DESIRE OF MY HEART and WITH ALL MY HEART by Heidi Gray McGill, Reviewed by Rebecca

 Shumard Oak Bend Novels 

(Discerning God’s Best Book 1 and 2)

REBECCA'S REVIEWS:

DESIRE OF MY HEART
"Tomorrow, we will begin the process of selecting a husband for you now that you are nearing womanhood."

Horrified that the director of the orphanage where Rachel and her brother Charlie had spent most of their life was about to bid out her future, she makes a courageous decision, to marry a grieving widower and take care of his two children. It was the only way that Rachel could think of to make sure that she and Charlie could be able to stay together. And so, slipping off in the dead of night, Rachel and Charlie become Trexlers.

With a roof over her head, a kind husband, and a household to manage, Rachel's life begins to fall into a pleasant routine before unexpected circumstances make it clear that God has a few more chapters to write into her story; many of which will be challenging, some of which will be painful.

This emotional family saga, with its amazing array of characters from so many corners of Rachel's life, is a wellspring of applied spiritual truths resulting in a sure hope and blessed assurance that God does indeed give us the desires of His heart! 

WITH ALL MY HEART
When Pete Manning happens upon Singing Bird's dog Honi, hurt and alone, he fears the worst. After giving the loyal animal rest and sustenance, he depends on Honi to lead him straight to Singing Bird and her son Little Sun, who desperately need his help. On the one hand, Pete is relieved to lay eyes on the one woman who he has been unable to forget, but on the other hand, her life is hanging in the balance until Pete can send for reinforcements.

Ironically, Pete's solitary life had very recently been interrupted by the sudden appearance of another woman; his niece. Tired of city life and endless expectations, Lizzy had decided to escape into the wide open spaces of rural Missouri where she could demonstrate her skills as an experienced horsewoman. It didn't take long before she caught the eye of one of Pete's neighbors, Charlie Trexler, who has plans of his own, or so he thinks. God is obviously taking Pete's resolve to wait on the Lord to strengthen his heart to an entirely new level.

After reading the first book in this series, I was highly motivated to read the second; Pete and Singing Bird's story was guaranteed to be special . . . and it was . . . and it was so much more! Reuniting with familiar characters while they courageously struggled and vigorously rejoiced was both a blessing and an encouragement! The story also introduces readers to new members of the Shumard Oak Bend community, ensuring there will be even more stories just waiting to be told! 

*I purchased these books and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurbs:

DESIRE OF MY HEART
𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈.

In the heart of 1858 Missouri, Rachel's world is a whirlwind of uncertainty. But amidst the darkness of her circumstances, she clings to the promise of joy that God whispers to her soul.

Facing the grim reality of being sold off into marriage as she ages out of the orphanage, Rachel refuses to accept her fate. With determination blazing in her heart, she hatches a daring plan with her beloved brother to escape the cruel grip of destiny.

Enter Melvin, a widower burdened with raising two young children alone. Desperate for help, he sees a glimmer of hope in Rachel—a chance for a new beginning through a marriage of convenience.

As God intertwines their lives, the five of them embark on a journey that transcends the bounds of blood, forming an unlikely family bound by love, resilience, and unwavering faith. Through trials and triumphs, they forge a home where hope blooms even in the harshest of circumstances.

But just when they think they've found their slice of heaven on Earth, tragedy strikes, threatening to shatter their newfound happiness. Yet, guided by the light of God's love and surrounded by a steadfast community, they rise from the ashes stronger than ever before.

Rachel's adventure unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, where every twist and turn brings her closer to her heart’s desire. Yet, in her quest for love, purpose, and security, she discovers that God's plans far surpass her wildest dreams.

Join Rachel on her breathtaking journey through the untamed landscapes of the past, where love, faith, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow illuminate even the darkest of nights.

In this powerful Christian historical fiction, award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill weaves an enthralling tale of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of God's grace.

For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

WITH ALL MY HEART
Accepting love after rejection is a journey of its own.

