THE GENTLEWOMAN APPRENTICE by Emily Opal, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula for #JustRead

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Gentlewoman Apprentice 
Series: The Gentlewoman Series #5 
Author: Emily Opal 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: September 3, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romance

Every seam hides a secret. Every valentine reveals the truth.  

When Margaret Cooper departs the slums of East London for an apprenticeship in a quiet market town, she topples the established order—and no one feels it more than Peter Sloan, the handsome tailor forced to teach her his trade. 

Margaret is steeled to prove her worth in a man’s world and has no leisure for courtship. But when anonymous Valentines begin to arrive, each with gifts and words that pierce her heart, she feels truly known for the first time. If only she could unmask the hand that distracts her from her aspirations. 

Burdened by a failing business and an ill father, Peter has no patience for a female apprentice who upends his orderly life. Yet through a reckless wager, he finds himself sending Valentines to none other than Miss Cooper. What begins as halfhearted duty blossoms into admiration—and dangerous longing.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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 PAULA'S REVIEW:

Enchanting tale of dressmaking and tailoring in 1800s England.

I have been sewing since I was 9 years old so this book was fascinating to me as I learned about how dressmakers and tailors worked and how dyers treated cloth and that the guilds dictated much of what apprentices, tailors and dyers could create. 

Lush in its descriptions, this is a tale of Meg who so wants to open a shop of her own. But the customs of the era and specifically the town prevent her from learning the trade. She is reluctantly appointed to Peter, a tailor, who is slow to let her learn anything, assigning her menial tasks. Soon they begin to look beyond the surface and to care for one another. But secrets remain. An interesting custom was the Valentine Festival. Peter is tricked into being an anonymous valentine to Meg. The author used this device to give Peter a chance to show his growing feelings for Meg, as well as how he examined his own motives, therefore furthering the romance. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed these Gentlewoman books for their look into another time. I appreciate the history they contain and the flowing words of the author.
I consider this a clean read and look forward to more from a woman’s perspective.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All,opinions are mine alone.*
5+ stars and a clean read

About the Author

Emily Opal spent her childhood reading, having tea parties, and imagining she existed in another century. While pleased to live in a time when chamber pots are obsolete, she loves researching a bygone world full of hardships both foreign and relatable. Fortunate to find a spouse equally afflicted with wanderlust, Emily and her husband travel whenever and wherever they can. They live with their children and Labradoodle in Utah, where she enjoys mountain views and hiking but pretends to love skiing.

Connect with Emily by visiting emilyopal.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a book box with 18th century bits and bobs and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

THE SCORPION THIEF by Janyre Tromp, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 THREADS OF THE LOST MYTH SERIES

A Cold War, Myth-Infused Historical Thriller of Political Intrigue, Family Betrayal, and an Art Heist Worthy of the Silver Screen...

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“In order for life to mean something, Noura has to stand up and race toward what is right." 

Welcome to the world of the Cold War 70s and a subversive group who is trying to steal artifacts from the King Tut Exhibition slated to begin touring the USA.

Noura is in Cairo getting the exhibit ready for transport with the help of a team including Theo. She does not know who to trust when she suspects someone of setting things up to abscond with relics for nefarious reasons. Things and people are definitely not what they seem. Noura questions which side she is on and even if family could be involved. 

Lots of intrigue, manipulation, dangerous situations and a bit of romance. This was a well plotted story and I enjoyed the references to Egyptian mythology that tickled my imagination. With a climax in the midst of a hurricane in New Orleans, you couldn’t ask for a more interesting story.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Grafted Page Press via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars clean read

BackCover Blurb:
A deadly Cold War political game.

A cursed Egyptian artifact.

Two sisters: one the treasure's guardian, the other its thief.

Egyptologist Noura Marquette has spent her life piecing together remnants of the past, but nothing prepares her for the day her sister resurfaces in Cairo. Estranged for years, Estelle unleashes a web of whispered threats and dangerous connections that capture Noura in a treacherous snare of betrayal, art theft, and espionage.

In Washington, Nixon's administration maneuvers to use King Tutankhamun's treasures as a glittering tool of propaganda.

From the souks of Cairo to the hurricane-lashed streets of New Orleans, something older than history watches, stalking Noura as loyalties fracture and the lines between history and myth blur. Some curses never sleep, and some debts can never be paid.

