Author: Iola Goulton

2 January 2026

First Line Friday #416 | Marrying the Accidental Groom by Tara Grace Ericson

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Marrying the Accidental Groom by Tara Grace Ericson, another one of the Redemption Ranch stories. Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Marrying the Accidental Groom

She color-codes her planner. He barely plans the next fifteen minutes.

Neither planned on getting married.

When Juliana Emerson finds herself dumped days before her dream honeymoon, she goes anyway—armed with an iron-clad itinerary and determined not to let her ex-fiance dictate her life.

Gideon Reynolds is all charm, chaos, and mountain-man grins. Crashing Juliana’s vacation wasn’t in his plans—and neither was participating in a symbolic island wedding ceremony.

Now, months later and just before Christmas, Juliana shows up in Colorado at Redemption Ridge Ranch determined to fix their symbolic marriage that turned out to be very real. But between his unpredictable nature, a calendar full of holiday events, and a growing attraction that wasn’t part of anyone’s plan, “fixing it” might not be so simple.

As sparks fly and tempers flare, both will have to confront what they believe about control, commitment, and the kind of love worth surrendering to.

Find Marrying the Accidental Groom online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

1 January 2026

New Releases in Christian Fiction in January 2026

Happy New Year! I hope you got some reading time over the holidays. If you’re looking for some ideas, read on …

More 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)

29 December 2025

Book Review | When I Wasn’t Looking by Jennifer Rodewald

Grumpy-sunshine, opposites-attract, friends-to-love …

In When I Wasn’t Looking, Jennifer Rodewald takes a bunch of common romance tropes and turns them into something uncommon, something with a literary and spiritual depth not found often enough in Christian fiction.

When Sage Greene (yes, that’s her real name) learns that she and her mother will inherit her great-grandfather’s property, she heads to Big Prairie to get to know Howard Teller. The family stories don’t have anything good to say about the man, so why is he doing this?

Grant Hillman is a quirky character (he’s definitely on some kind of spectrum) with a strong Christian faith. He’s a relationship counsellor who’s good with his clients but a lot less good with his own life. Which means he needs a date to his ex’s wedding, and one quite literally drops into his life: Sage.

Grant and Sage meet when he “rescues” her from the river (she didn’t need rescuing). It’s a great first meeting: he rescues her because she thinks she’s drowning, and she thinks he’s trying to kidnap her. They’re equally flummoxed with each other, then equally intrigued. It’s a great start to a relationship …

When I Wasn’t Looking is a powerful redemption story, an allegory that reminds us of God’s never-ending love for us and his never-ending desire that we return to him, claim our inheritance, and have a relationship with him. Unlike some allegorical stories, it’s never clumsy or obvious (I didn’t figure parts of the allegory out until I was writing this review), and the allegory never takes over the story.

This is the fourth book in Jennifer Rodewald’s Big Prairie Romance series. It’s definitely a standalone romance – haven’t read any of the other books in the series but didn’t feel I missed anything because of that.

If you’re looking for a Christian romance with the emphasis on “Christian” then I definitely recommend When I Wasn’t Looking.

I think even non-romance readers would enjoy this one, because the romance is less about the relationship between Sage and Grant and more about the eternal romance: God’s love for us.

About Jennifer Rodewald

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

You can find Jennifer Rodewald online at:

Website | Facebook | X

When I Wasn’t Looking

Sage Greene loves a good story, especially if it has a dashing and romantic hero.

But her family’s legacy of broken relationships has convinced her that romance is strictly for fiction. Take her great-grandfather Harold Teller, for example—a selfish drunk who rejected his wife and son. But if that were so, why would he leave his house and property to her? Sensing there’s more to his story, Sage heads to Big Prairie determined to discover the truth for herself. Not even a quixotic encounter with a handsome stranger will sway her from her purpose.

Grant Hillman knows what makes for a healthy relationship.

After all, he is a counsellor. But he’s certain that he’s a long way from being anyone’s romantic hero. Quiet, observant, and slightly fastidious seems to translate to boring, quirky, and too different, and he’s just about given up on finding love. So he shouldn’t be surprised when the one time he rescues a damsel in distress, it turns out she didn’t need a hero and she isn’t looking for romance.

Despite their inauspicious meeting—or perhaps because of it—Sage determines she and Grant will become the closest of friends.

As they work together to learn the truth about Grandpa Teller, Sage discovers there’s more to Gramps than the bitter, grumpy old man he presents on the surface. And the more time she spends with Grant, the more she begins to wish she believed in romance after all. But Grant knows that the maxim “opposites attract” doesn’t mean “opposites will have a lasting, healthy relationship.” Especially when one of them doesn’t believe in romance to begin with.

