Customer Comments

“If only our nation could learn kindness instead of hatred and mercy rather than strife. Then the Lord would heal this war torn land.” A common theme in Civil War fiction is a Southern girl nursing a Union Soldier behind enemy lines. But this author spins a unique tale that takes us to some lesser known battles. Then she weaves the fictional characters seamlessly into a well documented historical event. She also gives us family tension and characters with the faith to see them through the rigors of the times. She brings home the words of Jesus to love your enemies and be merciful to them as being what God wanted. There are interesting details about the war and a few surprises in store. Lessons to be taken to heart and maybe even applied today. Recommended for fans of Civil War stories. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.*

Hilarious! That’s what I expect from Jen Turano and she delivers. Double fun in this second book in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency is that we get to see more of Daphne Beekman from the first book. She is a mystery writer by day and an agent by night. When she meets fellow author Herman Henderson while she is trying to combat writer’s block it adds to the hilarity. I especially liked when Daphne talks to Winston, the one eyed dog and Pretty Girl, The thieving parrot. The glimpses into the writing world of the late 19th century was written as only a wordsmith could. Daphne is quirky and that is part of her charm and the reason Herman is taken with her. “Herman ran a hand over his face again, feeling quite as if he had landed smack-dab into one of his more complicated plots and one he had no idea how to get out of successfully.” Ms. Turano’s writing reminds me of an Oscar Wilde play especially the house party at Herman’s estate complete with matchmaking grandmothers and ladies who want nothing to do with Herman. The author rounds out the story with other interesting characters, on old mystery and weaving in seemingly overused situations to great effect. I’m anxious to learn about mysterious Eunice in the next book. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I have enjoyed this author’s books before. She writes a beautiful story with characters that burrow right into your heart. I read it with the southern cadence ringing in my ears. She makes you care about the people and the country of the Bayou. I love the warmth and compassion that schoolteacher Ellie has for the children and adults of Bernadette, Louisiana. And they, in turn, take her in as one of their own. Raphe is steady and strong as he shares his life with his orphaned nephew Remy. Heywood is shown as a steadfast and impartial friend with a ready wit. I liked the historical facts about the Cajun people and the terrific legend of the white alligator. Ms. Luesse laces her story with beautiful settings of the Bayou:“She opened her eyes, waiting for the first streak of light in the night sky. It came soon enough-first a faint silvery slit in the blackness that slowly lengthened before opening itself to sunrise colors of pale pink and coral.” She includes customs of the times, political intrigue, dangerous situations and a sweet romance. It has all the feels, sometimes bringing me to tears.. This author is quite a storyteller. You can tell that God and his ways are important to the main characters and right and wrong are clearly shown. A superb story that has you wanting more. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Ms. Johnson takes us to beautiful Victoria by the Sea on Prince Edward Island. “The morning sun across the bay had a way of embracing the earth, welcoming the day with a gentle invitation into warmth and light.” She makes me want to take a trip to Prince Edward Island and enjoy the atmosphere. Meg Whitaker feels the weight of her mother’s illness and her dad’s decision to sell his fishing business. “Be strong—that was her job—carry the weight.” She is prickly in order to shield herself from the pain. She wants to preserve the family legacy by taking over the business but she knows next to nothing about the hard work involved. To make matters worse, the person who sent her dreams crashing years ago is Oliver Ross; the person her dad has chosen take over the business. Meg and Oliver make a pact to get along for the sake of Meg’s parents. Dad gives them a trial of the next crabbing season, then he will choose who gets the business. They learn to work together and combat obstacles that crop up, getting good advice from Pastor Dell: “Sometimes in the midst of the worst pain, it’s hard to hear the truth. Sometimes when the pain is too loud, all we can hear is the person crying to us. And that sounds a lot like love.” In the end they find forgiveness: “That’s the thing about forgiveness—it’s a renewable resource.” *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Library Thing. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Falcon Hunt is a man with a past. The trouble comes when he is injured and cannot remember that past. He needs to catch up with those memories before the bad guys catch up to him. In book two of Brothers in Arms, the excitement is ramped up by dangerous men who want to take over the Hunt ranch and the women who live there. Sinister happenings try to undermine the search for the truth behind Clovis Hunt and the will he saddled his sons with. They band together to go after a common foe. Ms. Connealy has gathered interesting characters to a ranch in Wyoming and has given them complex connections. The men are capable and stable, the woman strong and opinionated. They all have a solid faith. My favorite character this time around is Cheyenne. She is hurt by her stepfather’s last will and testament but she stubbornly carries on. She is attracted to Falcon but he can’t remember if he’s married or not: “She wanted to ask him what had come to him. And she wanted to clobber him if he remembered a wife and six kids. Worse if he remembered three wives and six kids.” Falcon didn’t relish this mismatch family: Well, you’re neck deep in family now, Falcon. You couldn’t be lonely if you wanted to be.” This book showcases all things cowboy and the author’s famous wit. Very enjoyable. Can’t wait fir book three. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”

Come back to the Roaring Twenties when Hollywood had yet to go to Talkies! Lucinda went to California with stars in her eyes but had to settle for being a cigarette girl at a theater famous for showcasing premieres. Gary Prinz, aka Garrison Prince has decided to forgo his status as a leading man to pursue Bible School and a simpler life. Some people are not happy with this decision and things go very wrong at the premiere of his final film before becoming an ordinary Joe. With the vernacular of an iconic era, this story is full of suspense, mystery and danger and a little romance. Gary and Cinda are looking to please God even as they try to find a killer among the theater goers. A great side character is the orphan on the streets, Herbie, and what he comes to mean to Cinda and Gary, as well as playing a vital part in the outcome of the mystery. Great fun and a great start to the Ever After Mysteries series. *I won this ebook from Celebrate Lit in a contest. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I don’t know why I have waited so long to read this unique author! I really loved reading this fascinating book. Earthquakes, landslides, stampedes, a killer on the loose in a remote area. So much going on but this is a very well plotted story. Mule Shoe Resort is isolated for a reason. To get away from electronic devices and find peace at a steep price tag. This story is packed with interesting characters and the author keeps you guessing as to who the killer is and why the resort has been having *accidents*. Darby Graham is sent to Mule Shoe to de-stress and heal after a horrific incident. Deputy Sheriff Bram White shows up to put down two abandoned dogs belonging to the Shadow Woman. Darby rescues them. She is curious about this Shadow Woman but Darby has shadows of her own. When suspicious things keep happening, Darby and Bram join forces to try to put the puzzle pieces together. When she has doubts, she relies on a verse she has memorized.”Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” And God gives her the strength. The story is not without humor as Darby shows acerbic wit through it all. “Who would have figured my two dogs were cruise directors for a guilt trip? “ I will definitely be seeking out this authors backlist soon. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Partners In Crime Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“How young we were, unmarked by sorrow and grief, but life didn’t take long in acquainting us with them.” First of all I truly love this beautiful cover and when I found out it was about Wisconsin where I lived for 11 years, I really wanted to read this historical book. It is about the perils and hardships of a newly married couple who travel from home to the unknown wilderness of Wisconsin. I enjoyed this story gleaned from the history of the author. Beryl and Edward were patterned after her ancestors but much of the story was imagined as records were scarce. The author gave us a good account of how things might have been in 1897. It is set in a beautiful grove of maples. While Beryl and Edward faced hardships, tragedy and disappointment, they learned through it all, to rely on God for their strength and learned to grow in their marriage even though they spent some early years apart. This is my first book from Ms. Knipfer and I am intrigued by the possibility of further books in this series. This was a great start to a historical series. *I received a complimentary ebook of this title from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“Run the race that the Good Lord set out for you to run” In this second book of the series, U S Marshal partners, Madison and Jonas are on the trail of four fugitives from a bank robbery gone wrong. What a way to start the first day back from an injury for Madison James. The culprits manage to keep one step ahead of the Marshals in a desperate cat and mouse game and nail biting chase. The author gives us another glimpse into the relationship between Madison and Jonas that started in The Escape. They are their for each other every step of the way. But could this turn into something more? The excitement ramps up as they figure out where the fugitives are, but they are not sure all the clues are related to the present case. Could someone still be after Madison as she tries to uncover clues to her husband’s murder five years ago? As one story concludes, we will have to wait for other answers to be revealed in the third book of the series. Well plotted and thrilling, this book is a great story to get absorbed in. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Library Thing Early Reader program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Butterfly Cottage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a summer retreat for Dawn, her daughter Tamara and granddaughter Jaycie. Mackinac Island is a magical place to explore and find respite for the summer. Told in alternating voices of the three generations, the story is realistic. The characters are drawn from real life circumstances and they have real life consequences. Dawn has a solid faith and an enduring relationship with her husband who will soon join her after rehab is finished on his recent surgery. Tamara has a health concern that she is keeping under wraps in order to enjoy being with her family. Jaycie has finished an internship and is contemplating her next career step. I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the long history of the other inhabitants of the area. Mackinac is a magical place. I loved all the references. It reminded me of a trip I took there many years ago. There was a touch of whimsy that fit nicely into the story. The book tackled some serious issues but the theme was look to God, listen to Him and rely on Him to see you through. A wonderful story that I will re read when I want to re visit Mackinac Island. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Ms. Mason has taken characters in turmoil and given them a story of hope. Jane is trying her best to make a home for her ailing mother and excel in her job helping children find a home. It is difficult in Toronto during wartime with the shortages in food, gas and qualified people willing to foster needy children. The author shows the compassion Jane has for a special little boy, Martin, who is very hard to place. Garrett, a war veteran who is still recovering from an injury, is hired to audit the agency for efficiency and a discrepancy in the books. Both Jane and Garrett have secrets they are keeping. They find they are vying for the same position as permanent director of the agency. As they grow fonder of each other, they have mixed feelings about competing for the job. Garrett: *He could not allow his growing respect for the woman to interfere with his plans to secure his future.* Circumstances arise that will test their faith and their mettle. And they learn a lesson in forgiveness, trust and reliance on God. I enjoyed learning about our Canadian neighbors and what similar things they experienced during WWII. I look forward to the third book in this series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Quite an enjoyable novel of the Gilded Age and Dark Island at the summer house of Singer Sewing Machine Mogul Fredrick Bourne. I liked how the author wove interesting information such as the other millionaires and the origins of Thousand Island Dressing. The Irish Blessings that the hero was fond of quoting were a nice touch. “Count your blessings instead of your woes, count your friends instead of your foes.” And the heroine loves books! I enjoyed the wealthy Bourne family, who were outspoken Christians and the glimpse of the lives of service people. It reminded me of Downtown Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs only in America. The secret passages, the boat races, picnics on other small islands and a treasure hunt were fun. As was trying to uncover a mystery and a couple of dastardly villains. This was a well done story about family and who family really consists of, by a new to me author. * I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*

