Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts

 Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown

Book Summary

Jordan Frost had to do it. Her family was simply too perfectly eccentric not to put in a novel. She was thrilled when she got an agent and then a publishing deal. For two books. Two! Then reality set in. The book about an oddball family's holiday adventures is coming out in November. Just in time for her trip home to Holly Bay, Washington, from the big city. Jordan is desperately hoping she can keep her pseudonym a secret so she can stay in her family's good graces. She wrote the book under a pen name and when it was time for an author picture, she wore a wig and glasses. No one will know it was her, right?

Great disguise!

Wrong. Charles Pine, her high school friend who always hoped for more, recognizes the woman he's never gotten over as soon as he unpacks her book to shelve at the bookstore where he works. He knows this is the perfect opportunity to get Jordan to see him in a new light and he makes sure to run into her when she arrives home. She never thought of him as anything more than a shoulder to cry on back then, but he's determined to make her see him as boyfriend material. Can he be her hero and help her get through the season with her secret intact? Or at least save her from a holiday meltdown?

When a series of minor family emergencies threatens to add even more chaos to Jordan's already hectic life, Charles tries to help her find the true meaning of the holiday. Maybe coming home wasn't a bad idea after all...

My Thoughts

Grab the cocoa and cue the twinkle lights—Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts is a cute holiday tale brimming with seasonal spirit! Wrapped in humor, merry mayhem, and heartfelt emotion, the story captures everything that makes the holiday season so wonderfully memorable. I especially enjoyed how Roberts balances festive joy with the wonderfully messy moments that make the characters feel relatable. The story unwraps Jordan Frost and Charles Pine’s history through glimpses across the years, revealing how they met and how their relationship blossomed. 

Jordan’s personal growth makes her heartwarming journey of self-discovery especially satisfying, while Charles—sweet, kind, and loyal—was easily my favorite character. Although the plot held few surprises and revisited some ideas more often than I would have preferred, its familiar rhythms also gave the story the cozy comfort of a favorite holiday tradition. The ending left me smiling. Pour the cocoa, settle in by the twinkle lights, and unwrap Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown—a cozy blend of romance, humor, relatable characters, and holiday cheer!

Can they fit another Christmas tree in there?

Let’s wrap up the week with cocoa, Christmas cheer, and a merry little meltdown! Grab a cozy cup and a copy of Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown, then settle in for plenty of laughter long after your mug is empty. I’ll return on Tuesday, October 20, with The Ghost and the Dead Librarian by Cleo Coyle—and there will be a giveaway! I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Mine will be a busy one with our community yard sale, but I’m ready for the fun. Until Tuesday, may your weekend be filled with wonderful finds, warm drinks, and plenty of page-turning delight!

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.

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn

Taken Without A Trace

Book Summary

A missing person case…

or a deadly cover-up?

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Wellborn grabs readers from the very first page and does not let go. This fast-paced, suspenseful story delivers an exciting ride filled with danger, intensity, and unexpected twists. I really liked Maya Reid and Chase Brenner, and I enjoyed following them on their sleuthing journey as the mystery grew more intriguing with each new clue. The suspect list kept expanding, leaving me wondering right up to the end who was truly responsible. I also appreciated the second-chance romance between Maya and Chase, which developed slowly and naturally, along with the light thread of faith woven throughout the story. With its shocking ending and engaging characters, Taken Without a Trace is a thrilling read that kept me eagerly turning the pages until the final reveal.

Ready to fill your reading list? You can pick up Taken Without a Trace on Amazon and be sure to visit Hope Welborn’s website to learn more about her and her books. There are also so many wonderful new releases out today, including the charming The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker, the heartfelt A Cowboy to Remember by Melinda Curtis, the imaginative and mysterious Portrait of a Witch Undone by K.S. Shay, the heartwarming A Secret Worth Protecting by Susan L. Tuttle, and the deliciously autumnal mystery Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival by Traci Hall. Then stop back on Wednesday, August 26, when I’ll be featuring the suspenseful Safehouse Under Siege by Virginia Vaughan. Happy reading, friends—may your coffee be cozy, your TBR stack be tall, and your next chapter be irresistible!

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 Killer's Target by Dana R. Lynn

A Killer's Target

Book Summary

Taking refuge in Amish country
may be her only chance to survive…

After nearly being kidnapped at a crime scene, forensic photographer Leila Britton discovers the serial killer who murdered her twin sister has resurfaced—with Leila as his next intended victim. With her life and her daughter’s future at stake, Leila must place her trust in Lieutenant Brett Talbot to protect them. But danger follows them relentlessly, forcing them to seek refuge deep in Amish country. However safety is fleeting, and the killer seems to know every step she takes. Can Leila and Brett unmask the killer before he fulfills his ultimate goal—and Leila runs out of places to hide?