On the untamed frontier of the 1860s, Pete Manning seeks refuge from a past shadowed by regret. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing, his homestead and life feel empty without the woman who once stole his heart.

Singing Bird, cast out by her Arapaho tribe, flees with her son, finding herself drawn back to Pete—the man she once loved. Their paths intertwine once more, stirring old wounds and reigniting buried desires.

A glimmer of hope emerges as Pete and Singing Bird navigate the complexities of their shared history. But as emotions run high and buried truths come to light, Pete and Singing Bird must confront their fears and embrace the love they've always longed for.

In this powerful Christian historical fiction, award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill vividly portrays passion, forgiveness, and redemption in the rugged frontier. With each turn of the page, readers will be swept away on a journey of faith, hope, and the enduring power of love.

“With All My Heart” is clean and wholesome fiction for Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans. This sequel to “Desire of My Heart,” book one in the Discerning God’s Best series, will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

BOTH STORIES ARE:
• Full-length Christian historical fiction
• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Timeline: 1858 – 1857
• For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford 

 Find the series in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook at Amazon

THE LAST NOEL: A Romantic Suspense Christmas Collection, Reviewed by Rebecca

 A Romantic Suspense Christmas Collection

 by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, Kimberley Woodhouse

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
A very well written complication of romantic suspense Christmas themed novellas!

"I didn't know who else to call." - Do You See What I See? by Sarah Hamaker

Alone with her foster sister's two young children, Oakleigh Wright calls the only person she knows who might come to her rescue in the middle of the night at a random truck stop. . . except . . . Joseph Talbot used to be the love of her life . . . seven years ago. When Joseph does indeed answer the call, Oakleigh has no choice but to omit some pertinent details regarding her predicament. In the end, it doesn't matter, members of a dangerous gang are following their every move. Will Oakleigh and Joseph witness a Christmas miracle? . . . pray it is so.

This little story started playing tunes on my heartstrings right away, with its cuddly kids and tender, romantic reunion!

"Now her fancy toenails had nothing to look forward to except encasement in her Christmas socks." - Do You Hear What I Hear? by Jayna Breigh

After her long awaited Christmas vacation is abruptly cancelled by an unforeseen legal deadline, trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely holiday buried in case files. Imagine her surprise when her roommate's brother (who also happens to be her own personal heart-breaker) shows up downstairs on the couch the next morning. Please say it isn't so! Wasn't Jack Grant supposed to be in Australia!

Between her sneaky grandmother and Jack's genuine remorse, Elise's lethargic holiday spirit has nowhere to go but up! But first things first, she has a case to solve!

The sweetest of second chance stories with a dollup of Christmas grace!

"Transplanting her life to Alaska and running a popular food truck had been born out of grief and betrayal, but it brought her joy." - Do You Know What I Know? by Kimberly Woodhouse

When a highly publicized and televised cooking competition went terribly wrong, Faith Thibodeaux took the necessary time to heal from her injuries before moving all the way from Louisiana to Alaska with her famed gumbo recipe and begins running a highly successful food truck business. Shocked to see the face of her former boyfriend in the customer line, once again a camera happens to catch the incident. What were the chances that Gabe Rougeau has changed as much as he claims?

A deeply emotive second chance romance sprinkled with culture, complications and Christmas cheer. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

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

 

SABOTAGE GAMES by Danielle Grandinetti, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery (Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency Book 3)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
It was fun being a fly on the wall and experiencing the Olympic Trials at Lake Placid, New York in 1939.

Emma is a sports journalist with the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency going to cover the trials for the Winter Olympics. She fortuitously is billeted in the house of two Olympic hopefuls. 

What fascinated me was the history of these particular games. Only two events were open to women athletes. But they were preparing to extend more of the events to include women. In addition, Franklin Roosevelt, who was governor at the time, was slated to start his campaign for the Presidency. It was a pivotal time in history considering the threat of war and the stigma that Jewish athletes faced. 

