BIRDS ON A WIRE by Katie Powner, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Why did a bird seem at home wherever it landed?"

Laura Gambler had no idea how monumental her family's decision to become foster parents would become. It changed everything. And the timing? Unbelievably complicated; Laura had just pulled her first grade son out of public school in order to homeschool Peter, her teen daughters were acting like . . . well, teenagers, and her fortieth birthday was looming on the horizon. Upon receiving the call, the Gamblers were immediately handed the responsibility of caring for a tiny baby boy whose parents had been drug users. Now, there would be even more schedules to keep up with and plenty of sleep deprivation.

Bri Marshall wanted her baby back. At first glance, the hurdles appeared insurmountable, but she and her boyfriend were taking life one tottery step at a time in order to establish residency, a steady income, and a safe home for their son. Would it be easy? Absolutely not! Would there be setbacks? Guaranteed. In the end, would it be possible? That remained to be seen.

What a remarkable story, providing readers with an authentic journey through the many unknowns of fostercare, heralding the courage that it requires to provide vulnerable little humans with shelter, unconditional love, patience and most importantly, family. Scripture encourages us to observe the birds as an example of faith not failure, may we take notice of how effortlessly they perch on a wire, totally contentment among community, even if it's not forever.

"The more you love him, the harder it will be for you. But the more you love him, the better it will be for him."
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND WINNIE 

BackCover Blurb:
Sometimes the people in our lives who come and go make all the difference

Eighteen-year-old Bri Marshall is determined to do whatever it takes to get her newborn son back after he's taken by CPS. But the chances of reunification with Providence are slim. Her drug-addicted boyfriend is the only reason she has a roof over her head. With no job, no car, and no family support, she's at rock bottom, hanging on to hope by a thread.

Laura Gambler, on the brink of turning forty, is managing new challenges with her own children when she's asked to take in Providence. She never could have imagined the chain of events her agreement to foster the baby would set in motion—or the carefully buried pain from her past it would drag back to the surface.

Both women wrestle with doubts about the future and their ability to parent Providence, even as their love for him grows stronger every day. As their lives become irrevocably intertwined, they face an impossible question: Who is the best mother for Providence?

Kregel Publishing, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback

Buy BIRDS ON  A WIRE at Amazon, or Baker Book House 

THE BOOKSHOP OF 99 DOORS by Jaime Jo Wright, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Dual Timeline Christian Gothic Mystery and Suspense Novel Set in a Small Town

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Life is a legacy you leave behind for the generations to come. Live it well. Live it fully. Live it honorably. Live your life in such a way that whatever is revealed later will offer hope and a future to those who discover it."

A property with a complicated legacy. A lovely home that served its community well, until murder and mayhem left it stained with rumors that its victims still roamed freely among its halls, traveling in and out of ninety-nine doors, excepting the others who firmly believed it was the hundredth door that served as their entrance. The door that no one could find.

Two women, living decades apart, graced the halls of Ambrose Fields. One was closer to the history than the other, but both were equally curious and determined to prevent the secrets of the residence from winning the war of superstition. This book is a story to that end.

After finishing this incredible narrative, readers may surmise that Minnie and Triss were searching for the living among the dead, while in reality others might suppose that the two women were searching for the dead among the living. In all reality they were both searching for the truth, who is not a pathway or a portal but a person, who most emphatically declares that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, a search that every soul must take and that this author so beautifully encases into a page-turner of a story.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
The manor's rumored one-hundredth door may conceal secrets hidden as deep as the estate's bookshelves extend high . . . but the haunted past has a way of ensnaring curious souls.

In 1888, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the dark superstitions that envelop the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the house and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's fraught past in an effort to bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to hunt down the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

An atmospheric dual-time Gothic suspense masterfully penned by acclaimed author Jaime Jo Wright with themes of a Civil War-era ghost, a possible hidden door, and unexplained mysteries at a historic mansion's bookshop with a troubled past.

Bethany House Publishing, April, 2026

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

Buy THE BOOKSHOP OF 99 DOORS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THESE EMPTY PLACES by Sarah Loudin Thomas, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Wow what an encouraging book!  Emotionally rich and captivating, this story just got better and better.
 

“It’s the hard things that do us the most good in the long run.”

 

Lena and Preston certainly knew hard, going from prosperity to poverty thanks to the stock market crash in 1930. They head to Lake Toxaway, North Carolina for a job. Lena connects with widow Claire Roth and finds a job as a personal assistant and Preston joins his brother at a mill run by John Bellamy. Things go wrong but Lena learns to believe in herself thanks to mentoring by Claire. Preston finds faith and forgiveness and a new direction. Dreams were shattered but: “Sometimes tears are the only thing that can irrigate the wounds of the heart.”
 