As Sage and Grant work to untangle the threads of Grandpa Teller’s story, is it possible they could unravel a few assumptions of their own and write the beginning of another story altogether?

Find When I Wasn’t Looking online at:

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Click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

26 December 2025

First Line Friday #415 | This Life (Murphy Brothers #4) by Jennifer Rodewald

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from This Life, the fourth book in Jennifer Rodewald’s Murphy Brothers series. I’ve found the others to be compelling Christian romances, so I have high expectations.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About This Life

They’ve been stripped of everything but a refurbished bus and each other. And it may be the best thing that’s ever happened to them.

Driven by jealousy, he’s determined to prove himself.

Jacob Murphy always felt like the invisible brother, until he fell in love with and married the woman who’d dated his younger brother. Then he became the despised brother. Driven to prove himself worthy of respect, he gambled everything on becoming the successful brother, but with his property speculation business falling apart, he’s ready to admit defeat. He’s lost nearly every worldly good, and after years of disappointments and heartache, it looks like his marriage is about to go the same way.

Ashamed of her background, she will do anything to keep it a secret.

Kate Murphy lied her way out of life in a trailer park—a life she felt both trapped in and ashamed of. Only Jacob knows the truth about her background. But keeping up appearances has strangled her life and relationships, and even her marriage is troubled. In desperation, she makes a plan to escape from it all—ironically, in a skoolie. But there’s still a tender place in her heart for the man she married, and in a moment of compassion, she offers to take Jacob with her.

Stripped of pride and pretension and struggling to adjust to their new 160-square-foot mobile lifestyle, Jacob and Kate are forced to confront the deception, hurt, and loneliness that have plagued them both.

Will their strained circumstances be the death knell for their marriage, or will they allow humility to usher in the healing they need to rebuild?

Find This Life online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

22 December 2025

Book Review | It’s Always Been You by Sara Beth Williams

Renee Somers has just lost her volunteer role at the Trinity Lakes Ski Resort ski patrol, so she and her two friends leave the ski lodge in the middle of a snow storm and find themselves in a bank of snow halfway down the mountain.

Jesse Hernandez hears Renee is stuck not far from him, and ventures out to rescue Renee and her two friends and bring them back to his mountain cabin. He sets out to rescue her, and not just because they’ve been friends for years and he has a huge crush on her. But he’s not expecting to also rescue Blaire, the woman behind his estrangement from his one-time best friend, who also happens to be Renee’s older brother.

Renee was an interesting character.

She’s tiny (five foot nothing) and looks considerably younger than her twenty-four years due to a growth hormone deficiency (something that works against her now, when people look at her and see a teenager, but something she may come to appreciate once she hits forty). Looking sixteen means people treat her like a child–which wouldn’t be so bad if that didn’t include her own family.

She’s therefore understandably irritated when her own father appears to favour hiring Jesse over promoting his own daughter, despite her being more than adequately qualified for the role. Renee is being gaslit by the school board and by her own father, which she finds frustrating (and I have to agree).

I initially didn’t like Jesse because he came across as having a hero complex, illustrated by his impulsive actions in the fire then in rescuing Renee and her companions. However, the more I read, the more I understood and empathized with him, and decided he was a worthy hero.

What I did like was the way Renee and especially Jesse drew closer to God as the story progressed. This felt natural, not forced, which is always important in Christian fiction.

Friendship to more is one of my favourite tropes.

Especially when it’s combined with sibling’s best friend/best friend’s sibling. It’s Always Been You did both tropes well, showing what pulled Renee and Jesse together as well as what was keeping them apart.

I’m also a fan of low-angst romances.

(Stories where the main characters possibly don’t have much to lose but do have everything to gain.)

What I liked about It’s Always Been You is it brought out the tension in a friends-to-more trope: if the relationship goes wrong in any way (including one person not wanting to move from friends to more), then the friendship is over. Because Renee and Jesse have been estranged for months, this is less of an issue. The question is more about how they’re going to rebuild their relationship.

Recommended for contemporary Christian romance readers who enjoy friends-to-more plots.

About Sara Beth Williams

Sara Beth Williams is a published author of Contemporary Christian romance, an ACFW and CIPA member and freelance writer. She has a background in freelance publicity, blog managing, newspaper journalism and nine years in the field of education. Two of her three novels have been nominated for a Selah Award. A Worthy Heart (2020) and Anchor My Heart (2022). She lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys playing guitar, reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

Find Sara Beth Williams at:

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About It’s Always Been You

She’d always been the still mountain beneath his changing skies. He was a fool for thinking he could stay away.

