AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY by Jayna Breigh, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I absolutely loved this story. The author makes 'legalese' understandable. The characters were stellar. J.D. was a flawed, redeemed, upright lawyer who fought for the underdog. Mahalia was a by-the-book judge who learned to loosen up and went back to her Christian roots. Since she was raised by a preacher granddaddy, those Bible quotes keep popping into her head.
 

Ms. Breigh writes in a natural, flowing way that put me right in the story, the elevator scene was epic. I loved the way J. D. calmed the situation by playing 20 questions to pass the time.
 

What started out as an at-odds relationship, blossomed into quite the romance. It goes to show that God might change the plans you thought were written in stone. The side characters rounded out the story to show the personality traits of J.D. and Mahalia.
 

What’s not to love when you mix an earthquake, someone making things difficult, and romance with interesting legal information.
 

Another excellent story by a very talented author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel 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:
As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.

Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.

Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.

A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk. 

 

Kregel Publications, January, 2026
Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:
Buy AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

BLAZE OF COURAGE by Avrie Swan, Tour and Review hosted by Paula Shreckhise #CelebrateLit

 

About the Book

Book: Blaze of Courage

Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 13, 2026

A mysterious locket brings a fire survivor and a wounded veteran together, but their growing feelings might be more dangerous than the men pursuing them.

Charlotte Clarke survived the flames that destroyed her town and took her family, but at what cost? Left injured and alone, she seizes the chance for a fresh start when a dying friend asks her to take a locket to a relative in Kentucky. But she has no means to reach her destination until she meets a handsome horse trainer headed south and convinces him to let her travel with him.

Haunted by his years in the cavalry and desperate to save his family’s failing stables, Stefan Roberts is focused on transporting his father’s racehorses to Kentucky for the spring races. He isn’t looking for complications—especially not in the form of a determined young woman with secrets of her own. Yet as they travel together, Charlotte’s courage and determination begin to crack the walls he’s built around his heart.

When a shadowy pursuer closes in, Stefan and Charlotte must face the pasts they’ve been running from, and the faith they thought they’d left behind, before their fragile hopes for the future go up in smoke.

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Peshtigo, Wisconsin to Lexington, Kentucky 

Charlotte has lost everything in the great Peshtigo fire. Recovering from her injuries, she sets out to return a keepsake to relatives of a friend who died in the fire. On her journey to Kentucky, she encounters Stephan who is taking two thoroughbreds to his father’s stables in Montecello, Kentucky. In Chicago they help out twins Tom and Sebastian who join them on the journey. 

The story is about the travels and sinister men who are after something Charlotte possesses. 

Along the way, Charlotte questions why God would let bad things happen to her if He cared. Stephan and others show her that God does care for her because He sacrificed His Son. 

This touching story had mystery, intrigue, a clear gospel message, a bit of romance, and characters that showed compassion and bravery. 

I was expecting to read more about the fire but maybe that was in the first book of the series. I lived pretty close to Peshtigo many years ago so I am interested in the history of the fire.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Wild Heart books through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

 

More from Avrie

Hello, folks!

When I wrote Blaze of Courage, I wanted to create a story centered on three things I love: adventure, faith, and horses. I adored horses as a kid, and although my family didn’t have the time, space, or money for a big animal, my mom managed to enroll me in a horseback riding camp when I was around nine or ten. I was over the moon! Since then, I’ve had more chances to interact with and learn about these loyal, graceful (and sometimes ungraceful) creatures. Blaze of Courage wouldn’t be complete without them!

In addition to everything related to horses, Charlotte and Stefan’s journey in Blaze of Courage centers on the theme of returning to Christ. Unlike Carina, who held onto her faith despite her struggles, the fire and its aftermath severely challenged Charlotte’s beliefs. Have you ever felt like hiding from everyone after being hurt? It’s often easier to hide our feelings and blame others rather than face what truly bothers us, and in Charlotte’s case, this includes trying to hide from and blame God. Of course, hiding from God is a strategy doomed to fail. What happens once Charlotte realizes this is something for you, dear reader, to discover.

