THE LUMBER BARON'S WIFE by Lynn Austin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:

“The choices we make are very important. Regret can be a very heavy weight to get out from under.”

 
I absolutely loved this book. I identified with modern character Ashley and her love of old houses and their preservation. I grew up in a house on the National Register and my mother was an antique dealer. This story spoke to my heart. It is so much more than the renovation of an historic mansion, it is the story of how God can renovate a hurting heart. It handles tough subjects that are common to every era.

This story was so well-crafted and very emotional. The characters were realistic and had depth. The two timelines were tethered by a 1870s mansion in Michigan owned by a lumber baron and the mysterious disappearance of his wife. The author showed that grief, hardships, and difficult decisions are part of the human condition and transcend time. But so are answers to age old questions. Christ has gone before us so that He is our strength in all types of situations. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

 
This will easily be one of my top reads for the year and not a story I will soon forget.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873. After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy―a friend of her husband, John―offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town, where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed, Hannah reluctantly agrees. There, she meets Kate, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite, and when she begins confiding in Hannah, it’s clear her marriage is not what it seems . . . and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present day. Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home―built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife―Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum. While volunteering with the restoration, she stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. 

What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth―one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home
-A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, April, 2026

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

Buy THE LUMBER BARON'S WIFE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

HARBOR POINTE by Irene Hannon, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie #ReleaseDay

(A Hope Harbor Novel Book #12): Small Town Contemporary Opposites Attract Clean Romance with a Ballerina and a Single Dad

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Sometimes you need a feel-good story and that is what you get in a Hope Harbor book. "If you lived in a town with the name Hope Harbor, how could you not wish for a happy ending?" "Nothing is impossible with God. Blessings seem to abound in Hope Harbor."

I love the atmospheric setting on the Oregon coast, and the neighborly inhabitants who show kindness. “Kindness does not cost a thing. We should all give it away generously.”
Ms Hannon writes a superb story where things do not start out so rosy but eventually, through the help of sage wisdom by Charley of the taco truck and advice from two pastors in town, the characters find healing and forgiveness through the Grace of God. 

Ballerina Devyn is a strong, independent woman and has come back home to help tend her sister Lauren after a head injury. Widower Aaron with daughter and grandfather, has a past that haunts him. Diane and Martin have a marriage that is rocky. But with the help of the Holy Spirit nudging, reconciliation has begun, new friendships are forged, a romance blooms, and a community comes together for a common goal. 

This story makes me want to head to Hope Harbor. Until then, I will soak up the ambiance by reading these wonderful stories. I am so glad there will be more.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell 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

WINNIE'S REVIEW
“But remember, you’re in Hope Harbor. And in a town with a name like that, anything is possible.”

It’s always a delight to return to one of my favorite fictional towns—Hope Harbor, Oregon. Talented author Irene Hannon has created this charming community of eclectic characters who have become almost like family. I enjoy revisiting the characters I’ve met in previous books. Charley with his taco stand is always a favorite of mine with his sage advice and positive outlook on life.

Devyn Lee is a principal ballerina in New York when she learns her estranged sister has been injured in Hope Harbor. When she stays to help her sister recuperate and try to mend their relationship, she meets widowed lumber mill worker Aaron Steele and his nine-year-old daughter Isabel. As she gets involved in a community project, Devyn is faced with some life-changing choices.

Uplifting messages of forgiveness, family, hope, and faith make this an inspirational, as well as an entertaining, tale. Be prepared to fall in love with the inhabitants of this charming town. There are several other books in this delightful series, and I hope there are many more to come. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:

When life throws you off pointe, love helps you find your balance.

As a principal dancer with a prestigious New York ballet company, Devyn Lee is far from her hometown of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. But when a family emergency compels her to return, her visit turns into an extended stay after complications arise.

Widowed mill worker Aaron Steele pays no attention to the buzz in Hope Harbor about the famous dancer in town. Until his grieving nine-year-old daughter takes a fancy to Devyn after she agrees to help with a fundraising show for a local charity in which the young girl is performing. As the show--and Devyn--begin to lift his daughter's spirits, his own life is brightened by the beautiful ballerina as she slowly but surely captures his heart.

