THE NOVEL ADVENTURES OF NATALIE DAUGHTRY by Susan Tuttle, Reviewed by Kim

Treasures of Halstead Manor

KIM'S REVIEW:
Susan Tuttle is one of my favorite authors. I love her writing style, storylines, and characters. In fact, "Love You, Truly" is one of my top reads of all time! If you haven't read her work yet, I highly recommend that you do!

"The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry" is a romantic adventure featuring a literary treasure hunt. How fun does that sound? When Natalie and her friends discover there might be a rumored copy of a handwritten and illustrated Lewis Carroll manuscript, they decide to embark on a quest to find it. Natalie and Mason's marriage is seriously struggling, so when Mason chooses to join the team to save their relationship, the adventures truly begin. I adore second-chance romances!

Although this story is the second book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to book three!
*I received a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 4 stars!

BackCover Blurb:
In pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again?

With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction.

But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together? 

 

Kregel Publishing, March, 2025

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

KATE LANDRY HAS A PLAN by Rebekah Millet, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #JustReadTour

Beignets for Two: A Southern Opposites Attract 

Closed Door Contemporary Romance

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

Rebekah Millet has brought the color and flavor of New Orleans to life in her new book, Kate Landry Has a Plan, the second in her Beignets for Two series. The characters are engaging, realistic, and sometimes quirky, and the tale is fun and humorous. Kate Landry is an independent, plucky, plan-oriented lady who has sworn off men after a long-term relationship resulted in a broken engagement. She is raising her niece, after Hayley was orphaned as a toddler. When Kate’s old friend and crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town and takes a job as a librarian, her carefully planned future is upset.

With a heap of humor and wit, and a good dose of inspiration, this story is entertaining and easy-to-read. I liked the message that sometimes God’s plans are much better than the ones we have for ourselves.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
I turned to him, and he winked at me. Winked! We needed clear lines in place between us. We would not be flirty friends. We'd be friends, period. The sooner I made that distinction, the better.

Forty-year-old Kate Landry's carefully planned life has become as messy as the powdered sugar on her famous beignets. Juggling the responsibilities of running her café, raising her teenage niece, and the emotional baggage from her breakup, Kate finds her world once again turned upside down when her first-ever crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town as the hunky local librarian.

As Kate struggles to implement her plans to expand her café amid the New Orleans Mardi Gras madness and the meddling of her conniving ex-fiancé, Micah becomes the unwitting hero of her misadventures, stirring up feelings she thought she'd long buried. How can falling in love in the Big Easy be this hard?

Bethany House, March, 2025

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

BUY KATE LANDRY HAS A PLAN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

SHATTERED SANCTUARY by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

The Erin Delaney Mysteries Book #1

A Christian Mystery and Suspense Novel with Action and Clean Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:

What was meant to be a getaway to decompress for friends Erin Delaney and Kaely Quinn-Hunter has been totally upset on the first full day by a knock on the door from Chief Adrian Nightengale. A body has been found that has him requesting help from the two behavioral analysts. No murders have occurred in a very long time and now Sanctuary, Tennessee has four.
 

Ms. Mehl has done a stellar job of writing an exciting, intricate murder mystery, complete with a supposed ghost legend and danger during a snowstorm.
I loved seeing Kaely again and getting to see her demonstrate her unusual technique for profiling. Erin was a complex character who was not a Christian, so that gave Kaely a challenge in being her friend while not being pushy with her witness. She exhibited listening to the Holy Spirit.
 

I have to admit that I did not guess the identity of the culprit this time. I was completely wrong. Good job Ms. Mehl!
 

This was another exceptional suspense story that really had me turning pages. The personalities of the characters came through, the setting was wonderful, and Chester the dog was a great touch.
 

I am looking forward to the next installment of this series. I hope it is back in Sanctuary and maybe a romance for Erin and Adrian.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House 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:

Was this the last thing she'd ever see? Would she be able to make things right before it was too late?
"God . . ." was all she got out before he lunged toward her.

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

 

 

Bethany Publishing, March, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:
BUY SHATTERED SANCTUARY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

SEEKING EVIL by Mary Alford, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

HALLOWED HALLS FBI SERIES #3

PAULA'S REVIEW:

After being held in check for 25 years, a serial killer re-emerges in the remote resort town of Pinedale, Wyoming. FBI agent Sierra Parker wants to disappear from her high stress job and a tiff with boyfriend Zeke to go climbing in the Wind River Mountains near Pinedale. But what she walks into is something out of a horror story.
 