The characters in Blaze of Courage are some of my favorites, and I thought it would be fun to create a little game based on them! Feel free to check out the link below and take the quiz to see which of the four group members you resemble most. If you play, share your results on social media or leave a comment on my Instagram! I’d love to see what you get. As always, God bless!

https://take.quiz-maker.com/QNUD28ZQX

Sincerely,

Avrie Swan

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Books Less Travelled, January 25

Simple Harvest Reads, January 26 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 27

Inkwell Inspirations , January 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

Holly’s Book Corner, January 30

Devoted Steps, January 31

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 1

Betti Mace, February 2

Cover Lover Book Review, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

Stories By Gina, February 5 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, February 5

Connie’s History Classroom, February 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Avrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

Giveaway

HEARTS IN CIRCULATION by Sarah Monzon, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

 A Christian Contemporary Autumn Rom-Com Book-about-Books with Forced-Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine, and Pen-Pal Romance

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“The downside of having an active imagination is that it can run away with me pretty quickly. I take mine by the metaphorical reins and yank hard until it comes to a screeching halt.”
 

This was a hilarious story but it taught some realistic lessons. 

 

The two main characters are not run-of-the mill. Levi, a mechanic, is a huge man with teddy bear qualities. He has a condition that has his senses on overload, so he is perceived as a reclusive grouch. Haley, a librarian, thinks she is living on borrowed time since her liver transplant. She does not want to commit to a long term relationship. God works in mysterious and comical ways to bring the two together and show them that love is possible.
 

I love the internal dialogue that Haley shows us. She has a witty banter with her friends. Levi is really sweet and loves his family but due to his condition is wary of people.
 

There is a clear gospel message and faith is presented in a realistic way as the answer to a flawed humanity.
 

I loved reading about two people who loved books. It makes me want to read the rest of the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Can a rundown bookmobile be the vehicle that brings two unlikely hearts together?

Little Creek's bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Hayley Holt is afraid it's going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touches from the vibrant librarian leave him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren't contained within the bindings of a book.

Sarah Monzon pens a charming contemporary rom-com for fans of books about books, the forced-proximity and grumpy-sunshine tropes, and pen-pal romances. Fans of Melissa Ferguson and Pepper Basham will find this no-spice, heartwarming love story magnetic.

 

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2025

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

Buy HEARTS IN CIRCULATION at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE FAULT BETWEEN US by Stephanie Landsem, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This story struck me with its heartfelt, realistic descriptions of an earthquake and rescue efforts afterward. That was the tense and dangerous part but what also struck me was the relationships in the Reilley family. Sisters Claire, Bridget and Frannie grew up not knowing their mother and with an overprotective father. That situation colored their whole life and choices. The excellent writing showed how their decisions shaped them and how circumstances brought out the best in them.
 

The theme of trusting and trustworthiness came through as well as redemption and reconciliation. I especially like the viewpoint of Claire and her appreciation of the beauty of her surroundings, attributing them to God. Her faith and Christian outlook shine through.
 

Ironically, I have also been reading a contemporary book set in Yellowstone with a scene mentioning the quake of 1959. It was interesting to see the overlap.
* A complimentary copy of this book wa# provided by Tyndale through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyndale Fiction, November, 2025

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

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

 

 

A WEEKEND ON ALLYSON ISLAND by Susannah B. Lewis, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A party gone wrong? Or Right? 

Moira is a lonely widow who is celebrating her 50th birthday by inviting a few friends to an exclusive bash at her home on Allyson Island. What transpires is a revealing look at each person’s foibles and how they reacted to the unveiling of their own personal shortcomings. 

Among all the introspection and reflections, comes healing , solidifying friendships and realizing their individual purpose in life. 

At times it was gritty with reality but the setting on a beautiful island contrasted with the soul-searching of the women.  

One woman was an outspoken Christian and this story showed how she had an effect on her friends. The themes of reconciliation, healing and awakening faith resonated throughout. 

This is a new-to-me author and I will be on the lookout for more stories that cause me to ponder life questions.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid Faith Thread

BackCover Blurb:
They've come for a birthday celebration . . . but they'll leave celebrating themselves.

Moira Allyson is going all out for her 50th birthday. The planning part is easy--in her big, beautiful mansion set on Savannah's waterfront, perfect parties practically plan themselves. She'll serve the region's finest cuisine, offer delicious drinks, book the best entertainment, and set up luxurious spa treatments for a small group of the most important women in her life--from childhood best friends to the woman who cleans her house.