But what are the odds that such an accomplished, polished woman from the city could ever fall for a small-town lumberman with two left feet?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Revell Publishing, April,2026

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

Buy HARBOR POINTE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House  

 

 

THE LIAR'S TREASURE by Connie Mann, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca

A Speranza Team Novel Book 2

PAULA'S REVIEW:
In this follow-up to The Crown Conspiracy, the Speranza secret society is at it again with more fast-paced action. Camille Abernathy and her friends are after artifacts that combine mystery and danger with a treasure hunt. Many are after The Liar’s Treasure, but only the worthy can win. And the ones who seek only know that it is something very valuable. 

In this complicated, high-octane plot, the team is jetting across the world to put all the pieces together. Camille, her daughter and grandmother are caught in the middle. Lucien Broussard, best friend of her dead husband, comes on the scene to help the ladies in their quest. Could Lucien become more than an old friend, as he also is looking for the treasure. Is he looking for romance with Camille? Faith and honesty are key in this riveting book. “We have to put feet to our faith. Faith is easy when you are standing on familiar ground.” 

I loved The Crown Conspiracy and this book is a dynamic sequel. I cannot wait for the next installment.
*A complimentary copy of this 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

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Time to put the next phase of his plan in place. And show these meddling women who they were dealing with."

Time was of the essence. Camille Abernathy, along with the other members of her elite secret Speranza team are tasked with locating what was known throughout the world of treasure hunters as "the liar's treasure"; items dating back centuries, believed to hold the power of discernment, delivering a death sentence upon those deemed as disingenuous. The stakes become exponentially higher when Camille's daughter innocently exposes one of the items, putting herself squarely in the crosshairs of international villains.

Help arrives in a variety of ways; putting "feet to her faith", learning that there is more to a beloved grandmother than meets the eye, and trusting someone from her past whom Camille desperately wants to believe has her best interests at heart, and there is certainly a tremendous amount of heart beating inside Lucien Broussard.

This impressive story reads like an action film on steroids, a blend of National Treasure meets Raiders of the Lost Ark. The plot is complex but comprehensible, the heroines are strong, courageous and skilled in their areas of expertise, and although the hero may not grab the spotlight very often, when he does . . . it's a sight to behold. An altogether thrilling addition to what every reader will "hope" is an ongoing series. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:

From the acclaimed author of Beyond Risk and The Crown Conspiracy, hailed as a "wild ride" by Library Journal, comes an action-packed adventure about a mysterious diary and a thrilling, high-stakes treasure hunt.

Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar's Treasure and her family's connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter's back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille's teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar's Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille's childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it's all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille's past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.

-Romantic suspense perfect for fans of Susan May Warren, Dani Pettrey, and Fern Michaels
-A clean, contemporary adventure with an international treasure hunt plot, a theme of mother-and-daughter relationships, and a dash of romance
-Book 2 in the Speranza Team series
-Includes discussion questions for book groups

Tyndale Fiction, March 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE LIAR'S TREASURE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

LISTEN FOR THE CHICKADEES by Terri Wangard, Reviwed by Winnie Thomas #JustReadTours

A Wartime Love Story Born at Pearl Harbor 

(Unsung Stories of World War II Book 3)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
What a fascinating story of the events occurring in the Pacific area during WWII! From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal and beyond, author Terri Wangard takes the reader on a riveting trip aboard aircraft carriers, hospital ships, war planes, and even submarines in her book Listen for the Chickadees. I enjoyed learning more about the war in the Pacific. Wangard has obviously done extended research on this subject, and it showed in the rich historical detail of her story.

Main characters, fighter pilot John Walsh and navy nurse Gloria Bloch, are realistic and engaging. I admired their courage and tenacity amid very trying and difficult situations. It was interesting to learn more about the different battles in this area, as most WWII stories are written about those in Europe.

With plenty of history, action, suspense, a good dose of romance, and some inspiration, this book has it all. It’s very well-written, and I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author. 4.5 stars 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
She’s loved him forever.
He’s never seen her as more than a memory from home.
Then Pearl Harbor changed everything.

