VACATION FRIENDS By Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"I know something you need to know. Someone is out to get you . . . Meet me at 5:30 a.m. on the beach. Tell no one - trust no one. . . "

Maddie Waters was confused. In beautiful Hawaii, on a business retreat with employees from her fiance's tech company, "the message sounded so ominous". Turns out, it was. Terrified by her own near death experience trying to save the life of a total stranger, she forms vacation friendships with the bystanders who rescued her out of the water. Certainly paradise . . . would not "become her grave". Would it?

Everyone's a suspect. Everyone's a victim. Everyone and no one, it's all so confusing. With her distinctive "whodunit" style featuring twist after twist, and turn after turn, the author invites her readers along on an island vacation that none of them will choose to repeat.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Explore the dark side of paradise, where sun-soaked beaches hide deadly secrets . . .

When Maddie Waters joins her fiancé, Josh Harding, in Hawaii for his company’s luxurious weeklong corporate retreat, Josh wants her to help him secure the prestigious role of CEO for the high-tech firm. However, someone with a dark secret has other plans, and everything changes when a series of deaths and near-fatal “accidents” plague the event.

With a determined detective circling and her relationship with Josh unraveling, Maddie finds refuge in a new group of friends. She soon forms an uneasy alliance with the handsome and mysterious Brody, hoping he can help her uncover the truth.

As secrets are exposed, tension mounts and relationships crumble. Maddie finds herself nearly drowning in a riptide of lies and deception. She must unravel a complex conspiracy and confront her own past—or risk becoming the next victim. 

 

River Heights Publishing, July, 2024

Available in digital ebook, or paperback

Buy VACATION FRIENDS at Amazon

THE CLOVERTON CHARADE by Sarah E. Ladd, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

(The Houses of Yorkshire Series Book 3)

Olivia Brannon has a secret and she is not the only one. Olivia is hired by a widow to evaluate an extensive private collection of antiquities at Cloverton Hall. Under the guise of a house party, Lucas Avery is also invited to Cloverton Hall by the new heir to catalog and broker his uncle’s vast quantity of artifacts.

But there is much more going on behind the scenes. Olivia and Lucas, though their families are currently at odds, vow to find out the secrets and set things right.

Lots of subterfuge, clandestine meetings and mystery, surround Cloverton Hall, and its inhabitants. This regency tale is rich in atmosphere and has a clever plot that is intriguing, where anybody could be the force behind hiding the truth for their own gain. The romance of Olivia and Lucas was believable and sweet.

Put this on your list for an interesting, historical, clean read.
* I received a digital copy for review by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*4 stars and a clean read

BackCover Blurb:
A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

-Sweet Regency romance set in the same time period as Bridgerton
-Part of the Houses of Yorkshire series but can be read as a stand-alone novel
-Book length: 83,000 words
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, September, 2024

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

Buy THE CLOVERTON CHARADE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WHEN HOPE SANK by Denise Weimer, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A DAY TO REMEMBER Series #3

"What kind of woman shed her layers and swam out into a flooded river to rescue a stranger?"

Lily Livingston is the epitome of a remarkable young woman. The outcome of the war between the states may have officially been determined, but in the hearts and souls of Arkansas men and women, the conflict was far from over. However, when tragedy strikes on the Mississippi River one evening, Lily does not flinch, but risks her life to save another, not realizing that she has brought a former prisoner of war under the roof of her uncle's inn.

After surviving the suspicious explosion aboard the steamship Sultana, Lieutenant Cade Palmer's multiple injuries may not be considered life threatening, but the severe damage to one of his hands could definitely alter his future as a surgeon. Under the tender watch-care of the innkeeper's niece, Cade begins a physical recovery that proves as excruciating as his mental and spiritual rehabilitation. Added to those challenges are the taut political tensions percolating among members of the household including the seemingly impossible bond that Cade is forming with the lovely Lily Livingston.