GRAFTED PAGE PRESS, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon 

 

 

UNDERCOVER WISH by Danielle Grandinetti, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency Series Prequel

 

PAULA REVIEWS:
Inspired by Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, this story takes place in 1890 during the construction of the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago. It has a solid faith thread infused in the story.
 

Ali De Stasio is a journalist who works undercover. She is hot on a story but needs evidence in order to expose corruption and proof in order to submit the story for publication.
 

While in disguise, she encounters Griffeth Moorland, the son of the rich businessman who heads the construction company building the venues for the Exhibition. Griff has already sensed something is not quite right in his father’s company. Griff and Ali team up to face danger and intrigue as they search for the truth. Cupid strikes along the way in this informative look back in history.
 

I grew up in a Chicago suburb and relished the history of the Fair. It always amazed me that most of the buildings were torn down after the Exhibition. I visited several of the few that were still standing. It must have been a fascinating time to live in.
 

This was a wonderful start to a new series. It is sure to be a favorite for those interested in Chicago history. 
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Hearth Spot Books. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
Wealth is but an illusion, hers to wield and his to escape.

CHICAGO, Ill., 1892—Stunt reporter Ali Di Stasio will risk anything to expose the truth and protect her fellow orphans, including rummaging through trash bins and putting herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous elite. After living on the streets, she knows every corner of her city, which means she can stay one step ahead of the cops, the powerful men who'd love to silence her before she can reveal their secrets, and the occasional wealthy bachelor wandering through her alleyways, lost and in danger of being mugged.

Griff Moorland, heir-apparent to his father's shipping enterprise, is summoned home to Chicago's wealthiest neighborhood for one purpose: marriage. Worse, his choices are to marry the conniving daughter of his father's business partner or an heiress with a sizable dowry. If he doesn't comply before the contract to bring in steel for the Columbian Exposition ends? His ailing mother will be stranded across an ocean, homeless.

Caught between keeping his mother alive and his father's questionable business practices, Griff needs a way out of the bind his father has put him in. When Ali swoops in like a knight in shining armor, she insists the pen is mightier than a sword. But with the Chicago World's Fair fast approaching, sinister forces conspire against them. Will love prove only a mirage, or will it be strong enough to set them free?
 

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.
A Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency origin story and a retelling of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.

Fans of Danielle Grandinetti’s 1930s historical romance will enjoy Undercover Wish, the prequel that introduces the founder of the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency and bridges Harbored in Crow's Nest with this new series.

Hearth Spot Press, February, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

 

BEYOND THE CLOUDS by Elizabeth Camden, Reviewed by Rebecca, Paula, and Winnie #ReleaseDay

The Women of Midtown: 

Christian Historical Opposites Attract Romance Set in WWI New York City and Europe

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Why had she let safety and security matter more than Finn?"

Increasingly interested in making her personal feelings known to her employer, paralegal Delia Byrne searches for an opportunity to take their relationship to the next level when the man in question seemingly demonstrates otherwise. Embarrassed by Wesley's mixed signals, Delia experiences an awkward encounter with her first love, pilot Finn Delaney, whose exploits behind enemy lines have made him into somewhat of a national hero while he recovers from an horrific crash.

When Delia and Finn, one a pacifist and the other a staunch patriot, become tasked with rallying support for humanitarian efforts through-out war torn Belgium, Delia recognizes that she is approaching one of life's many crossroads; she can choose to embrace their sweet memories or allow Finn's impetuous decision making to ruin their future. That decision and its cost will be higher than either one of them could possibly have imagined.

The historical context and content in this narrative is absolutely fascinating. Assuming most readers know little to nothing about what happened in Belgium during the first World War, this story will illuminate both the atrocities and the generosities across oceans of divide. In addition, both characters grow into the persons that God had intended them to be all along. Who knew the world needed kites?
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews, and I purchased a copy. 4.5 stars

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another well researched story set during world war one. Delia Byrne is a pacifist working in a law firm that defends German Americans against unfair treatment. Her firm supports Bertie Hoover, and his efforts to supply relief food to Belgium, which is under occupation. The author provides a unique perspective of war time, and the many problems involved in executing humanitarian aid. Miss Camden also shows the resilience of the oppressed people of Belgium and the dangers some faced in helping a downed American pilot, Finn, who once meant a lot to Delia. 

“Courage was not the absence of fear; it was moving forward despite the fear.” 

This was a vibrant, complex story that wove historical details without presenting cold facts. It was intricately plotted with interesting characters that gave a great history lesson as well as showed spiritual lessons in the midst of tragedy and impossible situations.

