THE BOOKSHOP OF SECRETS by Mollie Rushmeyer, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Hope Sparrow. "Ironically, her chosen name seemed a winged creature after all. One she could never seem to catch."

Just a name. Not her real name, for that person's life had been riddled with a plethora of tragic circumstances; Hope certainly didn't want anyone in Wanishin Falls to discover those, prompting Hope to simply introduce herself as a daughter coming back to her mother's hometown looking for several rare books that had been intended as part of an inheritance. Instead, as she walks through the door of the Dusty Jackets Bookshop, Hope comes face-to-face with Ulysses Barrick, whose early stage dementia has erased a lot of his memory and left him confused about what he has left . . . or not . . . he says some things that make Hope wonder.

Instead of a quick trip in and out of the little town, Hope finds herself lingering; her love for fine literature making her a perfect fit as a much needed assistant in the bookshop, for at least two months anyway while she continues her search for the illusive books. Ironically, Mags and Ulysses Barrick have a grandson, Ronan, who has a tragic past of his own. Ronan's curiosity about Hope's role in his grandparents' life transforms into an eagerness to help her, but he also makes Hope long for something she never thought possible; a future and a "hope".

This debut novel has a pleasantness about it that softens the edges of what reality has dealt its characters. The small town feel is a good fit for the deep seeded suspicions and long-standing quarrels among its members, not to mention the secrets . . . so, so many secrets. There is a solid foundation of spiritual truth underneath chapter after chapter of disappointment and heartache, for "God was the master potter. He was making something new. In her.", and what faith doesn't accomplish, love does.

Readers have a lot to look forward to!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family's legacy…and her future.

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family's history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope's last ties to her late mother—and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.

Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can’t remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she's lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all…

 Love Inspired, October, 2022

Available in digital ebook, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy THE BOOKSHOP OF SECRETS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House  

HEARTS OF STEEL by Elizabeth Camden, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

" . . . I'll stand beside you the whole way."

Determined never to be poor again, ice cream company owner Maggie Molinaro works hard and saves every penny, which means that when a wealthy customer stiffs her ninety-five dollars, she arrives at his lavish mansion to demand payment. Receiving a chilly reception, Maggie holds her ground while happening upon an handsome stranger who presses the man to do the right thing. It's the beginning of a entertaining, albeit tumultuous relationship between the "Sweet Miss Maggie of Gadsen Street" and steel magnate Liam Blackstone.

Liam Blackstone always stood up for the underdog, always; so when his nemesis Charles Morse tried to ignore the lovely young woman with the unpaid ice cream bill (from his own wedding reception, of all things), Liam gained some much needed ammunition to bring the man down a notch; or two or three. In all reality, it was Morse who was trying to ruin Liam's reputation, which would justify Liam's removal from U. S. Steel's board of directors. If Liam could just prove how corrupt Morse really was, he might just be able to prove himself to his family, once and for all. Clearly, Morse was out to play hardball, and Maggie was just one of many who would suffer.

Brace yourself for quite an entertaining story; two scrappy, stubborn, hard-working, I'll-do-it-myself, let-me-help-you . . . become a team . . . losing their hearts, their heads, and nearly their health over coming out on top. In the end, doing the right thing was always the right thing to do.

"She'd found the business partner of a lifetime, and a man who would stand beside her through any storm. Their life wouldn't always be smooth sailing, but . . . together with God's love and a little hard work, the adventure ahead would be a good one."

*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. 3.5 stars

SEE WINNIE'S REVIEW

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
His steel empire has catapulted him to the top of the world, but loving her could cost him everything.

Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company. But when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortunes for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to protect everything--and everyone--they hold dear.

Bethany House Publishing, January 2023

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

Buy HEARTS OF STEEL at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE SOUND OF LIGHT by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

“I think light sounds like silence. The silence of someone concealing his nobility and sacrificing everything so he can quietly do great deeds.”

Set in Denmark against the backdrop of WWII, The Sound of Light is another masterpiece by talented author Sarah Sundin. Rich in historical detail and filled with colorful, courageous characters, it’s the story of men and women of the Danish Resistance who risk their lives to help others. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt hides his identity to take messages for the Resistance in his rowboat across to Sweden. American physicist Else Jensen is living in Denmark and doing research. Sundin made these characters come alive on the page, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change.

“Sometimes silence takes much courage. . . Sometimes silence is nothing but cowardice.”

Filled with suspense, danger, and romance, this story was a treat to read. Themes of redemption, forgiveness, and courage add depth to it. I enjoyed reading the author’s notes which gave a little added history about the Danish resistance efforts. With the help of the pronunciation guide and glossary in the back of the book, which was a fun and useful addition, I even learned a little Danish. I recommend this book to those who enjoy well-researched and beautifully-written historical fiction. 

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

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

Revell Publishing, February 7, 2023

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

Buy THE SOUND OF LIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY by Jody Hedlund, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

It has been a wild ride through the lives of the McQuaids and the Colorado Cowboys series.

Take one reformed bad boy, a baby he did not know about and a compassionate midwife and Dylan is determined to do the right thing: Marry Catherine, whom he thinks is the girl he left in Chicago. Catherine accepts because she is running from false accusations.

Dylan is repentant and wants to follow the will of God. As sheriff, he has a wise and godly deputy, Stu: “When we do what is right, then we can trust the good Lord for the outcome.”

Catherine is an experienced but young midwife and proves herself worthy in this marriage of convenience story. But love naturally follows as does danger. Cue the McQuaid brothers to help with villains and cattle rustlers.

“When a McQuaid man loves a woman, there is no going back. It’s fast, furious, and forever.”

Ms. Hedlund has penned an exciting and adventurous tale with relatable characters and moral lessons in a winsome story.

A fitting conclusion to a fantastic series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*4 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

Bethany House Publishing, February, 2023

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

Buy THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House