August | 2025 | Bibliotica

About the Book, Canyon of Deceit

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
Pages: 338
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
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A child. A deadly conspiracy. A race against time.

When survival expert Therese Palmer is called to find a kidnapped girl, she quickly realizes the truth is more dangerous than she imagined. Enlisting the help of Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, they track the girl’s last known location deep in the Guadalupe Mountains—where every clue leads to more deception. As Russian organized crime and a deadly assassination plot come to light, Therese and Blane must fight against ruthless enemies and their growing attraction. Will they find the girl before time runs out, or will she become a pawn in a much bigger game?

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About the Author, DiAnn Mills

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is known for her gripping romantic suspense novels where readers can Expect An Adventure. With multiple Christy Awards and numerous bestsellers, her stories captivate readers with their depth and intensity. A passionate storyteller and dedicated mentor, DiAnn is also a coffee connoisseur and proud grandmother living in Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn:

WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | AMAZON

My Thoughts

Set against the rugged beauty of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Canyon of Deceit is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel that blends danger, faith, and second chances. When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer’s former colleague calls for help finding his missing daughter, she can’t refuse—even though he insists on keeping the police out of it. Knowing she can’t go alone, Therese turns to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whose specialized training (and growing affection for her) make him the perfect partner in a desperate search.

What follows is a tense race against time, with nature itself adding to the dangers they face. Mills’s trademark blend of action and heart shines here: kidnappings, organized crime, and hidden agendas unfold alongside Therese’s struggle with past guilt and Blane’s quiet persistence. I especially appreciated the alternating perspectives, which made the suspense feel immediate and layered.

Two lines in particular stuck with me: “My straw-thin hold on God got me into trouble once, and I refused to bridle that horse again,” and, “Tragedies don’t define us unless we give them permission.” Even as a reader who doesn’t strongly identify as Christian, I found those words resonant and authentic rather than heavy-handed.

Plenty of action, believable characters, and a setting I’m eager to experience beyond the page kept me turning pages late into the night. Fans of clean romantic suspense won’t want to miss this one.

Goes well with: mesquite-grilled steak with roasted peppers.

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLCanyonofDeceit on your preferred social media platform.

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About the Book, Sterling Fierce and the Lost Dragons

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wise Wolf Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 24, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 214 pages

Embark on an exhilarating and unforeseen odyssey alongside witch hunter Sterling Fierce as he undertakes a perilous quest to protect the balance of power in the lands of Everen.

Sterling Fierce is the ultimate guardian in the enchanted realm of Everen. As the sole survivor of the ancient witch hunters, he holds the key to preserving the delicate balance of power. In a shocking revelation, he discovers that a wicked curse has befallen all the majestic dragons, with one exception—the extraordinary dragon child, a rarity beyond imagination.

Time is of the essence as Sterling and his newfound companions race against the clock to evade the clutches of malevolent creatures lurking in the shadows. Failure to act swiftly will result in the demise of Sterling, his courageous allies, and the last remaining dragons.

Unlock a mesmerizing tale filled with courage, magic, and the boundless wonders of Everen. Join Sterling Fierce in this epic battle against dark forces and embark on a thrilling journey like no other. Grab your copy now and immerse yourself in a spellbinding adventure that will leave you breathless!

Can Sterling summon the inner strength to combat the relentless forces of darkness? Get your copy and discover the answer today!

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About the Author, Lori Tchen

Lori Tchen was born and raised in the Texas hill country where shaking out one’s shoes for scorpions was part of the daily norm. She writes fiction in the evenings, her highly prized downtime outside of work while raising her two sons.

Lori’s career began in criminology, working deep nights in a detention facility, then investigating crimes as a Texas State Enforcement Agent. After observing the underbelly of society, her fantasy stories allow her and her readers to escape into imagined worlds and inspire bravery in children (and adults alike) to face some of life’s evil characters.

Connect with Lori

Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Thoughts

It’s rare to stumble upon a middle-grade fantasy that hits all the sweet spots—clean prose, crisp pacing, and a heartfelt emotional core—but Sterling Fierce and the Lost Dragons absolutely delivers. Lori Tchen’s novel doesn’t just check boxes; it creates its own niche, where high fantasy meets emotional maturity in a story that’s as much about inner growth as it is about outward adventure.

Sterling, our young witch hunter, is no moody teen stereotype. He’s perceptive, principled, and refreshingly sincere. There’s a quiet emotional intelligence pulsing through this book, and it’s most evident in how Sterling learns to let others in. Found family is a well-worn trope, but here it feels honest and unforced—organic, even. Tchen doesn’t rush her character dynamics. The bonds between Sterling and his companions bloom with subtle tension and believable warmth. You feel the stakes, not just in the looming magical threat, but in the fragile trust these characters extend to one another.

This is also one of those rare books where the world-building serves the story instead of overshadowing it. Everen is lush without being overwhelming, magical without becoming saccharine. Tchen strikes a fine balance between wonder and danger; every enchanted glade feels like it could turn deadly at a moment’s notice. And the dragons—ah, the dragons—are treated with reverence and gravitas, never reduced to mere plot devices. The result is a setting that feels as alive as the characters who populate it.

For all its action (and yes, there are sword-swinging, spell-slinging battles galore), the novel’s strength lies in its heart. Courage here isn’t brute force—it’s vulnerability, connection, the willingness to admit you can’t do it alone.

If you’re looking for a richly imagined fantasy that respects its audience—young or not—and you’re a sucker for stories where magic is matched by emotional depth, Sterling Fierce and the Lost Dragons deserves a spot on your shelf. I, for one, can’t wait to see where Sterling’s story takes him next.

Goes well with: chicken pot pie and apple cider.