A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN: Beneath the Harvest Moon by Bianca White - REVIEW!

🍂 A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN: Beneath the Harvest Moon 🌙 

by

Bianca White 

9781066754618

My thoughts...

She's a woman with a secret in her past, a present that's been torn asunder, and a future that's unclear. He's a man that shares a past with our leading lady, a present with the town he was born and raised in, and a future he'd like to turn inside out to be with her once again. Can these two overcome all that's happened and all that's hiding to become all they could and should be?

❤️ Love finds a way, if two hearts are meant to be, and these two were SO meant to be! I love how fiercely Lady Simmonds loves her children, and strives to protect both their future and her own piece of mind. I love that she knew herself enough to know that going home wasn't admitting defeat, but giving herself a chance to start again, and the naysayers be darned (that part took a little time, but she got there!)! I love that Mr Sharpe was able to see beyond the past and look towards a brighter future. I love how his kind nature and strong character made him someone worthy of taking that second chance as well as a pillar for the community. Apart they were people of note, but together they were pure fire! 😉

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About the book...

Young widow Blythe Simmonds is stifled by York society and yearns for the life she left behind before her marriage. To achieve her dreams, she must return home, a place where she is far from welcome.

Country physician Gabriel Sharpe has devoted his life to his patients. He does not need a wife and children. His work is enough, and he refuses to risk his heart again.

Blythe’s return sets tongues wagging, and Gabriel knows his childhood sweetheart cannot be trusted. He must be on his guard, but common sense always evaporated when it came to Blythe.

Life in a small country village makes it impossible for Blythe and Gabriel to remain distant, especially at harvest time. Buried feelings become impossible to ignore, and clandestine trysts resume.

If they are to have a second chance at building a life together, Blythe and Gabriel must learn to trust each other again. Blythe can no longer keep her secrets, but Gabriel may never forgive her.

BENEATH THE HARVEST MOON is part of A Match Made in Autumn multi-author series.

👉 This title was released September 18th, 2026. Grab your copy today ... and stay tuned for more from this series as they unfold!

🌟 What are some of your favorite tropes?

If Historical Romance is your bag, be sure to check out THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE ARC LIST created by @andiejamesauthor for the chance to read/share future releases!

Special thanks to The Historical Romance ARC List and and the author for the eARC for review. 

RB Listening Circle: THE SISTERS 8, Book 2: DURINDA'S DANGERS by Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted Narrated by Tina Wolstencroft - REVIEW!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, we're diving between the audio files of the second book in a Middle Grade series I started last month, but couldn't wait to continue! There's eight sisters and each has her part to play, her power to discover, and her gift to find. Join me?

The Sisters 8, Book 2: Durinda's Dangers

by

Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted

Narrated by Tina Wolstencroft

Published by: Tantor Media, Inc

Release Date: July 28, 2026

About the book...

A rather large problem has befallen the Huit girls. (Sisters, actually. Octuplets to be exact.) One particular New Year's Eve, the girls wait for their mommy to bring them hot chocolate and their daddy to return with more wood for the fire. But they don't.

So now these little girls, must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can't ask for help. Any self-respecting adult would surely call in social services, and those well-meaning people would have to split them up. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable. At the same time, the question remains: What happened to Mommy and Daddy? The Sisters Eight are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them. Notes keep appearing behind a loose brick in the fireplace.

It's a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake, and a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!

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I was so excited when it was time to select my September pick with the RB Media Listening Circle, and saw that the next audiobook in this series was up for a listen! Honestly, I wasn't ready to be done with the Sisters 8, nor prepared to make a spot on TBR Mountain for them to reside! Luck for BOTH of us that didn't happen! Anywho...

The narrator once again hits the nail on the head in bringing the cast to life. Each is distinct, easily identified (I love you Petal, but the pitch of your voice can definitely turn heads!), and so full of life you could easily forget you're listening to a tale of fiction versus a letter/conversation with a friend, or rather EIGHT friends.

The story focuses primarily on one sister finding both her power and her gift, and this time around it's Durinda's turn (trust me, it's a doozy, and the fact that her cat shares the same power...hi-larious!)! From the weeping talking refrigerator to the unsuspecting yet suspecting "uncle" Pete, a Valentine's Day almost fail to the toadstool shaped neighbor that prefers Ode de fruitcake as her fragrance of choice while being BEYOND suspicious, there's much fun to be had, many giggles to produce, and mysterious mysteries to ponder! Valuable life lessons are once again shared such as being sure to read all of the instructions for any project, remembering that the importance of something to us is not always the same as it is to another, and asking for help can lighten a heavy load.

