What fun it is to open the first book of a new series with no expectations, and then discover a lovely story that captures your heart and imagination! “In the Shadow of Denali” was written by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, and is the first book in “The Heart of Alaska” series. Published by Bethany House in 2017, this book weaves fascinating facts about the history, geography, and biology of the untamed land of Alaska in the early 1900s into a story filled with memorable and dynamic characters. Continue reading
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. 
“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… 
The 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. 
I just finished one of the best books I’ve read in 2016, written by my all-time favorite author Michael Phillips. This story will hold a treasured place on my bookshelf, as well as in my heart, always. What book am I referring to? Well, it is the second in a Bethany House series called the “Secrets of the Shetlands”, which began in May 2016 with “The Inheritance”. The newest installment, which I just finished reading, is called “The Cottage”. Finally, the series will be wrapped up next summer with “The Legacy”. (And I can’t wait!) Each of these books is very closely interwoven, and picks up almost immediately after the previous book comes to a close. 
Dee Henderson is the popular and award-winning author of many bestselling series, but honestly, after reading her latest novel, I don’t see what all the hype for her writing is about. “Traces of Guilt: An Evie Blackwell Cold Case”, was published by Bethany House late in 2016. It is presumably the first of a new series, but is somehow connected to many of Henderson’s previous books as well. In any case, I was excited to dive into what I hoped would be a fascinating mystery filled with twists and turns as a years-old mystery is finally solved. That’s what a cold case mystery novel is, right? Unfortunately, not so much…
“A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats”. This is the tagline for a new book called “The Domino Effect” written by Davis Bunn and published by Bethany House in the fall of 2016. I’ve read and enjoyed the intricate plots of Mr. Bunn’s work before, so I decided to take a closer look at this one too. Although the back-cover synopsis sounded extremely interesting and fast-paced, I still had one question…what exactly is a financial thriller? 
I adore Susie Larson’s writing style. It is warm and personal, sweet and conversational. So, when I discovered her newest book had been released, I couldn’t wait to read it… “Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith” was published by Bethany House in the fall of 2016, and as the title reveals, is focused entirely on the purpose and value of prayer in the life of a Christian. 
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 