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 

DARK DESIGN by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
What a complicated mystery that friends Erin and Kaely have before them now! Not only is a killer using a stories that Erin and others have authored, but someone is claiming that Erin is not the author of her award winning books at all.
 

With her life in danger, Erin travels to Virginia so she can team up with Kaely and stay safe while trying to solve the puzzle.
 

This intriguing, sometimes confounding story has romance that sizzles between Erin and police Chief Adrian Nightengale. It includes a strong faith thread with a stirring scene that speeds Erin along in her spiritual journey.
 

This story was riveting right up to its stunning conclusion.
I look forward to more great writing in book three of this suspense filled 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 

 

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . .
She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.
There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl threads a plot of police investigations and shadowy evidence with heart-drumming suspense in this clean, high-stakes read that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard. 

Bethany House Publishing, October, 2025

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

Buy DARK DESIGN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

NOT EXACTLY MR. DARCY by Carolyn Miller, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #NewRelease

THE SILVER TEAPOT SERIES #1

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"What even were her dreams these days?"

Following an unexpected termination of her teaching position, feelings of betrayal, disappointment and confusion plague Olivia Bennett, making it much easier to hop on a plane and travel half-way around the world to become a temporary caregiver in a small English village. Never did she imagine that her rapidly recovering grandmother would encourage her to become involved in a restoration project; nearby Hartbury Hall was practically dying on the vine after being featured in a film production of Jane Austen's famed novel, Pride and Prejudice. There was nothing Olivia loved more than the romantic scene memorably played out in front of the estate's now waterless fountain. At the top of her interminable list of ideas, get the fountain flowing again!

Olivia's hopes and dreams for the grand property have one major obstacle; the reclusive head gardener who introduces himself as Liam Browne.

Having read a number of stories similar to this one in plot and theme, I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it was to read this particular rendition of the classic romance. Olivia, Liam and their host of supporting characters make the story creatively contemporary with a generous depth of faith, patches of humor and strains of romance that come crashing to a climax on a ballroom floor???? This lovely start to a new series is exactly what every author must dream about.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

 

PAULA'S REVIEW: 

I have enjoyed Regency books by Ms. Miller for a long time and rejoice that she has incorporated Regency into this new series: The Silver Teapot. Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is a delightful contemporary story that centers around an estate in England that was used in a fictional adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and a fountain that was featured in a romantic scene. “I do not care about Colin Firth or Theo Thomas or Matthew McFayden now. This is so much better than any film.”

Liam Browne has inherited Hartbury Hall but it is controlled by trustees and is in dire need of funds for restoration. Olivia Bennett has come from Australia to visit her grandmother who is a close friend and neighbor of Liam. She agrees to spearhead a group of volunteers to make the estate productive again.
 

With wit and well researched references to manor houses, Ms Miller crafts a romantic tale that takes a few detours to happily ever after. It was fun to watch the characters interact and work together to bring hope to Hartbury Hall and rejuvenate it. This atmospheric story had characters who showed their faith but also their vulnerability and willingness to forgive.
 

I look forward to the next Regency inspired book in this series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing 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:

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways. 

 

Barbour Publishing, December, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

BUY Not Exactly Mr. Darcy at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie #ReleaseDay

Historical Regency Romance and Mystery Set in England 

for Fans of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another fabulous Regency story by Julie Klassen, Whispers at Painswick Court adds an element of intrigue that goes well with the setting of an old estate in the Cotswolds.
 

Anne Loveday, feeling unappreciated at home, travels to Painswick to spend time with an old friend. While there, she agrees to tend an elderly lady as a nurse in the old mansion at Painswick Court. This atmospheric read saw Anne finally seeing herself as a beloved child of God and switching her perspective on family and service to others. A certain young doctor, Ernest Finch, sees great qualities in Anne but circumstances and secrets interfere, not to mention sightings of the ghost of King Charles I.
 

Something is amiss and more than one person is in danger. Ms. Klassen kept me guessing as to who was at the center of the nefarious happenings.
 

Beautifully written, with engaging plot and characters, this one is definitely a keeper.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews 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: 

Talented author Julie Klassen has once again penned an absorbing Regency historical fiction story in her book, Whispers at Painswick Court. With obvious impeccable research, well-drawn and engaging characters, and some added mystery and suspense, this tale illustrates once again why Klassen is such a popular and well-known Christian fiction author.

Anne Loveday has trained by her surgeon father’s side and knows much about health care and the use of herbal remedies. When her mother’s friend invites her to Painswick, she quickly agrees in order to escape her stepmother’s matchmaking. Upon arriving at Painswick, she is asked to act as a nurse to Lady Celia and soon finds that someone is trying to do the old lady harm. Lady Celia’s two nephews show up, and along with two doctors and Lady Celia’s daughter, there are suspects galore. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages.

With plenty of suspense, an abundance of secrets, and a dash of romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy Christian historical Regency fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late? 

 

Bethany House Publishing, December, 2025

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

Buy WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House