THE LIGHT OF STARS by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"You will marry before the summer ends."

A solid declaration. Kitty Grenville's life had been full of them. Removed from India at a very young age, she and her brother became their grandfather's wards and the presumed inheritors of his vast fortune. Apparently even Kitty's marriage has been predetermined, for her groom to be is none other than the heir apparent to the highly profitable East India Company, Sebastian Sinclair. Kitty would much rather live out her nights studying the stars.

Traveling to England to defend the East India Company amongst the rising concerns of illegal opium trade and mistreatment of contractees is the last thing that Sebastian Sinclair would have chosen to do, but adding marriage to his list of assignments? In spite of his misgivings, Sebastian complies with his own grandfather's edict and is dutifully reintroduced to a lovely young woman who seems determined to sidestep his intentions. In a way, he doesn't blame her, nevertheless Kitty's reckless determination to make her own decisions nearly derails their reputations, prompting a rash decision with life long consequences.

Rich in color, culture, and characters this story stretches its seams with shrouded insinuations of dark deals and selfish motives. It would be miraculous for love to take root in such an environment of hurt, distrust, danger and greed. Only the One who put the stars in place and gave them their names could perform such a feat!

"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." - the prophet Isaiah

Outstanding novel!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville's grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she's appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he's a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather's orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he's abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather's control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamic
Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2026

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

Buy THE LIGHT OF STARS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

  

 

THE LAST NOEL by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberley Woodhouse Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

 A Romantic Suspense Christmas Collection

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A solid trio of Christmas suspense stories.
 

Do You See What I See by Sarah Hamaker:
First time reading this author and she does a great job of putting suspense into a surprise encounter, weaving a faith thread of forgiveness and going beyond for a friend. Oakleigh has a love that shows obedience to the Golden Rule.
 

Do You Hear What I Hear by Jayna Breigh:
It is always fun to read a Jayna Brieigh story. She really conveys what is in a character’s head. Second chance with Jack is possible but only with forgiveness and compassion. It helps that Elise and Jack are searching for answers together. Legalese is understandable and enjoyable.
 

Do You Know What I Know by Kimberley Woodhouse:
A food contest with two people who are surprised to see each other. Set in Alaska and with danger cropping up, the sparks fly again for Faith and Liam as Liam seeks forgiveness and they both seek God’s will.
 

These three accomplished authors put their own expertise into three wonderful novellas. They showcase second chances, love and forgiveness in a charming and suspenseful way.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel 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:
Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors

The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
 

"Do you See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gange seeks?

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
 

"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

Kregel Publishing, August, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

FATAL FINALE by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 (The Erin Delaney Mysteries Book #3): A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with Action, Cryptic Clues, Police, and FBI Investigations

PAULA'S REVIEW:
It is always fascinating to me to see how author Nancy Mehl crafts her main characters and her villains. She presents profiler Kaely Quin-Hunter as having a unique way to ferret out the clues to an unknown subject. The author is also adept at getting into the mind of a criminal.

This time Kaely is on her way to visit Erin, another profiler, when she is kidnapped. She has to use her unusual abilities to get herself out of a very sticky situation. Back at Erin’s house, Erin, police chief Adrian and FBI agent Noah, Kaely’s husband, try to decipher the clues in poems that the kidnapper has given them. 

They are on a deadline. 

This book was exciting, using danger and a short window of time that made me use my powers of observation right along with the characters. This one was tricky because the villain was not typically evil. The side characters were well drawn and each had an important role in the story. The author was skillful at showing how Noah was feeling, trying to stay strong while focused on solving the riddle. I was impressed with the way the main characters relied on God for the outcome and took time to pray and put everything in God’s hands. 

Fatal Finale was an excellent way to end this series. Ms. Mehl has become a favorite author.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Bethany House 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:
They'd started back to the house when they heard a male voice behind them. Then a shot rang out.
"Run!" Kaely said.

When bestselling author Erin Delaney's novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter's arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film's production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can't reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely's kidnapper confirms Erin's worst fear--she has exactly six days to save her friend's life by solving his twisted clues. The message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI, and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department, and Kaely's husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she's forced to crack the kidnapper's chilling puzzle before it's too late.

Nancy Mehl delivers thrills like no one else in the closure of her high-stakes Christian romantic suspense series full of action, investigations, cryptic clues, and dangerous threats. This promises to captivate fans of Criminal Minds, Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, Susan May Warren, and Elizabeth Goddard. 

Bethany House Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy FATAL FINALE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

THINGS WE CANNOT KEEP by Amanda Cox, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 

Contemporary Southern Literary Fiction for Book Clubs with Family Secrets and Redemption

 
PAULA'S REVIEW:
“A story does not need to be pain-free to be beautiful.”

I really enjoyed this compelling story of Tess coming to grips with her past after receiving an old watch that holds quite a history. She has to confront her old life when Elliot comes back into her sphere. He is not the person she remembers. The one who hurt her. “In this moment at least, Elliot Sullivan knew how to be exactly the person she needed.” Elliot has overcome things in his past also. 

A theme of forgiveness permeates the story and through scripture, it is examined and pondered on until the meaning becomes clear.

The story is beautifully written and the emotions are raw at times. The growth that Tess goes through is sometimes painful but always encouraging to see. An important secondary character is Amos, a mentor, who lives a godly life in front of Tess, always ready to impart wisdom.

Relevant and relatable, the story caused reflection in my own life. A prominent theme was to see ourselves as God sees us, that we are worthy of His love and sacrifice, and to treat others likewise.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell 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:

A mysterious package. A name she thought she'd erased. And the one person she never expected to see again.

Tess Holcomb has built a new life in Alabama, repairing timepieces and avoiding her troubled past as she restores her customers' family heirlooms--treasures she never had. When a mysterious package arrives addressed to Teresa Baker, the name she abandoned, Tess finds herself drawn into a puzzle that threatens her delicate peace.

Then Elliot Sullivan appears at her door after eighteen years, and Tess knows he's after more than just forgiveness. She doesn't trust his motives, but he could be the key to uncovering the origin of the mystery package and its cryptic contents.

Tess has found safety in her simple life, but to reunite this lost heirloom with its rightful recipient she will have to come out of hiding. Each clue leads her further from the security of home, and each story reveals hidden truths. The question is whether she's brave enough to face what she might find--and whether the man beside her can be trusted with what matters most.

Award-winning author Amanda Cox crafts an intercontinental journey of connection, healing, love, community, and belonging perfect for book clubs, fans of Southern fiction, and readers of T. I. Lowe, Charles Martin, Sara Brunsvold, and Valerie Fraser Luesse.

Revell Publishing, August, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook

Buy THINGS WE CANNOT KEEP at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House