LISTEN FOR THE CHICKADEES by Terri Wangard, Reviwed by Winnie Thomas #JustReadTours

A Wartime Love Story Born at Pearl Harbor 

(Unsung Stories of World War II Book 3)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
What a fascinating story of the events occurring in the Pacific area during WWII! From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal and beyond, author Terri Wangard takes the reader on a riveting trip aboard aircraft carriers, hospital ships, war planes, and even submarines in her book Listen for the Chickadees. I enjoyed learning more about the war in the Pacific. Wangard has obviously done extended research on this subject, and it showed in the rich historical detail of her story.

Main characters, fighter pilot John Walsh and navy nurse Gloria Bloch, are realistic and engaging. I admired their courage and tenacity amid very trying and difficult situations. It was interesting to learn more about the different battles in this area, as most WWII stories are written about those in Europe.

With plenty of history, action, suspense, a good dose of romance, and some inspiration, this book has it all. It’s very well-written, and I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author. 4.5 stars 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
She’s loved him forever.
He’s never seen her as more than a memory from home.
Then Pearl Harbor changed everything.

December 7, 1941, shattered the illusion that anyone is safe.

Navy nurse Gloria Bloch wakes to the thunder of enemy planes over Pearl Harbor, certain of only one thing: John Walsh, the boy she has loved since childhood, is far from danger aboard an aircraft carrier. Or so she believes.

When panicked American gunfire brings John down over the harbor, their reunion is brief and breathtaking, forged in chaos neither can escape.

As the Second World War drives the United States into the Pacific conflict, Gloria and John are swept onto separate paths of duty. Gloria serves aboard the hospital ship USS Serenity, tending shattered bodies and wounded souls. John flies combat missions as a Navy fighter pilot and combat photographer, risking everything to document a war that refuses to leave him untouched.

Their paths cross again and again in fleeting moments between air raids and surgeries, courage and fear, longing and loss. With every meeting, the feelings they have buried deepen. But war demands more than love. It demands sacrifice, tests faith, and steals time without warning.

When separation stretches into silence, Gloria must face the terrifying possibility that hope itself has become another casualty of war.

As war and distance threaten to pull them apart, only the smallest signs remain: a whistle, a painted bird, and a promise worth holding onto.

Listen for the Chickadees is a Christian World War II historical romance set against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy, and the Pacific War. It is a story of steadfast love, quiet faith, and the courage it takes to trust God when tomorrow is uncertain.

Perfect for readers who enjoy WWII historical fiction, Christian wartime love stories, and emotionally rich fiction set in America and the Pacific theater 

 

SCRIVENINGS PRESS, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon 

 

A SONG IN THE DARK by Kimberley Woodhouse, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Novel of World War Two

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She prayed that others would rise up. It only took a few."

After surviving the awful blast that killed her parents, prodigious young pianist Chaisley Frappier lost her eyesight. Under the attentive care of a most beloved grandmother and their family physician, Chaisley learns to navigate a new path, one that eventually forms her into one of the most sought after concert pianists in the world. Most amazing was the fact that her audience had no idea that she was blind.

While Chaisley was thriving, the world around her was becoming increasingly more difficult to survive, especially for those whose ethnicity did not meet German standards and whose handicaps made them susceptible to inhumane treatment. Entering into a lengthy European tour, Chaisley and her faithful companion Melanie place their wellbeing into the strong, capable hands of their enigmatic chauffeur, Rick Zimmerman. His calm, steady presence grows into a friendship that Chaisley never expected, especially after their goals become united and they choose to use Chaisley's travel and connections to offer hope to the least among them.

A daring dive into the shadows of impending war where the melody still plays for those brave enough to listen.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

 SEE  PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Her music captivates crowds. His mission exposes secrets. Their courage defies a dictator.

Against the simmering backdrop of impending war, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe. When she learns that Hitler's regime of injustice is targeting other disabled people, Chaisley realizes she is in a prime position to help those who are threatened reach safety. But the Führer's growing fascination with the celebrated musician endangers her undercover mission and forces her to walk a tightrope between her fame and her calling.

