THE REIMAGINED LIFE OF JADE MORROW by Vannetta Chapman, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

 A Novel of Healing and Second Chances

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Jade Morrow has made a career as an author writing books that reimagine lives of notable people. As her life takes an unexpected turn, she is living reality as she never reimagined it. 

I liked the way the story of Jade’s life was interspersed with excerpts from her novels of famous people. It takes a talented author to basically write several books in one. Ms. Chapman took me into the life of Jade Morrow and made me want to know more about her and see how her relationships progressed. 

An accidental fall was the catalyst for Jade to take a closer look at her life, circumstances, and the motivations that put her on the path that she had chosen and to make healthier lifestyle choices from then on. 

This beautifully written book had me wanting to explore the books mentioned and maybe wishing for there to be a real Jade Morrow so I could read all of her reimagined stories. 

The faith thread was underlying but you could tell that Daniel, Virginia and a few other characters were mature in their faith journey. 

The story is certainly a thought provoking look at how different people were not above reimagining their lives and prospered in doing so.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and an underlying faith thread

BackCover Blurb:

She’s spent her career rewriting the lives of famous women. Now she must find the courage to rewrite her own.
Bestselling author Jade Morrow has built a career reimagining history’s most iconic women and the single choices that changed their lives. But at forty-six, Jade’s own carefully constructed world is unraveling.

Crippling panic attacks force her to leave New York City behind and start over in Shelby, Texas, the small town her parents once called home. Determined to rebuild her life in solitude, Jade keeps everyone at a distance—until a devastating accident leaves her stranded and utterly alone.

As the people of Shelby slowly break through the walls she’s built around herself, Jade discovers that healing may require more courage than reinvention. And for the first time, she wonders if the life she truly wants is still waiting for her.

The Reimagined Life of Jade Morrow is an emotional and uplifting novel about grief, friendship, second chances, and learning that it’s never too late to choose a different future. 

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon 

THE EYES OF RIVER by Cindy K. Sproles, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
Fearing for his safety, Lizzy Haney makes the courageous decision to mail her younger brother by rail out of Holden's Gap and to a family friend in Knoxville, Tennessee. Due to the fact that their mean, vicious father was continuously threatening River's life, the nine year old was becoming increasingly vulnerable; all due to his eyes. River had the most astounding crystal green eyes that looked beneath the surface of a person and straight into their soul, and it was no secret that Lizzy's father had a mammoth amount of rot in his soul.

On the morning after River's departure, Lizzy meets up with troubles of her own and is forced to go on the run after her father murders two men in cold blood and lays the blame on his daughter. Her friend Alton Mosley is in the right place at the right time and steps in to assist with her getaway, but the stage has been set for a guilty verdict if they are found out.

In addition to this book being a fractured family's journey towards freedom from the past (because there are a lot of things that are not adding up in Lizzy's life story), it is also a deeply personal faith journey for a young woman who has lived in total fear and void of trust in anyone for her entire life. Those who care about Lizzy need her to heed their instructions, but her continued missteps become a risk to everyone's safety. Reaching a breaking point, Lizzy meets her Dear Father on the riverbank, and tentatively accepts the fact that prayer is a powerful ally and that true love is indeed possible, so perhaps the truth really can set her free.

A fascinating novel woven with threads of Appalachian culture, both beautiful and beastly! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run.

She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to his late mother's friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Kregel Publishing, June, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE EYES OF RIVER at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

RACE AGAINST TIME by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Really, she wanted to just pretend this had all been a nightmare and she'd wake up soon."

If only. Madison Jacobs nearly died when a masked intruder put a knife to her throat, coerced a suicide note and then left her fighting for her life in her own home. If not for the quick response by her neighbor Brady Phillips, a local county detective, she would have succumbed to the reality that someone had a reason to kill her.

Nothing about Madison's case made any sense. A single mother with a four year son, struggling to make ends meet after the tragic death of her husband was not the typical victim. Something about the entire episode caused Brody Phillips to dig deeper into the case, and what he found convinced him to stick close to the lovely widow, for more reasons than just one.

A clever, high-stakes case with an endearing outcome and inspiring elements of faith. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Time’s up, Madison.

When a masked intruder leaves Madison Jacobs fighting for her life in her own home, she discovers the terrifying truth: The attack wasn't random, and whoever wants her dead isn't finished. As the widowed mother of a young son, she knows the danger threatening her quiet coastal life in Seaford, Virginia, is only just beginning.

Detective Brody Philips came to Seaford to escape the pressure and heartbreak he left behind in New York City. Quiet, guarded, and determined to keep to himself, Brody never intended to get involved with his next-door neighbor. But when he interrupts an attempt on her life, he's drawn into a case that quickly turns personal.

As Brody and Madison work together to find answers, their investigation uncovers a disturbing pattern—her attack is only the latest in a string of carefully staged deaths haunting the town’s waterfront community. Now they’re in a race against time to stop a madman . . . because each tick of the clock brings a killer closer to finishing what he started.

***Note: This book was originally published through Love Inspired Suspense. It has been updated and revised.*** 

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon 

BOOKMARKED FOR LOVE by Sarah Monzon, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

A Christian Contemporary Rom-Com Book-about-Books 

with Forced-Proximity, and a Curvy, Plus-Size Librarian

Checking Out Love Series #3

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"If it isn't Martha Aldridge all grown up."

It had taken children's librarian Martha Aldridge an enormous amount of courage to walk through the the doors of King Publishing, but after all, it was for the children. Her children. Well, not her children exactly, but Little Creek, Tennessee's children, who benefited greatly from the creative programming provided by their small town library. Unfortunately, at this point only a generous donation could save what was so dear to her heart. Thus the reason for Martha's visit to the one person within reach who had the means to gift a substantial amount of money, a man who had single-handedly crushed her dreams once upon a time. Except it wasn't the patriarch of the company who sat across the desk, it was his son.

Julien King doesn't quite know what to do with Martha's bold request, until he considers how her knowledge of children's literature might help him to revitalize their children's imprint, Squire. If she would agree to a short term contract, surely they could find a manuscript that would prove his prowess as a competent leader of his family's publishing house. It would mean spending quite a bit of time with Martha, but somehow that idea sounded rather appealing at the moment. First flights, and all.

This book has an infectious charm about it, pulsating with appealing characters and humorous scenarios, the story is also filled with genuine, honest and often hard conversations about everything from a little girl in pigtails to dashed dreams and high expectations. It's about books! And the girl next door! And eventually, I couldn't love you more!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher. The opinions above are entirely my own.4.5 stars

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Sassy and cute, this rom-com had me laughing a lot. I loved the literary references and the plus-sized heroine who had a head on her shoulders. I enjoyed the interaction between Julien and Martha. I did not find that the age difference detracted from the story. The friends from the library were loyal and supportive. Martha was a sweet character who cared so much about what the library could offer to children. She seemed like the perfect librarian for children. 

I like the way the characters were quirky but lived out their faith, relying on God to help them in the everyday, with problems large and small. It was very interesting to learn a bit about the publishing industry and conferences where queries were made. 

This book rounds out the series quite nicely with lots of heart and comedy.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine 5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
Can a jeopardized children's library program spark a partnership that saves their careers but costs them their hearts?

When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line. 

Bethany House Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy BOOKMARKED FOR LOVE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House