiful, desperate, and, Andrew believes, married.


Sophie came to London for a prestigious mathematics position that she’s worked toward for six years. But after the promised job is withdrawn, she faces humiliating failure unless she can persuade her employer to reconsider. With no one else to turn to, she seeks help from her old friend, Andrew.


Andrew offers assistance where he can, determined to be nothing more than a friend. But proximity rekindles old feelings neither of them can afford, and Sophie’s charm and brilliance remind him why he once fell for her. As secrets unravel and the future threatens to pull them apart for a second time, they both must decide what they are willing to risk for love.



Book Details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GCGXCCCD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 5, 2026
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 233 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8278383345
  • ****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 GENTLEMEN'S GAMBLE SERIES

"One Woman, One Wager, One Chance"

A Fortunate Miscalculation hooked me right from the start. I adored this sweet love story with the friends-to-lovers trope. That's my top pick every time. It kicks off a fresh series called The Gentlemen's Gamble. I'm thrilled about it. Each book opens with a prologue on how the big wager began.

Karen Thornell is a spectacular romance writer. The way you see Andrew and Sophie reconnecting and growing closer made me never want to put this book down. They both are such wonderful characters. Childhood friends who grew up together were torn apart by individual circumstances. Andrew has always loved Sophie, so when they meet up many years later, Andrew can't help but be drawn to her and help her in any way he can.

Sophie stands out in her time. She's smart, loves books, and dreams of science fame. Strong women in Regency romances thrill me. Her parents hated that she didn't act like a lady and a socialite. They preferred her mild sisters who wed and had children. I hated how they treated her. At the same time, it was almost magical the way that Andrew treated her like a Queen. Even though their renewed relationship had a rocky start, it was a joyful experience.

Andrew makes the ideal hero. A real gent through and through. Life tests him too, but he stands by Sophie. He backs her up against her biased boss and horrible parents.

I flew through the pages, and I'd read it again in a heartbeat. It's that fun. I can't wait for more in the series. Who loses the bet? Who weds last among the pals? I'll grab every Karen Thornell book for a sure win.

****Meet Author Karen Thornell****


Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

You can connect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, or on her site at www.karenthornell.com



~*~*~*~*Purchase A Fortunate Miscalculation  ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/72AlT4N

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

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Mayhem on the Marzipan Express (A Claire Walker Mystery) By Rebecca Connolly-A Cozy Culinary Mystery Review


 Book Synopsis

A romantic getaway turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect.

Amateur baker and part-time sleuth Claire Walker is looking forward to a vacation with her boyfriend, Jonathan Ainsley. The happy couple boards the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed “The Marzipan Express” in honor of chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans.

The trip has barely begun when Claire and Jonny discover a dead body, and though it appears to be an accident, Claire can sense something is wrong as easily as she can sense an overbaked soufflĂ©. All clues point to Alan as the culprit: He doesn’t have an alibi, his assistant is oddly nervous around him, and a shadowy figure keeps appearing at all the wrong times. Is someone from Alan’s past trying to frame him? Or could Alan be trying to cover his tracks?

Claire had hoped for a delicious, romantic getaway, not investigating a mysterious death while stress-eating trifle in the kitchen car and trying to not be jealous of a magazine reporter who is flirting with Jonny. It’s mayhem in more ways than one.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
  • Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries
  • Series : A Claire Walker Mystery
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2026
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639935002
  • ****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

A Claire Walker Mystery always delivers a fun read. I liked this one even better than the first. Lately, I've said that about lots of second books. Mayhem on the Marzipan Express kept me hooked. It reminded me of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, yet with a Baker's touch. 


"A romantic getaway turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect."

Claire returns as the charming, down-to-earth amateur baker and an ex-contestant from Britain’s Battle of the Bakers. She and her handsome Viscount boyfriend, Jonny, join judge Alan Gables on the famed Scottish Mallaig Steam Express, with a name change for this event: Marzipan Express. It's for the chef's special food event with top fans. Claire is there for a romantic getaway with Jonny and to serve as Alan's sous chef.

Things go smoothly until the first body drops. Will it be the only one?  Claire and Jonny turn detectives again, but Alan Gables emerges as the key suspect. They all work together to figure out who is really behind the attack. 

Side note: The author writes in the preface, "And to David Tennant, who is the only person who could ever be Alan Gables in my head or in any adaptation. You hear that, executives? ONLY DAVID TENNANT. David, are you listening?" I adore David T. He was my favorite Doctor on Doctor Who. After reading that, I pictured David as Alan and heard his voice in every line.

Are you a fan of cozy mysteries, sweet romance, baking contests, plot twists, and tasty food?  You'll want to grab this book and series.  It includes recipes for all the dishes Claire and Alan cooked on the train. I plan to bake a few soon.



****Meet Author Rebecca Connolly ****


Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, and is a hot cocoa addict.



~*~*~*~*Purchase Mayhem on the Marzipan Express  ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/4b6qPwy

Kindle-https://a.co/d/fgCI5hN

Friday, January 2, 2026

The Invincible List of Lani Li By Veeda Bybee-Middle Grade Fiction Review


 Book Synopsis

A challenge from her little brother and a Chinese fable inspire Lani Li to hit every note of invincible bravery on her band trip to London.

Thirteen-year-old Lani Li has grown up with the tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers—Chinese heroes who use their superpowers to conquer challenges. Lani wishes she could be as brave as them, especially as she faces her own test of courage . . .

When Lani's elite performance band is chosen to perform in London, she should be thrilled. But with too many fears to count and her little brother, Gavin, unable to join her due to a serious heart condition, the trip feels more daunting than exciting. Before Lani leaves, Gavin gives her a challenge: tap into her own hidden strength by embodying the Eight Invincible Brothers—and each of their special powers.