Viv Steele is an attorney for the State Department. It is NOT a cover for a CIA operative. But somebody thinks it is! While attending a diplomatic dinner, two diplomats suddenly collapse. Viv is put on a task force with Jacob Cruz, security for the diplomatic corps. They don’t hit it off right away but they soon learn to trust each other. They are pitted against formidable foes and things ratchet up the closer they get to the truth. The romance is there but light and with a promise of more to come for Jacob and Viv. Written with expertise on the inner workings of Washington D. C. agencies, this is a top notch, suspenseful novel. While not overdone, the faith thread is underlying. The protagonists are principled and Christians. “There is no doubt in my mind. The God I worship is bigger than any of this.” A great conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“The only truly safe place to be is in God’s hands.” What an emotionally impactful story set in Holland during World War II. In my opinion, this is a must read, so that we do not forget the sacrifice of these precious people during a horrible time in history. It is a story of triumph during adversity, of clinging to God when there is no other hope. “Let your fear drive you into the arms of God.” It is a story of courage and how God can show mercy and draw you closer to Him. “When faced with a dilemma, we can ask, What is the best way to show our love for God and for our neighbor.” We can even forgive if it is required. It is a story showing how we can build on our foundational faith and be reminded of scripture and the catechism when we need it. “Keep your eyes on the Cross and the Resurrection. When we remember how much Christ sacrificed for us, we will know we can trust Him with anything.” An excellent book by one of my favorite authors. Do not miss this one! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“Do not hold yourself accountable for something only God can control.” What an intriguing story. I have loved time travel for a very long time. I guess it is the possibility of doing the impossible. And it is the perfect escape. Ms Hedlund wrapped me in a fantasy in 1381. Marian Ceighton, after a message from her father, finds herself back in historic Canterbury in the midst of inconvenience, hardship, a war and an unusual marriage of convenience. William Durham is the perfectly flawed and swoony hero who comes to her rescue. A widower, he is forced to wed Marian but resolves to be the best husband under trying circumstances with God’s help. Ms. Hedlund has woven a tale that seems plausible and adventurous. The research was extremely well done and had me looking up ampullae and Canterbury Cathedral, wishing I could visit. The Cathedral is the oldest Church in England still in use. In this story, Canterbury is a magical place with a legend of healing holy water and a beautiful stained glass story that is preserved today. Well written, romantic and interesting I am glad there is more to the story. I look forward to reading about Marian’s sister, Ellen, and friend, Harrison, and of course the ability to travel back to 1811 once again. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from RevellReads and Library Thing, on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I am so glad I discovered books by Jaime Jo Wright. She is an automatic read for me. “How did one not fear evil? It was so real, so active, that not fearing it seemed foolish.” Ms. Wright evokes foreboding from the first page. I frequently found myself stopping and saying * Oh No!* out loud. Her writing style is*creepy good*. She spins a spooky, intricate, dual-time novel that never disappoints. This one deals with a remote, cliffside mansion on the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The tentacles of evil and greed reach down through time from 1885 to the present day. A tale of missing Civil War gold, a ghost girl who guards it, and unexplained kidnappings years later will keep you turning pages. The two storylines came together in a satisfying way and added another layer of mystery to the Civil War tales and the intriguing connection to the Upper Peninsula. Besides the main characters in each time period, I liked the portrayal of Kailey’s autistic brother Jude. He played an important part in the story and the isight into this often misunderstood condition was handled with compassion. The author conveys a realistic picture of superstition and the steadying faith that is needed to combat it. “The world is broken. God can fix it. So stick to Him and stop trying to do it yourself.” *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Ms. Witemeyer usually highlights heroines in her stories but this series happily zeros in on a brotherhood of heroes. After encountering a gun toting pregnant lady, Mark and Jonah are questioning what they got themselves into. Honorable men who retired from the Army, the Horsemen take on jobs to help the helpless. Little did they know that Mark would reconnect with old friend Kate and Jonah would have his interest piqued by the intriguing, independent headmistress of a foundling home, Miss Eliza. Kate and Eliza have a heart for orphans and encounter a band of rail-riding boys. “As much as she appreciated cleanliness, Kate also realized that feral boys were about as fond of bathing as feral cats.” The witty exchanges and internal dialogue are never lacking as the two couples get to know each other amidst a scary mystery. Kate muses about Mark: “After spending several hours in his company today, her urge to explore had expanded to Lewis and Clark proportions.” The faith element is strong, showing how the characters live out their Christianity. “Leave tomorrow alone, girl. The Lord is the only one strong enough to carry the future. You will wear yourself out trying. I am anxious to see how the story plays out for Preacher, the remaining Horseman. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* Sent from my iPad

Ann Gabhart has such a winsome way with words as she captures the dialect of the mountain people of Kentucky. Tansy Calhoun is a book woman who delivers books by horseback to people in the hills with no access to a library. Caleb is an honorable man trying to do right by his family and following his heart. “Caleb was someone you could depend on to do the right thing. The best thing.” I grew to love Caleb and Tansy in their struggles during the Depression. Tansy was maturing, securing a dream job as a packhorse librarian but finds her dreams may go farther than parceling out books to neighbors in the hills. “A day chin deep in words and stories seemed the next best thing to heaven to Tansy.” My favorite character was Aunt Perdy. Even though she is prickly, I quickly warmed up to her quirky personality. And she is very wise: “Whilst you might be remembering your wrongs, the Good Lord has done sunk them down deep in the sea where they can’t never float back to the top.” This was a story of hardship, steeped in faith, forgiveness and a bit of a quandary with excitement thrown in for good measure. I don’t know how she could top her last book, but each book is uniquely wonderful. Ms. Gabhart cannot write a bad story. She is a natural storyteller. I highly recommend her books. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This is the third book in the Three Sisters Island series. What I liked about this series is that it continues the story of the Grayson family. It drops you back into their lives and conveys the feeling of a growing and developing family but no one is left out. Ms. Fisher has woven many lessons into this eloquent story. Each member of the clan is taught something by God. Paul, the dad, learns to listen.”Don’t waste your words, save them for what is truly important.” Cam learns to respect her limitations. Maddie learns that peace comes from giving all her worries to God. Blaine learns: “when friendship blossoms into romance, it’s the best of all.” And they all learn that :”Most things work out in the end if you leave them in a God’s hands and don’t try to meddle: Pray and Release.” This book had it all: family, friendship, fitting into a community, funny moments, faith and forgiveness. Very realistically portrayed with even a few tense, exciting times. This series is one I will come back to. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This is not the typical Regency story with aristocratic characters. Mary Bloomfield is a spinster. Everyone assumes she does not want marriage or children but she longs to be loved for who she is. She helps her father in his doctoring profession. She has the heart for helping people and sees it as a calling from God. Adam Edgerton is not typical either, having grown up expecting to inherit his father’s farm. But he is also a war hero struggling with a debilitating disease. “The heart was a strange country, filled with odd fancies, twists and turns. Adam barely knew himself these days.” The author brought the emotions of her characters to the point where they sought God for the answers. She aptly portrayed Mary as having the personality to be able to help Adam. “God’s goodness did not fade away simply because she did not perceive it. Circumstances were not a faithful prism through which to see God’s love. God’s love, like the sun, always remained.” The story was true to life and dealt with some hard issues but Ms. Miller gave us the perfect way to overcome: to have Faith in God. “Trusting God seems to be about pushing away the confines of the easy and explained, to a daring place where one needed God in a deep, profound way.” *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel through Read With Audra Jennings Tour, I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I give this 4 stars and a Strong faith thread. “Forgive yourself. Take the forgiveness that is yours.” Hazel is looking to God to repair the years that injustice has taken away. Gilbert is kind enough to give her a job attending him in his dental practice, a new concept. This is a story of hope and making the best of a bad situation with God’s help. “Her father had called Hazel stubborn as a child, and that trait had stuck. She determined now was the time to make that weakness her strength.” Ms. Fordham conveys the misgivings of Hazel, the friendship bond with Ida and a growing fondness with Gil. Add in a search for unscrupulous bad guys and this story is brimming with adventure. There are elements of faithful steadfastness, reconciliation and setting things right. The romance is sweet and contains two match ups! A great historical book. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This was a very quick read for me, I just couldn’t put it down! From the first scene it was mesmerizing. After the *incident*, the story is told from several points of view: Taylor, who was a witness; Dustin, the accused; and Jaime, who is a defending attorney. The connection to the culprit was intricately woven into the plot. I especially liked the reunion between Jaime and Dustin who grew up next door to each other. The health issues of PTSD, OCD and cancer were very well represented and realistic. The story dealt with family, reconciliation and how faith affects our circumstances. It was great to see the growth that Dustin experienced throughout the story. “ The sure knowledge that God had his back filled him with strength laced with calm. He would fight this, but wouldn’t be fighting alone.” Ms. Blackstock has proved herself again as a wonderful suspense author. One of my favorite writers. *I won an ebook of this title from Kav at Best Reads. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Charming, a treasure, all the good things to savor in this fabulous book. After reading The Dress Shop on King Street and falling in love with this author’s writing style, I am in love again! This book has that certain something that sparkles like a fine jewel. So heartfelt and realistic with warm characters that you cannot help but root for. We see the beauty of a garden through the eyes of the artist, Eliza. And the beauty of an old house in the heart of Lucy who wants to preserve a piece of old Charleston. The descriptions had me looking up places and wanting to visit the streets that Eliza and Lucy walked on. I love all things historical and am on the side of those who wish to preserve history. It was interesting to learn about the Preservationist movement in the late 1930s that was inspired by a band of artists. A mystery of lost silver and a feud between families as old as the Civil War adds to the richness of the story. Will the clash carry on for another generation or will Lucy and Declan uncover the truth and put an end to the conflict? This story is about beauty and what is lasting. As Eliza’s mother said: “We can allow beauty to point us toward the God who made it.” It was also a thing of beauty to see how both storylines converged absolutely perfectly. This is a book I will treasure. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This absolutely perfect story had so many elements that I loved. The setting was so picturesque that it made me want to summer in the Scilly Islands. The prose was so poetic: “She’d left the windows open so she could hear the shushing of the waves, as familiar as a mother’s heartbeat. The wind whispered in, kissed her brow. The moon sang a lullaby,” It has a very solid faith thread. And the cover is gorgeous! Lady Libby Sinclair does not feel she fit within society’s constraints. She loves cataloging and sketching nature. She travels to the Scilly Islands and a curious thing happens. She is mistaken for another Elizabeth. This one happens to be Beth, sister to the local vicar, Oliver Tremayne, who is interested in botany. Libby starts to question the dichotomy of faith and science. Libby connects with the island, its people and especially Oliver’s grandmother and thereby to God. Mamm-wynn imparts wisdom: “We see only in part. But there is more. More to this physical world that your magnifying lens can show you. And more still beyond it that we need a spiritual lens to see.” A mystery is discovered, friendships are forged, and more than one romance to savor. The ending brought tears to my eyes and a yearning to return to the Scilly Islands for more delightful romances. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Kristi Hunter is one of my favorite authors. I am drawn to the Regency period and she is spot on with life in England during this time. I couldn’t be more pleased with this story. Her characters are for the most part Christian and convey those qualities in their personalities and actions. I was glad to meet up with characters from previous books. It helps me live in their world. I like that Ms. Hunter portrays the aristocrats as flawed but humble and not respecting of class distinctions. They are so kind and show Christian charity. A favorite character is Harriet, who is a take charge, no-nonsense lady of means. I’m hoping we see more of her in book three. Hearts on the Heath series is centered around the Regency sport of horse racing. This is where Sophia Fitzroy and Aaron Whitworth find common ground. However...” He’d never been able to understand women, but Miss Fitzroy confounded him far more than the rest of them.” Aaron has put different parts of his life into boxes in order to have some control. “His life had run smoothly until his friends had brought females into it.” Let the fun begin! See how God works in the details in this delightful tale of romance and friendship and the promise of reconciliation. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I love stories set in quaint historical towns. Paige Faraday must too because she wants to make afresh start as a new Christian where her past is unknown. She turns to Kellen Lambert, who was with her brother Drew when he was killed in Afghanistan. Another of my favorites is book shops and Kellen owns Open Book! Kellen gives Paige a job there. I like the way Ms. Dietze depicts Paige as trying to be self sufficient but not afraid to ask for help. She gives her a great personality and a quick mind with creative ideas to help Kellen. They both have much to overcome and forgive including family situations and priorities for their future. It was good to see a few of the characters from A Future for His Twins appear in this cozy town setting as well as some new favorites. The three elderly matchmaking ladies were a nice touch. They are friends and have the best intentions. The rescue animals showed a soft side of Kellen and add to the fun. This story showed that with Faith there is hope and healing in reconciliation I’m ready to return to Widow’s Peak Creek any time! *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

