THE DESIGN OF PROVIDENCE: AN ANTHOLOGY CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250 YEARS, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

TEN AUTHORS: LYNNE TAGAWA, JAYNA BASS, AVELLINA BALESTRI, JOHN M. CUNNINGHAM Jr, TED LAMB, LYNN DEAN, SHANNON McNEAR, PATIENCE O'BRIEN, NATHAN STONE, RICHARD TUCKER

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This is a group of stories set from 1770 to 1785 during the American Revolution. It was chosen to be released in honor of the 250th Anniversary celebration of America.
 

These were diverse tales based on records of events and documents that shaped our nation. While they are fictional, they are well crafted with the purpose of showing both sides of the conflict and the bravery of those involved as well as their faith in God.
 

The stories help to awaken us to our heritage and caused me to be grateful for those who formed our country and fought for our freedom. This book showcases how God moved through and in the lives of our founding fathers. And pointed out that there were people of faith on both sides of the issues. 

 

I appreciate the research that went into this book and the variety of stories that were portrayed. All were well written and interesting to read. Perfect for the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
 

Recommended for those who enjoy this time period.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Blue Rock Press on behalf of one of the authors. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Before there was a United States, there was a dream forged in the crucible of revolution—and a steadfast belief that a divine hand was shaping the nation’s destiny. From the bloody snow of the Boston Massacre to the treacherous battlefields of the South, the path to liberty was fraught with peril, heartbreak, and impossible choices.

Intertwining fact and fiction, each story masterfully explores the personal cost of allegiance, the agony of families divided by war, and the quiet, persistent thread of faith that wove through it all.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with this immersive, faith-filled journey into the soul of a nation's founding. 

 

Blue Rock Press, May, 2026

Available to buy in digital ebook and hardcover

at Amazon 

NOT PRECISELY MR. KNIGHTLEY by Carolyn Miller, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This was an enjoyable rom-com with lots of references to Emma by Jane Austen. 

A dating app, Dream Match, was thought up by Emma Jane Bennett and Jordan Knight, officially the firm of Woodhouse-Knightly as a nod to Jane Austen. It is meant to be a safe place for Christian singles to meet and possibly find love. 

Welcome to Australia and the atmosphere of Sydney and an appearance of a billionaire playboy Eric Churchill. Emma gets stars in her eyes as Eric wines and dines her. But is it for her or to take over her dating app? Best friend Jordan tries to get Emma to pray about investors and tread carefully. Things go awry. 

Many things reminded me of Emma and other tomes by Jane Austin including flighty Mrs. Bennett, sisters Olivia, Katie and Elinor and assistant Harriet. Nice references to Australian places and items- But I could do without the Vegemite. I have tasted it and am not a fan! 

Jordan must find a way to go from best friends to marriage prospect and it is a fun ride. 

I enjoyed the witty banter, the family connections, the spiritual struggles of the characters and the eventual happily ever after.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4.5 stars and a solid faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

" . . . she'd always had a thing for the finer things in life, something that was shown by her wannabe-designer clothes and focus on money, money, money . . . "

Emma-Jane Bennett had worked really hard for a long time, designing a highly successful dating app, while excelling at her full time position with Donwell Enterprises. Now was the time to see if the little bird could fly out of the nest and scale up "Dream Match" into a global product, meaning she and her business partner (and best friend!) Jordan Knight needed investors.

In theory, dropping her day job and schmoozing with the rich and famous had seemed like a good idea until Jordan starting reminding her of the true source of security and it wasn't listed on the stock market. Brushing off Jordan's caution, and not wanting to be reminded that her heart was dangerously close to being handed off to the wrong man, Emma-Jane convinces herself that the creator of a dating app certainly knows who the right man should be, right?

What kept me from loving this book as much as I wanted to was the setting, it continually muffled the narrative; details about travel modes, parks, shorelines, restaurants and other forms of entertainment took time away from quality conversations between characters who were battling for relationship and purpose, burying core elements of the story under a veritable travelogue.

That being said, the author did a wonderful job of bringing to light the challenges of building and maintaining a firm foundation of faith in a world, particularly the business world, that cares more about appearance and prestige than truth and integrity. Bravo to Emma-Jane and Jordan for finding their way!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?
 
Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who co-designed the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.
 
Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Barbour Fiction, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or hardcover

Buy NOT PRECISELY MR. KNIGHTLY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE RANCHER'S UNLIKELY MATCH by Jill Kemerer, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

 An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Tumbleweed, Texas Book 4)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Jill Kemerer’s charming addition to the Tumbleweed Texas collaborative series stars grumpy, overextended, widowed rancher and father Ben Wright and his new neighbor, Jessica Howard, who has inherited a goat farm from her aunt. Jessica is hoping for a new start with the farm but finds she’s also inherited a big debt. As she tries to find ways to pay the debt so she can keep the farm, while also keeping her goats from escaping and eating the neighbor’s garden, she ends up watching Ben’s three adorable children and involving them in her activities. I enjoyed seeing Jessica’s interaction with the children and the developing relationship between her and Ben.

