FAITHFUL OF HEART by Tracie Peterson, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

(A Minnesota Legacy Book #1): 

A Second Chance Christian Historical Romance set in 1800s Minnesota

PAULA'S REVIEW:
With engaging characters and a faith-filled plot, this story was a winner for me.

Judith Stanford was a widow with a heart for hurting people after the Civil War took her husband. She meets Dr. Roman Turner at a lecture in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Roman is from Minneapolis, Minnesota where he tends his patients and is also seeking to help the ones who need it most. 

Years later, Judith is summoned by her estranged grandfather to Minneapolis. In failing health, he wants to be sure she is worthy of inheriting his wealth. But someone else is trying to orchestrate her life. 

Ms. Peterson weaves a beautiful story of enduring faith, and a slowly building romance with a bit of intrigue and difficult family relationships thrown in. All against the backdrop of interesting history of the times. 

Fans of Christian Historical Fiction will not want to miss this book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews 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:
Can forgiveness and love overcome a tattered legacy?

When dedicated philanthropist Judith Stanford receives a summons from her estranged grandfather ordering her to come to Minneapolis to prove herself worthy of his inheritance, she is hesitant but can't ignore the potential of her grandfather's fortune to benefit her causes. And the only man to interest her since her husband's death lives in Minneapolis, leaving her hoping their paths will cross.

Roman Turner, a local physician with a heart for the poor, harbors a grudge against Judith's grandfather. Years ago, his unethical actions ruined Roman's family forever. When Roman meets Judith again, he is shocked to learn the woman he's thought about all these years is related to the one man he can't forgive.

As Judith tries to overcome the complicated history between the two families and disentangle her grandfather's tainted legacy, she begins to form a plan for reparation. But when it becomes clear someone else has nefarious intentions for the money, Judith's dreams of a new legacy are at risk.

From acclaimed author Tracie Peterson comes a stirring historical romance series opener set in 1870 Minneapolis, weaving themes of family legacy, faith, and redemption for fans of Janette Oke and Lauraine Snelling.

Bethany House Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy FAITHFUL OF HEART at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

WHEN JUSTICE COMES by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"The only way she could end the vendetta with Michael was to find out more about the way it had started."

To say that Savannah Webster's family history was a convoluted disarray of turmoil was an understatement. Now it seemed that the tentacles of greed and revenge were targeting her ten year old nephew, whose murdered mother had clearly stated that Savannah should raise Simon if something should happen to her, which meant that Simon would live with both his Savannah and his Uncle Hez Webster after the two remarried in just a matter of months. Simon's substantial trust fund shone as a beacon to those, including his birth father and grandfathers, who cared nothing about Simon and more about fame and fortune.

However, the situation went deeper than that. Much, much deeper, thrusting Savannah and Hez into unprovoked turmoil over Simon's custody and right back into the bulls-eye of a criminal enterprise that they had initially identified, cornered and contained.

One of the many things that I loved about this story was that it was not only an exceptionally fine series conclusion, but it also revealed how tightly all three books had been woven together into one fascinating narrative, broken up into episodes that were destined for a grand finale, and this book was exactly that! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review 4.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb: 
USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker deliver the final book in their beloved Tupelo Grove series.

Hez and Savannah Webster have survived storms that would bury others without a love as strong as theirs--but can they withstand the final battle in the deadly Legare-Willard feud that threatens to sweep away everything they've fought for?

Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancée, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.

Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.

With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?

The Tupelo Grove series reaches its breathtaking conclusion as an enemy's agenda for revenge runs darker than swamp water and justice remains as precarious as quicksand in this heart-pounding narrative that underscores the power of redemption and forgiveness.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's When Justice Comes is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance.

 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audibook

BUY When Justice Comes at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

DEATH WISH by JJ. Samie Myles, Reviewed by Kim #ReleaseDay

Task Force SEAR Book Three: Christian Romantic Suspense

KIM'S REVIEW:
Every time I think JJ Samie Myles can’t possibly top herself, she does. Again. I absolutely loved this book. Ledger is everything you want in a hero. He is strong, loyal, completely swoon-worthy, and full of unending faith. He and Rox together are pure perfection.

I’ve loved Ariel and Ledger since book one, and getting more of their relationship, history, and sibling dynamic was everything I hoped for. And as always, the faith thread was woven in so beautifully. It is thought-provoking, meaningful, and quote-worthy. I highlighted so much.

