Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

The enthralling romance novel, Secrets in the Palazzo by Kathleen Reid, intertwines romance and mystery and includes superb descriptions of major Renaissance artists and their works. Rose is living her ideal life in Florence. She is engaged to her fiancé and has just opened her first gallery, which has been acclaimed as a great success. But her life takes a turn when she discovers a devastating secret that could change her future plans. Her friend Beatrice, who works as a conservator at the Vatican laboratory in Rome, is in love with Mike. He is an enigmatic and creative street artist whose rivalry with another painter results in the creation of imaginative works of art. Beatrice has also discovered exciting information linked to a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting which is surrounded by rumors and intrigue.

Secrets in the Palazzo is a brilliant romance novel with suspenseful plots set against a captivating backdrop. I loved the work’s masterful inclusion of historical details and art descriptions into the mysteries. I also loved that its main plots were unpredictable and the artists’ murals in the work highlight themes of diversity and inclusion, relevant to our modern world. I also liked that the characters’ lives are imperfect but also portray the value of forgiveness and growth. Secrets in the Palazzo by Kathleen Reid is a unique, compelling work with intriguing twists. It blends mystery and romance and creates an immersive novel with important themes. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy either of the genres or are art enthusiasts.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Slow Road to Love (A Sunburned Land Series Book 1) by Juliette Duncan is a Christian contemporary romance that would appeal most to an audience of middle-aged and older adults who enjoy Christian romance stories. Maggie Donovan’s life took quite a turn when her politician husband of thirty-five years left her to be with a woman much younger than her. This leads to Maggie choosing to divert her focus to her job as a reporter, her children, and her church. Her devotion to her career leads Maggie to travel to the remote Kimberley area where she meets widower Frank Goddard. Will Maggie and Frank be able to put their pasts behind them and form a relationship or will their differences prove insurmountable?

Slow Road to Love by Juliette Duncan is a well-written book with a visually appealing cover image. I liked the fact that the author chose to put the two main characters on the cover as it gave me a clear picture of what each one of them looked like. I liked that Maggie and Frank were not the typical characters one reads about in romances as both were older and they each had already been in a marital relationship, which gave each of them more depth as a character. I enjoyed following Maggie through her troubles and feelings as she got to know Frank and, more importantly, as she opened her heart to him. Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to being able to read the rest of the series in the future!

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Distracting the Deputy by Shanna Hatfield is a sweet small-town clean romance that I enjoyed very much. Deputy Strickland strives to keep law and order in his small town, and now his thoughts are on a certain Zadie Redmond, and what she is all about. But Zadie has her own troubles that keep her looking over her shoulder while she tries to work. They both come with a bit of baggage that is sure to surface sooner or later. Can the two get over themselves and their past for a little romance?

Distracting the Deputy takes readers back to Summer Creek, Oregon. This cozy story is so good it will have readers wanting to sneak a blanket and comfy chair for some good long reading time. I think this cast of characters keeps getting better as new characters keep coming in. I think each one plays their parts so well they make the story shine. I enjoyed the interactions between the Deputy and Zadie and their closeness as they spent so much time together. There were twists and turns that were surprising, including well-kept secrets that came to the surface. If you enjoy a good clean western story with lots of drama, this will be the book for you. This is book four in the Summer Creek series, but I didn't have any problems with getting to know any of the characters, and I didn't feel lost as I read the story. I really enjoy Shanna Hatfield's phenomenal writing style and will definitely look for more books by her in the future.

Reviewed by Rolanda Lyles for Readers' Favorite

Emery Magnolia Brighton is the spoiled and privileged daughter of James and Lisa Brighton. In the past, when she got into trouble, all she had to do was call her dad or uncle Judge Henry and they got her out of trouble. On this particular day, Emery went to hang out with her friends and got drunk. She decided to attempt to ride a police horse and got caught. She called her dad, but instead of being rescued, she is sentenced to either prison or community service. Not wanting to go to prison, she is sent to stay with her father and her uncle Judge Henry's friend Nell, her grandson Hudson Cole, and his daughter Crickett. Emery is tasked with working for minimum wage and doing community service hours at Summer Creek Ranch. Emery finds that her scandalous behavior and reputation have followed her, and Hud isn't too keen on Emery staying with their family and influencing his daughter. Will she be able to make a new and positive name for herself and find redemption, and what other changes will come to the little town with Emery in residence?

