Hallie Reads

about the book

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line.

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack.

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late.

publisher: faith writes publishing

release date: may 14, 2025

echoes of darkness | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets… and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

publisher: love inspired trade

release date: june 24, 2025

oakwoods series | excerpt + giveaway

about the books

Pip O’Possum (Work Then Play)
Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)
Benjamin Bat (Humility)
Nuts (Sharing is Caring)
Jeremy Jay (Resilience)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals’ adventures, friendships, and foibles, they’ll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!)

publisher: chickadee words

release date: april 4, 2025

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the final word | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope… if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.

publisher: mountain brook ink

release date: june 5, 2025

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other books in the series

captured in frame

the dutch muse | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.

Amsterdam, 1973.

It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city.

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities.

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.

Amsterdam, 1641

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist.

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.

publisher: independently published

release date: june 17, 2025

other books in the series

the london forgery

trouble in assisi

the paris portrait

the ties that loose | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

Can you really trust God when life plummets out of your control?

While clearing out her mother’s estate, Dani Robicheau Kirkland makes a shocking discovery: a box containing pieces of her parents’ life hidden away after her father was declared Killed in Action in the Vietnam War. Inside she finds her mother had once clung to faith and the desperate certainty her husband was alive before she spiraled into the devastated alcoholic Dani has known.

Dani’s F-15 pilot husband, Chris, chafes under his father’s expectations to live up to his granddad’s legacy as WWII pilot. While the Bosnian War rages, Chris is tasked with a clandestine mission: flying an unsanctioned diplomat into Bosnia. But when his plane goes down due to a bird strike, Chris is trapped behind enemy lines with little hope of rescue.

Dani is terrified she’ll nosedive like her mother did, but still clings to hope and a certainty that Chris remains alive despite the Air Force’s doubts. As she searches for a way to bring Chris home and he strives to stay alive, they each battle their family histories desperate to find God’s future for them both.

Family ties ensnare them. Can God loose their grip forever?

publisher: salt & light publishing

release date: may 23, 2025

the puzzle within | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette… and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

publisher: scrivenings press llc

release date: june 3, 2025

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a slight change of plans | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

She believes she doesn’t matter.

Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes, and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home uncertain of her next step.

His scars have made him an unlovable outcast.

Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance, and even more so at his eagerness to assist her.

As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk.

Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other?

publisher: scrivenings press

release date: may 27, 2025

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other books in the series

when plans go awry

how to kill a giant | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

He lost his courage. Will meeting a real superhero help him find it?

An awful summer … Thirteen-year-old Hugo is miserable. His move to a small Pennsylvania town has brought him nothing but trouble. Ignored by his new classmates and a favorite target for the school bullies, Hugo lets fear rule his life. It’s going to be a long summer.

An unexpected twist … Hugo meets siblings Julia and Stefan, who are just as unhappy as he is. After finding a mysterious old Bible, all three are magically transported to ancient Israel, where they meet the young shepherd David, who suspects they’re spies. The trio is caught up in a scary world where danger lurks on every side.

A terrifying adventure … As Hugo and his friends navigate the perils of this strange and frightening land, Hugo must face his greatest fear—that he’s a coward. His only hope of survival is to learn the secret of David’s bravery, but will he do so in time to face his biggest test? Find out in this thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and faith.

How to Kill a Giant is a 2024 Christian Indie Awards Winner.

publisher: elk lake publishing llc

release date: june 11, 2023

the surprise next door | book review + giveaway

about the book

Should they take a chance…

On unexpected love?

Chasing her escape-artist rescue dog, Gus, into the neighbor’s yard wasn’t on Nicole Connelly’s agenda for her first day back in her hometown. Especially when Gus’s antics bring her under the suspicious gaze of the gorgeous single dad next door. Staying on the move has kept her heart safe for twelve years. But veterinarian Ethan Price and his adorable daughter make Nicole wonder if staying in Golden might be worth the risk. Is she ready to overcome the past and find her forever home with a loving instant family?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

publisher: harlequin heartwarming

release date: may 27, 2025

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other books in the series

the single mom's second chance

the hometown cop's forever family

burning hearts | book review + giveaway

about the book

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.

THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE…

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother… and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia.

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving.

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska’s Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he’ll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head…

And hunted.

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them… and the terrible cost of a second chance at love.

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Fire: Alaska romantic suspense series.

publisher: sunrise publishing

release date: may 27, 2025

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other books in the series

burning rivals

burning escape

burning secrets

burning truth

burning justice

lion of judah | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

The new king is crowned in triumph…
But his pride proves to be a fatal flaw…
And from out of his own house calamity falls upon him

Once a shepherd, a captain, and a fugitive, David is now king. He left behind the dangers of life on the run and embraced the comforts of living in the palace. No longer known as the “giant-slayer,” but as the “lion of Judah,” King David enjoys the popularity and prosperity brought on by his victories.

But peace in the nation of Israel has a double-edged sword. David’s pride subverts his judgment, and his desires overwhelm his heart leading him down a dark pathway. The king will go to any lengths to cover up his crimes, but disaster falls upon the House of David bringing this broken and contrite king to cry out to Yahweh for mercy.