December 7, 1941, shattered the illusion that anyone is safe.

Navy nurse Gloria Bloch wakes to the thunder of enemy planes over Pearl Harbor, certain of only one thing: John Walsh, the boy she has loved since childhood, is far from danger aboard an aircraft carrier. Or so she believes.

When panicked American gunfire brings John down over the harbor, their reunion is brief and breathtaking, forged in chaos neither can escape.

As the Second World War drives the United States into the Pacific conflict, Gloria and John are swept onto separate paths of duty. Gloria serves aboard the hospital ship USS Serenity, tending shattered bodies and wounded souls. John flies combat missions as a Navy fighter pilot and combat photographer, risking everything to document a war that refuses to leave him untouched.

Their paths cross again and again in fleeting moments between air raids and surgeries, courage and fear, longing and loss. With every meeting, the feelings they have buried deepen. But war demands more than love. It demands sacrifice, tests faith, and steals time without warning.

When separation stretches into silence, Gloria must face the terrifying possibility that hope itself has become another casualty of war.

As war and distance threaten to pull them apart, only the smallest signs remain: a whistle, a painted bird, and a promise worth holding onto.

Listen for the Chickadees is a Christian World War II historical romance set against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy, and the Pacific War. It is a story of steadfast love, quiet faith, and the courage it takes to trust God when tomorrow is uncertain.

Perfect for readers who enjoy WWII historical fiction, Christian wartime love stories, and emotionally rich fiction set in America and the Pacific theater 

 

SCRIVENINGS PRESS, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon 

 

CLAIRE HOLLOWAY IS WINGING IT by Angela Ruth Strong, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #JustReadTour

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Loving someone is never a mistake. Even if it hurts.”

“. . . loving someone means you’re more afraid of harming them than you are of losing them.”

Talented author Angela Ruth Strong brings her experiences as a flight attendant into her new series, A High-Flying Romance. The first book, Claire Holloway is Winging It, stars Claire as a brand-new flight attendant at the Seattle airport, after being sidelined from her ballerina dreams because of an injury. On her first day, pilot Nathan Stuart witnesses her humiliation as she misdirects a passenger, causing the lady to miss her flight. As Nathan takes Claire under his wing to help her adjust to her new job, they share some amusing experiences.

This book is full of hilarious situations with witty banter and a realistic, engaging cast of characters. It also has some inspirational threads of faith, hope, and trusting God.  

“. . . it helps to see God as the control tower. He could be protecting you from something. Or even leading you somewhere better.”

I enjoyed the interaction between Claire and Nathan and also between Claire and her other friends. I’m hoping to see more of them in future books. Anyone who has ever flown in an airplane will be able to visualize the crazy happenings as the author depicts them. It was interesting to learn a few new things about being a flight attendant and flying in general.

The epigraphs with quotes about flying at the beginning of the chapters are a fun addition.

“Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory. -- Unknown.” 

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 

* 4.5 stars  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

SEE REVIEWS BY REBECCA AND PAULA

 
BackCover Blurb:
After Claire Holloway's dream of becoming a ballerina plummets, she's left with her boyfriend as her only support . . . until she decides to become a flight attendant for the free travel. Based out of state, she moves into a crash pad with a gaggle of other flight attendants, and her fear of losing Wyatt seems to become a reality.

First Officer Nathan Stuart—a bit cynical since he and his fiancée broke up—meets a somewhat frazzled Claire on her very first day in the Seattle airport. When they end up on the same crew, he takes her under his wing, and they quickly bond.

When Claire's once-supportive boyfriend's attitude sours into resentment, she's left wondering whether her newfound joy is the right way to go. Pulled between two men and her new career, Claire must learn to listen for God's direction the same way her flight crew follows air traffic control.

In this hilarious rom-com, readers will lift off into the turbulent skies of romantic adventures as Claire navigates God's plan for her life.

Kregel Publications, March 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audio.

Buy CLAIRE HOLLOWAY IS WINGING IT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House  

DEATH FOLLOWS HER by Rachel Dylan, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Deadly Justice Book #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"This case could be a career maker."