My Thoughts

A Killer’s Target by Dana R. Lynn grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept me up late, eagerly flipping pages to see how everything would unfold. The action begins right away and carries strong momentum throughout the story, creating a fast-paced blend of danger, suspense, and mystery. I enjoyed watching Leila Britton and Brett Talbot work together to uncover the truth, and the growing romance between them added warmth and heart to the tension. 

Leila’s daughter, Evie, was absolutely adorable and brought an extra touch of sweetness to the story. With plenty of twists, high-stakes moments, and a satisfying feel-good ending, A Killer’s Target is an engaging suspense novel that left me smiling. This is the kind of page-turner that delivers thrills, heart, and hope all the way to the final chapter.

If you’re in the mood for a suspenseful read, A Killer’s Target is now available on Amazon, along with the author’s other novels. If you haven’t started the Amish Country Danger series yet, you can begin with Amish Midwife Witness—and there’s more to look forward to! The next installment, The Marshal’s Key Witness, releases on November 24. Also, mark your calendar for August 4, when I’ll be a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Seeking the Kidnapped Child by Deena Alexander. Wishing you a day filled with laughter, love, and a cozy stack of books waiting nearby. Until next time—keep turning pages and chasing great stories!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

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.

Rodeo Witness Protector by Sami Abrams

Rodeo Witness Protector

Book Summary

A dangerous conspiracy…

and a child in the crosshairs.

While stopping an attack near the rodeo grounds, bullfighter and part-time deputy Daniel Sinclair is stunned to see his high school sweetheart attempting to save a stabbed undercover deputy. As a witness now in possession of crucial evidence about a narcotics investigation, new rodeo doctor Annie Davis needs Daniel’s protection—for her and her missing four-year-old daughter. And the stakes only grow higher when the girl’s babysitter is found murdered and the recovered child refuses to speak. To safeguard the targeted family, can Daniel uncover who is behind it all…before a drug ring silences them for good?

My Thoughts

From the very first page, Rodeo Witness Protector by Sami A. Abrams pulled me into a fast-moving story full of heart, danger, and just the right touch of tenderness. The action and suspense kept me turning pages because I had to know what would happen next. I enjoyed the author’s easy, engaging writing style and the quick pace that carried the story along. The cast of characters is strong, and Annie Davis’s work as a rodeo doctor felt like such a fresh and interesting profession. 

Deputy Daniel Sinclair’s protective nature toward Annie and her daughter, Lily, added warmth to the story, and the scenes with Lily and K-9 Shadow were absolutely adorable. I also appreciated the gentle thread of faith woven throughout the book, along with the tender moments that balanced the danger so well. Rodeo Witness Protector is the third book in the Stone Creek Ranch series, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. This pulse-pounding tale wrapped up far too soon, but it left me smiling long after I turned the final page.

Rodeo Witness Protector is available now from Amazon, and I’m so excited for readers to dive back into the suspense, danger, and heart of Stone Creek Ranch! The next book in the Stone Creek Ranch series, Dangerous Rodeo Secrets, releases February 23, 2027. If you’re just discovering the series, you can also catch up with the first two books, Christmas Rodeo Killer and Deadly Rodeo Threat. On Wednesday, July 29, I’ll be featuring Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler, so be sure to stop by. Until then, I hope your day is filled with good books, cozy moments, and plenty of happy reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere

Guarded by the Sheriff

Book Summary

A child in need of protection…

and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancée, Sienna Blake, again—especially with a child in tow…and a gunman on her heels. Witnessing a shooting has made Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realizes that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe…no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive. Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

My Thoughts

Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere is an exciting page-turner packed with action, suspense, danger, and heart. The story is well written and moves at a wonderfully fast pace, keeping me eager to see what would happen next. The main characters are well developed, likeable, and easy to root for, which made the emotional stakes even stronger. I especially enjoyed the blend of romance and danger, and as a fan of second-chance romance, this story checked all the right boxes. Guarded by the Sheriff took me on a thrilling roller coaster ride filled with threats, action, emotion, and swoon-worthy moments. This is the kind of story that grabs your attention, keeps you turning pages, and leaves you smiling long after the final chapter.

Guarded by the Sheriff can be obtained from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers.  Follow Monique DeVere on Amazon to be notified when she has a new book release.  

I will return on Tuesday, July 14 with Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber with Amayah Shaienne. My mother's 81st birthday is next week.  I have one last gift to obtain and I will be set (something the birthday girl mentioned yesterday). I will be making my mother a special dinner since she does not want to go out to eat and there will be a cake as well.  She gets a birthday week instead of a day.  I did it for her 80th and she wants it again this year.  It will make her happy which is all that counts! May your weekend be full of joy and laughter.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*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!