With the ease of an accomplished weaver, this story's maker sews together the layers of her plot with an impeccable blend of history and story, love and loss, past and present (and dare we say, future?) . . . concluding with a rather astonishing acceleration of mystery and suspense . . .altogether finding much comfort in that still small voice who whispers to our souls, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee". (Isaiah 43:2)

Perhaps hope didn't sink after all!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It?

Introducing a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

Also available in the A Day to Remember series:
When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir

Barbour Publishing, May, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy WHEN HOPE SANK at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

 

BORN OF GILDED MOUNTAINS by Amanda Dykes, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

Legends are tucked into every fold of the Colorado mountains surrounding the quaint town of Mercy Peak, where residents are the stuff of tall tales, the peaks are taller still, and lost treasure has etched mystery into the very terrain. ~(Part of the back cover blurb)

I can’t possibly add anything different to what other reviewers have said about this lovely book. All I know is Amanda Dykes has the magic touch when it comes to penning a story that you feel deep in your heart and soul. It’s about an instant lifelong friendship that spans time through the written word, connecting two people to each other and a town. It’s also about a tight-knit community hidden up in the mountain top, a family if you will, that takes care of its own. And lastly, it’s about the mystery of a missing train named “The Galloping Goose #8” that ties them all together. But it’s also much more than this, whatever was in the mailbag of the legendary #8 has the possibility of changing the course of so many lives!

“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” ~ Joan of Arc quote

I really felt like I was engulfed in this story, it touched so many emotions! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mercy (aka Marybeth Spatts) and Rusty by watching their friendship grow with each letter they wrote. Part of the unique style of writing by Dykes was including those letters. The written word has so much power, I think! I also loved all the rest of the characters and appreciated the way they took care of each other. The mystery of the missing train pieced this all together for me, I was rooting for it to finally be found so there can be resolution for each of the townspeople…especially Rusty.

My favorite thing about this was how Dykes incorporated a faith thread that reminded me (and the characters) how much God loves us, is with us and gives us hope no matter how dark the circumstances of our lives can be at times. I loved reading the wisdom Rusty shares in her letters, she is wise beyond her young years.

This was my first book by Amanda, but certainly not my last! She puts so much emotion, depth of character, and has a way with words that surrounds you completely. I have much to catch up with and I look forward to many more adventures!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House publishers and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

SEE REVIEWS by REBECCA AND WINNIE 

BackCover Blurb:
A lost treasure. A riddled quest. The healing power of friendship.

Legends are tucked into every fold of the Colorado mountains surrounding the quaint town of Mercy Peak, where residents are the stuff of tall tales, the peaks are taller still, and a lost treasure has etched mystery into the very terrain.

In 1948, when outsider Mercy Windsor arrives after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood, an abandoned estate with a haunting history, and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of the mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Railcar No. 8, which vanished years ago--along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention the fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.

Bethany House, June, 2024

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

Buy BORN OF GILDED MOUNTAINS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

TEXAS FORSAKEN by Sherry Shindelar, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

LONE STAR REDEMPTION series #1

 

"You might as well put a bullet in me. You stole my husband's life. My child will never know her father . . . I want no part of your settlements and civilization."

Eyes-Like-Sky may have not wanted the shelter and protection that U. S. Calvary Captain Garret Ramsey was offering, but she had her infant daughter, Little Star, to consider. Having lived with the Comanche tribe for seven years following her initial captivity, she had truly loved her warrior husband and was not at all eager or willing to return to the name Maggie Logan or all that it represented. Admittedly she and the Captain Ramsey had bonded in a way that she never expected; he made her feel safe.

When Eyes-Like-Sky's overbearing family member arrives at the fort prepared to whisk her away, she and Garret force themselves to make a life-changing decision, "for better and for worse" . . . the question being, could the ruse possibly work? Eyes-Like-Sky had very little of her heart left to love again and Garret deserved better.

