THE FRENCH KITCHEN by Kristy Cambron, reviewed by Rebecca and Paula

A Historical Romance Set in WWII France, 

Post-War Paris, and the World of Julia Child

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"The next sound Kat heard was death - the click of a Luger trigger aimed at the back of her head."

So many pieces of the puzzle ended up scattered about the snowy grounds of France's Chateau du Broutel on that fateful night. Friends took on the appearance of enemies and enemies acted suspiciously like friends. Years later Kat Harris still struggled to come to grips with all of the implications. Her overriding determination was to discover what had really happened to a beloved brother; in fact, Kat had rearranged her entire life to do just that, including entrusting her future to the one whom she still wasn't sure she could trust.

Manon Altier was in a precarious position, serving as a French chef inside the famed Chateau du Broutel, now billeted by the enemy, while she secretly aids the French Resistance. When an unexpected arrival claims to be her new personal assistant, and yet knows nothing about the inner workings of a professional kitchen, Manon pivots, trusting that much needed help has indeed landed on her doorstep.

Heavily layered from beginning to end, this story speaks volumes about the courage and tenacity of those whose lives remained at risk from the rising of the sun until the darkening of the moon. With remarkable subtlety, the author does what the reader finds impossible to do, tell the story to completion.

Cascading emotions! Outstanding characters! Fascinating historical detail! A reminder that love can bloom in a wasteland and that food can forge everlasting friendships. Embrace a book that is sure to land on multiple top reads lists, including mine.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“To look back is not to lament all we have lost, but to see how past experiences have shaped us into who we are. “
 

Another remarkable, well-researched story about the multiple groups working together in France during WWII and the far reaching consequences in the years following. Told in the years 1943 and 1952, Kat, Gerard, Gavin and Manon, lived a secretive, covert existence in a dangerous time under the noses of the German occupiers in France. The interesting thing was the addition of Julia Child into the story that drew on her actual role during WWII and the time that she was compiling her famous cookbook.
 

It was a fascinating, complicated plot that kept me turning pages. I was eager to learn more of this time in history and how the Resistance operated. “War was not for lovers, nor courage for fools.”
 

If you are looking for a fresh look at WWII history, try this book. You will not be disappointed.
* 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 clean read. 

BackCover Blurb:
As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, Kat Fontaine never expected the skills she learned in a French chateau kitchen to be the key that unlocks the secrets swirling in her new post-war life.

Paris, 1952--Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, ex-pat Kat Fontaine, now living in Paris, finds a simple cookery class led by indomitable chef Julia Child unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war. Determined to find her brother who went missing during the war and is presumed dead, Kat questions everything, especially her high-ranking society husband whose past is as murky as her own. But when the puzzle pieces start to come together--and her carefully crafted Paris world begins to fall apart--Kat must confront her own secrets against the mounting suspicions of the husband she thought she knew . . .

Rue, 1943--Deep in the heart of Nazi-controlled northern France, Manon Altier shifts between working for the enemy by day--as a French chef at the famous Chateau du Broutel, where names like Himmler, Rommel, and Goebbels frequent the guest list--and running with underground networks against the Vichy regime at night. Working undercover to filter critical information to agents within the burgeoning OSS presence in France, Manon digs deep into the glitz and glamour of a Nazi stronghold that has her teetering on the edge of being discovered at any turn. But when an intriguing stranger appears at the chateau claiming to work with the French Resistance, Manon must lean on her instincts to judge whether to run and hide or stand firm--even as a terrifying discovery tests her resolve to continue the fight.

From the heights of culinary cuisine in 1950s Paris society to the underbelly of a WWII spy network embedded deep within Nazi-controlled Vichy France--and the spy backstory of the world's most famous would-be French chef, Julia Child--The French Kitchen turns up the heat on the pasts of women whose worlds collide, and forces each to question what she thought she'd planned for a perfect future. 

 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, August, 2025

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

Buy THE FRENCH KITCHEN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

SPLENDOR OF THE LAND by Connilyn Cossette, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

The King's Men Series #3

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Your father named you not for the gold that men pull from the ground . . . but for that golden star shining like a beacon - like a blessing from on high . . . "

There were many days that Zahava didn't feel like a blessing from on high. In spite of her secretive skills as a master goldsmith, her physical limitations made her doubt that any man would support her as a husband. Until one night, under the stars, a chance encounter with an inebriated soldier changed the course of her future.

