Tag: Christian Fiction

1 August 2024

New Releases in Christian Fiction | August 2024

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical

A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans — Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome. (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox — Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn’t mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.

As the work begins, “Joey” discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls–pages torn from a lighthouse keeper’s log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there’s never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name. When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story–one that’s not over yet. (Contemporary from Revell)

Contemporary Romance

One Glance of Your Eyes by Myra Johnson — With a heart for lifting men out of homelessness, Carl Anderson is a dedicated counselor-in-residence in a transitional home. When recent setbacks threaten the program’s continuation, he proposes an innovative plan to increase success by pairing at-risk residents with shelter dogs. One glance from Carl’s stunning new supervisor, and he’s convinced his proposal doesn’t stand a chance.

Rae Caldwell admires Carl’s passion, but for her, every canine encounter is a heart-rending reminder of her late daughter’s final months and the loyal service dog who never left her side . . . and the tragic end of a marriage too shattered by grief to heal. As they collaborate on the pilot program, Carl catches glimpses of the vulnerable woman beneath Rae’s chilly façade. Reluctant smiles turn to stolen glances and unspoken hopes for something more—until their carefully guarded pasts intrude and everything goes awry. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Bonding with the Cowboy’s Daughter by Lisa Jordan — After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main — Training service dogs is Autumn McCaw’s passion. She won’t let anything jeopardize her business’s chance of success, including her former love Wyatt Nelson. But with a looming deadline to prove herself capable, she has no choice but to hire the one man who hurt her years ago. Relying on the single dad is tough—especially since he has trust issues of his own. But can Autumn and Wyatt overcome their past to save her business…and open their hearts to love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus — In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical

Unfit to Serve by Sandra Bretting — When the United States military adopts a newfangled test from France called the “intelligence quotient test” during the first world war, no one expects the turmoil that follows. Thousands of immigrants fail it and are forced to return to homelands devastated by war, disease, and famine. For Josephine Pembrooke, the shy schoolmarm at Camp Travis in Texas, the problem quickly becomes apparent. How can soldiers pass a test they can’t even read? So, Jo labors in secret to create a better test. Knowing all along it can’t save the one soldier she’d hoped to help. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing)

The Farmer and Mrs. Lombardi by Maryann Diorio — When a middle-aged mother of four delivers a child with Down syndrome, she faces the destruction of her marriage, her family, and her dream. (Historical, Independently Published)

Rise of the Outlander by Stephanie Guerrero — As hard as Magnus Stewart MacDonald works to be worthy, someone blocks his every move. Already the clan runt and disappointment to his family, his loss in the Highland Games pushes him to the brink of despair. In a twist of good fortune, Magnus rescues an Earl’s daughter giving him a path to compete for glory and the lady’s hand. Even an Earl can’t change the Stewart blood running through his veins. When his bloodline pits Magnus against the newly crowned King James Stewart, he’s forced to decide between safety or fighting for his birthright and his lady.

Will Magnus choose the refuge of the Glen or emerge to push back against a vengeful King after his Stewart blood? Surviving isn’t good enough anymore. It’s time to go beyond every obstacle and risk everything in a battle for the ages… (Historical from Winged Publications)

New Creations by Sarah Hanks — Floyd Douglas is a blundering barber who faces retirement wondering if the past sixty years of his life have been a waste. When he’s presented with the opportunity to go on a mission trip, it seems like the answer to his prayers and a way to finally make his life count for something.