She may be focused on her friends, but Moira's focus has a purpose--distracting herself from the lonely reality of her life as a widow and empty nester. Her twentysomething sons don't really come back to visit anymore, and her husband, the love of her life, is gone forever. Moira may appear to have it all on the outside, but there's way too much room in her home . . . and way too many memories. She's spared no expense for this weekend, and everything's perfect--until it's not.

Each woman who arrives at the party comes with her own birthday well wishes--and her own secret sorrow, which she's determined not to unwrap. But weekends spent with friends have a way of bringing things that have been kept hidden to the surface. Late into the evening, when the stars come out and everyone gets comfortable, one friend opens her heart . . . and then others join in. Allyson Island is like summer camp for 50-year-olds--and, just like at summer camp, it's a place where friendships are strengthened, deep emotions are shared, and hope and healing happen. 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, December, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy A WEEKEND ON ALLYSON ISLAND at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

A SEASON OUT OF TIME by Josie Riviera, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A Christian Historical Romantasy (Stories of Love, Faith, and Hope)

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This was a romantic fantasy that had an atmospheric setting in a conservatory. The descriptions were poetic and realistic. In New England in 1924, Rosalind Drew is a botanist who studies and propagates plants for the local community. Intrigue comes in many forms such as unusual plants, mysterious Edmund Winterborne, and people who want to take over the research and property that Rosalind has worked at for so long. There is also the phenomenon of a winter that lasted a constant three years.
 

The faith thread was believable and natural. The characters saw the wonder of God’s creation. “Faith gives purpose to science. I study plants to appreciate His creation, not merely to catalog it.”
This is the first book I have read by this author. I like her writing style and am curious about other offerings. 

 *A complimentary copy of this book was provided through Book Sirens 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:
When everything feels frozen, could love be the one thing that finally thaws her heart?

Rosalind Drew has always lived by logic, not longing. A brilliant botanist clinging to control, she's watched her once-vibrant family conservatory wilt under the weight of endless winter—and the even heavier silence in her soul.

Dreams deferred. Love denied. Life on pause.

Then Edmund Winterborne arrives.
Mysterious, wealthy, and burdened by secrets of his own, Edmund steps into her world like a forgotten melody—unsettling, alluring, impossible to ignore. He's everything she's not: impulsive, passionate, and a believer in things unseen. And yet, he sees her. The woman beneath the routine. The heart aching for more.

As the snow presses in, so does the promise of something neither expected—a love that might restore what was lost, rewrite the rules, and bloom in even the harshest season.

But when past wounds and present choices threaten to undo everything, will Rosalind have the courage to let go of control... and trust the wild, beautiful promise of winter?

Includes, as a bonus, the classic Nordic fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon, reprinted from the public domain—a timeless story of sacrifice, transformation, and love that inspired this novel.

 

Cherished Hearts Publishing, January, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover

Buy A SEASON OUT OF TIME at Amazon

THE LIES WE TRADE by Kristine Delano, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"It's starting to feel like everyone knows something they shouldn't."

When Wall Street portfolio manager Meredith Hansel is convinced by others in her financial firm to sign a restraining order against her former sales manager, numerous confounding circumstances begin to circle like hawks. It's not as if Meredith's life is picture perfect to begin with, she and her husband have been growing apart while her two children have spent their time growing up, or maybe it's just that Meredith is working way too many hours to feel a part of her family any more.

What begins as carefully constructed innuendos rapidly changes into an all out assault on everything and everyone that Meredith holds dear, secrets that she has kept for reasons of her own are being used as leverage to get Meredith's undivided attention and ultimate cooperation. Unfortunately for her, the truth and lies are scheduled to converge in a matter of days, holding Meredith hostage in her own life if she cannot find a way to re-establish her most stable alliance, her husband.

For readers with more than a rudimentary knowledge of investment markets, the financial scheme in this story will most likely prove both fascinating and perhaps even brilliant. Surprisingly, my simple base line understanding didn't distract me at all from the core elements of this story. For whether a hard working mother invests her time on Wall Street or Main Street, many of the stress points are exactly the same. Communicating with a spouse about deep matters of the heart is never easy, especially when the risk factors could be heart breaking. And who has has a magic wand when it comes to raising teenagers? No one.

An astonishing array of legal suspense, family drama, and women's fiction, creating a palpable tension from beginning to end, with bonus points for how well it landed!

"It's hard to trust, but that's the point, we need to learn. And we are. We're finding that trusting in a God who knows us and created us is a whole lot easier than in the people who have hurt us." 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
A high-powered Wall Street career, a beautiful family in a quiet suburban neighborhood—she seems to have everything. Which means she has everything to lose.

Meredith Hansel should be having the best week of her life. After establishing herself as a portfolio manager at a prestigious Wall Street firm, she’s in the national spotlight for the innovative funds she created. But as Meredith prepares to celebrate, the plates she’s kept spinning for years begin to crash: Her strained marriage reaches a breaking point. Her conscientious teenage daughter acts out under mysterious pressures. Someone vandalizes her home with disturbing graffiti. And Betsey, her most trusted ally at the financial firm, goes rogue, and Meredith is forced to sign a restraining order against her.

Then her worlds collide when she receives a thumb drive and a cryptic note from Betsey threatening to reveal a secret that could have devastating effects on Meredith’s family . . . unless she can figure out what Betsey wants and deliver it in time.

As Meredith begins to dig into the data, however, she begins to suspect that it’s no coincidence her life is crumbling. That maybe what’s happening to her family is connected to what’s boiling beneath the surface at her investment company. Soon Meredith realizes there’s only one way to avoid taking the fall, and it all hinges on Betsey’s true motives. Was she really threatening Meredith or trying to warn her?

-Great for fans of Colleen Coble, Laura Dave, Dani Pettrey, and Lisa Scottoline
-Clean, high-stakes women’s domestic suspense with workplace secrets and family drama
-A stand-alone Wall Street thriller
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

 

Tyndale Fiction, January, 2026

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

Buy THE LIES WE TRADE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

BEYOND THE CLOUDS by Elizabeth Camden, Reviewed by Rebecca, Paula, and Winnie #ReleaseDay

The Women of Midtown: 

Christian Historical Opposites Attract Romance Set in WWI New York City and Europe

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Why had she let safety and security matter more than Finn?"

Increasingly interested in making her personal feelings known to her employer, paralegal Delia Byrne searches for an opportunity to take their relationship to the next level when the man in question seemingly demonstrates otherwise. Embarrassed by Wesley's mixed signals, Delia experiences an awkward encounter with her first love, pilot Finn Delaney, whose exploits behind enemy lines have made him into somewhat of a national hero while he recovers from an horrific crash.

When Delia and Finn, one a pacifist and the other a staunch patriot, become tasked with rallying support for humanitarian efforts through-out war torn Belgium, Delia recognizes that she is approaching one of life's many crossroads; she can choose to embrace their sweet memories or allow Finn's impetuous decision making to ruin their future. That decision and its cost will be higher than either one of them could possibly have imagined.

The historical context and content in this narrative is absolutely fascinating. Assuming most readers know little to nothing about what happened in Belgium during the first World War, this story will illuminate both the atrocities and the generosities across oceans of divide. In addition, both characters grow into the persons that God had intended them to be all along. Who knew the world needed kites?
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews, and I purchased a copy. 4.5 stars

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another well researched story set during world war one. Delia Byrne is a pacifist working in a law firm that defends German Americans against unfair treatment. Her firm supports Bertie Hoover, and his efforts to supply relief food to Belgium, which is under occupation. The author provides a unique perspective of war time, and the many problems involved in executing humanitarian aid. Miss Camden also shows the resilience of the oppressed people of Belgium and the dangers some faced in helping a downed American pilot, Finn, who once meant a lot to Delia. 

“Courage was not the absence of fear; it was moving forward despite the fear.” 

This was a vibrant, complex story that wove historical details without presenting cold facts. It was intricately plotted with interesting characters that gave a great history lesson as well as showed spiritual lessons in the midst of tragedy and impossible situations.

I highly recommend this story that completes The Women of Midtown series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Courage wasn’t the absence of fear; it was moving forward despite the fear.”

In the conclusion to her Women of Midtown series, Elizabeth Camden has penned a fascinating tale of two teenagers who fell in love while in an orphanage. They planned to open a kite shop when they had saved enough money—until Finn betrayed Delia by taking the money they had saved so he could become a pilot. When he returned from serving in World War I, wounded and a hero, Delia wanted nothing to do with him. Thrown together in a mission to raise relief funds for people in Belgium, they must work together again.

I enjoyed learning more about the Commission for the Relief of Belgium and Herbert Hoover’s part in founding and carrying out its mission. I also loved this fictional story of two people involved in it, while also learning about the real-life function of the group.

“It seemed God made some people to be warriors, while others were destined to work quietly behind the front lines.”

The characters are well-drawn, engaging, and realistically flawed; the storyline is intriguing and entertaining; and the tale is full of historically fascinating facts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I’m looking forward to Camden’s next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:

They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together—until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir—until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them—or the possibility of falling in love again?

Elizabeth Camden's compelling historical romance of second chances, sacrifice, and redemption is set against the backdrop of World War I in Belgium and will captivate listeners with its rich historical detail and deeply woven characters. 

Bethany House Publishing, January, 2026

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

Buy BEYOND THE CLOUDS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE BELLE OF CHATHAM by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Rebecca #ReleaseDay

A Colonial-Era Historical Romance 

Set During the American Revolution

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is as strong as death. . . " - Song of Solomon

Living along the edges of the increasingly volatile Revolutionary War, Maebel Bohannon and her sister Coralie billet the extra rooms in their large Chatham home to their brother James and two additional Patriot officers, one by the name of General Rhys Harlow, an esteemed commander over an elite group of sharpshooters. Not accustomed to being stirred over the sight of a beautiful woman, Rhys cannot resist his inclinations towards the lovely Mae. She seems as warm and accomplished as her sister appears cold and indifferent. Naturally the timing couldn't be worse, romance is a heady distraction that Rhys cannot afford to embrace.

It's barely a secret that the Bohannon family has one member more inclined towards British loyalty, so that as time and circumstances move towards happiness for one sister, the other remains isolated and heartbroken over the dim prospects for her own. War pushes the entire family in new directions, and when subterfuge is exposed, Mae has to wage a battle on two fronts; for her own safety and the love of a good man.

Breathing life and breath into the already bountiful historical fodder of a time period is what this author does best, capitalizing on nearly unbelievable circumstances to celebrate the courage of the past as a means of inspiring hope for the future. She does so with turbulent grace, reminding both characters and readers, that "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, makest me dwell in safety".

And just think, it all started in a closet! 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for Revell through Interviews and Reviews. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides—Patriots and Loyalists—causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Laura Frantz offers a stirring friends-to-lovers historical romance of divided loyalties, patriotism, sacrifice, sisterhood, and love set during the American Revolution.

 

Revell Publishing, January, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy THE BELLE OF CHATHAM at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

A KINDA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Krista Phillips, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
What a cute story set in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Sadie Jenkins owns a year-round Christmas boutique when world traveler Nate Meyers enters her store. Let the fun begin. 

Getting-to-know-you romance with a not-so-cute meet when Nate crashes into a Christmas tree with expensive ornaments on it. Sadie is a single mother who is penny pinching so her daughter can go to college. Nate, a redeemed bad boy, is guilted into volunteering to help with the Christmas play and the reason for the season melts his heart. 

This witty, heartwarming, faith filled story is just right for the Christmas season.
*A complimentary copy of this book was downloaded from Amazon. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
A CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELLA!

Celebrate the holidays with this sweet contemporary inspirational romance novella (with a splash of humor!) about a woman who is surrounded by Christmas and a man who could - eh- do without it.

Sadie Jenkins lives and breathes Christmas every, single day of the year. Owner of Bethlehem's Boutique in the tourist mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN, she has no room for the bad boys of her past and devotes her whole life to the struggling boutique and her teenage daughter, Maribelle. She's perfectly happy with her country-living life until he walks into her store. Nate Myers travels the globe for his job and has the bank account to prove his success. The former "bad" boy is in town for a short visit with his sister and is determined to not get caught up in all the Christmas hype. But then he falls for the beautiful shopkeeper—quite literally. Will these two (sorta) opposites be able to find a happily-ever-after together?

Find out in A (kinda) Country Christmas! 

2015

Available at Amazon in digital ebook or paperback

(Kindle Unlimited as of January, 2026)

PLAIN JANE'S SECRET ADMIRER by Anne Blackburne, Reviewed by Trixi

Heart of the Amish Book 11

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
Jane and Samuel both have secrets that could keep them from discovering a love that is right in front of them. They’ve both admired each other from childhood, but a cruel nickname has kept them apart. Until they find the courage within themselves, they could miss out on their dreams coming true for family and love.

Anne Blackburne has woven a gentle love story full of faith and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. I love the strong friendships both Jane and Samuel have with all the secondary characters in this story, and enjoyed everything about this tender love story that made me root for love to prevail in the end. There were times of mishaps, laughter, tender feelings, witty banter between the characters and maybe a bit of matchmaking too! And Jane’s cat Secret and her friend Little Mouse are the cutest additions to this already wonderful story.

I enjoyed everything about this gentle love story that touches on the bond of lifelong friendships, discovering our own voice in the world, and a strong reliance on God through faith in Him. Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres because I get a glimpse of a simpler lifestyle and a refreshing faith thread. Anne Blackburne is new-to-me and I’ll be looking forward to more stories by this talented writer! 
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

BackCover Blurb:

Secrets Surround Shy Jane Bontrager
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Sweet, shy, and devoted Amish woman, Jane Bontrager secretly hates her childhood nickname of Plain Jane. She doesn’t know who started the ugly name back in her school days, but she can never forget how it has long made her feel.
 
Jane has a huge crush on Amish buggy maker Samuel Mast, but they are both so shy they are more likely to turn old and gray alone than to ever get together—especially since Samuel holds a secret or two of his own.
 
What can bridge the gap between two young people who both deserve love and happiness?

The Heart of the Amish Series Includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne
Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele
Lizzie’s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne
Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele
A Daughter's Choice by Kelly Irvin 

Barbour Fiction, January, 2026

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

Buy PLAIN JANE'S SECRET ADMIRER at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

SCARS OF THE REVOLUTION by Megan Soja, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Harbor of Spies Book 3

PAULA'S REVIEW:

“We never grieve without hope, for we know that nothing is hidden from God. We can trust His sovereignty in all things.”

What an unlikely romance between patriot Libby and Lieutenant Isaac Harrison of the occupying British army in Boston 1775.
I love learning about the history of our country and Ms. Soja brings the past to life in this wonderful story full of danger, intrigue and personal struggles. 

Libby is twenty and lives with her twice-widowed mother. They are housing a British officer during a volatile time in the formation of our nation. Isaac knew and respected her father and they would discuss the Bible. Libby’s mother lives out her faith and is often the voice of reason, sharing scripture and wisdom.

There is much to ponder in this story. We need to remember our roots and appreciate those who sacrificed to give us our freedoms and this wonderful country. 

Ms. Soja brings the challenges of an emerging nation to a personal level as the characters learn to navigate their faith in troubling times. I look forward to the next book in this excellent series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher 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:
Some scars are born from duty, others from rebellion—theirs were carved by both.

Libby Caldwell has been in love with Isaac Harrison for years, ever since her late father befriended him. While her head knows there is no hope of sharing her life with a British soldier, her heart is much more difficult to convince, especially now that he is quartering in her home. With Boston under siege and battle looming, each day together forces her to recognize how deep her feelings truly are…and how forbidden.

Bound by duty to both his family and country, Isaac is determined to serve honorably in the King’s army, despite never wishing to be a soldier. But quartering with the widow and daughter of his old friend places another obligation on his shoulders—that of their well-being. The more time he spends with Miss Caldwell, the more that duty begins to feel like something personal, something he cannot allow.

As the siege of Boston tightens, Libby finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of espionage that could save the Patriot cause—and destroy any chance of a future with the man she’s growing to love.

Will betrayal and war keep their two worlds forever apart? Or will they look to the One whose love knows no bounds to bring them healing and a future? 

Wild Hearts Books, January, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:

Buy SCARS OF THE REVOLUTION at Amazon 

TRACK OF COURAGE by Susan May Warren, Reviewed by Rebecca #ReleaseDay

Call of the Wild Book #1: 

A Clean Romantic Suspense K-9 Thriller with Action and Adventure in Alaska

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I'm convinced that nothing can happen to me in this life that isn't used or designed by God to know him better."

It began as a simple plane ride, just a quick way to get from one place to another. Unfortunately, in this case Keely Williams is caught up in a set of circumstances that were doomed to fail, her flight was going to crash in the Alaskan wilderness. Second guessing her decision to leave New York City in order to locate her birth mother, the famous pop singer makes a run for her life after surviving the crash, only to be chased by an unknown assailant.

Former law enforcement officer Dawson Mulligan is slowly adapting to life after a horrific knee injury, his peculiar adopted rescue dog sticking close by his side during the entire rehabilitation process. Too close on most days, if the truth were known. When man and dog happen upon a distressed woman at the bottom of a ravine, everything changes. Every single thing.

As you might imagine, Keely and Dawson's trek to safety takes multiple twists and turns. The danger stalking Keely is bigger and broader than they could have ever imagined, making them completely vulnerable and totally unprepared for what will be required of them; virtual strangers standing together against continual mental, physical, and spiritual onslaughts. Thankfully, a team forms around them, but little do they realize that returning to their real lives might prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

There are so many spiritual blessings in the form of wise words of advice sprinkled throughout this story. Readers will admire both the rushes of adrenaline and respites of quiet conversations that this adventurous narrative ushers onto the page. However, it may be the whispers of music that will resonate the loudest.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. 3.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Prepare to experience edge-of-your-seat action combined with heart-stirring romance and heroic K9 companions in this exhilarating romantic suspense that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard. 

 

Revell Publishing, January, 2026

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

Buy TRACK OF COURAGE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE ROAD UNVEILED by Tim Bishop, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Bicyle Adventures Book #2

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This book is a raw and honest look at a bicycle road trip by Lauren, a forty-two year old woman who served in a foreign orphanage for years, and Doug, a retired widower. They are both Christians and encourage each other along the way as bike buddies. The book is also an inside look at the struggles that Lauren has with her fiancé Jeffery and what each really wants out of their relationship. 

The trip was full of beautiful scenery but also dangers from the elements, the wildlife and some scary biker dudes.
*Trigger Warning- the scenes at the Golden Prairie Indian Reservation are traumatic. But Laura and Doug meet some wonderful people there and at other stops along the way. 

The characters and situations were realistic, although Lauren made some unwise choices, and the outcome was anything but predictable.  I enjoyed this road trip story and the lessons that the characters learned about their faith and their lives.
*I won a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Library Thing. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:

Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming.

Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage.
Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with motorcyclists bound for a massive rally, including gang members who eye her as theirs for the taking.

Doug Zimmer, another lone cyclist, is grappling with loss and wondering if anyone will be alongside him when he figures out what’s next. He isn’t the only one drawn to Lauren’s vitality and spirit.

But Lauren may already be in too deep. What she faces on the Golden Prairie Indian Reservation tests her courage—and her faith—more than anything she encountered as a missionary in Uganda.

A woman with a secret and a man healing from loss pedal the rugged roads of the American West on a quest for love and purpose that leads to unexpected horizons.

Fiction that matters.

Open Road Press, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon 

 

REBECCA MANEY'S FAVORITE READS OF 2025

REBECCA'S FAVORITES LIST - What a great year for Christian Fiction!

TOP THREE READS OF 2025

As Sure As The Sea - Jamie Ogle

The Scarlet Ribbon - Naomi Stephens

 

 

The Voice We Find - Nicole Deese

TOP TEN READS OF 2025
The Indigo Heiress - Laura Frantz
Kate Landry Has a Plan - Rebekah Millet
This Promised Land - Cathy Gohlke
The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House - Joanna Politano
Every Hour Until Then - Gabrielle Meyer
The Bitter End Birding Society - Amanda Cox
What the River Keeps - Cheryl Bostrom
The French Kitchen - Kristy Cambron
Winter's Maiden - Morgan Busse
Splendor of the Land - Connilyn Cossette

HONORABLE MENTION
The Red Cottage - Hannah Linder
Sense and Suitability - Pepper Basham
Guilty Until Innocent - Robert Whitlow