THE FAULT BETWEEN US by Stephanie Landsem, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"You don't even know him, Claire. Don't make the biggest mistake of your life."

Claire Reilly's decision to marry a Montana man and live close to the middle of nowhere nearly destroyed a relationship with her father, and fractured the once strong bond with her two sisters. She and Red were happy weren't they, especially when the proverbial "money doesn't buy happiness" mantra rang true more times than not. Their baby daughter Jenny was a joy to behold and her husband's employment on a nearby ranch covered their expenses . . . except when it didn't. Two events interrupted their idyllic pie-in-the-sky lifestyle, a poor choice and a visit from two meddlesome sisters; Bridget and Frannie were on a paternal mission, bring Claire and Jenny home, with or without Red Wilder.

The family dynamics in this story were remarkably well crafted, pulling from a cache of misunderstandings and miscommunications between a young husband and his wife, but also between three daughters and the father who had raised them. Throw in small town politics, a local family's tragedy, an horrific natural disaster, and the reader is left with an avalanche of plot twists to carefully unravel.

What did I take away from this story? A seismic infusion of hope; the kind that never gives up and never gives in; that binds together what is broken and forgives words spoken out of turn as well as those that were never spoken at all, but should have been.

"It was enough - more than enough - to hold on to."
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

BackCover Blurb:
In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home—with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

-Christian historical fiction based on fascinating historical events
-Perfect for fans of Cathy Gohlke or Susan Meissner
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, November, 2025

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

Buy THE FAULT BETWEEN US at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

EVERY BEND IN THE RIVER by Emerson Ford, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Dear Mama, You always said I'd be the death of you. How did you know?"

Wild, reckless, and free-spirited, Rosanna Waters bucks her genteel mother's every attempt to transform her into a mannered young woman, until one tragic afternoon changes the trajectory of her entire family. Assuming many of the responsibilities for her large family, Rosanna still has time to catch the attention of a young Scottish indenture after boldly defending Callum Stewart in the face of a notorious bully. But as time and circumstances often do, growing up does not change the fact that life is not always fair.

Two wars punctuate this story. Rosanna marries, bears eight living children and moves from Virginia to South Carolina, her three oldest sons join the militia while the one who put his signature upon her young heart only appears in an occasional accidental memory. As you might suspect, this is not the end of the story.

There are so few authors who can write a story spanning decades of early American history and manage to seam together the most important details without overloading the reader with extraneous material. Like the flow of a river, Rosanna's story (inspired by the courageous life of the author's sixth great-grandmother) moves at a constant pace with natural bends, curves, and overflows that every great river carves along its landscape. With characters who spring to life on the page, and plot twists that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, readers will be mesmerized from beginning to end with the constancy of love and loss, tragedy and triumph, and endless reasons to hope.

"Come live with me and be my love . . . "

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

BackCover Blurb:
From bestselling author Emerson Ford comes an unforgettable true story of a spirited woman caught between freedom and duty, set against the sweeping backdrop of the American Revolution. Perfect for readers of Where the Crawdads Sing, The Four Winds,and A Girl Called Samson.

Virginia, 1749. Rosanna Waters is more comfortable catching grasshoppers for fishing bait than helping her Mama with the washing. After one defiance too many ends in terrible tragedy, Rosanna learns that her rebellious nature carries a price too steep to pay. She must tame the fire within—for her family’s sake, if not her own.

Then she meets Callum Stewart, a Scottish indentured servant with secrets as deep as the river she loves, Rosanna discovers someone who sees her for exactly who she is. But revolution changes everything. War sends Callum to battle and Rosanna into the unknowns of the South Carolina frontier, where she carves out a life from the unforgiving backcountry—eight children, a working farm, and a hard-won independence.

When the war finally arrives at her doorstep, it brings not just soldiers threatening everything she’s built, but the boy who stole her heart all those years ago—now a man with his own scars. As violence engulfs the frontier, Rosanna must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her family, and whether the woman she’s become can make peace with the girl she used to be.