Now with a series of obstacles standing in the way of his newfound dream, he must decide whether to push through or find contentment in being the faithful family man he’s always been. Emira has always looked up to her grandpa, especially since her parents’ marriage fractured and left her foundations shaken. Now, she scrambles to assure the man who taught her how to love what a deeply meaningful life he’s lived. (Historical from SonFlower Books)

Historical Romance

Redeeming the Rake by Lorri Dudley — A rogue spy is bent on destroying everything a vicar’s daughter values, stealing her heart in the process. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe — How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom? Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems. Caleb Martin agrees to one final job as a deputy U.S. Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn’ t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who’ s determined to undermine his every step. Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together? (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Romantic Mystery

Home at Last by Penny Frost McGinnis — Lucy Grayson grew up on Abbott Island. At fifteen she worked at the General Store then bought the business at age twenty-four. Now nearing thirty, she finds herself at a crossroads. Tired of the grind at work and missing her free time, she considers selling the store, but what then?

Owen Miller moved to the island after his short-lived professional baseball career ended. Now he wants to embrace his uncle’s farm and create a landscaping business. Bitter after his ex-girlfriend ditched him for someone with more money, he buries himself in his work.

When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life. Owen helps Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love? (Romance Mystery from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

Romantic Suspense

Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams — When witness Tabitha Wilson’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped, she finds herself on the run from a murderous drug lord. But her DEA contact has gone missing, forcing Tabitha to rely on Detective Doug Olsen—a man with his own secrets. It’s a race against time for Doug and Tabitha to uncover buried evidence before the cartel makes them disappear forever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Fireline by Kate Angelo — As the niece of a legendary smokejumper, Nova Burns is tough as nails. When their crew chief Tucker Newman breaks his leg, Nova longs for the opportunity to helm the team, ready to take risks and prove herself. But there’s one risk she refuses to take-falling in love.

Undercover Homeland agent Booth Wilder is seeking redemption. Scarred by a past explosion that took the life of his partner, Booth is hunting a rogue CIA faction known as the Brotherhood. Now, he’s determined to uncover their secrets and find a hidden nuclear weapon that could turn the world to ash. Only problem…summer sparks have ignited between Booth and Nova.

Then the wildfire threatens the home of the Jude County Firefighting team, and Nova doesn’t care what secrets Booth might be hiding-she needs everyone to save the town. But when the Brotherhood discovers Booth and his goals, the fight becomes personal. Now, Booth must choose between accomplishing his mission and saving the woman he’s come to love. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen — In the sleepy town of Shadow Cove, Maine, a woman’s desperate flight becomes a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Join the Wright Heroes of Maine for an edge-of-your-seat international romantic suspense that takes you on the run with a heroine in hiding, a secret baby, and unrequited love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative

Forged in Fire by A L Evans — When Light and Dark collide something explosive is destined to happen. Born into a world of heartache, Elizabeth cannot fathom a life beyond the rejection that she has always known. Then, one day a chance encounter in the ER begins the unraveling of threads. A humble man ignites a fire long held dormant. Little do they know that this is only the beginning. The supernatural world has been watching her.

Everything Elizabeth has ever known suddenly shifts, and she finds herself immersed in a fated supernatural prophecy. The armies of hell have been sent to destroy her. How can she survive if she doesn’t know who she was created to be? It will all come down to sacrifice–life & death. In the end someone will lose. Mystery, Betrayal, Angels, Demons, and a dash of Humor with a hint of Romance. (Speculative Fiction from A L Evans)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Rose by Another Name by Lee Carver — A Depression-era newspaper typesetter secretly creates the character she would like to be and dares to hope for the life she may have missed. (Contemporary)

Closer Than Brothers by Mary Connealy — Prequel to Trouble in Texas Series and Kincaid Brides Series. (Western)

Broken Trust by Jane Daly — Two women face unexpected challenges with the ones they trust the most, and must also learn to trust themselves and each other in order to find happiness and love amidst chaos. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

The Pastor’s Perfect Wife by Jane Daly — Former Mean Girl Mariah and Pastor Ethan Walsh shouldn’t have fallen in love. But they did. Together, they must weather the storms of their pasts and find strength in each other to overcome the challenges before them. (Contemporary Romance)

Rumors are Flying by Jeanette Hanscome — Plans to turn and historic Victorian home turning into a museum and upended when Janet and Debbie delve into WWII mysteries surrounding the Townsend family, revealing secrets that revive a Dennison landmark. (Cozy Mystery)