With themes of found family, community support, faith, and hope, this tale is delightful and entertaining. I loved the small-town camaraderie and support for one another. The other books in this series are written by other authors but revolve around the same Tumbleweed town. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
Could her fresh start…
…be the answer to his prayers?

Widowed rancher Ben Wright doesn’t need more complications, especially not runaway goats from the pretty new farmer next door, Jessica Howard. With three kids, a farm and a baseball team to coach, he’s earned his gruff reputation. Jessica left a draining social work career in Houston, hoping for a fresh start and to save her inherited farm from debt—the last thing she needs is a grumpy neighbor. But despite their rocky start, Jessica begins to see past his tough exterior as she spends time with his kids. When old hurts arise, Ben and Jessica must decide…is a future together worth fighting for?

From Love Inspired Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Tumbleweed, Texas
Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe
Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

Love Inspired, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback

Buy THE RANCHER'S UNLIKELY MATCH at Amazon , or Christianbook

A GIFT IN TIME by Shaen Layle, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A charming cozy mystery about a music box with historical significance. Could it have been owned by Thomas Edison?
Sarah has acquired the music box for her new shop Heavenly Presents. The quest for answers took many detours but Sarah needs to prove the journey the box has traveled to get to her shop. Several people want the box and will not take no or wait for an answer. 

I liked the way the author crafts her characters and writes twists and turns into an intriguing story. She gives Sarah good friends, neighbors and family but throws in an obstacle or two to keep it interesting. Another nice touch is the addition of a story told in 1862 by the original owner of the music box. It was thought provoking to see how the clues came together and the suspects were ruled out. 

An overall theme was that God was working in the character’s lives and wanted what was best for them. No matter what the present circumstances, the eventual outcome was preferable. 

Another great cozy when you want something light to read.
* A complimentary print copy of this book was provided by Guideposts and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4.5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
A Gift in Time is book 1 in Guideposts’ Gift Shop Mysteries fiction series.

It’s opening day of Sarah Morgan’s gifts and curiosities shop, Heavenly Presents. Not only are her family and friends there to support her new business, but a local television crew is on-site to interview her. Sarah decides her latest acquisition, an antique music box that supposedly belonged to Thomas Edison, is the perfect item to show off on television. They’ve only heard a few notes in the strange melody when an onlooker claims her great-grandmother used to play that same tune on the piano but was secretive about its origins.

When Sarah discovers a hidden drawer on the box that requires a key to open, she is determined to unlock the box’s secrets.

Meanwhile, someone in the Port Huron community is also determined…to see Sarah’s business fail.

Can Sarah find out who is behind the troublemaking, or will she be forced to close the doors on her dream forever?

About the Gift Shop Mysteries Series

Every gift tells a story…and some bring mysteries!

Get ready for a faith-filled mystery like no other! The excitement begins when Sarah Morgan returns to her picturesque hometown along the shore of Lake Huron to open a gift and curiosities shop, which she calls Heavenly Presents. As she reconnects with family and friends and grows in her faith, Sarah feels her shop becoming more than just a place to browse or buy. It’s turning into a cozy haven, where tucked among the handmade keepsakes and one-of-a-kind wonders are clues to long-buried secrets and surprising truths. Sarah soon discovers that solving small-town mysteries might just be the most meaningful gift she can offer.

Why You’ll Love the Gift Shop Mysteries Series

If you’re looking for a mystery series that’s equal parts heartwarming and intriguing, Gift Shop Mysteries is your perfect next read. Set in a charming lakeside town with a faith-filled shop owner as your guide, each book offers:Captivating mysteries that keep you guessing—but never keep you up at night
A cast of relatable, endearing characters who feel like old friends
A cozy, small-town atmosphere you’ll want to escape to again and again
Faith-filled encouragement and hope, gently woven through every story
Themes of redemption, reconnection, and second chances—with God, family, and community

Plus, each book includes delightful extras:A recipe inspired by the story
A personal letter from the author
“Behind the Counter” insights into the real-life history or inspiration
Book club-ready discussion questions

Whether you’re drawn to uplifting mysteries, enjoy uncovering meaningful secrets, or simply want a soul-soothing read with depth, heart, and a touch of suspense—this series was made for you.

GUIDEPOSTS Publishing, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback. Buy A GIFT IN TIME at Amazon, or Christianbook