After suffering severe burns, avid outdoorsman Jesse Hernandez faces a long recovery, and the longer it takes, the more he questions his purpose in life. Seeking solace, he returns to the hills above Trinity Lakes to settle his late grandfather’s property, but soon finds himself torn between family pressure to sell and his longing to hold on to the only place that felt like home.

Renee Somers has spent her life fighting to be seen. As a master’s student and after-school program director living with a growth hormone deficiency, she’s used to being underestimated. But she finds rejection stings most when it comes from those she highly respected.

When a sudden blizzard traps Renee and her friends on a lonely mountain road. She never expects her rescuer to be the childhood friend who once promised he’d always look out for her. As they reconnect and unexpected attraction surfaces, both must confront past wounds and buried secrets that threaten to pull them apart.

With family tensions rising and harbored secrets revealed, Jesse must decide whether to cling to the past, or embrace the future God has been preparing all along.

Find It’s Always Been You online at:

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Click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

21 December 2025

First Line Friday #414 | Snowed in at Jingle Falls by Kaylee Baldwin

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Snowed in at Jingle Falls by Kaylee Baldwin. Isn’t that a great location for a Christmas romance?

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Snowed in at Jingle Falls

A heartwarming, holiday romance where the path to love is covered in snow…

Harper Larson has always loved the cozy charm of Jingle Falls, especially her job at Narratives bookshop. Surrounded by books, she can forget the embarrassing mistake that drove her away from New York and the life she thought she wanted.

But then Nolan Fox, her broody yet brilliant former boss, shows up unexpectedly at her shop, and Harper is less than thrilled.

Nolan’s struggling to complete the final book in his bestselling series and can’t finish it without Harper.

When a sudden snowstorm traps them in Jingle Falls over Christmas, they strike a deal: she’ll assist him with his book if he’ll set aside his Scrooge tendencies and help her save the town’s winter festival.

As they work together to bring holiday cheer back to Jingle Falls, the chemistry sizzles brighter than the twinkling lights decorating town.

Sometimes life writes its own plot twists—and love might be just the ending they both need.

Find Snowed in at Jingle Falls by Kaylee Baldwin online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

20 December 2025

Book Review | Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn

The cute cover of Gelato at the Vila gave me the impression the book was lighthearted summer read or perhaps a rom-com. There were some lighthearted and even comedic parts, but hidden underneath were deeper messages about life and faith.

Friends Grace and Claire decide to visit Italy together after Claire watched an inspiring travel documentary, so plan a week in northern Italy visiting Venice, Florence, and Bellagio. Yes, it sounds fabulous.

The story progresses in a fast-paced touristy kind of way that often reads more like a travelogue than a novel. I got the impression these moments were based on the author’s real-life experiences, and they gave the novel a real sense of authenticity. They make the locations and events come to life.

Grace and Claire crammed a lot of experiences into a short space of time.

They seem to spend a long time (well, a lot of pages) in each of their three locations, yet they are only away a week–a week that seems to last a lifetime. This is exactly like being on a good holiday (although Italy deserves a lot longer than a week as a holiday destination).

There was a soft faith element in the second half of the story as both Grace and Claire learn some lessons about God and love from the people they meet on their journey. It’s great to see American characters travelling outside their comfort zones and learning from Christians in other countries.

The story is written in first person from Grace’s point of view. I found her a little annoying at times, and would have liked to have had Claire’s point of view as well. The other thing that annoyed me was that while I could see the sights of Italy through Grace’s eyes, I couldn’t taste the food.

Yes, now I want to travel to Italy again.

Gelato at the Villa is an easy read, recommended for women’s fiction readers and armchair travellers.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Robin Jones Gunn

ROBIN JONES GUNN is the best-selling author of over 100 books, including the timeless Christy Miller series for teens. The characters continue in Christy & Todd: The College Years, The Married Years, The Baby Years and Haven Maker series.

Her multi-award-winning Christian fiction includes the Glenbrooke, Sisterchicks and Suitcase Sisters series. Four of her novels have been made into Hallmark Christmas movies. The Father Christmas movies broke records for the network by becoming the most watched and highest rated movies in 2016 and 2017.

Robin’s popular non-fiction includes, “Victim of Grace” along with “Before You Meet Your Future Husband” and “Praying for Your Future Husband” both co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her acclaimed gift book, “By the Sea” is a fan favorite.

Robin speaks at international and local events. She and her husband have two grown children and live in California where she co-hosts the “Women Worth Knowing” podcast with Cheryl Brodersen.

Find Robin Jones Gunn online:

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About Gelato at the Villa

Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.

“Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure.” Italian saying

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God’s nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Find Gelato at the Villa online at:

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12 December 2025

First Line Friday #413 | Waves of Endless Love by TK Chapin

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Waves of Endless Love by new-to-me author TK Chapin. Here’s the first line of Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Waves of Endless Love

Be swept away to North Carolina’s Emerald Isle with this romantic beach read…

Samantha Richardson bolts from Orlando, her life a tangle of hurt, seeking refuge in Emerald Isle at her sister Janet’s house. In this poignant Christian romance, the sunset over the waves soothes her restless soul—until Chase steps into her path, stirring echoes of what she thought she had outrun.

Chase is reeling. Word of his old friend Lance serving far-off in Africa twists something deep, pulling him away from the life he knows and to the family beach house in Emerald Isle. This inspirational fiction tale finds him off-balance, haunted by what’s been lost—until Samantha’s presence cracks open a part of him he thought was closed.

She didn’t expect his quiet strength to steady her. He didn’t think her nearness would wake old hopes. In Waves of Endless Love, a stirring Christian coastal beach romance, the coast becomes more than a hideaway—faith glimmers, grace calls, and a second chance whispers through the salt air.

Is this God rewriting their story? Perfect for lovers of Christian romance and second chance romances, this tale of broken pasts and tender possibilities beckons you to the water’s edge.

Find Waves of Endless Love online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

8 December 2025

Book Review | Risking His Heart by Emily Conrad

Neenah’s life plan was to be a cop and steer well clear of romance.

She’s forced to reconsider her plans at the age of thirty-two, when an injury forces her out of her job and when she becomes guardian to a teenager on the same day. Fortunately, her best friend, Cody is around to help … (yes, it’s pretty obvious where this is going, and isn’t that the fun of reading friends-to-love romances?)

Cody has had feelings for Neenah for years but she turned him down flat the one time he dared ask her on a date.

Worse, she told him never to ask again. He’s honoured her request and instead the two are partners and best friends. At least, until she was forced out of the police force. Meanwhile, Cody has his own problems, involving this boss and father, who doesn’t want to promote him to detective no matter how hard he tries, and his latest case: the mysterious yeti stealing Christmas decorations from homes around Redemption Ridge.

Risking His Heart is a quick and easy read that gets into a surprising amount of depth considering the relatively short length (or maybe that’s more a reflection on how quickly I read it). Neenah and Cody both have issues they need to work through separately and together, and throwing a mourning fifteen-year-old and a yeti (!) into the mix makes that easier and harder.

I’m a big fan of friends-to-love stories, especially when the guy falls first.

Risking His Heart delivers on what fans of this trope expect, with a little more. It really shows what both Neenah and Cody have to lose if their relationship fails, but it also has a beautiful scene that convinced me (and Neenah) that’s not going to happen.

I especially liked the fact that both Neenah and Cody were Christians, and their faith was an important part of their romance.

Risking His Heart is part of the Redemption Ridge multi-author series set in and around the town of Redemption Ridge. The books are all standalone contemporary Christian romances featuring some common characters.

Recommended for contemporary Christian romance fans, especially those who like law enforcement or friends-to-love plots.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

About Emily Conrad

Emily Conrad writes Christian fiction. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two 60+ pound rescue dogs. Some of her favorite things (other than Jesus and writing, of course) are coffee, walks, and road trips to the mountains.

Find Emily Conrad online at:

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About Risking His Heart

Falling for her best friend is not on her (forced, way-too-early, medical) retirement bucket list.

Career-driven cop Neenah Casper is forced by an injury to turn in her badge at age thirty-two. The same day she’s named guardian of an orphaned fifteen-year-old girl. With all her plans in pieces, it’s no wonder she starts feeling more than friendship for her supportive best friend Cody. But life’s taught her nothing lasts forever, and surely these feelings will pass once she finds a new life’s purpose.

Though Neenah friend-zoned him years ago, Officer Cody Adams has never stopped watching her back and hoping for more. Helping with her new ward could be just the opportunity to show her how much more he could be. Meanwhile, he’s also fighting to earn a promotion and impress his unpleasable police chief father by catching a home burglar and a Christmastime prankster. Neenah’s newly minted neighborhood watch might help him save Christmas and earn the job, if only the group didn’t bring complications of its own.

As Neenah and Cody wrangle octogenarian vigilantes, Christmas bandits, and complicated families, the chemistry between them only grows. But if they act on it, they won’t be able to go back. With their friendship and careers on the line, is love worth the risk?

Find Risking His Heart online at:

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5 December 2025

First Line Friday #412 | Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot. This is the first of her Regency romances I’ve read, but I remember enjoying her contemporary romances (written as Camy Tang).

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Prelude for a Lord

An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart?

Bath, England—1811

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .

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