When Rick Zimmerman receives his next assignment from the British Secret Intelligence Service, he is surprised to learn he'll be acting as the personal driver of a world-renowned pianist as she tours Europe. The role gives him the perfect cover to complete missions of sabotage and intelligence-gathering, but he soon suspects the brilliant, alluring pianist has secrets of her own. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate--and survive.

Bethany House Publishing, September, 2025

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

Buy A SONG IN THE DARK at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

EVERY HOUR UNTIL THEN by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Timeless Book #5: An Inspirational Victorian 

and World War II-Era Time-Travel Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another captivating time crossing story that I could not put down. “There was a web of secrets, power, and illusions casting its shadow on 1888 and 1938.”
 

Kathryn is set to make a decision about which time she wants to live in. She thinks she has already made up her mind. But things change when she sets out to save her sister from certain peril. “Sometimes, plans need to be flexible to see what God wants for us.” She learns to be open to what God wants and not assert her own will.
 

This story fed my history-loving heart. What a privilege for Kathryn, to work at the Smithsonian, and travel to London to work on a special exhibit. But shock comes when she researches Jack the Ripper. She is astounded by the connections she discovers between her timelines. She also must be very careful to make sure that she does not change history or encounter someone she might know, since there are only 50 years separating her timelines. “The truth can set us free, but it can also put us in danger.”
 

I loved all the historical detail of both time periods, and how the author deftly wove the timelines together. The premise of a time crosser is unique and interesting, and the settings and characters or totally believable.
 

The romance tugged at the heart and showed a strong hero with solid, godly principles.
 

This story may be my favorite of Miss Meyer -till the next one comes out.
*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.*beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling truth: Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history's most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she'll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister. 

 

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2025

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

Buy EVERY HOUR UNTIL THEN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

ANGEL OF SECOND STREET by Barbara Tifft Blakey, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

ENDURING HOPE Book One

PAULA'S REVIEW:

In Eureka, California, in 1884, two God-fearing young people are trying to live up to their parents’ expectations while still trying to honor God. Ida just wants to spread the good news of Jesus to the Chinese community and the ladies of questionable virtue on Second Street, although her methods are decidedly immature. Blaine has graduated college and plans on joining his father in the family business, but his parents are pushing him to find a suitable bride.
 

A meeting at a picnic has Blaine pursuing Ida who he finds captivating, refreshing and meets his standards for a Christian wife.
 

The story captures the atmosphere of 1884 and the controversy over the Chinese taking over jobs and living in squalid conditions.
 

The characters are mostly likable and the situations are realistic for the times. It would not be a good story if there was not conflict and Godly situations represented. The author draws on historical events to put that into play, and the personal struggles of the main characters give many lessons.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Barbour via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4stars and a solid faith thread 

 

SEE REVIEWS BY TRIXI AND REBECCA

BackCover Blurb:
After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to form a match between the unlikely couple.

Award-winning author Jody Hedlund presents a sweeping finish to her Irish matchmaking series with sizzling chemistry and closed-door romance for fans of the marriage of convenience trope, Mimi Matthews, and Elizabeth Camden. 

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2025

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

Buy A WAGER WITH THE MATCHMAKER at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

INTO THE SUNSET by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca

A WESTERN LIGHT #3

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Mary Connealy’s books are always loads of fun, and this one showcases her signature humor and wit. Into the Sunset is the last book in her A Western Light series and wraps up the threads of the series. Set in Idaho and Wyoming in the 1870s, it brings Ginny face-to-face with her abusive husband. With the help of her friends, she sets out on a journey to prove her sanity.

“You did a terrible job picking a husband, Ginny.”

Maeve O’Toole and Dakota Harlan are also deeply involved in this book, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and evolve. It was such a treat to spend some time with the characters from the first two books. I suppose you could read this book on its own, but I would recommend reading the first two books first to get all the background story.

Connealy’s a master at creating quirky, engaging characters and plopping them down in creative, intriguing plots. She then begins to extricate them from their problems and circumstances in amusing and unexpected ways. I always enjoy her books and heartily recommend them to those who like clean and wholesome historical fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"  . . . she thought of something her ma used to say: 'A woman's work is never done.'"

