THE LIGHT ON HORN ISLAND by Valerie Fraser Leusse, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

Southern Women's Fiction about Community, Sisterhood, 

and Self-Discovery Set in Mississippi

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This novel exudes enough southern charm that I want to sit down at the table with Punk, Edie and the TenSpots and fill up on grits and shrimp, mud pie and sweet tea. You could feel the humidity of the Mississippi summer and the cooling breeze coming off the gulf.
 

The story takes place in 2002 and has Edie going back to Bayou de Chene to her grandmother Punk and a new job preparing photos and archiving stories about Hurricane Camille in Beloxi.
 

Second chance romance, grieving a loved one and encountering a mysterious light on Horn Island makes for an absorbing story, not to mention God appointed occurrences that could not be described as mere coincidence.
 

Ms. Leusse always provides a unique and relevant story of family, faith and life lessons. If you like southern fiction, immerse yourself in this wonderful story of love lost and found and friendship that lasts for a lifetime.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews 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:
Just when her life comes crumbling down, she discovers secrets that could shape her future--and heal her past.

When Edie Gardner's life in New York falls apart, her grandmother Adele "Punk" Cheramie coaxes her back to tiny Bayou du Chêne, Mississippi. Edie spent many happy summers there, a stone's throw from untamed Horn Island, where she once found love. Can she now demystify the island's strange new light?

Punk and her colorful friends introduce Edie to the Trove, a fascinating gallery and antique shop. Like Horn Island's light, The Trove has appeared out of nowhere. Its proprietor, with a gift for discerning his customers' needs, gives Edie a Victorian parlor game that asks players a series of personal questions, which is harmless fun at first. But Edie and her grandmother's circle find that the game has a way of uncovering secrets, including a heartbreak that has haunted one of the women for decades. Banding together, this Southern sisterhood is determined to find answers that will bring healing, hope, and happiness--and maybe explain the transcendent illumination of a wild and windswept barrier island.

Revell Publishing, April, 2025

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

BUY THE LIGHT ON HORN ISLAND at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

TANDEM COTTAGE by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Mackinac Cottages Series Book 3

PAULA'S REVIEW:

I always love returning to Mackinac Island through the stories of Ms. Pagels. She makes me reflect on the time I visited, albeit a long time ago. It is just so fun to read these stories.
I appreciate the pronunciation guide and character list at the beginning so that I can refresh my memory about the family connections.

Alyssa and Sammy captured my heart from the first page and I enjoyed Alyssa’s compulsion to provide for her son. I was glad to see Carter striving to take care of baby Kelsey and prioritizing his mental health after a crisis. 

From the interaction between Alyssa and Carter, it was clear to see they were interested in each other but wanted to take it slow and be sure.

The plot was creative and informative about relevant issues. The supporting characters were well drawn and added to the family dynamic. Many were Christians who lived out their faith transparently.

I look forward to another trip to Mackinac to soak up the atmosphere and catch up on what everyone is doing.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Newly minted computer science graduate, Alyssa, has plans to obtain work and finally live independently with her son. Summer programming for Alyssa’s son, who has Aspergers, is tossed when his biological father and new wife, an attorney, insist on summer visitation. With her plans completely upended, Alyssa pursues a job on Mackinac Island with the hopes of acquiring an internship. Young widower, Carter, who has suffered the tragic loss of his wife, is working remotely on Mackinac Island as a computer programmer and hires Alyssa as nanny for his baby girl.

Susan, a social worker with unknown links to Alyssa, is also Carter’s former group therapist. Susan consults at a Mackinac Island summer-long retreat as she mulls retirement options. With Alyssa’s estranged grandmother a famous television evangelist, Susan’s mother the senior-most congressional representative, and a mysterious artist all adding their dramatic flair to the Mackinac Island mix—what could go wrong? 

Hearts Overcoming Press, May, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

TWO SECONDS TOO LATE by Dani Pettrey, Reviewed by Kim #NewRelease

A Forced Proximity Romantic Suspense Thriller Book Set in New Mexico

KIM'S REVIEW:
Two Seconds Too Late is packed with romance, suspense, and nonstop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Dani Pettrey delivers a gripping story with plenty of twists and turns, all wrapped up in a sweet, heartfelt romance.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Riley and Greyson. The fake dating trope is always a fun one, but what made it really work here was the deep friendship and feelings that were already between them. Watching their relationship grow as they faced both danger and personal struggles—and supported each other through them—was my favorite part of the story.

The plot was intricate and twisty, and the pacing of the action was spot on. I also loved the strong group dynamics; the bonds between the characters added an extra layer of warmth to the story. After the hints in this book, I’m already looking forward to book three!

Although Two Seconds Too Late is the second installment in the Jeopardy Falls series, it easily reads well on its own. That said, I’m definitely going back to read the first book while I wait (impatiently!) for the next one.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith element is light. 4 stars.

BackCover Blurb:
A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples' retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman's location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They're not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson's secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can't bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival. 

 

Bethany House Publishers, April, 2025

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

Buy TWO SECONDS TOO LATE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House