SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE by T. I. Lowe, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“You are loved, you are cherished, and you are chosen by our Savior, and your identity is far greater than any label someone tries to place on you.”

South of Somewhere was such a good, hopeful story. I read it in record time. From the start, I rooted for Junie who had been through so much. This story had a lot of hurt and a lot of heart. A perfect struggle-to-overcome-addiction story with a happy outcome. It had a friends to more romance, witty banter, family angst and lots of great spiritual lessons. It was a peek into how different Alcoholic Anonymous meetings operated and showed how true friendships were made. A favorite character was Gilbert who was a probation officer, sobriety coach, and father figure rolled into one. But he was there for Junie with tough love, too.

This is one of the authors who writes stories that I savor, with characters that are relatable and a writing style that I have come to appreciate with each book of hers that I read.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Tyndale through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

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BackCover Blurb:
When Juniper Wilder's grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she's burned a lot of bridges, ones that can't be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother's South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There's an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it's hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she's hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she's made.

-Contemporary Southern fiction for fans of Lauren K. Denton, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Victoria Benton Frank
-An inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romance
-Contains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found family
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Junie's story 

Tyndale Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

THE TOP OF THE WORLD by Elizabeth Camden, Reviewed by Winnie #ReleaseDay

A Heartfelt Second-Chance Contemporary Romance 

(Far & Away Book 2)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

“Was it too late for them?”

Talented author Elizabeth Camden has penned another fascinating and entertaining tale in her new book, The Top of the World. I quickly became invested in the characters and plot and didn’t want to put the book down.

Holly Fermoy and Quentin Chadwick fell in love in college, despite their vastly different backgrounds. When Holly abruptly leaves, Quentin is devastated. Twelve years later, he discovers the reason she left, and he sets out to confront her, even though it means traveling to the top of the world—a military base in northern Greenland. As Quentin and Holly reconnect and wonder if they can work through their feelings, they also try to solve a mystery involving Holly’s relative who disappeared years ago.

Realistic and engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a setting in Greenland combine for a fascinating and engrossing read. With plenty of action, suspense, some history, and a big dash of romance, this story is definitely a winner. I enjoyed the growth of the main characters as they worked through their problems and their relationship.

This is the second in the Far and Away series by Elizabeth Camden, but it can easily be real as a stand-alone book. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next story in the series. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world.

Holly Fermoy fought her way out of poverty to build a successful career in the Air Force. Stationed at a remote Arctic base in northern Greenland, she is focused on her job—and trying to forget the college romance that once lit up her world.
Quentin Chadwick, the privileged son from a powerful political dynasty, never got over the woman who vanished from his life without explanation. When he finally uncovers the truth behind her disappearance, he follows Holly to the edge of the world to make things right.

Under the midnight sun, Holly and Quentin rediscover what once drew them together—but old wounds, buried secrets, and clashing values may tear them apart again.

The Top of the World is a sweeping, heartfelt love story about second chances, resilience, and the courage to choose love against the odds.

THREE MAGNOLIAS PRESS, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and Audiobook:

Buy THE TOP OF THE WORLD at Amazon ,

THE SCORPION THIEF by Janyre Tromp, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 THREADS OF THE LOST MYTH SERIES

A Cold War, Myth-Infused Historical Thriller of Political Intrigue, Family Betrayal, and an Art Heist Worthy of the Silver Screen...

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“In order for life to mean something, Noura has to stand up and race toward what is right." 

Welcome to the world of the Cold War 70s and a subversive group who is trying to steal artifacts from the King Tut Exhibition slated to begin touring the USA.

Noura is in Cairo getting the exhibit ready for transport with the help of a team including Theo. She does not know who to trust when she suspects someone of setting things up to abscond with relics for nefarious reasons. Things and people are definitely not what they seem. Noura questions which side she is on and even if family could be involved. 

Lots of intrigue, manipulation, dangerous situations and a bit of romance. This was a well plotted story and I enjoyed the references to Egyptian mythology that tickled my imagination. With a climax in the midst of a hurricane in New Orleans, you couldn’t ask for a more interesting story.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Grafted Page Press via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars clean read

BackCover Blurb:
A deadly Cold War political game.

A cursed Egyptian artifact.

Two sisters: one the treasure's guardian, the other its thief.

Egyptologist Noura Marquette has spent her life piecing together remnants of the past, but nothing prepares her for the day her sister resurfaces in Cairo. Estranged for years, Estelle unleashes a web of whispered threats and dangerous connections that capture Noura in a treacherous snare of betrayal, art theft, and espionage.

In Washington, Nixon's administration maneuvers to use King Tutankhamun's treasures as a glittering tool of propaganda.

From the souks of Cairo to the hurricane-lashed streets of New Orleans, something older than history watches, stalking Noura as loyalties fracture and the lines between history and myth blur. Some curses never sleep, and some debts can never be paid.

GRAFTED PAGE PRESS, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon 

 

 

THE BELLE OF CHATHAM by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Any man who will stake his very life on winning independence is not easily overtaken or undone.” Mae Bohannon 

“The American Revolution was an unparalleled feat of faith, vision and endurance. May we never lose sight of what those first founders and Patriots gave us.” Laura Frantz. 

With rich historical detail, the author spins a worthy story of life during the American Revolution. The characters are interesting and have a depth that shows their faith and patriotism. I love the quotes from some of the founding fathers at the chapter beginnings. I love books that highlight historic events and hope that readers will glean some understanding and strengthen their appreciation of what our ancestors went through to give us our free country. 

Mae and Rhys captivated me with not only their love of each other but love of an emerging nation. Rhys was a true hero and a great leader. They both relied on God and His leading and both grew in their faith and loyalty. An exceptional, well researched story by a truly gifted author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

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 BackCover Blurb:
The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides—Patriots and Loyalists—causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Laura Frantz offers a stirring friends-to-lovers historical romance of divided loyalties, patriotism, sacrifice, sisterhood, and love set during the American Revolution.

 

Revell Publishing, January, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy THE BELLE OF CHATHAM at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House