The time had come. Ginny Rutledge was leaving her secluded Hidden Canyon home to pursue being declared legally sane in order to escape the perpetual threat of being sent back to the Horecroft Insane Asylum by her tyrannical husband. Thaddeus Rutledge's influence had a long reach and his financial decline made his wife's wealth a valuable asset, prompting Ginny's family and friends to accompany her for the purpose of moral support and protection while they waited for her case to be heard.

Joining the group was Dakota Harlan, former wagon train master, and Mauve O'Toole . . . who was not only anxious to leave home for awhile, but whose prowess with young children would benefit Ginny's young grandchildren  . . . Dakota and Mauve had always been like "fire and ice", but could this joint endeavor produce a gentle thawing? Dakota had long ignored his attraction to the feisty redhead, knowing that his own secrets could bring danger to her front door . . . but not on this trip, right?

Readers will no doubt enjoy the core elements of this story; Ginny seeking freedom from her past, Mauve being forced to examine her feelings for Dakota during their close proximity, while Dakota comes face to face with his worst nightmare. However, the character list is extensive, the scenes changes are fairly abrupt and cameo appearances from previous novels take a minute or two or three to sink in . . . but you know what? It all comes together in the end.

"They'd traveled and they'd settled . . . And now, finally, they'd all followed the western light into the sunset."
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Will the sun set on their chance at happiness before they can seize it?

To finally escape the clutches of her controlling husband and the threat of being recommitted to an asylum, Ginny Rutledge enlists the help of her friends, Maeve O'Toole and Dakota Harlan. Fleeing their own tumultuous pasts, the group embarks on a journey to prove Ginny's sanity. However, as they confront the shadows they wish they could forget, danger looms from unexpected places.

Maeve grapples with her mother's impending remarriage and seizes a rare chance to escape her homestead--but that means reuniting with Dakota, the man she holds responsible for her father's death, who is caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful family. As the two of them navigate their shared history and a dangerous mission, Dakota is forced to confront his deepest fears and fight for the woman who has unwittingly captured his heart.

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

BUY INTO THE SUNSET at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

INTO THE STARLIGHT by Amanda Cabot, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

(Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Book #3): 

(Three Sisters Facing Mystery and Romance in the 1880s Texas Hill Country)

"After a year and a half, Joanna Vaughn Richter was home."

Joanna Vaughn has finally returned to Sweetwater Crossing, her aspirations of becoming a concert pianist in shambles after a health condition rendered her lungs too weak to withstand the rigors of constant travel. Losing a beloved husband mere months after they married was an additional shock. Adding to Joanna's growing list of disappointments was the fact that Finley House didn't seem like home either with both parents now deceased, her two sisters happily married, and a menagerie of guests living in what has been transformed into a beautiful boarding house.

Were it not for the two new interesting newcomers, a Dr. Clive Finley and his nearly aunt Della Samuels, Joanna may have doubted how perfectly she was stepping back "into the starlight", God's brand new plan for her life going forward. But of course, there's a story to tell before that happens, for the entirety of the Sweetwater Crossing community is about to become intimately involved in solving a decades old mystery before witnessing two delightful happily-ever-afters.

The author's pleasant style and enjoyable characters fill these pages from beginning to end with a seamless recounting of previous events and simultaneously advancing this story towards its most satisfying end, instilling a notable life lesson or two (or three) along the way.

"I only wish patience wasn't such a difficult lesson to learn."
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.

After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.

As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.

Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle. 

Revell Publishing, July, 2024

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

Buy INTO THE STARLIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE HUDSON COLLECTION (On Central Park Series #2), by Jocelyn Green, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"What an interesting, beautiful group of people Elsa had found herself among. Birds of a feather may flock together, but each one here was wonderfully distinct, and they flocked together just fine."

Elsa Reisner's position as an ornithologist at the prestigious American Museum of Natural History automatically puts her in close proximity with the birds that she loves, but the tedious hours spent cataloging and preserving the remains of countless species has her enthusiasm waning and her heart wishing for more. Rather providentially, Elsa receives a rare opportunity to analyze and organize a private collection bequeathed to the museum . . . and it is there, at the Van Tessel's Elmhurst country estate that Elsa's desires to shed her physical limitations are matched by those who dearly love her for being exactly the image-bearer that she was created to be.

