Melanie Dickerson is the bestselling author of numerous novels, usually fairy tales set in long- ago times. Although I’ve never read her previous works, I’ve often wanted to and finally decided to give her newest novel from Thomas Nelson Publishers a try. “The Noble Servant” was released in 2017, and is endorsed as a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale entitled “The Goose Girl”, with hints of “The Prince and the Pauper” mixed in as well. While most of Ms. Dickerson’s work is labeled in the Young Adult genre, “The Noble Servant” is more broadly classified under Christian Fiction.
“She lost everything to the scheme of an evil servant, but she might just gain what she’s always wanted . . . If she makes it in time.” With a tagline like this, it’s hard not to be captivated by this unique fairy tale retelling. Continue reading
After recently discovering what an enjoyable author Tracie Peterson is, I was excited to read her newest series set on the Oregon frontier. “Treasured Grace” was published in 2017 by Bethany House as the first in a new series entitled “Heart of the Frontier”. Each book focuses on one of three sisters, and “Treasured Grace” reveals the story of Grace Martindale, the eldest sibling. Unlike many works of Christian Historical fiction, this novel is based on the true events of the Whitman Mission massacre — a gruesome event that changed history. 
Have you ever read a book that was so beautiful, so masterfully written, and reached so far into the depths of your heart that any words you used to describe it felt woefully inadequate? That is exactly my predicament after reading the long-awaited conclusion to the unforgettable “Belmont Mansion” series by Tamera Alexander, entitled “A Note Yet Unsung”. Although several characters are recurring from the previous books in the series, (including Belmong Mansion, which is almost a character itself!) “A Note Yet Unsung” is a brand-new story all of its own. If you haven’t already guessed from the title, the primary theme of this novel is the art of music. 
It’s been a while since I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed a heartwarming Christian Historical Romance, but I’ve just finished one that definitely fits that description… Although “A Stolen Heart” is the first novel I’ve read by Amanda Cabot, it certainly won’t be my last! Published by Revell in the spring of 2017, this story is the first of the “Cimarron Creek Trilogy”. Without question, this story contains all of the elements that fans of Historical Fiction love and expect, including memorable characters, a western setting, and a heart-melting romance, but with an added dose of mystery and drama woven in as well. 
From the moment I saw the title and read the synopsis, I was enthusiastic to read “The Mark of the King” by Jocelyn Green, and could hardly wait for Bethany House to release it. When the opportunity came to review the novel, I was delighted! While it wasn’t quite what I had been expecting, in many ways it was even better. Powerful and engaging writing, vibrant imagery, and unforgettably dynamic characters combine to make this book a classic in the making. It wasn’t an easy story to read, nor was it a light, humorous, or “happy” novel, but it was powerful. Oh my, was it powerful. . . 
When the first two books in a series are enjoyable, humorous, inspirational, and contain clean Christian content, isn’t it a logical conclusion to assume the third book will continue in a similar direction? I thought so… But I was proven wrong – quite wrong. “An Uncommon Courtship” is the third book in the “Hawthorne House” series written by Kristi Ann Hunter and published by Bethany House. Because each of these books are closely connected with each other, and the characters are recurring, it is easy to imagine the excitement of a new release. Equally easy to imagine is the disappointment when expectations remain unmet. 
Oh dear… the time has come. The last book of the “Waves of Freedom” series has finally been released, and what a finale it is. But – that’s just it. It’s the end to a series that truly does proud the Christian fiction genre. While I’ve “patiently” waited for this book ever since reading the previous two in the series, it is heartbreaking to realize that the stories of Jim and Mary, Arch and Lillian, and Dan and Quintessa have come to a finish. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and these books were definitely a very good thing. 
Are you familiar with the Bible story of Boaz and Ruth? I’m guessing you probably are. If you are like me, you’ve probably read numerous retellings based on this timeless story of love, grace, and redemption. While many of those retellings are well-done, none can compare with the new version by Jill Eileen Smith, entitled “Redeeming Grace: Ruth’s Story“, published by Revell in 2017. I have only read one other Bible-based novel by this talented author, but it is clear that her writing style and impeccably researched historical details are unrivaled in her genre. 
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 