COUNTERFEIT HOPE by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Rebecca, Winnie, and Paula #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"This was the last time. After tonight, she and Oscar would be free from the den of thieves they called family."

And then the bottom dropped out, yet again, for Lu Thorne . . . the U. S. Marshall that she had counted on to be an escape hatch was dead, and so was his deal. Now her life and the life of her young son was clearly in mortal danger; if the Thornes ever found out that she had agreed to become a confidential informant against them, the consequences would be swift and painful.

When undercover Secret Service agent Andrew Darlington and his partner encounter a flirtatious bar maid upon arriving in Landkreis, Indiana, Andrew knows exactly what she's up to, and remains unaffected . . . sort of. But his fellow agent's wallet isn't so lucky. The little thief has skills, he'll grant her that, but it's her last name that scares him to death. What in heaven's name has he gotten himself into?

The initial introduction in the town saloon is only the beginning of Andrew's encounters with the lovely young widow Thorne. Perhaps she might be of some assistance? Never would he have imagined how God was going to do that . . . his reputation for sporting "sour, dour faces" was about to undergo a rather dramatic transformation, Andrew Darlington was going to become charming . . . a young woman's life depended on it. But the final cost? . . . was in God's hands and in God's hands only. Lu Thorne desperately needed hope . . . here and now, and for all eternity.

A celebration of redemption story! A powerful faith story! An appropriately passionate love story! There's nothing counterfeit about the hope that abounds from the pages of this book. Readers will find it quite satisfying to observe crotchety Andrew Darlington squirm beneath the power of affection, albeit mixed with a nearly lethal dose of action and adventure.

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. " Romans 8:24-25

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher but was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Set in rural Indiana in 1884, Counterfeit Hope stars Andrew Darlington, a Secret Service operative who is hunting counterfeiters, and widowed Lu Thorne who is trying to take her son and escape from her lawless in-laws. With a stellar supporting cast of colorful, interesting characters, some law-abiding and many with no regard for laws, this story takes the reader on a wild ride. Andrew and Lu spend quite a bit of time trying to decide whether they trust each other, while they each harbor secrets from the past. I enjoyed seeing their relationship change over the course of the tale.

“With time and nurturing, a deep and lasting love could develop. That was, if the requirement of arresting her at the end of the case didn’t destroy their tentative partnership.”

With plenty of intrigue, suspense, action, a budding romance, and a sprinkle of inspiration, this book has something for everyone. Messages of hope, forgiveness, and redemption give extra depth and meaning to it. The author has added some interesting historical notes in the back of the book and a triggers warning in the front.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Kregel Publications. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

“No matter what you have been through , God has been right by your side, grieving every sin committed to you and by you. Sometimes the sound of His love is drowned out by the evil in this world, but it does not mean He is not speaking words of love and hope to you. It just means you have to listen harder to hear it.” 

 

Lu Thorne, a widow, and member of a counterfeiting ring, has had a heard life and has a false hope that she will never escape the evil clutches of the gang.

 

Andrew Darlington, a Secret Service agent, was a member of the Thorne family a lifetime ago. Now he is trying to infiltrate the family in order to arrest them.

 

This story is full of the degradation and evil that sin can bring but a light of hope shines that shows God in His mercy can lift people out of despair. The story somewhat parallels Hosea and Gomer from the Bible, calling on Andrew to love the seemingly unlovable. The hope is realized in the salvation of Lu and the good things God can accomplish in spite of evil men.

 

There was the tension of danger throughout the book. But there were bright spots of humor and the gentle wooing and romance rounded out the story.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*4 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Trapped by their pasts, is there hope for a future?

When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it's simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high--and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn't ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.

Widow "Lightning Lu" Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes' clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.

Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team--unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they're not even sure God can be trusted--much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past--and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?

On the heels of her smashing debut, this second entry in Crystal Caudill's historical series maintains the excitement that readers of Michelle Griep, Liz Tolsma, and Elizabeth Camden will love.

Kregel Publications, February 14, 2023

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy COUNTERFEIT HOPE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House  

 

PEARL OF GREAT PRICE by Shaen Layle, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Cozy mystery of a missing ring that was donated to a museum.

Tracy goes on the trail of the true thief to clear her niece Jana with the help of her sister Amy and cousin Robin. The meddlesome trio jump to conclusions as the suspects are ruled out. Things are made more difficult when Tracy sprains her ankle but they sort out the clues and the pearl is found, but with lots of mystery along the way.

