THE TARGETED by Cara Putman, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Secrets to Keep Series #3

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Of course she knew that evil's presence didn't mean God wasn't God or that he wasn't good. But it sometimes made it hard to find him."

Having survived for so long feeling lost and alone in her fears and regrets, former gymnast Chloe Ainsworth finally works up the courage to solicit the help of a local legal clinic, deciding that she cannot move forward with her life until she resolves deeply traumatic experiences from her past. Law student Dare Shepherd listens carefully to her testimony, and agrees that the intimate personal information that Chloe has entrusted into his oversight needs to litigated, but if, as his supervisor insists, they need corroboration from additional sources in order to file a formal complaint, that poses a significant problem. Years have gone by and the witnesses were all minors at the time.

As if conjured up, the man from Chloe's nightmares arrives back in town after fourteen years of absence, and gains employment at the very gym where multiple young girls had been compromised. With a sense of urgency, Chloe and Dare seek every bit of evidence they can find, and what they uncover is extremely disturbing and inherently more dangerous than they ever imagined.

Navigating these case details combined with absorbing the emotional mine fields buried throughout this story necessitates a reader who not only admires amazing plot twists, but solemnly trusts the author to handle sensitive material in such a way that the end result brings solid assurance that God never means for us to feel alone, or forsaken, or forgotten.

"It didn't matter if people would leave her or let her down. God never would. He promised that, and his promises were true. Always." 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.

Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too late?

Kregel Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook,  or paperback at Amazon

PART OF YOUR WORLD by Karen Witemeyer, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

(A Christian Western Historical Romance Fairy Tale Retelling of The Little Mermaid) (Once Upon a Time in Texas)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
What fun it is to see Ms. Witemeyer turn The Little Mermaid into a story set in 1886 Galveston, Texas. 

Although it had recognizable elements of the original story, it was an outstanding story on its own. I could not stop rooting for Muriel to figure out how to get out of her predicaments. “Muriel understood unconventional. It might as well be her middle name. Yet, being unconventional was not a bad thing.” 

Zane was the perfect noble and godly hero. The story had wonderful side characters like Grandpa Clem and Da. Clem was the voice of godly wisdom: “Just because a woman is perfect for you don’t mean she’s perfect. Best not to expect her to be.” 

A beautiful faith thread encompassed the story with lessons on forgiveness and submission to God. As Muriel’s Da says: “Faith and family. ‘The Lord is on my side’, he quoted, ‘Iwill not fear: what can man do unto me?’”  

A beautiful retelling of The Little Mermaid by an accomplished author.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.

Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn’s veins—a fact that has long concerned her father, who desires his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.

Despite his family's wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.

Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

 

Hope and Light Publishing, June, 2026

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

Buy PART OF YOUR WORLD at Amazon 

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