Based on a true story, this is an epic tale of a woman who refuses to surrender—not to grief, not to the wilderness, and never to a fate trying to break the spirit she’s finally learned to love.

 

Storm Publishing, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook: 

Buy EVERY BEND IN THE RIVER at Amazon 

LOVE IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY by Ann Swindell, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula Shreckhsie #CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Love in the Castle Library (In the Castle Library Book 2)

Author: Ann Swindell

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Click here to get your copy!

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This story was an absolute delight to read. 

Delphine Duvert is the stewardess of the castle in Lethersby, a fictional country in Europe. According to the first book in the series, Queen Alma secretly left the country in 1918 in order to volunteer as a nursing assistant during The Great War, never to be heard of again. Research has begun to track down her movements after a letter of hers was found. Delphine hires Jack Worthington from England to help research because his grandmother was a nurse in WWII and he is already delving into that subject.

These fascinating bits of history being researched by Jack lead to some amazing discoveries. The wonderful thing about this book is that it is steeped in scripture. Among the verses cited are my absolute favorites in Romans 8. I love the way that Jack is a committed Christian and lets God guide him through constant prayer. His way of life has a profound impact on Delphine and she contrasts that with the remembrances of her father.

This is a well-rounded story that contains some obstacles in the form of a jealous colleague and an uncertain future for Delphine. I could not stop turning pages, anticipating the end.
And Yay! There is another book in the works for this fabulous series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by WhiteCrown on behalf of the author and through Celebrate Lit tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

About the Author

ANN SWINDELL writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the award-winning author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.

More from Ann

Love in the Castle Library is set in two of my favorite places—one imaginary, and one real. When I started the In the Castle Library series, the main character’s journey in book one (Christmas in the Castle Library) takes her to Lethersby, a small, fictional European country full of tradition, beauty, and charm. I tried to put much of what I love about Europe into this fictional country that I wish existed. From what readers have told me, they wish it was real, too!

Book two, Love in the Castle Library, is also set in the castle in Lethersby, but I decided to make my hero and heroine take a jaunt to Oxford, England—my favorite real country outside of the USA.

I spent a summer in college studying abroad in England, and Oxford was the city that captured my heart. The “city of dreaming spires” is ancient, beautiful, and academic—a heady mix for a nineteen-year-old girl who traveled there for the first time. I even gave a nod to one of Oxford’s most well-known professors through the hero’s name, Jack.*

I had the gift of getting to go back to Oxford with my family over a decade ago, and while I’m aching to go again, including some of my favorite places in Love in the Castle Library helped me to enjoy the city vicariously through my characters. Look for some of my favorite places to eat—including Ben’s Cookies and the King’s Arms—when the characters visit. And if you ever have the opportunity to make it to Oxford, make the effort to buy one of those cookies (they’re sold by weight!) and enjoy some ice cream at G&D’s…the hero recommends chocolate of any kind (and so do I!).

I hope you love this story as much as I do, and that these tastes of beautiful places, both real and imagined, point your heart to the beauty of Christ that is at the heart of every story I write.

*Jack was C.S. Lewis’s nickname, and he taught at Magdalen College in Oxford from 1925-1954.

Blog Stops

To Everything There Is A Season, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Lily’s Corner, December 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 8

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 9

Inkwell Inspirations , December 10

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, December 10

Devoted Steps, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Devoted To Hope, December 16

Stories By Gina, December 17 (Author Interview)

Lyssa Loves Books, December 17

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Review from Donna)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, December 19

The Bookish Pilgrim, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann is giving away the grand prize of a $50 gift card to Amazon and a signed paperback copy of the book!!

