THE FAULT BETWEEN US by Stephanie Landsem, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This story struck me with its heartfelt, realistic descriptions of an earthquake and rescue efforts afterward. That was the tense and dangerous part but what also struck me was the relationships in the Reilley family. Sisters Claire, Bridget and Frannie grew up not knowing their mother and with an overprotective father. That situation colored their whole life and choices. The excellent writing showed how their decisions shaped them and how circumstances brought out the best in them.
 

The theme of trusting and trustworthiness came through as well as redemption and reconciliation. I especially like the viewpoint of Claire and her appreciation of the beauty of her surroundings, attributing them to God. Her faith and Christian outlook shine through.
 

Ironically, I have also been reading a contemporary book set in Yellowstone with a scene mentioning the quake of 1959. It was interesting to see the overlap.
* A complimentary copy of this book wa# provided by Tyndale through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW: 

BackCover Blurb:
In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home—with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

-Christian historical fiction based on fascinating historical events
-Perfect for fans of Cathy Gohlke or Susan Meissner
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, November, 2025

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

Buy THE FAULT BETWEEN US at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

 

THE FAULT BETWEEN US by Stephanie Landsem, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"You don't even know him, Claire. Don't make the biggest mistake of your life."

Claire Reilly's decision to marry a Montana man and live close to the middle of nowhere nearly destroyed a relationship with her father, and fractured the once strong bond with her two sisters. She and Red were happy weren't they, especially when the proverbial "money doesn't buy happiness" mantra rang true more times than not. Their baby daughter Jenny was a joy to behold and her husband's employment on a nearby ranch covered their expenses . . . except when it didn't. Two events interrupted their idyllic pie-in-the-sky lifestyle, a poor choice and a visit from two meddlesome sisters; Bridget and Frannie were on a paternal mission, bring Claire and Jenny home, with or without Red Wilder.

The family dynamics in this story were remarkably well crafted, pulling from a cache of misunderstandings and miscommunications between a young husband and his wife, but also between three daughters and the father who had raised them. Throw in small town politics, a local family's tragedy, an horrific natural disaster, and the reader is left with an avalanche of plot twists to carefully unravel.

What did I take away from this story? A seismic infusion of hope; the kind that never gives up and never gives in; that binds together what is broken and forgives words spoken out of turn as well as those that were never spoken at all, but should have been.

"It was enough - more than enough - to hold on to."
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

BackCover Blurb:
In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home—with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

-Christian historical fiction based on fascinating historical events
-Perfect for fans of Cathy Gohlke or Susan Meissner
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, November, 2025

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

Buy THE FAULT BETWEEN US at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

RICHES BEYOND MEASURE by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 Christian Historical Western Frontier Romance

 with Adventure, Cowboys, and a Treasure Hunt

PAULA'S REVIEW
Riches Beyond Measure concludes the Golden State Treasure series by Mary Connealy. This one starts out with an earthquake that shakes up a whole lot of things-but not the resolve of the characters to finally find the hidden treasure that Graham McKenzie buried and left clues to before he died.

The Two Harts Ranch is base for the Harts and Cord Westbrook to venture from to locate the treasure. While evaluating the damage to buildings in the aftermath of the earthquake, 300 year old artifacts are discovered missing. Their quest for additional treasure has just gotten riskier.

Ms. Connealy crafts a complex, dangerous, realistic story and yet manages to pen a satisfying romance between Annie and Cord, two honorable, faith filled people.

I liked the drama of the hunt for the treasure and the clear delineation between the greed of the thieves and the motivations of the Harts, McKenzies, and Westbrooks. The protagonists showed that even though they had wealth, their treasure was really spiritual. They recognized that God was the source of all things and sought to serve others.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the series with hints of another worthy series to come.
*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.*4.5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb
When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead?

When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with that of Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie's family ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance.

The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie's Treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family from out east has everyone focused on what other precious finds might be waiting at the end of the legendary two-part map. As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more treacherous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but life's true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods.