She shows courage and tries to outsmart a killer and save another kidnapped girl while her coworkers try to find her.
This was a creepy story and a mental workout to keep up with the twisted mind of the killer, all the time watching Sierra escape twice and try to keep the killer at bay. Zeke and their team work against time to stop danger from overtaking Sierra and Dawn with finality.
 

There was a solid faith thread that rounded out the characters and their search for justice.
 

I read this book in record time. I wanted to see how all the tension would be resolved. Thanks to Ms. Alford for an interesting plot that kept me guessing.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author and was won from Kav at BestRead. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 4 stars solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
No one knows where she is. . .

When BAU Agent Sierra Parker's car dies in the middle of nowhere Wyoming, she breaks a critical rule by catching a ride with a kind stranger. This decision leads her straight into the lair of a serial killer, where she discovers she isn't the first victim. 

 

Barrels containing the remains of those who went before her line a wall proving none of them escaped their captor. Can Sierra outwit the seasoned killer to save her life, or will she become the latest victim buried in a barrel?
 

The last Agent Zeke London heard from Sierra was when she told him she needed to get away to figure things out between them. That was over a week ago and his calls have been met with radio silence. Can he do the impossible and locate Sierra in the middle of the mountains before it's too late?
 

Find out in the next book in the Hallowed Halls Series!  

 

March, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback

BUY SEEKING EVIL at Amazon

(Three!) HOLLY NOVELS by C. C. Warrens, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 
REBECCA'S REVIEWS:

Crossed Off (Holly Series #3)

"Every single person matters, and no one should simply disappear. No one should ever have to think, no one's looking for me."

In spite of every precaution, every measure taken, every safeguard . . . Holly Cross is convinced that her foster brother Collin will find a way . . . to destroy her, and all those who occupy a special place in her heart. He's crossing people off of a list . . . starting with a fiery blaze at a women's shelter.

After one of her dearest friends succumbs during the fiery blaze, every instinct tells Holly to go on the run . . . again. The only thing holding her back is a promise, Holly has assured a little girl who survived the fire that she would remain by Maya's side until family members arrive. Determined never to be a victim again, Holly continues to indulge Detective Marx's protective vigilance (most of the time) by making sure that she never ventures anywhere alone. Will it work? The final pages of this book hold the answers.

Despite taking a rather dark turn, this horrifying chapter in Holly's story stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness even in the "valley of the shadow of death"; for we are never alone.

Content Advisory: The final quarter of this book was difficult to read, the depravity of man being on full display. Honestly, I read over some portions to avoid dwelling on the evil, choosing instead to reach for what was "true, noble, honest, right . . . excellent or praise worthy" . . . . because there were plenty of those things in this story as well.

BackCover Blurb:
Collin Wells is relentless and ruthless, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants: his foster sister, the girl who always manages to slip through his fingers.

Holly’s foster brother has haunted her footsteps for years—taunting her, toying with her—and until recently, she never dared to stop running and build a life for herself. Now, everyone she loves is in danger.

How can she protect the people she loves when her foster brother comes to collect?

Cross the Line (Holly Series #4)

"You guys find missing people, right?"

That hard rattling at the front door of Holly and Jordan's investigative agency in the dark of night? Just a very young girl scantily dressed and carrying broken stiletto heels, that's all . . . that's all???? Of course trouble would come knocking when Holly was there alone, but we all know that she would never pass up a desperate plea for help, even if investigating Camilla "Cami" Chen's disappearance would take her straight into the most dangerous part of the city.

"I wasn't a licensed investigator, and I didn't know the first thing about navigating digital trails, but I was an excellent snoop."

It would take all of Holly's street smarts to arrive back home safely after her trip to Bushwick, but she did manage to return (barely) with clues that she didn't fully realize at the time that she had accumulated. Of course her business partner (and second-best friend) was frantic with worry, but even with Jordan's help, this story was destined from the beginning to become terribly complicated and a lot more dangerous.

