Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler

 Trusting the Single Dad

Book Summary

Making amends could give him

a future he never dreamed of.

Former bad boy Devin Spencer never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod—but neither did Cassie Reed. Tasked with reopening her family’s beloved summer camp, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from the man. But Devin’s dedication to giving his young daughter a stable life starts to break down her walls. As they grow closer, drawn together by their children and an undeniable connection, Cassie’s heartbreaking secret and Devin’s troubled history threaten to keep them apart. Can they find the courage to face the past and create the family they’ve both been searching for?

My Thoughts

Some books feel like a cozy conversation with a friend, and Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler has that same warm, inviting charm. I really enjoyed the author’s friendly writing style and the relatable characters who quickly won me over. Cassie and Devin were easy to root for, and Devin’s daughter, Hailey, was such a delightful addition to the story. This sweet romance took me through a full range of emotions, from joyful moments to genuine heartbreak, while gently exploring themes of forgiveness, family, teamwork, and helping others. I also appreciated the thread of faith woven naturally throughout the story, along with a romance that felt heartfelt and nicely paced. By the final page, I was smiling big and wishing I could spend just a little more time with these characters.

Looking for your next heartwarming read? Trusting the Single Dad is available now on Amazon, and Meghann Whistler fans have even more to look forward to—The Secret She Carries releases January 26, 2027. You can also browse the author’s other delightful novels, and if you follow her on Amazon, you’ll get a friendly nudge whenever a new book baby arrives. I’ll be back on Thursday, July 30, with Dana R. Lynn’s engaging A Killer’s Target. Until then, may your coffee stay warm, your TBR pile behave itself, and your next chapter be impossible to put down. 

Kris

The Avid Reader

This is how I feel when I go outside!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helena Smrcek

A K-9 Mountain Promise

Book Summary

Can a loyal companion

Heal two damaged hearts?

After her life is shattered by divorce, Abby Clifford retreats to her family’s mountain cabin in Colorado with her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, to heal. Then she comes face-to-face with the man she never thought she’d see again. Noah Ross broke Abby’s teenage heart. Now she wants nothing to do with the handsome veterinarian. But when Noah’s in danger of getting evicted from his condo because of his two Hungarian vizsla dogs, Abby reluctantly allows him and his K-9s to spend time on their property. Charlotte immediately bonds with the sweet dogs. Will Abby ever forgive the past and embrace a fresh start?

My Thoughts

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helen Smrcek is a sweet, heartwarming read with a lovable cast of characters. While it took me a little time to warm up to Abby Clifford, I appreciated her journey and found myself wanting her to let go of the past and embrace the life in front of her. Abby’s daughter, Charlotte, nearly steals the show with her precocious, loving, and outgoing personality. Noah’s dogs, Rosie and Briggs, add even more charm to the story, and I especially enjoyed the way they helped Charlotte begin to heal from her parents’ divorce and her father’s abandonment. 

Hungarian vizsla dogs

Faith is woven naturally throughout the novel, and I liked how Noah gently encouraged Charlotte in her faith. Although this book is part of the K-9 Companions series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Overall, A K-9 Mountain Promise is a charming, uplifting tale that left me wishing for just a little more time with these characters.

You can get a copy of A K-9 Mountain Promise from Amazon along with the other books in A K-9 Companions series.  If you enjoy clean Christian romances, you should take a look at Helena Smrcek's other novels.  

On July 7, I will be sharing my thoughts on The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray.  It is the debut of The Amish Widows Club.  I hope your Fourth of July is a blast!🎆 I will be cooking dinner on the grill, our village is having a Fourth of July golf cart parade, and then we will watch the fireworks from our porch (the fireworks go off in the lake downtown which is one street away). I am grateful that fireworks do not scare my cat, Dickens (she will sleep right through them). Have a star-spangled holiday! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt

A Mother's Prayer

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Mother's Prayer 
Series: Sweetwater, Arizona #3 
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: June 30, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can an unexpected turn 
lead her right where she belongs? 

Pregnant, single and stranded in a storm with her two young kids, Olive Hart is out of options—until gruff mechanic Hank Valentine comes to their rescue. When her housing falls through, he reluctantly offers them shelter at his ranch in exchange for help at his garage. It’s just a temporary arrangement…but Olive’s chaotic, lovable crew begins to warm his guarded heart. They’ve both been burned by the past, but can they find the courage to build something lasting…together?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop |BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Chris Maday Schmidt is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes contemporary inspirational romance—real-life fairy tales filled with hope, humor, and heart. A member of Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, she is the author of the Love Inspired Sweetwater series for Harlequin, including her latest release, A Mother’s Prayer (June 30, 2026). Her debut novel received a 5-star review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest.

Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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My  Thoughts

A Mother’s Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt is a heartwarming and beautifully written story that completely charmed me. I loved the author’s engaging writing style, relatable characters, and the way the main characters balanced each other so well. Their banter added just the right touch of humor and warmth, making their connection a joy to follow. Sweetwater is a wonderfully charming town filled with caring residents, and Olive’s children are absolutely delightful. I especially adored Roman, the lovable dog who added even more heart to the story. The descriptions of the bread and baked goods were so vivid they had my mouth watering! 

Filled with second chances, family, hope, romance, and faith, A Mother’s Prayer is a touching and uplifting read. The ending left me smiling, and the story lingered with me long after I turned the final page. Although it is the third book in the Sweetwater, Arizona series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. This tender, faith-filled romance is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a book tote, a B&N gift card, and a signed print copy of A Mother's Prayer!

(1) winner will receive a Sweetwater, Arizona book bundle: A Father's Vow, The Fire Chief's Surprise, and A Mother's Prayer! (print for US winner, ebooks if winner is outside the US)

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 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 only for print copies & book tote. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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A Mother’s Prayer can be obtained from Amazon (other purchase options above).  The first two books in the Sweetwater, Arizona series are A Father's Vow and The Fire Chief's Surprise. If you like sweet romances, check out Chris Maday Schmidt's other novels.  I made a spoiled cat very happy yesterday.  My cat, Dickens, has been sleeping on a box next to the washer (my fault for sitting it down for a minute). I did not like how it looked (tacky).  My mother and I decided to put a small bookcase beside the washer (we can always use more storage for books).  Dickens helped me put it together (she was so helpful--not).  She loves the bookcase.  We have not been able to put any books on the shelves because she is having so much fun with the open shelves.  She may be eighteen, but she plays like a kitten.  

On Thursday, July 2, I am featuring A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helen Smrcek. It is the latest book in the K-9 Companions series.   Hope today treats you well.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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

A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore

A Child to Bind Them

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Child to Bind Them 
Author: Donna Gartshore 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can one little girl… 
Heal wounds from the past? 

Landing a contractor job at New Hope Ranch finally allows Mitch Cooper to give his daughter, Gemma—who has a developmental delay—a stable home…if he can find reliable childcare. But when therapy horse trainer Aubrey Simpson eagerly offers to look after the three-year-old, Mitch finds himself hesitant to agree. Realizing Gemma is the baby she gave up for adoption, Aubrey will do anything to help the little girl—even spend time with her cautious father. But as unexpected feelings grow, will Aubrey reveal the truth…and risk her newfound family?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Publishers Weekly best selling author Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities.

Connect with Donna on Facebook and Instagram.

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My Thoughts

A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore is a special story.  I felt the writing was strong, featuring believable characters throughout. The narrative progressed smoothly and maintained a consistent rhythm.  I enjoyed getting to know Aubrey Simpson, Mitch Cooper, and Mitch’s daughter, Gemma.  I sympathized with Mitch, a single father working to give his daughter a stable home despite her dislike for change.   The story gives us a brief look at the challenges of raising a developmentally delayed child.  The epilogue offered a satisfying ending.  Donna Gartshore is a new author for me, but after reading this book, I’m sure I’ll be picking up more of her work.   A Child to Bind Them is a story that tugs at your heartstrings.  

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Excerpt

Maybe I shouldn’t have stepped in. Maybe that made Mitch look bad in front of the guys.  In her room, Aubrey was pondering what the next few weeks or months would bring for her, especially as the construction and renovations began to move into the areas she worked and taught in.

Her surroundings, as with all the places she’d lived in over the past few years since she’d had to give up her baby, were largely free from personal style and décor. She always tried to keep her living space as impersonal as possible so if she had to pick up and move on, she wouldn’t feel like she was leaving pieces of herself behind.

Her clientele was already starting to dwindle, as some decided they would prefer to start or continue lessons when the reno was fully completed. She knew the Duffys were doing their best to keep her busy and to assure her that she still had a role here, such as asking her to introduce Mitch to the workers and give him some tips about the horses, but there was no way those kinds of things were going to fill up her days.

This was the kind of situation that usually made her start getting restless, start looking elsewhere and thinking about where she could go next that would keep her busy enough to suppress the grief and remorse that never quite went away.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a print copy of A Child to Bind Them and The Rancher's Prayer!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 28, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 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 HERE

Enter Giveaway

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A Child to Bind Them is available from Harlequin.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, Bookshop, and BookBub.  You can find Donna Gartshore's other novels here.   Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, May 5 with Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle.  I am off to work on the next item on my lengthy to do list.  It will take me a while, but, eventually, my house will be organized and it will look great.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  You can use the form above to enter the giveaway or click here.  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a glorious weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

I never go anywhere without a book or my kindle.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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

Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post

 Witness Safeguard Mission

Book Summary

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.