Gavriel, once part of an elite company of soldiers traveling with the king's son, had been demoted to a lower position because of his reckless behavior. If the truth were known, he deserved it, but there was nothing deserving about the beautiful woman who became entangled into his life. Divine providence was on full display in a way that neither Zahava nor Gavriel could have ever imagined.

Many historical novels have a subtle layering of romance, but this seemed to be an over arching love story, and a very cativating one at that; God's love for His people, His people's love for their land, a father's love for his daughter, a son's struggle to love his father, a man's love for his wife. The path that Zahava and Gavriel travel is not one they would have necessarily chosen, for it meant experiencing both tragedy and grief, but ultimately it was one that made them stronger in their faith and confident in their calling.

Pure gold!

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review

 

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

 

BackCover Blurb:
Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

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

Buy SPLENDOR IN THE LAND at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

A WORTHY RISK by T. E. Renich, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

SOVEREIGN LIBERTY SERIES #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"What will become of us?"

The lives of two families intersect after their sons return home from British North America following the prolonged conflict with the French and their native allies. Although Lieutenant Marcus St. James bears an external scar, the most troublesome imprints are internal. Traveling to spend time with a favored cohort, he meets Gideon Ravensworth's sister, Serenity, whose outward beauty and vivacious spirit whisper peace to a place buried deep inside his worrisome spirit. However, all is not well within the inner sanctum of the Ravensworth household as the eldest brother has gambled away a fortune, placing Serenity's honor on the line as collateral.

As Serenity's love for a most beloved younger brother and Marcus' dedication to his military commission take the two in different directions across the Atlantic, their patience and trust in each other will be severely tested as they depend upon God to direct their paths.

Overflowing with history between two continents, this story expertly displays the tightened tension between England and her colonies without overburdening the story, rather using the time period as a backdrop for an intriguing romance between two characters worthy of the risk.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

BackCover Blurb:
One for the land and one for the war—
One for the church, and pray for no more... –Anonymous

Serenity Ravensworth is the lone sister among four brothers who seem to match descriptive lines of an ancient, anonymous poem. The youngest has no inheritance according to English law. The next brother in line studies to be ordained at Oxford. The soldier has been in British North America fighting the French and their native allies. And the eldest usurps control of Fernsby Hall. Reckless gambling endangers all the Ravensworth brothers and puts Serenity squarely in harm’s way.

Without the aid of Serenity’s soldier-brother, former grenadier Marcus St. James would not have made it back to England. Wounded and left for dead in the wake of the massacre at Fort Michilimackinac, Lieutenant St. James is found alive eight weeks after and five hundred miles distant from his last known whereabouts. His disturbing lack of memories gnaws at his sound mind and his sense of loss is compounded by unanswered questions.

An introduction to Miss Ravensworth inspires St. James to collect shattered pieces of the life left to him. Predicated by stronger feelings than he is able to articulate, his timely rescue of her deepens the growing attachment between them. Compelled to follow the pull of unexpected opportunities in a new land, Miss Ravensworth braves the Atlantic crossing, while St. James—at Benjamin Franklin’s behest—returns to the Pennsylvania colony as a member of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon’s survey team.

Far from the familiarity of England, will these two find purpose together or challenge apart as Parliament dictates stricter regulations and imposes taxation on British citizens dwelling in the North American colonies? The Seven Years’ War is over, but King George III’s Royal Proclamation is the first domino to fall on the way to igniting a revolution.

Lowell Street Press, June, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

A FIERCE DEVOTION by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She wanted this night to have no end."

After experiencing a multitude of endless days and nights working as an indenture for a tyrannical crossroads inn keeper, Brielle Farrow's reprieve comes with a great price after she barely escapes a mass murdering by native warriors. Happening upon the aftermath Bleu Galant finds Brielle and an eight year old youngster alive and relatively unharmed. Remaining at the Rose and Cross was never in his plans, but how could he in good conscience leave the one who stirs his protective instincts like none before her?

Pondering his options, Bleu makes a surprising decision to assist Brielle and Titus, but at what cost and to what end?

This riveting addition to the previous Rivanna River settlement narrative stirs deep passions and authentic longings for home.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Exiled from his beloved Acadie in Canada, Bleu Galant has little on his mind but survival as the tumultuous French and Indian War comes to a close. When his journey to Virginia's Rivanna River settlement takes an unexpected turn, he crosses paths with Brielle Farrow--a woman whose presence stirs something in him he cannot explain nor express. Unable to forget her, his decision to help her takes them across an ocean into a lavish world he's never known. Will their intricate tie decide not only her fate but his future? 

Story Architect, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

OBSCURITY by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

PROS AND CONS MYSTERIES #5

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She knew all about secrets. They were what she did best."

Olive Sterling felt as if she had already lived a lifetime full of secrets. Now it seemed that the mountains of West Virginia were holding fast to some of their own. The daughter of a tech billionaire had gone missing while organizing and promoting an elite wilderness concert experience, prompting the girl's father to hire private investigators. Posing as a married couple, Olive and her colleague (and once the love of her life) Jason Stewart were slated to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival which turned out to be nothing like they expected and everything they would have dreaded, if they had only known. Something very nefarious was happening on that mountain.

"The trees are watching."

This plot was wound so tightly that every sight and sound seemed like a tipping point. I may have even caught myself holding my own breath a time or two. Definitely my favorite episode in this series!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review 

 

BackCover Blurb:
What happened in Grayfall was supposed to stay in Grayfall.

When Chloe Kingston, daughter of a tech billionaire, vanishes while organizing a remote music festival in West Virginia, private investigator Olive Sterling takes the case. Chloe’s cryptic final message, “The trees are watching,” suggests there’s more to local folklore than mere legend.

Posing as married festival-goers, Olive and her colleague Jason Stewart trek deep into the mountains to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival. What they find is a rustic disaster masquerading as a luxury experience. Promised headliners don’t show. Gourmet meals turn out to be cheap hot dogs. And the glamping accommodations are threadbare tents in a dilapidated ghost town.

As complaints mount and guests demand refunds, Olive realizes they’re not just dealing with fraud—they’re trapped in something far more dangerous. When other attendees start to disappear, Olive struggles to uncover what’s really going on before she becomes the next person to vanish.

The thrilling fifth installment in USA Today bestselling author Christy Barritt's Pros and Cons series.

Riverside Press, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

A SEA VIEW CHRISTMAS by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Trixi, Paula, and Rebecca! #ReleaseDay

 

A Holiday Regency Historical Novella with Sisters and Second Chance Romance

 On Devonshire Shores Series

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
With her lyrical writer’s voice, Julie Klassen brings the Devonshire Shores series to a wonderful conclusion. Though I wished it didn’t have to end! It’s one of those engaging series that has been so enjoyable to get to know the Summer sisters and feel like I was part of their lives, both in the ups and downs and all the in-betweens. I very highly recommend reading these books in order to get a more complete view of the characters, their situations, lives and loves and a deeper understanding of the whole story line.

This is elder sister Sarah’s story and I have been anticipating it since the very first book ‘The Sisters of Sea View’. I love her devotion to family and her commitment to seeing to their livelihood after the death of their father. She’s sacrificed her own happiness and wellbeing—while this is admirable—it has cost her a great deal and the possibility of a lifetime love of her own. 

When a trip to Scotland takes place to be in attendance with her sister and new brother-in-law after their marriage, it puts her in close proximity to one Callum Henshall. He's the widower who first stayed at Sea View and the man she grew to admire a great deal. Could it be a second chance for both of them to get reacquainted and renew not only a deep friendship, but possibly the love of a lifetime? If only Sarah didn’t feel so duty bound to her sisters and mother and if Callum can convince her to take a chance on him. I was on pins and needles the whole book, hoping Sarah would choose love over all else! I won’t spoil the ending, but will only say it was well worth the anticipation. There is also a side story involving the youngest sister Georgiana and her discovery of a blossoming first love of her own that just added another charming layer to this.

Julie Klassen knows how to draw the reader into her characters’ lives; she’s one of my top favorite historical authors. Her stories are always heartwarming, delightful, full of faith, family love and those oh so happily-ever-afters that I love to read about. My favorite part of this was reading about all the Christmas traditions in Regency times... even wishing I lived in that era for all the wonderful preparations, games, dances and celebrations. 

As I said earlier, I didn’t want this series to end! I can’t wait to see what novel is next in line from Klassen.
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews through Netgalley and wasn’t obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are mine alone. *

PAULA'S REVIEW:
What a lovely time it was to return to Sea View to Sarah and Callum’s story. The setting was magical at Christmastime with all the holiday festivities. I enjoyed learning about the customs of Christmas in 1820.

I am so glad Sarah and Callum got their second chance. Although it took some time because Sarah was feeling so responsible to her family. Her mother wisely tells her that everything is in God’s hands, that there are a lot of “what ifs” that might not happen.

A favorite character was youngest daughter Georgiana who is growing out of her tomboy ways into a young lady and just might be taking an interest in a certain well dressed young man. I would love to see a book containing her story.

It was good to see the family closeness and their hearts for helping the less fortunate in the town.

This was a wonderful story by a gifted author in a favorite era.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
" . . . let me make something clear. I know how I feel about ye, lass. "

As the Christmas season approaches, Sarah Summers tries not to lament over how her life might have turned out differently, accepting the responsibilities of keeping her family's boarding house running smoothly and efficiently had consumed her life for months on end, while watching three most beloved sisters fall in love with their soul mates.

A reunion between Sarah and their previous Scottish guest Callum Henshall seems but a whispered dream buried deep within her tender heart.

This highly anticipated conclusion to the series in no way disappoints, for not only does Sarah gain an opportunity for a holiday happily-ever-after, but the Regency era festivities are so beautifully described that readers will dream about traveling back in time just to experience the delicious food, revered traditions and creative games for themselves.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.

BackCover Blurb:
The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .

With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland--and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds. 

Bethany House Publishing, September, 2025

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

Buy A SEA VIEW CHRISTMAS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

A SCHEMING IN PARLIAMENT By Erica Vetsch, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

OF CLOAKS AND DAGGERS #2

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?"

An age old question plagues Philippa Cashel as she navigates the complexities of a friendship very dear to her heart that seems threatened by the past. Another person in her sphere is struggling with similar issues as he navigates positioning in the House of Commons, simultaneously serving the crown as an investigator. Sir Bertrand Thorndike is walking a very fine line while trying to uncover powerful forces working to influence votes.

Teamed together by the Duke of Haverly himself, Philippa and Bertie gain opportunity to learn much about each other; Philippa not only oversees her mission, The Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, but manages to provide decor guidance for Bertie's new residence while joining him on covert surveillance. Their joint operations ratchet up several notches when a badly injured woman finds refuge at Eleos and Bertie's trail of crumbs lead him straight into the lair of a very dangerous adversary.

The ending? They never saw it coming, but I wholeheartedly believe their reading audience not only saw it, but couldn't wait for it to happen. Definitely more to come in this wonderful series where the cast of characters has formed a very tight community and their adversaries have been put on notice! 

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

BackCover Blurb:
Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other. 

 

Kregel Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and library binding.

Buy A SCHEMING IN PARLIAMENT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

NO STONE UNTURNED by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"How easy it was to have a heart of stone in this life. To bury oneself in noble pursuits and yet risk losing connection with those we loved."

Being the daughter of the parish vicar in a small English village, Bridget Littleton often went through the motions of her faith while falling headlong into her unbridled appreciation for history and antiquities, so it was no surprise that the discovery of an ancient mosaic tile in a neighboring field stoked her undivided attention. The wonder of it all began to dim when Lord Rafe Hawthorn suddenly appears to revitalize his family's estate, which may, or may not include the property in question.

It doesn't take long for the war-wizened captain and his impetuous neighbor to stubbornly vocalize differences of opinions while slowly discovering that they share many things in common. As danger encroaches and redemption is tested, can the Bridget and Rafe accept the fact that God never intended for them to fight life's battles alone.

A lovely setting with nuggets of history spun nicely into the fabric of a most engaging story!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

-Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic
-Historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2025

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

Buy NO STONE UNTURNED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE PUZZLE WITHIN by Gina Holder, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE GAME MASTERS Series #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"And when I've silenced their voices, my revenge will be complete."

Ominous words pour out from a crazed avenger who managed to evade arrest in spite of the full force of multiple federal agencies pouring hours of manpower into the hunt. F.B.I. Agent Arizona Powers is one of those, determined to prove her restored mental competence she pairs up with a former escape artist turned security specialist Nick Trueheart. The two are assigned to protect an ambassador's teen daughter following an ominous threat to her life. First stop, a popular pop-up escape room, which proves too risky, for the young woman disappears before their very eyes. As the kidnapper begins to play a complicated game of cat and mouse, leaving complicated clues in places that clearly indicate breaches of privacy, Ari and Nick believe more lives are at stake. Theirs.

Like a spider weaving its web, the one called Enigma teases and taunts these characters with lyrical clues and intricate puzzles, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a maze of unfinished business. Will the outcome, be it life or death, convince Ari and Nick that there is only One who holds the future in His hands?

A confounding, but impressive combination of mystery, suspense, thriller and romance!

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
FBI agent Arizona Powers, recovering from a nervous breakdown, isn’t ready to call it quits. Hoping to prove herself, she takes on a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the spoiled teenage daughter of an ambassador.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist, joined DSS as a risk analyst after the tragic death of his wife. Consumed by his obsession to learn the identity of his wife’s killer, Nick lacks the time and patience to handle the unstable field agent.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a dangerous game and a race against time. The risks are high as they confront their own failures and unravel secrets hidden within to save Bridgette—and themselves—from a sinister plot.

Scrivenings Press, June, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback

BUY THE PUZZLE WITHIN at Amazon 

 

THE SANDS OF SEA BLUE BEACH by Rachel Hauck, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Beach Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance 

with Family Drama by the author of The Wedding Dress 

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
" . . . go to Sea Blue Beach. Maybe you'll find something there you left behind."

In between jobs and battling complicated blended family dynamics, journalist Emery Quinn takes a job as editor-in-chief of small local newspaper in the town where she spent the happiest summer of her life. She even rents a room at the Sands Motor Motel where she and her parents lodged for their extended vacation. Sea Blue Beach; still much the same in many ways and entirely different in others. However, the biggest surprise is that Caleb Ransom is also back in town working as a local architect.

After a brief catch-up, Emery and Caleb find themselves embroiled in local disagreements about the future of Sea Blue Beach. Past rivalries have grown into two extremely different visions for the lovely beach town, threatening to destroy its historic local lore. At the heart of the matter for Emery is her reunion with Caleb, could what they began so many years prior as young teens mature into something altogether permanent? Fear is a formidable foe.

A pleasant pace pervades the pages of this first love, summer love story!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review

BackCover Blurb:
Can anything rekindle the summer love between former sweethearts facing old wounds and a divided town?

Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.

Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.

As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.

 

Bethany House Publishing, July, 2025

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

BUY THE SANDS OF SEA BLUE BEACH at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

WHEN THE ROAD COMES AROUND by Katie Powner, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
It was such a treat to visit the Come Around Ranch in talented author Katie Powner’s new book, When the Road Comes Around. Powner is such a pro at creating diverse, flawed, realistic characters and plopping them in intriguing settings and situations where they can grow, change, and interact with each other in a fascinating story. I enjoy her insights into human nature.

Set in rural Montana, the Come Around Ranch is run as a guest ranch by Anita and Dan Wilson, with their special-needs adult son Sam. Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble but is trying to turn his life around and keep his new job working for the Wilsons. He develops a liking for Sam and is a good friend to him. I enjoyed seeing their relationships change and deepen as they interact and overcome challenges.

Themes of redemption, grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances are seamlessly incorporated into the tale and add depth and inspiration. I loved Tad’s determination to overcome his reputation, Anita’s compassion for others, and Dan’s willingness to give second chances. The ending was a little open-ended which left me wanting a bit more resolution, but the story was thought-provoking and beautiful. 

 *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Have you ever heard of grace, Tad? . . . It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it."

Tad Bungley has already lived a lifetime of poor choices at the young age of twenty-four, so when he lands employment at Come Around Ranch, he doesn't want to mess things up. Kindly befriending the owners' disabled son, and working steadily at even the most menial of tasks, Tad is thrown completely off guard when his life takes another unexpected turn. Will he ever be able to evade his blasted reputation?

Having a soft place in her heart for the lonely and downtrodden, ranch owner Anita Wilson is grateful when her husband takes a chance on hiring Tad Bungley. The young man seems intent on bettering himself and proving to them that he is reliable. Nevertheless, sometimes life throws curve balls when least expected. Anita should know.

An exceptionally touching story with well positioned wellsprings of hope, featuring the power of prayer and the significance of grace.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

 

BackCover Blurb:
Only trouble can bring about the beauty of redemption and grace.

In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to bungle it up this time.

Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more of a mess than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and what grace really means. 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

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

Buy WHEN THE ROAD COMES AROUND at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

GELATO AT THE VILLA by Robin Jones Gunn, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

Suitcase Sisters Book #2: 

Contemporary Women's Fiction Book Set in Italy with Female Friendship, Sisterhood, and International Travel

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"He loves gathering around the table. It's his passion to see people coming together for a feast."

A rare opportunity presented itself to a pair of long-time friends; Grace and Claire were about to enjoy a week-long stay in Italy. Leaving the stresses of everyday life behind, their meticulous planning bore fruit in abundance. Claire's culinary passion was nourished to her heart's content, while Grace's longing to feel the earth between her fingers was met with lush, organic opportunities. Surrounded by magnificent art, soul refreshing churches, and exuberant locals, (the best gelato, don't forget the gelato) their journey became like a breath of fresh air and altogether life changing. "We (Claire and I) planned our trip as tourists. We returned home as pilgrims."

Filled to the brim with deep aromatic descriptions, there is an invitation to every reader who delves between the pages of this story to come . . . to venture towards the banqueting table, where the King of Glory delights in filling not only physical needs, but spiritual ones as well. It's those holy moments that changed the trajectory of two women's lives, offered so freely to all.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I also purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.
"Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure."
Italian saying

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God's nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Robin Jones Gunn whisks you away to experience the incredible culture of Northern Italy in this inspiring, faith-based contemporary fiction with themes of European travel, midlife adventures, and lifelong friendships, making this a perfect book club selection. 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

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

Buy GELATO AT THE VILLA at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE BITTER END BIRDING SOCIETY by Amanda Cox, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

Lyrical Southern Fiction Book Club Read Set in Tennessee

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Sometimes things don't come to a tidy conclusion. Words are left unsaid. Things are left undone. But this life is not the end. . . . . Our present circumstances, our perceived failures, they are not final."

Her days feel like an ending, at the very least an epilogue of life as she has known it and the beginning of a life she no longer recognizes. After surviving a harrowing experience with her students, Ana Leigh Watkins closes up her kindergarten classroom for the summer, and drives to Bitter End, Tennessee to spend a few months with her great aunt Cora, never envisioning for one second that she is entering a world where the past; her own family's past, has never been resolved. Besides, how could traipsing along trails with a group of amateur bird watchers, an adopted dog, and a way too interesting sheep farmer transform her nightmares back into dreams?

Exceptional characters, elegant word flow, and one of the most beautiful settings imaginable intersect with wisdom, wit and delicate timing to deliver a story that doesn't wrap up perfectly, but finishes perfectly for those who read it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews and purchased a copy. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Ana who is trying to process an act of heroism at her elementary school, goes to Bitter End, Tennessee for the summer to help her Great Aunt Cora downsize. What she discovers is a quirky hamlet with quirky inhabitants and a family secret waiting to be revealed. The Bitter End Birding Society not only took bird watching excursions but bonded and helped each other navigate life.
 

This book brought back many memories of watching birds from my kitchen window... from the diverse varieties in Wisconsin to a hawk perched on my patio next to a busy highway in St. Louis and those feisty hummingbirds no matter where we lived.
 

This author writes complex but significant stories that entertain and also teach valid spiritual wisdom. If you are looking for a great romance, a spunky sidekick dog, and wonder how Bitter End got its name - take a chance on this lovely book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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

 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

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

BUY THE BITTER END BIRDING SOCIETY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE LIGHT ON HORN ISLAND by Valerie Fraser Luesse, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Help one, save one, lead one home." Cryptic words written in the sand, in Hebrew no less.

Weighted down with indescribable grief over the loss of her best friend, Edie Gardner leaves New York City and travels miles to the south towards the one person who never fails to sooth her soul, Punk Cheramie; arguably one of the best cooks in Mississippi. Her grandmother's coastline cottage is Edie's favorite spot, not to mention Punk's three rambunctious friends whose constant dialogue and entertaining antics prove impossible to resist.

When the ladies gather for an epic shopping trip, they end up at an eclectic curiosity shop in Biloxi, where an enigmatic owner not only decodes the Hebrew message, but sends the women home with a vintage parlor game, and upon a return trip offers Edie a part-time job. The days and weeks that follow not only reunite Edie with a life long passion but with a much treasured love. And she isn't the only one.

A sweet blend of hilarity and heartache coupled with a little glimpse of heaven empowers this story to remove layers upon layers of grief, regret and unfinished memories; it's what light is all about.
*I won a copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Just when her life comes crumbling down, she discovers secrets that could shape her future--and heal her past.

When Edie Gardner's life in New York falls apart, her grandmother Adele "Punk" Cheramie coaxes her back to tiny Bayou du Chêne, Mississippi. Edie spent many happy summers there, a stone's throw from untamed Horn Island, where she once found love. Can she now demystify the island's strange new light?