I highly recommend this story that completes The Women of Midtown series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Courage wasn’t the absence of fear; it was moving forward despite the fear.”

In the conclusion to her Women of Midtown series, Elizabeth Camden has penned a fascinating tale of two teenagers who fell in love while in an orphanage. They planned to open a kite shop when they had saved enough money—until Finn betrayed Delia by taking the money they had saved so he could become a pilot. When he returned from serving in World War I, wounded and a hero, Delia wanted nothing to do with him. Thrown together in a mission to raise relief funds for people in Belgium, they must work together again.

I enjoyed learning more about the Commission for the Relief of Belgium and Herbert Hoover’s part in founding and carrying out its mission. I also loved this fictional story of two people involved in it, while also learning about the real-life function of the group.

“It seemed God made some people to be warriors, while others were destined to work quietly behind the front lines.”

The characters are well-drawn, engaging, and realistically flawed; the storyline is intriguing and entertaining; and the tale is full of historically fascinating facts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I’m looking forward to Camden’s next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:

They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together—until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir—until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them—or the possibility of falling in love again?

Elizabeth Camden's compelling historical romance of second chances, sacrifice, and redemption is set against the backdrop of World War I in Belgium and will captivate listeners with its rich historical detail and deeply woven characters. 

Bethany House Publishing, January, 2026

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

Buy BEYOND THE CLOUDS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

EVERY BEND IN THE RIVER by Emerson Ford, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Dear Mama, You always said I'd be the death of you. How did you know?"

Wild, reckless, and free-spirited, Rosanna Waters bucks her genteel mother's every attempt to transform her into a mannered young woman, until one tragic afternoon changes the trajectory of her entire family. Assuming many of the responsibilities for her large family, Rosanna still has time to catch the attention of a young Scottish indenture after boldly defending Callum Stewart in the face of a notorious bully. But as time and circumstances often do, growing up does not change the fact that life is not always fair.

Two wars punctuate this story. Rosanna marries, bears eight living children and moves from Virginia to South Carolina, her three oldest sons join the militia while the one who put his signature upon her young heart only appears in an occasional accidental memory. As you might suspect, this is not the end of the story.

There are so few authors who can write a story spanning decades of early American history and manage to seam together the most important details without overloading the reader with extraneous material. Like the flow of a river, Rosanna's story (inspired by the courageous life of the author's sixth great-grandmother) moves at a constant pace with natural bends, curves, and overflows that every great river carves along its landscape. With characters who spring to life on the page, and plot twists that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, readers will be mesmerized from beginning to end with the constancy of love and loss, tragedy and triumph, and endless reasons to hope.

"Come live with me and be my love . . . "

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

BackCover Blurb:
From bestselling author Emerson Ford comes an unforgettable true story of a spirited woman caught between freedom and duty, set against the sweeping backdrop of the American Revolution. Perfect for readers of Where the Crawdads Sing, The Four Winds,and A Girl Called Samson.

Virginia, 1749. Rosanna Waters is more comfortable catching grasshoppers for fishing bait than helping her Mama with the washing. After one defiance too many ends in terrible tragedy, Rosanna learns that her rebellious nature carries a price too steep to pay. She must tame the fire within—for her family’s sake, if not her own.

Then she meets Callum Stewart, a Scottish indentured servant with secrets as deep as the river she loves, Rosanna discovers someone who sees her for exactly who she is. But revolution changes everything. War sends Callum to battle and Rosanna into the unknowns of the South Carolina frontier, where she carves out a life from the unforgiving backcountry—eight children, a working farm, and a hard-won independence.

When the war finally arrives at her doorstep, it brings not just soldiers threatening everything she’s built, but the boy who stole her heart all those years ago—now a man with his own scars. As violence engulfs the frontier, Rosanna must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her family, and whether the woman she’s become can make peace with the girl she used to be.

Based on a true story, this is an epic tale of a woman who refuses to surrender—not to grief, not to the wilderness, and never to a fate trying to break the spirit she’s finally learned to love.

 

Storm Publishing, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook: 

Buy EVERY BEND IN THE RIVER at Amazon 

LOVE IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY by Ann Swindell, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula Shreckhsie #CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Love in the Castle Library (In the Castle Library Book 2)

Author: Ann Swindell

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Click here to get your copy!

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This story was an absolute delight to read. 

