CHASE THE LIGHT by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

(National Parks Summers Book #2): Clean Contemporary Romance at Acadia National Park with Love Triangle, Mystery, Multi-Generational...

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
I think the author eloquently summed up her book in these last sentences at end of the story:

“The beauty of national parks isn’t just in their landscapes—it’s in their history, their stories, and the people who come before us. I hope this book inspires you not only to explore but also to listen, learn, and appreciate the rich heritage woven into the places we now cherish.”

This is what I love most about Chase the Light; it’s not only a story to get lost in for hours on end, but it also teaches the history and rich heritage of Acadia national park. For example, I have never heard of the Penobscot Native American tribe. We get glimpses of it through Wabanaki Dana—aka Naki—a policy maker and representative for his people. I enjoyed learning through his eyes! Then the treasure hunt thrilled me… hidden gold catches with puzzling notes pointing out where to find them. What an adventure that was for both Ranger Scout and Naki! And of course, the reader as you follow along. I wanted to learn about the centuries old mystery and solve it right along with our characters. Lastly but certainly not least, the breathtaking beauty of the national park itself. Suzanne Woods Fisher vividly describes the landscape, the feel of the air, the salt water as it hits your face and the majestic views from mountain tops… WOW! Just like the first book in this series, I have put Acadia National Park on my list of places to see in my lifetime. I can visually image how much more breathtaking it would be in person.

What I appreciate most is how the author naturally incorporates faith into the pages. It doesn’t feel forced and is refreshing to see it lived out in her characters. I loved catching up with Chief Ranger Tim Rivers, his now fifteen-year-old granddaughter Maisie Mitchell, her mom Thea Mitchell, and seasonal volunteer Frankie Franklin from the first book (Capture the Moment). It’s always fun to see how old friends are doing and meeting new ones along the way.

With that said, there’s also the romance to watch play out. Though I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, I think for me, the other aspects of the story overshadowed that and did not diminish my enjoyment of the story (I was rooting for one particular gentleman). There’s lots of plot twists that made me gasp in surprise and added to the depth, mystery and adventure of how well written this is. I really hope the author has more of these up her sleeve because I certainly got lost in the book in full enjoyment!! 

I would highly recommend reading the first book so you get to know the characters who appear in this one… though it certainly isn’t necessary! I’m just one of those readers who love to read each book in order no matter if they are stand-alone or not. If you love adventure, solving centuries old mysteries, traveling to new places, faith-filled stories and getting to know characters so real you feel you’ve plopped into the book right alongside them, you don’t want to miss this one or Capture the Moment… or the next, or the next and etc!! 

*Many thanks to Revell through Netgalley for a copy. I voluntarily reviewed this under no coercion or obligation to do so. * 

BackCover Blurb

She uncovered a piece of history--but can she make peace with her own?

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper's suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia's rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn't expect to find. But they aren't the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper--and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who--and what--deserves her trust.

Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a contemporary romance filled with mystery, treasure hunting, and adventure as a park ranger uncovers a century-old shipwreck and dangerous secrets at Acadia National Park. Perfect for fans of mysteries and love triangles. 

Revell Publishing, Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:May, 2026

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

Buy CHASE THE  LIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE ESCAPE GAME by Gina Holder, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

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

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"Music can calm the spirit or awaken monsters. You choose."

Had it come down to this? Had a twenty year long search for a father who had simply disappeared paired small town resident Demi Kayne and virtual stranger Liam Shepherd together inside a house of horrors? It was unthinkable, and yet it was exactly where they found themselves, enclosed within the walls of the rumored to be haunted Ives Mansion.

Liam had arrived in Silver Falls, Minnesota searching for his twin sister Alexis, his life as a world traveler, spreading the Gospel as a missionary, had separated them for a short period of time and the few clues Alexis had left behind led him to this location. Striking up a friendly acquaintanceship with a local puzzle shop owner and two of her friends, Liam and Demi ended up on knocking on one of the many doors they would have to breach in order to survive.

While this book was filled with exhilarating suspense scenes( it makes one think that the author herself may be a puzzle genius), it was also a generous wealth of faith lessons, bravely sharing the salvation story while the characters themselves literally hung on for dear life. Moving forward from fears, both temporal and eternal, does eventually bring these two characters down the finish line . . . but, barely.

"It's never the wrong time to talk about Jesus . . . "
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW 

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 

PROTECTING HONOR by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 Book 4 of 6: Refuge Cove

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"You were choosing what mattered . . . That's what honor looks like."

