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
The Only Book You Will Need to Read on Prosperity! Guest Review by Tracy
“Poverty, Riches, & Wealth” by Kris Vallotton is likely to be the only book you will need to read on prosperity. The author writes for personal growth as well as small business and large business growth. I gained new insights I can use immediately, and also long-range thinking and planning. Continue reading
A Journey of Fantasy
Fantasy novels are a huge leap outside of my comfort zone… There, it’s out in the open and we are all aware of it! Therefore, when I accidentally received a new fantasy novel for review from Revell, I was a little apprehensive about this unfamiliar genre. In the end, though, it was an enjoyable experience. “The Edge of Over There” was written by Shawn Smucker, and is actually a sequel to his previous book entitled “The Day the Angels Fell”. I had not read this pre-story, and while I think it would have been helpful in fully understanding the continuing saga, there was enough history sprinkled throughout the pages for newcomers to follow along as well. Continue reading
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 New Study of Colossians in the Moody Bible Studies for Women series
I have come to greatly respect all of the Moody Bible Studies for Women, as they never fail to be in-depth, Scripture-based books that equip women with the perfect tools to dive into God’s word and discover the truths of the Bible for themselves. “He Is Enough: Living in the Fullness of Jesus” is a 6-week Bible study of Colossians written by author Asheritah Ciuciu, and published by Moody in the summer of 2018. While this book certainly holds to the high standards of each Moody Bible Study I’ve read, it also adds some new techniques, features, and ideas to the mix that bring the book of Colossians to life while teaching us new skills to use in our study of the entire Bible. Continue reading
Powerful, Helpful, and Engaging Book About Emotional Boundaries
I just finished reading a book that, upon completion, I promptly added to my personal list of most influential non-fiction books. “Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies” was published by Thomas Nelson and written by Alison Cook, PhD, and Kimberly Miller, MTh, LMFT. This book takes the complicated question of “Do your emotions control you or do you control your emotions?” and breaks it down into understandable, do-able, and ultimately life-changing practices that will truly transform you from the inside out. 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”)
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 