Whenever I reach the end of an Elizabeth Camden novel, I inevitably give a long sigh for two reasons: one, I’ve had the enjoyment of reading another compelling historical novel by a master writer; and two, a story that I wish could have lasted much longer is now finished. . . Ms. Camden’s newest novel, “A Dangerous Legacy”, was published by Bethany House and is historical fiction at its best, complete with mystery, romance, intrigue, and unique viewpoints of life in New York City in 1903. Continue reading
Christian Historical Fiction
A Fascinating Story-Within-a-Story from a Debut Author!
“Lady Jayne Disappears” by Joanna Davidson Politano is definitely one of the most unique stories I’ve read in 2017. Published by Revell in November, this fascinating novel also happens to be captivating and compelling, while imparting powerful messages of identity, love, and belonging. All this amounts to quite an accomplishment for a debut novel, wouldn’t you agree? Continue reading
A Sweet and Memorable Christmas Novella
To be honest, I didn’t feel like starting a Christmas book quite yet – it seemed too early. But after reading only the first few chapters of a story that will definitely become an annual tradition, I was enchanted. Tamera Alexander’s newest release from Thomas Nelson, “Christmas at Carnton”, is a novella, but a fairly long one. It is also the introductory story to a new three-novel series about the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee. Continue reading
Another Unique and Fascinating Story from Lynn Austin
With novels written by Lynn Austin and published by Bethany House, I’ve learned that you can generally count on three unique features:
– an unusual storyline that often spans several decades and is told from multiple points of view;
– fascinating characters who experience unique challenges in unheard-of-before circumstances;
– and themes that will inspire, challenge, and cause you to think more deeply about your own journey through life. Continue reading
Be Swept Away to a World of Ballrooms and Dancing
The moment we’ve all been waiting for (or at least all the fans of Kristi Ann Hunter’s Regency-era “Hawthorne House” series have been waiting for) finally arrived in the autumn of 2017! From Bethany House comes “An Inconvenient Beauty”, the story of the last, unmarried Hawthorne sibling: Griffith, Duke of Riverton. Because Griffith was a character we all came to adore in the previous books, I’m certain I wasn’t the only reader waiting with baited breath to finally encounter the lady who would win his heart. Continue reading
Moderately Enjoyable
Jane Kirkpatrick is a bestselling author who is renowned for selecting inspirational women from history and weaving a story around the factual details of their lives. Her newest novel from Revell, “All She Left Behind”, follows this pattern as she shares the story of Jennie Pickett, a women who lives on the Oregon frontier of the 1870s and longs to become a healer. . . Or more specifically, a doctor. Continue reading
A Balm for the Heart
“These Healing Hills” by Ann H. Gabhart is a beautiful new story from Revell Publishers that is surprising in both its simplicity and in its ability to speak to the hearts of readers. Set in the Appalachian Mountains (don’t you love novels set here?) at the end of WWII, this story brings to life a special place and time in history that is, perhaps, unlike any other. Continue reading
Lacking Tamera’s Signature Magic
When the name Tamera Alexander is on a Christian Historical novel, it is usually one to pay attention to! “To Wager Her Heart” was published by Zondervan in the summer of 2017, and is the third and final installment in the “Belle Meade Plantation” saga. While I have not read the second book in the series, this one still made perfect sense and was not confusing in the least – clearly it would work well as a stand-alone novel. Continue reading
The Long-Awaited Conclusion to an Unforgettable Series
For me, and I’m sure for many readers, it is always a bittersweet moment when you reach the final pages of a series that has worked its way deep into your heart and imagination. As one of my favorite authors, many of Michael Phillips’ series are very dear to me; but perhaps none quite so much as his latest work entitled “Secrets of the Shetlands”. Published by Bethany House in the summer of 2017, “The Legacy” is the final installment of the Shetland saga, and masterfully closes a narrative that weaves the past and present into a beautiful and unforgettable tale. Continue reading
Difficult to Enjoy (Guest Review by Hayley)
The last book I read by Rachel Hauck was “A Royal Christmas Wedding”. It easily became my favourite book by this author, and just as easily one of my favourite novellas to read during the Christmas season. Thus, when I read the charming description of “The Writing Desk”, well, there was no way of refusing! I so much hoped for another story that would be as much a joy as the last. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 