Spending more time with these characters seems like a rare privilege, their diverse personalities and wide ranging life experiences fit together so perfectly, forming a ring of support around Holly that she so desperately needs. The humor! It's so refreshing. And the faith elements! They are everywhere just waiting to be discovered, for yes, "God always comes through".

BackCover Blurb:

An unexpected, late-night visitor.

And a missing teenage girl.

Holly’s quiet evening at the investigative agency takes a curious turn when a frantic woman shows up on the doorstep after closing with a tale about a missing prostitute.

With JGH Investigations in financial distress, and a client who can’t afford their services, Holly decides to tackle this investigation on her own time. She soon learns, however, that this missing girl isn’t just missing—she’s been taken. Holly’s questions dredge up more danger than answers, and if she’s not careful, she might disappear just like the girl she’s trying to find, the girl some people believe is already dead.

Determined to keep Holly safe, Jordan joins the investigation, and together, they wade through a world of prostitution, wealth, and lies in search of the truth. But the truth is hard to find, when even the witnesses have secrets.

Crossroads (Holly Series #5)

 

"Despite the warm May temperature, memories shivered through my bones - bones that had been bruised and broken under the roof of the two-story structure in front of me."

There were no good memories from that place, but Holly Cross was willing to brave a return if it meant establishing a re-connection with her foster sister. She and Cassie had been separated for half a lifetime, her last words to the small girl running through her memory; "Run and don't look back. I'll find you when it's safe". Tragically, fifteen years passed before Holly could feel a small modicum of safety.

Cassie's last known location sent Holly and her good friend Jordan to the mountains of West Virginia where they immediately met with trouble. Members of a remote religious community come to their aid, but without cell service or transportation Holly and Jordan find themselves at the mercy of the good Samaritans. Their gracious welcome quickly turns into something far more sinister; what exactly is going on at Shepherd's Ridge? More importantly, where is Cassie?

Consistent in style with previous books in the series, this story is replete with humor, helplessness, and the power of the Holy Spirit . . . deepening the bond between author and reader . . . strengthening the tie between character and writer. . . energizing the commitment between God and reader. Who wouldn't want to read a book like that?!

BackCover Blurb:
RUN AND DON'T LOOK BACK.
I'LL FIND YOU WHEN IT'S SAFE.Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six year old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence.

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing.

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace?

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.

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

NOTE: We offer other HOLLY NOVEL reviews over the years in the list at the right.

FIREFLY DIARIES by C. C. Warrens, Reviewed by Kim

 CHERRY CREEK  MYSTERIES Book #1

KIM'S REVIEW:

A friend, actually a couple of friends, highly recommended C. C. Warren’s books, so last year I started with Criss Cross (book 1 of the Holly series) and I was hooked. I mean Marx alone will keep you reading this series, but I digress! Lol. Anyway, I have read most of her backlist, since then. I am so glad I gave her a try!

I really liked meeting the characters in this new series. Noelle has been through a major tragedy and is in the process of trying to recover. Your heart will just ache for her and all she has been through. Derek, who is the captain at the local sheriff’s office, is the perfect guy to help her not only with her past, but with all the strange things going on in her new house, which is steeped in tragedy. The mystery kept me glued to the pages while trying to figure out just what was happening and why. The suspense is top notch and the hint of romance is perfect!

Just like all of her stories, Firefly Diaries sucked me in right from the start. I am really enjoying these new characters and this new series! I cannot wait to start the second story, Dragonfly Ashes. 
*I purchased this book. All opinions are my own. 5 stars! 

See REVIEWS BY PAULA and REBECCA

BackCover Blurb:
"The world whipped around her in a dizzying funnel of lights and shouts, people in uniforms pressing in from all directions. Noelle sat motionless in the street, barely able to breathe. His little body was too still. Too broken."

Noelle's world shattered that night, like the pieces of headlights scattered across the dark street. There was no rebuilding her life around the grave of her child.

Adrift in her grief, Noelle finds herself drawn to an old house as rundown and weary as her spirit. She might not be able to mend her own brokenness, but maybe she can restore this abandoned structure to its former beauty. Determined, she throws herself into a renovation project with the unexpected help of a local. But she soon learns that her new home comes with a blood-stained history and a chilling reputation.