"Little Star needs you, Sky. And so do I  . . . "

Integrating a wide span of historical and cross-cultural particulars, the author provides readers with a birds-eye view of what Texas could have been like in the 1860's when battles were fought between enemies that were seen and ideologies that remained unseen, nevertheless managing to alter the entire fabric of the country at that time . . . placing Garret and Eyes-Like-Sky irrevocably in the middle.

Enjoy this epic journey of love and loss, faith and doubt, triumph and tragedy . . . eventually rewarding this unlikely pairing with heart and . . . home.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
The man who destroyed her life may be the only one who can save it.

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Enrolled in West Point to escape his overbearing father, Captain Garret Ramsey has graduated and finds himself assigned to the Texas frontier, witnessing the brutal Indian War in which both sides commit atrocities. Plagued by guilt for his own role, Garret seeks redemption by taking responsibility for the woman he widowed and her baby. Though he is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them, is he willing to risk everything for a woman whose heart is buried in a grave? Or is there hope she might heal to love once more? 

 

WildHeart Books, May 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy TEXAS FORSAKEN at Amazon

SHELTERING YOU by Robin Patchen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Sheltering You: Terror in Shadow Cove 

(The Wright Heroes of Maine Book 4)

"There had to be a way out of the friend zone."

Except that Derrick's brother Michael had intimated that,"There's a lot about Jasmine you don't know". Wrestling with his thoughts about the lovely Iraqi woman wasn't getting him any closer to revealing his heart, so when the person in question approaches Derrick with an extraordinary request, his traitorous heart takes over his good sense and he replies, "yes".

What had she been thinking? Clearly Jasmine's plan to rescue her friend from a terrible situation was well-intentioned, but the aftermath had placed Derrick, and by association his family and her sister, squarely in the middle of danger they had vowed to avoid. More importantly . . . Derrick did not know everything about her . . . and whose fault was that? Hers, and hers alone.

When it becomes clear that all the running, hiding, and sheltering was still not enough, things get dicey, the truth comes out, and God comes through. There's no other explanation than that.

What a wonderful, high octane romantic suspense that seemed doomed from the beginning . . . until the end.*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
In the sleepy town of Shadow Cove, Maine, a woman’s desperate flight becomes a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse.

After escaping Iraq with her twin sister, Jasmine seeks refuge from Qasim, the terrorist she was forced to marry. She’s determined to carve out a safe haven in this peaceful coastal town for herself and her unborn child. But her polygamous husband’s relentless pursuit threatens to shatter her fragile world, leaving her with nowhere to hide.

Enter Derrick, a guardian angel in the guise of a friend.

Drawn to Jasmine's quiet strength, Derrick vows to shield her from harm, even as the boundaries of friendship blur into something deeper. Unaware of Jasmine's secret, he agrees to help her rescue and hide another Iraqi refugee woman and her younger brother in the US. Derrick will do anything for Jasmine, his heart yearning for a connection she refuses to embrace.

All the while, Qasim is closing in.

He took Jasmine as his second wife for one reason, and she carries that reason her womb. Once his heir is born, nothing will stop Qasim from bringing him home to his beloved first wife and disposing of Jasmine—and he will take out anybody else who stands in his way.

Join the Wright Heroes of Maine for an edge-of-your-seat international romantic suspense that takes you on the run with a heroine in hiding, a secret baby, and unrequited love. 

 

August, 2024 Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover. Buy SHELTERING YOU at Amazon

WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS by Lynn Austin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

This was a delightful story in four parts, corresponding to the Four Candles of Advent: Hope- Love-Joy- Peace.
 

After his mother died, all 8 year old Jack wants is to find his 3 year old sister Polly and wait for his father to come home for Christmas. He runs away from an orphanage and hides in the bushes at the townhouse of Addy and Howard.
 