With layering as elegant and intricate as the characters themselves, this story ushers in history creatively and meaningfully through its diversity of plot and passion. What a blessing to be reminded that scars and disabilities are not designed to be a stigma, or a boundary line, or even an embarrassment but rather a wide-open gateway to a life filled with extraordinary possibilities. The budding romance between Elsa and a certain architectural salvage builder are tender and true in the kindest of ways, while the secrets of the old mansion add an aura of mystique which seamlessly dovetails into the overall narrative. Simply put; an excellent book.

Coincidentally . . . I've decided that chickadees are my new favorite bird!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE WINNIE'S REVIEW

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience, friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

Bethany House Publishing, June, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:
Buy THE HUDSON COLLECTION at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

 

A NOBLE SCHEME (The Imposters #2) by Roseanna M. White, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

" . . . this house had never been meant to be his alone."

Pushing aside his wayward thoughts, Imposters, Ltd. operative Graham Wharton responds to a request for their private investigative agency to find and retrieve a kidnapped child, whom the kidnappers had mistakenly thought to be his cousin, the son of an aristocrat. The time line to pay an exorbitant ransom was just days away and Graham's architectural knowledge would most certainly come into play as his cohorts researched how to slip in and out of large manor houses under the guise of attending a fashionable Christmas gathering.

Gemma. Just the thought of her, the sight of her, the sound of her voice (even under disguise) . . . would being around her again be more than he could bear? It had been a year . . . since their hearts had been shattered into a million tiny little pieces. And according to Graham, even God, especially God, could not put them back together again . . . could He?

Underneath an impressive shroud of mystery and intrigue, the author plunges heart first into an emotive display of personal, spiritual, and relational angst; positioning her characters in a fight for their lives on multiple levels, while seamlessly weaving their current assignment into a cloudy image of their private affairs. It's nothing short of brilliant.

"She prayed God's will was for life. Reconciliation. Joy." 

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

SEE REVIEWS BY WINNIE AND PAULA

BackCover Blurb:
In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite--and most dangerous--families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

Bethany House Publishing, March 15, 2024

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

Buy A NOBLE SCHEME at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE SLEUTH OF BLACKFRIARS LANE (Blackfriars Lane #3) by Michelle Griep, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Three years ago Kit Turner had been skiffing marks. Gaming dupes. Looking over her shoulder to stay one step ahead of the law."

"No one would believe it of her now, not standing next to a retired police sergeant in a smart blue suit and married to the chief inspector of one of the city's busiest stations." And with the sweetest little baby girl in the whole wide world . . . if only Bella would babble "ma ma" instead of "ba ba" . . . her life would be just about perfect. To add the proverbial "icing on the cake", Kit and her father (the above mentioned retired police sergeant, Mr. Graybone) were partnering in a brand new venture, "The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency". What could possibly go wrong?

By now all of us are accustomed to Kit Turner Forge's good intentions, her handsome husband (the above mentioned chief inspector, Jackson Forge) however, was quickly becoming an expert in reading between the lines, discerning how saucy smiles and passionate displays of affection were all a ruse for weasling her way in or out of trouble, which happened often enough that Jackson would be terribly suspicious if she acted in any other manner. But neither Kit nor Jackson, nor Graybone (or their friends Charles Baggett and Martha Jones or a litany of others) could have ever imagined the mounds of trouble that Kit's first client as a private investigator would churn up.

"It is God who numbers our days, not you or I or anyone else. . . What I want is you just exactly as God has made you. That's all I've ever wanted . . . you're all I've ever wanted." (catch me while I swoon over a godly man who loves his wife!)

If it were up to me, this series would last forever. The characters are cast in a most spectacular fashion, their escapades are daunting, daring, and deliver outcomes of epic proportion, (for justice is even ... t . u . a . l. l. y served) leaving the supporting cast to be just as entertaining to spend time with, even if they are as peculiar as Catchpole.

*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 4.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

Barbour Publishing, April 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE SLEUTH OF BLACKFRIARS LANE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

THE BRITISH BOOKSELLERS by Kristy Cambron, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

With strong characters and an arresting plot, this was a memorable WWII story set in Coventry, England, when the unthinkable happened to devastate this quiet village.
 

Told in split time between WWI and 1940, the story revolves around the lives of Charlotte Terrington Holt and Amos Darby and their roles in the class system of days gone by. The author takes us back to a time when the whole country banded together to support the war effort by conservation, rationing, uprooting their lives and putting aside long held dreams for a united cause. “Childhood dreams had no place in the real world...”
 

The author delves into the background connections of Charlotte and Amos to give us the differences between classes and how that perspective changed during wartime. And as times change new romance takes wings. “To love meant to accept all the grit and grief alongside the beauty. To endure the harshness of life not with despair, but hope.”
 

Blackouts, sirens, Land Girls, loneliness, hidden secrets, surprising connections, second chances, a common goal. All these things and more come together in one emotional tale.

An exceptional story that gives yet another slant on what people went through during WWII on the home front.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a subtle faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Inspired by real accounts of the Forgotten Blitz bombings, The British Booksellers highlights the courage of those whose lives were forever changed by war—and the stories that bind us in the fight for what matters most.

A tenant farmer’s son had no business daring to dream of a future with an earl’s daughter, but that couldn’t keep Amos Darby from his secret friendship with Charlotte Terrington…until the reality of the Great War sobered youthful dreams. Now decades later, he bears the brutal scars of battles fought in the trenches and their futures that were stolen away. His return home doesn’t come with tender reunions, but with the hollow fulfillment of opening a bookshop on his own and retreating as a recluse within its walls.

When the future Earl of Harcourt chose Charlotte to be his wife, she knew she was destined for a loveless match. Though her heart had chosen another long ago, she pledges her future even as her husband goes to war. Twenty-five years later, Charlotte remains a war widow who divides her days between her late husband’s declining estate and operating a quaint Coventry bookshop—Eden Books, lovingly named after her grown daughter. And Amos is nothing more than the rival bookseller across the lane.

As war with Hitler looms, Eden is determined to preserve her father’s legacy. So when an American solicitor arrives threatening a lawsuit that could destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to preserve, mother and daughter prepare to fight back. But with devastation wrought by the Luftwaffe’s local blitz terrorizing the skies, battling bookshops—and lost loves, Amos and Charlotte—must put aside their differences and fight together to help Coventry survive.

From deep in the trenches of the Great War to the storied English countryside and the devastating Coventry Blitz of World War II, The British Booksellers explores the unbreakable bonds that unite us through love, loss, and the enduring solace that can be found between the pages of a book.

-Split timeline: WWI and WWII
-Stand-alone novel
-Book length: 118,000 words
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, April, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE BRITISH BOOKSELLERS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

A NOBLE SCHEME by Roseanna M. White, Reviewed by Winnie and Paula #ReleaseDay

(The Imposters Book #2): 

(An English Historical Romance with Mystery and Glamor)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Roseanna M. White is a talented author with a vivid, creative imagination, and I thoroughly love The Imposters team she has dreamed up. A Noble Scheme is the second in the series, and it’s best to read them in order to get all the backstory and fully appreciate the characters.

“She had learned too well that anger, rage, bitterness, and hatred didn’t ever fill you. They emptied you. Emptied you of life and goodness and the ability to love. And that emptiness left no room for anything else, even the sweet memories.”

This is a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness, and hope. It’s the tale of Gemma Parks and Graham Wharton, once the closest of friends but now estranged. I loved these characters and their struggles and growth as they are thrown together to help solve the case of a missing boy. The author is a pro at dreaming up fascinating and engaging characters and plopping them in intriguing situations with plenty of twists and turns.