Lion of Judah continues the tale of triumph and tragedy, deepest love and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice… and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

publisher: whitefire publishing

release date: may 15, 2025

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other books in the series

a voice within the flame

crown of the warrior king

the singer of israel

the fugitive king

a summer to treasure | guest post + giveaway

about the book

Teenage siblings Luke, Celia, and Austin are dreading their summer vacation. A month cooped up in an RV, touring around the Southwest, with their parents, grandmother, and each other? Pure torture.

But when Grandma reveals the real reason for the trip, the journey becomes an unexpected adventure. As they travel through breathtaking canyons, the teens develop new friendships, deepen their faith, and join together to solve a decades-old mystery.

And if the siblings can put down their phones long enough to enjoy the incredible journey, they might just discover that their relationships with each other are truly the greatest treasure.

publisher: perpetual light publishing

release date: may 27, 2025

desire of my heart | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

No matter how dark her night became, Rachel knew God promised joy in the morning.

1858, Missouri. Rachel faces an uncertain future as she approaches adulthood in the orphanage. With few options and a looming arranged marriage, she risks everything, escaping with her younger brother to avoid a future she never chose.

But when she encounters Melvin, a grieving widower with two young children, her life takes an unexpected turn. Desperate for help and willing to offer Rachel refuge, Melvin proposes a marriage of convenience. Together, they create a family rooted in faith, love, and resilience, navigating the joys and heartaches that bind them.

Just as hope blossoms, a tragedy tests their strength and trust in God, but with a supportive community and unwavering faith, they find a way forward.

Desire of My Heart is a stirring journey of redemption, resilience, and God’s unfailing love. For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart. Discover a love story built on faith, hope, and the promise that even the darkest night can lead to a brighter dawn.

publisher: heidi gray mcgill books, llc

release date: june 1, 2021

other books in the series

deep in my heart

with all my heart

stitched on my heart

matters of the heart

healing of the heart

written on my heart

bleeding heart librarian | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

Emma Justice is friends with the local librarian and brings her extra flowers once a week. On a hot July morning, when people are gathered outside the closed library past opening time, Emma calls the police. The librarian’s body is found in the building and beside the body is a pink and white bleeding heart plant.

Tess Carranza was a lovely person dedicated to children and patrons of the library in Lutz, Texas. Tess recently confided to Emma about her fear someone was using the library to gather information to commit crimes. Emma didn’t get the entire story from Tess before her death, but now she’s determined to stop the crime and catch Tess’s killer.

publisher: level best books

release date: may 6, 2025

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other books in the series

weeding out lies

clover covered corpse

every life filled with purpose | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

Welcome to Weldon, Kentucky, where no one can keep a secret forever.

Imagine discovering a place where the locals treat you with warmth and welcome you like family. Carson Williams finds such a place when he visits his deceased mother’s hometown of Weldon. The atmosphere in the community creates a deep yearning in Carson, and he thinks Kentucky is the perfect place for a new beginning. Carson hopes the country life will lead to his emotional healing from PTSD.

While Carson is having lunch at the local diner with Sparky Compton, a young doctor who’s captured his heart, Virginia Willoughby collapses. Sparky springs into action, but Carson struggles to maintain control of his emotions. Mrs. Willoughby’s daughter, Emma Baker arrives, and the magnetic pull of Emma’s gaze confuses Carson. She reminds him of someone, but who? Later, Emma wonders why she can’t stop thinking about the mysterious stranger when her heart belongs to pastor Luke Davis.

But there are secrets in the small town—and they will impact both Carson and Emma.

publisher: elk lake publishing, inc.

release date: march 27, 2025

other books in the series

every window filled with light

every day filled with hope

the shop down the lane | book review + giveaway

about the book

Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail.

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community’s simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub–a move that Lois fiercely opposes.

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers’ circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they’ve found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?

This heartwarming Amish romance includes themes of bird watching, correspondence by letters, enemies to lovers, and family secrets for readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray.

publisher: bethany house

release date: may 6, 2025

meet me at the grand | book review + giveaway

about the book

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart?

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid.

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for.

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart?

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart?

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.

publisher: sunrise publishing

release date: april 22, 2025

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other books in the series

meet me at jonathon island (free novella!)

meet me on lilac lane

meet me at the fudge shop

meet me on blueberry hill

meet me at sunset cove

meet me at the christmas cottage

levi's loyalty | book review + giveaway

about the book

Levi found out how much void a woman could fill in his heart…

But the heartache and betrayal wasn’t worth it.

He was better off alone… wasn’t he?

Levi enjoys his secluded life on the mountain until his friend convinces him he needs a woman in his life. A wife, when you’ve barely been around people, especially women? If only he could pick one out at the store like a shovel or bag of flour. But Levi falls head over heels—ignoring all the warning signs that something is wrong—until a delay in marrying her reveals her true intentions.

Now, he’s decided heartache and betrayal aren’t worth it. He’s better off alone. But God has a surprise waiting in the wilderness, softening the devastation he had suffered… in the form of a feisty woman who has claimed his mountain home for her own.

publisher: independently published

release date: april 22, 2025