The team is one of my favorite parts of this series. The camaraderie, the banter, and the humor balance the intense action perfectly. The pacing is spot on, the suspense kept me glued to the pages, and the characters are so well written you can’t help but root for every single one of them.

And yes… I cried. There are some truly emotional moments in this book, and they hit hard because the writing is so powerful. You don’t just read what the characters are feeling, you feel it with them.

The more I read about this team, the more I love them. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Honestly, for anything Ms. Myles writes. This is officially my favorite book in the series, which I didn’t think was possible after Elusive Evil.

If you love romantic suspense, stop what you’re doing and read JJ Samie Myles. You will not regret it.

Do. Not. Miss. This. Series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. I also purchased this book. The faith thread is prominent throughout. All. The. Stars!!! 

BackCover Blurb:

Some battles demand an unbreakable faith—and the ultimate sacrifice.

Former MARSOC sniper Ledger Romero faked his death to escape the Sombra Cartel after making their infamous revenge list. When a friend calls in a loyalty card and begs him to rescue his daughter from the ruthless regime, Ledger returns to Colombia and its deadly shadows—and walks right into an ambush.

Two years ago, Roxane Jaimes gave up a promising CIA career and infiltrated Sombra, the face of Colombia’s much-revered organization that funds pediatric surgeries with blood money. Her fiancé’s blood, to be exact. Determined to dismantle the cartel, she wrestles an inexplicable compulsion—which will destroy all her covert work—to save Sombra’s newest captive.

The cartel is hot on their heels as Ledger and Rox escape into the unforgiving Colombian jungle. When Task Force SEAR learns Ledger is still alive, they lock and load. However, squaring off against Sombra comes at a high price. Maybe higher than Ledger and Rox can pay. 

Warrior of Light Press, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback. Purchase at Amazon

BIRDS ON A WIRE by Katie Powner, Reviewed by Winnie and Paula #ReleaseDay

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“The more you love him, the harder it will be for you. But the more you love him, the better it will be for him. Protecting your own heart leaves his more vulnerable.”

Talented author Katie Powner has penned a powerful, poignant story which is heart-breaking, compassionate, and ultimately uplifting. Drawing on her own experiences as a foster parent, Powner shows both sides and points of view of the fostering process. The reader can see both the rewards and difficulties of fostering children and the pain and suffering of parents who wish to be reunited with their children. It also shows how fostering involves and affects so many people.

The characters in this story are carefully crafted, and I loved how the author showed the growth of all the characters involved as they united in love and concern for this tiny infant. It was inspiring to see the motivation of teen parents, Bri and AJ, as they worked to turn their lives around, as well as Laura as she added responsibility for someone else’s child onto her already full life of taking care of her own family. I greatly admire those who are foster families and the sacrifices they make to make a child’s life better and easier.

This book is beautifully written, insightful, and thought-provoking. I’m looking forward to more books by this author. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications. All opinions are my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This is a story written from the heart by an experienced foster mother. Ms. Powner draws from life to show the obstacles of birth mother addict Bri who had to give up her newborn and the journey she takes to recovery. Equally important is the foster mother Laura, and the family who takes an infant into their home to nurture him in hopes of a reunion. Both women love baby Providence and want the best for him.

The author tells an emotional story that makes you care for the characters. Teen mom Bri tries so hard and misses her son. Laura, a mom of three, tries to juggle family drama and a tiny new life. She shows her faith by caring not only for the baby but for Bri and her circumstances, too. 

A complex and involved plot gives us insight into the foster care program and Ms. Powner executes it very well. 

If you like exemplary women’s fiction, this one fits the bill.
*A complimentary book of this book was provided by Kregel and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes the people in our lives who come and go make all the difference

Eighteen-year-old Bri Marshall is determined to do whatever it takes to get her newborn son back after he's taken by CPS. But the chances of reunification with Providence are slim. Her drug-addicted boyfriend is the only reason she has a roof over her head. With no job, no car, and no family support, she's at rock bottom, hanging on to hope by a thread.

Laura Gambler, on the brink of turning forty, is managing new challenges with her own children when she's asked to take in Providence. She never could have imagined the chain of events her agreement to foster the baby would set in motion—or the carefully buried pain from her past it would drag back to the surface.

Both women wrestle with doubts about the future and their ability to parent Providence, even as their love for him grows stronger every day. As their lives become irrevocably intertwined, they face an impossible question: Who is the best mother for Providence?

Kregel Publishing, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback

Buy BIRDS ON  A WIRE at Amazon, or Baker Book House