Review From the gorgeous cover to the last page I was utterly enthralled with the story of Molly McKenzie. Molly is classy and perky but is hiding behind a mask of her self-importance. She wants to be accepted and to please others. It was informative to see Molly as an influencer for beauty brands and trends. Looking for a stepping-stone to a dream hosting spot, Molly applies to mentor girls at The Bridge, a place of refuge for aged-out foster kids. The director is Silas Whittaker whose dream is to accommodate more youth into his program and help them mature into responsible adults. Molly and Silas are perfect everyday heroes. Although Molly sees Silas as “a perfectionist with something to prove.” They both come to release control of their lives to God and take their place in His plan and discover what Grace is all about. As Molly begins to make a difference in these girls lives, she learns about herself and realizes that it is much more fulfilling to be a mentor than to be constantly striving for fame and success. Without changing her personality, God changed her focus, priorities and goals. And as a bonus, showed her that miracles still happen. This story is clever, polished and authentic with wonderful characters and a timely message. “God has uniquely shaped gifts for each one of his uniquely shaped people.” * A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Review From the gorgeous cover to the last page I was utterly enthralled with the story of Molly McKenzie. Molly is classy and perky but is hiding behind a mask of her self-importance. She wants to be accepted and to please others. It was informative to see Molly as an influencer for beauty brands and trends. Looking for a stepping-stone to a dream hosting spot, Molly applies to mentor girls at The Bridge, a place of refuge for aged-out foster kids. The director is Silas Whittaker whose dream is to accommodate more youth into his program and help them mature into responsible adults. Molly and Silas are perfect everyday heroes. Although Molly sees Silas as “a perfectionist with something to prove.” They both come to release control of their lives to God and take their place in His plan and discover what Grace is all about. As Molly begins to make a difference in these girls lives, she learns about herself and realizes that it is much more fulfilling to be a mentor than to be constantly striving for fame and success. Without changing her personality, God changed her focus, priorities and goals. And as a bonus, showed her that miracles still happen. This story is clever, polished and authentic with wonderful characters and a timely message. “God has uniquely shaped gifts for each one of his uniquely shaped people.” * A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Ms. Chiavaroli is a masterful storyteller as she weaves past and present into a story that is beautiful but complicated with a subtle underpinning of faith. From the first page, I cared about Taylor and not just her story. Taylor is on a journey to meet her past head-on and find what is truly meaningful in life. “Maybe I could find myself. If not myself or peace, then maybe I could brave the waters of optimism and at least search out that dangerous, elusive thing I’d feared too long...hope.” The setting was magical because of its historical significance and the peek into the life of Louisa Alcott. It is written with an appreciation for all things Louisa and Concord, Massachusetts and at the same time it tells the struggles of an adopted child to fit in and belong. I like that the subjects of PTSD and domestic abuse were dealt with but the ending was not tied up in a nice bow. Yet there is hope presented throughout the characters journeys, past and present. An excellent book from an accomplished author. *I borrowed this book from the library. All opinions are my own.*

Fabulous debut. I so love novels steeped in the history of the author. This lovely dual-time book is a prime example. Ms. Wen draws on extensive research into her family tree to give us a exceptional story of life, love and lessons learned. It is a fabulous story of Sloane Kelley who is adopted and feels the loss of her own history. She is a curator at a historical museum in Wichita, Kansas when Garrett Anderson brings in an artifact discovered when he was clearing out his grandmother’s attic. Little did Sloane know how God would use an old satchel to answer her longing heart. Garrett is a planner but he has forgotten to enter seeking God into his plans for the future. Together, Sloane and Garrett pour through old diaries and find their life answers. There are a lot of surprises along with laughter and tears. This author knows how to write romance and sizzling kisses! Past and present meld in a fascinating way. And at the root of it all is a lesson both generations of characters learn: we all have worth in God and He can give us more than we deserve or expect. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

One of my favorite genres is Regency historicals and this series has been the icing on the cake! In book number three of Serendipity and Secrets, Stalwart Captain Charles Wyvern has his life planned out when everything is turned upside down. He has an obligation to fulfill from his dying friend Major Richardson. He has promised to look after Rich’s mother, Mamie and fiancé Lady Sophia Haverly. There are more surprises in store when he gets to his family estate. He is the new Earl and has three young wards. Sophie was looking after her almost mother in law while she waited for Rich to return from war: “Duties are not burdens when they are performed out of love.” Can obligation turn to love? Charles and Sophie are thrust into a new situation and seek God for the answers. But are they ready for what God shows them? This is a story with a bit of intrigue and danger that brings feelings to the forefront. It is packed with likable characters. The three young girls are portrayed with spirit and wisdom beyond their years. The loving relationship between Mamie and Sophie shows that God can bring comfort in times of sorrow and He makes family where hearts come together. Ms. Vetsch has penned a delightful end to her fantastic Regency series. She genuinely blossoms in these stories. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author through Audra Jennings Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

It is great to be back in Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. The quaint town is a beautiful refuge. This time we meet Zach Garrett who has left his high dollar, pressure cooker life to open his dream coffee shop. He is seeking a slower pace and everything worthwhile. Being the haven that it is, Hope Harbor draws Katherine Parker who has been questioning her whole career. The house she rents in order to re-evaluate her priorities just happens to share Blackberry Beach with Zach. A hero who cooks and a heroine who makes chocolate truffles, a wonderful pairing! There are great matchups in this story including the returning sea gull duo, Floyd and Gladys. We see old friends: The sparring golf buddies, Father Murphy and Reverend Baker as well as Charley of the food truck who always dispenses wisdom with his fish tacos: “I expect most dreams are reachable, if the person is willing to pay the price. The question is whether the goal is worth the cost-and whether the return on investment is positive or negative.” I like the giving spirit of the residents as they pull together for community projects, even Zach’s visiting Aunt Stephanie. More than one romance blooms in this place of refuge. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