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

GIVEAWAY LINK

A MOMENT TO LOVE by Tracie Peterson, Reviewed by Paula

Christian Historical Romance Set in a Small Town on the 

Western Frontier of Wyoming (Hope of the Cheyenne Book #3)

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Ms. Peterson brings relevant issues into a sweet, romantic, marriage of convenience story. This time, Dr. Carrie Vogel is tired of being in the shadow of her fiancé and having him steal her medical research and passing it off as his own. Upon returning to Cheyenne, she agrees to a pretend marriage with Pinkerton agent Spencer Duval to allow him to operate undercover.
 

Of course love blooms as the couple grows closer and discover shared values. Carrie questions her role as a doctor as not fitting the model of a Proverbs 31 woman. Spencer points out that her life of service can be different and still fulfill that model.
 

In a twist, the theme of forgiveness is presented in an unexpected way. “Forgiveness was letting go of a burden we were never meant to carry.”
 

I enjoyed this conclusion to The Heart of Cheyenne series. Ms Peterson never fails to give a fascinating, faith-filled story that entertains.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews 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:
A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials?

Dr. Carrie Vogel's heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him.

Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions--both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. As the web of suspects tightens, their futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God's plan as unexpected love takes flight.

Return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with bestselling author Tracie Peterson for a journey of healing and forgiveness in this exquisite western frontier romance that will appeal to readers of faith-filled stories and When Calls the Heart. 

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2025

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

Buy A MOMENT TO LOVE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House  

ABOUT LAST CHRISTMAS by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Sweet Holiday Romantic Comedy

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I'll be by the bench near the turtledoves display with two hot chocolates on December fifteenth. Say around seven."

So her impaled-by-an-elf (definitely an inside joke! that happened outside!) handsome stranger named Leo didn't show up as promised, no big deal, right? Wrong. Was Greta Carlton disappointed? Absolutely. Did she put the incident behind her? Mostly. Nearly a year passes by, a year that is saturated with grief over the death of her beloved grandmother and taunted by the bizarre reappearance of her mother.

As the Christmas season approaches, Greta tries to ignore the fact that being the proprietor of a lovely antique shop in a small town that practically oozes with holiday cheer is not putting her in the spirit of the season. Until, Remington Orileo Mathis pops up out of thin air at a charity ball looking way too handsome for his own good in an expensive tuxedo.

This now-you-see-him, now-you-don't romantic comedy delivers every single sigh-worthy emotion imaginable as Greta and Leo finangle turning a chance encounter into the love of a lifetime. Is it easy? Are you kidding me? Is it worth it? Now there is an excuse to read a book if I ever heard one.

Charming, Christmassy, and classically entertaining!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
She’s trying to avoid a holiday disaster. He’s trying to earn his way off her naughty list. Both will need a Christmas miracle.

Greta Carlton is beautifully content running her antique shop in the snow-globe town of Silver Creek, sipping vanilla gingerbread lattes, and staying clear of drama. But a whirlwind encounter with a handsome stranger leads to a whimsical evening, stirring her heart to believe in movie-style romance. That is, until Leo disappears into thin (and snowy) air. Ten months later, he walks into her shop like the Ghost of Christmas Last, needing a favor.

She’s still mad.

He’s still charming.

Greta doesn’t have time for men with dimpled grins and the proclivity for vanishing. She’s got her own holiday project with an approaching deadline. Though the more she learns about Leo, the more she realizes he’s the only thing standing between her and a Christmas catastrophe. They agree to help each other reach their holiday goals. As they untangle feelings as stubborn as knotted Christmas lights, Greta wonders if second chances are like antiques—unexpected, imperfect, and everything you didn’t know you were looking for.

About Last Christmas is a sweet holiday romance wrapped in witty banter, heartfelt twists, and the dreamy thrill of finding love in the glow of twinkling lights. 

October, 2025 Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

ECHOES OF A SILENT SONG by Amanda Wen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"He didn't care about winning them over. He cared only about recapturing his muse, so he could resign this job as quickly as he'd taken it, return to Boston, and get his life back."