Will the girls ever find out what happened to their parents? What surprises are in store for the other girls as they uncover their powers? Who's leaving the notes behind the loose brick? So many questions unanswered which can only mean... more books to discover those answers within! *fist pump*

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Special thanks to the RB Media team for the audiobook to listen and share with you. (THANKS!) For more information, click on through the links above, and be sure to snag your copy to experience it for yourself!

Until next time, if it looks good, READ (or listen to) IT!

AWARENESS TOUR: Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan, Illustrated by Halo Rife - BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review for a blog tour already in progress featuring a MAGICAL, MYSTERIOUS, and CURIOUS novel that is a perfect fit for the autumnal reading season! That's right. Time to get your SPOOKY 👻 on, and join Elliott, Mr Moonbeam, and a handful of others, as they take on the evil Noir 😈 in a fight for not only YOUR Halloween (and world), but that of Moonstone as well! Ladies and gents, don your most spectacular witchery as we dive between the epages of today's book of choice...

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal

Written by Ryan Cowan

Illustrated by Halo Rife

Ages: 8-12 | 252 Pages

Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2019) | ISBN-13: 979-8351181905 (Hardback) and 978-1097952779 (Paperback)

About the book...

Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn't like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it's up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time? Designed with 31 chapters so that parents, teachers, and students can read one chapter a day throughout the month of October!

 Amazon | Bookshop.org

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Elliott is a young boy just trying to discover his place in the world...all the more complicated by the fact that he's a magical person living in a non magical world. Yeah, he can't exactly tell people about it either.... the magic, Moonstone, others that have powers too. It's a big secret, but it's there to protect those that are non magic... just as his family is part of those tasked with protecting the non magic world. Easy peasy, right? Well... maybe given NORMAL circumstances, but it's heading towards Halloween, and there's this evil 😈 that's trying to pierce the veil between the worlds so they can rule them both, and there's only a handful of people that can stop ✋️ it, and he happens to be one of them. *deep breath* Yep, no pressure... or at least there would be less if he could figure out his powers, and how to control them. Don't worry, things will turn out how they are meant to... but whether it'll be in time it's another story. 

From the title to the cover to the story within, when I first caught wind of this book, I knew I had to take a closer look 👀.  It's got magic, mystery, friendship, trickery, and oh so much adventure, you may be pulled in by one aspect, but you'll be staying for the whole shebang! I loved watching Elliott gain strength in his powers, and courage in himself. It wasn't easy for him and, with the dangers encroaching, there wasn't any less pressure, but he had the support system he needed to grow. The evil lurking in the shadows was enough to provide that shiver of spookiness, but not enough to frighten or scare younger readers, and the ending was definitely worth the wait! So many pieces come together in just the right way, you'll be spellbound. 

All in all, a tale that will strike a chord with the tall and the small for SO MANY REASONS that I've noted, and I'm certain even more that you will too!  The writing style makes this approachable for those perhaps even younger than the target audience as the repetition keeps the concepts on target, the character voice clear, and serves as a memory device so you don't get lost in the magic.  Oh, and did I mention the 31 chapters? The setup of the book is PERFECT to carry the fun throughout the month of October (a chapter a day, how can you go wrong?), and keep kiddos coming back for more without feeling inundated. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR...

Ryan Cowan grew up in a small town called Middleport, Ohio. He currently lives in Hawthorne, CA. A teacher with more than 20 years of experience, Ryan has taught all grades from K-6. He currently works as an educator in Los Angeles.

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal is his first children's book. He wrote the accompanying novel study to help parents and teachers improve children's reading comprehension.

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Amazon Author Page

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Halo Rife is an illustrator from Middleport, Ohio. She was 15 years old when she illustrated Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal.

Instagram

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Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a signed Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal book set!

● Ten winners will each receive a signed hardcover copy of the novel paired with its companion Activity Book.

● One grand-prize winner will receive an exclusive Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal T-shirt, plus a signed, out-of-print copy of the original edition featuring its original cover design.

➡️ ENTER HERE ⬅️ 

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Special thanks to Bianca of The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Ryan Cowan. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. For more information on this author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

@thechildrensbookreview

Instagram Reel

Thursday, September 3, 2026

The Starlit Path

Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Friday, September 4, 2026

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Monday, September 7, 2026

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

@KidsLittleFreeLibraryBristolri

Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Thursday, September 10, 2026

icefairy's Treasure Chest

Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Friday, September 11, 2026

Mary Lanni Reads

Book Review of the Novel

Monday, September 14, 2026

@ABlueBoxFullofBooks

Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Cover Lover Book Review

Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Thursday, September 17, 2026

My Reading Getaway

Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Friday, September 18, 2026

Because I Said So

Book Review of the Novel & Activity Book

Monday, September 21, 2026

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of the Activity Book/Novel Study

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with Ryan Cowan

Thursday, September 24, 2026

@nissa_the.bookworm

Instagram Post

Friday, September 25, 2026

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of the Novel

Monday, September 28, 2026

Sybrina's Book Blog

Guest Post

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN: The Duke of My Desire by Sylvie Sinclair - REVIEW!

 

🍂 He's a Duke with a meddling mother looking to marry him off to continue his lineage. She's a widow trying to live life on her own terms after a loss most heartbreaking. The "meet cute" ... he sees a woman in distress, she being the distressed, and gets entangled in a situation out of his hands, while she most definitely, yet unintentionally, steals into his heart. ❤️ 

I had the pleasure of reading this first novella in the A MATCH MADE IN AUTUMN series, entitled THE DUKE OF MY DESIRE by Sylvie Sinclair ... and I can't say I was disappointed in the least! 

Our leading man (Gregory Mallen, the Duke of Paxton) was an exceptional specimen, and while green in the ways of love, he had so much heart ❤️ and was a fast learner 😉.  Our leading lady (Justina Dunne) was a stand out for her time, but being of the fairer sex and speaking her mind plainly still didn't warrant understanding from the males in her company, hence the situation in which she finds herself. The Duke's gallant assistance turns into the potential for something more when they find themselves in rather intimate quarters along the way, and trust me when I say there is a happy ending for all upon the story's end! With twists and turns along the way, this was a short story, but a grand affair nonetheless that I'd certainly recommend to #historicalromance fans! 🙌 

ABOUT THE BOOK...

Gregory Mallen, the Duke of Paxton is a fortunate man. He has his health, his wealth and the power and influence that come with a dukedom. All he needs now is a wife. His mother wants him to marry a lady of her choosing, but Gregory wants more. He wants love. So when his mother pressures him yet again to marry her choice of bride, frustration sends him out the door and into the night...where he meets a beautiful woman in distress who tempts both his body and his heart.

Lady Justina Dunne enjoys the freedoms widowhood allows. She loved her husband and misses him every day, but she still has needs and satisfies them with brief, meaningless affairs. When she attempts to sever ties with her latest lover, he demands more than she's willing to give and when she tries to leave him, he refuses to let her go. Thankfully, a handsome duke comes to her rescue, and when Justina decides it would be best to hide out with family in the countryside, her rescuer offers to see her safely there.

On the journey, their attraction grows and soon gives way to passion. Gregory can't help but fall for the beautiful widow, but Justina has lost one love before. Will she dare to risk her heart again or will fear prevent their chance at a happy ending?

The Duke of My Desire is part of A Match Made in Autumn multi-author series.

This title was released September 11th, 2026. Grab your copy today ... and stay tuned for more from this series as they unfold!

🌟 What's one of your favorite genres? 

If Historical Romance is your bag, be sure to check out THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE ARC LIST created by @andiejamesauthor for the chance to read/share future releases!

Special thanks to The Historical Romance ARC List and and the author for the eARC for review. 

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: Bitsy Bat, Snow Star Written and Illustrated by Kaz Windness - REVIEW!

 

What's the buzz?

🗓 MARK YOUR CALENDAR... there's a new storybook COMING SOON from Beach Lane Books/Simon and Schuster starring the one the only...BITSY BAT! Before you ask, yes... she is ALL THAT and more than worth a second, or third look, for the tales she shares, and the voice she brings to the forefront. Ladies and gents, little ones and animal friends alike, let's get between the pages of today's book of choice...

BITSY BAT, SNOW STAR

Written and Illustrated by

Kaz Windness

9781665963664

Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster

Release date: October 27th, 2026 

About the book...

When Bitsy wakes up to see her first-ever snowfall, she’s excited to try out wintry activities with her friends at school. But sledding turns out to be harder than she thought, and making snow angels and snowmen leaves her feeling cold and wet. Bitsy tries to pretend she’s having fun…until a friendly snowball fight pushes her over the edge.