“Evil things like to hide in the dark.” This is an ominous story. It mentions Covid-19 and a pathogen that could be worse. Behavioral Analysis Unit members, Alexandra Donovan and Logan Hart embark on a search for The Train Man, a killer who is determined to fulfill a prophecy that will impact all of mankind. Ms. Mehl shows just how evil a mind can get when indoctrinated from childhood. She contrasts nicely the differ between a cultists Book and the Holy Bible and clearly spells out how God is loving and that His truth is in the real Bible. She lets us look into what it is like to have PTSD and lose control of the coping mechanisms tenuously held in place. There were parts of this book that were truly cringe worthy and brought back unwelcome memories. I didn’t completely connect with Alex and Logan until about two thirds of the way through the story and the repetitive information dragged the story a bit. In spite of the evil shown, I liked the portrayal of Nettie as a sweet Christian lady and several people were shown as giving their lives to the Lord. The message that came through was that even though people are raised with evil or hard circumstances- not all choose the path to destruction. There is life and goodness in giving yourself over to Christ. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

What I love about this book: EVERYTHING! “Any story that begins with a library is bound to be an excellent tale.” In this delightful dual time story, we get not one, but two fairytale romances. The settings are beautiful and make you want to visit The Biltmore Estate in Asheville and Camden House in England. We are introduced to Sadie Blackwell and Oliver Camden in the Biltmore Library in 1915 where they correspond to each other as The Book Goblin and The Library Fairy. The notes were the catalyst that brought them together, for they looked past conventions and into the heart. “The only people who are too old for fairytales are the ones who have forgotten their imagination.” The references to classic literature took me back to one of my favorite books: The Secret Garden. In the present time, a descendant of Sadie, Clara Blackwell, owns a family bookshop. She is looking for a missing deed and comes upon a mysterious love note belonging to her great-grandmother. This leads to an eventful trip to England where more mysteries are found, “For some reason, she felt she had just opened a wardrobe door to the entrance of a story that could change her life.” This is a captivating and well written tale with endearing characters. I will be stepping back between the pages again very soon. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Enter the fascinating world of artifact trafficking and find out what kind of danger agents get into while trying to discover the truth. When Terra Conners went on a Search and Rescue mission, little did she know it would have far reaching consequences. How it would affect her friends and family, not to mention reconnecting with her long ago love, Jack Tanner. As they investigate a murder, everything barrels out of control. What started as a puzzle has turned into a run for their lives. This was certainly an eye opening, exciting, hold-on-to-your-hats adventure. Terra and Jack cannot help but grow closer as they work together on the case. Terra finds she can rely on God to be strong when she is weak. See what happens when Terra and Jack are under pressure to get the culprits before time runs out. Another page turner from a talented author. The next book is sure to be another thrilling story. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This book was so much fun! An entirely different view of the 1893 Chicago Fair than several that I have read. Violet is a true romantic with wild scenarios scrambling in her head. “ My imagination is a gift, but I had to live in the real world.” She does learn to grow up. “ Everything would change. That was the lesson I had learned this summer. Life was all about change.” Her life is a study in contrasts: What she has been told her life should look like and new possibilities that present themselves when she visits her grandmother and three aunts in Chicago. Her grandmother the widow of a minister, one aunt is a Suffragette, another a rich society wife and Aunt Birdie who lost her husband in the Civil War. Her grandmother’s advice: “Don’t make choices in life to please somebody else. The only One you ever need to please is God.” One of the funniest quotes is about the symptoms of wearing a corset: “ heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and light headedness. The symptoms sounded suspiciously like a romance novels description of love. Could it be that thousands of women had married their husbands in the mistaken belief that they were in love, when all along their corsets had been too tight? How disappointing to watch their love mysteriously vanish once their corsets were unlaced.” Lynn Austin is fast becoming my go-to author for a lighthearted story with real substance and life and spiritual lessons. * I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*

“Come to Hope Harbor-where hearts heal and love blooms.” Hope Harbor is full of hurting people. Can they connect to be able to hope again? Tracy Campbell and Michael Hunter are both mourning their spouses. Tracy is trying to lose herself in keeping her family business afloat. Could the new stranger in town be the answer to her prayers? “What we want and what God sends our way are often two different things-but He always has our best interest at heart.” When Michael comes to town, he impacts lives and finds purpose again. Delightful story of hope and healing. A picturesque setting in Oregon with characters that you want to get to know. “I have a feeling that in Hope Harbor, anything is possible.” A visit to Hope Harbor is special and I will be returning. * I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*

Madcap fun. What a predicament Willow Dupre finds herself in. She is an educated, business-minded miss who is set to take over the sugar empire her father has built. However, the board members want her to find a husband who can rule beside her. Her parents, one of the foremost families in elite New York society of 1883, have given their daughter an ultimatum: Choose a husband in only six months from 30 hand picked suitors. What a whirlwind romance. Willow has a good heart and relies on her faith to guide her, but oh, the decisions she has to make. And the planned and unplanned circumstances that she gets into! She is down to the final choices and everything comes apart. She has asked God to guide her but can she trust her own heart? And can she see the true motives of her beaux? Very interesting was a lesson in the meaning of flowers and what messages they send to a courting couple. An enjoyable spin on The Bachelorette, with added intrigue and promise of more to come from The American Royalty series. I know I want a story about Willow’s best friend, Flora. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Review Crew and BPH Open Book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Something big is going down and FBI Agent Addison Leigh has just 6 days to figure out what and where. But she is in an auto accident and loses her short-term memory. Consequently she teams with her estranged husband, US Marshall Mack Jackson and the Red Team she was once a part of. This is the third installment of the Hometown Heroes series and it is a very intense story. Not only is the team trying to find out about an imminent threat but they are also close to finding three missing girls who they think are caught up in human trafficking.The anxiety is ramped up as is the tension between Mack and Addy who need to sort out their feelings. What interested me was all the tech innovations. I felt like I was in a James Bond novel with Q explaining all the neat gadgets. I like the team aspect and getting to see the members interact. We got to see what motivates Mack and his question of whether he was running to God or away from Him. Mack has a scripture verse he relies on in times of stress. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” There is a lesson for us all in this verse. It was great to see such a focused team in action. A great ending to a fantastic series. I am looking forward to more from this author. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“God hadn’t changed-His love hadn’t changed.” Stella Burke is a pampered, sheltered heiress who has a good heart but not much practice in doing good for others. She suffers from migraines. Ms. Lawrence did an admirable job of how Stella experiences these debilitating headaches as well as the remedies of the times. These headaches are the impetus for seeking out Dr. Linda Hazzard and her Wilderness Heights clinic. What she finds is chilling and she can not escape. The fear is palpable as Stella tries to escape the clutches of the malicious woman. It is hard to believe this was based on a real person, but the author made this very convincing. Despite the evil portrayed, there is also hope, faith, forgiveness and charity. This story contains a favorite trope: friends to more. Henry is a staunch friend and he comes to life under the pen of Ms. Lawrence. This nicely rounds out the story from becoming too grim. I like the way scriptures return to Stella to give her encouragement in her time of need. The scenes kept me turning pages well into the night. This was a very well done debut from a favorite series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Welcome to a new western series by Mary Connealy. Braced For Love sets us up for an unusual story with lots of excitement and clashing temperaments between three brothers who did not know about each other until their no-account Pa died. Now Falcon, Kevin and Wyatt are joint inheritors of a huge ranch in Wyoming. These three stubborn men must abide by the will their father left. Cheyenne is half sister to Wyatt by their mother. Her best friend, Winona, lives on the adjoining ranch. They are strong, capable women. A description of Cheyenne: “Not a stitch she wore was feminine, but she had a womanly shape, and no one with one working eyeball would have mistaken her for a man.” Needless to say sparks fly when all parties are thrown together to sort out the terms of the will. And a different kind of sparks fly between Winona and Kevin. What fun to see them pitted against each other. The family dynamics change from antagonist to standing together against a common enemy, while counting on God to lead them. The most interesting character to me was Falcon. He is stealthy and mysterious and his background is waiting to be uncovered. This was a solid start to a fun new series. It will be hard to wait for the rest stories and new match-ups. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“When life falls apart, God’s plan hasn’t. It’s still active but adds a soul-healing component.” What happens when Mara Jacobs whole world collapses? “Hard doesn’t mean unsurvivable. Mistakes don’t automatically dictate a future. And regrets have an antidote. God’s love and peace.” Through the blows she has been dealt, Mara tries to hold it together. Her forever friend Ashlee moves back into town and helps her discover her inner strength by being a true friend. Instead of this story being a downer, the author insinuates a lighter note by Mara’s snarky internal comments. Was she always this way or is it a defense mechanism? There are moments of sorrow and pain but also a light that shines and levity. In other words- believably human reactions. Mara learns that her name not only means *bitter* but *strong*. My emotions ran the gamut right along with Mara. Superb writing by an author that I will read again. One of my top picks of the year. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