Three executive officers of major corporations have died, and F. B. I. Special Agents Samira Addad and Jaylen Smith are tasked with determining whether or not their deaths are connected in some convoluted sort of way. The victims were all represented in high profile lawsuits by attorney Quinn Kelly; which by the way, she handily won. So is this a matter of someone taking the law into their own hands?

Obvious or obscure, Samira and Jaylen follow every lead, to no avail. Encouraging the defendant in Kelly's current case to employ private security, they urge Quinn to accept protection as well, the theory being that the deaths could be a vendetta against her widely known success, especially after the attorney senses that someone is watching her every move. Nothing in this investigation is adding up.

With expert precision the author leads readers down multiple rabbit trails littered with red herrings and innuendos that prove exactly why the investigators are so confused. Ultimately, a resolution is reached, but totally different than the kind that readers are expecting. Fascinating book! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Three powerful CEOs. Three deaths. One attorney connected to all of them.

When FBI Special Agent Samira Haddad is called in to investigate the deaths of three high-profile executives, one name keeps surfacing: Quinn Kelly, Atlanta's most formidable trial lawyer. She has a flawless record and no shortage of enemies.

Quinn is used to high stakes. But when the threats against her escalate from online noise to something far more dangerous, she becomes both Samira's greatest asset and her greatest liability.

As the investigation pulls them deeper into a world of corporate power, buried secrets, and a killer who is one step ahead and always watching, one thing becomes terrifyingly clear—someone else is going to die. 

August, 2025

Buy DEATH FOLLOWS HER at Amazon

EDGE OF TRUTH by Janice Cantore, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I'm so much bigger than you know. You're too small and insignificant to stop me."

One of her first arrests as a rookie cop has come full circle for Detective Lainie Jensen, she just doesn't know it yet.

After years of struggling over "the one that got away", Lainie can scarcely believe that Dallas Vine has criss-crossed back into her orbit as she frantically searches for answers to her sister's disappearance while on a Hawaiian vacation with her husband. Stranger still, FBI Special Agent Ben Isaacs shows up in Hawaii, determined to find out more about his partner's undercover work to take down a widespread money laundering enterprise, before he too, went missing.

Ben and Lainie get off on the wrong foot, but eventually the evidence leads them to an obvious conclusion; they are working different sides of the same case and would be better served working together. As the larger case gets stranger and stranger and the smaller details become more and more dangerous, Ben and Lainie seem poised to teeter on the very edge of truth.

This story moved along at such a graceful pace that the harrowing details never seemed rushed, but written in seamless harmony with the overall plot, which was a touch of genius, by the way. The twists and turns were meticulously timed, making the story continually interesting while slowly pulling back the curtain on a relationship that suffered setbacks, for sure, but managed to rise triumphantly in the end. Great faith elements through-out made this romantic suspense very high quality! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
One case almost destroyed her career. Now the past seems to have caught up with her. And as a high-stakes game of truth and lies unfolds, someone’s out for retribution at any cost.

As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department’s violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. After traveling there to look for her, Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn’t appear to add up.

FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan’s wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information, and he knows there’s more to this case, especially when he loses contact with Efren and law enforcement comes up short in their search for him.

When Ben’s and Lainie’s investigations converge, Lainie’s not eager to work alongside Ben given their complicated history, but she’s willing to do so if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Soon, Lainie can’t deny Ben’s dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie’s disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie’s past . . . and someone is playing a perilous game aimed at personal revenge.

-Great for fans of thrillers by Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Allison Brennan
-Police procedural featuring a detective and an FBI agent written by a former police officer
-Clean, stand-alone romantic suspense novel filled with high stakes, edge-of-your-seat adventure, elements of mystery, and themes of fighting for justice
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, February, 2026

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

BUY Edge of Truth at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

THE FILLING STATION by Vanessa Miller, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A USA TODAY Bestselling Historical Fiction Novel about the Tulsa Race Massacre

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"I choose to believe that God is good. What do you choose to believe?"