Embark on a rousing California wilderness adventure filled with danger, deception, and second chances in this riveting conclusion to Mary Connealy's Golden State Treasure series--ideal for fans of frontier romances, cowboys, and treasure hunts.

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2025

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

Buy RICHES BEYOND MEASURE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

LEGENDS OF GOLD by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Second in the Golden State Treasures series, this book is best read after book one because it continues the quest for a treasure that the MacKenzie brothers are hunting. 

The brothers and friends are following a map that their grandfather left them but that leads to trouble and injuries that stall their search. Home base is Two Harts Ranch which is a refuge for orphans including a school run by familiar characters from other series by Ms. Connealy.

Tilda Muirhead has agreed to teach at the ranch but trouble arrives on the train in the form of an unknown, long-lost relative. Josh Hart steps in to rescue this damsel in distress. The author deftly weaves connections together in interesting ways and more than one romance is furthered in the process all with a good dose of her signature humor and solid spiritual representation.

I cannot wait for the third book when finding the treasure is sure to be another impressive story.
*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 

SEE WINNIE'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?

After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben's sudden interest in finding her.

When Ben's motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map's secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

A clean, witty, action-packed Western romance highlighting the bonds of family and the quest to belong. Fans of cowboy heroes, frontier romances, and hijinks adventure will be captivated. 

Bethany House Publishing, June, 2025

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

Buy LEGENDS OF GOLD at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

LEGENDS OF GOLD By Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #ReleaseDay

 

Golden State Treasure Book #2: A High-Energy Treasure 

Map-Lead Western Romance set in the American Old West

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Mary Connealy continues her Golden State Treasure series with the second book, Legends of Gold. I would advise readers to read the first in the series before starting this one, as it is somewhat of a continuing story. Connealy does a good job of filling in the back story, but some of the threads continue through the series. I really love the strong female characters that the author creates. They are very interesting, competent, intelligent, and courageous, which is refreshing to read in historical fiction.

Rancher Josh Hart and orphan Tilda Muirhead are featured in this tale. When Tilda takes a teaching job on Josh’s family ranch, she is surprised by the arrival of Ben, who claims to be her brother. Josh takes on the job as Tilda’s protector as the mystery and suspense deepen.

I greatly enjoyed the appearance of characters from previous books and series in this one. Connealy is a favorite author, and it’s delightful to see where she takes her characters. An infusion of her signature wit and humor keeps the story entertaining and fun. 

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?

After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben's sudden interest in finding her.

When Ben's motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map's secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

A clean, witty, action-packed Western romance highlighting the bonds of family and the quest to belong. Fans of cowboy heroes, frontier romances, and hijinks adventure will be captivated. 

Bethany House Publishing, June, 2025

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

Buy LEGENDS OF GOLD at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WHISPERS OF FORTUNE by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

Golden State Treasure Book #1: 

A Western Christian Historical Romance Book Series with Adventure 

and Treasure Hunting

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Woohoo! We get to catch up with some characters from another series! The Harts from The Lumber Baron’s Daughters own a ranch in California to benefit orphans. Teens Thayne and Lochlan MacKenzie ran away from New York on a quest to find a treasure that their grandfather never found. They end up on the Two Harts Ranch. Big brother Brody, a doctor, tracks them to the ranch and demands their release, but they do not want to give up the search.

This book had a lot of parts to keep up with but with the story spanning three books, I see the need for the plot to carry over with several sub plots and hints of more than one romance to take center stage in their own book.

The premise of a treasure map that was given to more than one family has all sorts of possibilities. Who is trustworthy? What exactly was the original agreement? The story certainly kept me guessing and it’s not over yet!

With her signature humor, solid faith thread, complex plot and sweet romance, Ms. Connealy has written another absorbing cowboy western to entertain us.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. A NetGalley copy was provided through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
In a land of gold and grit, can two hearts uncover the true treasure?

