Monday, October 13, 2025

"On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection" by Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, & Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

Book: On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection

Authors: Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Rediscover the joy of Christmas with these faith-based historical romances from bestselling authors featuring sweet Western frontier stories with themes of marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and friends-to-more.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I have read and enjoyed books by all three of these authors, so a book that includes all of them in one was a truly enjoyable time. If you aren't familiar with one or more of the authors, though, this is a great way to get an introduction to them. Christmas stories are always fun to read and have a special charm when they are set around the celebration of Jesus's birth. I found the stories to be well written. It is nice to have a shorter story once in awhile when you don't have as long to read. I look forward to reading more books by all three of these authors.

About the Authors

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, with more than 6 million copies sold. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories woven through with the truth of God’s love. Learn more at MistyMBeller.com.

Bestselling and award–winning author Karen Witemeyer pens historical romance with a flair for humor and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Learn more at KarenWitemeyer.com.

More from Misty

When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!

For me, teaming up with my dear friends Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer has created pure Christmas magic!

Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly enchanting about the season—the warmth, joy, and love that seem to fill the air. And when you combine that with the charm of a good story? It’s absolutely irresistible! Can you relate?

I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer. Their books have been favorites of mine for years, and I’ve read so many of them multiple times. The chance to join them on this Christmas novella collection, On a Midnight Clear, has been a dream come true in every way.

If you love Christmas books as much as I do, you won’t want to miss On a Midnight Clear. This collection is our holiday gift to you, our readers—stories filled with the wonder of the season, unforgettable characters, and the timeless message of love and hope.

We hope these novellas bring the same joy and warmth to your heart as they brought to ours while writing them.

So, curl up with your favorite blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the magic of On a Midnight Clear transport you to a world of Christmas cheer.

Merry Christmas reading!

Misty

Blog Stops

Library’s Lady Kid Lit, September 30

Madi’s Musings, September 30

The Avid Reader, October 1

lakesidelivingsite, October 1

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 2

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 2

Inkwell Inspirations, October 2

Devoted To Hope, October 3

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 3

By the Book, October 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Devoted Steps, October 4

Texas Book-aholic, October 5

Maureen’s Musings, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 6

She Lives To Read, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

For Him and My Family, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 9

Vicky Sluiter, October 10

Pause for Tales, October 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10

Stories By Gina, October 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 11

Bizwings Blog, October 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 12

Cover Lover Book Review, October 12

Holly’s Book Corner, October 13

Blossoms and Blessings, October 13

The Bookish Pilgrim, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Tracie, Karen, and Misty are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d261/on-a-midnight-clear-celebration-tour-giveaway

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Thursday, October 9, 2025

"Sense and Suitability" by Pepper Basham

About the Book

Title: Sense and Suitability
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Clean Regency Romance (Rom-Com)

In this clean Regency romance, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love--until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong?

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel--until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate--or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs--has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic--no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Also Available:

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My Thoughts

I love books by Pepper Basham. She writes in a way that I find appealing and easy to read. "Sense and Suitability" did not disappoint. I found it to be well written and fun. I loved Emme and Simon and seeing their interactions with each other and the people around them. It was fun to have the "cameo" appearances of Jane Austen's books. I liked the biblical faith thread woven into the story and seeing the characters grow. I'd love to see some of Pepper Basham's books turned into movies. I eagerly await the next book I can read by Pepper Basham.

About the Author

Pepper Basham

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is the wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting www.pepperdbasham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of Sense and Suitability (or winner's choice of Pepper Basham's books) and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Sense and Suitability JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"Mistletoe and Mayhem" by Janice Thompson -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Mistletoe and Mayhem (The Little Red Truck Mysteries: Book Three)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction/Christmas

Release Date: September, 2025

A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I’m definitely a plotter. I usually start off most of my books by working off of a 12-step plotter I
discovered years ago. But, to be honest, cozy mysteries require more plotting than most because
of the larger cast of characters. I usually outline everything and then decide which suspect will
appear in each chapter. Of course, a lot changes as I go along, so I suppose you could say I’m
“hybrid” in my approach to plotting.

What is your least favorite part about writing?
I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. They keep me moving, even when I don’t feel like
it. I actually work better under pressure. But, I can’t tell you how many, many times I’ve had to
tell my kids and grandkids, “So sorry, but I can’t hang out today. I’m on a deadline.” That
always makes me sad.

Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
I work in Scrivener and there are all sorts of tools in there to keep my ideas straight. Like I
mentioned above, I usually start with a plotter and it helps me organize my chapters, even before
I write a word. I know that sounds crazy, but I usually lay out the whole book in advance, kind of
like a story-board, but without the visuals. Scrivener is a huge help with all of that. And if I don’t
like the order of things, I can just drag my chapters around in Scrivener and swap them out.

When did you become a writer?
I wrote my first book in 6 th grade. No kidding. I had read every single Bobbsey Twins book and
was wishing I had another one to read. So, I wrote one. I remember hiding in my closet, hoping
no one would discover my little secret. (Oh, how I wish I’d kept that book!)

What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
I’m a night owl, so much of my writing gets done later in the day or into the wee hours of night.
(Side note: When I taught creative writing years ago I did an experiment with my students. I
asked them to take them their temperature every two hours over a 24-hour period. Theory is that
when we’re at our warmest, even by an nth of a degree, we are at our creative peak time. For me,
that window is between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. So, that’s when I get the most done.)

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

In the mid-90s, as my children and I drove up to the Mabank area from our home in Houston, we saw smoke off in the distance. The closer we got to my mother and stepfather’s acreage—sixty-three gorgeous acres of cattle land—the thicker the smoke got.

When we arrived on Mom’s street the reality of what faced us was unavoidable. The property across the road, to our left, was in a roaring blaze, flames moving so fast my car could barely get past them on the narrow country road.

We miraculously made it to Mom’s driveway and went inside her home, hearts racing. In that moment, a decision was made to gather in a circle and pray. We offered up a passionate plea for the Lord’s protection then rushed outside to grab hoses to help water everything down.

As I sat to write Mistletoe and Mayhem, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, I was faced with the memories of this terrifying trip. Just as you read in this story, firefighters got that massive blazed stopped, right at the edge of her property. And I can tell you as a first-hand witness that not a spark landed on any of us. Whenever I reflect on this event I’m reminded of God’s ultimate faithfulness. He spared us from certain catastrophe.

I can assure you, we as a family never forgot the mercy and grace of God as we faced our Isaiah 43 moment. No doubt you’ve been through a few fires, too. Fear not. The Lord is right there, ready to carry you through. You can trust Him, even in the fiery trials of life.

Blessings on you all,

Janice Thompson

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1b-3