When she stumbles across a diary written by a child with a disturbing life, and a teenage girl vanishes from the village, clues leave Noelle wondering if her house might somehow be connected. Someone -- or something -- wants her gone, but she has no intention of leaving without discovering the truth.

BUY THIS SERIES AT AMAZON in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook

 

 

BREAK MY FALL by Lynn Blackburn, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #PartnersInCrime tour

BREAK MY FALL

by Lynn H. Blackburn

March 17 - 28, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Gossamer Falls

 

She’s determined to make an impact in her community.
He’s determined to make sure she lives long enough to do it.

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But with Meredith in his life, he feels his walls crumbling, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild.

Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

Praise for Never Fall Again:

"The start to Blackburn’s new Gossamer Falls inspirational thriller series is an exciting story of difficult truths and second chances."
~ Booklist

"Romance, danger, and deadly crime-fighting scenes make this a perfect read."
~ The AR Critique

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Fiction/Romantic Suspense
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780800745370
Series: Gossamer Falls, Book 2
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | ChristianBook | Goodreads | Baker Book House

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Return to Gossamer Falls, North Carolina where the Quinn family takes care of its own. Dr. Meredith uses her mobile dental clinic to help the needy in the next county over. But what she observes is abuse, neglect, possible corruption and drug running. Police Chief Gray Ward wants to protect her and hopes for a closer relationship. When danger stalks them they are determined to bring it to a halt.

This is more than a gripping suspense story. It showcases a godly, close-knit family who takes care of each other and has a sense of community. The connection of Meredith, brother Mo, cousin Cal and best friend Bronwyn is lifelong and full of memories of adventures. When you add in Gray as the romantic interest, his personality is revealed and how much he cared for Meredith is portrayed. I would not mind some of the thoughtful gifts he gives her.

The plot had harrowing episodes that built to an exciting climax. We even see a few characters from previous books pop in. I cannot wait to return to Gossamer Falls and I will guess that the story will include a renewed relationship between Bronwyn and Mo.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through PICT tours and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

Read an excerpt from Break My Fall:

 

 

Author Bio:

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Never Fall Again, as well as the Dive Team Investigations and Defend and Protect series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.

Learn more at:

LynnHBlackburn.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @lynnhugginsblackburn
BookBub - @LynnHBlackburn
Instagram - @LynnHBlackburn
X - @LynnHBlackburn
Facebook - @LynnHBlackburn

Subscribe to Lynn's Newsletter

 

 

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AS SURE AS THE SEA by Jamie Ogle, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Do you know the way?"
"'The way is narrow.' His words were soft but steady in the way his gaze was. Fixed and solid."

"Nikolas . . . from Patara" and "Demitria, daughter of Anatolios" met under most unusual circumstances; tired and traumatized after rescuing her brother from a near fatal diving accident, Demi happens upon a stranger struggling to reach shore, his boat with highly valuable contents having sunk to the bottom of the sea.

Making a cautious introduction, Demi allows Nikolas to aid in carrying her brother to safety, wondering with every step if aligning herself with a total stranger was a wise decision. As it turned out, she had just met the new pastor of their underground Christian community, a group barely surviving under the cruel edicts of Emperor Diocletian. Finding food and shelter had become increasingly difficult and the constant fear of discovery hung undeniably heavy over their hearts.

With brush strokes as beautiful as the corals Demitria harvests from the sea floor, this remarkable narrative paints a picture that is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, drawing the ancient history of the early church back to life through characters and circumstances that readers will find nearly impossible to believe. . . or to forget. While there is breath, there is purpose. Where grace abounds, forgiveness remains. And courage? It's found deep within the heart of every believer who utters this simple prayer . . .

. . . "Here I am. I'm ready."

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

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Once she denied everything she believed in. Now she’d give anything to choose differently. But in the shadow of the Roman Empire’s persecution and the shame of her past, she fears that what she wants most will be forever out of reach.

Eastern Roman Empire, AD 310. In the shadow of Emperor Diocletian’s anti-Christian edicts, Demitria makes a meager living harvesting coral and pearls for a merchant who turns a blind eye to her faith. By night, Demi goes upriver with her brother, Theseus, to obtain provisions for fellow believers in the port city of Myra. While willing to risk her own life to ensure others are safe and fed, Demi lives with a desperate fear for those she loves and carries secret shame over her greatest failure. When Theseus is injured in a diving accident, all seems lost, until a stranger named Nikolas appears on the beach and offers help.