Margaret Justice believed no such thing. After she and her younger sister Evelyn survived unspeakable horrors on the night that their prosperous community of Greenwood, Oklahoma had been burned to the ground, countless citizens mowed down by gunfire, and local businesses utterly destroyed . . . while elected officials and law enforcement looked the other way . . . how could anyone declare that God was good? There was no way that Margaret was going to sit back and wait on the Almighty to rebuild what had been reduced to rubble.

What happens next is the most remarkable of stories, told with the actual 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre sewed into its very fiber from beginning to end. Courage, determination, heartache . . . insurmountable obstacles and unbelievable blessings; so many unsung heroes who deserve the microphone and others who are suitably garbed in fictional attire. These are the kinds of stories that need to see the light of day so that they are never repeated, except between the pages of a book; which once read, can never be forgotten.

The overriding question remains . . . do you have a "filling station"? 

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

BackCover Blurb:
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER! · A LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOKS OF 2025 PICK · A BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE PICK FOR 2025 · 

Two sisters. One unassuming haven. Endless opportunities for grace.

Sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice have grown up in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma--also known as Black Wall Street. In Greenwood, the Justice sisters had it all--movie theaters and entertainment venues, beauty shops and clothing stores, high-profile businesses like law offices, medical clinics, and banks. While Evelyn aspires to head off to the East Coast to study fashion design, recent college grad Margaret plans to settle in Greenwood, teaching at the local high school and eventually raising a family.

Then the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre upends everything they know and brings them unspeakable loss. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain, fill up their souls, and find strength as they wrestle with a faith in God that has left them feeling abandoned.

But they eventually realize that they can't hide out at the filling station when Greenwood needs to be rebuilt. The search for their father and their former life may not give them easy answers, but it can propel them--and their community--to a place where their voices are stronger . . . strong enough to build a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost.

The Filling Station weaves together themes of love, hate, hope, trust, and resilience in the face of great turmoil. With every turn of the page, you will be transported into a story about strong Black women in a pivotal moment of history.

Discussion questions are included, so it's perfect for book clubs! Keep your tissues nearby because this one is practically guaranteed to make you feel all the feelings.

Thomas Nelson, March, 2026

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

BUY The Filling Station at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

SUNG IN THE SHADOWS by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #NewRelease

 

The Art of Love and Danger Book Two

WINNIE'S REVIEW
“Hiding your pain and thoughts doesn’t make you a stronger person. It makes life lonelier to walk through.”

Sung in the Shadows by talented author Crystal Caudill is a heart-tugging story filled with engaging main characters, despicable villains, and an assortment of other people ranging from cruel to kind and everywhere in between. Also included is Tristan, a demon of a cat with an attitude. The plot of the tale is very creative and attention-grabbing, and it kept me turning the pages.

Nora was the victim of a kidnapping as a child, and her parents changed their names and hid their identities to try to keep themselves safe from the villains. Nora’s mother is a renowned singer, Constanza Brisbane, and her paranoia has caused her to be confined to the Longview Asylum. As Nora visits her mother there, she meets Ezekiel Beaumont whose mother also resides at asylum. He works at an opera house, which is a forbidden place for Nora, so she intends to avoid him. I loved Ezekiel’s compassionate and caring personality, and his persistence in trying to help Nora.

“Maybe Jesus has paired us under the same yoke so we can share each other’s burdens as He guides us through this mess of life.”

As past collides with the present and Nora’s family is once again in danger, the intrigue, mystery, and intensity ramp up. The author does a wonderful job of interjecting some humor and lighter moments into the rather gritty and heart-wrenching subject matter. Themes of family, faith, and hope among the darkness give an inspirational tone to the story. The author handled the subject of mental illness realistically and compassionately.

This book is part of Caudill’s Art of Love and Danger series but can be read as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed seeing Nora’s friends, The Guardians, show up in this book and be a support for her. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications. All opinions are my own.

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND REBECCA

 

BackCover Blurb:
When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother's permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it's one she can avoid fanning for only so long.

With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont's soul is weary, but Nora's presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike's Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He's determined to find out.

Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she's being watched, and her own paranoia blooms. 

