GUARDING TRUTH by Kelly Underwood and Lynette Eason, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Elite Guardians: Savannah Book 3

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I've missed you and have always prayed that we'd reconnect one day."

It was beyond surprising to see Caleb Styles again. Their years together in the Army had etched a deep and abiding friendship that was potentially heading for more when the unthinkable happened, and for Caleb's good, or she had thought at the time, Juliette had left him behind without a trace.

His eyes must be deceiving him. Juliette Montgomery, of all people, was the person his ingenious niece was attempting to hire for his protection. (with money from her pink piggy bank, no less) So he was the owner of a very successful cyber security company and she was a professional bodyguard? Somehow it suited her.

When a credible threat of ransomware turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a ruthless, faceless group of hackers who called themselves Rushmore, Caleb wasn't sure whether or not his heart could take another round with Juliette, but at the same time he couldn't imagine going through the experience with anywhere else.

A rousing romp through danger towards the hope of second chances!
* I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars 

BackCover Blurb:
The truth might destroy them both…

The one thing that Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery regrets is never telling fellow solider Caleb Styles her true feelings. But how could she? They were co-workers, and then the guy went and saved her life. And that turned out to be the one thing that cost them their relationship.

So Juliette has moved on, trying to forget Caleb—and her feelings.

Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she now lives in Savannah, Georgia…especially since his life is full as guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.

And then he discovers that his brilliant niece’s computer skills have attracted a notorious hacker group. More, when Ivy tracks the hackers, she endangers Caleb's cyber-security company.

Enter his need for the Elite Guardians.

The last—very last—person Juliette thought she’d see again is Caleb Styles, let alone be assigned to protect him. And now, suddenly, the very last thing she needs is to let her heart take over. She must protect them both—which means ignoring…or trying to ignore—the attraction between them.

Caleb never understood why Juliette walked away from him…but he can’t deny that his feelings for her never died. Except maybe she doesn’t share those feelings because her only goal seems to be protecting Ivy. And, it’s probably for the best.

After all, they need all their wits about them to find the hackers and unravel their plans.

And then they discover the hackers’ true intent—and it becomes a race against time. But it too late to protect their hearts from the truth?

An electrifying blend of suspense, chemistry, and unbreakable bonds, this romantic thriller is a must-read for fans of the Elite Guardian series.

Elite Guardians: Savannah
Book 1: Vanishing Legacy
Book 2: Hunting Justice
Book 3: Guarding Truth

Elite Guardians Collection
Book 1: Driving Force
Book2: Impending Strike
Book 3: Defending Honor
Book 4: Christmas in the Crosshairs 

Sunrise Publishing, October, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy GUARDING TRUTH at Amazon, or Christianbook

THE HEIRESS AND THE WOODSMAN by Christine Hill Suntz, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Great adventure story set in the Canadian wilderness of 1837. 

Two unlikely people meet on the road, a wealthy young lady, Charlotte, searching for a missing brother and Joshua Robertson on his way to earn some money in order to get his young stepbrother out of indenture. 

The author was adept at describing the situations on a muddy trail and the turbulent and dangerous times of political unrest between Canada and England. 

Full of secrets and intrigue, the story shows the faith of the characters in dire situations. Charlotte remembers many of the scriptures cited by her faithful servant, Fulton, a father figure. Joshua struggles with what is ethically right when he finds that he is dealing with a disreputable man.

As Charlotte and Joshua travel, they learn each other’s character and grow from friendship to genuine love.
Historical fiction at its best.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4.5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Charlotte Carruthers must find her brother. Joshua Robertson needs the funds to free his. On the road into the Canadian wilderness, they become reluctant allies in a race to save their siblings before brewing rebellion tears the colony apart.

Canada, 1837. Charlotte is determined to hold onto her family's crumbling estate—the last vestige of their former place in Toronto society before her mother's death and her father's financial ruin. But when her missing brother Simon is suspected of aiding a political rebellion, Charlotte heads north to find him before his impulsive decisions ruin what's left of their family's standing and break her ailing father's heart.

Joshua has worked tirelessly to carve a home from the wilderness for the younger brother he was forced to leave behind, only to learn his first harvest is nearly worthless and his brother has been sold into an indenture Joshua can't afford to redeem. When a stranger offers him work tracking down a settler in the bush, he's desperate enough to agree.

Nothing has prepared Charlotte for the challenges of surviving the wilderness. When Joshua comes to her aid, she offers to pay him for guidance through the bush. Though he knows a spoiled city girl will slow him down, he can't refuse the money. As Charlotte and Joshua face the dangers of travel through rough terrain, admiration and friendship grow, even as class divides and hidden truths complicate their bond. But when they are caught in the crossfire of rebellion, they must decide if the futures they've fought for are truly their hearts' desire—or if something unexpected awaits.

