One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan

 One Last Shot at Christmas

Book Summary

When old loves face off,

A holiday wish will break the ice.

When Jenna Sharpe unexpectedly finds herself the guardian of her five-year-old nephew, her plan is to pack his things, return to Tulsa for her long-awaited promotion and leave Opportunity, Alaska, for good. Her plan is certainly not to get involved with former professional hockey player Wyatt Morgan—the man whose heart she broke. But when the town—and little Henry—pressure Jenna to take over the traditional Christmas lights festival, Wyatt jumps in to help. With feelings reigniting and her job on the line, Jenna will be forced to ask herself where her home—and her heart—really belong.

Opportunity, Alaska

Book 1: Her Alaskan Family

Book 2:  Lost Alaskan Memories

Book 3:  One Last Shot at Christmas

My Thoughts

Grab a mug of cocoa and settle in—One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan delivers a delightful second-chance romance wrapped in heart, hope, and holiday cheer. The author’s warm writing style makes it easy to feel at home in Opportunity, Alaska, where the residents and Wyatt Morgan’s family welcome Jenna Sharpe when she arrives to take guardianship of her five-year-old nephew, Henry. The neighbors’ willingness to lend a hand adds to the story’s cozy small-town charm, while Jenna and Wyatt’s interactions bring warmth and tenderness to the pages. As a fan of second-chance romances, I especially enjoyed watching their story unfold. 

My heart went out to Jenna as she struggled to choose between staying in Opportunity and returning to the career opportunity, she had worked so hard to earn—partly in hopes of finally gaining her father’s approval. The picturesque snowy setting, twinkling Christmas lights, and festive activities create a lovely seasonal backdrop for a story about learning to trust again after heartbreak. With themes of healing, forgiveness, and family, the novel offers plenty of uplifting moments. Although One Last Shot at Christmas is the third book in the Opportunity, Alaska series, it can easily be read as a standalone. This cozy holiday tale will have you humming Christmas carols, reaching for the cocoa, and feeling ready to deck the halls!

Grab your coziest reading spot—Christmas romance and a playful kitty are ready to brighten the season! One Last Shot at Christmas arrives October 27 and is available for preorder from Amazon. While you wait, you can catch up on the first two books in the Opportunity, Alaska series, Her Alaskan Family and Lost Alaskan Memories. Heidi also has His Alaskan Comeback, part of the K-9 Companion series, coming January 26. I’m tickled pink that we’re finally enjoying a smidgeon of fall weather in Florida! It’s not quite cool enough to trade my shorts for capris, but at least I no longer start sweating the moment I step outside. My eighteen-year-old cat, Dickens, seems to approve of the change, too—she’s acting like a kitten, zooming through the house and discovering all sorts of places to explore. I’ll return on Tuesday, October 27, with Secrets in Amish Country by Mary Alford, so get ready to curl up with another paws-itively delightful holiday read!

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.

Amish Country Witness by Meghan Carver

Amish Country Witness

Book Summary

A woman on the run…

An enemy on her trail.

Halie Mae Hochstetler’s quiet life in witness protection falls apart when she witnesses her uncle’s murder by the mafia. Now she’s a loose end that the mob is determined to tie up. Forced to run, she puts her life in the hands of Amish widower Daniel Beiler. As Halie Mae unravels buried family secrets, Daniel helps her piece together a daring plan for justice in their fight to survive. But with merciless killers determined to make Halie Mae their next victim, staying alive may be just out of reach…

Plain Secrets Series

Book 1: Amish Country Hideout

Book 2: Amish Country Witness

My Thoughts

From the first page, Amish Country Witness pulls you into a tender mix of romance, faith, and danger. Meghan Carver keeps the story moving with steady suspense, meaningful moral choices, and just the right touch of heartwarming romance. Hallie Mae Hochstetler and Daniel Beiler make an appealing pair, and Daniel’s quiet kindness gives Hallie Mae the strength and support she needs as she fights to stay safe and seek justice. Although this is the second book in the Plain Secrets series, it stands well on its own. Warm, suspenseful, and satisfying, Amish Country Witness is a story that keeps the pages turning and leaves a sweet impression.