What a spectacular start to a new series Defend and Protect. Not only do we meet a new set of law enforcement buddies, we get a glimpse of what former characters are up to. I am a sucker for stories about alphabet soup agencies, in this case FBI and Secret Service. Ms. Blackburn wowed me with the Dive Team series and she wows me again with Unknown Threat. The excitement jumps off the page and the tension is palpable. But Faith Malone and Luke Powell are focused on the killer and trying to deny their attraction. They each have to deal with shaky faith and family dynamics. “They were grown-ups doing grown-up work in a grown-up world. They knew how evil the world was, and they didn’t hide from it. They ran straight for it.” I cannot wait for the rest of the series. A definite 5 stars with a solid faith thread. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews and Revell Reads. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I have read about Bride Ships to Canada and Colonial American Tobacco Brides but I didn’t know about the women who chose to venture to India to seek a husband from the English officers and merchants there. Most of this book was set on the ship Persistence whose Captain is Thomas Scott. He is a bachelor seeking to change his vocation from ship captain to investing in cargo and settling down. Caroline Gray books passage to India in search of a possible marriage match after a cousin takes over the family estate. She is willing to stay in India but has promised her mother she would marry for love. The ship voyage was realistic and interesting with moments of dangerous excitement in a storm. The real peril awaits them on land. The author captured the essence of English conversation and class distinction and aptly portrayed the inner conflict of both Caroline and Thomas. She showed their softer side in their concern for young Tom, a cook apprentice. Check out this book for a clean, historical read. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I have enjoyed this whole series and count it among the very best series I have read. The three covers together make an awesome tableau. This is Luke Delacroix story and it is like Romeo and Juliet without the tragic ending. Luke and his family are very much at odds with the Magruders. Luke meets Marianne when he rescues her nephew’s dog that has fallen through the ice. Things get complicated when he learns who Aunt Marianne really is. The whole series is about political life during the early 1900s. The intrigue surrounding the food and drug trials of The Poison Squad is so interesting, as are the photographs Marianne takes to document buildings before they are torn down to make way for the National Mall in Washington D.C. Oh the trouble Ms. Camden gets her characters into! I kept wondering how in the world the story was going to get resolved which kept me turning those pages. Super ending to a super series. Quotes: “Maybe sending Marianne into his life was God’s way of compelling Luke to examine his own cocksure arrogance in looking at the world. Stranger things had happened, and he was up to the challenge.” “The virtues of love, humility, charity and forgiveness might not solve the problem, but they could serve as a balm in an imperfect world.” *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Beautifully heart wrenching story. This was a hard story to read and a harder story to put down. Ms. Nelson does a great job of conveying the effects addiction has on multiple groups of people. She tells this story from several angles. This is the story of Eve and how she tries to overcome her addiction to care for her children, Sammy and Charlotte. The struggles she goes through are documented in her journals. Her twin Zara and new husband Chad have a quick decision to make. Their story is told from the perspective of foster parents to their niece and nephew. Another part of the story is told through the eyes of Tiff, a concerned lady who chooses to help Eve personally. Having experienced a great loss, she is trying to live out her Christianity by caring for the helpless and the homeless. She is also trying to move past a tragedy and hold on to her marriage. We even glimpse the whole thing through the eyes of the children and that is very moving. “Could there be any deeper connection than to be known?” This story is beautifully told but it is a very hard subject to write about and Ms. Nelson does so admirably. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

What a difference ten years makes after the disappearance of her twin brother Ryan. But maybe not! Emma Winters still does not know what happened to Ryan. And to make things more complicated, she has to team with ex-fiancé, Sam Ryker when someone shoots at her. Ms. Bradley does an excellent job of keeping you on your toes with the intriguing premise and just hinting at who the culprit might be. Is Emma’s stalker a killer too? Sam tries to keep her protected as their feelings shoot to the surface again and they dig into their pasts. It was hard to put this book down, a real brain workout. And the romance was just right. The theme of forgiveness and mending family estrangements shine through. The setting of the Natchez Trace and the Mount Laurel Visitors Center is described wonderfully to catch you interest. The author writes a spectacularly creepy villain and you’ll be scratching your head to figure out who he is. This second book of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers is dramatic. I cannot wait for book three. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

After proving herself with the Cotulla case as told in Collision of Lies, tough as nails but endearing Amara Alvarez has moved to the Homicide Division. Her first real case will prove a challenge as will fitting in with her seasoned colleagues. The case of Zachary Coleman, a teen who turned up dead at a water park, has quite a few puzzling aspects. Amara is an independent an savvy cop, but she knows when to ask for help. From the title and the cover, it is clear the case involves cyber crime. But this case has more twists and turns , so Amara has to focus on certain clues. Jeremiah *Starsky* Peckham is an ally in the squad room and offers his help, although Amara usually opts to go it alone. The relationship Starsky and Amara began in Collision of Lies goes a step further here. It was fun and a welcome break from the tenseness of the case to experience their banter. We get another peek at the Alvarez family and how they pull together in a crisis. I learned a lot about cyber crime and how the police deal with it. This was a real page turner and hard to put down. I liked it for its realistic characters, quick pace and excellent research. I would consider this a clean read, although some characters are Christian. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

From the opulence that is The White City, to the intrigue that lurks beneath the surface, this novel is a sure winner. Having gone to Chicago for many field trips as a child, I was glad I was able to visit some of the former sites of the World’s Fair. Ms. Green has done extensive research and has brought this era to life in the characters of Sylvie, her sister Meg, Rose, her adopted daughter and Kristof. I especially liked the references to A Tale Of Two Cities and Mansfield Park. Sylvie experienced The Great Fire in book one of Windy City Saga. Here we see her years later as a book store owner and part time tour guide at the Fair. This was an exciting story with many turns that I did not anticipate. It was flawlessly executed. The characters were realistic, as were their spiritual struggles. “Where we are weak, God is strong. He can take our smallest offerings and make them a feast.” Kristof was a very patient, godly hero who was a true friend. He also struggled in his relationship with his brother Gregor. “Doing the right thing often means doing the hard thing. That takes courage. And faith to believe.” The bulk of the story centers on Sylvie and Rose as they search for her biological family and the ensuing complications. This was a complex, enthralling and moving story. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

What a splendid debut by Jennifer Deibel. From the quaint village of Ballymann, to the lilting Irish language, the author immerses us in the culture and story of Moira who is fulfilling a promise made to her mother. She travels to the small town of thatched roof buildings to become a teacher. Some welcome her warmly but others shun her and she knows no reason why. Moira clings to her faith amidst the superstitions surrounding her. Many Bible verses come to mind to comfort and guide her in time of need. She quotes my favorite passage Romans 8: 38&39. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. She finds godly friendships in Colm and Peg Sweeny and young Sean McFadden, who she grows fond of. Colm says: “Smack in the middle of what God is askin’ is the best place for any of us to be.” Ms. Deibel crafts believable characters to teach us what it is to show the love of God to our neighbor. She gives us a mystery that unfolds in an exciting climax. I will certainly look for her next book about Ireland. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

A riveting start to a whole new dual time series from Barbour. With a name like Marilyn Houdini Blackstone, Dini could not have chosen a better vocation than magician. She is also a tour guide in San Antonio, Texas. Part of her tour is the Menger Hotel and the legend of Hedda Krause. Dini does research and is caught up in the story of Hedda and the ghost of Sallie White based on the history of the Menger. Ms. Pittman tells a fabulous story of the present and Dini meeting Quin Carmichael on her tour. Quin just happens to be the great great grandson of the detective who investigated Hedda’s long ago robbery. The author takes a ghostly story and gives us further intrigue by having Dini and Quin pour through artifacts from the case. I enjoyed the present day sections for the way the characters recognize God’s hand. “ Coincidence and fate are random. I’m a math person. I don’t do random. God is purposeful. We live in an equation of His design.” The banter and budding romance were great, as was the setting with Dini’s quaint apartment and music choices. The past was deftly crafted using the memoirs of Hedda. Then the whole was brought together to a satisfying end. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Told from a Christian World View amidst dark and sinister circumstances, this book exudes an air of foreboding. After five years away, Charity Halliwell returns to Loxby Manor, the estate of family friends. Strange things begin to happen, including the disappearance of her best friend, Seline, on the very night she arrives. She is warned by those close to her but whether for her protection or to prevent secrets from coming to light, is something she is determined to find out. She does not know who to trust. “It was as if I had wandered into a dreamland where all my childhood acquaintances had elevated themselves to villains of their own stories.” With beautifully descriptive words, the author tells a tale of many secrets. Some begging to be set free, some best left buried. Piers Cavanagh, eldest son of Loxby Manor who has secrets of his own, pairs with Charity to uncover the truth about his missing sister. What they find is almost more than they can comprehend. But Piers and Charity are forced to confront their shared past. “I am not certain anyone can go back, not really. It is more about finding a way to go forward, to trust that God will take something bad that has happened and work it for good.” Ms. Wilson is one of the best Gothic Regency authors of today. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I am a longtime fan of Lynette Eason. Her stories keep getting better and better. Active Defense is the third in the series Danger Never Sleeps. I am so glad there will be a fourth book. This was thrilling, non-stop action and had twists and turns that I was not expecting. Good writing keeps you on your toes and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I could not believe who the bad guy was! The heroine, Heather is flawed and haunted by her time as a doctor in a war zone. She also has trust issues from her harsh upbringing. Travis is one of a group of her friends who comes to her aid in trying to figure out who is following her and wants to do her harm. Travis is a staunch Christian and a solid, good guy. The secondary characters filled out the story in a credible way. I liked the makeup of the ensemble of friends and enjoyed seeing how they were there for each other. A nice touch was showing the empathy between Heather and troubled teen, Ryker and how Travis helped him. Through the excitement, the characters’ faith was evident. A theme was: With God anything is possible to overcome. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”

A cracking good suspense novel set in Munich, Germany in the tense years before World War II. Evelyn Brand is one of a few female foreign correspondents stationed in Germany in 1938,trying to prove that a woman can do this complicated job of getting the truth to the American people while not antagonizing the Nazi Regime. She meets Peter Lang, an American citizen, who is doing his dissertation from Harvard on the German language. Having been to Germany a few years prior, he sees much improvement to society in the present climate. Will his eyes be opened to the coming threat? It was fascinating to see what Ms. Sundin has done with her research. It was inspired by facts she found about her grandfather and the role he played during World War II. This book is full of tense moments as Peter and Evelyn walk a fine line as American patriots caught in Germany under an increasingly dangerous despot. They both trust God in a desperate situation. As Evelyn’s friend Libby says: “Don’t you know God makes us strong? He didn’t create us to be completely independent, but interdependent. That’s why He gave us families. That’s why He gave us friends. That’s why He gave us Himself.” Their background brought them to where they are: Running for their lives. A very exciting book. Ms. Sundin always brings her A game to Christian fiction. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revel through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