Molly by Shanna Hatfield — Their romance began while wearing gas masks and uniforms. Will their love survive returning to civilian life? Inspired by the Hello Girls, America’s first women soldiers who helped win World War I. (Historical Romance)

Matters of the Heart by Kelly S Irvin — He’s the community’s jokester auctioneer. She’s the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together? (Amish Romance)

Stitched on My Heart: Delphina’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill — When a chance at love and a new life presents itself, will Delphina have the courage to seize it? (Historical Romance)

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear — Can a chance encounter be the connection they have always needed? (Historical Romance)

Healer by Ava Murbarger — Old rivalries rise to the surface. Each of the planets has its own story to tell. Will the Phoenix remain silent? (Speculative Fiction)

Covering Grace by Davalynn Spencer — When her trick-riding ways put her in danger while filming a local flicker, he risks more than his time intervening. He risks his heart. (Western Romance)

29 April 2024

Book Review | For a Lifetime (Timeless #3) by Gabrielle Meyer

In a departure from the two previous books in the Timeless series, For a Lifetime is told from two points of view: identical twins Grace and Hope. Both are time-crossers, with their consciousnesses living in two separate times: 1692 and 1912. They are both twenty-four years old, and the time is coming when they each must decide when to live the rest of their lives.

In 1692, they are the daughters of widowed Puritan Uriah Eaton.

They work in their father’s business, the Salem village ordinary (ordinary is a new-to-me term which apparently refers to the local tavern and eating establishment). Anyone who knows anything about American history will know this is a challenging time and place—the Salem witch trials are about to begin, with Grace and Hope stuck right in the middle.

In 1912, Grace is a journalist and Hope is an aviatrix.

It’s therefore no surprise that both women have already decided they will stay in 1912, where their time-crossing mother still lives, and where women are viewed as people with rights, not possessions under the control of their fathers and husbands.

The story starts in 1692, and is told from Grace’s point of view. Based on the previous stories, I was expecting the whole story to be from Grace’s point of view so was a little discombobulated when I realised the 1912 portions were being told from Hope’s point of view. The two women have very different characters and very different voices, so it was easy enough to tell the difference once I realised they were each telling a portion of the story (the identity of the point of view characters was clearly identified at the beginning of each chapter. However, I have developed a habit of not reading chapter titles, which is why I missed that vital information).

I did find the beginning of the story a little frustrating, particularly as I related to Grace’s character best. I found Hope to be more impetuous and insensitive, almost to the point of being selfish (although that view did change in the second half of the story).

I wondered for a time if I was going to enjoy For a Lifetime as much as I enjoyed the previous books, When the Day Comes and In This Moment. My worries were unfounded: although For a Lifetime took longer to get going than the earlier books, it got better and better as the story progressed, and the ending was both unexpected and excellent.

The book has a romance element, although this isn’t as strong as in the previous stories.

In This Moment forced Maggie to choose between three different men in three timelines, while Grace and Hope had a different choice: each other. While they each do have a romance, the story was more about the relationship between the sisters than their relationships with the men in their lives.

The two historic periods were also interesting to read about. I’m relatively familiar with the history of aviation, but less familiar with the history of the Salem witch trials. On that basis, I enjoyed the 1912 side of the story most, but learned more from the 1692 side. I certainly would not have wanted to live in Puritan America, which came across as religious yet godless … perhaps much like the modern world.

For a Lifetime will be a must-read for anyone who has read the earlier books in the series.

However, it is a standalone story so you don’t have to read the other two in order to enjoy this. (But if you read For a Lifetime, you will absolutely want to go back and read In This Moment, which is the story of Grace and Hope’s mother, and that will ensure you want to read the first book, which is the story of their grandmother).

The best part is finding out the Timeless series is going to continue!