When a resident of Refuge Cove disappears into the night after a close encounter with her violent husband, Max Kincaid offers his assistance to the local sheriff in the search to find her. His attention is already divided though, there's a lovely new vet in town, whose steady presence at the Cove's dog shelter during the birth of six new puppies has precipitated a spark of attraction, but after his recent break-up with another employee, the timing may not be right.

Veterinarian Hadley Chase loves her new home in Blue Ridge Hollow, but instead of thriving, her practice is experiencing what seems like a rash of targeted attacks. Her only consolation is how helpful Max Kincaid has been, she feels safe whenever Max is around and his commitment to finding out the truth is reassuring. When a seed of doubt about him is planted from an unknown source, Hadley is ready to give Max the benefit of the doubt, but tragically it may be too little, too late.

A thrilling new addition to the Refuge Cove series. 
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

 She’s found the perfect place to start over. But someone doesn't want her here.

Veterinarian Hadley Chase moved to Blue Ridge Hollow looking for a fresh start. After the chaos of Atlanta, the quiet rhythm of a small mountain town—and her new clinic—feel like exactly what she needs. But she never expected danger to shadow her there.

Max Kincaid keeps his head down and his past where it belongs—behind him. He came to Refuge Cove to rebuild the honor he nearly lost, and working there suits him fine . . . until Hadley becomes the focus of escalating danger. When unsettling incidents turn into targeted threats, it becomes clear someone wants her gone.

Staying out of it would be smarter. Safer. But he's not willing to walk away.

Max will do whatever it takes to protect Hadley. Even if it means confronting the past he's spent years trying to outrun. Even if it means exposing a truth that could cost him everything—and her.

River Heights Publishing, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook, or paperback at Amazon

BEACH HOUSE RESCUE by Hope Toler Dougherty, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

Small Town Beach Read with Heart and Hope

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Wren and Pete own a beach house. Wren told Tessa she could stay there and renovate it. Pete told Wyatt he could stay there to recuperate from a broken foot. However, nobody told Tessa and Wyatt that the other would be there. Talk about awkward! To complicate things, Skylee, Wyatt’s teen sister shows up. 

Thrown into the role of bachelor dad, Wyatt is out of his element. Tessa is creative and artistic but needs to find her niche. The problem is, Wyatt cannot forget how his artistic mother did not take care of him as he was growing up. And he sees Skylee having an interest in art also. A little friction there… until Tessa and Wyatt start to be interested in eachother. 

The setting was beach perfect with sandy walks and shell collecting. The character development was sound, the faith element was subtle but solid.

This was a great summer, beachy read.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Scrivenings on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4.5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Two strangers. One beach house. Zero plans to share it.

When Tessa Trask arrives at a coastal beach house for a quiet summer, the last thing she expects is to wake up to an intruder—and have to defend herself the best way she can. But Wyatt Henry isn’t a burglar. He’s just as surprised to find her there…and just as determined to stay.

With no proof of who belongs, Tessa and Wyatt are forced into an uneasy roommate arrangement. She’s a free-spirited artist searching for direction. He’s a disciplined former Army captain who prefers order over chaos. Keeping their distance should be simple—until a surprise visitor arrives and complicates their fragile truce.

Sun-soaked days and shared responsibilities soften their differences, and Tessa looks to a future shaped by faith instead of fear. But Wyatt’s past has taught him that trusting the wrong person comes at a cost he’s not willing to pay again.

As the lines between them blur, both must decide if they’re willing to cling to what feels safe—or trust God with what comes next.

Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Lisa Carter, and Becky Wade, Beach House Rescue is a clean Christian romance full of warmth, faith, and happily-ever-after hope.

Scrivenings Press, June, 2026

Available in digital ebook at Amazon

DON'T UPSTAGE THE BODY by Naomi Stephens, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

A Witty British Historical Whodunnit and Manor House Murder Mystery Set in the 1950s

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Professional Mourners for Hire. Troupe of experienced thespians. Exceptionally discreet. Will dress smartly and can suit ourselves to the atmosphere of any funeral."