It was great to reconnect with Addy and Howard from All my Secrets to see how this lawyer and former wealthy lady are coping with married life. Howard is a worthy hero, hardworking and fighting for the underdog while supporting Addy and her dreams. Addy is determined to continue what her grandmother and mother started: to uplift women in the early years of the suffragette movement. She wants to be a good wife and learn domestic skills that were missing in her privileged upbringing.
Jack steals the show with his doggedness to find his missing sister and is certain his father will return by Christmas.
 

This story will tug at your heart and give you a peek at what New York City was like in the early 1900s.
 

With solid spiritual content, this story has characters who rely on God and use their God-given talents to serve their neighbors. It is all wrapped up in the joy of Christmas and its true meaning of Christ coming to earth.
 

I enjoyed this Christmas story that reminded me in a way of The Gift of the Magi by O’Henry.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing 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:
In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

The novella length of this delightful work of Christmas fiction about the true meaning of Christmas makes this a great stocking stuffer or host/hostess gift
-Beautiful hardcover, giftable size
-Great companion to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

 

Tyndale Fiction, September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, hardcover, or audiobook:

Buy WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

A TOKEN OF LOVE by Carrie Turansky, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

(A Victorian London Split-Time Christian 

Historical Romance Novel)

This was a dual time story that tells the history of the London Foundling Home and later the London Foundling Museum. The author has done wonderful research into the practice of leaving a token with the home in hopes of reclaiming the children given into its care. It is based on fact, real people and documented stories of children in 1885 London. 

Ms. Turansky weaves a touching tale of searching for a lost daughter and the shocking practices that were uncovered in connection to the foundling home. Present day has acting director of the museum Janelle and videographer Jonas researching the Foundling Home for a fund raising video for the museum. What they uncover has Janelle questioning the outcome if certain things come to light as they search for the truth behind it all. 

An interesting part was the recounting of the first investigative journalist in 1855 London. See how the past impacts the future in this fascinating tale based on real events. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

 

Bethany House Publisher, September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook

Buy A TOKEN OF LOVE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

SO TRUE A LOVE by Joanna Barker, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #ReleaseDay

 

(Proper Romance Regency)

“There is no harm in relying on those we love for help.”

Joanna Barker is a talented author who writes delightfully charming and entertaining stories with carefully-crafted, engaging characters and captivating plots. Her talents shine in her new book So True a Love, set in Regency England in 1803. Verity Travers is a plucky, determined, and endearing private investigator who has supposedly given up investigating crimes, but just can’t help herself when she finds herself involved in them. When she, quite literally, runs into handsome and capable Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, they combine forces to solve a crime.

“Rare were the times when all my flaws joined together to defeat me, but tonight was clearly one of them.”

I enjoyed the interaction between Verity and Nathaniel and the way their relationship slowly evolved as they worked together. Barker’s wit and humor was readily apparent in the tale and heightened my enjoyment of it.

“I highly recommend falling in love with a determined, headstrong sort of woman. That way when she makes up her mind to marry you, there’ll be no talking her out of it.”

If you enjoy clean and wholesome historical romance, I recommend this book and author to you. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors in this genre.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society—and the last woman one would suspect as having worked as a private investigator. But she has hung up that dangerous hat to live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of an armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as his keen mind, quick wit, and determination to keep her out of danger muddle her progress—and her heart.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze. 

Shadow Mountain Publishing, September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy SO TRUE A LOVE at Amazon

CHRISTMAS AT SUGAR PLUM MANOR by Roseanna M. White, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor: (An Inspirational Historical Holiday Romance Inspired by The Nutcracker Set in Edwardian-era England) 

 
PAULA'S REVIEW:
Delightful story full of the magic of Christmas. Mariah Lyons, stepdaughter of the Earl of Plumford, loves her stepfather and Plumford Manor. Too bad she cannot inherit the estate. It goes to a distant relative, Cyril Lightbourne. Long ago, Cyril and Mariah were friends but lost touch as they grew up. Now Cyril has returned to learn to become the Earl.