The pearl plays a part in an historical account of the three cousins’ grandmother, a story of redemption of a little girl and her worth found in Christ.

Excellent cozy with a trio of ladies who cannot seem to stay out of puzzling situations.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*4 stars and a solid faith thread 

Buy A PEARL OF GREAT PRICE at Guideposts

BackCover Blurb:
Pearl of Great Price is book #5 in the Secrets of Grandma’s Attic fiction series.

Tracy Doyle is amazed by the overwhelming excitement in Canton when she is sent to report on the grand opening of the Museum of Wonders. But the real talk of the event is about a wealthy tech magnate and his unique donation to the museum. From his own private collection, Grover Glenn has given the museum a purple quahog pearl ring. This rare and very expensive treasure is sure to be a hit among museum visitors. But when the cloth on the display case is lifted—the ring is gone! Worse, security footage shows Tracy’s six-year-old niece, Jana, opening the case. Despite the evidence, Tracy knows her sweet niece is innocent, especially when they can’t find the ring in Jana’s possession. So the question remains—who really took the ring?

Meanwhile, rushing to get things done at home, Tracy trips and hurts her ankle. The injury puts a screeching halt to her never-ending to-do list. How is she supposed to solve the mystery of the missing pearl ring from an armchair?

 

EVERYTHING IS JUST BEGINNING by Erin Bartels, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"I'm seeing more clearly than I ever have in my short and rather disappointing life, that maybe I'm meant for something . . . better."

Struggling song-writer-wanna-be Michael Sullivan makes an impulsive decision one New Year's Eve that changes the course of his life. Obviously he didn't know it then, but accepting an invitation to a party at the Wheeler home in his uncle's stead might open a lot of previously closed doors; the Wheeler family was as connected to the music world as connected could be. Like . . . really connected. Like . . . celebrity connected. What Michael never expected to find was Natalie.

" . . . the night I made it through the door of the Wheeler house. The night I first saw Natalie. Even if she didn't see me."

The depth of this story is exquisite, raw and remarkable. Turning a life around, struggling to discard everything in the past that served as a drag to potential, (but was comfortable because it was familiar) accepting help, trusting love, understanding the magnitude of forgiveness . . . wrapped up in a way that only music can convey, "Today ain't never been yesterday, And tomorrow is coming fast on its heels, I know it's easier when there's someone to blame, But they can't hold you back, you got feet made of wheels. No, they can't hold you back, you got feet . . . feet made of wheels." Intersection.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning. 

Revell Publishing, January, 2023

Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy EVERYTHING IS JUST BEGINNING at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"I expect to be treated as a duke's daughter by the new Earl of Wedderburn, no matter the circumstances." 

"Dinna get yourself in such a fankle." 

"See that your mistress becalms herself as befits a lady of her station."

Commence with the entertaining repartee!

Forced to make a hasty escape from her beloved home in England, due to her father's Jacobite loyalities, Lady Blythe Hedley arrives on the doorsteps of Wedderburn Castle, Scotland in the middle of the night; tired, bedraggled, with virtually no belongings but her tone of tongue, for apparently her dire circumstances didn't temper her ability to hold her own with the intimidating scowl marking the expression of Everard Hume. His father's goddaughter needed safe refuge; the time had come for that possibility to become reality.

Sequestered in a remote tower, Blythe and her lady's maid wonder how long their presence will go unnoticed. Everard has proven to be a polite but reserved host while trying to navigate his new role as an earl; meanwhile Blythe surprises herself by enjoying their short, albeit meaningful conversations. Leave it up to Orin, Everard's delightful young brother to announce Blythe's presence to the rest of the family . . . "I have met the water kelpie, and she is, in fact, a duke's daughter".

Bathed in the tumultuous royalty shifts between England and her neighboring countries, this story showcases the strength of a heartfelt faith in the one, true God; a surety that transcends religious labeling and family heritage, for the love that blooms between this English "rose" and her Scottish "thistle" forms a bond that not even the heart of kings can divide asunder.

"Remember whose you are." . . . "Yours, she replied without hesitation." . . . "Mine without question. But the Almighty's foremost."

A love story for the ages!!!!
*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

SEE WINNIE'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies. 

Revell Publishing, January 3, 2023

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

BUY THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House