If my life were a book, no one would read it. People would say it was too boring, too predictable. A story told a million times. But I was perfectly content with my life-that is, until the pages of my story were ripped out before I had a chance to live happily ever after.” Alice Ripley is absorbed in books as a librarian in Illinois. losing her job and boyfriend, she hand delivers the books she has collected to a tiny hamlet in Kentucky. She likens her life to a novel but is out of her element when she arrives in Acorn, Kentucky along Wonderland Creek. I loved Alice with her quirks and imagination. “I felt like I had been pushed onto the stage in the middle of a very bad play and did not know any of my lines. I would have run for the hills if I knew which hills to tun to.” Alice meets Librarian Mac who has secrets. Lillie is one hundred years old, a former slave, knows natural healing arts. Lillie has raised Mac from a baby. She is very wise, an outspoken Christian. Alice learns so much from Lillie and as a horseback Librarian in Appalachia. I was sorry to leave Acorn behind. Wonderland Creek is a gem of a tale with references to all things bookish. The characters are real and live their faith with the purpose to love their neighbors and try to right injustices. Every Lynn Austin book I have read is well written and unveils spiritual truths. *I read a copy of this book as part of the Amazon Prime Reading program. All opinions are my own.*

Life has dealt a few blows to the Powell sisters and their grandfather Chuck Bundrant. In book one we heard about Hayven and John. Endless Mercy tells of youngest sister Madysen. Red-headed Madysen Powell certainly lives up to the reputation reheads have gained. She is exuberant, headstrong, opinionated and a bit naive having just turned 21. The girls each have their favorite animals to care for on the farm. Maddy has chosen sheep and a new venture- cheese making. But the family knows little about sheep cheese. Help comes in the form of Daniel Beaufort, son of a local merchant. Danger lurks in the frozen town as does the lure of fame and fortune for Maddy, one of the musically talented Powell sisters. Complications also arise when a father who was believed dead shows up. Can the sisters find it in their hearts to forgive a man who abandoned them so long ago? Can this family find Mercy and make a fresh start? God can and does lead them in their journey in harsh Nome, Alaska. I am looking forward to book three and Whitney’s story. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This is a story of many hidden secrets. Would those secrets be kept or would their revelation cause heartache years later? The Powell family has known heartache and tragedy and they move with Grandfather Chuck Bundrant to Nome, Alaska and build a substantial dairy farm complete with chickens to serve the people of Nome. Life is busy and hard in such a fierce climate but the three daughters of Melissa Powell have their music and their faith to sustain them. When health problems loom, God sends an old friend to help out. John Roselli arrives at the farm to deliver a package to Chuck from his grandfather who has passed on. Chuck gives John the job of foreman, as God provides for all during this time of adjustment and upheaval. So many secrets, so much to work through. The characters were all well developed and there is just the right amount of tension to make an great story. It is lightened by the antics of the granddaughters and their farm animals. Love and trust grow and surprises are in store. But the story is not quite complete. It continues in the next book: ENDLESS MERCY out in January, 2021. Two of my favorite authors give us an atmospheric tale of Nome, Alaska and an interesting family. *I won a copy of this book from the author via AFCW Book Club. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

From the gorgeous sunset on the cover to the concluding pages, this was an epic mail-order-bride-gone-wrong story with hope and faith winnings out! “Ahead, the cabin and barn sat against the backdrop of the mountains with the glow of the setting sun reflected on the golden aspens, dark evergreens, and gray rocky crags.” This beautiful setting is perfect for this layered story of rancher, Wyatt McQuaid and Greta Nilsson and their quest to eke out a living in Colorado in 1862. Greta has her sick sister to care for and arrives to find her husband-to-be has died. Wyatt and Greta accept a marriage of convenience, putting their faith in God to somehow make things right. Both are hardworking and honorable. Ms. Hedlund writes a villain we love to hate and he makes things hard for Wyatt and his friend Judd. Their resolve is challenged but they do not buckle. Greta tries her best with her nine year old sister, Astrid, who despite her illness, is a bright spot in their lives. “For so long, every time she prayed, she had felt she was disturbing God. Maybe He was waiting-even wanting- her to come to Him and let Him bear the burdens with her.” Although this story came to an end, the last chapter hints at an equally mesmerizing story to come. The next book is about Wyatt’s family in Pennsylvania and a reunion is in the works. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

First of all, that is the cutest rescue dog on the cover. I did not know that Airedales could serve in this way. We used to have an Airedale mix when I was 10 and they are so energetic. I learned a lot about the training and operation of working canines. This was a suspenseful tale about Jennie and her son Nate who meet up with a Patrick Sanders, the dog handler who Jennie knew in her youth. They have to overcome old hurts and rely on God to see them through terrifying events that come out of their past. The scenes with the dog were interesting and the interaction with the boy and the dog were very sweet. First of a series that I am anxious to continue. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This story has all the elements of a fairytale set amid the Civil War. Damsels in distress , a dastardly villain and a flawed hero who returns in time to save the day. I liked Cordelia Owens from the start. She is not quite the perfect Southern Belle. She has a vivid imagination and writes stories to help keep folks entertained during a dark time in our history. “We need happy stories in the midst of trials. They keep us going . Remind us of what we are struggling for.” I could say the same for the purpose of Christian Fiction, and this book fits the bill nicely. Delia comes to realize that all people have a story to tell and she seeks to help them tell it. “Stories of heartbreak and injustice, sometimes. Stories of love and family, always. Stories of redemption and sacrifice, more often than not. Stories of humanity. Stories that had changed her as she heard them, as she wrote them.” Phineas Dunn is off to war after Delia promises to wait for him. Crisis comes and he finds himself recovering far from home. Luther Bromley, an English free black preacher in search of his kidnapped wife, Eva, nurses Phin back to health. Phin’s flagging faith is rekindled. This is so much more that a great story. It is one to make you ponder a person’s role in this world, and how we can follow God’s purpose for us. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Laura Frantz is a wonderful storyteller, immersing us in a tale of life in distant 1634 James Towne, Virginia Colony. She aptly conveys the everyday struggles from merchanting, to owning and farming land, to dealing with the native people who live nearby. Her background in history and fine research shine through. She brings the characters to life, showing the customs of the era and personalities of Xander and Selah. Though based in part on the real inhabitants of that long ago community, Ms. Frantz gives us a winsome child in Watseka , a young Indian girl living with Selah Hopewell and her family. This is part of a peace gesture where children are exchanged to live in the opposite culture for a time. Xander Renick is a laudable hero. He is kind, prosperous and an envoy between the Powatan and the English settlement of James Towne. He lost his Indian wife to sickness but is pursuing Selah. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read in one of my favorite time periods. A history lesson packaged in a beautiful story. It seemed to wrap itself around me with spiritual truths and the comfort the characters found in their faith. However, it was not without tension and exciting conflict. The story is brought to a satisfying conclusion. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Absolutely fabulous debut by Ashley Clark. This story connects past and present in a captivating way. Millie, Harper and Peter came to life and echoed my sentiments of preservation of old things, be they houses, clothes or memories. “Sometimes life gives us those moments. Like the very first flutter of butterflies wings. Moments that are so profound and so purely beautiful, you try to capture them so you can come back to them later.” I was enthralled by the memories evoked. I began sewing at 9 on a Singer treadle machine. Mother was an Antique collector and dealer, so I grew up going to estate sales, auctions and consignment shops. I was a teen in the 60s. Although I lived in Northern Illinois, I remember the unrest of the times. The nostalgia made this story very real. Harper and Mille share a dream of opening a dress shop. Will they realize their dreams ,what will they learn along the way? There is a transforming story to tell on their journey. “But you cannot ignore the thing that keeps your soul alive because I believe God puts that sort of stuff in us for a reason. That He speaks to us through it. God is faithful, and when He calls you to something He will also give you the means , even if it doesn’t look as expected.” This book is a beautiful treasure to be pondered over. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

As always, Michelle Griep pens a top notch Regency tale. In 1855 London, a rookie constable, Jackson Forge, tries to prove his mettle and discovers the seedy underside of Blackfriars Lane. All is not what it seems when he meets Kit Turner, who he perceives as a swindler and a thief, she leads him a merry chase until they team up in the search for three men who go missing. Ms. Griep writes a convincing story with colorful, realistic characters and puts us in the story with lots of action and an underpinning of faith that teaches us lessons. “I have lived long enough to know that most of life dwells in the murky grey between right and wrong. Misfortunes will come and go, but through it all, our main duty is to keep loving God and keep loving man.” “The question is not if you will fail. Rather, will you let God redeem your failure for good, turning your end into His beginning.” “Things can change. You can change. God can make all things new.” Reach back in time to London and navigate the twists and turns of intrigue with Kit and Jackson in this fascinating tale. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is the companion book to A Plum Blooms in Winter by the same author. Readers of that first book will not want to miss this story that is from a different character’s point of view. It fleshes out the first story and gives more historical background. Rich in the beauty of ancient Japan, stark in the reality of World War II, glorious in the hope that only Christ can bring. The characters are based on real people from both eras. Fascinating information is pulled from 1587 Japan where Christians try to live their faith among a Buddhist culture. Ms. Thompson shows how history affects the present. Her research is blended seamlessly into a fictional account that tells of the saving grace of God through Jesus in seemingly insurmountable circumstances. There are many painful experiences for the characters but they came across as entirely realistic. The situations may be difficult to take in but this story is so worth it. This poignant tale will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Well done again, Linda Thompson! This is definitely one of my favorites from 2020. *I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“...when someone tells me I can’t do something, I do it anyway. I do it faster, stronger, better. You only fail if you don’t try hard enough.” Whitney’s thoughts: That’s what I used to think too. But ...nothing could make me recognize a face. This was an excellent suspense story told from an unusual perspective. Whitney Garrison has compensated her whole life for a brain glitch. She has face blindness. She copes by noticing hair, clothes and voices. She is intelligent and is about to take the bar exam,works two jobs to pay down her student loans. . One day as she exits the back door, she witnesses a murder in the alley. The killer has seen her but does he know she can’t identify him or the victim? The author somehow gets inside Whitney’s head and deftly lets us see the circumstances through her eyes. Whitney is scared when other things start happening and she realizes the connection to her past. But all the pieces are not there yet. Enter Detective Leo Baroni and the action ramps up and a quiet romance blooms. This is certainly a page turner and the intrigue encompasses cyber currency and governments. It gives us a peek at Whitney’s side job as a coach for teens preparing to take the ACT and SAT tests. Just how important are they and what impact do they have on young people. Everywhere to Hide will have you working overtime to figure out the puzzle. *I won this book from Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own.*

