THE BACHELOR SPY by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
"Beg your pardon, but Lady Astley does have a keen ability to attract. . . Curious happenings.”

Pepper Basham’s signature wit and humor shine throughout this final book in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series. It was entertaining to see what shenanigans and adventures Grace was involved in this time around. Set in England in 1915 against the background of WWI, The Bachelor Spy stars some of the characters from previous books in the series. It could possibly be read as a standalone book, but I feel it’s best to read the books in order, to get all the back story.

When Grace and Freddie’s estate, Havensbrooke Hall, is turned into a hospital for convalescing soldiers, Grace finds herself running the estate while Freddie is involved in the war effort. Freddie’s cousin, Stephen Blake, travels to Havensbrooke incognito in search of a German spy. Mayhem and mysteries ensue, and Grace is once again in her element as she works with Blake to figure out what’s going on at Havensbrooke.

“Oh, happy day! It had been far too long since she’d been part of a proper mystery.”

I enjoyed Grace’s plucky and spontaneous personality and her love of solving mysteries. It was fun to see some of the characters from previous books in the series playing a part in this tale. This is an entertaining and amusing story filled with mystery and romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.

 

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA and REBECCA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out? 

Barbour Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, and paperback

Buy THE BACHELOR SPY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

 

CONSPIRACY by Colleen Coble, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

A Sanctuary Novel Book 3

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Riveting suspense as Paradise and brother Drew try to figure out the decades long mystery of who killed their parents. As the romance plays out for Blake and Paradise, they must hold onto their faith when trouble follows them and endangers the wildlife sanctuary yet again.
 

The wrap up to the series was exciting and full of surprises. I liked the interaction between Paradise and Blake’s family. The memories keep unfolding for Paradise as she remembers what happened years ago. But if the principal players of that fateful night are gone, who is behind the attempts on her life? Who does not want the truth to come out? This bad guy was really hard to figure out.
 

Along with the mystery, there are interesting facts about the animals at the sanctuary. I liked that the main characters prayed about each obstacle that came across and chose to leave the outcome to God. Also, I appreciated the crossover characters in other series by this talented author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
Conspiracy, the third book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series (following Ambush and Prowl), delivers exactly what her fans want: the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Lynette Eason.

Fifteen years of secrets. One chance for justice.

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard--a chilling embodiment of Paradise's deepest fears--is now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can't unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

Colleen Coble's Conspiracy combines gripping suspense with slow-burn romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you. 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital book, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy CONSPIRACY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE LIGHT OF STARS by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

An Arranged-Marriage Regency Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Captivating from page one, I was fascinated by the premise of Kitty seemingly kidnapped from her life in India to find herself secluded in the English countryside. With an arranged marriage in the near future, she feels manipulated and wants nothing to do with Sebastian. She has no fond memories of the one time she met him when they were younger. 

Sebastian travels to England from India where he is being groomed to oversee the vast East India Company. He too feel manipulated by his grandfather. After the marriage of convenience takes place, Kitty and Sebastian join forces to uncover mysteries that were long in the making. 

I felt the wariness of the characters and loved the slowly developing romance. The story was very atmospheric from the ballrooms of England to the sultry sumptuousness of India. I was also intrigued by the history revealed about the East India Company as well as facts about William Wilberforce and William Carey. This author has a winning way of incorporating history into an impressive story. I enjoyed the facts about astronomy and several women who were ahead of their time in scientific knowledge. 

Kitty and Sebastian had a strong faith and that played a part in how they perceived the obstacles they came across. This journey back in time was expertly portrayed by a talented author who used careful research to write an exceptional novel.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale and by NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville's grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she's appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he's a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather's orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he's abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather's control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamic
Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2026

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

Buy THE LIGHT OF STARS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE by Courtney Walsh, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Day One of My New Life:  . . . What do I really want?"

Claire (not Wellesley anymore) Karadec has survived the first year after being publicly humiliated by her husband's betrayal, and by "public"  . . . well, is "on stage" public enough? Or should we mention the infamous "fountain event"? Pulling out a journal and beginning to list the things that she would really like to do, Claire moves from Colorado to Chicago, a city where she has always dreamed of living, espousing to do new things (like eat out alone, make new friends, own a dog) and finding a place to truly belong. Never in those wildest dreams did she imagine ever dating again.

Coordinating their efforts, Claire's daughter Minnie and intriguing neighbor (never getting married again) Miles (who happened to be an eye witness to Claire's third most embarrassing moment) set Claire up on a dating app, providing her with a variety pack of first dates, which range from sneezy to slobbery and everything else in between. Meanwhile Claire continues to draft her goals, and realizes that while "bravery can feel a lot like fear . . . it's never too late to begin again".

What a refreshing, inspiring romantic comedy!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
Life has a way of changing your path--and Claire Karadec certainly didn't plan on a fork in the road in her forties. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself--perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love--and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited to--it's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

Lose yourself in a story that's equal parts heartwarming, hopeful, and full of joy. Early readers are loving the witty humor, uplifting journey, and sweet, clean romance that makes Brighter than Before such a life-affirming escape. Grab your copy today and discover a second-chance story about courage, connection, and building a life that feels truly your own.

 

THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHING, June, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House