INTO A GOLDEN ERA by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula

 

An Inspirational Gold Rush and Hollywood Golden Age-Era Time Travel Romance

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Let's decide to hope. To believe that God will make a way where there seems to be none."

Time-crosser Ally Bennett, a notable 1929 Hollywood film star is also Ally Adams, a near destitute newcomer to 1849 San Francisco. As her twenty-fifth birthday draws near, the decision of which pathway to choose as her forever life becomes blurred as her small family owned production company faces bankruptcy and her chances of striking gold in California seems nearly impossible.

Two men also take up room in Ally's dilemma. One, a charming playboy whose reputation has been shattered and needs the respectability that a fake romance with Ally could provide, the other a boardinghouse owner whose past is just as damaged as her Hollywood heartthrob. After Ally finally makes up her mind, history throws a significant obstacle into her plans, and every time-crosser knows how dangerous it is to change the course of history.

With impressive expertise, this author constructs a bridge between two very different but equally interesting time periods, all while reminding her readers that wherever, whenever, God has a plan and is trustworthy even when the end of the story seems impossible to write.

PAULA'S REVIEW
Another compelling time-crossing novel by the talented Gabrielle Meyer. While each story in the series consists of two timelines, each story is unique and mesmerizing. This time Ally Adams is in San Francisco in 1849 and looking to strike it rich in the gold fields. Her other timeline is 1929 in Hollywood as a leading lady for her family’s production company, just as talkies are emerging. 

It was fascinating how the stories connected and showed the dangers of trying to change history, even in the slightest way. Since the times are only 80 years apart, you could possibly meet someone you had known in your other time. You could feel the pull that each time had on Ally as she tries to make a decision of which time she chooses to stay in. 

With stellar research, Ms Meyer deftly crafts another distinctive story that brings home faith lessons and the meaning of true love and sacrifice.
*I purchased a copy of this book from Baker Book House and read an ecopy via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are mine alone.*5+ stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Two eras. One future. An impossible choice that will determine the course of history.

As a time-crosser, Ally lives in two worlds. In 1849, in an attempt to secure her family's future during the California Gold Rush, she finds herself penniless and stranded in San Francisco. Forced to take shelter in a dangerous boardinghouse owned by an infamous gang member, Ally is desperate to escape. But when she discovers that history has changed around her, and it now claims she will do something unthinkable, she must use her time-crossing knowledge to find answers.

In 1929, Ally is an up-and-coming starlet during the Golden Age of Hollywood, but her family's film studio is on the brink of ruin, and their remaining resources are invested into a production of Little Women. If the endeavor fails, Ally's family will lose everything. To ensure their success, she agrees to stage a fake romance with a notorious Hollywood heartthrob in hopes of using his fame for their movie, but she risks her heart in the process. When history doesn't play by the rules, Ally must decide if she will throw all caution aside and risk everything for the people she loves. But which path will be worth sacrificing to save the other?  

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2026

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

Buy INTO A GOLDEN ERA at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

IF ALL ELSE SALES by Emma St. Clair, Reviewed by Kim

A Sweet Grumpy-Sunshine Rom-Com

KIM'S REVIEW:
I absolutely loved this story—literally everything about it! The grumpy-with-a-heart-of-gold/sunshine trope was perfection. The humor was spot on, and the ending was beautiful. There’s also a bonus story from Emma St. Clair that I absolutely loved!

Wyatt is basically amazing. From his grumpiness to his feverish ramblings to his heart of gold—perfection. Josie is full of sunshine and personality, and I loved how she brought out the best in Wyatt. The humor woven throughout was another highlight for me.

I will say, though, I didn’t really see this as an enemies-to-lovers romance. To me, it felt more like a misunderstanding on Josie’s part mixed with a “he falls first” romance—and I loved that about it.

I highly recommend If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair. 5 stars.
I purchased this book. This is a clean read. 

BackCover Blurb:
USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

In this grumpy-sunshine romance, school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend--hockey player Wyatt Jacobs--are tricked into spending a summer together that's anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie's brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn't just one of her sports agent brother's clients. He's also his best friend. And Josie's sworn enemy.