So yet another in the front door, out the back door choral conductor had arrived at Peterson High, although this one seemed to actually know what he was doing, that was some consolation. Choir accompanist Blair Emerson was weary of seeing her students tossed from one director to another and while Callum Knight's resume of professional experience was impressive, his demeanor screamed that he would rather be anywhere else.

While searching through the school's music library for appropriate selections, Callum and Blair run across a discarded hand-written piece of music; absolutely brilliant according to Callum. The two find common ground in unraveling the previously overlooked details surrounding the young composer's untimely death and the loss of her prodigious composition. In the process they also discover there is a lot to learn about each other as well, for wounded hearts can be terribly fragile.

A lovely inspirational romance filled with the sounds of music!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review 3.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight’s goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town’s history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

Kregel Publishing, October 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

ON THE EDGE OF TRUST by Patricia Bradley, Reviewed by Paula

A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel with FBI Intrigue and Clean Romance

 

PAULA'S REVIEW

After reading Shadows of the Past where Scott Sinclair is an important but side character, On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley puts Scott right in the spotlight. Scott has changed from a troubled teen to an undercover FBI agent who is recovering from an injury and becomes embroiled in a troubling murder investigation as he re-connects with Tori Mitchell.
 

This was a riveting story with many moving parts as Tori and Scott team up to find out who killed Jenny Tremont and why. Not only is the murder of Jenny a puzzle but the case reaches back in time to the murder of Walter Livingston and the connections to Tori are astounding.
 

I was pleased with how Scott had grown spiritually. He helped Tori to see that God could be trusted and Tori could rely on Him to lead her and protect her.
 

With precision plotting, the author crafted an intricate mystery that kept me guessing, although I wanted to yell at Tori a few times, not only for her independence but to have here wake up to the romance that was happening with Scott. She also finally decided to connect with her estranged family.
 

As always, I appreciated the creative story by a masterful writer.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of 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:
Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance. 

Revell Publishing, November, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy ON THE EDGE OF TRUST at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

BENEATH A RARE BLUE MOON by Johnnie Alexander, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

 

A Wholesome Christian Romance Novella (Unseen Valor Series)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
It is always educational to read a story by Johnnie Alexander. I enjoy her historicals so much. Beneath a Rare Blue Moon was fascinating. I had read another book about the secret city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and this one just added to the mystique of the place.

Kathleen Forrest is part of WOOPs, women guarding the Norris Dam in Tennessee. She had lost touch with her one true love when he went to war. Roger Craig is currently trying to get back to the war in Europe. They meet again unexpectedly and are thrown together and tasked with finding out what happened at a secret facility at Oak Ridge.

It was an exciting adventure for Kathleen and Roger as they felt their way in unfamiliar territory to solve the mystery. The two sweethearts wanted to do what was right for the country and sought to please God as well. They ultimately follow their hearts as they reunite amidst obstacles.

Short but informative, this story is packed with interesting details of the secrets of WWII.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author through Stories Past and Present. I was not required to post a favorable review. All,opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
One rare night. One risky mission. A second chance at love.

Kathleen Forrest, a guard at Norris Dam during WWII, carries the pain of a love changed by the war. But everything changes on a rare blue moon night when she confronts a saboteur—none other than the man who once held her heart.

As an Army Intelligence agent, Roger Craig has slipped past guards, outwitted enemies, and dodged death more than once. But his latest mission to plant a fake bomb at the dam goes awry when Kathleen catches him red-handed.

Forced into an uneasy alliance by the Counter Intelligence Corps after a key informant’s mysterious death, Kathleen and Roger must uncover a potential spy ring in Tennessee’s “Secret City.” As they work together, every shared glance forces them to confront the painful history between them.

With danger closing in and national security at stake, can they trust each other with their lives—and their hearts?

December, 2025

Buy BENEATH A BLUE MOON in paperback or digital ebook at Amazon 

DARK DESIGN by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
What a complicated mystery that friends Erin and Kaely have before them now! Not only is a killer using a stories that Erin and others have authored, but someone is claiming that Erin is not the author of her award winning books at all.
 