And that's exactly how Hippolyta Halfpenny, alias Ethel Jones, found herself in the bowels of the Montfort Manor with a dead body, except it wasn't the one who was just buried. Her family's unusual enterprise, posing as mourners for hire, had them pretending to know the deceased, a wealthy earl who lived as a virtual recluse towards the end of his days . . . thus, the need for hired mourners at his passing. Finding the undertaker minutes away from his expiration date in the library, coming face to face with the charming heir of the already deceased and fainting deadaway in the floor was most certainly not on her father's strict list of mourner's etiquette.

As fate would have it, torrential rain sequestered the small grouping of family and friends attending the post internment luncheon, forcing them to seek shelter in the Manor overnight. While local officials began the process of interviewing every person on the premises, Hippolyta's siblings rose to the occasion, demonstrating their theatric abilities, but the newly minted earl managed to intersect with Hippolyta at every turn. After all, it was his house now, and she was merely an imposter mourner who was determined to expose the person who had knocked off the undertaker.

What a clever than ever conundrum of quirks and clues, stirring up family secrets, unlikely chemistry and ulterior motives, leading towards the final destination; solving a murder! With authentic messaging, dramatic ingenuity, and an interesting backdrop, this story and the characters who play upon its stage form an alliance to make sure that every reader will enjoy all five acts until the final curtain falls! The end!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Grief was clever. It catered to each of them in their own way, and perhaps that was what made it difficult to escape.”

 
Patriarch Herbert Halfpenny pondered what to do when he was grieving his wife. His solution was to recruit his family in the business of professional mourners, complete with assumed names and a set of rules to follow including: Don’t Upstage the Body.
 

This was an enjoyable who-done-it with an unexpected ending. It was so well written that it played as a movie in my head. I could not help but cast my favorite old time actors, Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn as the main characters. Or maybe Jimmy Stewart and Loretta Young. But not quite screwball comedy.
 

At the funeral of Lord Basil and caught in a storm at the estate of the wealthy Cavendishs, Hippolyta and her family are compelled to stay when an additional dead body is found. Hipployta (aka Ethel) and the rest of the Halfpennys have to pretend not to know each other while they try to figure out who poisoned the undertaker. Hippolyta has help, of course, in the person of Crispin Cavendish, the new Earl who does not want to be an Earl.
 

These characters grow on you and just add to the quirkiness and intrigue.
 

Altogether a top-knotch mystery reminiscent of a good Agatha Christie yarn with a supporting faith thread and a tender romance.
*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 an underlying faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:

Rules for professional mourners:
· Plan your aliases well--no improvising.
· Wear proper mourning attire.
· Maintain discretion at all costs.
· Don't upstage the body.

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family have mastered the business of bereavement. As professional mourners, they are so accomplished that even Lord Basil Monfort, the famous and wealthy recluse, engages the family's services for his own funeral. Tired of disguises and aliases, Hippolyta vows it will be her last performance. Then she discovers the undertaker's body during the wake and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an increasingly unpredictable investigation. 

Soon rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta navigates a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be.

Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be a role Hippolyta is hesitant to play, but with a murderer among them she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls. 

With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery set in England--perfect for book clubs and fans of cozy mysteries, amateur sleuths, Enola Holmes, Michelle Griep, Julie Klassen, and Anna Lee Huber.

 

Bethany House Publishers, June, 2026

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

BUY Don't Upstage the Body at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

PART OF YOUR WORLD by Karen Witemeyer, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

Once Upon A Time in Texas Book Two

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“We stand together. Faith and family. Forever.”

What an entertaining retelling of The Little Mermaid story! Karen Witemeyer has done a beautiful job of adapting a classic tale into a different setting—Galveston, Texas in 1886. When Muriel Quinn rescues Zane Erickson, a down-to-earth son of wealthy parents, after a boating accident, she vanishes before he can learn her name. As Muriel becomes trapped in a blackmail scheme involving an under-handed matchmaker hired by Zane’s parents, she finds herself in a quandary.

I was immediately drawn to both Muriel and Zane. I liked that Zane wasn’t tied to his family’s wealth and prestige. He wanted to be an architect and earn his own way. I loved Muriel’s affection for her family members and her willingness to do anything to defend them. Themes of family, forgiveness, and faith add elements of inspiration to this story. The growth that Muriel goes through in learning about the consequences of her actions is also noteworthy and a good moral to the tale.  
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW 

BackCover Blurb:
She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.

Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn’s veins—a fact that has long concerned her father, who desires his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.

Despite his family's wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.

Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

 

Hope and Light Publishing, June, 2026

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

Buy PART OF YOUR WORLD at Amazon 

 

SILENT MENACE by Angela Carlisle, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE SECRETS OF KINCAID series

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I wish things were different."

Accountant Hailey Nieland is struggling to balance single motherhood with a demanding job following on the heels of her husband's death and the public scandal that followed him to the grave. As she begins to acquaint herself with a deceased colleague's client files, it becomes abundantly clear that something isn't adding up, leaving Hailey with a quandary of questions.

Security professional Peter Lewis becomes concerned when a woman working inside the building where he is employed finds her tires slashed and a threatening note on her windshield. His protective instincts signal that this is no ordinary prank, but Peter is barely acquainted with Hailey Nieland and is hesitant to intrude any further than necessary. As disturbing incidents against Hailey not only continue but escalate, Peter is pleased when she accepts his assistance, but neither is ready to acknowledge where the growing relationship may or may not advance. What possible motive could there be to ruin Hailey's life? That's the question.

True to its title, this book exhibits a quiet cadence, not really accelerating until mid-point through the narrative. It's then that the puzzle pieces begin to fall in and out of place and that prayers become a primary source of strength. An enjoyable read with solid characters and silent plot twists. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
A vulnerable target. A mysterious discrepancy. An unforeseen love.

After the exposure of her deceased husband's criminal activity, CPA Hailey Nieland struggles to move on with life as a single mother raising a hearing-impaired toddler in a hostile small town. When she gains a major client, she hopes the extra income will be just what they need . . . until she begins finding anomalies in the accounts. 

No one should trust their life to a bodyguard who can't protect himself, much less his client. At least, that's what Peter Lewis believes after his failed mission. But leaving his former career behind is much harder than he expected--especially when someone begins targeting an accountant who works in the office building he's now responsible for. As threats against her escalate, Peter and Hailey must work together to overcome their fears and expose a complex cover-up before she becomes the next victim. 

Parable bestselling author Angela Carlisle delivers edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense featuring a single mother, a bodyguard seeking redemption, financial intrigue, and a small-town setting for readers who enjoy high stakes and nonstop action.

Bethany House, May, 2026

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

Buy SILENT MENACE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

THE LOST STORY OF VIA BELLE by Melanie Dobson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Now all these years later, if Mrs. Belle could tell the story of her life what would she say?"

Aspiring screen writer Harper Rayne is forced to pivot when she loses her job in Los Angeles, inspiring a trip across the country towards the small Pennsylvania town where her mother grew up. House sitting for some family friends gives Harper's imagination an opportunity to percolate, discovering that she would love nothing better than to unravel a local mystery regarding the area's most famous resident, an author who wrote numerous best-selling novels for years only to vacate her beautiful property and disappear completely from the annuls of history. She soon discovers that answers are slow to emerge, the estate is held in a trust, and its guardian, Finn Sterling, is in no mood to cooperate.

Author Via Belle's world titled on its axis following the death of her beloved husband. For the first time in a long time, no words spilled effortlessly onto the page, causing her publisher great angst and her own confidence to waver. When someone new emerges onto the stage of her life, Via proceeds with caution, but apparently she wasn't careful enough, for the story that follows won't be told for decades to come.

What a lovely example of dual timelines in perfect sync with one another, allowing the main characters in the before and after to converge at just the right time and in just the right place. During full story immersion, readers will be severely tempted to plant flashing hazard signs along Via's path, but alas! God is writing His own story and it's far better than Via Belle or Harper Rayne could have inscribed on their own.

Remarkable characters, intriguing plot threads, and a satisfying conclusion that is nearly impossible to fully anticipate! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
Searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it.

1940. Via Belle's sweet romance novels made readers believe in happily ever after. But Via's reality was much more complicated. While her first husband was alive, her creativity thrived in a beautiful stone estate situated above a pristine lake and moonflower garden. After his tragic death and a whirlwind second marriage shrouded in secrets, Via vanished from public life, leaving behind a shadow of scandal . . . and her final story.

2006. Screenwriter Harper Rayne is desperate for a breakthrough, if only she can find the right story to tell. But when she digs into the life of her late mother's favorite novelist, she never expects it to become personal. Drawn to the quaint Pennsylvania town where both her mother and Via once lived, Harper discovers more than a mystery to solve—she finds echoes of her own longing for love, healing, and home. As long-buried secrets come to light, Harper must decide if she'll protect the past or rewrite this particular ending.

-Described as a "powerhouse in dual-timeline Christian fiction" (Library Journal), Melanie Dobson delivers another rich, atmospheric novel about the legacy of sacrificial love and the redemptive power of truth.

-Standalone dual-timeline historical mystery filled with drama, faith, and intrigue
-Clean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner, Lisa Wingate, or Patti Callahan Henry

-Includes discussion questions for book groups

Tyndale Fiction, April, 2026

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

Buy THE LOST STORY OF VIA BELLE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

 

THE TARGETED by Cara Putman, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Secrets to Keep Series #3

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Of course she knew that evil's presence didn't mean God wasn't God or that he wasn't good. But it sometimes made it hard to find him."

Having survived for so long feeling lost and alone in her fears and regrets, former gymnast Chloe Ainsworth finally works up the courage to solicit the help of a local legal clinic, deciding that she cannot move forward with her life until she resolves deeply traumatic experiences from her past. Law student Dare Shepherd listens carefully to her testimony, and agrees that the intimate personal information that Chloe has entrusted into his oversight needs to litigated, but if, as his supervisor insists, they need corroboration from additional sources in order to file a formal complaint, that poses a significant problem. Years have gone by and the witnesses were all minors at the time.

As if conjured up, the man from Chloe's nightmares arrives back in town after fourteen years of absence, and gains employment at the very gym where multiple young girls had been compromised. With a sense of urgency, Chloe and Dare seek every bit of evidence they can find, and what they uncover is extremely disturbing and inherently more dangerous than they ever imagined.

Navigating these case details combined with absorbing the emotional mine fields buried throughout this story necessitates a reader who not only admires amazing plot twists, but solemnly trusts the author to handle sensitive material in such a way that the end result brings solid assurance that God never means for us to feel alone, or forsaken, or forgotten.

"It didn't matter if people would leave her or let her down. God never would. He promised that, and his promises were true. Always." 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.

Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too late?

Kregel Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook,  or paperback at Amazon

PART OF YOUR WORLD by Karen Witemeyer, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

(A Christian Western Historical Romance Fairy Tale Retelling of The Little Mermaid) (Once Upon a Time in Texas)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
What fun it is to see Ms. Witemeyer turn The Little Mermaid into a story set in 1886 Galveston, Texas. 

Although it had recognizable elements of the original story, it was an outstanding story on its own. I could not stop rooting for Muriel to figure out how to get out of her predicaments. “Muriel understood unconventional. It might as well be her middle name. Yet, being unconventional was not a bad thing.” 

Zane was the perfect noble and godly hero. The story had wonderful side characters like Grandpa Clem and Da. Clem was the voice of godly wisdom: “Just because a woman is perfect for you don’t mean she’s perfect. Best not to expect her to be.” 

A beautiful faith thread encompassed the story with lessons on forgiveness and submission to God. As Muriel’s Da says: “Faith and family. ‘The Lord is on my side’, he quoted, ‘Iwill not fear: what can man do unto me?’”  

A beautiful retelling of The Little Mermaid by an accomplished author.
*I received a complimentary copy 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:
She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.

Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn’s veins—a fact that has long concerned her father, who desires his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.

Despite his family's wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.

Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

 

Hope and Light Publishing, June, 2026

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

Buy PART OF YOUR WORLD at Amazon 

THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW'S TOWN by Naomi Musch, Reviewed by Rebecca and Winnie

ENDURING HOPE #5

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Will you come along, Lily? Will you run away to the circus with a fellow you hardly know?"

When Lily Mae Dodge slipped into the night, she never imagined a future with a traveling circus, she was just trying to escape a suffocating placement with a family that wasn't even hers. Sent by her widowed mother to an orphanage at a young age, Lily was then transported by train to a foster home in Wyoming where she was expected to work like a hired hand without any pay. Lily dreamed of more. Would a chance encounter on a train, traversing back towards the only place she remembered as almost home, change the trajectory of her life forever?

Francis Basnett, whose severe eye condition prevented him from serving in the Great War, has been working as a roustabout for the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus for years. When he chooses the seat beside Lily on the train to Chicago and uses their time together to draw out a few details, his generous heart cannot help but offer her whatever measure of kindness she chooses to accept. Could it be more?

The story that follows is nothing short of remarkable.

With exceptional depth of character and story, this novel explores not only the history surrounding the lives spent among the tents of a traveling circus, but the unspeakable tragedy that killed so many members of the renowned Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Visiting numerous cities along the railways of America and through the view of these "tomorrow's towns", Lily and Francis' experiences mirror those of the circus itself; perfecting new skills, overcoming insurmountable obstacles, and journeying from fear to faith one loving road stop at a time, inviting love to join them softly and surely.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
4.5 stars

WINNIE'S REVIEW: 
I'm always amazed at the things I can learn from reading historical fiction. I knew about the orphan train programs that ran from the 1850s to the 1920s, placing hundreds of thousands of orphans with different families, with differing results for the children. I didn't know, however, about the horrific train crash that killed so many members of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus family.

Naomi Musch has penned a fascinating tale about two people meeting by chance and developing a friendship that changes both their lives. Orphaned Lily May Dodge escaped her life of hardship with a foster family in Wyoming and headed back east to try to find her mother and brother. When circus roustabout Francis Basnett finds a seat beside her on the train, they strike up a conversation. His failing vision has left him with insecurities, but he invites Lily to join up with the circus. When a terrible train crash devastates the circus, their lives change once again, and they find themselves facing new challenges.

I was impressed with the depth of the characters and the growth in them that the author portrayed. The plot was engrossing and kept my interest, and I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the back of the book, detailing more about the historical aspects of the story. Themes of hope, faith, and overcoming adversity add depth and inspiration to it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own. 

 

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND TRIXI

BackCover Blurb:
Past and Present Collide on the Railway

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she's arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.

More from the Enduring Hope Series:
The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee 

Barbour Fiction, June, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

A BREWED AWAKENING By Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

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

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"If you'd told me handsome was comin' to town, I'd have worn my good teeth."

Granny D wasn't the only citizen of Wisteria, North Carolina who was swooning over their recent transplant. For heaven's sake, Daphne Austen was caught practically drooling over the man's car, until the owner of the blue Cabriolet opened his very fine mouth that was situated perfectly on his very fine face and spoke in a distinctive British accent. And just like that, it was game-on in the banter department.

Finn Dashwood, Daphne's new next door neighbor on Main Street. His pub, her tearoom, it was the stuff small mountain town legends were made of. The entire town was captivated by their sugar and spice, competition between tarts and ribs, chalkboard shenanigans, their . . . whatever it was they were doing. ("@HarryColeman: Is this what the kids call flirting these days? @MargaretColeman: Darling, don't meddle. But yes, it absolutely is.")

Underneath all the social media frenzy was a common human response; fear. Both Finn and Daphne had experienced great loss, people who were supposed to be forever had fled and neither were particularly interested in experiencing the gut wrenching sensation of a broken heart ever again. However, somewhere in the middle of cook-offs, and bake-offs, kiss-offs (oops!)and stand-offs, they realized that God had given them an exceptional blessing; each other.

One of the funniest, cleverest stories that I have ever read, or ever will read! (with one of the sweetest little princess characters!) (besides, the social media conversations at the beginning of every chapter are worth the price of the book!) (there's more! that sweet, sad nod to local catastrophe, well done!) 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.4.5 stars

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

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 

A SCATTERING OF LIGHT by Lori Benton, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

CROCKETT'S LANDING Book One

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"His blessings freely scattered like light - readily seen if one didn't close her eyes for fear of the darkness."

When Scottish drover Will Crockett gains consciousness on a different continent, it is gravely apparent that he has lost everything dear to his heart. Under the roof of a kind young Quaker woman by the name of Verity Wilde, Will discovers that he was indentured to the Wildes as a way of saving his life, although Verity originally sought only to grant him a compassionate death and burial, for he barely had breath when they scooped him up off the deck of the ship that had delivered him to colonial Virginia. Miraculously, he lived.

Like Will, Verity had suffered great loss and was at an impasse about how to move forward in her life. Her strict religious parameters were a stark contrast to Will's obvious discomfort of all things pertaining to the Almighty, yet both are constrained by misconceptions of their own choosing. As circumstances continue to unravel outside the bounds of their every desire, can the two battered souls perceive the scatterings of light, God's abundant blessings relentlessly peeking through the shrouds of darkness, begging them to navigate beyond what they see, and hold fast to the truth of "every good and perfect gift . . . comes from the Father of lights".

While this story took awhile to develop, it was time well spent, for it was a story meant to savor rather than taste and to absorb rather than simply acknowledge. The character development was exceptional, the author giving her portrayals plenty of time to both succeed and fail, toil and rest, sympathize and adore. And for those still wondering if the darkness ever conquers the light, the message is clear, it does not.

A fabulous book with incredible depth and profound spiritual impact!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
A Scottish drover spirited into servitude. A young Quaker woman wounded by loss. Their meeting will leave no heart unchallenged, no life unchanged.

Colonial Virginia 1734

Mourning her wayward brother’s death, Verity Wilde has turned her back on Williamsburg society, striving to live by her notion of true religion: to keep oneself unspotted from the world. But when she boards a ship to claim an indentured Scottish clerk, she’s unprepared to find another Scotsman, starved and gravely ill, left on deck untended. With scarcely more knowledge of the man than his name and place of origin—William Crockett of Skye—pity compels Verity to purchase his indenture too, meaning to provide the compassionate death denied him by the ship’s crew. Only he doesn’t die.

Will Crockett’s survival upends Verity’s carefully circumscribed life, while he awakens to find his world shattered beyond recognition. As they seek to reconcile their broken pasts, bitterness and fear vie with hope to chart their futures. Can they find the courage to trust each other, and a God who scatters light in the darkness? 

Published by Story Architect, April 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy A SCATTERING OF LIGHT at Amazon, or Christianbook, 

THE INKLINGS DETECTIVE AGENCY by John R. Kelly, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Throughout history, the minds of literary geniuses and the practical science of detection have walked hand in hand.” -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

An entertaining who-done-it featuring The Inklings of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien fame. Completely fictional but fun story that has The Inklings being asked to investigate a murder. With an underlying faith theme that did spell out the faith of Lewis and Tolkien, this was an interesting look at the British Isles in 1936 that had cameos of the likes of Agatha Christie, C.K. Chesterton, and Dorothy Sayers. I especially enjoyed the quotes by famous authors at the beginning of each chapter.  

The afterward told what real history was used in the novel. I was intrigued by The Detectives Club, a group of writers who had 10 rules of detective fiction. I will look for these when I watch my next Poirot or Ms. Marple. 

This had overtones of the occult but it was explained in light of Christianity and the Bible. 

“I suppose the greatest puzzles and mysteries in our lives are the people we choose to surround ourselves with.”
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Waterbrook via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review.All opinions are mine alone.*4.5 stars and an underlying faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
In the shadowy streets of 1936 Oxford, England, members of a secret society keep turning up dead. When J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and their fellow literary masterminds, known as the Inklings, are called upon to catch a killer, they trade their pens for magnifying glasses. With time running out, they get a helping hand from mystery writers Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers to unravel a sinister web of secrets.

Packed with historical details, intrigue, and a thrilling whodunit, this novel is a masterful blend of high-stakes drama. Dive into a world where the creators of fantasy and mystery confront a real-life menace in a race against the clock. Will dark forces prevail, or will these literary giants crack the case before the murderer strikes again? 

Waterbrook Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:

Buy THE INKLINGS DETECTIVE AGENCY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House  

WITNESS PROTECTION by Robert Whitlow, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Lord, you know every detail about what Kelli is dealing with in this case. I ask you to intervene as only you can so that your will in heaven will be done on earth."

Following her divorce, single mom and attorney Kelli Quinn trades in her stressful job at a large Atlanta law firm for a small law office in Brunswick where she joins a former classmate. Having been offered a place to live with her favorite Aunt Carly, Kelli and her children begin their transition to a new normal. However, Kelli's first case is anything but normal.

Jon Tremaine has taken years to reinvent himself under the Federal Witness Protection program after offering highly valuable testimony against the drug cartel with whom he had been involved. He has a wonderful job, a beautiful wife, and a baby son arriving within weeks. When one of Jon's employees at the commercial tree farm that he manages is arrested under suspicious circumstances, Jon offers immediate assistance, including partial payment for a private defense attorney, Kelli Quinn. As it turns out, getting involved in another drug smuggling case, even on the periphery, has unintended consequences, not only for Jon but for everyone around him.

In addition to offering its readers a superb legal case, this story is anchored on the faithful prayers of a dear woman whose health is precarious but whose faith is firm. The authentic fears and doubts that Jon and Kelli both experience throughout this novel are notably compelling, and while resolutions seem just out of reach, they provide a divine opportunity; "entering into God's rest at any level was better than the alternative of despair".