Cyril and Mariah unearth an old play they composed when they were youngsters and enlist the village children to entertain everyone on Christmas Eve.

Full of the spirit of Christmas and quite a few things Nutcracker Suite, this tale also has themes of reconciliation, forgiveness and childhood innocence. And above all, it showed the reason for Christmas: that Christ came in humility to dwell among His people.

This story totally put me in the mood for Christmas with snow, sugarplums, nutcrackers and fairies. It was a community working together to bring joy.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author and an ecopy via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"Enter to a world of terror and delight. Of dastardly villains and heroes so bright. Enter to a world of magical things . . . of miracles and mayhem and the hope to which we cling . . . "

Not one, but two eligible bachelors arrived at Plumford Manor during this particular Christmas season. Both entertained thoughts of one lovely woman, perhaps for totally different reasons, and then again perhaps not. Lady Mariah Lyons had known Cyril Lightbourne as a childhood friend, and the stoic Danish Lord Gyldenkrone? . . . only from afar. Apparently, Soren wanted to close that distance and return home with an English bride-to-be; and Cyril? What did Cyril want?

Perhaps an enchanting encore performance of a familiar tale, re-written during the fanciful years of childhood will bring back the magic . . . or in this case the miraculous . . . applause.

"But that's what Christmas is about isn't it? The impossible becoming real. An infinite God becoming a fragile human babe. . . . Perhaps if I can help them to laugh and consider, just for a moment, that this world is more than it may seem at first glance, then they'll be willing to trust that the world beyond is more too."

A delightfully romantic Christmas tale!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

Bethany House Publishing, September, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy CHRISTMAS AT SUGAR PLUM MANOR at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

LOWCOUNTRY LOST by T. I. Lowe, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

"Can a person be a ghost town? I believe I am. Once flourishing . . . Similar to an abandoned town, everyone and everything abandoned me but the trauma, the grief it produced, and the silence that followed."

Avalee Elvis was merely existing, rather than living. Her renovation skills were extraordinary, her accomplishments many, while the dark circles under her eyes served as a testament to the wasteland residing within. When Avalee's restoration company, Lowcountry Lost, is contracted by a group of investors to bring an obscure ghost of a town back to life, Avalee goes right to work envisioning Somewhere, South Carolina as a prime destination. However . . . .

  . . . when the rumble of a motorcycle sounds, toting a familiar form and carrying a familiar voice, how does Avalee respond? . . . like the adult she is pretending to be, she runs and hides. How dare Rowan Murray show up in her town!

Thankfully there were some wildly winsome characters between these pages, (both human and canine) for the tension pulsating between Avalee and Rowan was thick enough to cut with a knife. Just like each building on Somewhere's streets, demolition preceded restoration, meaning there were some really painful moments between the two of them; after all, grief doesn't hand out favors, but grace . . . flows freely.

"We'd lost a lot, but look how much we'd found" . . . It seems that second chances are often under-rated.

Romantic! Entertaining! Hopeful! Grateful! . . . . this author successfully puts Somewhere, South Carolina on the map . . . . of outstanding stories!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been.

Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.

Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can’t miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.

Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it’s not too late for a restoration of their own.

From the author of the breakout Southern fiction bestseller Under the Magnolias comes a story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love.

-Contemporary Southern romance with a second chance romance trope
-Special features include: discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Avalee and Rowan’s love story
-Contains themes of loss and restoration
-For fans of HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, Home Town, and Good Bones

Tyndale Fiction, September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback,  and audiobook

Buy LOWCOUNTRY LOST at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

BEYOND IVY WALLS by Rachel Fordham, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

“What is normal? Why can’t it be normal to be varied and different? In a world full of colors and shapes and backgrounds, who decided we were all supposed to be the same?”