With her life in danger, Erin travels to Virginia so she can team up with Kaely and stay safe while trying to solve the puzzle.
 

This intriguing, sometimes confounding story has romance that sizzles between Erin and police Chief Adrian Nightengale. It includes a strong faith thread with a stirring scene that speeds Erin along in her spiritual journey.
 

This story was riveting right up to its stunning conclusion.
I look forward to more great writing in book three of this suspense filled series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . .
She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.
There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl threads a plot of police investigations and shadowy evidence with heart-drumming suspense in this clean, high-stakes read that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard. 

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2025

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

Buy DARK DESIGN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

NOT EXACTLY MR. DARCY by Carolyn Miller, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #NewRelease

THE SILVER TEAPOT SERIES #1

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"What even were her dreams these days?"

Following an unexpected termination of her teaching position, feelings of betrayal, disappointment and confusion plague Olivia Bennett, making it much easier to hop on a plane and travel half-way around the world to become a temporary caregiver in a small English village. Never did she imagine that her rapidly recovering grandmother would encourage her to become involved in a restoration project; nearby Hartbury Hall was practically dying on the vine after being featured in a film production of Jane Austen's famed novel, Pride and Prejudice. There was nothing Olivia loved more than the romantic scene memorably played out in front of the estate's now waterless fountain. At the top of her interminable list of ideas, get the fountain flowing again!

Olivia's hopes and dreams for the grand property have one major obstacle; the reclusive head gardener who introduces himself as Liam Browne.

Having read a number of stories similar to this one in plot and theme, I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it was to read this particular rendition of the classic romance. Olivia, Liam and their host of supporting characters make the story creatively contemporary with a generous depth of faith, patches of humor and strains of romance that come crashing to a climax on a ballroom floor???? This lovely start to a new series is exactly what every author must dream about.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

 

PAULA'S REVIEW: 

I have enjoyed Regency books by Ms. Miller for a long time and rejoice that she has incorporated Regency into this new series: The Silver Teapot. Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is a delightful contemporary story that centers around an estate in England that was used in a fictional adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and a fountain that was featured in a romantic scene. “I do not care about Colin Firth or Theo Thomas or Matthew McFayden now. This is so much better than any film.”

Liam Browne has inherited Hartbury Hall but it is controlled by trustees and is in dire need of funds for restoration. Olivia Bennett has come from Australia to visit her grandmother who is a close friend and neighbor of Liam. She agrees to spearhead a group of volunteers to make the estate productive again.
 

With wit and well researched references to manor houses, Ms Miller crafts a romantic tale that takes a few detours to happily ever after. It was fun to watch the characters interact and work together to bring hope to Hartbury Hall and rejuvenate it. This atmospheric story had characters who showed their faith but also their vulnerability and willingness to forgive.
 

I look forward to the next Regency inspired book in this series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing and 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:

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways. 

 

Barbour Publishing, December, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

BUY Not Exactly Mr. Darcy at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie #ReleaseDay

Historical Regency Romance and Mystery Set in England 

for Fans of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another fabulous Regency story by Julie Klassen, Whispers at Painswick Court adds an element of intrigue that goes well with the setting of an old estate in the Cotswolds.
 

Anne Loveday, feeling unappreciated at home, travels to Painswick to spend time with an old friend. While there, she agrees to tend an elderly lady as a nurse in the old mansion at Painswick Court. This atmospheric read saw Anne finally seeing herself as a beloved child of God and switching her perspective on family and service to others. A certain young doctor, Ernest Finch, sees great qualities in Anne but circumstances and secrets interfere, not to mention sightings of the ghost of King Charles I.
 

Something is amiss and more than one person is in danger. Ms. Klassen kept me guessing as to who was at the center of the nefarious happenings.
 