I had thought it was going to be a trilogy, so was a little disappointed to realise this would be the final story. But the end of the book has an excerpt from Across the Ages, which will release in November 2024! I’m looking forward to it already. I hear there will also be a book #5 in 2025.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Gabrielle Meyer

Gabrielle lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical and contemporary novels inspired by real people, places, and events. The river is a constant source of inspiration for Gabrielle, and if you look closely, you will find a river in each of her stories.

When Gabrielle is not writing, you might find her homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, or hosting a gathering at her home with family and friends.

Find Gabrielle Meyer online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

About For a Lifetime

Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever–no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father’s tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother’s mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives–or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents’ orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives–and loves–that are best for both of them?

Find For a Lifetime online at:

Amazon | BookBub | ChristianBook | Goodreads

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

3 December 2023

New Releases in Christian Fiction | December 2023

What’s new in Christian fiction from members of American Christian Fiction Writers (in case you were wondering, ACFW does have members from out side the USA!)
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

What are you planning to read this month?

Contemporary Romance

Bidding on a Second Chance by Emily Conrad — His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet. Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal.

Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts. When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family.

Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?? (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC)

I’m currently reading a review copy, so watch out for my review soon!

Home from the Storm by Laurel M. Blount — After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he’s determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him.

Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home.

But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find. (Contemporary Romance from Berkley)

The Care of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — In the sprawling landscape of Crossroads Creek, where the Texan sun paints golden dreams, Max Turner suddenly finds his dream of reclaiming his family’s lost ranch put on hold. To avoid draining his savings account, Max is desperately searching for a new job and a place to live, except ranch foreman jobs weren’t easy to come by.

As the scorching summer unfolds, Max’s path crosses with that of Lucy Carrington, a determined young woman whose dreams clash with the expectations of her traditional rancher father. When her father hires Max to secretly oversee the ranch because he doesn’t trust his daughter to handle a man’s job, Max is caught in a web of deceit. As Max and Lucy navigate the complexities of their new roles, including the surprise news that Max is guardian to Crystal…a twelve-year-old niece he never knew existed, they discover the power of love and resilience, and the true meaning of family.

(Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

General Contemporary

Broken Spirit by Sheridan Lee — The dream of motherhood eludes her. Can she find her way back to hope? Belinda Briggs’ life is shattered by losses and crises, shattering her faith and leading her on a quest for renewed hope, faith, and peace in this series finale contemporary Christian women’s fiction tale. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)

Chokecherry Valley Comfort by Jean Rezab — One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond’s life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he’s on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and heads to his in-law’s farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. Tyler Garvey is the only survivor of the two-vehicle accident in which his younger brother dies. He feels guilty because he should have been driving. His parents don’t blame him, but he blames himself, and so does Paul. Both families try to put their lives back together. It’s going to take time, a great deal of comfort, and forgiveness on all sides. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Chokecherry Valley Joy by Jean Rezab — Abby feels like everything is wrong with her life. She’s never dealt with the grief of losing her twin sister, Samantha, and niece, Amy, in an accident. Her marriage to Mark has fallen into the routine of his long hours of work and her erratic schedule as a nurse in a busy Houston hospital. Their failed attempt to have a child puts further strain on their relationship. Unhappy in her current job, she needs a break. She travels to Chokecherry Valley to spend two weeks with her parents at their farm. Mark plans to join her after he finishes his current work project, and she hopes to reconnect with him and discuss their future. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly S. Irvin — Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her. Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships. Together, the sisters are forced to reexamine their priorities, address the still tender wounds of their childhood, and delve more deeply to discover what it means to live each day to its fullest.? (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Christmas in Ohio by Bettie Boswell, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Penny Frost McGinnis, and Michelle Levigne — Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope. (General Contemporary from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Historical Romance

When Love Comes by Penny Zeller — A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his brother and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it’s never too late for true love. When Charlotte’s and Tobias’s paths cross in Prune Creek, Wyoming, can they put aside their preconceived disdain for each other? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl in search of someone to take the place of the parents she lost? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Cozy Mystery

