SET IN STONE by Kimberley Woodhouse, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca

 

Treasures of the Earth Book #2: 

(Christian Historical Romance Book with 

Adventure and Women in Science)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

With a setting in Colorado in the late 1800s, a female paleontologist who has her own dig, and a sigh-worthy hero, Kimberley Woodhouse’s second book in her Treasures of the Earth series caught my attention and kept it captive. I enjoyed the history behind the story, including the Bone Wars and the finding of dinosaur bones in the Colorado/Utah area. Woodhouse has obviously researched the subject well and worked her characters and story around it carefully. I particularly enjoyed the epigraphs at the beginning of the chapters with quotes by Earl Douglass. They were inspiring and gave a little clue as to what the chapter would bring.

Paleontologist Martha Jankowski is competent, passionate about dinosaur digs, and motivated to succeed in unearthing an intact dinosaur for display in a museum. Jacob Duncan is a student of paleontology and is hired by Martha to help on her dig. Jacob’s work ethic, honesty, and integrity were exemplary, and contrasted greatly with some of the other characters in the tale. I enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow as they worked together. 

Plenty of history, suspense, twists and turns, and inspiration combine to make this an intriguing and entertaining story. A dash of romance is added in for those who enjoy a bit of that along with their historical fiction. There are very strong inspirational elements woven throughout the story with focus on faith, forgiveness, trust. The contrast between good and evil was very evident. I recommend this book to those who enjoy faith-filled historical romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"To watch him dig and find bones in the ground was a treat far greater than hearing the stories when he came home."

Paleontologist Martha Jankowski has followed in her father's footsteps, being granted an opportunity to earn a display in a Denver museum, a prestigious step forward in her career . . . however, there is one catch . . . it's a competition with very strict guidelines . . . and an almost impossible deadline. When Martha happens to meet paleontology student Jacob Duncan at a science lecture, their invigorating conversation sparks an acquaintance, which coincidentally leads Martha to offer Jacob a job on her dig. Unfortunately, Jacob's desire to be honorable and honest eventually places them both in a nearly impossible situation.

This is a very fine historical romance, but it's also a wonderful journal of faith; Jacob learns to dig deeper (pun intended) when he is forced to trust God wholly in the midst of perilous circumstances . . . and Martha . . . she discovers who she really is below the surface (another intended pun) without a genuine faith in the Lord, creating a genuine thirst for a relationship with the Creator whom she already admires begins to grow. Both of their lives are going to get very, very dusty and dirty before this story is over, for clever malevolence is on the prowl. There's more going on than meets the eye when it comes to "the bones war".

" . . we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. "
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

 SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

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 

 

SANDCASTLE INN by Irene Hannon, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

(A Hope Harbor Novel Book #10): 

(Small-Town Beach Contemporary Clean Romance Set in the Pacific Northwest)

A milestone for author Irene Hannon with her tenth book in the Hope Harbor series set on the Oregon coast. If this was a real town, I would definitely want to visit to meet the residents and sample the goodies at Chocolate Harbor, The Perfect Blend and tacos made by Charlie. No matter how many books in this series there are always some happily ever afters. Not to say the author does not give the characters plenty of obstacles. But with wisdom dispensed by Charlie and Bev and two golf buddy clerics, there are spiritual lessons to be learned. With beautiful scenery described and fascinating circumstances, Hope Harbor never gets old.

Sandcastle Inn was chock full of interesting information on renovating a run down B and B and turning it into an upscale Inn. There were two romances to follow as well as some family drama. And the loveable seagulls, Flloyd and Gladys, make their customary appearance for all to enjoy.

I am so glad there are more books coming from this talented author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Review Program and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she'd left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course--because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn't in Matt Quinn's plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn't on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister's new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B--if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

Revell Publishing, April 2, 2024

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

Buy SANDCASTLE INN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

THESE TANGLED THREADS by Sarah Loudin Thomas, reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

Rich in the history of the Biltmore Estate and those who lived and worked there. This is a captivating story with a slow moving romance. I have never been to the Biltmore but after hearing about it and reading this book, I would love to visit. It added to the experience that the author worked there and knew a lot of the background.

The story brought out some history about the Vanderbilts and the personality of Cornelia, the favored daughter. But the prominent story was about the weaving house and Lorna Blankenship who was a master weaver. I loved it also because I have been sewing for over 60 years. It was interesting to learn about the methods of making cloth and also discovering that there was a woodworking shop on the premises. That is where we find Arthur Westcott, who slowly wends his way into Lorna’s heart. He is a devout Christian who helps Lorna selflessly when she searches for the weaver of an original and beautifully unique fabric. For Lorna, there are hard lessons to learn as she grows in her faith. With the themes of forgiveness, restoration and hope, this story also shows that things progress in God’s time.

Another exceptional story that makes you think.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from 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

BackCover Blurb:
Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances. 

Bethany House Publishing, April 2, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy THESE TANGLED THREADS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

THE SLEUTH OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by Michelle Griep, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

The adventures of Kit and Jackson Forge take a dangerous turn as Kit and her father, Henry Graystone, open a new inquiry agency.

It was a joy to read such an entertaining story full of memorable and colorful characters especially when Ms. Griep used amusing words and phrases from the era. It fits right in with the type of story Dickens wrote.

Kit is now a mother of one year old Bella and is not quite settled into domestic pursuits as evidenced by her horrible cooking skills. But the romantic sparks still fly between Kit and her husband. Kit is torn between staying home with Bella and bringing justice to evildoers. It is a good thing her husband is Chief Inspector of police at the local precinct.

There is comic relief on several fronts in the form of a pet Armadillo, a lazy member of the police squad and the unusual Mr. Catchpole whose life changes when he meets Inspector Forge.
 

I love the way the author infused the story with Christian elements. Kit and Jackson may struggle a bit in their faith but they grow and recognize that God is in control.
I do hope there are more adventures in store for this intriguing duo.
* I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour via NetGalley and as part of Barbour Review Crew. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

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