In London, Lani creates her own “invincible list” based on the fable, and as she checks off each quality, she discovers that these “superpowers” might not be as farfetched as they seem. But when the final challenge demands that she face a daunting fear—running down the famous Cooper’s Hill in a wild cheese race—Lani wonders if she has what it takes to complete the list.

With her brother’s courage as her guide, can Lani conquer her fears and prove she’s invincible in her own way? Or will this last challenge be the one that defeats her?

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
  • Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639934332
  • ****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

I love reading middle-grade fiction books. The Invincible List of Lani Li tells a heartwarming family story. Lani and Gavin are siblings in a tight family of eight kids. They grew up with The Tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers, an old Chinese Tale. Their family goes by The Invincible Lis.

I adored how Lani backed her brother and his big dreams. She headed to England with her school band. Gavin hoped to join her and their parents. His heart problems became worse, he needed a new valve, and had to stay home for the surgery. He dreamed of racing in the Cheese Run at Cooper's Hill. Now he begged his sister to race for him. Lani needs to dig deep within herself. Lani uses the story of The Tale of the Eight Invincible Brothers to give her the "superpowers" to make this possible. Will she be able to grant his wish?


This story encompasses many themes:

 -Showing bravery and overcoming fears

 -Personal Growth

 -Family unity 

 -Being determined and resilient

 -Cultural Awareness

The Invincible List of Lani Li is written for middle-grade readers ages 8-13. With its upbeat and inspirational ideas, kids will enjoy reading this novel.


****Meet Author Veeda Bybee****

Veeda Bybee is a former journalist and holds an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is the author of Lily and the Great Quake, Li on Angel Island, and the upcoming Shining A Light: Celebrating 40 Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World. Veeda is also part of the Rural Voices anthology and Calling the Moon anthology. Veeda lives with her family in Nevada where she reads, writes and bakes.


~*~*~*~*Purchase The Invincible List of Lani Li  ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hard Cover-https://a.co/d/hhh8Uwd

Kindle-https://a.co/d/77mvCEV

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Invictus (Esperance Trilogy Book 2) Kindle Edition by Heather Frost-Romantasy Review


Book Synopsis

She chose to trust him.


He swore to protect her.

But surviving Esperance was only the beginning . . .

Amryn never intended to betray the rebels she swore to help—or fall for the husband she was forced to marry. But when everything at Esperance fell apart, Carver became the one person she could trust. Now, she must rely on him more than ever—especially since the knights who hunt empaths know one was at Esperance. If they find her, they will kill her. Yet the threat Amryn doesn’t see coming may prove deadlier, because even though she turned her back on the rebels, the Rising isn’t done with her.

Carver has already lost too much at Esperance. He won’t lose anyone else—especially Amryn. He’ll fight to protect his wife from every threat, including the mysterious bloodstone that nearly killed her. He knows the dangerous relic must be destroyed, but first he has to get the surviving Chosen to the capital—a mission that soon turns deadly, making it clear there is still someone out there who never planned for the Chosen to leave Esperance alive.

But safety isn’t guaranteed in the emperor’s palace. Here, every action is scrutinized, and politics twist every word. Surrounded by hidden enemies, ruthless assassins, and deadly conspiracies, Amryn and Carver must navigate a web of danger that could cost them everything—including their lives.

Invictus is book two in a swoony, closed-door fantasy romance series by Amazon bestselling author Heather Frost. If you love slow-burn romance, surprising twists, and an action-packed story you can’t put down, you’ll love Invictus. Just be sure to read Esperance first!

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Heather Frost
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 18, 2025
  • Genre: YA Clean Romantasy
  • Series: Esperance Trilogy Book 2
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 683 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 195912207X
  • ****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

I gave the first book, Esperance, five stars. It made a strong start to the trilogy. Could book two match it? Yes, and it did.

The Esperance Trilogy offers a clean Romantasy story. Read book one first, or you'll get lost and miss key parts in Invictus. Make sure to plan time to read this one because once you start, the world pulls you in, and you won't want to stop.

Invictus starts right after Esperance ends. Amryn and Carver move past their tough arranged marriage towards something deeper. They head to the capital to see the emperor. Danger ramps up fast—action, suspense, and hits on their lives. Who pulls the strings? It's hard to guess. All the while, they guard Amryn's secret: she's an empath. Knights wipe out empaths without mercy. Dual views from Amryn and Carver make it shine and enrich the story. Their bond blooms with real tenderness, respect, and loyalty. This pair earns the word swoonworthy. 

Other people add a lot to the story, Carver's kind mom and sister, Elowen, welcome Amryn like she's family—something she lacked in her life. The other Chosen, Ivan and Jayveh, plus Carver's bitter, grieving brother, add some edge to the overall story.

The twists hit often with shocks that will stun you. The end made my heart race. I wished I could jump in to help. That big cliffhanger shocked me and left me dumbfounded for several minutes. There was no one to talk to about the ending at 2:00 a.m. How will book three fix it? 

Overall, Heather Frost draws you in and holds you tight for hours with her enchanting story, but remember, read book one first. Also, brace for the impactful ending. This stands as one of my top reads of 2025.

****Meet Author Heather Frost****


Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon bestselling YA author who loves epic stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy and the Fate of Eyrinthia series. Her books have been Whitney Award Finalists and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com



~*~*~*~*Purchase Invictus ~*~*~*~*

HERE :

Paperback-https://a.co/d/5AFg3zP

Kindle-https://a.co/d/682eNEG