SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION by Megan Soja, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Harbor of Spies #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"She didn't belong here, in this strange home with this unexpected family, any more than she had belonged in England . . ."

Nothing was as she had expected. Patience Abbott and her brother William had made the long voyage from England to America after the death of their beloved mother in order to reunite with their seafaring father who had been on the high seas most of their life. Upon arrival in Boston, they learn their father has adopted a new lifestyle and it appears to Patience that it doesn't necessarily include them.

In addition, Boston is a bastian of unrest as a dreaded tea tax deadline looms on the horizon, generating discontent among locals who are beginning to unite in their opposition of England's heavy handed taxation of her colonies. It is one of these Sons of Liberty, blacksmith Josiah Wagner, who provides a friendly face and welcome companionship for Patience and her brother. When their Tory father makes his intentions known for a gentleman suitor for his daughter, circumstances take a decided turn.

This story's placid pace gives readers plenty of time to digest not only the fictional portions of this novel but the generous amounts of historical record as well. Providing insight into both sides of the powder keg of opinions during this time period, as well as following the spiritual journey that Patience and Josiah decidedly traverse results in an enjoyable and albeit romantic read. 

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

BackCover Blurb:

A spark ignites a flame that could burn down everything they hold dear.

Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties.

Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him.

As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own?

 

WildHeart Books, March, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy SPARK OF THE REVOLUTION at Amazon

SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE by T. I. Lowe, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"I just wanted to say hey and let you know if you ever need anything, like sugar, I probably won't have it."

Stepping out of rehab and into her beloved grandmother's home on Sullivan's Island should have seemed like a fresh start, but Juniper Wilder's new beginning is missing a key ingredient, her three year old daughter. Fern was currently in her brother's custody and Junie was determined to remain sober, working her way back to motherhood. If anyone thought it would be easy, they were lying.

Where to start, when there was so much time was on her hands, that was the question. Junie slowly begins to rely on those who have her best interests in mind (avoiding those who don't), including her reclusive next door neighbor Henry, whose constant porch-side clicks on his computer keyboard were both soothing and annoying. Her days were long, her grief was deep; the past continually reared its ugly head more often than not, causing Junie to wonder if she would ever move past "south of somewhere".

This emotion filled story is both heartening and heart breaking, observing the courage that it takes for someone experiencing such deep loss amidst struggling to fill that emptiness with healthy alternatives, is a journey that no one would choose to take. Pray fervently that we would be willing to come alongside the Junies of this world, if and when God places them along our path. 

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

BackCover Blurb:
When Juniper Wilder's grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she's burned a lot of bridges, ones that can't be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother's South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There's an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it's hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she's hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she's made.

-Contemporary Southern fiction for fans of Lauren K. Denton, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Victoria Benton Frank
-An inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romance
-Contains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found family
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Junie's story 

Tyndale Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

EYEWITNESS SKETCH by Danielle Grandinetti, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency Book 1

PAULA'S REVIEW:
From Chicago to a remote island at the tip of Door County In Wisconsin, danger follows Gabby when she is a witness to a murder. Her refuge is her home town and deputy Andri Johannsson. Andri has known Gabby for a long time and does his best to protect her along with his canine Freya. Not only do they rely on each other but also on the God that is so much a part of their lives. 

Lots of intrigue as things get complicated and distant memories put Gabby in further danger. Could Gabby find the answers she is looking for? And has romance with Andri been lurking in the background? Uncover the answers in this absorbing look at a member of the DiStasio Giornaliste Agency featuring 1930s prohibition.

This is a polished, engaging story with charming characters. I look forward to the rest of the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Hearth Spot Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Finding love at Death's Door might destroy them both.

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby's rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.
Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency
Read the Whole Series (does not need to be read in order)
Prequel: 1892 – Undercover Wish
Book 1: 1931 – Eyewitness Sketch
Book 2: 1932 – Sabotage Games
Book 3: 1932 – Shrouded Trail
Book 4: 1933 – Fraudulent Progress
Book 5: 1935 – Pursuing Dust
Book 6: 1936 – Hostile Ally 

BUY EYEWITNESS SKETCH in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn, Reviewed and Hosted by Paula for #PartnersInCrime

LAST TO FALL

by Lynn H. Blackburn

March 2 - 13, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

GOSSAMER FALLS

 

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.

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Romance
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: March 3, 2026
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780800745387 (ISBN10: 0800745388)
Series: Gossamer Falls, Book #3 | Learn more on Amazon, Goodreads, & Baker Book House
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Christianbook | Goodreads | BookBub | Baker Book House

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Beautiful Gossamer Falls and the exclusive resort The Haven is the setting for the final book in this intriguing series. Bronwyn Pierce is the capable CEO of the resort that caters to the elite seeking a private getaway. But she has a troubled past with Mo Quinn and they have not spoken in years. She finds herself seeking his help as a forensic accountant when some things in the resort books do not add up. This was an emotionally charged, dynamic story with complex relationships of the feuding Pierce and Quinn clans. It also told of the solid faith of the Quinn cousins and their close bond. Hooray for praying Granny Quinn.

When the bullets start flying, danger draws ever nearer. And Mo is determined to protect Bronwyn. They are forced to evaluate the events that drew them apart. Of course Love wins in the end.

This tense story of sabotage and underhanded tactics by relatives does not let up until the explosive conclusion. I loved the whole Gossamer Falls series and this story packs a punch.

* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through PICT tours and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5+ stars and a solid faith thread. 

Read an excerpt:

 

 

Author Bio:

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Never Fall Again, as well as the Dive Team Investigations and Defend and Protect series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.

Catch Up With Lynn Blackburn:

LynnHBlackburn.com
Subscribe to Lynn's Newsletter
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @lynnhugginsblackburn
BookBub - @LynnHBlackburn
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LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn

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