Oh--and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle's ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt's first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they'll be able to make it home without killing--or kissing?--each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

If you're a fan of closed-door romance with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, and relatable characters, this romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes is your perfect escape. Dive into the irresistible story of Wyatt and Josie as they navigate the rocky waters of their past, uncover hidden depths, and discover that sometimes love is found in the most unexpected places. With the delightful grumpy-sunshine dynamic and the swoon-worthy he-falls-first trope, If All Else Sails by USA TODAY bestselling author Emma St. Clair will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Thomas Nelson, August, 2025

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

Buy IF ALL ELSE FAILS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

QUEEN BEE by Heather Day Gilbert, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This short novella packs a punch and tells a complete story. There is excitement and tension as Twila and her foster daughter flee from danger only yo find it knocking on their hideaway door. Plus add a violent wind storm and a power outage to the mix and things get doubly complicated. Twists I did not see coming. It was crafted so well I questioned everyone and everything. 

This makes me want to check out the Queen of Hearts series by this author.
* A complimentary copy was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a clean read.

BackCover Blurb:
There can only be one.

In an effort to shield her foster daughter from a stalker at school, Twila relocates to a farmstead in an Appalachian radio quiet zone. Alongside battered women who have taken shelter at Cooper's Corner, Twila and her mute teen hope to find sanctuary caring for cows, chickens, and honeybees.

But their peace turns out to be short-lived when a man with an injured ankle and a flimsy story shows up in the woods. Before Twila can shuttle him off to a doctor, a straight-line windstorm rips through the area, downing trees and power lines and cutting off the well water.

As tempers flare and dark sides surface, Twila realizes she can't trust anyone. When one of the women goes missing in the night, she fears the worst has happened.

Like a tenacious queen bee, Twila plans to sting first and ask questions later. If push comes to shove, she's ready to sacrifice herself so her traumatized daughter can finally live again.

Fans of Agatha Christie are sure to enjoy this clean, fast-paced psychological thriller set in West Virginia by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert. 

Wood Haven Press, February, 2026
Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

THE BRUNSWICK by Callie Murray, Reviewed by Winnie #JustRead

Historical Southern World War II Novel set in Georgia and Inspired by True Events with Themes of Foster and Adoption

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
"Have hope in the face of uncertainty." 

This story illustrates why historical fiction is my favorite genre. I enjoy learning about little slices of history while reading an entertaining story built around those historical happenings. The Brunswick, with settings in Norcross, Georgia and Austria during the start of WWII, centers around the Cain family's once-grand hotel. Cora Cain has been struggling to make ends meet and has turned it into a general store. When Thomas Watkins leaves medical school and arrives in town, he asks Cora for a job and assists her in making the store more profitable.

As a family friend learns about Jewish people being persecuted in Austria, she asks if Cora would be willing to turn The Brunswick into a place for Jewish children being evacuated to safety in America until their parents could arrive to reunite with them.

"Whatever story we've written for ourselves likely won't be the story we get to live." 

Themes of compassion, charity, and love for fellow man combine to make this a beautiful tale of healing, courage, and hope despite adversity. Inspired by actual happenings, Murray has written a memorable and compelling story that has deepened my knowledge and appreciation for the history of this era. It is well-researched and the characters are realistic and engaging. The author's notes at the end of the story were a wonderful, informative addition to the book. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
When Cora provides a safe haven for Jewish refugee children, she discovers that opening her doors means risking everything, including her heart.

In 1939 Georgia, far removed from the war brewing overseas, Cora Cain's world feels small--and shrinking. There, she runs The Brunswick, her family's once-grand hotel, which is now struggling as the town's general store. When Thomas Watkins arrives seeking work and solace after his mother's death, a connection sparks between them. Through Thomas, Cora glimpses a life beyond obligation and her war hero father's unpredictable moods.

But everything changes when Cora is asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish children fleeing persecution in Germany. As Cora and Thomas prepare for the children's arrival, they struggle to confront their pasts--and the prejudice of their neighbors--as their fragile hope is put to the test.

Meanwhile, in Vienna, ten-year-old Charlotte is offered refuge in America. But even with the horrors she sees around her, she wonders how her parents could possibly send her away. As war's shadow begins to reach small-town Georgia, each person must face what love demands and decide what to hold on to and what to let go. 

Revell Publishing, May, 2026

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

Buy THE BRUNSWICK at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House