Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Pregnant widow Holly Myer finds protection with Deputy Sheriff Clive Cantrell, after witnessing a double murder. 

There is a lot going on in this fast paced suspense, with Holly trying to  stay one step ahead of each danger. Clive is a hard working rancher who can't refuse helping a pregnant woman in need. I liked how he steps up to help keep her and her baby safe. This book's plot has a lot going on, with a lot of pieces to put together. Clive has a great family, and I liked how Holly is willing to do what is best for her baby.

An engaging plotline, great characters, and a lot going on. Makes for an enjoyable and fast read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming rom-com, about stepping out of your comfort zone, taking chances, and finding yourself. 

Britt Branch is an internet star, known for her art tutorials. Her channel is bright and cheery, but secretly she struggles with social anxiety. Hunter is and Britt meet by chance, and a friendship quickly forms. I liked their meet cute and friends X and Maude. It also follows Britt's estranged parents as they navigate reconciling their differences and finding peace. 

Cute and heartwarming, this was a quick read with likable characters and an upbeat charm. A fun read, with strong themes of second chances, forgiveness and healing. I thought that the story did a good job of dealing with Hunter's past life, and showing how he has changed. 

Overall, a wonderful quick read, with a cute plot and multiple point-of-views. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Sons of Day & Night

Author: Mariposa Aristeo

Genre: YA Fantasy – Retelling of The Prince and the Pauper

Release Date: November 18, 2025

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

A kingdom of night and day, where everyone has a twin who holds the other twin's life in their hands. 

A fresh fantasy reimagining of The Prince and the Pauper, full of adventure, wit, in this compelling coming of age re-telling. Excellent worldbuilding and strong character arcs, mixed with plenty of humor and sass. Waruu and Daccias could not be more different, but over the course of the story they grew and saw a different viewpoint. Well rounded complex characters, great supporting characters. There is a lot going on, with an engaging plot, and threads of faith woven throughout. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable adventure from beginning to end that puts a fresh spin on a familiar trope. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life. Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as an illustrator. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.

 

 

 

More from Mariposa

How could I refuse to write a retelling of The Prince & the Pauper?

(Kudos to all the zillennial girls who get that reference.)

Ever since I watched the Barbie rendition of this classic tale when I was just a little girl, this story has been on my heart. As I grew older, other more adventurous tales influenced me, such as Dreamwork’s How to Train Your Dragon, Jennifer Nielsen’s The False Prince, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and more recently, Star Wars’ The Bad Batch.

But no matter the story, one aspect stayed the same—finding people just like me in the unlikeliest of places.

Growing up, I had a different childhood than most. I was pretty isolated with little to no friends, and not much extended family. It wasn’t until my twenties that I met the people who would later become my true family. They weren’t blood relations, and we didn’t interact in person until years later (yay for internet friends!). We are different in all the best ways but the same in the ways that matter and weird in the way that makes life interesting.

The Prince & the Pauper is a story about many things. Empathy, compassion, and learning what it’s like to live in another person’s shoes. When I set out to write Sons of Day & Night, I wanted to pay homage to this underrated tale while deepening the bond between the two very different (but also very alike) heroes. It’s not just a story about switched identities, it’s a story about the family we find even when our world is falling apart.

When my mom passed away from cancer in 2022, I felt like my world truly was falling to pieces. Besides losing a parent, I also lost what little I had of a normal family. But my found family came together to be there for me and be the family I never had.

We don’t share the same genetics, but they are every bit as much my brothers and sisters. As Stitch once said, “This is my family. I found it all on my own.”

Fast forward a few years, and I now live within 60 miles of my found family and see them almost every week. It’s funny to think how a few internet strangers became such a huge part of my life, but sometimes God sends us family in the places we least expect it.

And my hope is that Sons of Day & Night will remind you that there’s always someone out there just like you.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Inspired by Fiction, November 21

The Lofty Pages, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, November 24

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 24

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mariposa 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://promosimple.com/ps/3dc7e/sons-of-day

On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sidelined FBI agent Scott Sinclair and crime podcaster Tori Mitchell team up to clear her nephew's name and thwart the killer who has a target on their backs. 

A fast paced adventure with a lot going on as they race against time to solve the mystery, putting their wits to the test. An engaging read with compelling characters and a lot going on. Great pacing and tension, with strong themes of faith and recovering from addiction. I liked that she has been helping her nephew, and is determined to find answers. Scott is a great guy with strong faith, and ready to help wherever he can. 

A highly enjoyable read, full of suspense and great relationship building. Action packed read, amazing characters, packed into a compelling story. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Scotland's Melody by Katie Stewart Stone // Review

Lucie's Review: 

When her father promises her in marriage to a man she has never met, she thwarts expectations by marrying below her station. But when her family disowns her, her new husband turns on her and she must learn to survive working as a maid. 

A clean historical romance, with a good character arc, fantastic characters, and a riveting plot. I liked that Melody learned a lot, and grew as a person throughout the story. Cameron and his sister, are good friends, and I liked how they helped her in many tough situations. Good character interaction, with themes of fate friendship and growing up. 

Overall, an engaging and entertaining read, with heartwarming romance and will they or won't they tension. Very much enjoyed this clean read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Little House Homecoming // Momentum

In celebration of the beloved television show’s 50th Anniversary, comes a heartwarming new documentary: LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING — a journey that brings together members of the original cast and generations of fans in a shared tribute to love, hope, and belonging. 

 A homecoming years in the making. Join Karen Grassle (“Caroline Ingalls”), Dean Butler (“Almanzo Wilder”), Alison Arngrim (“Nellie Oleson”), Charlotte Stewart (“Miss Beadle”), and Wendi Lou Lee (“Baby Grace”) as they travel to the real-life places that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books—and reconnect with the spirit of Little House that continues to in spire audiences around the world. Featuring heartfelt new interviews with members of the original cast, reflections from devoted fans and historians, and extraordinary footage of the places Laura lived and wrote about, LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING is a celebration of a legacy that still feels like home. 

Buy tickets today to see Little House Homecoming on Trellis Virtual Cinema  starting November 26th! Learn more HERE.

#LittleHouseHomecomingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

My Review:

An uplifting celebration of the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and all the lives she touched through the beloved book series and then again through the popular TV series.

This warm homecoming includes interviews from Karen Grassle, Dean Butler, Alison Arngrim, Charlotte Stewart, and Wendi Lou Lee, along with many others from staff at the homestead sites, to longtime fans, pageant participants, and many more. I grew up both reading the books, and watching the TV show, as well as reading the spin off book series that came later about Caroline, Charlotte, and Martha. I adored Laura, and I remember going to see the homesteads in DeSmet and Walnut Grove, seeing the pageants, and my mother sewing me a bonnet to wear when we went. I have so many fond memories of watching the show, reading the books, and exploring her world. I felt a kinship to the people they interviewed who had also been impacted and inspired by the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. And it was so amazing to see people going to the places I had visited, and being just as excited about seeing the places that we had read about.

Little House holds a special place in many people's hearts, like comfort food or going home. Filled with relatable adventures and experiences, humor, family and faith. So if you are a fan like me, this homecoming makes for a heartwarming, nostalgia-filled cozy watch. Perfect for the holiday season!

Many thanks to Trellis Virtual Cinema for providing a sample of the product for this  review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Buy tickets today to see Little House Homecoming on Trellis Virtual Cinema  starting November 26th! Learn more HERE. 

Giveaway: 1 free code to view film through Trellis Virtual Cinema  (Note: This is limited to US winners only.

Ticket to watch Little House Homecoming

Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm: 4 Cozy Farmyard Mysteries by Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, Teresa Ives Lilly, Janice Thompson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Hog Wild by Cynthia Hickey

Shelby goes in search of her prized hog that goes missing right before the county fair. Secret rivalries and second chances in this cozy novella. Led by a likable protagonist and her close friends, this story has a lot going on, and a well paced plot. I liked getting to know Shelby and her friends. Highly enjoyable. 

The Dark Side of the Moo by  Linda Baten Johnson

Liv Olson comes home to the farm to find herself thrust into solving a murder than happened on their property. But as more strange things begin to happen, Liv knows that she must get to the bottom of things before its too late. Devoted to her family, Liv, is determined to do everything she can to help her parent's dairy farm. Good pace, great characters. I learned some about dairy cows too!

Fowl Deed by Teresa Ives Lilly

April has done a lot to save her from real estate developer Jeff Barr, when he is found dead on her property she must solve the murder to once again save her farm. Engaging cozy mystery, with fun characters, and a wonderful heroine. Highly enjoyable!

Searching for Sunshine by Janice Thompson

Jessie Kingston is on the hunt for her missing mare, when she disappears in the care of the breeder, Jessie is determined to bring her horse home. Jessie teams with the breeder's son, to track down her horse. Heartwarming, with good mystery and strong themes of faith. Great interaction, with a full cast of characters. I liked how Jessie bonded with another family over their shared faith. Thoroughly enjoyed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Little House Homecoming Trailer // Releases November 26th, 2025

A homecoming years in the making. 

I remember watching this show with my family growing up, and it was always the comfort show I turned to when I was sick. I can't tell you how many times I rewatched it.

Join Karen Grassle (“Caroline Ingalls”), Dean Butler (“Almanzo Wilder”), Alison Arngrim (“Nellie Oleson”), Charlotte Stewart (“Miss Beadle”), and Wendi Lou Lee (“Baby Grace”) as they travel to the real-life places that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books—and reconnect with the spirit of Little House that continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Featuring heartfelt new interviews with members of the original cast, reflections from devoted fans and historians, and extraordinary footage of the places Laura lived and wrote about, LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING is a celebration of a legacy that still feels like home.

LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING is a virtual cinema event that will be available to watch for purchase starting on November 26. 

Preorder your tickets today: https://www.littlehousehomecoming.com/

#LittleHouseHomecomingMIN  #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Out of Time by Irene Hannon // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Cara Tucker is a historical anthropologist, with a passion for dead languages, she gladly accepts an invitation to spend some time on an acquaintances' country estate to unravel the secrets in a long-lost relative's diary. But when strange things start happening on the estate, she and Sheriff Brad Adams work together to find out what is going on behind the scenes. 

Full of intrigue, with good building suspense throughout. There is a lot going on, with great pacing and good reveal throughout. Cara and Brad make a very good, but unlikely team, with strengths that complement each other. Great interaction, good relationship building, with good levels of suspense and bonding over shared faith. 

Overall, a well-done suspense, with great supporting characters, and a lot of pieces that slowly come together for a huge climatic ending. Natalie is a wonderful host, and I liked getting to know her over the course of the story. Engaging suspense. Highly unputdownable!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Peter Martyr Vermigli: Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr // Review

My Review: 

Well written biography that tells the story of Peter Martyr Vermigli's life in a style that is friendly to young readers, with larger font and lovely illustrations. 

The biography follows Peter Martyr Vermigli from his young years to his later life, his scholarly hunger for learning more of God's word, rise in the Roman Catholic Church, and eventual conversion to Protestantism, fleeing for his life and encouraging like-minded Christians. I had never heard of him before, and I thought it was cool how he had been a contemporary of Martin Luther, and an influential part of the reformation in England. 

A wonderful addition to your library, hardcover bound with durable glossy full color pages, lovely illustrations and a message of faith and how God used Martyr to spread the Reformation. Great for all ages, especially older elementary 7-12, but fantastic to read even as an adult.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.