 

Kregel Publications, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback,

BUY SUNG IN THE SHADOWS at Amazon,  Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

THE HIDDEN KEY OF BROOKE SUMNER by Susan Tuttle (Treasures of Halstead Manor 3), Reviewed by Kim #ReleaseDay

KIM'S REVIEW:
I have been waiting for Storm and Brooke’s story since they first appeared on the page in The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton, which is book one in this series. I loved their chemistry and banter and could not wait to find out what their backstory was. I’m happy to say it did not disappoint!

Where to start? I loved everything about Brooke and Storm—their history, chemistry, banter, and how well they knew each other. My favorite scene in the book was a moment that showed just how well Brooke knew Storm. I won’t spoil it, but a porch is involved and it is perfection! Storm was so protective of Brooke, and I was here for it! I’m so glad we got more of Gertie in this story—she’s just the best!

This story perfectly balanced adventure and romance and was well paced. The ending literally made my jaw drop! I knew there were some secrets, but I had no idea what they were or how many there would be! I really loved the faith thread about Jesus calming our storms and helping us find rest in them.

I have read and enjoyed each story in this series, but The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner is my favorite of the three! I loved it—don’t miss this series!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars!

BackCover Blurb

Will the key unlock more than a vault filled with treasure? Brooke Sumner has been carefully avoiding Storm Whitlock ever since he betrayed her trust. When he joins Caspar's mysterious treasure-hunting group, she steps away to focus on her antique shop and keep herself busy.

Then Caspar invites her back for one final assignment, and Brooke is torn. Returning to Halstead Manor to help the team find the second half of a key is intriguing. It also means she'd be working with Storm. But she doesn't trust his motives, so she reluctantly rejoins to keep him in check.

As they dive into their expedition, Brooke finds her heart softening toward those she'd once held at arm's length. And is it possible she misunderstood Storm's betrayal of their friendship?

Kregal Publishing, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE HIDDEN KEY OF BROOKE SUMNER at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEN JUSTICE COMES by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

(A Tupelo Grove Novel Book 3)

PAULA'S REVIEW
Exciting conclusion to an absorbing series, this one kept me on the edge of my seat. Wonderful cast of characters including Savannah and Hez, a married couple who divorced after a tragedy and are now engaged and looking forward to another wedding. They are anticipating adopting her nephew Simon. 

With a long-standing feud between the Willards and the LeGares and a custody battle ensuing, Savannah and Hez have more to worry about than their jobs, renovating their house and their upcoming wedding. Danger lurks around every corner as they try to honor God and decipher who to trust. 

This was a fast-paced story in a beautiful setting with a complicated plot. It made me want to read the whole series again.  

It is worth it to travel to Nova Cambridge, Alabama and read the story of Savannah and Hez.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson 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: 
USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker deliver the final book in their beloved Tupelo Grove series.

Hez and Savannah Webster have survived storms that would bury others without a love as strong as theirs--but can they withstand the final battle in the deadly Legare-Willard feud that threatens to sweep away everything they've fought for?

Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancée, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.

Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.

With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?

The Tupelo Grove series reaches its breathtaking conclusion as an enemy's agenda for revenge runs darker than swamp water and justice remains as precarious as quicksand in this heart-pounding narrative that underscores the power of redemption and forgiveness.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's When Justice Comes is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance.

 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audibook

BUY When Justice Comes at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE CINDERLELLA PLOT by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay #YA

PAULA'S REVIEW:
If you are looking for a book for your teen that is clean and a lot of fun, this one is rated PG for Pure Genius! I was hooked from the start and I am 76!

Ms Basham has captured the high school atmosphere and has penned a story that teaches a lesson: God loves you as you are!  

Paisley is a nerd with nerdy friends but wants to fit in with the popular crowd. So she starts taking an advice book called THE CINDERELLA PLOT seriously. But it backfires and she almost loses her best friend Chris (a favorite character) in the process. With hilarious high jinx that landed me in a coughing fit, Paisley and friends are characters that are endearing and entertaining. I loved all the movie and literary references and the chapter headings were fabulous. The story sees Paisley getting herself into a pretty pickle but with prayer, honesty and pure guts, she sets things right again.  

