TWELVE DAYS, TWELFTH NIGHT by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A World War II Novella

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"The script for my new life is missing only one thing - my leading lady."

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver needs a Hollywood star to make her debut as a director into a rousing success. It just so happens that former film star Prescott Duke needs a new purpose in life after a career ending accident. Agreeing to Maggie's terms, the two scramble to prepare an entire cast and crew for a an imaginative production inspired by Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and the popular holiday carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas".

Somewhere in the midst of hectic schedules and endless rehearsals Maggie and Prescott form an unexpected bond, but when Prescott learns that Maggie has taken her exuberant Christmas spirit a bit too far, things take a dramatic turn . . . and not for the better.

Admittedly, my recollection of Shakespeare is a bit rusty, and there were a menagerie of moving parts as this novella prepared to launch. Nevertheless, the story eventually pulled itself together, (much like the production itself, I might add) heralding a grand finale that I absolutely adored! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars. 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: orchestrate a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie's invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she'll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances. 

 

Revell Publishing, September, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy TWELVE DAYS AND TWELFTH NIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

THE SISTERHOOD OF UNLIKELY FRIENDS by Sara Brunsvold, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

Contemporary Women’s Fiction for Book Clubs Set in a Small Town about Multi-Generational Female Friendship and Community

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Small, everyday acts created the strongest stitches between one life and another.”

Sparked by a study on the “one another” verses in the New Testament, this was a glimpse into the life of middle-aged Jess who is moving to a new city for a fresh start. Through a church Sunday School class, she encounters three women in different stages of life and different chapters of their Christian faith.

 
Emotionally wrenching at times, the theme is to be able to be a help to others and also to be able to accept help from others. But through it all, no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus, God guides and directs us by using fellow believers. “God takes His one-anothers seriously. Because through them, He grows our maturity and lets us know that He hasn’t forgotten us in our trials. He sends His people as an assurance that He doesn’t look away.” 

I have enjoyed many books by Ms Brunsvold and have learned different lessons from each one. She is quite the accomplished storyteller. She brings her characters to life and you just might recognize someone you know- or yourself!
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
She's spent a lifetime keeping her heart under lock and key. Now others are reaching out. But is she ready to receive them?

At forty-two, fiercely independent Jess Becker is starting over in Kansas City with minimal furniture, two houseplants, and a newfound faith. After a lifetime of poor choices, she's determined to finally get it right.

When she befriends her fourteen-year-old neighbor and agrees to drive her to church, she's swept into a caring community where she meets Reva, a wise mentor figure, and Austie, a troubled young woman. Jess reluctantly opens her home to pizza nights with her new friends, unwittingly opening her heart to a sisterhood of faith.

Just as these relationships begin reshaping her carefully controlled life, Jess receives news that changes everything. Now she must decide whether to accept the very help she's been trying to give others or risk losing everything she's worked so hard to build. 

Revell Publishing, October, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

AFTER WE FALL by Deborah Clack, Reviewed by Rebecca and Kim #ReleaseDay

(Shelter and Sky Book #2): 

A No-Spice Contemporary Security Specialist Romance of Opposites Attract

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Throw anything you want at me . . . when you're finished, I intend to be the safe person for you to love."

Organized and efficient, administrative assistant Penelope Reid is marching through life exactly as planned, until she bumps into a charming security agent who stepped in and out of her life three years prior like a bad dance partner. (that's right, they never even shared that dance, did they?) At the moment, Penelope is razor focused on proving to her boss that she the is best candidate to manage their emerging halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch and Luke Granger is proving to be a big distraction.

When unforeseen circumstances throw Penelope's life out of control, she has no recourse but to depend on others, proving that her self imposed walls are not as stable as she imagined them to be. Seeing her future aspirations all but disappear, at least for the present, Luke's surprisingly stable presence in her life is proving to be a welcome balm, but will it last? The man is not known for sticking, and their fragile bond, while growing stronger, comes with no guarantees.

Very few authors have the ability to dive deep into the unfathomable wells of human emotion, but this author? She absolutely does! Every single conversation (many qualifying as entertaining banter) pulls and tugs at carefully curated layers of self defense in both of her main characters, using their words to both heal (and Penelope would add to annoy) and restore their broken places. "All the pieces. All the numbers. All the love. After we fall."

An extraordinary romance! So many life lessons!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Haven Fiction. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

KIM'S REVIEW:
I have been waiting for After We Fall by Deborah Clack since I heard it was coming out. Even After This, the first book in this series, is one of my all time favorite stories! I loved getting to know Penelope after being introduced to her in the first book and I immediately loved Luke!

Both Luke and Penelope had hard childhoods that definitely helped form who they are. I enjoyed seeing the growth they both went through to overcome their childhood difficulties. Their romance was sweet and I loved how they strengthened each other. The secondary storyline was interesting and added a nice element of suspense. I also loved catching up with Meredith and Harlan.

Deborah Clack has quickly become one of my top favorite authors and a definite auto buy! Her characters, storylines, and writing style are so good! If you have not read her yet, I highly recommend anything she writes! 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read. 5 stars!

 

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes the place you least expect to belong is exactly where you were always meant to land.

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped out--a necessity after surviving foster care. Now she's on a mission to prove that she's capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist and has never found a reason to put down roots. So when the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells is vandalized, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the road--until he's reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart.

As Luke and Penelope work alongside each other to care for the ranch's halfway house residents, Penelope makes a mistake she might not recover from. Her careful walls begin to crack, and Luke's restless heart finds reasons to stay. But when tragedy strikes, they must decide if it's worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they've always longed for.

A poignant, emotional, no-spice contemporary romance about all the heartbreaking ways we can fall and what it takes to put us back together again. This clean and wholesome opposites-attract love story with a protective MMC will delight fans of Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Annabel Monaghan, and Corinne Michaels.

Content consideration: For specific content warnings that may include spoilers, visit this book's page on the author's website.

Haven Fiction, October, 2026

Available at Amazon in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A LIFE SO TRUE by Tracie Peterson, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

(A Minnesota Legacy Book #2): 

Christian Historical Romance of Faith and Redemption set in Minnesota

PAULA'S REVIEW:

As always, Ms. Peterson has crafted a charming historical that put me right in the story. She writes down to earth characters with strong faith who make their mark in the world.

Evie Turner wants to be a nurse; that is what she trained for. But she gets ill at the sight of blood. She does not want to disappoint her doctor father. But circumstances force her to help with emergency surgeries. She also loves to plan fundraising events for charity with her mother.

 
The characters are realistic and live their faith out naturally. Evie is a winsome girl who has foibles but learns to trust God to take care of her. The way she councils Max shows wisdom and grace. Max Garrison is wealthy and helps his father manage many businesses. He meets Evie at a fundraiser. They help each other consider what turn their lives should take.

 
It was fascinating to learn about some history of Minneapolis, Minnesota and of the fire there in 1893.

You are in for a treat with this historical story from a seasoned author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House 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:
Will their undeniable bond overcome the disasters surrounding them?

Evelyn Turner is determined to work at her physician father's side as he opens a hospital for Minneapolis's poor. But when nursing makes her physically ill, she faces an impossible choice between the promises she's made and her own limitations.

Maxwell Garrison is helping manage his father's investments through the financial crisis of 1893, and he's especially interested in their sawmill businesses. At a Turner family fund raiser, he is horrified when he overhears his father and other mill owners plotting to commit arson and insurance fraud. When Evie and Max meet at the same fund raiser, a connection sparks between them. As their interests in each other grow, they confide their secrets and agree to guard each other's trust.

Then a suspicious and devastating fire sets Minneapolis ablaze, and Max and Evie fear the worst. Even amid the ashes of deception, can they build a life together?

Heartfelt romance, steady faith, and the power of redemption collide in acclaimed author Tracie Peterson's historical novel set in 1893 Minnesota for readers of Janette Oke, Lauraine Snelling, and inspirational Christian fiction. 

Bethany House Publishing, July, 2026

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

Buy A LIFE SO TRUE at Amazon, Christianbook,  or Baker Book House