It’s always a treat to read a book by Rachel Fordham, and Beyond Ivy Walls is no exception. With vibes of Beauty and the Beast and references to Jane Eyre, the storyline pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Set in Iowa in the early 1900s, it features Sadie West who is working in a feather duster factory and Otis Taylor who is returning to his home in the same town. Otis is somewhat of a recluse because of physical and emotional scars but is also an accomplished pianist and heir to the family home and land. When he reluctantly returns to settle the family affairs, he meets Sadie who is trying to help her family survive while her father heals from an injury. These main characters, along with a stellar cast of secondary characters, are engaging, relatable and well-drawn. I enjoyed the banter between them and the changing relationship as they got to know each other.

“Plans are a good thing, if they’re held lightly. Some folks hold on too tight and they can’t let go when life changes.”

This story is well-written and captivating with themes of acceptance of others and the importance of families, whether they are biological or pieced together with love. I enjoyed the author’s note at the end with a little background on the writing of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.

Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece.

At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, August 2024

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

Buy BEYOND IVY WALLS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

 

 

WHEN THE MOUNTAIN CRUMBLED by Angela K. Crouch, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

(A Day to Remember Book 4)

The author pens a gripping account of the tragedy of April 29, 1903 in the Canadian Rockies when the town of Frank was buried in a rockslide. Most of the characters were based on real people and the author imagined what their lives were like. The hero was Nathan, a Royal North West Mounted Police officer who came to town to search for his brother and family. But he finds that only his three nieces have survived. Samantha, the teache who boarded with them is asked to help care for the girls.
 

The story realistically tells of the practical and emotional hardships encountered during the aftermath of the incident. After questioning how such a thing could have happened, Nathan begins to write the miracles in a notebook, showing that God provided protection and provision. With the three little girls being separated and sent to live with different brothers, Nathan seeks a solution to reunite them. But there are hurts to overcome and spiritual growth to be accomplished.
Another heartfelt telling of an interesting event in the series: A Day To Remember.
*A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Though Mountains Crumble, Hope Is Not Buried

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Discipline and rules are the foundation on which Samantha Ingles has built her life—the life of a spinster schoolteacher in a small mining town in the Canadian Rockies. All that crumbles from her grasp when part of a mountain crashes down on their community.

Constable David Harty has little patience for the strict schoolmarm but has no choice but to leave his three young nieces in her care while he tries to discover the fate of his brother. Already, the girls have lost their mother and brothers to the landslide and require comfort and love while they await the fate of their father, possibly buried in the coal mine.

With the mountain looming over their heads threatening more lives, and the town scrambling to save who they can from the rubble, can hearts find healing—both for their own sakes and the children in their care?

Also available in the A Day to Remember series:
When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir
When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer 

Barbour Publishing, September 1, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy WHEN THE MOUNTAIN CRUMBLED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

VIRGINIA by Shannon McNear, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

Daughters of the Lost Colony, Book 4

 REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"Even so, we will sorrow in this life for the parting from those we love . . . Yet who can say whether God might have some sovereign purpose in such loss, which we cannot see in this moment?"

The Providence of God pours down from heaven like a gentle rain throughout this story, permeating and hydrating every detail, giving each and every participant the steadfast assurance that not a single minute of life is wasted, and what remains is meant as a sacred gift. Is the path without heartache? Absolutely not.

When Virginia Dare and two of her childhood companions disappear from their settlement, most of their family and friends fear the worst and rightfully so. The trio of captives is forced to adapt to an entirely new environment within the confines of the Mandoac tribe who treat them as virtual slaves, though Ginny is given a most unusual option that would elevate her in the eyes of her captors while severely compromising her faith. Assigned to Ginny as a language instructor and translator is a young warrior of Spanish descent, a previous captive himself whose relationship with her proves to be the most life changing, in every way that matters.

