Month: January 2026

Cowboy’s Bookshop Bride by Clara Pines

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Trinity Falls Sweet Romance, Book 4

Trinity Falls, Pennsylvania

Sarah Robinson leaves behind her successful job to purchase a bookstore in Trinity Falls, a place she’s dreamed of returning to since her family left when she was a child. Of the many places her family lived during her childhood, Trinity Falls was the only town that felt like home. She’s thrilled to return, even after finding the bookshop hasn’t been kept up.

Brody Webb feels sorry for the city girl who bought his uncle’s shop. How long would it be before she gave up on the small-town bookstore and returned to the big city? Brody’s own wife had divorced him and left him, his farm, and their children to pursue a brilliant career. Brody can’t allow himself to fall for Sarah, no matter how much his avid-reading daughter loves her.

Sarah’s growing friendship with Brody and his children blossoms into more, but there’s no sign that the confirmed bachelor returns her feelings.

This book was a page-turner for me! The children definitely made the story more poignant for me. Neither the hero nor the heroine has a high opinion of their own appeal to the opposite sex, which adds to the story’s tension.

This well-written book is a feel-good story.

I will look for more books by this author. Recommended for readers of contemporary romances.

Amazon

A Mountain Christmas Romance by Misty Beller

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Wyoming Mountain Tales, Book 4

Mountain Bluff, Wyoming Territory, 1867

Matthias Bjork searches for his sister in the rugged Wyoming Territory. Both his Viking heritage and family are vital to him, and he hasn’t seen his sister in twenty years.

Opal Boyd’s experiences with men have led her to steer clear of them. That’s why she’s so grateful to have found a job and a home with an older German couple in the Wyoming Territory. Meeting with Matthias, whom her boarding family considers an adopted son, doesn’t change her mind initially, yet the strong man soon captivates her thoughts.

Matthias is equally mesmerized by Opal, yet continues to follow all clues to his sister. Once he finds her, he vows never to live far apart from her again. That promise becomes difficult to keep.

This book was a page-turner for me. The author weaves lots of twists and turns into the story that kept me guessing to the end. Lovable characters touched my heart in this poignant story.

This isn’t the first novel I’ve read by this prolific author, nor will it be the last. Recommended for readers of historical romances.

Amazon

ACFW New Releases January 2026

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January 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Action/Adventure:

Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong — Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)

Amish (Contemporary and Romance):

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne — Jane must overcome her disappointment upon discovering that the man she’s loved since childhood is the same person who gave her a hated nickname in their school days; can she and Sam overcome her distrust and his guilt and shyness and find their way to a shared future? (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)


An Amish Second Chance by Beth Wiseman — Can Hope and Rueben share the secrets that they’ve held close to their hearts and have the second chance they long for? (Amish Contemporary, Independently Published)

Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:


The Case of the Four-Legged Friend by Becca Wierwille — In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl must find a dog’s home before he’s sent to the animal shelter. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

General Historical:


What Loyalty Demands by Carol Ashby — When rebellion breaks out in Roman Britain, the protective British cousin of a Christian woman and the Roman tribune who wants a future with her discover how enmity born of conflicting loyalties can be overcome when believers serve as the peacemakers Jesus commanded them to be. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Historical Romance:


Far Grander Than Paradise by Barbara Blythe — She needs to find her father. He needs to atone for his dead brother’s sins. Can they find what they seek on a voyage that takes them halfway around the world? (Historical Romance from Elk Lake Publishing)


Whispers in the Valley by Amanda Cabot — A woman whose life is in shambles. A man who’s fighting for his future. A decades-old mystery. Carr Valley will never be the same. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Love Under Construction by Linda Shenton Matchett — Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job – the only man in town willing to work for a woman – sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Romantic Suspense:
Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell — When author Leah Beach is threated because of a new rescue mule she’s modeled one of her comic characters after, she seeks help from a reluctant body guard, Carlton Marsh, who soon discovers the threat is real. (Romantic Suspense from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)


Fighting for You by Robin Patchen — She’s running from her past. He’s protecting his future. Together, they must fight for what matters most. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short — Forced into hiding after witnessing a double murder by an organized-crime gang, Beth Ryder’s identity is suddenly leaked online and a kill order is placed on her head. Her survival is now in the hands of US Marshal Jake Cruz, who is determined to keep her alive. But when it becomes clear that more than one group is targeting Beth, the stakes are higher than ever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Deadly Secrets by Penny Zeller — Betrayal has consequences… Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn’t want sold? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction:

Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin — A mysterious, in-depth re-telling of Cinderella. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)


Braving Fiery Waters by Sarah Hanks — Her husband died in a fire. Now she’s heading straight into one. Marina Stone planned an ideal family vacation, perfect for reconnecting with her two teenagers after their father’s death. But those plans go drastically away when she time sails to the White Cloud in the year 1849. Now she must face her greatest fears and complete a mystery mission before she can return to her life and children. (Speculative/Time Travel, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Death on Wolfe Mountain by Lynne Waite chapman — Who was the man found dead on Wolfe Mountain and how did his body get there? (Cozy Mystery)

Love & Cheer – Holidays in Hallbrook by Elsie Davis — Talia Hunter’s promotion is riding on one flawless New Year’s Eve company gala. But when her caterer cancels at the eleventh hour, her career is on the line. And with her six-year-old daughter, Nicole, on a holiday school break, everything is more complicated as Talia tries to juggle life. She needs a miracle, except the only chef available on such a big party night is a man from her past…one she would rather avoid. (Contemporary Romance)

Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison — After witnessing a murder, firefighter Jules Adler must work with police sketch artist Dante de Marco to come up with a likeness of the killer before he tracks her down and silences her forever. (Romantic Suspense)

A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans MD — From the opulent danger of Herod’s court to the quiet refuge of Bethany, from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, A Certain Mercy weaves a powerful story of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and the transforming grace of Christ. (General Historical)

Colors of the Ocean by Cheryl Fitzgerald — A multi-generational story that follows thirteen-year-old Roxi on a transformative journey as she sails across the Pacific Ocean with grandparents she barely knows. Along the way she must navigate stormy conflicts in several relationships and within herself. (General Contemporary/Young Adult)

Feuding with the Cowboy by Louise M. Gouge — He once defied his family for love; can he risk it again? (Contemporary Romance)

Into the Promised Land by Sarah Heatwole — Into the Promised Land is a tale of courage to forge a new path, as Andy and Sylvia navigate the balance between Amish tradition and the compelling call of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus, until their Amish community demands a choice between faith and belonging. (General Historical)

Forever Christmas by Cat Cahill

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Gilbert Girls, Book 5

Crest Stone, Colorado Territory, 1875

After the death of her husband, Elizabeth Campbell spends all her money on a train ticket to the Colorado Territory in search of her brother. Upon learning that he’s in California with his new bride, Elizabeth takes a job as a waitress at the hotel her brother built.

In dread of his next job, Landon Cooper stops at a fine hotel for the night. His waitress at the lunch counter captivates him, but he’s not worthy of a good woman—especially after he completes his new job. Still, he can’t forget her. When she enlists his help in decorating the hotel for Christmas, he extends his stay.

Elizabeth’s marriage had not been a good one. It wouldn’t be wise to marry another cowboy, yet Landon stirs her heart. But what secret is he keeping?

The story captivated my attention from the first chapter as believable characters drew me into their plight. The hero’s decision kept me wondering as the story unfolded.

Characters from earlier novels are introduced seamlessly into the story, making me want to read the whole series.

I will look for more books by this author.

 Amazon

A Horseman’s Mission by Sandra Ardoin

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Hidden Veil Hometown, Book 2

The main reason Macie Newman accepts a job at a ranch in the small town of Hidden Veil is to give Alex, her nine-year-old son, a country setting to heal from witnessing his father drown. Her chef skills might be wasted on Lane Becker and his uncle, but she will do anything to help her traumatized son to heal.

Lane’s focus is on establishing his equine therapy center that will open in a few months. He soon discovers Alex’s trauma. Unfortunately, the boy’s feisty mother tends to be overprotective. Macie doesn’t take it well when he gives her his opinion. Lane’s friendship with both of them grows along with Alex’s interest in the ranch’s horses. Yet Lane can’t allow himself to dream of a relationship with Macie because of lingering guilt due to his brother’s death.

Lovable characters quickly pulled me into their plight. Both the hero and heroine have believable past emotional issues that made me care about their journey, especially as it affected the boy.

I enjoyed the North Carolina small-town setting. Townspeople whom we may see again in future books make me want to continue reading the series.

An enjoyable story.

Amazon   

Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

My husband loves chocolate eclairs. He enjoys this treat from a local bakery two or three times a year. I was thrilled to find a no-bake recipe for chocolate éclair cake. I made it for a family Christmas party.

After reading several recipes that used instant vanilla pudding mix, I finally found one that gave an option to prepare the cake using pastry cream. The recipe I followed used whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract. You can find that here.

I made chocolate buttercream frosting from scratch, or you can use a 16-ounce container of chocolate frosting.

I used a container of whipped topping, but it is easy to make your own, if you prefer.

Because I prepared the pastry cream and frosting from scratch, this whole cake took about an hour to prepare

Ingredients

Pastry cream (link to recipe above)

3 cups whipped topping, thawed

1 16-oz. package Graham crackers

2 cups of chocolate frosting

In a medium mixing bowl, gently fold the whipped topping into the prepared pastry cream until well blended to create a thick, creamy pudding.

Depending on the size of your serving dish, you may not use all of the Graham crackers. I chose a 9×13-inch glass dish and had a few crackers left over.

First layer: Arrange a single layer of Graham crackers on the bottom of the dish. Break apart some crackers if necessary to create a whole layer.

Second layer: Cover the Graham crackers with half of the pudding. Spread evenly.

Third layer: Arrange another layer of Graham crackers over the pudding.

Fourth layer: Cover with Graham crackers with the remaining pudding.

Fifth layer: Top with the final layer of Graham crackers.

Sixth layer: Frost the top layer of Graham crackers with the chocolate icing, taking care not to dislodge them.

Cover the dessert with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving, as the crackers soften when chilled.

I served this cake at a holiday gathering alongside two other delicious desserts, and it was nearly gone at the end of the evening. My family loved it.

Enjoy!

Sources

Hill, Meggan. “Pastry Cream,” Culinary Hill, 2025/12/15 https://www.culinaryhill.com/how-to-make-pastry-cream/.

A Christmas Tradition: Epiphany

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by Sandra Merville Hart

Epiphany is a word that some Christians use to describe the day that the Magi from the East found Jesus. The meaning of epiphany—a sudden, striking realization.

The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on December 25th, with a celebration of Jesus’ birth, and end on January 6th, which is traditionally celebrated as the day the Magi visited.

In the Middle Ages, Epiphany was also known as Twelfth Night or King’s Day.

In the mid-nineteenth century, Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of England transformed Epiphany into a family occasion that celebrated the Magi’s wonder at finding the Christ child.

In earlier times, the holiday season was celebrated beginning Christmas Eve to the Eve of Epiphany, when families sang songs and took down decorations. They attended church services on the Eve of Epiphany. Aromas from baked or simmered herbs reminded Christians of the Magi’s gifts.

Children left food for the wise men and hay for their camels that night. The food was usually gone the next morning, replaced by gold coins. This gift-giving was gradually replaced by Santa Claus in the United States and Father Christmas in England late in the 1800s.

Children in Germany dress up as Magi on January 6th and follow a child holding a star to find baby Jesus.

Epiphany is called “King’s Day” in parts of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Argentina. Wise men leave gifts on the Eve of Epiphany. “King’s cake” is often served as part of the meal on Epiphany.

Children fill shoes with barley for the Magi’s livestock in Italy and Spain.

A ship sails into many Spanish seaports on the morning of Epiphany with the Magi on board. These wise men give candy to children lining the sidewalks.

It’s fun to discover the different traditions associated with the 12 Days of Christmas.

Sources

Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, Zondervan, 2003.

Kennedy, Lesley. “How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start,” History, 2020/11/12

https://www.history.com/news/christmas-traditions-history.