An absorbing story that saw Emma grow in her faith and also find things in common with Ryan Callahan, a speed skater and runner vying for a place on the Olympic team. With danger hovering, romance blooming and faith sustaining, this is another chapter in the Di Stasio Agency series that is sure to please historical fiction readers.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by 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:
Who will pay the ultimate price for Olympic Gold?

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock is determined to claim her place in the press box, despite the male colleagues who slam the door in her face. But when a mysterious illness begins systematically sidelining athletes, Emma’s gift for spotting patterns reveals a plot far more sinister than mere competition.

With the Games in his own backyard, Olympic sprinter Ryan Callahan laces up his speed skates to compete in his first winter games. He has no time for distractions—especially not the inconvenience of the beautiful female journalist staying as a guest in his family’s crowded home.

But when the pattern of sabotage deepens, Emma and Ryan must work together to follow the threads before they become the next targets to fall.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery

This page-turning novel offers a sweet, slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during the historic III Olympic Winter Games—the first year women’s speed skating was featured—it unfolds against the snow-covered, high-stakes press boxes of Lake Placid, New York, in 1932.

Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and J’nell Ciesielski looking for an inspirational read.
Sabotage Games Tropes:

Sports Romance
Opposites Attract
Small-Town Romance
Partners in (Crime-Solving)
Protective Pairing

An 1932 Olympic sports romance.

Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, Book 2
Read the Whole Series
Prequel: 1892 – Undercover Wish
Book 1: 1931 – Eyewitness Sketch
Book 2: 1932 – Sabotage Games
Book 3: 1932 – Shrouded Trail
Book 4: 1933 – Fraudulent Progress
Book 5: 1935 – Pursuing Dust
Book 6: 1936 – Hostile Ally

BUY SABOTAGE GAMES at Amazon
digital ebook or paperback

SECRETS IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY by Ann Swindell, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY SERIES Book Three

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“History, mystery and books? This was going to be fun.” So says Melanie who is researching a journal penned by Queen Alma who disappeared over 100 years ago. 

This was an engaging mystery bathed in the Christian Gospel that does not feel forced but rings true. Christ being the light in darkness was a prominent theme. 

This immersive story continues the quest for answers of Queen Alma’s abdication for a life of nursing in England in wartime. 

Only part of the story has come to light so far. Now Melanie and Eddie must scour the journals to find clues to a long kept secret.
Melanie, best friend of Princess Ellie and a US citizen, has taken a job at the university teaching US History. She is feeling lonely and out of place and just knows something is missing in her life. Eddie is curator of the National Museum and is helping Melanie try to figure out if there are hidden clues in the journals.

 The author had me on the edge of my seat in the scary hidden tunnel and emotional when the characters showed their faith as they prayed for each other. It was very romantic as Melanie and Eddie grew closer to each other and to God. I almost wish the Kingdom of Lethersby was real. 

Kudos for another well-written, exemplary novel.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by White Crown Press. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb
The past year of Melanie Tallebois’s life has unraveled, both professionally and personally. Usually unflappable, she can’t understand why life isn’t going to plan. So when she’s offered a professorship at the University of Lethersby, she seizes it as her chance to find the happiness that has eluded her for as long as she can remember. The fact that her best friend is the nation’s princess and has invited her to live in the castle for the summer doesn’t hurt, either.

The only thing eluding Eddie Canon are answers. As director of the National Museum of Lethersby, he’s spent years chasing the truth behind Queen Alma’s disappearance over a century ago. Now, tasked by the royals to tie up the loose ends of the national mystery, he’s studying in the castle library and still coming up empty-handed.

The last person Eddie wants to work with is Melanie, who inserts herself into his research—and his life. She’s brash, annoying, forthright...and altogether brilliant. Eddie thinks it wise to push her away, but as the research continues to stall, he can’t ignore that their friendship has begun to blossom.

When the long-lost queen’s mysteries finally come to light, Melanie is plunged into darkness—and Eddie questions everything he thought he understood about faith and love. Together, they must uncover the secrets in the castle library and decide whether they’re willing to trust God with a story far greater than their own. 

White Crown Publishing,  September, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon