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 

 

 

ALL BOOKED UP by Melody Carlson, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt #ReleaseDay

 

A Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Bookish and Literary Themes

TRIXI'S REVIEW: 
Family is where you find it.
 

Riva has many memories in the old Victorian house her family has had for years. With the passing of her husband over a year ago, she finds herself at a crossroad. Due to finances, she can’t keep the house, yet at the same time she can’t bring herself to sell it…so when an opportunity to rent out the rooms to female boarders, she embarks on a new and somewhat scary adventure.

We’ll be like the Golden Girls of the new Millennium.

I love how the author weaves these five women together even though they all have different backgrounds and life experiences. It’s hard at first, but they all have one thing in common—grief—which bonds them in the end. Of course, you can expect a few bumps along the way as they navigate living under the same roof. A few incidences were portrayed in a juvenile manner, so it took a bit of the enjoyment out the story for me. There were many emotions felt by me as I learned of the past hurts or difficulties of the characters and that helped connect me to them in a tangible way. In the end, it was a truly enjoyable read about a group of people navigating life together and overcoming grief. My favorite part was when Riva reminded them that God’s love is unconditional and never gives up. He’s relentless in pursuing us in spite of all our human flaws. I love those reminders myself!

*I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Netgalley and Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own*

 

BackCover Blurb:
When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined.

Widowed empty-nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave decades of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

A heartwarming contemporary romance featuring a bookish widow finding a second chance at love. This small-town rom-com about new beginnings makes a perfect read for your book club.

 

Revell Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy ALL BOOKED UP at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

CLAIRE HOLLOWAY IS WINGING IT by Angela Ruth Strong, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"I will not make a soda-in-a-sock joke. I will not make a soda-in-a-sock joke."

Newly minted flight attendant Claire Holloway is barely getting her wings under her feet when her first assignment lands her in the Seattle, Washington airport. Upon arrival, Claire proceeds to capitalize on the handsome stature of first officer Nathan Stuart to dodge an embarrassing conversation with a fellow traveler. Was her technique successful? Absolutely not!

Nathan Stuart is totally entertained by his first impression of the lovely rookie flight attendant as she fumbles her way through their chance meeting. Taking pity on Claire's knowing-no-one predicament, he offers to help her navigate the best transportation to her crash pad, giving her other pointers along the way. Besides, they will probably never see each other again. Wouldn't that be a shame? 

To say that I loved this book would be a vast understatement. Its comedic veneer stabilizes incredibly deep authentic cries of the soul from within its characters, which rather than shy away from, the author meets head-on. And I'm so glad that she did, because everyone needs a reminder what love should and does look like. God had it right all along.

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

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was a delightful read. The author gives us an inside look at the life of a flight attendant because she is one! Ms. Strong brings so much insight to this cute story but also much spiritual depth. 

“I have never understood the Bible better than I do at this moment. Rather than take away our pain, Jesus joined us in it.” 

Claire Holloway is forced to set aside her ballerina dreams but lands a job as a flight attendant. The story starts on her maiden voyage where she meets Nathan Stuart a co-pilot fresh from a breakup with his fiancée. 

With her signature wit and whimsy, the author also shows the faith journey of both Nathan and Claire, and brings in colorful characters Vincent, Desiree and colleagues from her crash pad. Angel becomes a good friend and will be featured in the next book. The author teases with a sneak peek of her story at the end of the book. I can hardly wait. 

I loved the behind-the-scenes glimpse at the life of those who fly. The descriptions of the sight seeing was a treat too. What struck me most was how the author effortlessly wove in spiritual truths and a solid gospel message. A winner all the way around.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel, via NetGalley, through Just Read Publicity Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

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  

SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION by Megan Soja, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Harbor of Spies #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She didn't belong here, in this strange home with this unexpected family, any more than she had belonged in England . . ."

Nothing was as she had expected. Patience Abbott and her brother William had made the long voyage from England to America after the death of their beloved mother in order to reunite with their seafaring father who had been on the high seas most of their life. Upon arrival in Boston, they learn their father has adopted a new lifestyle and it appears to Patience that it doesn't necessarily include them.

In addition, Boston is a bastian of unrest as a dreaded tea tax deadline looms on the horizon, generating discontent among locals who are beginning to unite in their opposition of England's heavy handed taxation of her colonies. It is one of these Sons of Liberty, blacksmith Josiah Wagner, who provides a friendly face and welcome companionship for Patience and her brother. When their Tory father makes his intentions known for a gentleman suitor for his daughter, circumstances take a decided turn.

This story's placid pace gives readers plenty of time to digest not only the fictional portions of this novel but the generous amounts of historical record as well. Providing insight into both sides of the powder keg of opinions during this time period, as well as following the spiritual journey that Patience and Josiah decidedly traverse results in an enjoyable and albeit romantic read. 

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

BackCover Blurb:

A spark ignites a flame that could burn down everything they hold dear.

Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties.

Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him.

As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own?

 

WildHeart Books, March, 2025

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

Buy SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION at Amazon

SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE by T. I. Lowe, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"I just wanted to say hey and let you know if you ever need anything, like sugar, I probably won't have it."

Stepping out of rehab and into her beloved grandmother's home on Sullivan's Island should have seemed like a fresh start, but Juniper Wilder's new beginning is missing a key ingredient, her three year old daughter. Fern was currently in her brother's custody and Junie was determined to remain sober, working her way back to motherhood. If anyone thought it would be easy, they were lying.

Where to start, when there was so much time was on her hands, that was the question. Junie slowly begins to rely on those who have her best interests in mind (avoiding those who don't), including her reclusive next door neighbor Henry, whose constant porch-side clicks on his computer keyboard were both soothing and annoying. Her days were long, her grief was deep; the past continually reared its ugly head more often than not, causing Junie to wonder if she would ever move past "south of somewhere".

This emotion filled story is both heartening and heart breaking, observing the courage that it takes for someone experiencing such deep loss amidst struggling to fill that emptiness with healthy alternatives, is a journey that no one would choose to take. Pray fervently that we would be willing to come alongside the Junies of this world, if and when God places them along our path. 

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

BackCover Blurb:
When Juniper Wilder's grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she's burned a lot of bridges, ones that can't be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother's South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There's an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it's hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she's hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she's made.

-Contemporary Southern fiction for fans of Lauren K. Denton, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Victoria Benton Frank
-An inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romance
-Contains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found family
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Junie's story 

Tyndale Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

EYEWITNESS SKETCH by Danielle Grandinetti, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency Book 1

PAULA'S REVIEW:
From Chicago to a remote island at the tip of Door County In Wisconsin, danger follows Gabby when she is a witness to a murder. Her refuge is her home town and deputy Andri Johannsson. Andri has known Gabby for a long time and does his best to protect her along with his canine Freya. Not only do they rely on each other but also on the God that is so much a part of their lives. 

Lots of intrigue as things get complicated and distant memories put Gabby in further danger. Could Gabby find the answers she is looking for? And has romance with Andri been lurking in the background? Uncover the answers in this absorbing look at a member of the DiStasio Giornaliste Agency featuring 1930s prohibition.

This is a polished, engaging story with charming characters. I look forward to the rest of the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Hearth Spot Publishing 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:
Finding love at Death's Door might destroy them both.

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby's rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.
Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency
Read the Whole Series (does not need to be read in order)
Prequel: 1892 – Undercover Wish
Book 1: 1931 – Eyewitness Sketch
Book 2: 1932 – Sabotage Games
Book 3: 1932 – Shrouded Trail
Book 4: 1933 – Fraudulent Progress
Book 5: 1935 – Pursuing Dust
Book 6: 1936 – Hostile Ally 

BUY EYEWITNESS SKETCH in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula for #PartnersInCrime

LAST TO FALL

by Lynn H. Blackburn

March 2 - 13, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

GOSSAMER FALLS

 

She's caught in a deadly game. He's the only one who can help her win.

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.

The finale to Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension. This gripping read will hook fans of the family rivalry, bodyguard, small town, second chance romance, and forced proximity tropes.

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Romance
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: March 3, 2026
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780800745387 (ISBN10: 0800745388)
Series: Gossamer Falls, Book #3 | Learn more on Amazon, Goodreads, & Baker Book House
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Christianbook | Goodreads | BookBub | Baker Book House

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Beautiful Gossamer Falls and the exclusive resort The Haven is the setting for the final book in this intriguing series. Bronwyn Pierce is the capable CEO of the resort that caters to the elite seeking a private getaway. But she has a troubled past with Mo Quinn and they have not spoken in years. She finds herself seeking his help as a forensic accountant when some things in the resort books do not add up. This was an emotionally charged, dynamic story with complex relationships of the feuding Pierce and Quinn clans. It also told of the solid faith of the Quinn cousins and their close bond. Hooray for praying Granny Quinn.

When the bullets start flying, danger draws ever nearer. And Mo is determined to protect Bronwyn. They are forced to evaluate the events that drew them apart. Of course Love wins in the end.

This tense story of sabotage and underhanded tactics by relatives does not let up until the explosive conclusion. I loved the whole Gossamer Falls series and this story packs a punch.

* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through PICT tours and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5+ stars and a solid faith thread. 

Read an excerpt:

 

 

Author Bio:

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

Catch Up With Lynn Blackburn:

LynnHBlackburn.com
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Amazon Author Profile
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LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn

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