Delphine Duvert is the stewardess of the castle in Lethersby, a fictional country in Europe. According to the first book in the series, Queen Alma secretly left the country in 1918 in order to volunteer as a nursing assistant during The Great War, never to be heard of again. Research has begun to track down her movements after a letter of hers was found. Delphine hires Jack Worthington from England to help research because his grandmother was a nurse in WWII and he is already delving into that subject.

These fascinating bits of history being researched by Jack lead to some amazing discoveries. The wonderful thing about this book is that it is steeped in scripture. Among the verses cited are my absolute favorites in Romans 8. I love the way that Jack is a committed Christian and lets God guide him through constant prayer. His way of life has a profound impact on Delphine and she contrasts that with the remembrances of her father.

This is a well-rounded story that contains some obstacles in the form of a jealous colleague and an uncertain future for Delphine. I could not stop turning pages, anticipating the end.
And Yay! There is another book in the works for this fabulous series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by WhiteCrown on behalf of the author and through Celebrate Lit tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

About the Author

ANN SWINDELL writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the award-winning author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.

More from Ann

Love in the Castle Library is set in two of my favorite places—one imaginary, and one real. When I started the In the Castle Library series, the main character’s journey in book one (Christmas in the Castle Library) takes her to Lethersby, a small, fictional European country full of tradition, beauty, and charm. I tried to put much of what I love about Europe into this fictional country that I wish existed. From what readers have told me, they wish it was real, too!

Book two, Love in the Castle Library, is also set in the castle in Lethersby, but I decided to make my hero and heroine take a jaunt to Oxford, England—my favorite real country outside of the USA.

I spent a summer in college studying abroad in England, and Oxford was the city that captured my heart. The “city of dreaming spires” is ancient, beautiful, and academic—a heady mix for a nineteen-year-old girl who traveled there for the first time. I even gave a nod to one of Oxford’s most well-known professors through the hero’s name, Jack.*

I had the gift of getting to go back to Oxford with my family over a decade ago, and while I’m aching to go again, including some of my favorite places in Love in the Castle Library helped me to enjoy the city vicariously through my characters. Look for some of my favorite places to eat—including Ben’s Cookies and the King’s Arms—when the characters visit. And if you ever have the opportunity to make it to Oxford, make the effort to buy one of those cookies (they’re sold by weight!) and enjoy some ice cream at G&D’s…the hero recommends chocolate of any kind (and so do I!).

I hope you love this story as much as I do, and that these tastes of beautiful places, both real and imagined, point your heart to the beauty of Christ that is at the heart of every story I write.

*Jack was C.S. Lewis’s nickname, and he taught at Magdalen College in Oxford from 1925-1954.

Blog Stops

To Everything There Is A Season, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Lily’s Corner, December 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 8

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 9

Inkwell Inspirations , December 10

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, December 10

Devoted Steps, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Devoted To Hope, December 16

Stories By Gina, December 17 (Author Interview)

Lyssa Loves Books, December 17

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Review from Donna)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, December 19

The Bookish Pilgrim, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann is giving away the grand prize of a $50 gift card to Amazon and a signed paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY LINK

ECHOES OF A SILENT SONG by Amanda Wen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"He didn't care about winning them over. He cared only about recapturing his muse, so he could resign this job as quickly as he'd taken it, return to Boston, and get his life back."

So yet another in the front door, out the back door choral conductor had arrived at Peterson High, although this one seemed to actually know what he was doing, that was some consolation. Choir accompanist Blair Emerson was weary of seeing her students tossed from one director to another and while Callum Knight's resume of professional experience was impressive, his demeanor screamed that he would rather be anywhere else.

While searching through the school's music library for appropriate selections, Callum and Blair run across a discarded hand-written piece of music; absolutely brilliant according to Callum. The two find common ground in unraveling the previously overlooked details surrounding the young composer's untimely death and the loss of her prodigious composition. In the process they also discover there is a lot to learn about each other as well, for wounded hearts can be terribly fragile.

A lovely inspirational romance filled with the sounds of music!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review 3.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight’s goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town’s history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

Kregel Publishing, October 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

BENEATH A RARE BLUE MOON by Johnnie Alexander, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

 

A Wholesome Christian Romance Novella (Unseen Valor Series)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
It is always educational to read a story by Johnnie Alexander. I enjoy her historicals so much. Beneath a Rare Blue Moon was fascinating. I had read another book about the secret city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and this one just added to the mystique of the place.