Arriving in a sinking boat, Nikolas is burdened by guilt over his older brother’s tragic death. Though the wealth he inherited from a prosperous shipping business now rests at the bottom of the sea, as the new pastor in Myra, he is determined to recover it and use it for good. As the violence against Christians increases, Demi helps Nikolas retrieve his lost fortune and distribute it to those in dire need.

Despite wondering if she can ever be worthy, Demi is drawn to Nikolas and longs to trust in his belief that freedom can be found in forgiveness. Then one terrifying night, everything changes as the Roman Empire’s fury rains down. Demi has no other choice but to decide if she has the courage to do what she once failed to . . . and if the faith she calls her own is sure enough to carry her.

-Stand-alone Christian historical romance novel set in ancient times
-For fans of historical fiction by Francine Rivers and Tessa Afshar
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, February, 2025

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

Buy AS SURE AS THE SEA at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7007855531

CRIMSON SANDS by J. J. Samie Myles, Reviewed by Kim #ReleaseDay

Task Force SEAR Book One

KIM'S REVIEW:
Crimson Sands by J J Samie Myles has everything I love in my stories! There’s so many great characters (both main and secondary), wonderful team camaraderie, perfectly paced action, beautifully timed pops of humor, a realistic faith thread, and a perfectly sweet romance. I literally could not ask for more!

This is a second chance romance, which is one of my favorite tropes! Keith and Dakota have so much chemistry. I just loved their relationship and the forgiveness shown by Keith. Keith is basically amazing and one of my all time favorite male characters. The faith thread was so good and woven seamlessly into the story. The team camaraderie is perfection with humor that will have you laughing out loud. The epilogue was hilarious, until it wasn’t… I will just leave that there. I could keep going on and on about this story, but I’ll end with go buy this book! You will not regret it!

I am hoping that Crimson Sands is the first of many in this series! I so badly want Michael T. and Ariel’s stories. If you are looking for action, romance, humor, and just a great all around story, this is the story and author for you!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. I also purchased my own copy. The faith thread is medium. 5 stars!

 

BackCover Blurb:
He trusts her with his life, but not with his heart.

Bible Smuggler Dakota Kimani is fearless in spreading the Gospel. When her friends are abducted by a Somali terror organization, she will do anything to rescue them—even reach out to the one man she wronged and vowed to never again contact.

Former Marine Raider Keith McCord isn't one to look the other way when innocents are slaughtered. So yeah, he agrees to help the woman who ripped out his heart. With a team of trusted operators, he infiltrates Somalia and finds himself waging war on terror and old feelings.

“No plan survives contact with the enemy” proves true when the hostage rescue turns dicey. The terrorists' tactics are aggressive and shrewd, leaving Keith questioning the loyalty of his teammates and allies. Meanwhile Dakota wrestles with a dark secret that threatens to destroy the tenuous bond she and Keith have reforged.

Death breathing down their necks, Keith and Dakota are in a fight for their lives, their faith, skills, and trust in each other pushed to the breaking point.

 

Warrior of Light Press

Available March 19 in digital ebook

Buy CRIMSON SANDS at Amazon

 

 

 

 

MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"He'd been ordered not to say a single word . . . "

When Cilla van der Zee literally washes up on the Scottish shore along the perimeter of his family's property, Lieutenant Lachlan Mackenzie can scarcely believe his eyes, his imagination conjuring up the image of a mythical selkie, only to realize this ocean born creature is indeed a lovely woman . . . who is undoubtedly a spy!

Terrified, alone, and potentially facing execution, Cilla tries to explain her true circumstances, that she is a member of the Dutch resistance who trained to become a German spy in order to escape her homeland. After intense interrogation, Cilla is assigned to be an asset and re-located to a remote lighthouse where she is heavily guarded . . . imagine her shock when the handsome lieutenant who arrested her is ordered to assist in feeding her innocuous intelligence for transmission back to her handler.

As Cilla's work becomes more and more dangerous, her alliance becomes clear, which only muddles matters of the heart which have become entrenched in uncertainty and impossibility.