Deadly Burden by Janet Sketchley — Obey the police and stay safe, or follow her heart and help unmask a killer? Landon Smith solved the last murder by accident—and nearly became the next victim. When a shocking death strikes her close-knit circle, can this amateur sleuth discover who wanted the town busybody dead? The dead woman knew too much about too many people. Was she silenced to protect a secret? Or because of one she wouldn’t tell? And how can a dyslexic trauma survivor find clues the professionals miss? Landon can’t afford to be sidetracked by a vindictive guest at the inn or by unexpected family drama. Or by falling for the geeky writer next door—now that he’s over her. With a storm closing in and no leads in sight, Landon’s first Christmas at the Green Dory Inn is shaping up to be anything but merry and bright. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense

Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Standing guard…with threats on all sides. When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

A Courageous Betrothal by Denise Weimer – A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake. (Historical Romance)

Another Outer Banks Christmas by Christina Sinisi – She’s a role model for everything good, and he comes from a rough and broken home. (Contemporary Romance)

Finding Baby Jesus by Lynn Weathington – Will Baby Jesus find his way back into the nativity in time for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance)

Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen D. Bailey – When the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is. (Romance)

Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus – With love, faith, a support dog and some Christmas spirit, maybe it’s not too late after all… (Contemporary Romance)

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis – When he learns where the money probably came from, will it keep their two families apart? (Western)

Hope’s Hills by Ruth Kyser – Will they remain good friends, or has God got other plans for their futures? (Contemporary Romance)

Snow Globe Secrets by Laura Thomas – Shootings, snow globes, and secrets abound when Alexis James witnesses the shooting of a British author outside the local bookstore. (Romantic Suspense Novella)

The Quilting Circle Box Set by Mary Davis – All four books from the Quilting Circle Series in one box set. (Historical Romance)

30 January 2023

Book Review | Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

I almost didn’t request a review copy of Everything is Just Beginning because I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to 1989, and because I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a novel about a wannabe musician.

But I changed my mind, requested it, and I’m glad I did.

Michael Sullivan has been kicked out of his band and apartment, so has moved in with his uncle. He’s not an immediately likeable character: it’s not immediately clear why he was kicked out of his apartment, but it’s obviously not the first time.

He’s working a basic retail job and grumbling about life, then decides to gatecrash a party in the hope of meeting Dusty Wheeler, a big name in the music business. If Mike can get Dusty to listen to a demo tape, maybe the guys will let him back in the band.

The story is written in first person point of view, which will bug some people.

I like first person, but I do prefer to be in the head of a likeable female character, not a male with a woe-is-me attitude. Yes, the whole story is from Michael’s point of view.

He meets Dusty and Deb Wheeler at the party, although he doesn’t realise it at the time. He also meets their daughter, Natalie, who is blind.

Once Michael gets over himself, he turns into a readable and relatable character. his bravado is hiding a difficult childhood and a desperate desire to be a musician – a proper musician. As he spends time with the Wheeler family, he falls for Natalie (who does not appear to return his feelings), they decide to write music together, and Michael gradually loses what Natalie describes as his morose vibe.

Natalie is also a great character.

She’s had a privileged upbringing, and it’s easy to forget she’s blind. It’s actually been along time since I’ve read a novel with a blind main character. She was musical and clever, with an amazing memory, and it was great to read such an individual and competent character.

As it turned out, the fact the novel was set in 1989 was less about the historic events of 1989 and more about the music … which happens to be the music I grew up with and still prefer listening to, so that was great.

Everything is Just Beginning doesn’t easily fit into a genre.

It’s not explicitly Christian, although it’s fairly obvious the Wheeler family are Christians.

It’s not technically contemporary, but isn’t historical enough to be truly considerd a historical.

It’s not Young Adult fiction, although it does have elements of a coming of age story.

