About the Book

Book: Ambush of the Heart

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: February 3, 2026

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to temporarily seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing him and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

 I’m still in my funk with reading books that I normally don’t read. Mary Connealy is a new author for me.

 This is the first book in the “Rocky Mountain Marshals” series. The story starts out with a bang-literally into a gun fight.

The year is 1870; Owen Riley and several of his US Marshals are escorting the family of the new commander of Fort Riley.  The two grown children need their protection to get to their destination. Along with the family they have a prisoner. They leave Colorado to heading to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The prisoner’s family devises a plan to break him out. Many of the men are injured in the escape plans and the stakes are higher with getting everyone to Wyoming safely. They decide to take a more dangerous and rugged route after the ambush.

The characters are complex and delightful. Delaney is a spit fire and strong willed woman. All the women traveling are tough as nails and God fearing women. I love the faith of all the individuals.

This is a page turner and fast paced plot. The end was a tad of a cliff hanger with parts of the story. I suspect that it will fill in the blanks in the next book in the series. I’m glad I took a chance to explore a new author. I was pleased with the book and look forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 More from Mary

Two things drove my interest in The Rocky Mountain Marshals Series. In book #1, Ambush of the Heart, I got to begin that adventure.

The first thing: U.S. Marshals. I did a bit of research and just began discovering how much I didn’t know. I mean…what are U.S. Marshals? The only one I could think of was Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. But my research was confusing. Yes, there were lawmen out hunting for outlaws. But a lot of that was because Oklahoma Territory back then was Indian territory and thus, had no law beyond tribal law. And, because of that, outlaws had gotten to running into Oklahoma and treating it like they’d reached base in a game of tag.

Because it was federal, the government came up with a federal solution. The U.S. Marshals Service already existed. But chasing outlaws into a place with no law…that was new. I went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, known back in the past as the gateway to Indian territory. So many outlaws passed through there that, a part of my research led me to the brand-new U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.

I could write an entire series about Bass Reeves alone, a former slave who became a U.S. Marshal. Some of my reading suggests he was in part the inspiration for the Lone Ranger and it’s said in his 32 year career as a marshal he arrested 3000 outlaws. He has a TV Series on Paramount+ TV. A network I don’t have.

I found so much of this out because I went on a research trip. (I don’t do that often) Very fun and I learned a LOT.

My second driving interest was…just how lost could someone get in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains? I’ve read so much about Pathfinders…Kit Carson, John Colter, James Beckwourth, John Mullen (a guy I’d never heard of who is so interesting he deserves his own book!). I definitely count Sacagawea among them. These bold, adventurous explorers who went out in the wilderness and found their way through. It was NOT easy.

One thing I found really interesting (all those pathfinders are interesting!) was talk about The Donner Party. That Donner Pass cut 400 miles off the trip to California on the California trail. That might sound ridiculous to us, but back then, in a wagon train, especially in rugged country, that 400 miles was a huge lure. Of course they tried it. People were always trying to find a shorter way through those treacherous mountains.

So, my hero Owen, is transporting a federal prisoner who escaped jail, from Denver to Fort Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming—where he’s due to hang.

An attempt to break him free by his gang drives the escorts and those with them—including beautiful Delaney, into the Rockies and whoa…they didn’t know how to get out…especially one pair who got separated from the main party.

One other twist is, my three heroes…the guys (the women are heroes, too of course) but the men, Owen, Morgan and Tex, all appeared in the book Marshaling Her Heart, book three in my Wyoming Sunrise series. Writing that book awakened my interest in U.S. Marshals. And I loved those tough men and wanted to … ahem … well, maybe tame them just a little.

So come and join me as my travelers, including the bold and brave Owen Riley and the beautiful and trail savvy Delaney Bridger, are chased from behind and more lost with every step they take ahead. They fight the outlaws, the Rockies and their growing attraction, to find their way home.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Betti Mace, February 21

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

She Lives To Read, February 25

Labor Not in Vain, February 26

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 27

Lyssa Loves Books, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Cover Lover Book Review, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 2

Jodie Wolfe, March 2

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 2

Connie’s History Classroom, March 3

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/3eYes/ambush-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Light To My Path

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined orphan caretaker and a wealthy mine owner—brought together by circumstance, tested by tragedy, and transformed by love.

Sam Mackenzie learned the hard way not to trust a beautiful face. After breaking his engagement to a fortune-hunting socialite, he’s focused solely on his family’s mining business. But when his aunt asks him to help escort three orphans and their caretaker across the country, he finds himself drawn to the selfless young woman tasked with the children’s care.

Eldora Carter has spent her life depending on no one but herself. As a former orphan now caring for three unwanted children, she knows better than to dream of a different future. When a journey by rail turns perilous, she must rely on Sam’s help to keep the children safe. Yet accepting his assistance means risking her heart to a man who could never want someone like her. As danger forces them to work together, Eldora discovers that sometimes the greatest risk is refusing to love at all.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

What a heartfelt story that I enjoyed reading. I’m not usually a western romance genre. I’m a huge fan of Erica Vetsch books and I knew it be a great story. This is the second book in the “Brides of the West” series. I have not read the first book in the series. Light to My Path was just as delightful without the first book which focuses on David.

Sam Mackenzie is an all around good guy. He is just days away from getting married. While he is waiting in the foyer for his future wife Sam over hears a conversation with his fiancé and mother-in-law. He was left stunned and upset by the conversation and confronts them. He leaves the home with no engagement and a different future set before him that he imagined.

Sam’s aunt works at an orphanage and has asked Sam if he would escort and assist a young woman Elle and three children as they are transported to a new orphanage in another state.

Eldora (Elle) spent many years in the orphanage and now just trying to survive. When she gets fired from her job she goes back to the orphanage to see if they can assist her. Instead she is given charge to three children Phin, Tick, and Celeste and takes them to Denver. She already knows the children and they are fond of Elle. Sam is not what she expects and he is unlike any wealthy person she has met. Elle is very guarded and doesn’t see herself as anything special.

Sam can’t help to not come to care for the children and even Elle. Elle doesn’t aspect anything from him and is grateful for everything.

The journey is nothing but simple as the plight ends up one adventure after another. There are many unexpected events along the way. The children will melt your heart. The characters are well developed in a short novel. My only disappointment was it ended so fast. I wanted more after they arrived at their destination.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Trains. I love trains. I got this love from my father, who is fascinated by all types of trains. When writing Light to My Path, I asked my dad lots of questions, and I relied heavily upon the things I learned at the train museums he took me to see.

One of our favorite train museums is in Duluth, MN. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in what was the former depot of the Gilded Age boomtown, is home to one of the most beautiful trains I have ever seen.

It’s name is the William B. Crooks, and it is a steam locomotive.

The William Crooks, the first train engine of any kind in Minnesota belonging to the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad by railroad tycoon James J. Hill of St. Paul. The William Crooks pulled its first train cars full of passengers on June 28, 1862. The William Crooks retired from passenger service in 1897.

Isn’t it beautiful? When the train retired from passenger service, it became the personal train of James J. Hill, The Empire Builder and owner of The Great Northern Railroad.

James J. Hill dreamed of pushing a railroad from Minnesota to the West Coast, through the Rocky and Cascade Mountains. It was along the Great Northern Railroad in March of 1910 that one of the worst train disasters in US history occurred. An avalanche took out two trains, killing 96 people.

This historic event inspired part of the story in Light to My Path. A train, trapped by snow, unable to go forward or back, and with an avalanche imminent. It’s the kind of book that calls for a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea!

You can read more about both the William Crooks and the Cascade Avalanche Disaster at these websites:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Crooks_(locomotive)

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-1/trains-buried-by-avalanche

Blog Stops

Books Less Travelled, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 20

Sydney Schmied Books, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

For Him and My Family, February 22

Devoted To Hope, February 23

Lyssa Loves Books, February 23

She.lives.to.read, February 24

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 28

Devoted Steps, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 1

Book Looks by Lisa, March 2

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Holly’s Book Corner, March 3

Lock, Hooks and Books, March 4

Pause for Tales, March 4

To celebrate her tour, Erica 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.

https://gleam.io/IemaN/light-to-my-path-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

There are so many Bibles out on the market and you can find just about anything to fit your niche. The most important aspect is that it’s the living Word of God within the pages despite your preference.