Shanna Hatfield's Catching the Cowboy is a romance novel about past hurt, personal growth, and finding purpose. Shanna's writing is encouraging and inspires us not to let our past mistakes define us. I loved how Emery learned from her previous behavior, saw herself as the selfish and spoiled person that she was, and decided to become someone better. I also found Hud and his daughter's relationship refreshing in the way that he was affectionate, protective, and supportive of his daughter. Shanna's writing is compelling and I found the characters to be very human and believable. The pacing and progression of the story were masterfully written and I never lost interest in the story. A gripping love story that I found inspirational as well.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Shattered Treasure by Cindy Patterson is the story about the scars of our past that don’t seem to leave us, even if we try to move forward. Something like this happened to Addison. She was just trying to get over the hurt of her past. Loving someone is beautiful yet not easy and she knew that. But when she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her, Addison’s world shattered. However, her breaking point came when her sister died and she knew she couldn’t take it anymore. She made a huge mistake and was involved in a car accident that almost took the life of a young girl. Devastated, she tries to rectify her mistake and apologize. Soon, she realizes that fate has some testing in store for her. All she needs to do is make sure she fastens her seatbelt and tries her best to stay on course.

Beautiful yet very powerful, the story is poignant and shares a strong message. If you are good at heart, good things will come to you, even if they take time. Addison is the quintessential protagonist that falls into hard times, but unlike the usual protagonist, she actually does something about it and tries to make the best of the situation she is in. She is strong and smart, but more than that, she has a big heart that gets her into trouble and she knows it. Her relationship with Logan was very charming; the two of them took their time to test the waters and see if they will fit each other. They both were calculating, but they gave in at the end. This is a wonderful story of forgiveness, of loving and of acceptance; one that I enjoyed a lot!

Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite

The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp is a touching story that starts out slow and serene but takes us step by step on Lila’s journey of discovery. Lila lives in a world of her own since losing her entire family in a car accident. She has retreated to a safe place where she thinks she can control what happens. Lila cares for and photographs butterflies, provides a safe haven for Monarchs, and keeps to herself. She potters in her garden, looking after her butterfly habitat, and sees nobody. She shops online, has groceries delivered and her only friend now is Jess, an online-only friend with no other contact. Harvey Sanford invades her world on a noisy motorcycle. Aside from disturbing her peace and quiet, he has disturbed her butterflies. He wants to buy some butterflies, but they’re not for sale. Persistent and insistent, Harvey keeps coming back. After accidentally breaking Lila’s camera, Harvey convinces her to leave her sanctuary long enough to buy her a new camera. Friendship and trust slowly develop and she agrees to attend his sister’s wedding with him. At the reception, she feels betrayed by Harvey and she meets Jay. Everything Lila has trusted and held dear is suddenly being ripped away. Her quiet and peaceful existence has been twisted into a nightmare. She needs saving, but who can she trust. As she cries out to God, her prayers are heard.

Therese Heckenkamp takes us on an extraordinary journey in The Butterfly Recluse. What seemed like a slow start was actually the first step in the buildup to exciting events further down the road. As Therese Heckenkamp lays the groundwork for this fascinating story, we learn about a lonely young woman who has carved out a quiet and secluded life for herself until Harvey bursts into it in full force and keeps coming back. Therese demonstrates how tragedy can alter our lives and how we sometimes need help redefining who we are. Each character is well defined, realistic, and at times frightening. This story takes us into Lila’s world and shows us how she struggles to reluctantly step back into the world around her. We also experience the consequences of the betrayal and lies that threaten to destroy her. Faith, second chances, trust, and forgiveness are key components of Therese Heckenkamp’s love story that will tug at your heartstrings, thrill you, and scare you all at the same time. The second half of the book caught me totally by surprise, but no spoilers here.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Girls of Summer by C. E. Hilbert is a Christian contemporary romance novel that revolves around the Dixon family. Bentley Dixon died, leaving a multi-billion-dollar business to his two estranged daughters (Charlotte and Georgiana). To access this fortune, they must live and work together for one year. He put his right-hand man and confidante, Mac Taylor, Esq., in charge of the proceedings. It was hate at first sight for Charlotte and Taylor. But when the FBI showed up at Charlotte’s office, suspecting her, her Russian mother, and grandmother of gambling, child trafficking, drug trafficking, and murder, Taylor’s protective instincts kick in. Is Charlotte innocent or a pawn in a crazy game? Will Taylor and Charlotte transform their mutual hate into something better? Is there hope for a great relationship between Georgiana and Charlotte?