I found some of my favorite things in this heartwarming book. Antiques were a constant with me growing up. My mother was an Antique Dealer and Collector and we lived in an historic house. This was so much fun to see the residents and shop keepers caring about preserving the town’s history. Add in cute pets, cute twins and two Christians vying for an empty storefront and you have a super story. Faith has a heart for her town and wants to open a museum next door to her Antique Shop. Widower, Thomas Santos has come back to his roots to be able to care for his six year old twins, Nora and Logan. He also wants to bring tourists and revenue into town. This story shows that even Christians who have differing opinions and dreams can wait on God for an answer, that their dreams are not wrong and God will bring the perfect solution for all involved. Tom and Faith showed Grace to each other and gained so much in spite of their differences. The twins were precious and each personality shone through. The pets, Bet-teeny the cat and Roscoe, the dog, added a funny, sweet element. This story is realistic and dealt with God’s provision, forgiveness and working together for a common good. My favorite kind of romance! * I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“ Sometimes the Lord worked miracles for people who did not deserve them. Today was one of those days.” A quirky, humorous, romantic story. In her probationary period as a Pinkerton Agent, Calista York is trying to track down the missing daughter of a Chicago mob boss. She travels to Joplin, Missouri to pick up the trail. Since Joplin is 123 miles and about 3 hours from me, I was interested in its history. Joplin contains mines, saloons, corruption and outside of town, relatives of Calista. Can she keep her assignment a secret and find her subject? The local, fledgling missionary, Matthew Cook, doesn’t know what to make of Calista. She could be a shady character or a detective. He feels compelled to protect her. Calista is at times out of her element but Matthew comes to befriend her and she helps him in his efforts to reach the lost miners of Joplin. Oh the trouble she gets into, but family bonds together as the girl she is tracking is just out of reach. I liked the diversity of her family from the matriarch, Granny Laura, to quibbling cousins, to in laws with clout. This was a really entertaining story. I look forward to the rest of the series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

“Everything they did as marshals was strategic in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. She had to rely on her skills, her teammates, and her faith in God.” This was one edge-of-your-seat suspense that hit the ground running! A prisoner transport gone wrong after a small plane crash, has U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn tracking a prisoner through the wilderness. It was non-stop action as they pursue this crafty criminal through numerous situations. Ms. Harris has come up with a wonderfully scary bad guy but she has fashioned her protagonists as resourceful and capable. The romantic angle was a slow build which is plausible for the short time frame. But even though one case sees a conclusion, we are promised more to come with Madison and Jonas in the other books in the series. A teaser for the next book is included. One of the best stories yet from this talented author. *I won this book from Kav Rees at BestReads. All opinions are my own.*

With her signature comedy and cast of quirky characters, Ms. Turano once again gives us a delightful story. Add in a trope I love: past friends to more- with a twist and this is a winner. She packs it with fun elements such as Daphne, an author who does not go anywhere without a book and Winston, the one-eyed dog that you must talk to like a pirate and you have hilarious happenings. What would an inquiry agency be without a mystery to solve? This one has several that come to a resolution despite the ineptitude of the agents. “Trepidation flowed freely when he saw Gabriella suddenly hurtle herself through the air, taking the person she had been chasing to the ground in a tangle of arms and legs.” The theme of repentance and turning your life around is woven through the story and a few characters attribute their changes and decisions to God. I love that the author shows the civility of the era even when characters were in the midst of a quarrel or set down. I can’t wait to see which ladies will be featured in future books of the series. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This book was almost as good as a real visit to Yellowstone. It was a virtual visit with vibrant descriptions and a great story of adventure in 1886. Ms. Scott wows us with the scenery and tells a wondrous tale of widowed hotel owner, Kate Tremaine and Lieutenant Will Prescott who is there to protect the park. Both are grieving and wary of new attachments. But there is much to do to patrol the area and keep up the hotel for visitors. Kate and Will strike a bargain: Kate will be guide and Will will help with repairs. As the story unfolds, we see the vast beauty and unique landscape of the area. The characters are real and the dangers are ominous. The hero and heroine re-discover their faith and work together to guard the park from poachers. Ms. Scott writes in an easy style that showcases the grandeur of one of our nation’s treasures. And she writes romance that talks of honesty, forgiveness and repentance. I enjoyed the first two books and am looking forward to reading the third in this series: American Wonders Collection. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“The night was quiet, but he was about to knock on death’s door” Ms. McDaniel continues her expert writing in a new tale about the 1920’s. This time we meet spunky Vera Pembroke in a speakeasy run by her boyfriend, Carson Kelly. Sergeant Mick Dinelo has a hot tip to go to The Kelly Club. There he encounters Vera who has escaped a hard past. She is more than he bargained for when they are faced with fleeing a murderer. There is lots of cute banter and jargon of the era for good measure. The feisty heroine and stoic hero make the sparks fly. Both Mick and Vera are flawed and find strength and healing on their faith journey. “Didn’t she know to be flawed was to be beautiful...To be healed by His wounds was to be freed by His surrender, now that was a beauty no cosmetic could duplicate.” If you are looking for a terrific story filled with fun and faith, come back to 1928 Pittsburgh and see what Mick and Vera get up to. You will be so glad you did. *I received a complimentary ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“Maybe he didn’t have to be normal. Maybe all he needed to be was the person God made him.” Loyal is deaf and struggles to fit in with the hearing world. He longs to make his father proud; but his father, Creed, is absent much of the time. Greed feels guilt about the fever that took his son’s ability to hear. In 1934 West Virginia, this story follows the Raines family as they try to capture what is normal after a man is found shot in the nearby woods. This was a very easy to read story that pulled me in from the first page. It was underpinned by a Christian World View and told how a young teen found his place in his family and his community. Rich with description of a time gone by, it showed how neighbors interacted and how a boy could make friends by first being a friend. As with all books by Ms. Thomas, this was well worth the read. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“It’s about the journey, not the destination.” Come experience the Camino, the pilgrim trail, through the eyes of three souls seeking resolution. Abbie, Bobby and Caroline, three unique voices, three different stories, three separate journeys, converge on one pilgrimage on the Camino in France. They need to decide if they are searching for their Promised Land or God’s. “God’s truth hurts. It pierces.” There is profound, Godly wisdom to be found when all is stripped away and you are forced to look at yourself through God’s eyes. This comes from old and young characters alike. This is a beautifully written story that has diverse elements to it. A mystery, a love story, heartaches, joy, fascinating details, and wondrous scenery that speaks of the creation of God. “It is like God’s nature everywhere tells us He is big and wonderful and worthy for us to give Him praise.” I urge you to take this journey in this mesmerizing book. It makes me want to read the companion books in this series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

From the lovely cover, aptly depicting Olivia Rosetti, to the profound spiritual truth in the story, Ms. Mason crafts a bittersweet story. Disowned by her family, Olivia is in a church when Ruth Bennington takes pity on her and gives her sanctuary. Together they work to open a maternity home for unfortunate women. There is opposition to overcome and a hungry property developer to thwart. But God works in His own way and His own time. It does not hurt Olivia to have a brother who is a priest. Pastor Sal addresses the town council: * Two of the most powerful mandates Jesus gave us are -Judge not, that ye be not judged- and- Do unto others as you would have them do to you.- These are not mere platitudes. These are the cornerstones of our faith, the very foundations of what we are called to do as Christians.* Nor does it hurt to have handsome widower, Darius Reed concerned with her welfare, although Darius has some soul-searching of his own to do. This is a very fine start to the new series Redemption’s Light. I look forward to reading the next book. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“For the first time since he had received the news, his fear of death was balanced with the power of choice.” Burden Of Proof is a unique story in a unique time frame. From the blurb on the cover, I was not expecting this plot. It is well executed and kept me turning pages but I thought something was missing. I kept waiting for a concrete faith message. I can see several places that this could happen. That said, it was a great story. I kept wondering what the final outcome would be on several levels. The main protagonist did do a turn around and acted selflessly. The message became clear that one should think of others, especially family, before considering certain life choices. The author used surfing as an example of how life works. The description of Ethan paddling out and riding the waves was fascinating. I have not read a Davis Bunn novel in a few years. I’m glad I chose to read this one. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

