THE PASTOR'S EASTER PRAYER by Tina Radcliffe, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Let go and trust the Lord.”

The Pastor’s Easter Prayer is part of the Tumbleweed, Texas series with each book written by a different author. I always enjoy Tina Radcliffe’s stories, so I was excited to read this one. Filled with realistic, endearing characters, a wonderful small-town setting in Tumbleweed, Texas, and an engaging and entertaining plot, this book kept me turning the pages. 

Pastor Rob Sterling has taken a short-term job to try to rid himself of the pain and guilt from his past. He feels it’s his fault that his wife and unborn child died. Hannah Bryant is the fastidious, efficient church secretary who is raising her two sons after a divorce. When her son breaks a window in the church, Rob becomes involved with the boys and begins to see Hannah as more than the secretary. I was so impressed with the way Rob held Hannah’s son Lucas accountable for the damage but lovingly and compassionately showed him forgiveness and taught him responsibility for his actions. Hannah had a tendency to want to be in control of everything. I enjoyed seeing Rob and Hannah help each other change and grow.

The entertaining cast of secondary characters added a lot of fun to the story, and I’m anticipating getting to know some of them better in the other books in the series.

With themes of forgiveness, trust, and second chances, this tale is uplifting, heart-warming, and left me with all the warm, fuzzy feelings. I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean and wholesome contemporary romance. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

SEE KIM'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
In escaping his past,
he’s found his future…

A short-term post in small-town Tumbleweed, Texas, is just what Pastor Rob Sterling needs to find redemption from his tragic past. But when church secretary Hannah Bryant’s troubled son breaks a church window, Rob’s offer to mentor the boy leads to a surprising glimpse at a future he never thought possible. The more he gets to know the single mom and her sons, the more his heart begins to heal. With his contract coming to an end, he’ll need to find the courage to stay…for a second chance at the life he always dreamed of.

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Tumbleweed, Texas

Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe
Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer 

Love Inspired, February, 2026

Available in digital ebook, and paperback at Amazon and Christianbook

 

LAST TO FALL by Lynn Blackburn, Reviewed by Rebecca and Kim #ReleaseDay

GOSSAMER FALLS SERIES #3
A Clean Small Town Military Romantic Suspense with a Second Chance Romance Pulse-Pounding Action

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Her walls were coming down. She had to trust that he'd stand with her when the last one fell."

When Bronwyn Pierce suspects that something nefarious is going on between the lines of The Haven resort's financial spreadsheets, she resigns herself to asking the one person with whom she hasn't directly spoken to in years, Mo Quinn, to assist her. She and Mo have a conflicted history dating back to their childhood, when young love seemed as simple as holding hands by the waterfall.

Mo has been waiting. For what, he wasn't quite sure, but when Bronwyn expresses her need for his help, he puts his self-respect on the line and offers his technology skills. Unfortunately, keystrokes are no buffer against bullets and after realizing that the stakes are higher than anyone thought, Bronwyn's friends circle in tight, meaning that Mo and Bronwyn will eventually be forced to have the conversation that could make or break their hearts for good.

Honestly, I played tug-of-war through the first third of this book as I tried to determine whether or not I was reading a suspense sprinkled with romance or a romance sprinkled with suspense. Once I decided that this story was primarily a second chance romance I settled in and began deep diving between the shreds of Mo and Bronwyn's tattered past. As you might expect, the author did a remarkable job of replaying their circumstances while incrementally tiptoeing towards what would eventually become an amazing outcome. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.3.5 stars

 

KIM'S REVIEW:
I have been eagerly anticipating Last to Fall by Lynn Blackburn ever since Mo first appeared in the opening story of the Gossamer Falls series. From the very beginning, I was intrigued by Mo and Bronwyn’s history—the hints about their past relationship, the heartbreak between them, and the unanswered questions about why they broke up. Going into this final installment, I couldn’t wait to finally uncover the full story and see how their journey toward healing and reconciliation would unfold.

As with the rest of the series, this book beautifully balances heartfelt romance with a compelling suspense thread. The mystery kept me guessing, adding tension and urgency that perfectly complemented the emotional depth of Mo and Bronwyn’s story. Blackburn has such a gift for weaving together faith, friendship, danger, and love in a way that feels both authentic and satisfying.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel was reconnecting with the characters from the previous books. Seeing their continued growth and the strength of their friendships added so much to this story. The camaraderie, loyalty, and genuine care they have for one another have been highlights throughout the entire series.

While I’m sad to see this series come to an end, I’m so grateful for the time spent with these characters and their stories. The Gossamer Falls series has been an absolute joy to read from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romantic suspense. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Blackburn writes next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars!

 

BackCover Blurb:
She's caught in a deadly game. He's the only one who can help her win.

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.

The finale to Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension. This gripping read will hook fans of the family rivalry, bodyguard, small town, second chance romance, and forced proximity tropes. 

Revell Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy LAST TO FALL at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

RAGING WATERS by Dana Mentink, Reviewed by Paula and Kim #ReleaseDay

Elements of Danger Book #2: 
A Christian Romantic Suspense Thriller with High-Stakes Adventure Set 

in Small-Town Washington

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Kenzie Bardine has a podcast about true crime. It has resulted in several cases being solved. However, one case close to home has never been brought to a close. Her brother was murdered and Kenzie is after the drug lord responsible. She taps her brother’s best friend Gideon Landry, a survival expert, for help in finding answers. 

In this pulse-pounding story, Kenzie and Gid must not only face the elements of a fierce storm and possible dam collapse but they are also running from those intent on putting a stop to them! Danger is constantly around the corner from the the weather. Kenzie and Gid do not know whom to trust when accepting help from strangers. What else is there to do but trust God and pray through the misery. 

If you want an exciting second chance, forced proximity romance with faith being put to the test, then this is a story you should read.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell and via NetGalley on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 4.5 stars and a solid faith thread 

KIM'S REVIEW:
I’ve been eagerly anticipating Raging Waters ever since finishing Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink. Fire Mountain was such a fantastic read, and I absolutely loved Gideon’s character, so I couldn’t wait to dive into his story. (See what I did there? 😉)

Raging Waters delivers everything I enjoy in a romantic suspense novel. The action is intense and fast-paced, and the suspense keeps you guessing about who can—and can’t—be trusted. The ending genuinely surprised me; several twists caught me completely off guard in the best way.

While I was fully invested in the gripping plot, I did struggle at times to connect with Mackenzie. Her headstrong nature often led her to make risky decisions that put herself and others in danger. However, I appreciated that Gideon recognized this and didn’t simply go along with her choices, which added some meaningful tension and realism to their dynamic.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. The combination of action, suspense, and romance will keep you turning pages right up to the very end. I’m truly hoping there’s a third installment in the Elements of Danger series—it has been such a strong and engaging series so far!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 4 stars! The faith thread is present but light.

BackCover Blurb:
As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both. 

 

Revell Publishing, March 2026

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

Buy RAGING WATERS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY by Sarah E. Ladd, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #NewRelease

A Low-Spice Regency Romance

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Ella had always been too practical to think of romance. Too practical to assume that happiness could indeed be found in anything beyond the walls of academia and duty."

Yet, the clock was ticking. Ella Wilde was acutely aware of the fact that if she was not married before the death of her father, that the Keatley Hall School for Young Men would pass down to a distant cousin and Ella's dream of expanding the institution to include young women would be forgotten. A very public broken engagement already marred Ella's fragile reputation, and while her father had her best interests in mind, his eye was now focused in on an insipid suitor who frankly would most likely bore Ella to death.

Marital aspirations aside, Ella was more concerned about the upcoming meeting of the prestigious Natural Philosophers' Society which was routinely hosted by Keatley Hall. The group had invited renowned prenologist Thomas Bauer to keynote the event, a man who had contributed to the ruin of Ella's late mother's reputation, a bright philosopher in her own right. When Ella's childhood friend turned solicitor Mr. Gabriel Rowe inquires about an invitation, Ella's hopes for an ally in exposing Mr. Bauer as a purveyor of cheap parlor tricks takes an upwards tic.

This lovely story not only matches up to its characters in all the ways that matter, but the twists and turns go from curious to dastardly in all the right places, leaving only two viable options; a ghastly outcome or a happily ever after. . .  and I think we can all agree on which conclusion we prefer.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
One woman works to expose a scientific fraud while also finding love in the latest sweet Regency romance by Sarah Ladd. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, An Unconventional Lady delivers what Publishers Weekly calls Ladd's "pitch-perfect blend of suspense and sweetness" (The Cloverton Charade).

She faces the worst ultimatum possible for a woman--marry a man she detests or lose the future she's always imagined.

Charming and headstrong, Ella Wilde always knew she was different than other women. Thanks to her unorthodox upbringing as the daughter of Keatley Hall School for Young Men's headmaster, Ella has long dreamed of opening a school for girls that would meet the needs of inquisitive, brilliant, unconventional young women just like her--girls who longed for the education exclusively reserved for boys. But there's just one catch: Unless she marries before her father dies, Keatley Hall will pass into the hands of a distant cousin. In that case, Ella will be left destitute, and at this point her only option appears to be an undesirable marriage.

Ella's family had long been proponents of phrenology, the belief that an individual's personality and dispositions were predetermined by the shape of their head. Shortly before her death, however, Ella's mother's views on phrenology changed, and she endeavored to expose phrenology as nothing more than a fraudulent parlor trick. Consequently, she earned the wrath of phrenologist community, who called her "unstable," "bizarre," even "dangerous"--and branded her daughter the same.

Now, renowned phrenologist Thomas Bauer is about to arrive at Keatley Hall to speak at the Natural Philosophers' Society gathering, and Ella embraces the opportunity to clear her mother's name--and her own--once and for all. And her partner in crime? None other than her childhood friend Gabriel Rowe, who's grown into an ambitious, handsome London solicitor.

Gabriel has his own scores to settle, and when he learns that Thomas Bauer is visiting Keatley Hall, he jumps at the chance to prove himself and right past wrongs. As he is drawn deeper into the unusual happenings, it's clear that he and Ella must work together if they want to unmask the truth. Over time, Gabriel's attraction to Ella's beauty and wit becomes impossible to ignore, and as the lines between professionalism and passion blur, they both must decide what they're willing to risk for happiness.

Thomas Nelson, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House