It’s not a romance, in that the core story is Michael’s relationship with music through Natalie, rather than Michaels’ relationship with Natalie.

It’s also not literary fiction, despite the great writing, because there is a definite plot with strong character arcs.

If you like great writing, compelling characters, and a bunch of 1980s music reference, you’ll enjoy Everything is Just Beginning.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Erin Bartels

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water (coming January 2022). Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest and her poetry has been published by The Lyric. She lives in the capital city of a state that is 40% water, nestled somewhere between angry protesters on the Capitol lawn and couch-burning frat boys at Michigan State University. And yet, she claims it is really quite peaceful.

Find Erin Bartels online at:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

About Everything is Just Beginning

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.

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20 January 2023

First Line Friday #269 | Over the Waters by Deborah Raney

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m working through my to-read list, and the next book is Over the Waters by Deborah Raney, the 2019 reissue of a 2005 novel which I want to read because of the setting: Haiti.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Over the Waters

“Dr. Botox” to the bored rich women of Chicago, plastic surgeon Max Jordan is shocked by his son Joshua’s decision to focus his medical degree and talent on Haitian orphans. Embittered by Joshua’s sudden death, Max searches for resolution in the place his son called home—an orphanage outside of Port au Prince.

The selflessness of Joshua’s coworkers stuns Max. He is particularly taken with American volunteer Valerie Austin, whose dream of a tropical honeymoon has been crushed, replaced by a stint working in the impoverished orphanage. But Valerie’s view of Joshua’s sacrifice—and her own—challenges everything Max knows. Have the doors to his gilded cage finally opened to a freedom he’s never known?

Find Over the Waters online at:

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Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

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28 November 2022

Book Review | Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober

First, a content warning: Pretty Little Pieces starts with a woman having a miscarriage. If that’s going to bother you, perhaps don’t read this one (or start reading at Chapter Two).

Second, Pretty Little Pieces is written in third person, present tense, which I found to be an odd combination. Most novels are third person, past tense. Some are first person, present tense, a combination which is especially popular in Young Adult fiction, or rom-coms. Third person, past tense isn’t unheard of, but it is unusual. It took me a while to get used to this combination – while I didn’t mind the present tense, the character voices were similar and mixed up Georgina and Cassidy a few times.

There was one other thing I should mention: I thought women were supposed to see a healthcare professional after having a miscarriage to ensure they hadn’t had a partial miscarriage (which can lead to some very nasty things). Joanna didn’t, and that bothered me.

Enough commentary. Let’s get on with the review.

Georgina Havoc (great last name!) and her fiancé, Lance Broussard, are being touted as the next Chip and Joanna Gaines as they prepare to host (yet another) design/house flipping TV show. But their relationship – and partnership – evaporate when Lance ghosts her after she shares that she was pregnant but has miscarried.

Georgina’s agent and publicist come up with a new proposal to pitch to the network, featuring Georgina and her previous show partner, best friend Poppy. The network agree to Georgina Rebuilds, and Georgina is off to tiny Tarragon, Tennessee, to restore two neglected cottages.

Cassidy Stokes is a Tarragon local, currently working on the Harp House estate, where Georgina is staying. He’s ex-military and planning to go to El Salvador as a private security contractor … mostly to escape Tarragon and the memories of his first wife.

Georgina and Cassidy are attracted, but their developing relationship is complicated by the fact Georgina is still technically with Lance because she has a non-disclosure agreement saying she can’t announce any change in her relationship status until they agree a breakup – something that’s difficult to impossible when he’s ghosted her.

Pretty Little Pieces is part romance and part women’s fiction. Georgina and Cassidy are both point of view characters (which gives the story the romance feel), but the start is heavy on the women’s fiction side, and it’s definitely Georgina’s story.

I liked Georgina.

She was a sympathetic character in a difficult situation who didn’t magically bounce back (as some characters do). She worked through her troubles, and it was good to see. (Although I did wonder why Lance acted how he did. I think there’s a story there as well.)

