Tuesday, October 21, 2025

THE BELL TOLLS AT TRAEGER HALL by Jaime Jo Wright, Reviewed by Rebecca #ReleaseDay

A Dual Timeline Gothic Suspense Novel 
Set in a Small Town with Thrilling Mystery and Legends

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Bad things happened here. Things no one spoke of, and now no one remembered."

Jennie Phillips had inherited someone else's nightmare, made quite apparent the first afternoon that she arrived on Traeger Hall property. Death was entombed there, darkness reigned supreme behind the bricked up doors and windows of the once grand estate. She was sure of it. The question being, did she dare to expose that which for more than a century had remained silent.

Decades earlier Waverly Pembroke wakes up all alone in Traeger Hall except for two dead bodies and one timid maid. Is she grief-stricken? Absolutely not! Does she have a plan going forward? Besides walking out the front door in a matter of days with little more than the clothes on her back? No, she does not. More than anything else Waverly seeks answers, unfortunately everyone around her inhabits a mausoleum of tightly bound secrets, including Waverly.

In less than a page I was transported rapidly and thoroughly into a narrative like none other. At first glance, the story is an amazing duet of gothic suspense, both primary characters sifting through traumatic events while constantly maintaining caution, knowing that danger lurks around every corner. On a deeper level it celebrates restoration, denying life's trials and tribulations the opportunity to fester alone inside a troubled soul, gathering dust behind isolating walls of brick and stone. Ultimately, abundant Life takes up residence within the confines of Traeger Hall, I choose to believe that is for whom the bell tolls.

" . . . life goes on. It has to. And we must move on with it or we become like . . . Traeger Hall. Closed up, our memories collecting dust, and leaving everyone around us with a million unanswered questions."

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews, and purchased a copy. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

BackCover Blurb:
An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . .
A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . .

In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended.

In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself. 

Bethany Publishing, October, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:



DARK DESIGN by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with Mystery, Action, Books, and FBI Agents

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Someone is killing women and they are using the MOs they took from certain mystery and suspense novels . . . The third murder copies the killings in your book, Erin . . . "


Learning that a murderer has literally copied her story content sends former police officer turned author Erin Delaney on a journey she never expected to take. Teaming up with her best friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter and husband Noah, Erin fully cooperates with law enforcement in their attempts to apprehend a very clever, calculating criminal. Profiling someone who doesn't seem to display a distinctive signature makes the process extremely difficult at best and impossible at worst. It doesn't appear so, but could the victims have some unbeknownst connection to their killer or perhaps to each other?

The ever changing points of view throughout this story are nothing short of remarkable. Instead of being a distraction, the flow creatively assists the scaffolding, quite a dark design, meant to hold off what is just out of view until the very end.

An excellent suspense with shy hints of romance and wonderfully scripted spiritual conversations. 

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews, and I purchased a copy. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . .
She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.
There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl threads a plot of police investigations and shadowy evidence with heart-drumming suspense in this clean, high-stakes read that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard. 

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:


THE CHRISTMAS RING by Karen Kingsbury, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A Holiday Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This poignant story had some of my favorite elements. Antiques have always been a part of my world since my mother was an antique dealer. “Antiques had a way of stirring Ben’s heart, taking him to places of poetry in his soul. Antiques let you hold a piece of history in your hand.”  

I love second chance romance and this was just the ticket. It was a story of love, loss and moving on mixed with the quest of a lost ring which was an heirloom that Vanessa wanted to pass on to her daughter Sadie. The way Vanessa and Ben met seemed orchestrated by God. I appreciated the way the author depicted them as solid Christians who made mistakes but could overcome them with the help of God. I also appreciated the honor given to fallen military personnel and the way Vanessa found a way to serve the families of those lost in service to their country.

The story garnered a few tears and had me thinking of the meaning of true, sacrificial love. I am so glad it is being made into a movie for release this year. Truly a Christmas gift.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson 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:
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

While searching for her family's long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they've found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter's return from college. But Vanessa hasn't told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn't anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.


Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa's ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa's ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, October, 2025
Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook:


UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Tari Faris, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay


PAULA'S REVIEW:
Going back to Heritage at Christmas was a real treat. The story was filled with holiday events that were special to Devin Hendrixson as she planned them for the families that were fostering children in town. The past comes back to haunt her when secret author Logan Kingsley returns to town. Logan likes Devin and Devin likes Logan but each is afraid to let the other one know. Talk about awkward!

Secrets, misunderstandings and insecurities make for a rocky relationship. Both Devin and Logan need to trust God more and do grow in their faith.

I loved the heart Devin has for foster kids and her creativity in providing Christmas projects for them. In the process, she learns to accept help and not try to do everything herself. Logan was smart but confused and very romantic when he gifted Devin with a charm bracelet with significant charms.

A unique slant was the story within a story-a very good serial novella that Logan wrote to appease his editor. This shows that Ms. Faris is adept at various genres.

I always enjoy the family feel of Heritage and how everyone pulls together to make things happen for the good of the community. I am sorry that this is the last book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Sunrise Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
 

BackCover Blurb:

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts come wrapped in second chances…

Social worker Devin Hendrickson pours her heart into running Heritage's foster care support program, organizing magical Christmas events for families while trying to ignore her own abandoned heart. When her program faces shutdown, she'll need a Christmas miracle - and maybe the help of the one man who once broke her heart.

Logan Kingsley, the bestselling author behind the pseudonym Victor Holt, hides away in his cabin fighting writer's block and his forbidden feelings for Devin. But when three foster siblings capture his heart, he realizes he might be ready for more than just writing happy endings.

As Devin races to save her program and Logan struggles to finish his book, they discover they need each other—at least for the season. With three children's futures hanging in the balance, they must decide if they're brave enough to risk their hearts again. If they fail, it's not just Logan's career or Devin's program at stake - it's the chance at the family they never knew they wanted.

Can a Christmas-loving community coordinator and a reclusive author learn to trust in love again? Or will past hurts and present fears keep them from building the family they both desperately want?

"Mistletoe" delivers all the cozy small-town Christmas romance feels with a heart-warming story about chosen family, second chances, and the courage to fight for love. Fans of foster family dynamics, secret identity reveals, and Christmas community events will fall in love with Heritage and its enchanting cast of characters.

This sweet contemporary Christmas romance features childhood crushes, secret bestselling authors, Christmas charity events, found family dynamics, and enough holiday magic to make you believe in second chances. Content suitable for all readers.

Home to Heritage
Book 1: You're the Reason
Book 2: Here With Me
Book 3: Christmas With You
Book 4: Playing for Keeps
Book 5: Under the Mistletoe
 
Sunrise Publishing, October, 2025


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