Ms. Basham is very adept at writing a comedy with heart and purpose. And in this one, she writes a book within a book when she also writes a self-help book that Paisley follows in hopes of a transformation.
This may be a YA book but all ages will absolutely love it!
*A little copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question:
What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.

**CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page ** 

MadLit Publishing, March, 2026

BUY Cinderella Plot at Amazon in digital ebook or paperback. 

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

A Mackinac Island Women's Fiction Novel with Romance 

(Mackinac Cottages Series Book 4)

PAULA'S REVIEW:

I love returning to Mackinac Island through the pages of a Carrie Fancett Pagels book. I visited many years ago as a chaperone for my son’s sixth grade class trip. Ms. Pagels brings the island back to life for me. 

What a treat to see an older heroine (my namesake) find love again. Paula Ecker is a widowed librarian who lives in Virginia but travels to Mackinac most summers. This time she will recuperate from knee surgery while looking after her aunt’s B&B. A bonus is being with her son and daughter.  

More than romance is brewing that summer on the island. Siblings Claire and Jeremy each have their secrets to keep, too.
Gennaro is a widower who is using a job on the island as an escape from fame and a too busy past. Paula and Gennaro meet because Gennaro has benefited from a book that Paula wrote on grief. Although this book has many moving parts, it is about family connections, new romance, old friends to more and learning to follow where God leads. There is a bit of intrigue, relatable characters, a mystery and plenty of laughs. 

The cover is a winner, too.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from 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:
From Mulit-Award Winning & Bestselling Author Carrie Fancett Pagels

Faith, family, hope, and love—on Mackinac Island!
Facing a summer alone, Paula, a widowed librarian, heads to her family’s cottage on Mackinac Island where she's surprised to see her nurse practitioner daughter. The author of a book on grief, Paula reconnects with an intriguing reader, Gennaro, whom she’d once previously encountered. World-famous chef, Gennaro, works at an island resort, and has kept a low profile since his wife’s tragic death. Gennaro, whose family owns massive farms in Tuscany, works with Paula on her cottage’s vegetable garden, and a deep friendship grows. Both Paula and Gennaro have college-age sons working on the island, too. When personal and family secrets erupt, can these two help their extended families and find healing for themselves?

HEARTS OVERCOMING PRESS, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon 

MISTS OVER THE CHANNEL ISLANDS by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"Man's hatred cannot destroy God's love. Man's wickedness can't destroy God's goodness. Seeing the Lord amidst all this evil isn't easy, but he's here and he's good."

Choosing to stay on her beloved Jersey Channel Island in spite of the pending German occupation, Dr. Ivy Picot is determined to serve the residents of her community while maintaining her family's long-standing medical practice. As the everyday stresses of rules, regulations, and rations begin to strangle her livelihood, her teen brother quits school in order to locate work, while her older sister becomes more and more belligerent, causing friction between the sisters to the point of compromising their principles.

Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee, along with a fellow resistance member, reluctantly volunteers to evaluate the construction of German fortifications along the shores of Jersey Island while seeking opportunities to send vital maps, along with intelligence details, back across the Channel to British Allies. In a orchestration of details that only Providence could arrange, Gerrit crosses paths with Ivy and her brother Charlie, catching the admiration of one while earning scorn from the other. As secrets come to light and crossroads become critical, Ivy struggles to trust Gerrit to be exactly who he appears not to be, subsequently grabbing hold of the chance to serve her country in ways that she never thought possible. If only their two hearts were not as entangled as their circumstances.

A shining example of inspirational historical romance, this niche setting is perfectly suited for its characters, adding to the intensity of their situation while epitimizing the charm of their attraction. Even though the time line spans years of history, it never feels stalled or rushed, crediting the author's lovely word flow and obvious knowledge of the subject matter.

A title that will surely appear on many top reads of the year listings, including mine!

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

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND WINNIE

BackCover Blurb:

Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish.

The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers--even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

Renowned WWII fiction author Sarah Sundin crafts a compelling historical romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, wartime resistance, and medical intrigue--a tale of loyalty, resilience, and courage when love and duty collide. 