She retreats inside the school, worried her friends won’t like her anymore once they find out she doesn’t love the snow like they do. But a surprise is waiting for her—Enzo Owl and Mo are inside too! They don’t like snow either and would rather read in the cozy nook. Bitsy comes up with an indoor activity for a snowy day—making paper snowflakes—that just might give her the courage to be honest with her friends.

This third story in the Bitsy Bat series is told from an autistic perspective and celebrates how our differences make each of us shine brightly on our own and among friends.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ 

Bitsy Bat is back in another spectacular adventure! 

This time, she's about to discover all the wonderful things about winter, including that frozen form of precipitation... snow! It blankets the world in white, turns the darkest night bright, and...is also pretty cold 🥶 and wet, two things Bitsy is definitely not cut out for. Her friends try to show her the delightful side of it all, but what's to be done when your friend still isn't having fun? Should Bitsy just mask her true feelings and go with the snow flow? Or is there more beauty, more comfort, more magic to be shared in the discovery of other ways a snowy day can be enjoyed by all? 

🦇 Bitsy and her wonderful friends show us once again how being your true self is never the wrong choice, even if it doesn't always feel like the easiest. It also shares the tale through an autistic perspective which is a voice not as often seen/heard, but a welcome addition to the kid lit world so inclusion can be felt by the tall and the small! 

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ 

Special thanks to Katie at Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author/illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. 📅  Watch for this title coming OCTOBER 27TH, 2026 to a bookstore near you, or preorder your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

 

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... DRAGON DOG by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang - REVIEW!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, we're tossing confetti and donning our party hats as we usher in the arrival of a NEW title via Random House Studio.  It's FIERCE, it's FLUFFY, and it's simply FABULOUS, but I'm sure you'll see all of that for yourselves in just a moment...unlike Sowerbutts, whom you'll also hear more about.  😉  Ladies and gents, readers of all ages, I give you today's title in the spotlight...

Dragon Dog

by

Suzanne Lang

Illustrated by Max Lang

Random House Studio

9798217223718

About the book...

When the evil wizard Simpkin Sowerbutts attempts to create a dragon as loyal as a dog and instead spawns a dog as fierce as a dragon, he banishes his embarrassing and so fluffy creation.

Outcast and alone, Dragon Dog roams the land looking for a home only to find foes around every corner. But Dragon Dog prides himself on being fierce—like a dragon—and defeats all who challenge him. Soon everyone in the land of Quatsch is afraid of him.

Everyone except a lost little lamb named Dandelion.

Dragon Dog help his new friend find her way back to her flock, and Dandelion helps Dragon Dog embrace his fluffy side and find a place to call home.

Oh yeah, and along the way they narrowly escape the jaws of the biggest, meanest dragon around.

An exciting and silly fantasy that shows readers we can be both fierce AND fluffy.

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Welcome to the land of Quatsch, where you're about to embark on a story that may have happened long ago, but hits home in the here and now. There's a mad wizard (Simpkin Sowerbutts), a spell/creation gone wrong (at least according to Sowerbutts, but I mean, come on...are we gonna take HIS word for it?), and a tale of what happens when we stop living up to the expectations of others, discover our true selves, and find our place in this great big CRAZY world. Trust me, while our world seems pretty darn crazy, Dragon Dog's isn't really shining up any better...at least at first.

Readers will FALL IN LOVE with this FLUFFY, FIERCE, and FABULOUS critter...so watch out parents, you may get some requests for one of their own (note to the author, illustrator, and publisher...a stuffy take home version of Dragon Dog is SIMPLY A MUST!). He is all of the things noted, despite being told from every angle that he wasn't what he was suppose to be and that made him somehow less. In reality, it made him SO MUCH MORE because the shortsighted wizard (Sowerbutts...ha! Sorry, had to say it one more time AT LEAST!) never took the time to get to know his creation, nor contemplate the repercussions of what might happen in the future when he let the "relationship" be so sower...I mean, sour.  *ahem*  HINT: An impromptu dinner party where the menu is RATHER INTERESTING!

All in all, this is a GRAND ADVENTURE with LOVABLE characters (did I mention Dandelion?  *gasp* She is such a sweetheart, and just as FIERCE as the next lamb!), GORGEOUS artwork, fabulous WORDPLAY, and so much IMAGINATION that I'm filled to the brim with delight...and I think readers of all ages will join me in that feeling! Check out this inspiring AND fun story available now wherever books are sold (happy book birthday!)!

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Special thanks to Priyanka at Penguin Random House for the chance to bring this feature to you, as well as the ARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY today via Random House Studio, so join the fun and share your love of reading!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!