Friday, November 21, 2025

Fiction Friday: Twenty-Five 5-Star Reads from 2025

Fiction Friday:

Twenty-Five 5-Star Reads of 2025

In addition to being an author, I’m a voracious reader, and I come by it naturally. Both parents were avid readers with impressive book collections. When my mom passed away, I had to figure out what to do with twelve bookcases full of books! (I might have taken a few of them). Despite being busy, I make time to read, even if it’s only one chapter before bed. The qualities a book must have for me to give it five stars are: I have a serious book hangover when I’m finished, I have no interest in starting another book, I closely related to the characters and can’t get them out of my head days or even weeks later, and I know I will read the book again. And again. And possibly again.

Consider giving one or more of these a try. (Please note the purchase links are affiliate links, and I receive a small commission should you make a purchase.)

Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith: A marriage of convenience uncovers secrets that spark a battle for inheritance, family, and a chance at love. https://amzn.to/4oG7zuT

One Night in Beniton Hall by Iris Lim: When an arranged compromise goes awry, whom can Heather

count upon to come to her rescue? https://amzn.to/3LuXna4

Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker: A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what she had in mind. https://amzn.to/4hTUzPN

Palmer Girl by Dawn Klinge: Elizabeth’s heart longs to push against those boundaries, so what’s holding her back? https://amzn.to/3Xog1mk

The Snowman’s Sweetheart by Shanna Hatfield: Will a winter whirlwind romance result in a forever love? https://amzn.to/47uJVLQ

No Leaves in Autum by Terri Wangard: She may gain a family after all. https://amzn.to/3Lt7ZGl

Hopeful Cowboy by Elana Johnson: He's struggling to step into his new role as a single dad. She's trying to keep her ranch operational and her heart intact. Can Nate and Ginger build forever out of heartache? https://books2read.com/u/bzx8KE

A Song of Deliverance by Donna Wichelman: Will Anna’s heart soften towards Stefan? Will Stefan prove himself worthy of Anna’s affections? Each will have to risk everything to attain what they want and need most—love. https://amzn.to/4qOfKXl

Lillian’s Letters by Marlene Bierworth: The magic seemed to be working for the newcomer, until she met the man whom she’d been corresponding with face to face. https://amzn.to/4hTPYwY

Seeking Simon by Susan Sloan: When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, the fight to save her land turns into a battle for her heart. https://amzn.to/49b54Mm

A Lawman for Lisette by Teresa Slack: Can this independent western woman trust her no-nonsense, rugged lawman and find love? Will her heart forever be lost in Willow Wood? https://amzn.to/4p3ZD6t

Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife by Misty M. Beller: Will the love growing between them be enough to survive Jess's secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will her father’s greed destroy everything they've risked their lives to protect? https://amzn.to/4oviJCy

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin: Three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis

invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence. https://books2read.com/u/baAnz8

Tex by Liz Isaacson: Can Tex and Abigail rekindle their old flame, or will the issue of land ownership come between them? https://amzn.to/496zEGV

The Pastor’s Reckless Bride by Malory Ford: as other needs arise that the two of them are uniquely equipped to meet, their greatest challenge may just be their greatest strength. https://amzn.to/4qM90cR

A Reckoning in Defiance by Heather Blanton: She ruled Tent Town with an iron will. Now, she returns to Defiance with nothing but guilt—and a fragile hope for forgiveness. https://amzn.to/3LuYqqw

Love Somebody Like You by Carolyn Miller: For Lexi Franklin, returning to Trinity Lakes feels a little like running home with her tail between her legs. https://amzn.to/47OsS6j

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong: A guilt-ridden woman with everything to gain, a self-made man with everything to lose, and a Father who desires to show them their true measure is more than they could ever imagine. https://amzn.to/4nPlwW6

A Pony Express Romance by Misty M. Beller: Only the fearless ride for the Express. https://amzn.to/4nRiIrF

Journey of the Heart by Johnnie Alexander: One valiant woman. One guarded man. A shared mission—and a love neither expected. https://amzn.to/4p4rrYA

Lance: Gun for Hire by Heather Blanton: He lost everything. Now he has nothing left to lose. https://amzn.to/4owMh2V

Patched Together by Kim Garee: healing leads to new journeys in faith and love amidst changing and

charming seasons. https://books2read.com/u/bPOnQl

A Place to Belong by Heidi Gray McGill: Some fresh starts begin in silence… others begin with a
baby’s cry. https://amzn.to/4ot6XbR

The Red Siren by MaryLu Tyndall: A Woman Pirate desperate to save her family. . .An ambitious Naval Officer longing for a promotion . . .Is their love strong enough to defy the noose? https://amzn.to/4hO34f3

An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey: Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures? https://amzn.to/485vjTa

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Blog Tour: Gazing into Darkness

About the Book

Book: Gazing into Darkness

Author: Heidi Glick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Heidi Glick writes romantic suspense and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and

Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She has an eye for detail and includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County (Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Though she grew up in Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home.

More from Heidi

My interest in science probably began at an early age with my love of animals. When I was younger, I rode horses. In high school, I became interested in science and learning more about God’s creation. When I attended college, I majored in biology and became active in Cedarville Christian University’s Earth Stewardship Organization—aimed at promoting stewardship of God’s creation from a Christian perspective. Years later, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. After a serious conversation with coworkers, I developed an idea for a story involving EPA CID agents. I wanted a story that contained a branch of law enforcement not typically featured in Christian suspense stories. Also, I wanted a series with the same characters throughout, sort of like Castle or Bones. Additionally, I wanted the theme of redemption throughout. While the story involves the environment, the book is not meant to be political. I hope readers enjoy the novel and benefit from the message. Something fun about the book is the artwork. Like the covers for Terri Blackstock’s If I Run series, the covers for Queen City Heroes form one larger image when side by side.

By the way, I still love animals, and my elderly cat Daisy was the inspiration for the heroine’s feline.

Interview with Heidi

Can you share a real-life event that inspired your writing?

I’m trying to think of how to answer this question without giving away anything. I worked in one of the buildings mentioned in the story. An event in the story was inspired by a conversation I had with coworkers.

What was the best money you spent as a writer?

The best money I spent as a writer was joining American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). ACFW provides education, support, and fellowship for Christian writers. I found a critique group through ACFW, and I was able to grow as a writer. I’m still a member and can attribute most of my writing friendships to ACFW.

How are your characters like you? Different?

Stacey is like me in that she likes her veggies. I have my mom to thank for that. I’m different from Stacey in that I don’t work out as much as she does these days because it’s hard when juggling writing and family life. I try to walk daily and swim when possible. Also, Stacey is a neat freak, and I generally have a messier desk like Chance. Also, like Chance, I like chili dogs from a certain restaurant in Cincinnati.

How do you come up with story lines/book topic?

For faith arcs, I’m influenced by what God is teaching me or a nugget of truth gleaned from a recent sermon. For story ideas, I think it depends. With my last book, Hold for Release, I asked readers what they would like to see more of, and they said a married couple. Because I write redemptive themes, I had a married couple whose marriage is in trouble. And then because I write suspense, I had to weave the plot around the characters. How would suspense tie in with a failing marriage? For my next story, Kalamity Cabin, set in the fictional town of Kalamity, Ohio, I have decided to include an ODNR officer. I learned about ODNR at my local citizens sheriff’s academy. Since the release of Gazing into Darkness, I find I like writing about different areas of law enforcement.

What is one thing you wish you could do?

If I could do anything, I would pause time, so I could make more time for all the things in my life. I like writing, but I am also an editor. Plus, I recently started homeschooling my kids. It would be nice to have more time.