Ready to turn the page to your next heart-pounding read? Meghan Carver’s Amish Country Witness is available now on Amazon, along with Amish Country Hideout, the first book in the Plain Secrets series. While you’re there, follow Meghan Carver on Amazon to receive an email whenever she releases a new book. Then, come back on Tuesday, October 6, when I’ll be featuring Where There’s Smoke: A Coldren County Novel by Rachel Louise Adams. Have a wonderful weekend—and may every page you turn lead to a delightful new adventure!

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.

Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post

 Defending the Innocent Target

Book Summary

Danger in the shadows.

A K-9 keeping guard.

When Isaac Cooper and his K-9 partner investigate suspicious activity at the house next door, they discover Brandi Feldman, the frightened new owner who has been attacked. The home she inherited hides dark secrets, and there are traps around every corner. As threats against her escalate, it’s clear someone wants her gone—at any cost. Under Isaac’s vigilant protection, Brandi must uncover the truth about her deadly inheritance. But can they outmaneuver a killer determined to make Brandi’s next move her last?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Canine Defense Series

Book 1: Searching for Evidence

Book 2: Sniffing Out Justice

Book 3:  Uncovering the Truth

Book 4: Witness Safeguard Mission

Book 5: Defending the Innocent Target

My Thoughts

What a page-turning adventure from the very first chapter! Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post blends danger, intrigue, faith, and romance into a warm yet suspenseful story that kept me happily engaged. Post’s fast-paced writing brings just the right mix of adventure, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat mystery, while the subtle faith thread adds a meaningful touch. Brandi and Isaac are relatable, courageous characters, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship grow naturally amid the danger surrounding them. With mysterious attacks, clever traps, hidden motives, and ties to the ongoing Canine Defense series, this story offers plenty for returning fans while remaining easy for new readers to enjoy. Defending the Innocent Target is a compelling, heartwarming suspense novel that left me turning pages—and smiling at the finish.

Ready to fetch your next page-turner? The intriguing Defending the Innocent Target is available on Amazon, along with the other engaging novels in the Canine Defense series. Be sure to follow Carol J. Post on Amazon so you’ll receive a notification whenever she releases a new book. Then, join me on Wednesday, September 30, when I’ll be featuring Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele—and there will be a giveaway! Until then, may your day be joyful and your next great read be only a page away.

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.

The Amish WIdower's Dilemma by Christina Rich

 The Amish Widower's Dilemma

Book Summary

She’s helping his son
And healing his heart.

Raising his autistic son alone is not the future Noah Beiler ever imagined. But when bright, sunny Lydia Beachy turns up to help, the grumpy widower tries to send her away—despite the deathbed promise she made to his wife. The compassionate teacher forms an instant bond with four-year-old Jacob. And she may be the only person who can help Noah truly connect with the boy he cherishes. But he’s had feelings for sweet Lydia since they were youngies. Will they come to realize that their love deserves a second chance?

My Thoughts

The Amish Widower’s Dilemma by Christina Rich is the kind of heartfelt story that wraps around you like a warm quilt. I really enjoyed the author’s warm writing style and the realistic characters she created. Noah’s son, Jacob, is an absolute sweetheart, and I admired Lydia’s patience with him because it is not an easy task. The author portrayed a child with autism with care and accuracy while also showing that children can learn, grow, and thrive with the right support. I also enjoyed the second-chance romance between Lydia and Noah. 

Everything happens in God’s timing, and that message shines throughout the story. I’ll admit there were moments when I grew frustrated with Noah’s stubbornness and grumpiness, but that made his journey feel even more real. Faith, forgiveness, community, and accepting help are meaningful themes woven into the story. If you enjoy gentle, faith-filled romances with heart, hope, and characters who stay with you, this one is well worth picking up.

If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt story with plenty of heart, The Amish Widower’s Dilemma is a lovely one to add to your reading stack. You can find it on Amazon, along with Christina Rich’s other thoughtful and uplifting stories. Be sure to follow Christina on Amazon, too, so you’ll get a friendly heads-up whenever she has a new release. And don’t forget to stop back by on Thursday, August 13, when I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Cate Conte’s charming cozy mystery, Purranormal Activity. Until then, may your bookmarks stay put and your to-be-read pile be delightfully impossible to resist!

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.

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!