What a wonderful book! 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

Jon Tremaine has lived in hiding for years--will coming out of the shadows to help a friend be too great a risk? Perfect for fans of John Grisham and Charles Martin, Witness Protection is a legal drama with a deep undercurrent of faith.

All is finally good. Jon Tremaine has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against the former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal's office know his true identity, and he is now the manager of a large commercial tree farm with a baby on the way. But when one of Jon's employees is arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States, he goes against his better judgment and inserts himself in the middle of the case, believing the man is an unsuspecting mole manipulated by sophisticated drug dealers.

Kelli Quinn, a highly skilled litigator with an Atlanta law firm, has moved to Brunswick to work with her best friend from law school, hoping to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. She and her two children find a temporary home with her aunt Carly, a woman whose great faith is making an impression on her new houseguests. For the first time in a very long while, Kelli sees a future where she can find balance between the job she loves and the family she loves even more.

New to the firm and in need of clients, Kelli agrees to represent Jon's employee. The unfolding investigation reveals layers of criminal activity and possible connections to Jon's past, putting everyone at risk of exposure--and even death.

With its gripping pace, layered legal intrigue, and heartfelt exploration of faith under pressure, Witness Protection has already been praised by early readers as a standout Robert Whitlow novel--one that keeps the pages turning while asking deeper questions about courage, identity, and redemption. As danger closes in and past sins resurface, Whitlow expertly weaves suspense with grace, showing how even the safest hiding place can't protect the heart from truth.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, April, 2026

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

Buy WITNESS PROTECTION at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

INTO A GOLDEN ERA by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula

 

An Inspirational Gold Rush and Hollywood Golden Age-Era Time Travel Romance

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Let's decide to hope. To believe that God will make a way where there seems to be none."

Time-crosser Ally Bennett, a notable 1929 Hollywood film star is also Ally Adams, a near destitute newcomer to 1849 San Francisco. As her twenty-fifth birthday draws near, the decision of which pathway to choose as her forever life becomes blurred as her small family owned production company faces bankruptcy and her chances of striking gold in California seems nearly impossible.

Two men also take up room in Ally's dilemma. One, a charming playboy whose reputation has been shattered and needs the respectability that a fake romance with Ally could provide, the other a boardinghouse owner whose past is just as damaged as her Hollywood heartthrob. After Ally finally makes up her mind, history throws a significant obstacle into her plans, and every time-crosser knows how dangerous it is to change the course of history.

With impressive expertise, this author constructs a bridge between two very different but equally interesting time periods, all while reminding her readers that wherever, whenever, God has a plan and is trustworthy even when the end of the story seems impossible to write.

PAULA'S REVIEW
Another compelling time-crossing novel by the talented Gabrielle Meyer. While each story in the series consists of two timelines, each story is unique and mesmerizing. This time Ally Adams is in San Francisco in 1849 and looking to strike it rich in the gold fields. Her other timeline is 1929 in Hollywood as a leading lady for her family’s production company, just as talkies are emerging. 

It was fascinating how the stories connected and showed the dangers of trying to change history, even in the slightest way. Since the times are only 80 years apart, you could possibly meet someone you had known in your other time. You could feel the pull that each time had on Ally as she tries to make a decision of which time she chooses to stay in. 

With stellar research, Ms Meyer deftly crafts another distinctive story that brings home faith lessons and the meaning of true love and sacrifice.
*I purchased a copy of this book from Baker Book House and read an ecopy via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are mine alone.*5+ stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Two eras. One future. An impossible choice that will determine the course of history.

As a time-crosser, Ally lives in two worlds. In 1849, in an attempt to secure her family's future during the California Gold Rush, she finds herself penniless and stranded in San Francisco. Forced to take shelter in a dangerous boardinghouse owned by an infamous gang member, Ally is desperate to escape. But when she discovers that history has changed around her, and it now claims she will do something unthinkable, she must use her time-crossing knowledge to find answers.

In 1929, Ally is an up-and-coming starlet during the Golden Age of Hollywood, but her family's film studio is on the brink of ruin, and their remaining resources are invested into a production of Little Women. If the endeavor fails, Ally's family will lose everything. To ensure their success, she agrees to stage a fake romance with a notorious Hollywood heartthrob in hopes of using his fame for their movie, but she risks her heart in the process. When history doesn't play by the rules, Ally must decide if she will throw all caution aside and risk everything for the people she loves. But which path will be worth sacrificing to save the other?  

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2026

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

Buy INTO A GOLDEN ERA at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House