Christian Fiction Addiction

An entertaining start to the series: "Courting Misfortune" by Regina Jennings

2021-01-25T20:28:00.002-08:00

about the book....

Her trickiest case depends on keeping her motives--and her heart--in disguise.

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job at the agency. When she's assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she's sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri. With extended family in the area, Calista must conceal her profession if she hopes to recover the missing girl.

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away to Joplin. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children's home. He'll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently puts her in harm's way.

Calista doesn't need the handsome pastor and her nosy family interfering with her investigation, no matter their intentions. A girl's life depends on her. If she doesn't find Lila Seaton soon, the constant meddling could have dire consequences.

my review....

Written with wit and humour, along with some tender moments and bits of romance as well, Regina Jennings' latest novel is a great start to what is sure to be an entertaining series.

"Courting Misfortune" is filled with a cast of colourful characters, and Calista York is perhaps the most intriguing of them all. Eager to find her own way in the world and cement her purpose in life, Calista is determined to prove to the Pinkerton agency that she's worthy of working for their agency - with some interesting results along the way! What she doesn't know is that God has a slightly different plan in store than the one that she had in store. Enter Matthew Cook, missionary/pastor extraordinaire who is determined to win the rowdy minders of Joplin to the Lord - and attempt to save Calista from herself.

As Calista and Matthew's paths continue crossing in unexpected ways, the result is definitely not what either Calista or Matthew were looking for! After all, Calista did not have romance of any kind in mind when she set out to solve her case. But although I enjoyed Calista and Matthew's tale, some of my favourite scenes in the story were when Calista's family members interfered, definitely leading to some moments of hilarity! Overall what I most loved about this story is the way that it brings to life the truth that God can truly work in unexpected ways, that his ways and thoughts are above our thoughts. The outcome of the baby raffle (like, what?) couldn't have been better! And although Calista may have been hoping for a particular outcome of her case with the agency, the actual outcome ends up being far superior.

This first novel of "The Joplin Chronicles" sets the scene for what is sure to be an interesting series. Fans of Regina Jennings will appreciate her signature style of writing with a mix of humour and spiritual truths. I award this novel a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

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The best Julie Klassen book in years! "A Castaway in Cornwall"

2021-01-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

about the book....

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

my review....

Labelling "A Castaway in Cornwall" my favourite book by Julie Klassen may be difficult to do in light of the fact that there have been so many wonderful Klassen novels that I've enjoyed over my many years of reviewing. But I found this novel to be so truly un-put-downable that at a minimum I must say that her latest book is the best one that she's written in years, at least in my (humble) opinion.

"A Castaway in Cornwall" is intriguing from the get-go, set in a fascinating time of history where Britain and France are at war, and located on a section of the Cornish coast that is simply brimming with mystery. From the moment Laura saves a survivor from a shipwreck and sets off a chain of unforeseen events, readers will be eager to join Laura in learning exactly who she can trust and unravelling the truth of what is happening. Klassen has woven interesting historical details and descriptions into the novel such that you will feel that you are standing on the coast yourself. And in the midst of all the action is a beautiful theme of forgiveness that weaves itself through the entire tale and which points to the amazing love that God offers us.

Starring likeable and compelling characters, and fairly breathing with adventure, Julie Klassen has written a novel that her fans will absolutely love. I know I did! I award this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I am left with a fresh anticipation for what she has next in store for us!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Julie Klassen (www.julieklassen.com) loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.

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An intriguing blend of contemporary and historical: "The Dress Shop on King Street" by Ashley Clark

2020-12-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

about the book....

Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton--the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman--boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

my review....

Blending together two story-lines, one set in our contemporary world, and one taking place in the mid-1900s, Ashley Clark has offered up an intriguing novel that held me captive from start to finish. I greatly enjoyed the character of Millie in particular, as she arises from a childhood forever marred by racism, and finds herself making impossible choices as she pursues her dreams with the support of her mother. Watching the impact of her decisions was at times heart-breaking to behold, and I found myself wishing she could have chosen differently, but not knowing what that even could have looked like.

The character of Harper offers up an interesting contrast to Millie's experiences, as she doesn't have the same tragedies in her past with the same racial overtones as Millie, and yet her own losses in her childhood colour her difficulty in pursuing her own dreams. Despite the differences, she finds herself paralyzed by the same kind of fears Millie does, and I think readers will be able to recognize some of the same doubts and worries that held these characters captive, and appreciate the way the author deftly helps these characters overcome. Ashley Clark does a wonderful job at weaving their stories together, and the result is a tale that is filled with second chances and healing and even some heart warming romance along the way for both of these characters as well.

Ashley Clark has offered up a solid debut with this first installment in the Heirloom Secrets series, a tale fill with emotion and hardship and beauty all at the same time. I greatly enjoyed "The Dress Shop on King Street" and encourage readers to give Clark a try! I am sure you will be well pleased and, if you are like me, will be left looking forward to what is next in store for this series! 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Ashley Clark (www.ashleyclarkbooks.com) writes romantic women's fiction set in the South. With a master's degree in creative writing, Ashley teaches literature and writing courses at the University of West Florida. Ashley has been an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers for almost a decade. She lives with her husband, son, and two rescued Cocker Spaniels off Florida's Gulf Coast. When she's not writing, she's rescuing stray animals, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English breakfast tea she can get her hands on.

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One of the most inspiring books of the year: "Burden of Proof" by Davis Bunn

2020-12-16T21:26:00.001-08:00

about the book....

The one thing he needs is a second chance. But it's the one thing he can never get--or so he thinks.

A few months before his twenty-first birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life. Adrian was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind rehashing the scene of his failure again and again.

When Adrian's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned. The legal case they were pursuing was more far-reaching than he could have imagined--it could even threaten the global power structure.

Ethan joins the search for answers at the ultimate cost. As he enters into his own past, will he discover a means to redeem the future?

my review....

The latest novel by Davis Bunn is just what I needed to end off a year that has felt like it could benefit from an extra dose of inspiration! "Burden of Proof" combines the emotive storytelling that Bunn is known for, with some mind-bending elements normally reserved for his Thomas Locke pseudonym novels. The combination was just what I was looking for!