Cassidy is a strong Christian, and I liked the way he held firm to his faith and used his own experiences to help bring Georgina back to faith. I also liked Georgina’s twin sister – another character with issues that could be explored in a sequel.

I’m not a fan of house flipping shows and have never watched the Gaines’s show, yet I still enjoyed Pretty Little Pieces. I’m sure Gaines fans will love it even more.

Recommended for fans of fixer-upper reality shows or contemporary Christian romance that gets into the gritty side of life and faith.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Carmen Schober

Carmen Schober is a wife and mother, a proud Cuban-American, and a woman of eclectic interests, ranging from gritty combative sports to feminine design shows. She writes unexpected romance novels for the modern woman, with relatable but inspirational heroines and heroes. When she’s not writing fiction, she blogs about Christianity, motherhood, writing, and everything in between. She earned a master’s degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State, and she currently lives in Manhattan, Kansas.

Find Carmen Schober online at:

Website

About Pretty Little Pieces:

Ambitious influencer Georgina Havoc and her designer beau Lance Broussard have been dubbed the next Chip and Joanna Gaines, but their happily-ever-after falls apart when Lance blindsides her with a “pause.” The show must go on, so Georgina takes on the task of renovating a forgotten cottage in the tiny, tight-knit town of Tarragon, Tennessee on her own.

Georgina has a plan to save her relationship–and her show–but a surprise drop-in from her troubled twin sister makes things extra messy. That, and the presence of rugged ex-sniper Cassidy Stokes, who throws a wrench in all her plans.

As she salvages her shattered life, will Georgina retreat to the familiar or embrace a new design?

Find Pretty Little Pieces online at:

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31 October 2022

Book Review | Sundown (Sky Ranch #3) by Susan May Warren

I read this series in the wrong order (I read Sunburst before Sunrise, although I did read #3 last). I actually found Sunrise the hardest book to get into, because there were so many character names being mentioned in the early chapters, and it took me a while to work out who the main characters were, and which names were actually bears or dogs.

Sundown starts pretty much where Sunburst left off.

Ranger and are Noemi at Big Sky Ranch with Colt and their Jane Doe, who they have just discovered is Dr Taylor Price, who is somehow connected with the Russian terrorists Dodge and Echo (that’s the heroine, not one of the dogs) fought in Sunrise.

Sundown starts with the premise that Taylor (Tae) is the only person who can prevent a deadly smallpox outbreak because she is the only person to have successfully created a vaccine from an ancient strain the Russians have located. But it’s not a novel about vaccination. It’s a chase novel, as Colt finally reconciles with his brothers and obtains their help to locate the evildoers before they can infect the population with the virus.

I liked the way Sundown built on the plot and character points introduced and developed in the previous two novels, and the way it did a great job of rounding out the unfinished character arcs.

However, I didn’t like the way the timeline kept jumping around.

Now, this could be the formatting of the electronic review copy, but the story often moved from one scene to another without any kind of scene break, and the scenes were often showing the same actions from different points of view. Yes, that helped ramp up the tension, but it also meant I had to backtrack several times to figure out which characters were in the scene.

I also thought there were too many flashbacks, to the point where they messed with the tension. As a reader, it felt like every time we got to something fast-paced and exciting, the character stopped think about a formative experience from months or years ago, which slowed the story down. Confession: I actually skimmed a lot of the backstory because I wanted to know what was happening now, not what happened months or years or decades ago.

One of the best features of Christian fiction by Susan May Warren is that it absolutely is Christian fiction.

The main characters – in this case, Colt and Tae – have issues with God that need to be sorted out and worked through, and Warren doesn’t leave the reader in any doubt of the fact that God is the answer. That’s always good to read in Christian fiction (because otherwise it’s not Christian fiction. It’s just fiction with no sex or swearing.)