Kathleen Forrest is part of WOOPs, women guarding the Norris Dam in Tennessee. She had lost touch with her one true love when he went to war. Roger Craig is currently trying to get back to the war in Europe. They meet again unexpectedly and are thrown together and tasked with finding out what happened at a secret facility at Oak Ridge.

It was an exciting adventure for Kathleen and Roger as they felt their way in unfamiliar territory to solve the mystery. The two sweethearts wanted to do what was right for the country and sought to please God as well. They ultimately follow their hearts as they reunite amidst obstacles.

Short but informative, this story is packed with interesting details of the secrets of WWII.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author through Stories Past and Present. I was not required to post a favorable review. All,opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
One rare night. One risky mission. A second chance at love.

Kathleen Forrest, a guard at Norris Dam during WWII, carries the pain of a love changed by the war. But everything changes on a rare blue moon night when she confronts a saboteur—none other than the man who once held her heart.

As an Army Intelligence agent, Roger Craig has slipped past guards, outwitted enemies, and dodged death more than once. But his latest mission to plant a fake bomb at the dam goes awry when Kathleen catches him red-handed.

Forced into an uneasy alliance by the Counter Intelligence Corps after a key informant’s mysterious death, Kathleen and Roger must uncover a potential spy ring in Tennessee’s “Secret City.” As they work together, every shared glance forces them to confront the painful history between them.

With danger closing in and national security at stake, can they trust each other with their lives—and their hearts?

December, 2025

Buy BENEATH A BLUE MOON in paperback or digital ebook at Amazon 

THE ROYAL ARTISAN by Tessa Afshar, Reviewed by Paula

(Queen Esther's Court): Historical Fiction in Biblical Times Set 

in the Royal Courts of Queen Esther during Ancient History

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Another excellent story about ancient Persia and the court of Queen Esther. This time from the perspective of a potter who plays a role in the rescue of the Jewish people from evil Haman.
Of course these stories are fictional and are about fictional people, but it is fun to see what might have happened. Ms Afshar has done a lot of research into the times and inserts a real artifact into her story. That is what Sazana and Jadon are searching for.
 

I love a good second chance romance and this one fits the bill. Sazana is the potter, an unusual role for a woman. She and Jadon, one of the elite guards of the royals, have an unpleasant past. But when they are thrown together to help Queen Esther, things get dangerous and they slowly grow together again.
 

Ms Afshar personalizes her story of Esther with excellent details about palace life and pottery making of the era. I like the way she depicts Esther as caring, friendly and using her status as a tool for good.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. 

 

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2025

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

Buy THE ROYAL ARTISAN at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

THROUGH EACH TOMORROW by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Kim

KIM'S REVIEW:
I absolutely love this series and its entire premise! Gabrielle Meyer’s writing style always draws me in from the very first page. Her characters are always wonderful, her storylines are intricately crafted, and just when I’m convinced there’s no possible way out of a situation, she finds one. Her creativity never fails to amaze me.

One of my favorite elements in this installment was the dynamic between Charles and his best friend Andrew. Having them both experience life as time-crossers in the same time periods added such a fresh and fascinating layer to an already unique concept. Their shared journeys deepened the emotional stakes and made every twist even more compelling. As always, the historical details are well researched—I finish every book having learned something new. While I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I usually do, but I still highly recommend the entire series.

Through Each Tomorrow is yet another hit from Gabrielle Meyer. This Timeless series continues to impress me with its heart, its ingenuity, and its immersive blend of history and imagination. I love every story she tells, and I truly cannot wait for the next one! 4 stars!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

SEE REVIEWS by REBECCA and PAULA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. 

Bethany House, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, audio, and hardcover

Buy THROUGH EACH TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

SHATTERED PEACE by Julie McDonald Zander, Reviewed by Paula

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Taking place in Centralia, Washington in 1919, this story chronicles the horrible conflict that happened between veterans and the beginnings of the unions, notably the Wobblies.

 

The author has done extensive research into the event and time and circumstances leading up to the fateful day. In November 1919. It is raw at times with graphic descriptions of war and the massacre and lynching.
 

The author depicts the effects of war on returning soldiers and loved ones that they left behind. It was a good history lesson about the era and political climate of the times.
 

This was a dual time story. Letters that were found by a descendant of the characters of 1919 are what connected the two time periods. I had a bit of trouble jumping back and forth between them but they were both very interesting.
Trigger warning for violence.
*I won a digital copy of this book from Library Thing. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town still haunted by its past.