This story is filled with suspense, inspiration, romance, and both laughter and tears. The gorgeous cover was enough to make me want to read it, and having read the first book in the series, A Beautiful Disguise, whetted my appetite for more about The Imposters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.4.5 stars

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Big questions and doubts haunt Gemma Parks and Graham Wharton since tragedy struck a year ago. What worse time to dredge up sorrow than at Christmastime. We finally see what has kept two of The Imposters at odds. A new case has them going incognito again to catch a kidnapper. The son of an influential but unscrupulous businessman is held for ransom and the team must use their expertise to find Horace before it is too late.

It was fun to see the team dress up to go undercover but Gemma hides her feelings just as sure as she dons a costume for her role and does all she can to avoid Graham. Their personal soul searching has them re-evaluating the role God plays in their lives and they learn to trust Him I liked Graham and his analytical architect brain.

The case was a complex one that was hard to figure out. The story was a bit more somber than the last book but equally as intriguing, absorbing, full of danger, forgiveness and second chances. I look forward to book three and the next case for The Imposters.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author and a NetGalley copy. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite--and most dangerous--families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

Bethany House Publishing, March 15, 2024

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

Buy A NOBLE SCHEME at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS by Hannah Linder, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"But the truth is they are no worse and no better than we ourselves. They are simply less fortunate."

One might consider William Kensley the most fortunate "unfortunate" young man in all of England. Or was it the exact opposite; the most unfortunate "fortunate" young man . . . more importantly, did it even matter? Apparently, it did. Inheriting a modest property upon the death of his grandfather, Williams is confronted by two family members whose jealousy and greed force him to flee for his life, heading towards the person long rumored to be his father, Lord Gresham. However, it is not the powerful lord who greets William, but his lovely daughter Isabella instead.

"Make sure you do sunshine and feel the seashore, hmm?"

Surviving the numerous twists and turns in this story is truly a feat of endurance! Just when it seems that all is well or that all is lost, another unexpected occurrence turns the plot inside out and upside down . . . over and over again! William and Isabella undergo many changes of heart while surviving more than their share of tragic events . . . will the truth, and nothing but the truth, ever come to light? Of course it will . . . after much soul searching and innumerable prayers of forgiveness, an appropriate overriding theme of this book.

"Just have to forgive dem. Even if you got to do it over and over again . . . just got to forgive dem. "
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

SEE REVIEWS BY TRIXI, PAULA, and WINNIE

BackCover Blurb:
She begged him once more to meet in the garden at midnight.
“If you love me,” said the letter.
But if he loved her, he would not come at all.
Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.  

Barbour Publishing, September 30, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

VEIL OF WINTER (The Dericott Tales #3), by Melanie Dickerson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

". . . one day she'd become a political pawn, married off to the person of her father's choosing."

It seemed "one day" had arrived, forcing Princess Elyce of Montciel to defy her father's wishes and take a drastic measure to save her people from dominion by King Claude of Valkenfeld. An arranged marriage to the king's nephew would force her people to work in the greedy king's dangerous underground mines. Could Elyce actually feign her death and then escape across snow covered mountains to find aid? It was a risk she was determined to take.

"O God, let me fall asleep. Darkness dragged her down . . . down . . . and sleep over took her."

He didn't exactly know how or why, but of one thing Sir Gerard of Dericott was certain, the unusual vision from God was real; "Go to Montciel. Help Princess Elyce." Upon Gerard's arrival, the princess appeared to be near death, only to miraculously revive in a severely weakened state and in need of protection, something that Gerard was determined to provide.

Gerard and Elyce faced a long, cold, and treacherous journey towards Prague Castle, where they planned to beseech King Wenceslaus, the mighty King of Bohemia and the King of Germany, for his assistance. Along the way, Elyce would also battle her own inhibitions, after having been discouraged and ridiculed for most of her life . . . was there a man of God's own choosing who would love her regardless . . . "God, I believe, she whispered. . . Help my unbelief."

A romantic tale of a "sleeping beauty" with plenty of personality and the knight whose love stood strong amidst seemingly impossible odds. 

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

 

BackCover Blurb:
She’s hounded from every side by treacherous elements and foes, but her greatest enemy lies within.