The author's vast knowledge of aircraft, weaponry and naval manueveurs are on full display in this novel, with clever, competent characters seemingly dropped into a treacherous game of double cross due to a set of conditions beyond their own choosing. Nuances of military intelligence are as tricky to portray as they are to imagine, leaving Cilla and Lochlan with few easy choices and chapters full of intriguing narrative . . . their opposite natures attracting from the very beginning . . . to a nearly impossible to believe ending!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.3.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water--and in the depths of the human heart

As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable--train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland--messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Revell Publishing, February, 2025

Available in digital, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

BREAK MY FALL (Gossamer Falls #2) by Lynn Blackburn, Reviewed by Kim #ReleaseDay

GOSSAMER FALLS Book #2

A Small Town Romantic Suspense Novel with Family Drama and Second Chances

KIM'S REVIEW:
Break My Fall is so good! I am enjoying this series so much! In fact, I think this may end up being my favorite Lynn Blackburn series- and that is saying something! I love the tight family relationships, the romance, the humor, and the suspense in these stories.

I loved Gray and Meredith and their relationship. It was definitely a slow burn and Gray had a lot of work to do to tear down the walls he had built up, but once he did, it was so worth it! Watch out, Meredith. I really liked Meredith and her spunky, lovable personality. Her relationships with her family makes me love this story so much. While the suspense is not the center of this story, it’s interesting and well paced.

I cannot wait for the next story in this series. I have wanted Mo’s story since he stepped on the page! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light . Five stars!

BackCover Blurb:
Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she's back home, she's made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he's left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered? 

Revell Publishing, March, 2025

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

Buy BREAK MY FALL at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WRITTEN IN SECRET by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise for #JustReadTours

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This novel was packed full of goodies: an absorbing plot, a handsome detective, a forward thinking heroine, a clever but diabolical villain and spiritual lessons that make you think.
 

Lydia Pelton has published dime novel crime fiction under a pseudonym. All to bring justice to the victims whose perpetrators have gone free. But someone is out for vengeance and is using information in her novels to murder the villains. He is bringing fiction to life in the worst way.
 

This is by no means a dark tale because the author tempers it with witty banter, a blossoming romance and shows the faith journey of the two main characters.
 

Lydia dubs Abraham “Detective Darcy and we see into her writer brain: “Abraham was the hero she’d never dared to write- but real life rarely lived up to fiction.” The author depicts an authentic repentance when Lydia confesses to her father about her secret writing. And Abraham and Lydia encourage each other in Godly things.
 

This was a delightful story and I am awaiting the next book in this series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

SEE WINNIE'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kregel Publishing, March, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback

Buy WRITTEN IN SECRET at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

UNEASY STREET by Becky Wade, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"I've waited four years for this day, and it's finally here."

Using his extraordinary maneuvering skills, Max Cirillo has pulled off the impossible . . . bringing Sloane Madison to his front door . . . literally . . . seeing the shock on her face would be . . . epic? . . . or was he incredibly overplaying his hand?

Tell her it wasn't so! Her landlord for the next four months was Max Cirillo? Her Max? No, no, no, not her Max . . . he was never that, but he used to be her best friend and business partner until he betrayed her, stole their company right from under her nose, and . . .  and . . . now, four years later, he wanted closure? The gall of the multi-millionaire, too-handsome-for-his-own-good man!

For awhile it was easy to avoid crossing paths with Max, Sloane was busy running her growing business as an etiquette expert, while assuming temporary guardianship of her teenage niece while Ivy's parents worked out of the country. Then came "the mouse in the house", and a forced proximity changed the parameters of her carefully constructed walls . . . just enough. . . she was in so much trouble.

Watching these two reinvent their relationship was truly remarkable; extraordinarily deep wounds were exposed, crippling emotions that had never been acknowledged, much less named, come roaring back into shore like a tidal wave. The crafty banter is priceless, the sub-plotting adds so much texture, and when crippling fear comes knocking on the door, Max and Sloane have a decision to make; time isn't going to stand still while they stroll down "uneasy street".

A definite shelf keeper!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review

 see KIM'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship.

Now, four years later, Max is a rich CEO. Sloane’s a not-so-rich etiquette expert who returns to Maine to serve as her niece’s temporary guardian and help the girl search for her birth father. Sloane and her niece move into a darling garage apartment but Sloane’s joy in their accommodations soon turns to horror when she realizes their apartment belongs to Max. Thanks to an unbreakable lease, she’s stuck living right next door to him.

Max pulled strings to bring Sloane into his orbit because he needs closure on what went wrong between them. Quickly, though, his scheming comes back to bite him. The world might view him as a cold-hearted rake, but this one woman has dangerous power over his emotions.

They’ll have no choice but to confront their history—and the undeniable spark between them—while living side by side on uneasy street.

Discover witty humor, rich emotion, banter, and charm within the pages of this sweet enemies-to-lovers romance! 

Available February, 2025 in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy UNEASY STREET on Amazon 

 

EVERY DEADLY SUSPICION by Janice Cantore, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This suspenseful story starts out with a suspicious death and just gets more interesting.
 

Police Chief Hanna Keyes has only ever heard stories about her father who was convicted of two murders that took place before she was even born.
 

It was a very exciting, twisty plot that brought out many moral issues.
 

Hannah has a solid faith and relies on God to help her in her vocation. She is drawn to two men, Nathan, a colleague who shares her faith and Jared a firefighter who has returned after a long absence. She counts on both to help her in her current struggles.
 

Ferreting out the truth can be a dangerous game in this close-knit community. And forgiving someone you barely know can be difficult. But Hanna needs to reconcile with her father,who is on hospice, in order to have questions answered and for the daughter of the victims to have closure.
 

This many-layered story with cleverly connected characters, delves into the twisted mind of a criminal and culminates in an exciting conclusion.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Tyndale 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:
Thirty years after a federal agent and two suspects disappeared in the wilderness, the case is cold, and they’ve never been found. Now their suspected killer is about to go free. But is the truth really what it seems?

In Dry Oaks, California, Chief of Police Hanna Keyes has long believed her father, Joe, is a murderer, justly imprisoned. When she’s told he’s dying and is being given compassionate release from prison, she wants nothing to do with him. But taking him in might be Hanna’s one shot at cracking the cold case, so she reluctantly agrees to oversee his care.

Joe’s arrival in Dry Oaks seems to set off a chain reaction of crimes. Then an infamous true-crime podcaster comes sniffing for information, and Hanna’s first love, Jared, shows up just when she least needs the distraction. As Hanna tries to convince Joe to reveal what he knows about the missing persons, evidence in the cold case surfaces at a suspiciously rapid pace . . . suggesting there’s more to the murders than people thought.

With Joe’s strength failing, Hanna and her colleagues look for answers, not only about the past but also about recent criminal dealings in Dry Oaks. As the puzzle pieces start to fit together, it becomes clear that there’s a sinister plot at work, far more wide-reaching than anyone suspected, and that someone is desperate to silence the truth at any cost.

Stand-alone contemporary romantic suspense novel
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Police drama
Cold case murder mystery 

 

Tyndale Fiction, March, 2025

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

Buy EVERY DEADLY SUSPICION at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WRITTEN IN SECRET by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #NewRelease

THE ART OF LOVE AND DANGER SERIES #1

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“I wasn’t flirting. I was being witty and charming. I have to test, on occasion, what my heroines say, just so I know what a man’s real reaction would be.”

Crystal Caudill’s fun and witty sense of humor shine in her book, Written in Secret. It breaks up the serious subject of people being murdered by an unknown person who is bringing fiction to life. Lydia Pelton is horrified when she realizes that someone is using her crime novels to kill the people she has written about. Officer Abraham Hall is enlisted to help find the killer, but first he needs to find out how culpable Lydia is.

The characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the plot is creative and pulled me right in from the start. Lydia is plucky, courageous, a little quirky, and lots of fun. Abraham is a wonderful hero, and I loved the banter between the two and the way their relationship changed and grew.

“He strode off with the perfect masculinity of every hero in every dime novel she’d ever read or written.”

Set in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1880, this book is obviously well-researched. With plenty of action, suspense, twists and turns, and a dose of romance, it also has some inspiration to add depth to it. I liked the soul-searching that Lydia had to do when she realized that her actions had undesired consequences.

“Our words have power, Lydia, no matter if they are meant to be fictional or not.”

This is the first book in Caudill’s new series, The Art of Love and Danger, and I’m looking forward to more stories to come. 

* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kregel Publishing, March, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback

Buy WRITTEN IN SECRET at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House