An Unforgettable Adventure!

DauntlessAre you ready for the fictitious experience of a lifetime? If you are an adventurer at heart, get set to be carried back in time to the middle ages, to the realm of Wyndeshire in England, where the forest holds secrets that are about to be revealed…

Dauntless, the first book in the Valiant Hearts series by Dina L. Sleiman, is an exhilarating, heart-wrenching tale reminiscent of the legend of Robin Hood. Written for a young adult audience, I strongly believe that readers of any age who enjoy compelling tales of adventure will find it impossible to put down. Just a few delightful aspects include: Continue reading

Study History through Fiction!

To Capture Her Heart imageTitle: To Capture Her Heart

Author: Rebecca DeMarino

Publishing House/Publication Date: Revell/July, 2015

Genres: Historical Fiction; Inspirational Romance

Time Period: 1653 (Age of Enlightenment & Expansionism)

Number of Pages: 352

Series: Book #2 in the ‘The Southold Chronicles’ series

You should read this book if… You enjoy historical novels heavily based on factual, biographical information. Also, for readers who enjoy chronological A Place in His Heart imageorganization in a series, this story ties in closely with the first book of ‘The Southold Chronicles’, entitled ‘A Place in His Heart’. Continue reading

Captivating and Emotional – A Story You Won’t Soon Forget!

Love's Rescue headerTitle: Love’s Rescue

Author: Christine Johnson

Publishing House/Publication Date: Revell/June, 2015

Genres: Christian Fiction; Historical Romance

Time Period: 1850 (pre-Civil War Era)

Number of Pages: 352

Series: Book #1 in the ‘Keys of Promise’ series

You should read this book if… You enjoy captivating, historically detailed stories of drama and suspense combined with unique and unusual settings – and compelling characters that steal your heart from the first chapter.   At the same time, this book will also appeal to readers who enjoy a beautiful and emotional portrayal of true love, complete with sweet and tender moments mixed with heartache. Continue reading

Perfect for a Summer Afternoon!

As Love Blooms imageTitle: As Love Blooms

Author: Lorna Seilstad

Publishing House/Publication Date: Revell/June, 2015

Genres: Christian Fiction; Historical Romance

Time Period: 1913 (late Progressive Era)

Number of Pages: 320

Series: Book #3 in ‘The Gregory Sisters’ series

You should read this book if… You are looking for a sweet, colorful and quick summertime story filled with quirky but lovable characters, and a compelling plot.The Gregory Sisters 1 & 2 Garden-lovers will delight in references to the stunning gardens and horticulture practices of the early 1900s, and this book is a must-read if you enjoyed the two previous titles in ‘The Gregory Sisters’ series, When Love Calls and While Love Stirs. Continue reading

Heartwarming and Down-to-Earth (and our first fiction review in a long time!)

The Midwife's Tale imageTitle: The Midwife’s Tale

Author: Delia Parr

Publishing House/Publication Date: Bethany House/2015

Genres: Christian Fiction; Historical Romance

Time Period: 1830 (early Victorian Era)

Number of Pages: 336

Series: Book #1 in the ‘At Home in Trinity’ series

You should read this book if… You enjoy laid-back stories that are compelling and heartwarming, while focusing on character development and growth. Equally enjoyable in this story are the many, obviously well researched facets from history, namely relating to the midwife profession of years past. Also, this novel features an older than average protagonist, perhaps increasing the appeal to a middle-age audience. Continue reading

An Uncertain Choice review

An Uncertain Choice imageBe transported back in time to the days of knights and castles, chivalry and honor, as you open the pages of Jody Hedlund’s newest work of fiction… An Uncertain Choice. Published by Zondervan in March of 2015, the novel is Ms. Hedlund’s first story intended for a teen audience, and the first in a three-book series. Additionally, a short-story prequel to the novel is available in e-book format, and reveals the interesting backstory from four years prior. As expressed by the author, the purpose of An Uncertain Choice is to bring medieval romance and adventure to life while imparting wisdom for modern-day readers to incorporate into their own lives and relationships. As an added tool for mothers and other leaders of young women, a carefully designed study guide Continue reading

Where Trust Lies review

Where Trust Lies headline

It’s been released! Finally, the long-awaited book 2 of the Return to the Canadian West series is available for patiently waiting fans. Where Trust Lies is the result of the mother-daughter collaboration by bestselling authors Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan, and was published in January of 2015 by Bethany House. Because this book is the sequel in a closely-knit series, it is highly recommended to read book 1, Where Courage Calls, before delving into the continuation of Beth Thatcher’s story. Interestingly, both books are also companion volumes to Hallmark Channel’s original television series, entitled When Calls the Heart. This exceptional program Continue reading

The Trouble with Patience review

The Trouble with Patience image

As the first book in the new ‘Vices and Virtues of the Old West’ series written by Maggie Brendan, The Trouble with Patience was published early in 2015 by Revell.   Although not as vividly real to life as many similar historical novels, it possesses endearing characteristics nonetheless. With an enjoyable setting and interesting storyline, this book is a fast, easy read.

Undecided whether this is the novel for you? Here are 3 reasons to read The Trouble with Patience… (And 2 reasons not to!) Continue reading

Like a Flower in Bloom review

LikeaFlowerinBloom_mck.inddNearly everyone can admit to an admiration of the color, mystery, and sheer imaginative variety of one of the most beautiful and smile-inducing elements of our world… Flowers! Not everyone, however, possesses the passion and enthusiasm for botany that Charlotte Withersby does – in fact, her entire life revolves around researching, documenting and collecting flowers. Just who is Charlotte Withersby, you may ask? She is the delightfully unorthodox heroine of a new Bethany House historical novel, brought to life by author Siri Mitchell in her latest inspirational release, Like a Flower in Bloom.

Set in England in 1852, this captivating story captures the struggles of one young woman who, although fictitious, represents Continue reading

The Secret of Pembrooke Park review

SecretofPembrookePark_mck.inddMany fans of historical fiction enjoy the Regency setting of Jane Austen’s era – a period of elegance and etiquette, when young ladies spent their days preparing for ‘the season’, and personal success was measured by the mastery of social graces. On the other hand, some readers prefer more intrigue, suspense, and action in their historical novels, even though it may be unorthodox for the time period. In either case, bestselling author Julie Klassen delivers a tale that is sure to appeal to both ends of the spectrum in her newest release from Bethany House, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. To fans of her previous works, including The Dancing Master, Ms. Klassen suggests that this novel may be her best work yet. Does her untypically strong focus on the mystery woven throughout the romance prove her right, Continue reading