THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW'S TOWN by Naomi Musch, Reviewed by Rebecca and Winnie

ENDURING HOPE #5

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Will you come along, Lily? Will you run away to the circus with a fellow you hardly know?"

When Lily Mae Dodge slipped into the night, she never imagined a future with a traveling circus, she was just trying to escape a suffocating placement with a family that wasn't even hers. Sent by her widowed mother to an orphanage at a young age, Lily was then transported by train to a foster home in Wyoming where she was expected to work like a hired hand without any pay. Lily dreamed of more. Would a chance encounter on a train, traversing back towards the only place she remembered as almost home, change the trajectory of her life forever?

Francis Basnett, whose severe eye condition prevented him from serving in the Great War, has been working as a roustabout for the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for years. When he chooses the seat beside Lily on the train to Chicago and uses their time together to draw out a few details, his generous heart cannot help but offer her whatever measure of kindness she chooses to accept. Could it be more?

The story that follows is nothing short of remarkable.

With exceptional depth of character and story, this novel explores not only the history surrounding the lives spent among the tents of a traveling circus, but the unspeakable tragedy that killed so many members of the renowned Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Visiting numerous cities along the railways of America and through the view of these "tomorrow's towns", Lily and Francis' experiences mirror those of the circus itself; perfecting new skills, overcoming insurmountable obstacles, and journeying from fear to faith one loving road stop at a time, inviting love to join them softly and surely.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
4.5 stars

WINNIE'S REVIEW: 
I'm always amazed at the things I can learn from reading historical fiction. I knew about the orphan train programs that ran from the 1850s to the 1920s, placing hundreds of thousands of orphans with different families, with differing results for the children. I didn't know, however, about the horrific train crash that killed so many members of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus family.

Naomi Musch has penned a fascinating tale about two people meeting by chance and developing a friendship that changes both their lives. Orphaned Lily May Dodge escaped her life of hardship with a foster family in Wyoming and headed back east to try to find her mother and brother. When circus roustabout Francis Basnett finds a seat beside her on the train, they strike up a conversation. His failing vision has left him with insecurities, but he invites Lily to join up with the circus. When a terrible train crash devastates the circus, their lives change once again, and they find themselves facing new challenges.

I was impressed with the depth of the characters and the growth in them that the author portrayed. The plot was engrossing and kept my interest, and I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the back of the book, detailing more about the historical aspects of the story. Themes of hope, faith, and overcoming adversity add depth and inspiration to it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own. 

 

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND TRIXI

BackCover Blurb:
Past and Present Collide on the Railway

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she's arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.

More from the Enduring Hope Series:
The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee 

Barbour Fiction, June, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

A BREWED AWAKENING By Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A hilarious, clean, enemies-to-lovers rom-com

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"If you'd told me handsome was comin' to town, I'd have worn my good teeth."

Granny D wasn't the only citizen of Wisteria, North Carolina who was swooning over their recent transplant. For heaven's sake, Daphne Austen was caught practically drooling over the man's car, until the owner of the blue Cabriolet opened his very fine mouth that was situated perfectly on his very fine face and spoke in a distinctive British accent. And just like that, it was game-on in the banter department.

Finn Dashwood, Daphne's new next door neighbor on Main Street. His pub, her tearoom, it was the stuff small mountain town legends were made of. The entire town was captivated by their sugar and spice, competition between tarts and ribs, chalkboard shenanigans, their . . . whatever it was they were doing. ("@HarryColeman: Is this what the kids call flirting these days? @MargaretColeman: Darling, don't meddle. But yes, it absolutely is.")

Underneath all the social media frenzy was a common human response; fear. Both Finn and Daphne had experienced great loss, people who were supposed to be forever had fled and neither were particularly interested in experiencing the gut wrenching sensation of a broken heart ever again. However, somewhere in the middle of cook-offs, and bake-offs, kiss-offs (oops!)and stand-offs, they realized that God had given them an exceptional blessing; each other.

One of the funniest, cleverest stories that I have ever read, or ever will read! (with one of the sweetest little princess characters!) (besides, the social media conversations at the beginning of every chapter are worth the price of the book!) (there's more! that sweet, sad nod to local catastrophe, well done!) 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.4.5 stars

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

Buy A BREWED AWAKENING at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

A SCATTERING OF LIGHT by Lori Benton, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

CROCKETT'S LANDING Book One

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"His blessings freely scattered like light - readily seen if one didn't close her eyes for fear of the darkness."

When Scottish drover Will Crockett gains consciousness on a different continent, it is gravely apparent that he has lost everything dear to his heart. Under the roof of a kind young Quaker woman by the name of Verity Wilde, Will discovers that he was indentured to the Wildes as a way of saving his life, although Verity originally sought only to grant him a compassionate death and burial, for he barely had breath when they scooped him up off the deck of the ship that had delivered him to colonial Virginia. Miraculously, he lived.

Like Will, Verity had suffered great loss and was at an impasse about how to move forward in her life. Her strict religious parameters were a stark contrast to Will's obvious discomfort of all things pertaining to the Almighty, yet both are constrained by misconceptions of their own choosing. As circumstances continue to unravel outside the bounds of their every desire, can the two battered souls perceive the scatterings of light, God's abundant blessings relentlessly peeking through the shrouds of darkness, begging them to navigate beyond what they see, and hold fast to the truth of "every good and perfect gift . . . comes from the Father of lights".

While this story took awhile to develop, it was time well spent, for it was a story meant to savor rather than taste and to absorb rather than simply acknowledge. The character development was exceptional, the author giving her portrayals plenty of time to both succeed and fail, toil and rest, sympathize and adore. And for those still wondering if the darkness ever conquers the light, the message is clear, it does not.

A fabulous book with incredible depth and profound spiritual impact!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
A Scottish drover spirited into servitude. A young Quaker woman wounded by loss. Their meeting will leave no heart unchallenged, no life unchanged.

Colonial Virginia 1734

Mourning her wayward brother’s death, Verity Wilde has turned her back on Williamsburg society, striving to live by her notion of true religion: to keep oneself unspotted from the world. But when she boards a ship to claim an indentured Scottish clerk, she’s unprepared to find another Scotsman, starved and gravely ill, left on deck untended. With scarcely more knowledge of the man than his name and place of origin—William Crockett of Skye—pity compels Verity to purchase his indenture too, meaning to provide the compassionate death denied him by the ship’s crew. Only he doesn’t die.

Will Crockett’s survival upends Verity’s carefully circumscribed life, while he awakens to find his world shattered beyond recognition. As they seek to reconcile their broken pasts, bitterness and fear vie with hope to chart their futures. Can they find the courage to trust each other, and a God who scatters light in the darkness? 

Published by Story Architect, April 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy A SCATTERING OF LIGHT at Amazon, or Christianbook, 

THE INKLINGS DETECTIVE AGENCY by John R. Kelly, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Throughout history, the minds of literary geniuses and the practical science of detection have walked hand in hand.” -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

An entertaining who-done-it featuring The Inklings of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien fame. Completely fictional but fun story that has The Inklings being asked to investigate a murder. With an underlying faith theme that did spell out the faith of Lewis and Tolkien, this was an interesting look at the British Isles in 1936 that had cameos of the likes of Agatha Christie, C.K. Chesterton, and Dorothy Sayers. I especially enjoyed the quotes by famous authors at the beginning of each chapter.  

The afterward told what real history was used in the novel. I was intrigued by The Detectives Club, a group of writers who had 10 rules of detective fiction. I will look for these when I watch my next Poirot or Ms. Marple. 

This had overtones of the occult but it was explained in light of Christianity and the Bible. 

“I suppose the greatest puzzles and mysteries in our lives are the people we choose to surround ourselves with.”
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Waterbrook via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review.All opinions are mine alone.*4.5 stars and an underlying faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
In the shadowy streets of 1936 Oxford, England, members of a secret society keep turning up dead. When J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and their fellow literary masterminds, known as the Inklings, are called upon to catch a killer, they trade their pens for magnifying glasses. With time running out, they get a helping hand from mystery writers Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers to unravel a sinister web of secrets.

Packed with historical details, intrigue, and a thrilling whodunit, this novel is a masterful blend of high-stakes drama. Dive into a world where the creators of fantasy and mystery confront a real-life menace in a race against the clock. Will dark forces prevail, or will these literary giants crack the case before the murderer strikes again? 

Waterbrook Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:

Buy THE INKLINGS DETECTIVE AGENCY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House