“A chill slithered down his neck. He rushed to the foyer and his foot collided with something soft, tripping him. Keegan stumbled into the wall to keep from falling, then turned and inspected the large form.” It is days before Christmas and cold in Nebraska. Taya McGill is a forensic anthropologist working on remains found in Ashfall Fossil State Park. Only these remains are not ancient and someone is after her. Armed with her wits and prayer, Taya does not know who to trust. Even Keegan Stryker, who says he is undercover law enforcement. This story has a unique and interesting plot that keeps you on your toes and guessing. I read it waaaaay into the night. The romance was quick but cautious and believable. The faith element was evident in the lives of the protagonists. A plus for me was the abandoned school with an outside tubular fire escape, very much like my first grade school. Cool stuff! If you want an exciting story that has plenty of action do not miss Grave Christmas Secrets. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This is the third book in The Brides of Hope Mountain series, Ursula’s story. With her sisters married and down in civilization, Ursula is the lone hold out in isolation on the mountain. She has her skills and hones a new one- ax throwing. She has her Bibles and has set scripture to song. As spring comes, Ursula decides to do a brave thing and climb down the mountain as God leads. She comes upon an injured Wax Mosley and helps him back up the mountain and nurses him back to health. *Beneath all the misery was a song. A private song for him alone, almost like the angel had followed him into hell. That single secret song kept him from dropping so far down into the hot black misery he would never be able to get back up.* Her Secret Song wraps up the story of the Nordegren sisters and the Warden family to a satisfying conclusion. Ms. Connealy describes the terrain beautifully. There are funny moments and exciting chases, stalking and captures. Wax Mosley saw Ursula as an angel come to his rescue. He re-evaluated his life and came to know God in a more personal way that changed his behavior. We can learn from Ursula in her isolation. She relied on God and always had a song in her heart even amongst difficulties. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This is the second book in the CAPITAL INTRIGUE series but it can be read as a stand alone. Nonetheless, its characters have been introduced in the previous book END GAME. This is my kind of suspense book full of the inner workings of all the government agencies. Layla Karam is an analyst but the CIA wants her expertise in the field. She is quite happy with a desk job, thankyou. After a team effort in Honduras with the DEA, things go terribly wrong. To add to the drama, her old love steps into the picture. In fact there are three romantic relationships featured in this story, which doesn’t detract from the plot, it just makes it more interesting. Ms. Dylan knows her stuff and lets us peek into a world normally unexposed. What is interesting is that the author based her heroine, Layla, partially on herself, although she went into corporate law rather than saying yes to the CIA. A quick read with lots of action, intrigue, as well as a solid faith is portrayed. And for me, a surprise ending. Cannot wait for Power Play coming June 2021. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This truly exceptional book will stay with you long after you turn the last page. This is more than a love story, it is a story to feed your soul. *To fall in love with God is the greatest romance, to seek him is the greatest adventure, to find him is the greatest human achievement Saint Augustine of Hippo * The words in this book leap out of the pages and into your heart. *Matched souls always find their way back to one another, for they seek refuge in the same place.* *People marry based on the scientific assumption that two halves make a whole, but that is false. Only God makes something whole. A scientist’s observation on love * Willa is a singleminded young lady in 1865 England. She is trying to break the barriers that prevent women from becoming doctors. After finding an old love letter hidden in her writing desk, she ventures to Crestwicke where it came from, to nurse Mrs. Gresham. In her quest for the author of the letter, it is misplaced. The letter has an effect on those who find it. Willa uncovers mysteries and stories of love lost and found. Will it play a part in her own love story? The characters are unique and grow on you as each person’s story unfolds. The author writes with superb artistry. This story will warm your heart and give you hope. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

From the lovely cover, aptly depicting Olivia Rosetti, to the profound spiritual truth in the story, Ms. Mason crafts a bittersweet story. Disowned by her family, Olivia is in a church when Ruth Bennington takes pity on her and gives her sanctuary. Together they work to open a maternity home for unfortunate women. There is opposition to overcome and a hungry property developer to thwart. But God works in His own way and His own time. It does not hurt Olivia to have a brother who is a priest. Pastor Sal addresses the town council: * Two of the most powerful mandates Jesus gave us are -Judge not, that ye be not judged- and- Do unto others as you would have them do to you.- These are not mere platitudes. These are the cornerstones of our faith, the very foundations of what we are called to do as Christians.* Nor does it hurt to have handsome widower, Darius Reed concerned with her welfare, although Darius has some soul-searching of his own to do. This is a very fine start to the new series Redemption’s Light. I look forward to reading the next book. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

An excellent, heartrending debut by Katie Powner. The author gives us beautifully flawed but realistic characters searching for a purpose in life. This book shows not only how we affect the lives of others, but how they affect us. Are our goals worthy or are we missing the journey? Garrit is a crusty old farmer who just retired and is at loose ends. His past haunts him and colors all his actions. Rae is a teen who is reluctant to let anything get in the way of The Plan. “What did she want? The question frightened her. Without The Plan, her future was nothing but a scary swarm of unknowns. A place with more questions than answers. A place she did not want to be.” Friendships are formed and life lessons learned. There are light moments as well in the scenes with Daisy the dog, Mister Whiskers, the cat and Bernard, the cantankerous rooster. While not overtly peppered with scripture, faith is lived out by the characters. Forgiveness is sought and godly principles are practiced. This story demonstrates what it means to invest in people and not just exist in life. And that being a witness will reap fruit. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Broken Limbs-Mended Hearts This was the cutest story of self sacrifice, helping others froma kind and godly heart. I loved the old oak tree and the canopy that touched the ground and offered a cool, sheltered respite. Bella,aschoolteacher and Adam , reunite when he comes to town with his new-fangled thrashing machine. Inn For A Surprise Ms. Witemeyer has given us a heart tugging tale of Phoebe who wants to open the Kissing Tree Inn and Barnabas who has been told to help her by his boss who is Phoebe’s father. He doesn’t know it yet but Barnabas has a romantic side hidden. I loved the cute names Barnabas called the Inn in his mind.This was a clever, touching story. From Roots to Sky Ms. Dykes lovely poetic style tells a story of an airman home from the war to find the sister of a buddy he lost in France. Luke and Hannah have dreams for the future: “some dreams fade away when you grow up, an I s’pose that’s all well and good. We trade them for other dreams.”This one had a homey, nostalgic feel to it. Heartwood Hope from brokenness was the theme here. Abby and Griffen find triumph and community after a tragedy. Ms. Deese paints a picture of restoration from shattered pieces. This is one of the best novella collections I have read. The continuity of the old oak tree shines through the eras. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Come immerse yourself in charming Story, Kansas and a quaint bakery with a reputation for romance. The two elderly owners, sisters Mable and Agnes, are known as the Love Angels for their matchmaking abilities. For some much needed publicity, a travel magazine is sending a feature writer, Gerard Fortier, to do an article. Will love bloom between Gerard and Manager Bri Duval? With hints of Paris and the Locks of Love Bridge, this story is filled with surprises. From Bri’s dreams to disappointments, the author underpins her story with faith, witty remarks and wise counsel. “Which was more loving? Suppressing concern to avoid awkwardness or delivering honesty in love?” Serious issues are woven among cute banter. This is an enjoyable story with great heart and genuine characters. A contemporary author I will certainly read again. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

The Red Ribbon is a love story, steeped in hope but based in a real life incident of a courthouse massacre in 1912. Ms. Basham has crafted a romantic tale among chaos and tragedy. She captures the flavor of her home county and mountain folk of yesteryear. The quaint sayings lend to the atmosphere but they speak wisdom, hope and a few chuckles. She still knows how to write the best kissing scenes! Pepper Basham proves she can write in any genre. She is one of my very favorite authors. Ava Burcham is capable, resourceful and loves to write. Jeremiah Sutphin is her best friend and they grow to mean so much more. Jeremiah is a brave, hardworking, fair man who weighs the facts properly. Some of the best quotes, full of wisdom, come from Granny Burcham: “God ain’t took His hand off none of His young‘uns, through the good or the bad. He’s workin’, moldin’, bendin’ us so we’ll have our hearts less fit for this ol’ world and more fit for the next.” And from Granddaddy Sutphin: “You ain’t responsible for other folks’ stupidity, even if you have to manage the consequences. Your job is to be stupid as little as possible so you can deal with the ones who don’t know how to be anything else.” This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, shedding light on a historical tragedy and imagining a bright spot of romance in the mix. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

With all the polish of a John Le Carre novel, Roseanna White ends her Codebreakers series. this story reminded me of Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy. Characters patterned after real people are fascinating,Ms. White crafts them well. Zivon Marin had to flee Russia and now seeks to help his homeland by working forBritish Intelligence. Lilly Blackwell, is a photographic expert for the war effort. Quote: I just find it sad that so many people think they can find true happiness by taking. They cannot. We can only ever find it by giving. Ms. White does a great job of showing us how Lily views the world through a photography artist’s eyes. As her mama says: Quote: The camera cannot capture what you do not first see. You always see the beauty. And you have taught me to find it too. God is there. His promises have not changed just because my circumstances have. He is still good. This story is rich in human emotion. Zivon struggles with how to forgive,how to be still and wait on God. Lily wants to be a loyal subject but also seeks to please her mother. The manipulations of war and the heartache of the Spanish Flu become real. Ms. White takes the events of 1918 and personalizes them through her very relatable characters. I am sorry to bid farewell to the Codebreakers but I am so glad I met them in these pages. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Jaime Jo Wright has delighted me again with her gripping and unique brand of fiction. I have coined a new phrase for her stories: CREEPY GOOD! Dual time books have become a favorite genre for me. Ms. Wright pieces the timelines together with just the right touch. She gives spectacular cliffhangers to the end of some of the chapters to keep you turning pages and wanting more. This is not just entertainment; Ms. Wright weaves life lessons and spiritual truths into the story for good measure. The dual time heroines are both insecure and trying to prove themselves worthy. Pippa in 1928 is searching for her true identity and it centers around the circus that her father owns. Chandler is trying to live down a life mistake she made ages ago and can be a bit prickly and untrusting, while trying to be independent and better than competent. The heroes are unlikely on the surface. Ms. Wright aptly shows that you should not judge by appearances. As one character says: Quote “ If we were all good and flawless, then Jesus wasted His blood.” Hank, in present time: Quote “We all need saving. It’s the idea that we don’t that makes us fools” With this book you can expect the unexpected! This is definitely one of my top picks for 2020. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

I always enjoy an Irene Hannon book. Her suspense books take me back to St Louis where I lived for twenty years. This one is the start of a new series about three sisters called Triple Threat. Eve Reilly is featured in POINT OF DANGER. Eve has firm convictions and voices them on her morning talk radio program. I appreciate the way Ms. Hannon has Eve articulate her conservative viewpoints. Very clear and well reasoned out. The story follows threats to Eve and the attempt to uncover the person behind the harassment. Because of her case, she meets detective Brent Lange and they both realize that attraction is building. But with each having high profile jobs with a risk factor, do they go forward or take a step back. Eve and Brent have deeply held convictions and take their faith seriously. The fun part of reading this story is trying to figure out who the bad guys are. Ms. Hannon keeps you guessing and the pages turning. The crowd and demonstration scenes were very realistic and scary. You could feel the tension. I liked the dynamics between Eve and her sisters, Cate and Grace, and look forward to reading their stories in this series. This was a great start to a new series. Keep them coming! *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*