Filled with fascinating "what-if?" scenarios and woven with themes of redemption, Burden of Proof explores what it would be like if we were given the opportunity to make different choices in life. The novel reveals the emptiness of pursuing our own selfish gains with no thoughts to others, along with the gift that comes when we put the good of others first. Ethan is an admirable character who certainly has his flaws, but the way in which he confronts those flaws left me considering the mistakes I make in my own life and how I could do things differently. The amazing part is that although this novel is crafted with depth and emotion, it fairly zings along with suspense and intrigue at the same time. Although readers are granted moments to breathe and just sit and feel along with the characters, there's no time for readers to be bored, a balance that other authors sometimes struggle to find but one that seems achieved almost effortlessly here.

Davis Bunn continues to be one of my favourite authors, one whose unique perspective on life and vivid imagination results in novels that warm the heart while engaging the mind. "Burden of Proof" is another wonderful addition to his collection, and I award it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Davis Bunn (www.davisbunn.com) is the award-winning author of numerous national bestsellers, with sales totaling more than 8 million copies. His work has been published in 20 languages, and his critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. He and his wife, Isabella, live in England.

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A unique debut: " Things We Didn't Say" by Amy Lynn Green

2020-12-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

about the book....

Ironside Lake, Minnesota
January 1944

Headstrong and determined, linguistics student Johanna Berglund has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind. But when the only way to her intended future is through undertaking a translator position at a nearby camp for German POWs, she reluctantly accepts.

Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy Minnesota town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her close friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.

As Johanna interacts with the prisoners and censors their letters home, she begins to see them in a more sympathetic light, but advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and she must decide where her heart truly lies.

my review....

"Things We Didn't Say" is a debut novel like no other. Not only did I find Amy Lynn Green's novel intriguing, but I have learned something new in the process: the meaning of the word epistolary! I am sure that multiple readers are expressing shock and dismay that I do not casually use this word in my daily conversations, but I fully admit I am uncultured enough to not know that this word refers to a literary work in the form of letters!

Now, I should make a full disclosure here that when I started the novel, I was already convinced that I wasn't going to really enjoy the book, as I've never read an epistolary and assumed it would be rather monotonous to read letter after letter after letter. Boy, was I wrong! The letters fairly breathe with life, and Johanna is one witty character, such that I found that she was downright amusing one moment and thought-provoking the next. Her letters reveal a window into her soul and into her life like nothing I've read before and I simply couldn't get enough as readers are treated to her views on the world, her quirky relationships, and even some mystery along the way! The way the author intersperses Johanna's letters with a variety of different characters keeps the story moving along and will keep readers engaged from start to finish. And those readers who typically gravitate towards historical novels will definitely appreciate the attention to historical detail that has been woven into this tale.

Amy Lynn Green is a welcome addition to the world of Christian fiction, with a unique tale that offers up a clever take on the World War II genre. If there are readers like me who are new to the world of epistolary novels, then I encourage you to give it a try! I award this book a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

P.S. I hope you are proud of the fact that I have managed to use the word epistolary no less than 3 times in the above review!

P.P.S. If you read this novel, you will see why I've included some P.S.'s in this review - I'm with Johanna - these really are fun!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Amy Lynn Green (www.amygreenbooks.com) is a publicist by day and a freelance writer on nights and weekends. She was the 2014 winner of the Family Fiction short story contest, and her articles have been featured in Crosswalk, Focus on the Family magazines, and other faith-based publications over the past 10 years. This is her first novel.

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An explosive finale: "Soul Raging" by Ronie Kendig

2020-11-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

about the book....

As Prophecies in the Book of the Wars Unfold, the Only Hope Is Uniting with the Enemy.

Leif Metcalfe is done waiting for answers and seizes control, a move that comes with a high price and a deadly risk: teaming up with the enemy. He can only pray what he uncovers will heal the wounds he's inflicted on those he loves.

Iskra Todorova refuses to believe Leif is irrevocably lost, despite evidence to the contrary. While trying to protect her daughter and track down Leif before it's too late, Iskra wonders if a member of the evil organization ArC has been in their midst since the beginning.

Torn apart by injuries and opposing views about Leif's treachery, team Reaper hunts one of their own. The only thing they agree on is not stopping but starting the final battle prophesied in the Book of the Wars.

my review....

With action-packed scenes and a delicious tension that builds over the course of the story, the final novel of Ronie Kendig's "The Book of the Wars" series is high-octane suspense indeed!

"Soul Raging" returns readers to the world of Team Reaper, zeroing in on Leif Metcalfe, who is seeking answers to the months that are missing from his memory and what really happened to him during that time. The novel moves at a swift pace, alternating between the point of view of Leif, and that of his various teammates who are seeking to uncover whether he's actually a traitor or not, and how the prophecies from the Book of the Wars fit into everything going on. The dialogue and the banter between the team makes for some fun reading, as does the many twists and turns in the novel where you aren't always exactly sure who the good guys and who the bad guys are. The multiple characters are well developed and readers will enjoy getting to know them in a deeper way in this third installment, along with the romance that Kendig has somehow woven into the tale in the midst of the battles going on.

Those readers who haven't yet had the chance to pick up one of the books in this series would really be best served to grab all three right away and dive right in. You certainly will not be disappointed with the first two books of the series, and this finale hits all the right notes to bring the series home in epic fashion. If you are like me, you will read the epilogue with a smile on your face. I award this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and encourage you to dive in as soon as you can!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Ronie Kendig (www.roniekendig.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of over 20 novels. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her hunky hero are adventuring on the East Coast with their grown children, a retired military working dog, VVolt N629, and Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels with intense, raw characters.

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A wonderful tale: Forever by Your Side by Tracie Peterson

2020-11-24T22:22:00.001-08:00

about the book....

After years away studying on the East Coast, Constance Browning is eager to return to her family and the reservation they serve as missionaries. She and her best friend and colleague, Thomas Lowell, have worked to get her assigned to his project cataloging the native peoples of Oregon for the Bureau of American Ethnology. But Connie and Tom have another purpose--to prove her parents are innocent of a conspiracy to goad the tribes into war.

Yet the reservation is much bleaker and the members filled with more animosity than she remembers. And the unexpected, sudden interest of Clint Singleton, the government agent on whom she had a crush as a girl, only confuses things more. With rumors of war brewing, Connie and Tom must discover who is truly behind the uprising before it's too late. With everything at stake, Connie will have to determine where her heart and future lie.

my review....

The third and final novel wrapping up the Willamette Brides series once again transports readers back in time to Oregon in the 1880s, providing a wonderful tale filled with drama and mystery and intriguing historical details.

"Forever by Your Side" stars the bright and confident Connie, a young woman not afraid to ignore what society says is best for her to embark on an adventure back to Oregon where her family awaits, along with a people with a complicated and complex history. Peterson does an excellent job fleshing out the views of the day between mainstream society and the Native Americans, both those that were positive and those steeped in horrific racism. I couldn't help but feel grief at the way that they had been devalued and taken advantage of, and appreciated how complicated it was for missionaries at the time to share their faith with people who were so injured and afraid to trust. The mystery that comes full circle in this story about who has been stoking the flames of war seems all too plausible! And perhaps because Connie's friend is an atheist, I found that this novel more than any explored the gospel in such a clear way, and I even found myself squirming at some of the excuses Connie had used not to speak more openly of her faith, excuses of the type we can all hide behind in similar circumstances.

I closed the final chapter of this book having found that I'd not only enjoyed this final tale of the series, but that I'd enjoyed getting to know these characters from the very first novel until now, such that they feel like friends. Peterson has woven themes of faith and God's love and mercy in a wonderful way not only into this novel but into each book in the series and the prior series it is connected to (Heart of the Frontier series). As for Forever by Your Side, I award this novel a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit www.traciepeterson.com to learn more.

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Riveting Canadian tale: "A Haven for Her Heart" by Susan Anne Mason

2020-11-19T22:17:00.002-08:00

about the book....

Upon her release from a woman's reformatory in 1941 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti wants nothing more than to forget the horrors of her time there and return to normal. But with her family unwilling to forgive and employers wary of hiring her, she quickly ends up desperate and homeless--until a chance encounter with well-to-do widow Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful history and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother and hopes to marry into a prominent Toronto family. But when his employer orders him to persuade Ruth Bennington to sell them her property, Darius soon becomes conflicted over his feelings about the home and his attraction to Olivia.

Despite finding fulfilment in her work, Olivia must fight not only bitter memories and the community's negative reaction to their mission, but also feelings for the man who is trying to close her home. Can love prove stronger than prejudice and societal pressures, or will past mistakes destroy her chance at true happiness?

my review....

As a Canadian reader, I must admit that I was both horrified and inspired to find out that this story was crafted from pieces of reality from Canada's past. In our modern age, it is difficult to imagine how a father could make the decision to have his daughter arrested for the reasons that he does - and shocking that such a law allowing her arrest was actually in place! I hesitate to say more because I don't want to give away pieces of the plot, but suffice it to say that there were times I wanted to throw the book across the room because of the injustice of it all. That right there is a sign of a good novel, one that engages both the mind and the emotions and causes you to care deeply about the characters as you journey with them through the pages of the tale.

Though horrified by parts of the story, I was inspired by the strength of Olivia's character at the same time, for her resiliency and perseverance in the face of loss. Watching her blossom over the course of the book, and discover God's grace and love flowing from others towards her, was heart warming to behold. The romance that unfurls between Olivia and Darius feels natural and oh-so-right, and you can't help rooting for them in the midst of the twist and turns of their relationship.

Ultimately, I closed the pages of this book feeling like I had been blessed, discovering that though there is another dark side of my country's history I was unaware of, that right alongside it there is evidence of people fighting for good at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed "A Haven for Heart Heart" and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Susan Anne Mason's (www.susanannemason.net) historical novel Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA as well as the Christian Retailer's Choice Award for Debut Novel. A member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

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Another excellent novel from Angela Hunt: "The Shepherd's Wife"

2020-11-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

about the book....

Can she discover the purpose of the life she's been given?

Yeshua of Nazareth has two sisters: Damaris, married to a wealthy merchant's son, and Pheodora, wed to a simple shepherd from Bethlehem. Damaris can't understand why her younger sister settled for such a poor existence, but she does what she can to share her abundance. When her husband is invited to join the Pharisees, she is excited by the opportunity to elevate the family's status, even though some aspects of the lifestyle seem contrary to what she has always been taught.

Pheodora has long felt inadequate compared to her beautiful sister but has no regrets about the life she chose. When Pheodora's husband is unexpectedly thrown into debtors' prison, she is shocked to learn that a loan from her generous sister would jeopardize her brother-in-law's religious aspirations. Forced to pin her hopes on two she-goats whose spotless white offspring could be sold for an upcoming Yom Kippur sacrifice, Pheodora must struggle to keep the animals--and her family--alive.

When horrific reports about Yeshua reach the sisters in Nazareth, Pheodora and Damaris each grapple with their relationships to God, their radical brother, and their own questioning hearts.

my review....

The question weaving its way through the course of this story about our purpose in life is explored in a beautiful way in Angela Hunt's latest biblical fiction offering. Showcasing her attention to detail and the in-depth research she's carried out, "The Shepherd's Wife" will transport readers back in time to reveal a "what if?" type of story about another of Jesus' siblings, a story that truly engaged me deeply.

As Pheodora's tale unfolded before me, I felt such a strong sense of injustice at the way she and her family are treated when her husband is thrown into prison with little recourse to securing his freedom. Although I know this novel is just fiction, Hunt succeeds at making it all too real, giving me a real and fresh understanding of why people in the New Testament felt so strongly about tax collectors and those who not only cheated them from their wages but could alter the course of their lives with a single - and unfair - decision. The actions of the Pharisees were likewise horrific to behold. Yet watching Pheodora's brothers gather around her to sustain her and her daughters was a beautiful contrast to their actions, as was the neighbour who ends up going from becoming a possible irritant and foe to a gift of God. Isn't that just so in keeping with the mysterious ways God works in our lives? And though this story is not one of suspense per se, I truly was kept on the edge of my seat because I was just so eager to see how things would work out. As with other tales set in Bible times that Hunt writes, the ending is more true to life than happily ever after. But the story points to what really matters in life and to the amazing work that Jesus did for us all, the way God is able to bring good out of the most difficult of circumstances.

The Shepherd's Wife is another excellent novel from Angela Hunt's fervent imagination, and she has once again given me a fresh appreciation for the Biblical passages upon which this story sprung forth. I award this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I look forward with anticipation to the third novel in the Jerusalem Road series, "A Woman of Words", coming in May 2021!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in biblical studies in theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

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A timely novel: "Point of Danger" by Irene Hannon

2020-11-08T21:53:00.001-08:00

about the book....

Hate mail was one thing. This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently.

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

my review....

Mirroring the discord marking American society as we speak, with struggles between conservative and liberal viewpoints, "Point of Danger" seems utterly timely in its release. Irene Hannon serves up her usual mix of suspense and romance, with bomb threats and a host of possible villains who may be behind the sense of foreboding that builds over the course of the story.

Fans of Irene Hannon will no doubt enjoy the romance that blooms between these characters, with strong-willed Eve and heroic Brent coming to realize that just perhaps they may be meant for each other. I enjoyed how Eve is unafraid to stand up for her views, even though they may be polarizing, and how Brent respects her for this. The romance develops naturally, and the entry of Eve's sisters to cheer her on nicely sets up the books that are still to come in the series. Despite being a suspense novel, after the opening chapter things moved a bit slower than I am used to experiencing with an Irene Hannon novel, and it wasn't really until the final chapters that the suspense kicked in for me. At the same time, the lack of flying bullets did also create space for these characters to be developed more fully, along with some secondary characters who you will soon find yourself rooting for.

Those readers who are looking for a novel with interesting political overtones, courageous characters, and a sweet relationship that will no doubt please those who love a good romance, will enjoy "Point of Danger". I award this novel a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point, Driftwood Bay, and Starfish Pier, as well as Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carol, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

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Both heartbreaking and hopeful: A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

2020-11-03T20:51:00.004-08:00

about the book....

Some things are worth doing--even when the cost is great

In 1853, Abigail Scott was a nineteen-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family, what she sees as a working woman appalls her--and prompts her to devote her life to fighting for the rights of women, including the right to vote.

Based on a true story, Something Worth Doing will resonate with modern women who still grapple with the pull between career and family, finding their place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices when competing in male-dominated spaces.

my review....

The third book in The Codebreakers trilogy is every bit as exciting as the first two novels in the series, combining intriguing historical subterfuge, characters with divided loyalties, and an ending that is both heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.

“A Portrait of Loyalty” focuses on a number of different characters, and in so doing not only brings readers back in time to World War I, but showcases a number of different cultures such as English and French and Russian, at the same time. Lily is sure to be the favourite character of many, serving selflessly as a nurse’s aid, but in her most interesting role, working to alter pictures as a form of false propaganda to mislead the enemy troops. I had no idea there was such a thing a hundred years ago! Her keen eye for photography added a real depth to the story, as she was constantly finding a different angle or special moment to snatch a photo here or there, bringing beauty to a time in history where this was often missing from life. Her close relationship with her sister especially was a nice addition to the story, and it is within their joint story line that your heart will be bruised. And no story in this series would be complete without a thread of love as well, and therein enters Zivon Maron, formerly a top cryptographer in Russia, now working for England and trying to work through the deep losses he has experienced. I enjoyed watching Zivon grow over the course of the story, reconnecting to God and finding the strength to embrace forgiveness in every sense of the word.

If you are anything like me, “A Portrait of Loyalty” will be almost impossible to put down once you have immersed yourself into these characters’ lives and entered into the action and suspense permeating the pages. (And at a time when we are facing Covid in the real world, watching these characters encounter the Spanish Flu of 1918 was both sobering and brought hope too, reminding me that the world has lived through times like these before – and not only survived but thrived since then at the same time). I award this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and encourage you to grab a copy for yourselves!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

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A worthy read: "Something Worth Doing" by Jane Kirkpatrick

2020-10-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

about the book....

my review....

Although Jane Kirkpatrick's latest historical novel takes place over a hundred years ago, the novel feels utterly timely as it examines the role of men and women in society and the beliefs that have undermined equality. Kirkpatrick has expertly mined the annals of history surrounding Abigail Scott and her rise from obscurity to a woman who successfully advocated for woman and their right to vote in Ontario (and really, across the country).

Abigail is a richly rendered character who Kirkpatrick has successfully brought to life as a woman who readers will relate to, as Abigail celebrates the wonders of life but also walks through similar hardships we all face surrounding pain and suffering and death. The way she struggles to balance demands of motherhood and career are themes that remain unchanged to this day. As a male reader, however, I couldn't help but wincing at many of the beliefs of the men that are revealed in this book, beliefs that have largely changed for the better but still continue to pervade aspects of society today (as evidenced by the continued presence of domestic violence in all societies worldwide). Abigail's story is one that serves to inspire, as despite facing decades of obstacles, Abigail refuses to give up. She also is forced to examine her priorities in life and what really matters, and she discovers that she doesn't always get it right. In a time when we are globally facing a pandemic that is laying bare continued inequalities, showing the need to continue to battle things like sexism and racism and oppression, Kirkpatrick's book reminds us that the fight may not be over, but that victories small and large need to be celebrated. We have certainly come a long way - and we have still have a long way to go!

"Something Worth Doing" is a solid addition to the fictional repertoire that Kirkpatrick continues to offer to the world, another important story highlighting an admirable character from the past, a story that spurs us on to consider how we can change things to make for a better future. I award this novel a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including One More River to Cross, Everything She Didn't Say, All Together in One Place, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, This Road We Traveled, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have won the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2016 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award. Jane divides her time between Central Oregon and California with her husband, Jerry, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Caesar. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.

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A beautiful and emotive tale: "The Edge of Belonging" by Amanda Cox

2020-10-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

about the book....

When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee her late grandmother's estate sale, she soon discovers that the woman left behind more than trinkets and photo frames--she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy's adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he's ever loved.

In this dual-timeline story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth--both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others--takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go.

my review....

With compelling characters that seem to breathe through the pages as they dance towards an ending that found me with a Kleenex or two clutched in my hands, "The Edge of Belonging" is one of the most beautiful and emotive tales that I have read this year. The story line seamlessly transitions between two different time periods, weaving together moments of loss and pain and new beginnings and love.

After reading the description of the novel, I'd expected that it would be Ivy or Harvey who would most captivate me while reading this book. But as engrossing as they are, it is Pearl and her wide open heart that I most admired, someone who puts others first and holds loosely to the things of this world because her gaze is so firmly fixed on the next. She so embodied Christ in action that I found myself longing to live with that same selflessness. Because the story is moving back and forth in time, the ending is not surprising per se. But it is the journey to getting there that blew me away, touching me deeply. It is possible that this story spoke so deeply to me the way it did because I have worked with foster children myself for many years, and the author has captured so well the pain and struggles that define so may lives, along with the beauty that awaits when love enters in.

It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel! I have been truly blessed by this story, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I award this novel a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and eagerly await what may come next from this talented author.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Amanda Cox is a blogger and a curriculum developer for a national nonprofit youth leadership organization, but her first love is communicating through story. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and theology and a master's degree in professional counseling. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their three children.

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https://amzn.to/2FyD8qj

A chilling adventure: "Nine" by Rachelle Dekker

2020-10-08T22:19:00.002-07:00

about the book....

Some secrets can't stay hidden

Zoe Johnson has spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes.

Against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. With little warning, they must follow the only sure thing they know: a woman hundreds of miles away, will either save them . . . or be the last person to see them alive.

my review....

Once again, Rachelle Dekker dives into the world of murky conspiracies where truth is not what it seems and good and evil are not so clearly defined. With carefully crafted scenes that crackle with tension and are permeated with a sense of dread of what is to come, "Nine" held me in it's grip from the opening paragraphs. It is a multi-layered novel that explores what it means to be human, and forces us to confront what we would do when we are called to step outside of ourselves and do what is right, and not what is easy.

Zoe is one of those characters who is so much more than she seems at first, as bits of her past are revealed and you realize that she's far more complex than she at first presented. As she encounters Lucy, a teenager shrouded in mystery, she makes a decision that will forever change her life. I loved that Dekker chose to allow us to discover who Lucy is right alongside of Zoe, and how in that discovery Zoe's own layers are peeled back and we glimpse the iron strength that she is made of. Together, they make a fascinating set of characters who form a bond of friendship that many readers can only dream of. As I raced to the end of the novel, I realized that I wasn't even sure what I was hoping for in the ending - I just knew I would be surprised, and I certainly was! Dekker has written one of those stories that is going to earn a permanent place on my shelves; I am definitely going to pick this one up again one day!

"Nine" is another excellent novel of suspense from the award winning Rachelle Dekker, and I am entirely certain that those who have already become fans of her works will greatly enjoy this story. As for those readers who are new to her works, this is a novel you really shouldn't miss. I award this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Rachelle Dekker is the Christy Award-winning author of The Choosing, The Calling, and The Returning in the Seer series. The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker and coauthor with him of The Girl behind the Red Rope, Rachelle was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full-time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their son, Jack. Connect with Rachelle at www.rachelledekker.com.

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https://amzn.to/34BtRpX

Action packed! "Acceptable Risk" by Lynette Eason

2020-09-30T07:33:00.001-07:00

about the book....

For one journalist, the story of a lifetime is hitting too close to home

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when she is taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.

my review....

"Acceptable Risk" is Lynette Eason at her finest, a novel that thrills with action-packed scenes, mystery, and an edge-of-your seat ending that bursts across the palette of your mind like scenes from a movie.

Sarah Denning is one of those complex characters whose life experiences tug on your heartstrings, all while her kick-butt attitude cements your admiration for her. I have no doubt that many readers will relate to some of her difficult family experiences growing up, glimmers of which run through all of our human stories. Her history with her father colours many of her life decisions, and I appreciated how Eason explores this over the course of the story without any unrealistically quick resolutions that would have departed from reality. Gavin was an enjoyable co-hero alongside of Sarah, a character with flaws of his own who makes mistakes along the way in his quest to protect Sarah. The relationship that unfolds between them feels natural and right and will have you rooting for the type of outcome that one hopes for in Lynette Eason's novels. And most wonderfully, the novel reveals some deeper themes around forgiveness that you will cause you to pause in appreciation, in the midst of your frantic churning through the pages to see how everything resolves. The ending, while some may question how realistic pieces of this may be, is a thrill ride that will leave a smile on your face.

All in all, "Acceptable Risk" is an excellent addition to the "Danger Never Sleeps" series, one that will please Eason's large fan base. I award this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Acceptable Risk, as well as Protecting Tanner Hollow and the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

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https://amzn.to/336JW7h

Will please lovers of historical romance: "Vying for the Viscount" by Kristi Ann Hunter

2020-09-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

about the book....

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

my review....

If you enjoy historical novels where romance blossoms, characters buck societal norms, and awkward moments between characters will leave you smiling, then "Vying for the Viscount" is for you! The new viscount, Hudson, and his neighbour Bianca have quite the first encounter, indeed (probably NOT the welcome that Hudson was hoping for! It may have left him feeling a bit "blue"!) Each of these characters are quite likeable and I like the fact that Hudson and Bianca become friends before anything else develops, because after all, that's what a good relationship should always be based on. Readers will appreciate how both Bianca and Hudson have and are overcoming hardships in their lives, and how they find hope in what really matters, in trusting God and his goodness.

Now, being a historical novel with a simmering underlying romance, there are elements of this novel that I can't adequately rate as a male reader. There were in fact times that the novel felt a bit slow for my liking. However, my daughter assures me that she simply loved this novel and the romance that unfurls in some unexpected ways. She particularly enjoyed the horse themes of the novel as well (I'm convinced that 99 percent of the female population is enamored with horses!) She has therefore helped me settle on a rating for this book, assuring me that lovers of historical romance will definitely like "Vying for the Viscount". We together award this book a solid rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Kristi Ann Hunter (www.kristiannhunter.com) is the author of the Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. Kristi graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

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https://amzn.to/2ZZZTtZ

Shh! This male reader loved this romance! "Love and a Little White Lie" by Tammy L. Gray

2020-09-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

about the book....

There's a lot of irony in hitting rock bottom

After a heartbreak leaves her reeling, January Sanders is open to anything--including moving into a cabin on her aunt's wedding-venue property and accepting a temporary position at her aunt's church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith. Choosing to keep her doubts to herself, she's determined to give her all to supporting Grace Community's overworked staff while helping herself move on.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping her secret isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past-and-present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds that can't coexist, can January find the healing that's eluded her, or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

my review....

Keep this to yourself, please - but I have to admit that, though I as a male reader may not be a typical purveyor of contemporary romance novels, this heart-warming novel from Tammy L. Gray was thoroughly absorbing and was a pretty great read! Jan is one of those characters who you just instantly like, even if she does engage in a little white lie - or two, or three - and make a bunch of stumbles along the way. She's just so very real that it was totally refreshing to get to know her. And though sometimes when I read books like this (again, shhh!) I just have to roll my eyes when the star of the story is torn endlessly between two love interests, such was not the case here. The whole story just unfolded so naturally that everything felt real, not forced, and I could see glimmers of myself in these characters as they made their way through a journey that had unexpected outcomes. Jan's experience of mining through memories of her childhood and embarking on a spiritual searching just tugged on my heart strings, and as she made her way to a place of grace, I just couldn't help but smiling. And when she chose the guy that I was convinced she needed to choose - well, that just made everything right, indeed. And while I am making all these confessions about how much I secretly enjoyed a romance novel, I may as well go all in and say that I may have even shed a tear or two in the final few chapters as well!! What is this world coming to?

So there you have it - "Love and a Little White Lie" is just one of those books you are going to have to grab a copy of, whether you normally read contemporary romance novels or not. I've never read a book by Tammy L. Gray before, but I have the sense that she put her whole heart and soul into this one, and her authenticity simply - and beautifully - shines through the pages. I award this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Tammy L. Gray (www.tammylgray.com) lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas. Her nine modern and true-to-life contemporary romances include the 2017 RITA Award-winning My Hope Next Door. When not taxiing her three kids to various events, Tammy can be spotted crunching numbers as the financial administrator at her hometown church.

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https://amzn.to/2RuAiol

Will stir your emotions: "Set the Stars Alight" by Amanda Dykes

2020-09-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

about the book....

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

my review....

Every so often you step into the pages of a novel and pause in wonder as you get a glimpse of something almost magical. Such is the case with Amanda Dykes' latest novel, as I was swept into a beautifully written story that dances back and forth between present and past, introducing us to a cast of characters who will quickly endear themselves to readers. Sometimes when I read stories split between two periods of time, I find it almost jarring to step back and forth between the plot lines, but such is not the case with "Set the Stars Alight". Each section weaves seamlessly until the next, building and intertwining the stories in unexpected ways. I will caution readers who don't usually pick up more lyrical novels that this novel does have a sense of poetry that encourages readers to savour the words. But as someone who doesn't normally to choose to pick up such novels, I can attest that this story moves at a well-thought out pace and kept me engaged throughout. The characters are just so intriguing that I couldn't step away from them for a moment, especially as the tale taking place two hundred years earlier showcased the most heart-breaking example of laying down our lives for our friends. I found myself battling my emotions as I beheld a powerful tale of sacrifice that pointed to what Jesus has done for us all.

"Set the Stars Alight" has something for everyone, a wonderful blend of historical and contemporary, romance in its most grace-filled form, and a tale that will leave you with an amazing sense of hope that God is truly able to do what seems impossible. When the very real events happening around us beg for an infusion of such Hope, this tale provided just what I was needing to lighten my soul.

If you have never tried a book from Amanda Dykes yet, then goodness, what you are waiting for? I award "Set the Stars Alight" a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's a former English teacher and the author of Whose Waves These Are, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, as well as three novellas.

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https://amzn.to/3i3tQ3F

Highly entertaining: Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere

2020-09-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

about the book....

Can her dreams of independence withstand a dash of love?

Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she doesn't regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's now determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He immediately earns Alice's respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?

my review....

Who knew that a book written for spinsters could cause so much trouble? Jennifer Delamere has written a highly entertaining novel in "Line by Line", following the journey of Alice, who is determined to live her life with independence and nary a thought of love, when her decision to follow some advice from "The Spinsters Guide to Love and Romance" takes her life down one unexpected turn after another. As an avid reader who could highly relate to the bookstore scenes where characters are sneaking books out of stores that they may not want someone to see them reading, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in these characters' lives.

While I immediately developed a liking for Alice, it took me awhile to warm up to Douglas, as sometimes his confidence bordered on cockiness. But as the layers were peeled back, and another character prods him to reconsider the reason God has put him on Earth, I developed a whole level of appreciation for him. The addition of a terrible injustice that Alice suffers meant that I simply couldn't put the book down (though I was tempted to throw it!), because I needed to ensure that all wrongs were set to right. I fully admit I entered into this story expecting a happy ending, and for those readers who have the same hope I did, I can assure you that the ending is exactly what you were looking for! The characters have learned a hard lesson or two along the way, but Delamere has expertly taken her characters on a journey that has shaped them into the better people they needed to become. And, quite sneakily, she has imparted some life lessons to us readers as well, as we are left pondering what really matters in life, and what legacy we want to be leaving behind us as we make our choices in life.

After greatly enjoying Delamere's prior series (London Beginnings), I was curious about what was next in store for us readers. I am pleased to say that Delamere has offered up another great start to what is sure to be an entertaining series. Filled with interesting historical details, entertaining characters, and a message that will long linger on your mind if you'll let it, "Line by Line" is a solid addition to Delamere's repertoire. I award this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Jennifer Delamere's (www.jenniferdelamere.com) debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

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https://amzn.to/2EMrCXK

Fantastic! "A Dream within a Dream" by Mike Nappa, Melissa Kosci

2020-08-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

about the book....

He may be the key to solving one of the greatest unsolved art heists in history

Trudi Coffey hasn't seen Samuel Hill in weeks. Then the FBI shows up asking about him. After a strange encounter with an armed man demanding her help and an attack by a member of the Boston mob looking for someone named Dream, Trudi manages to find Samuel--or rather, he finds her. He's made some pretty powerful enemies, but right now his full attention is on protecting Dream from the mob. Because Dream has something they want--the map to the location of artwork stolen from the Gardner Museum during the infamous 1990 heist.

With danger closing in from all sides, Trudi and Samuel will have to call on all their allies to keep Dream safe and discover the identities of the people who have been hunting down Samuel. The real questions are, whom can they trust? And who will make it out of this alive?

my review....

I have exactly one complaint to make about the Coffee and Hill series, and here it is: why, oh why, must us readers have to wait so long for the next installment in the series? I absolutely loved the first two books, "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven", finding them to be those different sort of novels that stand out from the rest of the pack. And so after devouring those two, I waited and waited for what was next in store for these characters. Finally, years later, "A Dream Within a Dream" has rewarded my impatience, and boy was it worth the wait!

Chock full of action-packed scenes, suspenseful twists, and a carefully crafted plot that moves expertly between different characters' points of views, this third book in the series is a winner through and through. This time, Mike Nappa's fertile imagination is paired with author Melissa Kosci's voice, and together they move these characters through some kick-butt moves to tackle the bad guides in a way that plays out like a movie across your mind. The character of Dream adds a whole other dimension to the novel, and you can't help but feel sympathy for him as he faces assaults against his mind and body. His past makes his growth over the course of the story all the sweeter.

"A Dream within a Dream" is a very fast-paced novel that, if you are anything like me, will leave you wanting more. The ending of the book left me uncertain about whether there will be another addition to the stories and whether there may be something more in store for these characters. If my vote counts for anything, let me say that I certainly hope to see a fourth novel! Nappa and Kosci have produced a winner, and I award this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you missed the first two novels published back in 2016, make sure you check those out as well.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at FamilyFans.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide. When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe scared him silly. Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote. A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full-time. He is the author of Annabel Lee and The Raven.

Melissa Kosci is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun.

Buy now from Amazon.com

https://amzn.to/2FwVvvl

A great addition to the series: "A Bride of Convenience" by Jody Hedlund

2020-08-12T21:31:00.004-07:00

about the book....

After Heartbreaking Loss,

a Marriage of Convenience Holds More Appeal than Ever Before.

There is nothing left to keep Zoe Hart in England. Unemployed and struggling with grief, she decides to leave her bleak life behind her and emigrate on a bride ship to British Columbia--the place her brother fled to when falsely accused of a drastic crime.

Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned native baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe--one of the newly arrived bride-ship women--to care for the orphan. When Abe is forced to choose between following the strict rules laid down by his bishop and listening to God's nudges to care for his people, he is left at a crossroads.

Determined to find her brother and to give the baby a home, Zoe rashly accepts a marriage proposal from a man who promises both. But Abe knows the man's unsavory reputation. Intent on protecting Zoe and wounded by his own failed engagement, Abe impulsively offers his own hand instead. They hastily marry, but both soon realize the marriage of convenience they imagined is not so convenient after all.

my review....

Reading a novel centered in my own backyard (or a half hour car ride away, at least) is an absolute pleasure when it also features excellent characters who cause you to love them ever more with each chapter! Living near Yale myself, where this novel takes place, I can attest that Hedlund has done a great job at capturing the location and the history in a realistic way - and even I developed a fresh appreciation for this corner of the world that I happen to call home.

Zoe Hart is one of those spunky women who isn't afraid to speak her mind, but who also has a soft heart that puts her own needs aside to care for orphans and widows in a way that truly inspires. That quality makes her the perfect helpmate for pastor Abe, even if she isn't in the same social station and is therefore deemed less than worthy by the Bishop who oversees him. Abe's disagreements with the Bishop about how to minister to the people is a bit sobering, as I am always saddened to consider how man-made rules can get in the way of true ministering to the poor or marginalized people or whoever God has brought into our lives. Watching both Abe and Zoe grow over the course of this story brought a smile to my face. Although I sometimes felt impatient for things to progress to where us readers were wanting things to go in their relationship, the ride to get there was quite entertaining to say the least. Several scenes had me laughing out loud, probably because I recognized myself in some of those moments of Abe's clumsiness. I think that's one reason I so often enjoy Hedlund's books, because she does such a good job of capturing our humanity, whether those lighthearted moments we can stumble into, or those darker struggles we find ourselves in where God's light breaks through.

"The Bride Ships" series has been a solid addition to Hedlund's repertoire so far, and I will admit to having a soft spot in my heart for these books in part because they've taken place in the British Columbia where I've been raised and I so love. Like the prior two books, "A Bride of Convenience" offers readers compelling characters along with plenty of drama to capture your interest and a real portrayal of God's grace. I quite enjoyed this novel and award it 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the author of over 20 novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy Award, Carol Award, and Christian Book Award. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

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https://amzn.to/31JPMK0

Beautifully woven: "The Key to Everything" by Valerie Fraser Luesse

2020-08-02T22:01:00.001-07:00

about the book....

Peyton Cabot's fifteenth year will be a painful and transformative one. His father, the heroic but reluctant head of a moneyed Savannah family, has come home from World War II a troubled vet, drowning his demons in bourbon and distancing himself from his son. A tragic accident shows Peyton the depths of his parents' devotion to each other but interrupts his own budding romance with the girl of his dreams.

Struggling to cope with a young life upended, Peyton makes a daring decision: He will retrace a journey his father took at fifteen, riding his bicycle from St. Augustine, Florida, all the way to Key West. Part declaration of independence, part search for self, Peyton's journey will bring him more than he ever could have imagined--namely, the key to his unknowable father, a longed-for reunion, and a calling that will shape the rest of his life.

my review....

Moments into the first chapter of "The Key to Everything", I had a strong suspicion that I'd be reaching for a tissue to furtively wipe away tears more than once during the course of the story, and my suspicions proved correct! Valerie Fraser Luesse has written a beautiful novel, one with characters that will tug on your heart strings as you walk with them through their journey. 15-yr-old Peyton is one of those characters who you can't help but admire, a youth who just has a deep vein of goodness running through their soul.

I think one of my favourite moments of the story was actually reading the afterwards and reading that the author was inspired by an element of a true story, which served to launch her into her own tale. I love it when the actual surprising details of reality can stir our imaginations, and Luesse used this to craft one of those tales that long linger on your mind. As Peyton journeys down the coast of Florida, he has some absolutely amazing encounters, some of which may stretch reality a tad bit, but you can't help but love the story all the more for it. I dare you to pick up this novel and try to put it down anytime soon! It's simply much too entertaining to walk away from. Peyton faces down tragedy and questions of love, and in the process discovers what he's made of at the same time. This story hearkens back to simpler times, when a pandemic wasn't on the loose and it felt safe to let your fifteen year old embark on their own on a journey of self-discovery. Luesse has written a novel that I really just needed to read right now!

"The Key to Everything" is another fabulous story from the fertile mind of Luesse, and I highly recommend it. The plot will captivate you from start to finish, while the characters will capture your heart at the same time. And if you choose to read this novel without a tissue box close at hand - well, I warned you, didn't I? 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac and Almost Home, as well as an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society for her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana. A graduate of Auburn University and Baylor University, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave.

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https://amzn.to/33j3mGB

A first-rate finale: "A Reckless Love" by Beth White

2020-07-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

about the book....

These two may have met their match--in each other.

In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister's engagement. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He's tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge's murder.

Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world is out to get him. But just as she's on the verge of cracking Zane's defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

my review....

The Daughtry House sisters have each proven themselves to be strong, capable women, who fairly leap off the pages as they stumble into trouble...and into love. Not to be outdone by her older sisters' experiences, Aurora finds herself careening right into both with "A Reckless Love". The result is that I found this final story focused on Aurora to perhaps be one of the most entertaining of all, though I have enjoyed each novel in turn.

Aurora is just such a spirited and spunky soul that it was hard to step away from this story for even one moment because I wanted to see what she'd be up to next. Her love for life, her loyalty to others, and her sheer determination make for a winning combination. Zane is a neat character in his own right, with a past that could not be more different than Aurora's. Though each of them has their own heartbreaks from their childhoods, Zane's story was particularly moving, making it all the more satisfying to watch him get folded into Aurora's world and the family and friends around her, as he finds a place in the world where he can belong. As Aurora and Zane discover their feelings for each other, there is plenty of humour and also moments of suspense that keeps their romance alive in a unique way. And as with her prior books, White has also woven in spiritual truths into this story as well, such that readers will be left with a fresh appreciation for the hand of God and his love in our lives, even when we don't always see Him at work.

With intriguing characters, witty dialogue, and elements of mystery wrapped up in racial overtones, "A Reckless Love" is a first-rate finale of what has been an enjoyable series from start to finish. Readers who have appreciated the first two novels will definitely want to count on adding this third novel to their collection as well. It is definitely worth the read, and will bring things full circle for those who'd joined these sisters from the get-go. As for me, I award this novel a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Beth White's day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of A Rebel Heart and A Reluctant Belle, as well as the Gulf Coast Chronicles series. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

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https://amzn.to/2CDTMmT

A gripping historical novel: "A Gilded Lady" by Elizabeth Camden

2020-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

about the book....

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the First Lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately attracted to Caroline's quick wit and undeniable charm, but his job leaves no room for distractions. Anarchist plots have led to mounting threats against the president, forcing him to put duty before his growing love for Caroline.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel face danger and heartbreak that shakes them to their core and tests all they know about love and sacrifice.

my review....

Between the covers of "A Gilded Lady" lies a gripping historical novel from one of my favourite authors, Elizabeth Camden. I quite enjoyed the first novel in the series, "The Spice King", and so I was not surprised to find that this follow-up was every bit as good as the first. I couldn't decide which aspect of the story I wanted to hear about, whether I wanted to watch Caroline dance through her fascinating role as secretary to First Lady McKinley, watch Nathaniel battle his past to develop the Secret Service program to protect the president, or join Caroline and her brother in their quest to free Caroline's twin Luke from prison. With multiple subplots in play, the novel fairly races by. But every so often Camden brings things to a thoughtful pause, allowing us to peer deeper into these character's hearts to see their doubts and feelings of uncertainty, endearing us readers to these characters all the more.

As a Canadian reader who has forgotten much of what I've learned about the history of US presidents, I'm humble enough to admit that the events involving President McKinley came as a plot twist to the story for me, even though all the American readers will know what is about to unfold. That made these events all the more heart breaking for me to read about, both for the McKinley family but also in how these characters were impacted by it, both Caroline and Nathaniel in their own way. I felt bad for Nathaniel in particular, imagining how difficult it would be to recover from that sort of event. You know that an author has succeeded at bringing characters to life when you want to reach into the pages and give them a hug and say a prayer with them!

All in all, I can attest that "A Gilded Lady" will absolutely please Elizabeth Camden's ever growing fan base, especially those who loved the first novel in the series as much as I did. It will come as no surprise that I award this novel a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. February 2021 can't come soon enough, when we will be treated to the story of the final sibling in the family, Luke, with his novel "The Prince of Spies".

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

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https://amzn.to/2O1wSb9

Even better than the first! "The Way of Love" by Tracie Peterson

2020-06-28T21:26:00.004-07:00

about the book....

Newly arrived in Portland to finish her studies as a doctor at Willamette University's medical college, thirty-year-old Faith Kenner is glad to be near family again at her cousin Nancy's boardinghouse. But the proximity is bittersweet, stirring up the desire for a family of her own--a longing that the secrets she harbors will never permit.

When she stumbles onto handsome riverboat captain Andrew Gratton, who has been injured defending a Native working on his ship, she surprises him by expertly tending his wound and praising his conviction. A fast friendship forms, but Faith is careful to quell her hopes for something more.

Instead, she joins her fellow students in putting together lectures to speak out against Oregon's racist laws and policies--actions that garner the dangerous attention of powerful men who have other plans for their state. Soon Faith is caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel, and her family is threatened. Will the harm these men intend be her undoing, or is it simply the mysterious path God has her on to bring the truth--and her heart's desires--to light?

my review....

It is rare for me to read the second book in a series and immediately think to myself that it was even better than the first, but such was the case with "The Way of Love"! Faith is one of those strong characters who is just utterly certain of her place in the world and the gifts God has given her, and in a world that often seems so chaotic, it was simply refreshing to watch her live up to her name and stand firm in her beliefs. Her story of growing up with missionary parents to the Native peoples and learning the healing arts from a young age made for some fascinating reading, as did her sense of justice for those who are oppressed.

As Faith finds herself caught up in the snares of dangerous men who are determined to bring harm to those she cares about, you can just feel the sense of peril building up in the story. Though there are plenty of places when Peterson takes the time to allow her characters to breathe and to grow over the course of the story, there is also plenty of danger that kept me whipping through the pages at the same time. Peterson also adds in a remarkable friendship between Faith and Andrew, a Riverboat captain who hides a surprising secret about his past much like Faith does. Watching them grow to care about each other felt so completely natural, and you can't help but cheer them on as their relationship deepens and grows into something more.

The second novel in the Willamette Brides is an utterly enjoyable novel, with completely lovable characters, and a journey through history that is sobering indeed. But the racism depicted in these pages makes the love these characters display, to those close to them and to all people in general, shine all the brighter. I award this novel a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Buy now from Amazon.com:

https://amzn.to/2CQFkHX