THE ACCUSED By Cara Putnam, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

SECRETS TO KEEP series #2

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"I need help . . . The police are here and I do not know what to do."

When law professor Margeaux Robbin's phone rings in the middle of the night, she never expected to hear one of her students issuing a plea for help . . . from a murder scene? Margeaux's experience came solely from years of teaching law, rather then having to apply it to a criminal case that was most certainly headed for the courtroom. Anneleise is a German exchange student and obviously innocent of any wrong-doing (right?) except being at the wrong place at the wrong time, with the victim's blood on her clothes and no alibi that anyone can corroborate. Anneleise needs help and unfortunately the one man that would be best for the job had been obnoxiously interrupting Margeaux' dreams.

Chase Crandall is suffering from burn-out, especially after a former client was found murdered in jail. While trying to decide whether or not to even continue as a defense attorney, he is handed Anneliese's case along with her stubborn law professor who inserts herself into the entire scenario. Reluctantly agreeing to hire her into the case, Chase realizes a little too late what a distraction Margeaux Robbins could turn out to be . . . but the clock is ticking and all the evidence indicates their client is guilty of the charge. His inconvenient attraction will just have to wait.

And then . . . things only gets worse.

A finely architected plot with near perfect pacing and a symphony of characters whose discordant notes finally find harmony, making this legal suspense impossible to put down!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder? 

Kregel Publications, April, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback
Buy THE ACCUSED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

ANGEL OF SECOND STREET by Barbara Tifft Blakey, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

ENDURING HOPE Book One

PAULA'S REVIEW:

In Eureka, California, in 1884, two God-fearing young people are trying to live up to their parents’ expectations while still trying to honor God. Ida just wants to spread the good news of Jesus to the Chinese community and the ladies of questionable virtue on Second Street, although her methods are decidedly immature. Blaine has graduated college and plans on joining his father in the family business, but his parents are pushing him to find a suitable bride.
 

A meeting at a picnic has Blaine pursuing Ida who he finds captivating, refreshing and meets his standards for a Christian wife.
 

The story captures the atmosphere of 1884 and the controversy over the Chinese taking over jobs and living in squalid conditions.
 

The characters are mostly likable and the situations are realistic for the times. It would not be a good story if there was not conflict and Godly situations represented. The author draws on historical events to put that into play, and the personal struggles of the main characters give many lessons.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Barbour via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4stars and a solid faith thread 

 

SEE REVIEWS BY TRIXI AND REBECCA

BackCover Blurb:
After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to form a match between the unlikely couple.

Award-winning author Jody Hedlund presents a sweeping finish to her Irish matchmaking series with sizzling chemistry and closed-door romance for fans of the marriage of convenience trope, Mimi Matthews, and Elizabeth Camden. 

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2025

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

Buy A WAGER WITH THE MATCHMAKER at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

FIRST LOVE, SECOND DRAFT by Becca Kinzer, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"Her back. Her pelvis. Her pride. Everything . . . Why couldn't anything in her life be easy?"

Falling off a mechanical horse, fracturing her pelvis and bruising her ribs . . . well, it wasn't the best timing for rom-com writer Gracie Parker to come face-to-face with her ex-husband again. Wait a minute, what was he doing back in town? No way was he going to help her . . . help her . . . help her do the things that she would need help with. Why was everyone in her orbit so enthusiastic about this set-up? And yes, somebody had definitely set her up!!!

Professional baseball pitcher Noah Parker's career was over and now he was going to turn his attention on another very important assignment, winning back his wife . . . only the prickly, stubborn, antagonistic, could-barely-move version of his beautiful Gracie wasn't exactly giving him the greeting that a man would dream about . . unless it was in the form of a nightmare. Besides, it was only the first inning in a matter of speaking . . . and Noah was no quitter.

Every single page of this book was a treasure trove of quotable quips and interesting interruptions; in other words, hilarity with heart! Eventually Gracie and Noah force each other to shed the layers of hurt and disappointment that had made their happily-ever-after not so happy anymore . . . proving . . . the best was yet to come. But oh, the games people play when it comes to love!

(***bonus*** - there's a second really sweet love story embedded in this book!!! . . . involving mice, paintbrushes, wet floors and bananas . . . you can figure it out from there!)
*I purchased a copy and was not obligated to provide a positive review.

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
She’s a romance writer burned out on love. He’s her famous baseball star ex-husband. The last man she wants to be forced to work with is the one who broke her heart.

Rom-com writer Gracie Parker hasn’t written a bestseller since she and her husband, a major league baseball star, divorced five years ago. On thin ice with her publisher—and with a looming deadline—Gracie couldn’t have picked a worse time for a painful injury that has her flat on her back. At this point, she’d accept help from anybody . . . except her first love and ex-husband, Noah Parker.

The baseball season has just ended in massive disappointment for Noah. He’s facing the stark reality that he gave up everything for a career that’s let him down and that it might be too late to get back the one person he should’ve held on to. So when Gracie’s nephew calls, saying Gracie’s looking for a tenant for her next-door rental, it feels like it’s meant to be.

All Gracie cares about is turning in her manuscript on time, which is directly at odds with Noah’s attempts to win her back

 

Tyndale Fiction, April,2025

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

Buy FIRST LOVE, SECOND DRAFT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE PURSUIT OF ELENA BRADFORD by Ann H Gabhart, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

A Southern America Historical Romance with a Love Triangle

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Elena Bradford, sister Ivy and their mother travel to Graham Springs, Kentucky after Mr Bradford died and left them in financial distress. As Elena pursues a rich husband to rescue them, Andrew Harper and Kirby Frazier are on a pursuit of their own.

Written in an engaging way, this story encompasses the potential encountered at this posh resort. Based on a real place and some real people, Ms Gabhart takes us on an intriguing journey of seeking love in spite of obligations. There is even a real mystery that teases your mind with possibilities. The characters are each trying to prove themselves: one as a viable artist, one that he is worthy after a broken heart, one who needs to see beyond physical beauty to the beauty within and one that marriage can be forged from love and not convenience.

Through beautiful prose, the author pens a story full of faith and promises of something better.

It is always a pleasure to read a thoughtful, historically accurate story written by an accomplished author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author 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:
Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.

At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities--including dances almost every evening.

As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.

When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.

With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.

Revell Publishing, May, 2025

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

BUY THE PURSUIT OF ELENA BRADFORD at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House