This was a heartfelt, beautiful story and was very believable with a redemptive thread that made it that much more relevant.
There was a second chance for husband and wife, Lena and Preston, and a later in life romance for Claire and John. A mysterious legend of a treasure that could change lives for better or worse or just fade into memories. “It’s a blessing when memories go soft. As the hard parts fade, the memories shift to feel like an old shirt. A little threadbare maybe, but so familiar against your heart, you can’t let them go.”
 

A satisfying read.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher 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

 

SEE REVIEWS BY WINNIE AND REBECCA

BackCover Blurb:
When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most.

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression.

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

Sarah Loudin Thomas paints a rich Southern historical story of friendship, second-chance romance, and new beginnings set in small-town North Carolina on the eve of the Great Depression. This read is perfect for book clubs and fans of Patti Callahan and Lisa Wingate.

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THESE EMPTY PLACES at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

A BREWED AWAKENING by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

A hilarious, clean, enemies-to-lovers rom-com

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was the cutest story that makes you feel good. 

Let the rivalry begin between Daphne Austen and Finn Dashwood. Not quite friends - definitely not enemies, as the war between Tea Thyme and the Green Dragon has Daphne and Finn vying for the coveted job of catering a celebrity wedding. 

Flirty, snarky and swoony from the first page, I could not wait to see the clever hashtag comments at the beginning of each chapter. The whole town seemed to catch the matchmaking bug. I loved the characters and their quest to be the best. The premise was cute and the setting one of my favorites: a small town in North Carolina. 

New resident Finn, a transplant from England, charms everyone-except Daphne. But she secretly cannot get enough of the Brit and his adorable daughter. Finn tells himself he needs to come across as caring instead of a shallow flirt in order to win her heart. He proves himself when danger comes calling. 

This excellent story had me turning pages. It was such fun recognizing all the Jane Austen references. With a subtle faith thread, and lots of humor, this was a clean read and a top notch story.
*A complimentary copy of the 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 subtle faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

Buy A BREWED AWAKENING at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE ESCAPE GAME by Gina Holder, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 A Deadly Game of Survival (The Game Masters Book 2)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Clever plotting and a diabolical villain makes this quite the intriguing story.

Escape room expert Liam is searching for his twin sister Alexis whose last known whereabouts is Silver Falls. Demi, who lives there, is also searching for someone: her dad who disappeared 20 years earlier and who she is unwilling to accept has died. Her journey leads to some inward reflection about her faith.

Liam and Demi end up in a whole mansion of escape rooms which at times reminded me of Indiana Jones. It certainly put them to the test with many intricate puzzles. It also tested their faith. 

This author is not shy about presenting the Gospel in clear language through her characters. It was very well done and was integral to the plot. The characters were flawed but come across as human and willing to fight for what they believe in and also to put others first.  

Come for the challenging puzzles, stay to see if romance plays a part.  I didn’t want to put this fascinating story down.
*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 strong faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

SCRIVENINGS PRESS, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback (soon)

Buy THE ESCAPE GAME at Amazon 

THESE EMPTY PLACES by Sarah Loudin Thomas, Reviewed by Rebecca and Winnie #ReleaseDay

A Southern Fiction Historical Novel About Second Chances

 Set in the Appalachian Mountains

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Sometimes love requires a grand gesture, but most of the time it requires patient persistence."

Claire Roth had already learned the lesson of patience, but newly married Lena Hawkins was barreling down the road of unexpected challenges at a high rate of speed. Lena and her husband Preston had gone from riches to rags almost overnight when Preston's speculative investments on the stock market had crashed along with much of the nation's economy. Lena's upper crust upbringing had not prepared her for poverty and her affluent parents refused to support the newlyweds, having discouraged the union from the beginning.

When Lena and Preston move to the Lake Toxaway area to live with Preston's brother and wife, Lena crosses paths with the widowed Claire Roth whose money and prestige had survived the economic downturn, and whose philanthropic heart sensed a kinship with her young neighbor, offering her a job and time spent with someone wiser to the ups and downs of a young marriage. Along the way Claire is offered a second chance at love, testing her resolve to put her own past to rest in order to embrace an entirely different kind of future.

What a wonderfully written story about two women at different stages of life whose experiences criss-cross the gamut of trials and triumphs, offering a poignant reminder that troubles breed strength.

"There's nothing like thinking you've lost everything you care about to make you willing to do whatever it takes to start again."
*I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.4.5 stars

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Talented author Sarah Loudin Thomas brings history to life in her new book, These Empty Places. Well-researched with a richly painted setting near Lake Toxaway in North Carolina, this story is built around the dam break that gutted the lake in 1916 and the Great Depression that occurred later. The characters are realistically flawed but engaging, and I enjoyed seeing them evolve, mature, and realize what is important in life.

The tale is centered around two ladies, Claire Roth who rejected the man she loved for a life of comfort by her beloved lake, and socialite Lena Hawkins who married the man she loved but ended up penniless when he lost everything speculating in the stock market. The two women’s lives converge when Lena and her husband move to Lake Toxaway for work. Through hardships, hard work, and life’s difficulties, they all become stronger and more compassionate.