Beautifully written, with engaging plot and characters, this one is definitely a keeper.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and Via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

WINNIE'S REVIEW: 

Talented author Julie Klassen has once again penned an absorbing Regency historical fiction story in her book, Whispers at Painswick Court. With obvious impeccable research, well-drawn and engaging characters, and some added mystery and suspense, this tale illustrates once again why Klassen is such a popular and well-known Christian fiction author.

Anne Loveday has trained by her surgeon father’s side and knows much about health care and the use of herbal remedies. When her mother’s friend invites her to Painswick, she quickly agrees in order to escape her stepmother’s matchmaking. Upon arriving at Painswick, she is asked to act as a nurse to Lady Celia and soon finds that someone is trying to do the old lady harm. Lady Celia’s two nephews show up, and along with two doctors and Lady Celia’s daughter, there are suspects galore. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages.

With plenty of suspense, an abundance of secrets, and a dash of romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy Christian historical Regency fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late? 

 

Bethany House Publishing, December, 2025

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

Buy WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

THE ROYAL ARTISAN by Tessa Afshar, Reviewed by Paula

(Queen Esther's Court): Historical Fiction in Biblical Times Set 

in the Royal Courts of Queen Esther during Ancient History

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Another excellent story about ancient Persia and the court of Queen Esther. This time from the perspective of a potter who plays a role in the rescue of the Jewish people from evil Haman.
Of course these stories are fictional and are about fictional people, but it is fun to see what might have happened. Ms Afshar has done a lot of research into the times and inserts a real artifact into her story. That is what Sazana and Jadon are searching for.
 

I love a good second chance romance and this one fits the bill. Sazana is the potter, an unusual role for a woman. She and Jadon, one of the elite guards of the royals, have an unpleasant past. But when they are thrown together to help Queen Esther, things get dangerous and they slowly grow together again.
 

Ms Afshar personalizes her story of Esther with excellent details about palace life and pottery making of the era. I like the way she depicts Esther as caring, friendly and using her status as a tool for good.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews 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:
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. 

 

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2025

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

Buy THE ROYAL ARTISAN at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

THROUGH EACH TOMORROW by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Kim

KIM'S REVIEW:
I absolutely love this series and its entire premise! Gabrielle Meyer’s writing style always draws me in from the very first page. Her characters are always wonderful, her storylines are intricately crafted, and just when I’m convinced there’s no possible way out of a situation, she finds one. Her creativity never fails to amaze me.

One of my favorite elements in this installment was the dynamic between Charles and his best friend Andrew. Having them both experience life as time-crossers in the same time periods added such a fresh and fascinating layer to an already unique concept. Their shared journeys deepened the emotional stakes and made every twist even more compelling. As always, the historical details are well researched—I finish every book having learned something new. While I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I usually do, but I still highly recommend the entire series.

Through Each Tomorrow is yet another hit from Gabrielle Meyer. This Timeless series continues to impress me with its heart, its ingenuity, and its immersive blend of history and imagination. I love every story she tells, and I truly cannot wait for the next one! 4 stars!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

SEE REVIEWS by REBECCA and PAULA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. 

Bethany House, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, audio, and hardcover

Buy THROUGH EACH TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Melody Carlson, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson gives all the feels of a Hallmark movie. 

The dilemma is that Carol, a Christmas baby, is not fond of the season because of not the best childhood memories. She is also a designer who stages elaborate decorations way too early for her tastes. She plans a getaway to the Bahamas but gets stranded in Grand Rapids when snow cancels everything. The solution comes when her estranged aunt lives close by in Michigan. Getting to know Aunt Marie and helping her, gets her in the Christmas spirit again. And a hunky neighbor makes it cozy too.

Well written novella with all the atmosphere of Christmas, there is a reconciliation, amd unexpected romance and a return to the real meaning of Christmas.

A clean read with a Christian World View.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a clean read

SEE TRIXI'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Can a tropical escape from holiday blues turn her Christmas into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, the holiday season is something she would rather avoid. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Revell Publishing, September, 2025
Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House