Disappointing, To Say the Least

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. Continue reading

A Beautiful Conclusion to a Fantastic Series – guest review by Hayley

img_0142Oh 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. Continue reading

An Unforgettable Retelling of a Timeless Story

img_0140Are 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. Continue reading

The Newest Heart-Pounding Installment of “Elite Guardians”

moving-target-imageAn island covered with designed-to-kill booby traps. Two people whose past returns to haunt them. And a madman bent on revenge. Doesn’t this sound like a thrilling novel that will suck you in and never release you until the end? “Moving Target” is the third book in Lynette Eason’s “Elite Guardians” series published by Revell, and is truly Romantic Suspense at it’s best. After reading the first two books in the series, I grew very curious about the story behind Quinn and Maddy’s relationship… Well, this book finally reveals all that, and so much more! Continue reading

Julie Klassen’s First Series

289895_innkeeperofivyhill_slider“Welcome to the English village of Ivy Hill, where friendships thrive, romance blossoms, and mysteries await. . . .” With these words, celebrated Inspirational Regency Romance author Julie Klassen invites us to step into the world of her first-ever series entitled “Tales from Ivy Hill”. The first book of this much-anticipated new series, “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill”, released in December of 2016 from Bethany House, with sequels to follow in December of 2017 and 2018. If you have previously enjoyed such memorable Klassen novels as “The Dancing Master” and “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”, let me just say this series is one you won’t want to miss… Continue reading

Great Writing + Humor + Mystery = A Delightful Story!

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What fun it is to read a novel by a new-to-you author, enjoy the story immensely, and then discover that author has already written numerous other books! This was the case for me with a new Bethany House book entitled “For the Record”, written by Regina Jennings. Set in the fictional town of Pine Gap, Missouri, this book is filled with the unique flavor of Ozark mountain life in the 1880s. Despite the unique setting, however, it still contains all that fans of Inspirational Historical Romances love and expect from their favorite genre. Continue reading

A Fascinating but Violent Conspiracy

conspiracy-of-silence-headerThe first book in Ronie Kendig’s new series, “The Tox Files”, is not for the faint of heart. “Conspiracy of Silence” is a heart-thumping book packed with action, surprise, and extreme danger on nearly every page. Of course, when the back cover of the book states “This is the way the world ends”, excitement should be expected. Adding a unique twist, this novel integrates history, specifically Biblical history, as well. “Study the past to define the future” is a quote by Confucius, and as an epigraph before the prologue, it opens up “Conspiracy of Silence” with on-target precision. Continue reading

A Unique Story Just in Time for Easter

the-dog-who-was-there-imageAs the Easter season approaches each year, I enjoy being on the lookout for new stories that highlight the theme of Jesus’ last days on earth. This year I found a story that is told from perhaps the most unique perspective I’ve come across so far – through the eyes of a small, innocent dog! “The Dog Who Was There: A Novel” was written by Ron Marasco and published by Thomas Nelson early in 2017. In this sweet and oh-so-endearing story, a little dog named Barley Continue reading

Live Life “Without Rival”

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Do you want to live a life without rival? Although I had never identified it in quite those terms before, a new book from Revell helped me realize that my answer was, indeed, yes! “Without Rival: Embrace Your Identity and Purpose in an Age of Confusion and Comparison” is the newest book written by bestselling author Lisa Bevere. With love, humor, and an upbeat writing style, “Without Rival” drew me in from the first page and helped me look at many aspects of Christian life with refreshing and often exciting insight. Continue reading

Cousins of the Dove Book #2

my-sisters-prayer-imageAfter a lengthy wait, the second book in Harvest House Publishing’s “Cousins of the Dove” series has finally been released! Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould have once again brought to life a fascinating tale which interweaves past and present into one compelling narrative called “My Sister’s Prayer”. Several characters are recurring and many are new, but the story itself is a natural continuation of the previous book entitled “My Brother’s Crown”. If you discovered the intrigue of that first novel, you won’t want to miss the continuing story of book #2! Continue reading