Revell Publishing, February, 2026

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

Buy MISTS OVER THE CHANNEL ISLANDS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS by Melanie Dickerson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

A Rags-to-Riches Historical Romance 

set in Regency London England of Forbidden Love

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"If Miss Charlotte Robbins remains unattached, we would like to offer the position of governess to her . . . "

Aspiring to better her future, Charlotte Robbins leaves the only home she has ever known, Mrs Southey's School for Young Ladies, to accept a governess position at Lowndesbury House, where an earl resides while raising his much younger siblings. Never expecting to form a friendship with a man far above her station, Charlotte has a difficult time understanding her strong attraction to Lord Brookhaven and his seeming fondness for her.

Believing herself to have been orphaned, Charlotte is astonished when it comes to her attention that she has inherited a large sum of money from an uncle whom she never knew existed. Suddenly thrust into London society with many choices and little knowledge of how to proceed, Charlotte wonders if her simple life as a governess had been a gift far more valuable than wealth.

In a "tale as old as time" sort of way this story meanders through the corridors of an upstairs-downstairs imagining with a well positioned twist that turns the entire story on its head. Things are not as they seem, leaving Charlotte to wonder if anyone will ever truly love her for who she is rather than who she is not. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

My only remaining marriage prospects were the head gardener, the vicar, and the steward. But how could I marry any of them when I was in love . . . with Lord Brookhaven?

Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings despite rumors of the earl's severe and mysterious demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love--with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl's friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she's no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing--or if it is the very thing that threatens the love she's always longed for.  

Bethany House Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

SUNG IN THE SHADOWS by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Be gentle with her but don't give up. She's a hard one to get to know, but I think it's because she fears being known. She had a harrowing childhood."

Nora Davis had experienced quite a harrowing childhood, to the extent that her parents relocated, changed their names, and kept Nora as far away from the music performance world as possible. In some ways they were successful, with her mother tucked away in an asylum and her father working as an accountant, they never imagined that a besotted man would unknowingly turn the clock back towards danger.

Visiting his mother once a week at Longview Asylum, stage manager Ezekiel Beaumont had the unique pleasure of listening to Nora Davis sing under her mother's careful tutelage. When he was finally able to gain her attention (albeit with the help of a maniacal cat!) she expressed no interest in friendly conversation, much less his flirtatious antics. To his credit, Ezekiel could demonstrate unadulterated persistence and quickly realized that the lovely young woman carried the sort of heavy burdens that she was never meant to bear.

This story wields a worthy sword; cutting through pleasantries with deft precision, exposing raw wounds and deep fears, manuevering steadily through the darkness of hopelessness and into the brilliant arena of truth. Nora and Ezekiel painstakingly learn how to transfer their burdens to the only One who promises rest for their souls, but in the interim . . . there is an amazing story to be told!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

 

PAULA'S REVIEW 
"We can do everything right and it still not be enough. Only God is enough, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like He is."
 

A meet cute in an insane asylum? All thanks to a cantankerous cat who brings comic relief to a dark subject.
 

This well-written book gives hope among despair. It is infused with intrigue, mystery, danger and romance in an unlikely situation.
 

In this second in the series, The Art of Love and Danger, Nora sees her past catch up to her. Fellow Guardians from book one are there to help her as well as hero Ezekiel. Ezekiel and Nora meet at Longview Asylum where each of their mothers is a ward of the state. Ezekiel proves his integrity as he shows his faith in God and loyalty to Nora. Nora battles seen and unseen enemies and questions her own sanity but takes comfort in scripture and her faith.
 

This was an interesting look into not only asylums of 1869 but of the opera world too.
 

Lovers of Christian Historical Fiction will want to put this one on their list.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel on behalf of the author 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:
When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother's permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it's one she can avoid fanning for only so long.

With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont's soul is weary, but Nora's presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike's Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He's determined to find out.

Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she's being watched, and her own paranoia blooms. 

 

Kregel Publications, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback,

BUY SUNG IN THE SHADOWS at Amazon,  Christianbook, or Baker Book House