The Bible is stunning and beautiful. I love that it looks classy and elegant on the outside and inside. The LeatherLike cover is soft and comes in a variety of colors.  I happen to have the Olive Branch Green color. Which greens in this tone tend to be my favorite color. Other colors include a sky blue, pink petals, camel,  gold dust, and other colors to choose from.

The New Living Translation is and easy translation for many to understand for both young and old. I have came to the conclusion that the translation isn’t as important as someone being able to understand and read God’s word is what matters.  

 

The Filament feature is very practical study tool. You can scan the pages to access devotionals, maps, worship music, videos, and other content throughout the Bible. It has features that can take you into a deeper study on topics. It’s a nice feature for those who like to access these types of features. The Filament App is absolutely free. 

The Filament App is free.

Every books starts out with an introduction that highlights a general history and highlights certain areas. The books is also divided into 30 minute segments to enhance your study of the book.

There are study notes and devotionals throughout the pages. Many of the topics center around women that are relatable and encouraging for everyday life. Other sections throughout each book includes Image, Identity, Come Close, Perspective, Insight, What the Bible Says About, She Says, and other features. Over 100 women contributors, scholars, and writers from several countries.

This is a delightful Bible. You can learn more at  https://bit.ly/EveryWomanBibleFG 

If your interested in purchasing one for yourself or someone special you can do so at https://bit.ly/EveryWomanBibleFG.

 

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary product through FrontGate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts.

#StudyBible #NLT #Filament @TyndaleBibles @NLTBible @frontgatem

 

 

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About the Book

Book: Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer (The Heart of the Amish Book 11)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: January, 2026

Secrets Surround Shy Jane Bontrager

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Sweet, shy, and devoted Amish woman, Jane Bontrager secretly hates her childhood nickname of Plain Jane. She doesn’t know who started the ugly name back in her school days, but she can never forget how it has long made her feel.

Jane has a huge crush on Amish buggy maker Samuel Mast, but they are both so shy they are more likely to turn old and gray alone than to ever get together—especially since Samuel holds a secret or two of his own.

What can bridge the gap between two young people who both deserve love and happiness?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer (The Heart of the Amish Book 11) this is a sweet story of two individuals who have liked one another since grade school. Jane is quiet and reserved to those who don’t know her well. She is also a bit self conscious since she was dubbed Plain Jane in school. The name embedded its way into her self confidence and she has always felt just plain and nothing special.

Samuel Mast has his own secret as he is the one who created the name when the boys were teasing him in grade school about liking Jane. It was a moment that he regretted and has haunted him. They are both shy and don’t have a lot of confidence to share their feeling towards one another.

Jane and her friend are left running the Plain Beignet when the owner goes on her honeymoon for two weeks. Jane lives in one of the apartments above the business with her cat Secret. She will be caring for Little Mouse while the owner is away too. The first day of being in charge disaster happens with a leaking roof and repairs needed. Then sweet Little Mouse goes missing. The cat can’t be found anywhere. With the help of Samuel Mast and friends they run into several mishaps and are trying to figure out whom Jane’s secret admirer is that is leaving presents at the back door.  

A heartfelt story that will warm your heart and keep you turning the pages. It’s full of humor, mystery, faith, friendship, and a bit of romance. I love the tails of the purring cats in this story and all the other books in this series.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

 

 

More from Anne

The amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”!

Jane’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this next tale from my made-up Amish community of Willow Creek, Ohio.

If you read any of my previous three Heart of the Amish books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise”, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, and “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”, you’ll remember Jane Bontrager, their good friend who lives and works with Lizzie in her New Orleans Style French/Amish bakery in Willow Creek. Jane was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Jane’s cat is a tabby named Secret, because she can tell her fluffy pal all of the wishes, hopes and dreams closest to her heart.

As the story opens, Jane is waving her brother John and Lizzie off on their wedding trip, promising to take good care of the bakery – and Lizzie’s precious cat, Little Mouse – while they are away.