The magnitude of research that forms the basis for this credible fictional account of what may have happened to the descendants of the infamous Lost Colony of Roanoke is incredible. Each character is a direct result of using what is known to mold the lives of those whose names we will never know. They lived with purpose! And courage. And faith. May it be so!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Very little is known about what happened to the settlers of Roanoke in the late 1500s. But with extensive research and her fertile imagination, Ms. McNear has woven a captivating story of Virginia Dare, the first English baby born on North American soil.

Since their disappearance, with the only clue the word Croatoan carved on a tree, the colony is thought to have moved inland and assimilated into a friendly indigenous tribe. The story fleshes out what could have happened as Ginny grew up, was captured by a rival tribe and how God furthered His kingdom in the New World.

Great faith was shown by the colonists as they rely on God for provision and as they convert the tribe to Salvation in Christ. 

“Twas God, the Lord of every tribe, tongue, nation, whether they owned Him or not, who held them in His hands, after all.”

A wonderfully crafted story full of danger, villainy, but also of love, integrity, sacrifice and redemption. It was a true joy to read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
The White Doe of the Outer Banks Grows into Womanhood

Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare--the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. In the spring of 1602 by English reckoning, "Ginny," as she is called by family and friends, is fourteen and firmly considered a grown woman by the standards of the People. For her entire life she has watched the beautiful give-and-take of the Kurawoten and other native peoples with the English who came from across the ocean. She's enjoyed being the darling of both English and Kurawoten alike--but a stirring deep inside her will not be put to rest.

One careless decision lands her and fellow “first baby” Henry Harvie, along with their Croatoan friend Redbud, in enemy hands. Carried away into Mangoac territory, out of the reach of Manteo and the others, she must learn who she truly is—not only the daughter of Elinor and Ananias Dare but also a child of the One True God, who gives her courage to go wherever the path of her life might lead.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity gained from extensive research.

Also of interest:
Elinor by Shannon McNear (Book 1 – Daughters of the Lost Colony)
Mary by Shannon McNear (Book 2 – Daughters of the Lost Colony)
Rebecca by Shannon McNear (Book 3 – Daughters of the Lost Colony) 

Barbour Fiction, September, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy VIRGINIA at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

A MATTER OF HONOR by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom . . . "- Shakespeare

Love that bears all things . . . reminiscent of the book of I Corinthians . . . a love that Orin Hume and Lady Maryn Lockhart saw disintegrate one fateful winter evening when death and injury snuffed out the seemingly limitless bounds of youthful adoration. Much has changed on the outside since then, but on the inside?  . . . their hearts still beat with a familiar rhythm. If only they could remember the melody, when perhaps it will be the words. . ."ever thine".

One of the best novellas that I have ever read sporting a plethora of spirited, albeit careful conversations . . . an ever so tender excavation of painful moments and memories, alongside a faithful call to prayer when decisions become most difficult . . . plus! Revisiting these beloved characters was pure, unadulterated joy!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Orin Hume from The Rose and the Thistle comes of age in A Matter of Honor and ventures beyond Scotland's borders, achieving a renown all his own, only to return home again to reclaim the life and lady he once loved.

Having grown up at Wedderburn Castle in the serene Scottish Lowlands, Orin Hume is thrust into the dazzling realm of London society and Court circles as Poet Laureate of Britain. But at the height of his fame a former tragedy and his ties to a lass he once loved lead him home to Berwickshire again. When his return is further marred by lost love letters and scheming kin who conspire to keep the pair apart, can Lady Maryn Lockhart, now Duchess of Fordyce, forgive him? Or will the shadows of the past and the complexities of the present rewrite their love story?

July, 2024

Buy A MATTER OF HONOR in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

 

MULDOON'S MISFORTUNES by E. V. Sparrow CELEBRATION TOUR Reviewed and Hosted by Paula Shreckhise

About the Book

Book: Muldoon’s Misfortunes

Author: EV Sparrow

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: July 16, 2024

A cursed widower forsakes his faith to ensure his hope.

