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

 

GUILTY UNTIL INNOCENT by Robert Whitlow, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise, #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
A thought-provoking look at life behind bars and an inmate who is concerned about the spiritual welfare of his fellow prison mates.

Joe Moore has been convicted of a double murder, but his grandmother has left funds to find the truth in hopes to set him free. But it has been many years. Part of the story is how young lawyer, Ryan searches out the truth, and its effects on his relationship with his wife and his boss. The other part is how Joe deals with life behind bars, and being a light for Christ.

The plot was interesting, the dialogue was authentic, but the descriptive narrative was kind of wooden. That could be because of the legal perspective of the author.

I so appreciated the Christian aspect of this book. It was clear and showed how a life change happened to some of the main characters.

The unfolding of the crime and true perpetrator was intriguing, although I guessed who the culprit was.

If you like legal drama, give this a try.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.* 4 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Justice has been served . . . unless the accused is innocent. In this gripping legal drama, Whitlow expertly weaves themes of grace, faith, and the law with a plot that is sure to keep you guessing until the end.

Life in prison is often a nightmare, but Joe Moore believes he is just where God intends him to be. Twenty-five years ago, while high on meth, he makes one terrible mistake after another, culminating in the brutal murder of a young, influential couple. Today, Joe is a radically different person, thriving in his role as a ministry leader and role model to his fellow inmates.

After being fired from two previous law firms, young lawyer Ryan Clark and his wife, Paige, have settled into a small North Carolina town. Hired by a distant relative, Ryan is committed to connecting with the right clients and handling the mundane tasks while his cousin Tom takes on the high-profile cases.

But when critical health issues land Tom in the hospital, Ryan is forced to take the helm at the law firm--just in time for the town's biggest case in history to be reopened. Joe Moore's niece has been doing some digging and, convinced that her incarcerated uncle is innocent, insists that Ryan relaunch the investigation immediately.

After Ryan meets with Joe, both men receive threats that put their own lives--as well as the lives of those around them--in danger. It appears that together they've pulled back a dark curtain that hides a deeper evil than anyone in town suspects exists. Now they must determine if continuing with the case is worth the risk--and if the cost of proving one man's innocence is too great when the lives of so many others would be placed in mortal danger.

Dive into a world where faith meets the law in this heart-pounding legal drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Pick up Guilty Until Innocent and find out if the cost of justice is worth risking everything. You won't want miss out on this thrilling story of grace, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, February, 2025

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

Buy GUILTY UNTIL INNOCENT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

WWII Spy Historical Fiction with Mystery, Suspense, 

and Enemies to Lovers Clean Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I have long been intrigued by spy stories set during World War II and this book delivers. The setting in the remote Scottish Islands was eye-opening for me. The characters were brought to life in this captivating tale. Cilla was escaping occupation in the Netherlands and went ashore at Dunnet Head only to be captured by Lieutenant Lachlan MacKenzie. Accused of being a German spy, she turned to spying for the British and proved herself very brave. Even while kept confined in a lighthouse. 

This many layered story has danger, intrigue, family, drama, and a growing romance. Cilla even found shelter in her faith: “This year I have found walls like never before, but I have found freedom. True freedom-in faith and forgiveness.”

As always, the extensive research lent authenticity to the story. I enjoyed learning about the real events that the story is based on. I also liked the legend of the selkie that was woven throughout.

This was another World War II adventure that impressed and entertained me.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews 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:
In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water--and in the depths of the human heart

As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable--train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland--messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Revell Publishing, February, 2025

Available in digital, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

SABOTAGE AT CEDAR CREEK by Janice Thompson, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

The Little Red Truck Mysteries #2

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was a cute cozy mystery that can be read as a stand alone but it makes me want to read the first in the series and the next one too.

In a small Texas town, best friends RaeLynn and Tasha are getting ready for Tasha to open the resort house to guests looking for a lakeside getaway. It focused on someone trying to prevent the grand opening. It seems the whole town is along for the ride as friends help with the final preparations. The author shows the true home town cooperation with the Fourth of July events. There are a few romances going on. In fact, Tessa has three guys interested in her!

A favorite character is Aunt Bessy, an old maid who lives with RaeLynn and her family and cooks up a Texas storm of goodies. Recipes in the back are included!

This story captured me from the start and did not shy away from portraying people of faith and how they showed compassion. Although there were a few suspects, the solution to the mystery was a complete surprise and very well done.

Put this one on your feel good list!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Who would burst into her house in the middle of the night to deliberately scare us?"

Raelynn Hadley was fully invested in seeing that her friend Tasha's new vacation rental would be up and running on time, so that Tasha would quit worrying about paying her "mortgage" (often Tasha's word of the day). When the two young woman plan a sleepover in the newly refurbished property, things literally go bump in the day, leaving them scared out of their wits, and calling on reinforcements. There seems to be no logical explanation . . . or is there?

Depending on her dependable (most of the time) brothers, an exceptionally wonderful boyfriend, and an always-cooking great aunt . . . plus a number of other members of the male species who proceeded to buzz like bees around Tasha . . . Raelynn is determined to scout out who has a vendetta against Raelynn, sadly discovering that there were quite a few people in Mabank, Texas who would fit into the role of suspect.

Taking off at a delightful pace, sporting a plethora of miscues and misunderstandings, the delightful banter and eventual outcome makes this cozy mystery a must read for fans of "whodunit" stories.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishers. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

BackCover Blurb:
Who Would Sabotage the New B&B?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book two of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s summertime in Mabank, Texas, and the Hadley family’s new antique business is open and running well with Tilly, the red antique truck, as its mascot. Raelynn Hadley enjoys driving Grandpa’s truck around as she seeks out antiques for her family’s store.

Raelynn is excited that her best friend, Tasha, will soon open a new vacation rental to accommodate the area’s growing tourism, but an unexpected act of sabotage threatens to spoil all that Tasha has worked for.

Raelynn immediately gets to work sleuthing out who could be behind the crime. Could it be the bitter neighbor, intent on spoiling Tasha’s plans? Perhaps it’s a nearby resort owner, worried about the potential loss of revenue. Maybe it’s the former owner’s daughter who was left out of the will and believes the home should be hers. Or maybe it’s the squatter who had taken up residence in the home before renovations. Raelynn is determined to solve the mystery for her friend in time for opening day. 

Barbour Publishing, February, 2025

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