In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at the Two Harts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he discovers them thriving at the ranch's school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. His options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of ranch doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who's kept a steady eye on Brody's two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.

With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of those at the ranch.

Whispers of Fortune is a kisses-only western historical romance with plenty of witty banter, action-packed adventure, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. It's the first book in the Golden State Treasure series and can be read as a standalone.

Bethany House Publishing, February, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy WHISPERS OF FORTUNE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

WILDERNESS WIFE by Delores Topliff, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW

Absolutely fascinating story of little known Marguerite and John McLoughlan, said to be the mother and father of Oregon.
 

The author brings the past to life and the characters find their way into your heart as she shows the difficult, often impossible situations they encounter as they carve a living out of the wilderness of Canada.
 

Ms. Topliff cites harrowing circumstances but also shows the compassion and Christian charity of Marguerite. John suffers much but also exhibits forgiveness and sacrificial love.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this historic couple and look forward to another part of the story in the future. An interesting fact that I learned was that several descendants of Margurite read this book and contacted the author with additional information. Very cool!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher, Scriveners Press, and the author for a book club discussion. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
How do you continue living when life collapses around you in a single day?

Marguerite Wadin MacKay believes her 17-year marriage to explorer Alex MacKay is strong—until his sudden fame destroys it. When he returns from a cross-Canada expedition, he announces their frontier marriage is void in Montréal where he plans to find a society wife—not one with native blood. Taking their son, MacKay sends Marguerite and their three daughters to a trading post where she lived as a child. Deeply shamed, she arrives in time to assist young Doctor John McLoughlin with a medical emergency.

Marguerite now lives only for her girls. When Fort William on Lake Superior opens a school, Marguerite moves there for her daughters’ sake and rekindles her friendship with Doctor McLoughlin. When he declares his love, she dissuades him from a match harmful to his career. She’s mixed blood and nine years older. But he will have no one else.

After abandonment, can a woman love again and fulfill a key role in North American History?

Scrivenings Press, February, 2022

Available in digital ebook,  paperback, and library binding

Buy WILDERNESS WIFE at Amazon

 

SET IN STONE by Kimberley Woodhouse, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Treasures of the Earth Book #2: 

(Christian Historical Romance Book with 

Adventure and Women in Science)

I have always been fascinated by archeological digs. I even collected a few fossils as a child. This book scratched my itch for more information about the early years of paleontology in the US. Not only did the details keep my attention, the plot was excellent and the main characters were likable. Mystery and intrigue permeated the story and the history of Bone Wars was deftly woven in. I liked the way Ms. Woodhouse portrayed a spiritual element in Martha and Jacob’s lives and the ethical struggle that Jacob had after being fired. Martha could be stubborn but that trait served her well in her search for the truth about scripture and God and reconciling the Bible and Science.

This was a compelling historical,containing a sweet romance and suspenseful scenes.

I am really loving this series set in the 1800s about women in the field of paleontology. This was a clear winner for me.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
A dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton--one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit--she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all. 

Bethany House Publishing, March, 2024

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

Buy SET IN STONE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS by Misty Beller, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

An adventurous quest by four sisters in the untried wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1837. Juniper and her three sisters set out from Virginia on a journey to find an Indian woman per the request in the will their father left. Ms. Beller details a Rendezvous, a gathering of trappers and natives, a seasonal meeting to trade goods ahead of the long winter. A very interesting part of the Rendezvous was the horse races that passed the time and provided entertainment and showed off the animals.

After arriving with a supply wagon train, the sisters join up with Riley Turner, a young trapper who agrees to lead them as they search for the woman, Steps Right. Along the way, they meet diverse people but find some opposition.

This exciting and informative story reminded me of a Louis L’amour story with its old west flavor but with the added strong faith thread of the well written characters.

A great start to what promises to be a very interesting series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Reviewers. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*4 stars and a strong faith thread

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's deathbed request for them to return a special set of beads to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels West. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came West to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return East or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

 

Bethany House Publishing June 6, 2023

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

Buy ROCKY MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House