FOR LIBERTY AND LOVE by Shanna Hatfield, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Book 1 of 8: Petticoats and Patriots 

A Sweet Patriotic Romance Series Across American History

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I love learning about history and this story was just the thing to read during our country’s 250th anniversary! 

Taken from real accounts and background information, the author has crafted an awe inspiring tale of patriotism in 1776.
Lucy is a goldsmith working in her father’s shop and meets Branch who is a friend of Martha Washington. Lucy is a Patriot and is unsure of where Branch stands in the Patriotic cause. I liked the atmospheric writing that put me right in the story. Ms. Hatfield portrayed the characters with a sure faith that showed in their actions. 

The author depicted the spies with interesting information about spy craft of the era, including the dangers. 

Although the romance was slow, it was very well drawn. The way the locket, other pieces of jewelry and other items that might be in a goldsmith shop were used was very interesting.
This was a great start to a truly American story. I look forward to the others in the series.
*I purchased a copy of this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Courage built a nation. Love made it worth fighting for.

Throughout 250 years of American history, a well-loved locket finds its way into the hands of eight spirited heroines—each standing at the crossroads of love and destiny, and each inspired by a true patriot. As it journeys from one heart to the next, these stories unfold with sweet romance, unwavering hope, and a deep love of country, proving that even in uncertain times, love is always worth the risk. Start reading the Petticoats & Patriots series today!
She never intended to become a spy … or fall for one.

Philadelphia, 1776

As whispers of revolution swell into a roar for freedom, Lucy Carlson is no longer content to simply watch from behind the counter of her father’s jewelry shop. When a mysterious woman—none other than Martha Washington—leaves behind a locket, Lucy discovers the piece is more than a pretty keepsake. The necklace is a secret vessel for the revolution that carries the promise of love.

Drawn into a dangerous spy ring, Lucy begins crafting coded messages concealed within the locket’s clever design, living a secret double life and risking everything she holds dear in a time of sacrifice and war.

Continental soldier Branch Barton is a man defined by duty. Tasked with rooting out traitors, he moves through the shadowed world of deception and divided loyalties. He’s trained to trust no one, yet he finds himself drawn into a slow-burning connection with the jeweler’s spirited daughter.

But when Lucy begins to suspect Branch may be a Redcoat in disguise, their fragile bond is tested by mistaken identity, growing mistrust, and the threat of betrayal.

In a war where even allies can become enemies, Lucy and Branch must navigate a world of hidden truths and guarded hearts. With the fate of the colonies—and their hearts—hanging in the balance as Lucy delivers a message in enemy territory, will they find the courage to trust each other and choose love?

Wholesome Hearts Publishing, June 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

THE LIGHT OF STARS by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"You will marry before the summer ends."

A solid declaration. Kitty Grenville's life had been full of them. Removed from India at a very young age, she and her brother became their grandfather's wards and the presumed inheritors of his vast fortune. Apparently even Kitty's marriage has been predetermined, for her groom to be is none other than the heir apparent to the highly profitable East India Company, Sebastian Sinclair. Kitty would much rather live out her nights studying the stars.

Traveling to England to defend the East India Company amongst the rising concerns of illegal opium trade and mistreatment of contractees is the last thing that Sebastian Sinclair would have chosen to do, but adding marriage to his list of assignments? In spite of his misgivings, Sebastian complies with his own grandfather's edict and is dutifully reintroduced to a lovely young woman who seems determined to sidestep his intentions. In a way, he doesn't blame her, nevertheless Kitty's reckless determination to make her own decisions nearly derails their reputations, prompting a rash decision with life long consequences.

Rich in color, culture, and characters this story stretches its seams with shrouded insinuations of dark deals and selfish motives. It would be miraculous for love to take root in such an environment of hurt, distrust, danger and greed. Only the One who put the stars in place and gave them their names could perform such a feat!

"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." - the prophet Isaiah

Outstanding novel!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville's grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she's appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he's a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather's orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he's abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather's control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamic
Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE LIGHT OF STARS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

  

 

THE LAST NOEL by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberley Woodhouse Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

 A Romantic Suspense Christmas Collection

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A solid trio of Christmas suspense stories.
 

Do You See What I See by Sarah Hamaker:
First time reading this author and she does a great job of putting suspense into a surprise encounter, weaving a faith thread of forgiveness and going beyond for a friend. Oakleigh has a love that shows obedience to the Golden Rule.
 

Do You Hear What I Hear by Jayna Breigh:
It is always fun to read a Jayna Brieigh story. She really conveys what is in a character’s head. Second chance with Jack is possible but only with forgiveness and compassion. It helps that Elise and Jack are searching for answers together. Legalese is understandable and enjoyable.
 

Do You Know What I Know by Kimberley Woodhouse:
A food contest with two people who are surprised to see each other. Set in Alaska and with danger cropping up, the sparks fly again for Faith and Liam as Liam seeks forgiveness and they both seek God’s will.
 

These three accomplished authors put their own expertise into three wonderful novellas. They showcase second chances, love and forgiveness in a charming and suspenseful way.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors

The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
 

"Do you See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gange seeks?

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
 

"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

Kregel Publishing, August, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

FATAL FINALE by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 (The Erin Delaney Mysteries Book #3): A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with Action, Cryptic Clues, Police, and FBI Investigations

PAULA'S REVIEW:
It is always fascinating to me to see how author Nancy Mehl crafts her main characters and her villains. She presents profiler Kaely Quin-Hunter as having a unique way to ferret out the clues to an unknown subject. The author is also adept at getting into the mind of a criminal.

This time Kaely is on her way to visit Erin, another profiler, when she is kidnapped. She has to use her unusual abilities to get herself out of a very sticky situation. Back at Erin’s house, Erin, police chief Adrian and FBI agent Noah, Kaely’s husband, try to decipher the clues in poems that the kidnapper has given them. 

They are on a deadline. 

This book was exciting, using danger and a short window of time that made me use my powers of observation right along with the characters. This one was tricky because the villain was not typically evil. The side characters were well drawn and each had an important role in the story. The author was skillful at showing how Noah was feeling, trying to stay strong while focused on solving the riddle. I was impressed with the way the main characters relied on God for the outcome and took time to pray and put everything in God’s hands. 

Fatal Finale was an excellent way to end this series. Ms. Mehl has become a favorite author.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Bethany House and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
They'd started back to the house when they heard a male voice behind them. Then a shot rang out.
"Run!" Kaely said.

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms Erin's worst fear--she has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI, and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department, and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

Nancy Mehl delivers thrills like no one else in the closure of her high-stakes Christian romantic suspense series full of action, investigations, cryptic clues, and dangerous threats. This promises to captivate fans of Criminal Minds, Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren, and Elizabeth Goddard. 

Bethany House Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy FATAL FINALE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House