Girls of Summer by C. E. Hilbert is a beautiful romance novel infused with faith. It exposes the secrets, scandals, and web of lies as it is in many families. The book also portrays love, sacrifice, loyalty, and deception. I loved the strong plot and well-developed characters. Stasi was a formidable woman who gained my respect as her character progressed. I enjoyed reading Grandma Alla’s broken English. Hilbert’s infusion of faith without losing the plot quality shows the hand of a talented storyteller. I felt that even in our weakest moments when we don’t care or remember, our loved ones have us in their prayers. When we need God to come through the most, those supplications are activated on our behalf. This is a lovely book, and I would love to read more from Hilbert.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards tells the story of a young photographer named Paisley Clark. She is passionate about her art, and although she has advanced to more sophisticated cameras, her old 35mm remains her most cherished possession—for it is the only memory she has of the father she has never known. Her mother has obliterated any traces of her father’s identity in their lives, and any topic about her father is considered taboo in their household. But curiosity festers, and it has driven her to take a DNA test in the hope of connecting with someone in her father’s family. She then discovers that her father is from Scotland. Upon accepting her father’s invitation to visit, she learns that he is a duke and that she also has a brother and a grandmother. As she gets acquainted with the overwhelming developments in her life, she and her childhood friend James Pressley-Coombes are about to discover that something sinister operates within her father’s estate.

Danger on the Loch grips your attention with its mix of romance and mystery to which any reader regardless of age can relate in terms of identity, family, and relationships. Castle Rannoch is a brilliant setting that breathes with a life of its own. With its stone walls, secret passages, and staircases, it exudes an air of mystery and foreboding that you want to unravel. Paige Edwards has created a mystery case worthy of someone like Sherlock Holmes to crack. The estate is a character in itself made only more haunting by the diverse characters within it. As part of the Pressley-Coombes Series, Danger on the Loch meets reader expectations in terms of offering high-tension suspense and feel-good romance.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Inspiring and poignantly written, Replay by Mandy Lawrence is a romance that explores what it takes to make a relationship succeed against the odds. When rookie receiver for the Carolina Panthers, Derek Holder, marries Abby, it seems like a fairy tale to her. But things start falling apart when her father is diagnosed with cancer. Abby fears an imminent loss and regrets she hasn’t given her family the time they needed when she had the opportunity, absorbed with college life. Things aren’t going great for Derek as he has his own demons to deal with. The two become so engrossed with themselves that they begin to distance themselves from each other. When their marriage faces the inevitable crisis, can something help them recover the love that once was?

While Replay explores the challenges that most couples face in their marriage, it is also a story of a family’s faith and how letting God speak through the events of their lives can help them change perspective and redefine their purpose. Mandy Lawrence knows how to explore the climates of the human heart, allowing emotions that are real and powerful to come out through the narrative. This is a well-written story that will resonate with most married couples. I have been there and I have witnessed what stressful situations can do to a marriage. The characters are real, the writing is balanced and deft, and the setting is vividly captured in elegant prose. This is an intelligently written story with powerful lessons for readers. It is entertaining and inspiring, a gift to be shared.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Amy Watkins' 200 Letters is a suspenseful romance with realistic characters, a strong conflict, and a plot that makes it a page-turner. Ethan and Angela are both in abusive relationships. While Angela’s husband has a short-fuse temper and a domineering character, Ethan’s wife is manipulative and tends toward blackmail. The two meet and fall in love, but their vindictive exes won’t let them have a happy relationship. Incarceration leads to the separation of the lovers and their sole method of communication is through letter writing. Can their love mature and withstand the storms that hit them so hard?

Amy Watkins' 200 Letters is written in a style that is thoughtful and very observant of human nature. I loved the characters — they are deeply flawed, hurt, and not-so-perfect humans. Ethan has had so many failed relationships and it was hard determining if he can stay for long in the new relationship. A lot happens in this novel that is never lacking in drama and craziness. The author explores how relationships can turn sour and the theme of abuse in relationships. The use of the epistolary style is ingenious and it does far more than entertain readers, helping in both plot, thematic and character development. The characters are realistic, the plot is cleverly written, reserving many surprises for readers. I loved the way the author weaves humanity and realism into the story. Readers can easily connect emotionally with the characters. Amy Watkins’ writing flows with grace and appeals to human emotion in a powerful way. This is a story with rich characters.