A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Canine Defense

Book 1: Searching for Evidence

Book 2:  Sniffing Out Justice  S

Book 3:  Uncovering the Truth

Book 4: Witness Safeguard Mission

My Thoughts

I was quickly drawn into Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post.  The story was filled with action right from the outset and maintained that momentum all the way through. I appreciated the unpredictability, as it kept me guessing about what might unfold next.  Meeting Nicole Woodard, her younger sister Maddy, Officer Braydon Feldman, and his K9 companion Caesar was a highlight. Caesar showed intelligence, loyalty, and affection, and he played an important role in apprehending criminals.  

Nicole and Braydon had chemistry, but survival is essential for their relationship to progress.    There is a thread of faith woven through the story, and the epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion that made me smile. Witness Safeguard Mission is the fourth Canine Defense book, but it works as a standalone. Witness Safeguard Mission is a suspenseful story with a murdered dad, a clever K-9, a scared sister, resolute killers, a protective officer, children’s church, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

Witness Safeguard Mission is available from Amazon.  The first three books in the Canine Defense series are Searching for Evidence, Sniffing Out Justice, and Uncovering the Truth.   The fifth Canine Defense novel is Defending the Innocent Target which will be out on September 29.  You can find Carol J. Post's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am a stop on the JustRead Publicity Tours on Thursday, April 30 for A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore.  I am off to get some chores done.  I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

 The Rancher's Unlikely Match

Book Summary

Could her fresh start…
…be the answer to his prayers?

Widowed rancher Ben Wright doesn’t need more complications, especially not runaway goats from the pretty new farmer next door, Jessica Howard. With three kids, a farm and a baseball team to coach, he’s earned his gruff reputation. Jessica left a draining social work career in Houston, hoping for a fresh start and to save her inherited farm from debt—the last thing she needs is a grumpy neighbor. But despite their rocky start, Jessica begins to see past his tough exterior as she spends time with his kids. When old hurts arise, Ben and Jessica must decide…is a future together worth fighting for?

Tumbleweed, Texas Series

Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain

Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus

Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

My Thoughts

The Rancher’s Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer is a cute story.  I like the author’s friendly and engaging writing style.  The main characters are developed and likeable.  I particularly appreciated Ben’s three children, whose presence contributed humor and positivity. The goats and their behavior were also quite entertaining.  I liked the cozy town of Tumbleweed, Texas with its friendly residents.  The romance between Ben and Jessica is sweet and progresses at just the right pace.  While The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is the fourth book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series, it can be read as a standalone.  I enjoyed reading the series, and I am sorry that this is our last visit.  The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is a heartwarming tale with galloping goats, a new neighbor, formulating lotion, baseball troubles, a daddy daughter dance, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is available from Amazon.  The first three books in the Tumbleweed, Texas series are The Coach’s Secret Child, The Pastor’s Easter Prayer, and The Police Chief’s Instant Family.  You can follow Jill Kemerer on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, April 29 with Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post.  It is the fourth book in the Canine Defense Series.  I hope you have a terrific Tuesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne

Feuding with the Amish Farmer

Book Summary

Will she fall for the farmer…

…who was sent to replace her?

Lida Mae Beiler dreams of nothing more than to inherit her family farm in Charm, Ohio, and continue her family’s tradition of training horses. But when her parents insist she give up her “unladylike” hobbies to find a husband, she’s stunned to learn they’ve hired someone to take her place. Displaced from his own family ranch, Amish farmer Tom Fisher wants to work the Beiler farm as much as Lida Mae wants him to. But when they put aside their resentment and concoct a plan to get what they both want, will they realize their real fight is for each other’s hearts?

My Thoughts

Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne is a cute story.  I thought the story was well written with great characters and steady pacing.  I loved Lida Mae who is a unique and stubborn Amish woman.  Tom Fisher is a sweet guy who is in the same boat as Lida Mae. I found Lida Mae’s parents to be frustrating.  I wanted them to accept Lida Mae and not try to change her so she can get a husband. I loved Rebecca and Obediah.  They are two delightful people, and it was obvious that they cared about each other.  They also had some wisdom to share.  The last couple of chapters were entertaining, and the ending left me smiling.  Feuding with the Amish Farmer is an endearing story with a determined mama, beautiful quilts, a tall maedel, a Texas transplant, training horses, and a teasing sisters. 

Feuding with the Amish Farmer can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Anne Blackburne's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that I have helped you find a new book to read.  

On Friday, April 3, I will be sharing my thoughts on The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly.  It is the 8th A House-Flipper Mystery.   I am off to do some work around the house. Unfortunately, they hae not invented a robot that will wash the dishes, run the sweeper, clean the bathroom, and dust.  I wish that I was smart enough to create such a robot (I would make millions).  May you have a sunshiny day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.