On a verdant island beset by poverty and death, Mick Muldoon dares to escape his misfortunes. Is working a farm and raising a family such an impossible thing to ask? Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers—not turn a deaf ear?

After surviving the treacherous voyage to America, Mick discovers the rumors of ample opportunity aren’t exactly true. His defective body hampers employment and keeps him dependent upon his peculiar sister. However, an unexpected invitation to move to the heartland guarantees his dreams.

Mick’s own dreadful choices hamper his hopes when he accepts work as a widow’s farmhand. Unbeknownst to him, there’s deception afoot. Mick’s inattention to love causes catastrophe as single fatherhood cruelly shatters his family. Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time?

In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, this misguided, wayward widower encounters God’s unexpected presence.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sparrow has served on missions, worship, and prayer teams and in Divorce Care and Single’s Ministry. She’s now a published short story writer turned novelist. Sparrow offers readers encounters with God’s unexpected presence through her character’s adventures. She once bought a one-way ticket to Israel to work on a kibbutz and spent a weekend hopping a freight train. As Grammy to seven grandchildren, they ask why she always buys them books.

More from EV

Muldoon’s Misfortunes is Book 1 in Those Resilient Muldoons historical fiction series.

In Ireland’s history, there was a time when it was wild, fraught with peril, and without knowledge of God Almighty. Then came St. Patrick, a real man, determined to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to that pagan island. The transformation of that country from the spiritual darkness it worshiped was phenomenal. Yet ancient superstitions remain.

Certain aspects of my great-grandfather’s life in the 1800s inspired my Irish main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick’s faith is a traditional type and a profound piece that holds together Irish communities. He often secretly doubts God cares anything about him. He could be invisible for all the attention He pays to Mick’s prayers. But God, being who He is, won’t allow that misconception forever. Mick encounters God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it. God persists in pursuing him.

When we’re brokenhearted, we can easily miss the signs of His presence. We may grapple with our beliefs or more intimacy with God in the modern world as well. Do we believe our God can’t see us, or hear our prayers, or that He struggles with drawing close to us because we’re unworthy and He is holy? Do we make choices because of our misbeliefs that can unbalance the God ordained, spiritual strength triangle of faith, hope and love?

Mick’s faith weakens further with his disappointments and influences of the wild and lawless lands during the Gilded Age. He sets damaging things into motion that he could’ve avoided. He’s glad to be finally free of the religious culture of Ireland and living like his chums, and what’s wrong with that?

Because he believes God didn’t pay any attention to him, he doesn’t expect any consequences. He’s in control of his own life now. The results of his choices bring him face to face with his choices, and a holy God He thought ignored him, and the blessings He bestows despite Mick’s misbeliefs.

I hope readers will find more faith in a loving God from Mick’s story as well.

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This is a sad saga based on a real relative of the author. Much of the story is full of heart breaking things that happened to Mick Muldoon. He is an Irish Catholic and has some superstitions mixed in with the religion he grew up with.
In the detailed descriptions, the author recounts the depths of depravity that a person could experience before finally understanding the forgiveness and true Salvation that Christ brings. 
 

This was a thorough look at a hurting soul who was attempting to evade Mr. Death by his own means rather than look to God as his strength. Some of the content was unsavory but it illustrated the contrast between the unrepentant and the person who has finally turned control over to God. I had a hard time reading this because Mick was so mired in sin and some of the characters were shown to be justifying their way of life. Some of the bright spots were the conversations with the children, especially chatterbox Bridget. Another was the way God sent Dr. Dora to Mick at just the right time to help him both spiritually and physically. And of course the complete turnaround and redemption for Mick. 

 *I received a digital copy of this title through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 3 stars and a solid faith thread

Blog Stops

Lily’s Corner, August 28

Book Looks by Lisa, August 29

Inkwell Inspirations, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 1

Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 4

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 6

Guild Master, September 7 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, September 8 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 9

Back Porch Reads, September 10 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY