TEXAS RECLAIMED by Sherry Shindelar, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Lone Star Redemption Book 3

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was a winner. Beautiful descriptions of the setting, a romance that was cautious but showed Cora and Ben relying on God constantly for guidance, and a struggle with an addiction to laudanum that caught many in its snare.
 

The research was extensive and portrayed the characters realistically. Cora and Ben were complex people who faced a variety of obstacles; however, their faith sustained them and gave them courage.
 

Ms. Shindelar has a command of the language, setting and customs of the era, which made this a very enjoyable read.
I need to go back and read the previous books in the series, although this book stands alone easily.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Wild Heart Books on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Can love blossom between a woman haunted by her family's past and a man with a war-scarred heart?

Cora Scott is determined to hold onto her family's Texas ranch and provide a stable home for her young half brother, Charlie, despite the mounting challenges of post-Civil War frontier life. But when a scheming creditor threatens to seize their land, she must accept help from Ben McKenzie, a former Yankee soldier sent by her late brother. Though Ben's generosity and strength draw her, the man's private struggle she stumbles upon—too reminiscent of her father's alcoholism—makes her question whether she can trust her heart to him.

Ben McKenzie arrives in Texas intent on fulfilling his promise to his dying friend to protect Cora and Charlie. While using his inheritance to save their ranch, he battles not only the loss of their cattle but also his dependency on laudanum—a medicine that turned into a curse after his imprisonment at Andersonville. As his feelings for Cora deepen, he must choose between his promise to his father to take over their Philadelphia newspaper and his growing dream of a life with Cora in Texas.

When a Comanche warrior begins courting Cora and Ben's responsibilities in Philadelphia threaten to tear them apart, they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome their fears and forge a future together on the Texas frontier.

Wild Heart Books, February, 2026
Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

EVEN AFTER THIS by Deborah Clack, Reviewed by Kim and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

Shelter and Sky Series #1 A Contemporary Romance

 of a Widow’s Second Chance at Love with a Hollywood Celebrity

KIM'S REVIEW:
From the moment I read The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain by Deborah Clack, I knew I would read anything she chose to write next. After finishing Even After This, my first thought was simply… wow. I laughed, I cried, and I felt every emotion right alongside the characters—which is such a rare and special talent. I truly have no idea how to write a review worthy of this deeply emotional, romantic, humorous, and character-driven story. I loved every second of it.

I loved Harlan the moment he stepped onto the page. His humor, his warmth, and the unwavering support he showed Meredith completely won me over. And while I adored Harlan on his own, Harlan and Meredith together were pure perfection. Their chemistry leapt off the page. My heart absolutely broke for Meredith and everything she had endured, and I could feel her grief deep in my bones. Her growth felt steady, authentic, and beautifully realistic.

The humor was perfectly timed and helped balance the heavy grief woven throughout the story. The secondary characters added so much richness, especially Harlan’s family. Penelope, in particular, jumped off the page, and I was thrilled to learn she will be the focus of book two.

I loved every single part of this story. Though it carries a strong thread of grief, the humor and heart balance it beautifully. I cannot wait for book two, releasing in October. Well done, Ms. Clack!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean story. All. The. Stars!!!

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"Fourteen".

Meredith Harper had been placed on "Famous People Probation" by her family (for reasons we won't go into just now), so when she meets film star and Hollywood icon Harlan Holcombe while vacationing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she can scarcely put two words together, which seems to endear her even more to the object of this chance encounter. Ironically, they proceed to keep bumping into each other during her stay at the luxurious Broadmoor hotel and resort. One thing leads to another and . . . 

Of course, there is more to this story. So much more. Meredith's life for the past four years has been a messy dumpster dive into an ocean of grief; after losing her husband and two children in a tragic accident, she has scarcely been able to put one foot in front of the other, much less unpack the way her heart might feel to love again. Harlan is also at a crossroads in his life, trying to casually distance himself from his onscreen persona in order to use his successful career in a way that serves others in the industry. Meredith is an anomaly.

Depth seeps into every crack and crevice of this story. What is far more remarkable is how funny it is. On the surface, those two descriptions seem at odds with each other, but in reality the presentation allows the reader to not only feel the pain of loss but to fully experience the joy of gain. Even after . . . all of this. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. The opinions above are entirely my own. A clean and wholesome publication of Haven, a division of Baker Publishing.

BackCover Blurb:
When you're ready to live again, love often has a way of finding you.

Four years after tragedy, Meredith Harper is tired of hiding in her corner of Texas and living life like a game of dodgeball. She packs up her grief, awkward social graces, and sizable life insurance in search of a vacation and investment property in Colorado Springs. A botched dinner reservation throws her into the path of a bona fide movie star, and Meredith pushes through her comical celebrity neurosis to discover he is charming but a terrible dancer.

A viral video of a daring rescue makes Harlan Holcombe's celebrity star stronger, with millions of his fans deeming him a real-life Hercules. But a minute of heroism doesn't absolve his past mistakes. As Harlan and Meredith spend more time together, he helps her believe there might be more for her not just in life but in love. And she might be part of the solution to restore the legacy he fears is tarnished. But what happens when the path to redeem his mistakes collides with the path to redeem her loss?

A poignant and humorous contemporary romance of second chances with swoon but no spice, grief and healing, celebrity meets reluctant widow, love after loss, and new beginnings. This clean and wholesome love story will delight fans of Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Annabel Monaghan, and B. K. Borison.

Haven/ Baker Publishing, February, 2026

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

Buy EVEN AFTER THIS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

MISTS OVER THE CHANNEL ISLANDS by Sarah Sundin, Reviwed by Winnie and Paula #ReleaseDay

 

World War II Enemies-to-Lovers Historical Romance 

Set in the British Channel Islands

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Sarah Sundin’s historical fiction novels are always a treat to read. Filled with rich historical detail and showcasing Sundin’s obvious deep and careful research, Mists Over the Channel Islands is beautifully written and brings to life what the residents of the Channel Islands had to endure during World War II. The setting on the island of Jersey, where most of the action took place, was richly painted, and I could easily visualize the action of the story. The map included at the front of the book helped immensely to follow where the events took place. It was also interesting to read additional information about the island posted at the end of the story.

The characters are very well-drawn and interesting, and the plot follows the history of actual happenings during the German occupation. I enjoyed learning more about this piece of history, although it was heart-breaking to see what the Jersey residents had to endure.

Dr. Ivy Picot stays on the island during the occupation, where she treats patients and also risks her life to treat injured labor camp escapees. When she encounters Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee, she is initially is suspicious of him but ends up working with him in resisting the Germans.

With plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and a dash of romance, this book kept me turning the pages. The messages of inspiration, hope, and faith added depth to the story. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own. 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

The beautiful, remote island of Jersey between France and England is the setting for this exciting story of resistance in WWII.
 

Dr. Ivy Picot stays on Jersey in order to take care of patients while her family members evacuate to England. Ivy, her sister Fern and brother Charlie and aunts and uncles remain in the place they call home.
 

Full of danger, intrigue and hidden loyalties, this story is one of stepping out in faith in order to further the cause for freedom against the Nazi regime.
 

Easily read as a standalone, it is connected to two other books by different aspects of WWII and cousins Aleida, Cilla and Gerrit Vander Zee. This is Gerrit’s story and his heroic deed of posing as a volunteer worker for Germany, while secretly helping the Resistance. He is drawn closer to the Picot family, especially Ivy, and tries to valiantly fulfill his commitment to work surreptitiously while protecting her family.
 

Not only was this a look at an interesting part of history, the romance was well-crafted and the ending brought tears of relief to my eyes.  

 

Another well researched, entertaining story by an accomplished author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews 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:

Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish.

The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers--even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

Renowned WWII fiction author Sarah Sundin crafts a compelling historical romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, wartime resistance, and medical intrigue--a tale of loyalty, resilience, and courage when love and duty collide. 

Revell Publishing, February, 2026

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

Buy MISTS OVER THE CHANNEL ISLANDS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY by Jayna Breigh, Reviewed by Rebecca and Winnie #NewRelease

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Sweet Mahalia baby," . . . "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

She was so close. Moving steadily towards her next goal, Judge Mahalia Jackson could almost feel the heels of her shoes climbing higher up the ladder of success, gaining additional prestige, earning more respect in her field. There was only thing standing in her way, securing that upcoming appointment as assistant supervising judge. Then, much like a seasoned major league pitcher, the author throws a few perfectly timed curve balls which neither her readers or characters could have anticipated.

Jimmy Dean Cash, attorney at law, had vowed to stay on the straight and narrow, fully concentrating on his God given ability to defend widows and children. In doing so, he had been blessed with a wide measure of success. Unexpectedly, Cash finds himself presenting an argument before Judge Mahalia Jackson with regards to a large settlement, and for the first time in forever, JD has trouble concentrating on his case; the woman was absolutely stunning!

As if the heavens have declared their paths to cross again, Mahalia is called upon by her mentor to assist JD with a group of at-risk teens in a program called the Junior Jurors, thus demonstrating that she has a vested interest in community service while vying for her promotion. Unknown to Mahlia, not everyone is anxious to see her succeed, undercurrents of malicious intentions are bantered about in private messages and chat boards. By contrast, time spent with JD serves as a balm to her overworked soul, while being totally aware that any hint of personal connection could jeopardize everything they have worked so hard to protect . . . appearances of impropriety and all.

The inner struggle to be who you have always dreamed of being, versus who God may want you to become, is remarkably fleshed out within these characters. Not only is their spiritual tug-of-war quite authentically portrayed, but it is also swathed with rich biblical truths placed strategically within the narrative at just the right times and in all the right places.

And of course after reading this book, I'm of the opinion that every good romance needs an elevator scene!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.4.5 stars

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Jayna Breigh is making a name for herself in the Christian mystery and suspense area. When she combines the suspense with a healthy dose of inspiration, a hunky hero, and an overachieving judge for a heroine, Breigh checks all the boxes for an enjoyable and fascinating story. Breigh also brings her legal background and knowledge into the tale to authenticate it and educate the reader. I enjoy learning new things while reading an engrossing book, so this was very entertaining to me.

Attorney Jimmy Dean Cash is a fantastic hero with a troubled past, but a heart for kids, widows, and people who’ve been wronged. Mahalia Jackson is the youngest female judge in LA and has her career all mapped out. She’s very beautiful and focused but needs someone like JD Cash to ruffle her feathers a bit. When they get thrown together to mentor some teens in the Junior Jurors Program, their preconceived futures get shaken up.

The characters are well-drawn and engaging, the plot is compelling and interesting, and the inspirational themes add depth to the story. I’m looking forward to more stories from this talented author.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.

Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.

Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.

A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk. 

 

Kregel Publications, January, 2026
Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:
Buy AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House