Themes of forgiveness, hope, and becoming stronger through adversity make this story an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.  
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most.

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression.

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

Sarah Loudin Thomas paints a rich Southern historical story of friendship, second-chance romance, and new beginnings set in small-town North Carolina on the eve of the Great Depression. This read is perfect for book clubs and fans of Patti Callahan and Lisa Wingate.

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THESE EMPTY PLACES at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

THE DESIGN OF PROVIDENCE: AN ANTHOLOGY CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250 YEARS, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

TEN AUTHORS: LYNNE TAGAWA, JAYNA BASS, AVELLINA BALESTRI, JOHN M. CUNNINGHAM Jr, TED LAMB, LYNN DEAN, SHANNON McNEAR, PATIENCE O'BRIEN, NATHAN STONE, RICHARD TUCKER

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This is a group of stories set from 1770 to 1785 during the American Revolution. It was chosen to be released in honor of the 250th Anniversary celebration of America.
 

These were diverse tales based on records of events and documents that shaped our nation. While they are fictional, they are well crafted with the purpose of showing both sides of the conflict and the bravery of those involved as well as their faith in God.
 

The stories help to awaken us to our heritage and caused me to be grateful for those who formed our country and fought for our freedom. This book showcases how God moved through and in the lives of our founding fathers. And pointed out that there were people of faith on both sides of the issues. 

 

I appreciate the research that went into this book and the variety of stories that were portrayed. All were well written and interesting to read. Perfect for the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
 

Recommended for those who enjoy this time period.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Blue Rock Press on behalf of one of the authors. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Before there was a United States, there was a dream forged in the crucible of revolution—and a steadfast belief that a divine hand was shaping the nation’s destiny. From the bloody snow of the Boston Massacre to the treacherous battlefields of the South, the path to liberty was fraught with peril, heartbreak, and impossible choices.

Intertwining fact and fiction, each story masterfully explores the personal cost of allegiance, the agony of families divided by war, and the quiet, persistent thread of faith that wove through it all.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with this immersive, faith-filled journey into the soul of a nation's founding. 

 

Blue Rock Press, May, 2026

Available to buy in digital ebook and hardcover

at Amazon 

NOT PRECISELY MR. KNIGHTLEY by Carolyn Miller, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This was an enjoyable rom-com with lots of references to Emma by Jane Austen. 

A dating app, Dream Match, was thought up by Emma Jane Bennett and Jordan Knight, officially the firm of Woodhouse-Knightly as a nod to Jane Austen. It is meant to be a safe place for Christian singles to meet and possibly find love. 

Welcome to Australia and the atmosphere of Sydney and an appearance of a billionaire playboy Eric Churchill. Emma gets stars in her eyes as Eric wines and dines her. But is it for her or to take over her dating app? Best friend Jordan tries to get Emma to pray about investors and tread carefully. Things go awry. 

Many things reminded me of Emma and other tomes by Jane Austin including flighty Mrs. Bennett, sisters Olivia, Katie and Elinor and assistant Harriet. Nice references to Australian places and items- But I could do without the Vegemite. I have tasted it and am not a fan! 

Jordan must find a way to go from best friends to marriage prospect and it is a fun ride. 

I enjoyed the witty banter, the family connections, the spiritual struggles of the characters and the eventual happily ever after.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4.5 stars and a solid faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

" . . . she'd always had a thing for the finer things in life, something that was shown by her wannabe-designer clothes and focus on money, money, money . . . "

Emma-Jane Bennett had worked really hard for a long time, designing a highly successful dating app, while excelling at her full time position with Donwell Enterprises. Now was the time to see if the little bird could fly out of the nest and scale up "Dream Match" into a global product, meaning she and her business partner (and best friend!) Jordan Knight needed investors.

In theory, dropping her day job and schmoozing with the rich and famous had seemed like a good idea until Jordan starting reminding her of the true source of security and it wasn't listed on the stock market. Brushing off Jordan's caution, and not wanting to be reminded that her heart was dangerously close to being handed off to the wrong man, Emma-Jane convinces herself that the creator of a dating app certainly knows who the right man should be, right?

What kept me from loving this book as much as I wanted to was the setting, it continually muffled the narrative; details about travel modes, parks, shorelines, restaurants and other forms of entertainment took time away from quality conversations between characters who were battling for relationship and purpose, burying core elements of the story under a veritable travelogue.

That being said, the author did a wonderful job of bringing to light the challenges of building and maintaining a firm foundation of faith in a world, particularly the business world, that cares more about appearance and prestige than truth and integrity. Bravo to Emma-Jane and Jordan for finding their way!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?
 
Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who co-designed the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.
 
Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Barbour Fiction, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or hardcover

Buy NOT PRECISELY MR. KNIGHTLY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House