But then Jane finds a mysterious note from someone claiming to be her secret admirer taped to the back door of the bakery, and her heart flutters, wondering if it could possibly be her long time crush, Samuel Mast, the buggy maker, who put it there, along with a whimsical little gift.

Between a water leak that damages ceilings in the bakery building and the sudden disappearance of both Secret and Little Mouse, Jane has no time to wonder who left the note and gift; she needs help!

And Samuel Mast, who is indeed her secret admirer, is ready to step up to the plate and do whatever it takes to help Jane find the cats, repair the bakery, and maybe even discover love along the way.

But Sam has a secret of his own. He’s the one who accidentally-on-purpose saddled her with the nickname “Plain Jane” when they were kids. He has no idea how to confess his mistake, or his love.

Will Jane and Sam be able to get past Sam’s terrible secret? And will they find the missing cats before Lizzie gets home? Don’t lose hope; with God, everything is possible!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Jane’s story! This book is my fourth in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele, Kelly Irvin and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fifth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in some of my other stories, Miriam Zook. Miriam is a talented artist who paints stylized folk art paintings depicting scenes from Amish life.

Just like her friends, Miriam received a kitten from Lydia; a black and white fellow named Beauregard, or Beau for short. Her story, “Miriam’s Little Gentleman”, is due out in May, 2026.

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying a crisp winter in southeast Ohio.

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

lakesidelivingsite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Bizwings Blog, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 5

For Him and My Family, February 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts , February 7

Mary Hake, February 8

Holly’s Book Corner, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/Gzisa/plain-janes-secret-admirer-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Scent of Sabotage

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 30, 2025

Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is a matter of life or death—and when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he regains his lost memories. Was he targeted due to a case he was working on…or does it have something to do with the son they placed for adoption decades ago? When their investigations lead them inside an amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together and uncover the park owners’ nefarious plot…or die trying. 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Dana Mentink brings her latest series, Security Hounds Investigations, to an epic conclusion. Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of the other books in this six book series. I found that I was able to jump right into the story despite having not read the other books in the series. Dana Mentink has always been one of my favorite authors and she is very diverse with her series and never fails to disappoint.

Beth Wolfe, owner of the Security Hounds Detective Agency. Beth is a widow and loves her family deeply. She does have a secret that is surfacing after all these years. Investigative journalist Jack St. James her high school sweetheart calls her with one word- Adam. The son they gave up for adoption as teenagers. Beth meets with Jack and he is attacked. The attack leaves Jack with lapses in his memory to why he contacted Beth. As he regains his memories he recalls that Adam with whom he is building a relationship with contacts him. Adams girlfriend Tess goes missing.

Beth puts her security dog, Arthur on the trail. If you have ever known a hound dog then you know that they are amazing and amusing. Even though I have a mixed hound dog he has a lot of hound dog in him. I couldn’t help to not laugh at Arthur and the other dogs throughout.

Scent of Sabotage was a riveting page turner. It had suspense, danger, dogs, romance, and humor. I loved the plot twists that completely surprised me. The dogs are unforgettable and really add a added thread that weaves its way into this heartfelt story. 

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

More from Dana

How could we be at the end of a series? I’ve been having a wonderful time with the Wolfe family and their house full of hounds. The last book is finally Beth’s story. She’s the matriarch of the family who has experienced the loss of a spouse. In this story, she will meet the son she never knew and explore the idea of learning to love again. I feel especially fond of this book because Beth is an older heroine who has some living under her belt. She’s learned how to carry on, with her old dog Arthur, and stand faithfully in the face of adversity. Now that’s a heroine I can root for! I hope you enjoy this final installment of the Security Hounds series!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 16

The Avid Reader, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 18

EmpowerMoms, December 18

Bizwings Blog, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Alyssa Amey, December 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 22

Devoted To Hope, December 23

Blogging With Carol, December 23

Because I said so, December 24

Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lily’s Corner, December 26

Mary Hake, December 26

Labor Not in Vain, December 27

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27

Holly’s Book Corner, December 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 29

Lights in a Dark World, December 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/T2I2F/scent-of-sabotage-celebration-tour-giveaway