Overall, Sundown was a solid romantic suspense that those who have read the first two novels in the Sky King Ranch series will want to read to find out about Tae and to see Colt get his happy ending.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota.

Find Susan May Warren online at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

About Sundown

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn’t trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled–and smart–woman.

A few of her stories prove true–he’s found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt’s not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it’ll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they’ve vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

Find Sundown online at:

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14 October 2022

First Line Friday | Week #255 | Uncharted Christmas by Keeley Brooke Keith

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m sharing from Uncharted Christmas, a new Christmas novella in Keeley Brooke Keith’s excellent Uncharted series.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Uncharted Christmas

As Dr. Lydia Bradshaw makes her rounds in the village of Good Springs this Christmas season, each family she visits seems to be blessed in ways she is not. All the homes are beautifully decorated for the holiday, and every woman is expecting another baby.

Every woman but her, that is.

While the haze from the volcanic ash cloud outside the Land looms on the horizon, calls for the doctor force Lydia to work around the clock. Torn between fighting for the home life she craves and the career that defines her, Lydia needs a Christmas miracle.

Meanwhile, at Falls Creek…

Philip Roberts spends his lonely nights in the parsonage next to the humble chapel. Pastoring the church across from the Land’s only inn means encouraging many a road-worn traveler to carry on, whatever their journey might be. Philip also watches the ever-changing rotation of guests for the one person he prays will stay at Falls Creek forever.

Only he doesn’t know her name.

When the Vestal siblings break their journey to Good Springs at the inn for a much needed respite over Christmas, Philip is fascinated with the demure Lena Vestal. As he tries to get to know her, she stirs in him more questions than answers.

Can he discover who this intriguing woman truly is in such a short time, and is she the one he’s been waiting for?

You can find Uncharted Christmas online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

4 October 2022

Bookish Question #246 | What’s Your View on Sex or Rape Scenes in Christian Fiction?

I’m not a fan of rape as a plot point in any fiction, Christian or otherwise.

It’s become an overused way of showing a female character’s tragic backstory (and it’s always a female character). I’m especially not a fan of on-the-page rape scenes as they generally come across as voyeuristic and violent, as though they are there for the cheap thrill rather than to move the plot along.

People who have experienced sexual violence don’t need the reminder, and people who haven’t don’t need to have the details spelled out in order to understand that the character is going to be negatively affected.

I’m even less interested in Christian fiction that will show rape (which is nonconsensual and unlawful) but won’t show consensual sex in marriage. I’m not saying I want to read explicit sex scenes in Christian fiction (I don’t), but I do see it as hypocritical if sex is only described when it’s the unlawful, undesireable kind.

What about you? What’s your view on sex and rape in Christian fiction?

16 September 2022

First Line Friday | Week #251 | Forgiven by Carol Ashby

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m sharing from Forgiven by Carol Ashby, the first novel in her Light in the Empire series set in the Roman Empire.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Forgiven

Dangerous times, difficult friendships, lives transformed by forgiveness and love

Are some wounds too deep to forgive?

With a ruthless father who murdered for the family inheritance, Marcus Drusus plans to do the same. In AD 122, Marcus follows his brother Lucius to Judaea and plots to frame a zealot for his older brother’s death. But the plan goes awry, and Lucius is rescued by a Messianic Jewish woman. Her oldest brother is a zealot and a Roman soldier killed her twin, but Rachel still persuades her father Joseph to put his love for Jesus above his anger with Rome and hide Lucius until he heals.

Rachel cares for the enemy, and more than broken bones heal as duty turns to love. Lucius embraces Joseph’s faith in Jesus, but sharing a faith doesn’t heal all wounds. Even before revealed secrets slice open old scars, Joseph wants no Roman son-in-law. With Rachel’s zealot brother suspecting he’s a Roman officer and his own brother planning to kill him when he returns, can Lucius survive long enough to change Joseph’s mind?

You can find Forgiven online at:

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Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.