-Clean and wholesome historical romance with reluctant allies and secret identities tropes
-Filled with love, faith, and adventure
-Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera Alexander
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, August, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy THE HEIRESS AND THE WOODSMAN at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

WHEN THE SILENCE BREAKS by Elizabeth Goddard, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula Shreckhise #PartnersInCrime tour

 

WHEN THE SILENCE BREAKS

by Elizabeth Goddard

August 3 - 28, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

MERCY RIDGE

 

A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers--and danger closing in.

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather's deathbed confession connected to her brother's murder, she's determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand.

After his father's death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can't stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.

Praise for When the Silence Breaks:

"Goddard (Deadly Currents) kicks off the Mercy Ridge series with a gripping mystery brimming with buried family secrets, government cover-ups, and natural disasters... Goddard keeps her foot on the gas from start to finish"
~ Publishers Weekly

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780800747688 (ISBN10: 0800747682)
Series: Mercy Ridge, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Christianbook | Audible | Goodreads | BookBub | Baker Book House

Read an excerpt:

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was a thrill-fest from the start. Not only are Sarah and Ryder battling the elements, they are being pursued by men who pose a threat but they do not kow why or who is behind it. Moreover, Sarah has secrets she is only willing to reveal a little at a time. 

Excitement abounds with a believable scenario and twists that just keep coming. 

Sarah is a heroine who is determined and strong, focused on her mission to find evidence that her grandfather gave on her his deathbed and might have been instrumental in her brother’s death. Ryder is an expert wilderness guide who is haunted by his father’s death on a dangerous mountain. Together, they embark on a quest that very well could get them killed in the unforgiving terrain of the Cascade Mountains. They just need to trust God and eachother. 

This first in the Mercy Ridge series has me expectant for the rest of the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author and a NetGally copy through PICT tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

 

Author Bio:

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of more than sixty-five novels. She is a Carol Award winner, a two-time Reader's Choice Award winner, and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry.

Catch Up With Elizabeth Goddard:

ElizabethGoddard.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @ElizabethGoddard
Instagram - @ElizabethGoddardAuthor
Pinterest - @ElizabethGoddardAuthor
X - @bethgoddard
Facebook - @ElizabethGoddardAuthor

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Step Into the Suspense—and a Gift Card!

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

WHEN THE SILENCE BREAKS by Elizabeth Goddard

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THE DARLING'S DAUGHTER by Sydney Schmied, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 (The Majestic Theater Book 1) 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
If you are looking for a book that is historical, steeped in faith, and has an intriguing mystery, try this one. 

Angie is painting backdrops in the The Majestic Theater where her late mother was a favorite actress. But her mother warned her to stay away from the historic building. It seems others do not want her delving into her mother’s death and she receives threats. 

Trace, who oversees the renovation of the theater, comes to her aid and together they try to puzzle out the mysteries surrounding the theater. 

The author has taken a real place and similar events and fashioned an absorbing story that has a surprising ending. This has the theme of realizing that God forgives completely, if we repent, then we can rest in His finished work of salvation. “We must not simply repent enough to be forgiven, but surrender enough to be completely changed.” “No sin you commit is greater than God’s grace.” 

I appreciate the honesty of this beautifully written book. 

The author gave a sneak peek of the next book in the series which looks equally as entertaining.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Wild Heart Books . I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4.5 stars an a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:

A woman chasing the truth. A man running from his past. And a secret that threatens the fragile trust between them.

Searching for answers about her mother's suspicious death, artist Angelica Woods takes a job painting backdrops at the Majestic Theater—the very place her famous actress mother warned her to avoid. When she discovers cryptic notes and bloody evidence of an old murder, Angie realizes her mother's warning may have been meant to protect her from a deadly secret.

Architect Trace Ackerman has worked hard to build a quiet, respectable life far removed from his former mistakes. Renovating the Majestic is meant to be a fresh start—until Angie awakens feelings he never planned to risk again. Drawn to her courage and vulnerability, Trace offers his protection as rumors swirl and danger edges closer. But the past he’s worked so hard to outrun threatens to surface, and Trace fears the truth could cost him Angie’s trust—and the future he longs to build.

With a killer determined to silence them both, Angie and Trace must decide if uncovering the truth about her mother's death is worth risking their own lives—and hearts. Set against the backdrop of a historic theater in 1912 Ohio, this romantic suspense weaves together murder, betrayal, and the redeeming power of faith and forgiveness. 

Wild Hearts Publishing, August, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, audiobook at Amazon