In the mountains near France, the medieval Princess Elyce is being forced to marry, thus forming an alliance that will enrich her father but enslave her kingdom. Instead, she chooses to feign her death and flee to Prague to beg King Wenceslaus to help save her people.

In England, the young knight Sir Gerard has a vision from God instructing him to help Elyce on her quest. When he arrives to find she has been near death for days, he manages to revive her. However, thinking the stranger was trying to kiss her, the princess immediately distrusts him. But her desperate situation forces her to accept his aid.

Pursued by her enemy’s guards over mountainous terrain, they must also battle the deadly winter elements. Her greatest challenge may be to overcome the voices of disapproval and accusation from her childhood. Will her emotions lead her into her true identity, or will they undermine her ability to work with Gerard and to save her people, who desperately need her help?

In this dazzling and romantic story, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson takes the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale to satisfying new heights. 

 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, June 2022

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

Buy VEIL OF WINTER at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

A RIVER BETWEEN US by Jocelyn Green, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Cora Mae . . . I know you're powerful scared behind that fierce face of yours. Don't let it turn into hate. . . The good Lord says we are to love our enemies and pray for those who bring us pain."

"Love her enemies" . . . did the good Lord know when He spoke those words that those enemies would come into her town, destroy her livelihood, separate her from a most beloved mother, and demand that Cora Mae and the daughter-of-her-heart move away from everything familiar? As the Union army marches closer and closer to Atlanta, does the kindness of a young sergeant mean enough for Cora Mae and June to sign away their allegiance in order to survive? There are no easy choices, and while Sergeant Ethan Howard might have begun to worm his way into her affections, war offers no guarantees; besides, Cora Mae left her future carefully wrapped up in a promise back home.

"Hope is on the inside. Even if the vessel is battered and scarred. Hope can live within."

A touching glimpse into history, personified by two individuals on opposite sides of the river, so to speak, whose ability to draw strength and courage from their faith changed not only their own lives, but the lives of so many around them.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Cora Mae Stewart’s world collapses when Sherman destroys the Georgia cotton mill where she works and has her arrested for treason and sent North. Faced with impossible choices, she does what she must to keep a little girl safe in an unhospitable land.

Convinced he won’t survive the war, Union Sergeant Ethan Howard determines to make his death count for something. But Cora Mae gives him a reason to live. Trouble is, he’s just arrested her on Sherman’s orders, and torn her from home and family.

Sergeant Howard is the last person Cora Mae wants to forgive, and the only man who can bring her all the way home. 

Credo House, October, 2023

Available in digital ebook and paperback 

Buy A RIVER BETWEEN US at Amazon and Christianbook .com 

GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS by Hannah Linder, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

"Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else."

Hannah Linder has to be one of my top favorite historical authors. This is her third published book and they just keep getting better and better in my opinion! She has such a lyrical poetic writer’s voice that draws me in every time and sweeps me into her world of fiction.

Garden of the Midnights is a doozy of a read! I did not expect to be so affected or so deeply pulled into the lives of William Kensley and Isabella Gresham as I was. My real world melted the moment they met. With each twist & turn of the plot, I could not put the book down if I tried. I HAD to know what happened next, almost to the point of desperation! Okay maybe that’s an exaggeration, but that’s just how lost I was in the story. My heart was invested in the journey that Linder put William and Isabella on. I wanted to rail against the injustice of social standing, prejudices and severe gaps in class distinction of the time period. But that’s what made this story so good, the angst a reader goes through as the scenes play out. It’s what connected my heart, invested my emotions and made me enjoy the ride even more.

"We may scorn the poor and lift our noses at them and blame their helplessness on dastardly sins. But the truth is they are no worse and no better than we ourselves. They are simply less fortunate."

Love is hard won in this story and many heart wrenching decisions played out on the pages. However, a stunning conclusion awaits those who endure to the end! A definite must read in my book for those who enjoy historical fiction with Gothic tones, forbidden romance, a story taut with danger and ends in a breathtaking conclusion. You don't want to miss this one!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. * 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
She begged him once more to meet in the garden at midnight.
“If you love me,” said the letter.
But if he loved her, he would not come at all.
Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.  

Barbour Publishing, September 30, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House