When former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she sees it as a chance to escape her own ghosts and start anew. But as she peels back layers of history within the home’s walls, she unearths long-buried secrets tied to a dark chapter in the town’s history.

Hidden behind crumbling plaster, a faded diary and a bundle of love letters unveil the struggles of a soldier trapped in the trenches of France and the heartbreak of those left waiting at home. Yet the diary’s brittle pages hold more than just longing—they bear witness to the explosive events of November 11, 1919, when a parade meant to celebrate peace erupted into violence and bloodshed.

As Colleen pieces together the tragic choices that shattered lives and fractured a town, she realizes history is never truly buried. The wounds of yesterday still shape today, and the past is not done with her yet.

Inspired by true events, Shattered Peace is a gripping time-slip novel of love, loss, and the echoes of history that refuse to fade. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network and The Girl You Left Behind, this haunting tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of truth will linger long after the final page. 

St. Helen's Press, March, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback at Amazon

THROUGH EACH TOMORROW by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

TIMELESS SERIES #6

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"In 1563, I was the Earl of Norfolk, an esteemed and respected member of Queen Elizabeth's privy council, and the heir of Arundel Castle."

Time-crosser Charles Hollingsworth lived a privileged life in his 1563 path as a member of Queen Elizabeth's inner circle, as opposed to his path in 1883 where he was struggling to maintain his family's once prestigious horse farm. For fellow crosser Andrew Bromley, his opportunities were just the opposite, he was a common laborer outside of the queen's court in 1563 while occupying a position of prominence as the sole heir of an enormous shipping company in 1883. The two friends devise a risky scheme to aid their positions in their pathway of choice while potentially ruining or securing the futures of two most beloved sisters.

To mention that I was on the proverbial "edge-of-my-seat" through-out this story would be a vast understatement. The author's ingenuity in this space is matchless, or better yet, "timeless".

" . . . I was done trying to manipulate Him (God) and His plans. It was time to surrender my own will and start to trust His. Come what may."
*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
I am still in awe at this wonderful concept of time-crossing in book six of the Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer. Through Each Tomorrow shows the impeccable research the author has done to give us the court of Elizabeth I and Newport, Rhode Island in the Gilded Age.
 

Friends Charles and Andrew discover that they are both time-crossers in 1563 and 1883 but their places in society are switched in each. In 1563 Charles is a Lord and Andrew is lowborn. In 1883 Andrew is wealthy and of high society while Charles is an impoverished horse farmer. The complications begin when Andrew asks Charles to pose as a Lord in 1883 in order to impress the Astors. They each think they have decided in which time period to remain when they reach their 25th birthdays. But circumstances may take those decisions from them.
 

As always, the characters realize that ultimately it is God who orders their lives. “Trusting God did not mean I would not have heartache, but it did mean that I needed to lean on Him and follow the path He has laid before me.”
 

The author packs a lot into these stories. Each chapter alternated time periods and I could not turn pages fast enough. The stories were that compelling. I am glad there will be 10 books in total but I will be sorry to see this series end.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. *Beyond 5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. 

Bethany House, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, audio, and hardcover

Buy THROUGH EACH TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook or Baker Book House 

A CAROL FOR MRS. DICKENS by Rebecca Connolly, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly is set in London 1851 at a house party hosted by Charles Dickens.
 

In all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations and her husband’s enthusiasm for the holiday, Kate Dickens has lost her zeal for the sacred time of year. In the midst of a Christmas party, Kate is taken on a memory journey much like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Instead of ghosts, Kate is transported by her recollections to times around Christmases past that cause her to ponder the real reason for Christmas: the birth of the Savior. Her contemplations on the past create a new appreciation for the spirit of Christmas and re-awaken her giving heart. “Christmas felt most like Christmas when she was with family.”
 

I liked the addition of Victorian Christmas Traditions and History at the end.
 

This story is just right for the holiday season and spells out the true faith of Christmas.
*A complimentary copy was provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4.5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.

By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.

But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.

Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?

Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.

Catherine Dickens struggles with the burdens of Christmas despite her husband’s success with A Christmas Carol. A magical sprig of holly leads her on three journeys into her past, rekindling her faith and holiday spirit. This heartwarming tale celebrates love, faith, and the simple joys of Christmas. 

 

Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025

Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy A CAROL FOR MRS. DICKENS at Amazon

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