Punk and her colorful friends introduce Edie to the Trove, a fascinating gallery and antique shop. Like Horn Island's light, The Trove has appeared out of nowhere. Its proprietor, with a gift for discerning his customers' needs, gives Edie a Victorian parlor game that asks players a series of personal questions, which is harmless fun at first. But Edie and her grandmother's circle find that the game has a way of uncovering secrets, including a heartbreak that has haunted one of the women for decades. Banding together, this Southern sisterhood is determined to find answers that will bring healing, hope, and happiness--and maybe explain the transcendent illumination of a wild and windswept barrier island.

Revell Publishing, April, 2025

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

BUY THE LIGHT ON HORN ISLAND at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

CAPTURING YOU by Robin Patchen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE WRIGHT HEROES OF MAINE #6 

 Capturing You: Killers in Shadow Cove

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"I'm trying to help you . . . Trust me. Please."

 
Trusting an unfamiliar voice in the shadows of what must be a cave seemed to be Brooklyn Wright's only choice; after all, running for her life after chronicling suspicious activity in one of Shadow Cove's hidden inlets, she found herself creeping through the dark with a yet unseen rescuer.

Forbes Ballentine was back in Shadow Cove under an assumed name trying to solve a decades-old crime, the brutal murders of his family. Happening upon the beautiful brunette tangled up on his property was indeed a surprise, not a particularly welcome one, but nevertheless his sense of honor would not allow Forbes to ignore her plight.

Thus begins the unraveling of well kept secrets! Although the plot spun in circles just a bit too long in the beginning, there is no doubt whatsoever about the amazing finish!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
In a town shrouded by secrets, a photographer and the reclusive heir of the Ballentine fortune join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy.

Brooklynn Wright must win a photography contest to save her gallery, and the perfect sunrise shot at a remote inlet north of town is her best hope. But when she witnesses a smuggling operation at a hidden dock and is chased by armed men, her dreams of artistic glory become a nightmare flight for survival. Rescued by a mysterious stranger, Brooklynn is forced to take refuge with him in an abandoned mansion the townspeople claim is cursed—afraid to trust her grumpy protector but with no other choice.

Billionaire Forbes Ballentine returned to Shadow Cove for answers, not distractions. Haunted by the unsolved murder of his family twenty years ago, he’s spent his life in the shadows, hunting for the truth. He believes the network Brooklynn stumbled upon is tied to his family’s deaths, but protecting the cheerful photographer means jeopardizing the investigation he’s been chasing for decades. Especially when her presence stirs feelings he’s not prepared to face.

As Brooklynn and Forbes grow closer, so do the network’s ruthless enforcers. With everyone in town hiding something, they must navigate lies, betrayal, and deadly truths. When the network closes in, they’ll have to trust each other completely—or lose everything.

Dive into this gripping romantic suspense full of mystery, secrets, and danger, where two broken souls must uncover the truth while battling the enemies outside—and the wounds within.

 

June, 2025 

Buy CAPTURING YOU at Amazon, Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

THE LAWYER AND THE LAUNDRESS by Christine Hill Suntz, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"Are you cooking the clothes?"

When laundress Sara O'Connor meets a teary eyed young girl behind the inn where she was working, she had no idea that her life was about to dramatically change course, yet again. Her brief interludes with Evie Kinney continue, putting Sara's job in jeopardy, yet how could she turn her back on a lonely child who needed a friend? Things take a decided turn after Sara disappears, Evie falls ill, and her father, James Kinney, a respected Toronto lawyer, goes on a desperate search to find the lovely, surprisingly cultured laundress whom his daughter has grown to love.

Inviting Sara to remain in his household as his daughter's governess, James Kinney is reprimanded by his colleagues for generating gossip, but James has deeper issues to navigate as the political temperature in the city ignites and his loyalty is questioned. Just who is Sara O'Connor?

What a beautifully written novel! The heightened sense of knowing things about the characters that they do not know themselves gives the reader an even stronger bond to the story itself, as James and Sara reach their tipping point, standing on the precipice of losing hope.

As a wise woman once said, "You figure God abandoned you, but you know deep down that's not true. He was there all along, holding you up until you was ready to stand again."
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected solution: become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

-Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romance
-Filled with love, faith, and adventure
-Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera Alexander
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, June, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy THE LAWYER AND THE LAUNDRESS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House