Christian Historical Fiction

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The Adventures of the McQuaid Family Continue

Jody Hedlund’s “Colorado Cowboys” series continues with the fourth story of the adventurous McQuaid siblings.  This time it is the only sister Ivy getting the spotlight, as “Falling for the Cowgirl” ropes us into a dramatic adventure.  

From the start, I always guessed who Ivy’s hero would be…
Jericho Bliss.  I knew this simply because we’ve witnessed her feelings for him grow and continue throughout the previous three books in the series, and it is high time this romance was brought to the forefront and given the attention it deserved!  Ivy as a protagonist is both entertaining and frustrating, because although her big heart cannot be ignored, her strong will is sometimes hard to take.  Jericho’s intentions towards her, to protect her from his own life choices, are admirable but as he quickly discovers, feelings can sometimes derail our best intentions. Continue reading →

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A Beautiful Story Featuring A Very Special Character

I don’t know how she does it, but Stephenia H. McGee’s new release from Revell is so vivid and real in my imagination that it feels more like a movie than a novel!  “The Secrets of Emberwild” is a beautiful, sweeping, and unforgettable story that I adored from start to finish, and if you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction it should definitely be high on your to-read list as well.   Continue reading →

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Riveting Yet Challenging – Beautiful Yet Dark – A Guest Review by Hayley

“The Lost Melody” is quite unlike any other book I have ever read, mostly due to the fact it takes place almost exclusively in the setting of the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum.

As usual for Joanna Davidson Politano, “The Lost Melody” is written in a  beautifully poetic style, with many thoughts and insights that are truly thought-provoking and intuitive.  Within just the first few chapters I began to get some distinctly Jane Eyre vibes from this novel, and it continued on throughout much of the story.  Plus, there is the usual mystery, intrigue, romance, and twisting, turning, spinning storyline that I’ve come to expect from this author.  I had several ideas as to how it would end, but it turned out to be none of them.  Not once did I guess correctly on how the mystery aspect of “The Lost Melody” would conclude.  I believe that is a sign of a very well-done novel.  Plus, readers of “A Midnight Dance” will appreciate a clever tie-in between these two books. Continue reading →

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A Masterpiece, and Stunning Series Conclusion – Guest Review by Hayley

The final book in a series has rather high expectations attached to it.  Especially in a series such as this one, where the characters and plots are intertwined so tightly, each book flowing into the next, and the entire series spanning only a single summer.  The final instalment is not only the completion of one story, but of the many tales of each character we have come to know. Continue reading →

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This Middle Story Is Filled With Surprises!


The long-awaited second story in Kimberley Woodhouse’s “Secrets of the Canyon” series is finally here!  Published by Bethany House in the late summer of 2022, “A Gem of Truth” was an unexpected and delightful journey of discovery – in more ways than one. Continue reading →

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So Much Life Is Held Within These Pages

What a beautiful, unexpected, ‘overflowing’ book this was!  What do I mean by overflowing?  Well, there was just so much story, emotion, and ‘living’ held within the pages of this story, that it truly seems to overflow with it all – in the best way possible…. “By Way of the Moonlight” was written by the amazingly talented Elizabeth Musser and published by Bethany House.  It is the second book I’ve read by this author, and it cements my opinion that she is unparalleled in her craft as a writer of emotional, multi-layered fiction that is not afraid to dive deep into the longings of the human soul.   Continue reading →

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Now My Summer Is Complete!

I know I’ve said it before, but I’m going to say it again – my summer would not be complete without reading a new Karen Witemeyer novel right in the middle!  “In Honor’s Defense” is the latest Bethany House release from this prolific and bestselling author, and it is definitely one of my favorites.  It is also the third and final story of the “Hanger’s Horsemen” saga, and so it ties up all the lose ends we’ve been wondering about. Continue reading →

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An Unhurried Story of Love and Forgiveness – Guest Review by Hayley

“Where the Road Bends” is a sweet story that historical fiction fans will treasure.  This was the first novel I’ve read by Rachel Fordham, and I was impressed by the unique story line. Continue reading →

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Janette Oke’s Legacy Continues

We’ve reached the end of an era, folks!  Janette Oke, along with her daughter Laurel Oke Logan, have just penned what I presume will be their last novel.  Of course only time will tell if the duo has any more stories up their sleeves, but perhaps Janette is at last ready for retirement after decades of bringing us some of the most iconic and beloved stories in the Christian Historical Fiction genre.   Continue reading →

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Not The Series’ Finest

The “Colorado Cowboys” saga continues in book #3, “To Tame a Cowboy”, written by talented author Jody Hedlund and published by Bethany House.  I know there will be at least one more book to come in the series later this fall, and I’m expecting two more – so that each McQuaid sibling gets to tell their story.  Filled with plenty of adventure and romance set on the Western frontier, “To Tame a Cowboy” is an interesting addition to the series.  But, it is not my favourite for a few reasons… Continue reading →