I am always excited to read a new standalone historical novel by Judith Miller, primarily because she takes fascinating but obscure snippets of history and weaves a captivating story around them. From a girl who paints carousel horses to a father and daughter who travel the country preaching the gospel from a chapel train car, Judith’s stories always promise to teach readers little-known history while simultaneously entertaining them with a wonderful story. It’s a win-win all around! Judith Miller’s newest story from Bethany House Publishers is “The Lady of Tarpon Springs”, which is set in 1905 Florida and centers around the sponge trade… yep, you read that correctly! This is a story of how trained divers (from Greece) arrived in Florida to harvest sponges from deep beneath the surface of the ocean. Although the characters are all fictitious, the details of the sponge business are well-researched and true to history. Continue reading
Christian Historical Fiction
A Delightful First Encounter with Mary Connealy
Believe it or not, I had never read a book by Mary Connealy until her newest title was released from Bethany House. Now I regret having missed out on this talented author’s previous work, because her newest story was such a delight! “The Accidental Guardian” is the first book in the “High Sierra Sweethearts” series, with the second novel set to be released later this fall. Filled with nail-biting adventure, beautifully detailed setting, sweet romance, subtle humor, and heart-warming themes, this is truly Christian Historical Fiction at it’s best. Continue reading
A Touching Story You Won’t Soon Forget – Guest Review by Hayley
The synopsis of “River to Redemption” drew me in from the moment I read the back cover. It promised to be a tale of tragedy, healing, hope, and freedom given to those who should have never been enslaved. This book delivered all of that, and more. Continue reading
A Beautiful Debut Novel by Rachel Fordham
It’s no secret that my favorite genre of reading material is Christian Historical Fiction. When I discover a new author who possesses a special gift for bringing this beautiful genre to life with strong writing skills, themes that whisper of biblical wisdom and truth, and realistic characters who leap off the pages, well… it’s exciting to say the least! After reading the description for a new debut novel published by Revell in the summer of 2018, I guessed this would be just such a story – and I was correct. “The Hope of Azure Springs” is the first published novel by Rachel Fordham, and is a sweet and memorable story that will instantly earn a place on your keeper bookshelf – and in your heart. Continue reading
A Second Visit to Nantucket
“Minding the Light” is Suzanne Woods Fisher’s newest release in the “Nantucket Legacy” series, a unique story filled with fascinating history, a secondary plot from an earlier generation (in the form of a journal), and the unique setting of Nantucket Island in the 19th century. Published by Revell in the summer of 2018, this story of the Quakers who made a living from the dangerous whale trade is a must-read for all of Ms. Fisher’s Amish fiction fans. Continue reading
A Sweet Historical Novella Collection By 3 Favorite Authors
When I saw a collection of historical romance novellas by three of my favorite authors, I knew it needed to be added to my reading list! “All My Tomorrows” was published by Bethany House in the summer of 2018, and includes:
- Karen Witemeyer’s “Worth the Wait” (a “Ladies of Harper Station” novella)
- Jody Hedlund’s “An Awakened Heart” (a prequel to her “Orphan Train” series)
- Elizabeth Camden’s “Toward the Sunrise” (joining her novel “Until the Dawn”)
Not Her Best Work, Unfortunately
Elizabeth Camden’s unique writing style, combined with fascinating and factual historical elements of scientific discoveries, always makes for can’t-put-it-down reading material. Her newest novel from Bethany House is “A Daring Venture”, and is the sequel to “A Dangerous Legacy” which released last year. Continue reading
How Long Until the Sequel Releases!!?
I was long overdue for my dose of a Karen Witemeyer story, and her newest novel was even better than I’d hoped! “More Than Meets the Eye” was published by Bethany House as the first of the “Patchwork Family” novels, and just like all of Karen’s books is the perfect combination of sweet and heart-pounding, witty and thought-provoking. Continue reading
A Compelling New Regency Series from Kristi Ann Hunter
Award-winning author Kristi Ann Hunter has released the first book in her brand-new “Haven Manor” series from Bethany House, entitled “A Defense of Honor”. Just like her previous novels, this new story is compelling, intriguing, and filled with endearing characters who walk right off the pages and into your imagination. I truly cannot wait for the next installment of “Haven Manor”, but first I must give you a word of caution about a major plot point that conservative readers (as I consider myself to be) should certainly be aware of. Continue reading
Beautiful Dual-Time Story of Redemption
Best-selling author Rachel Hauck never ceases to amaze me with the fascinating plots of her stories – where does she come up with her unique ideas?! “The Love Letter” is her newest release from Thomas Nelson, and is a dual-storyline novel that weaves together the lives of four people… Two are from the glamorous but shallow, modern-day world of Hollywood, and two are from the tumultuous unrest of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Their connection? A simple letter – a love letter… Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 