Controversy. Scandal. Desperation. These words were not ones I expected to use when describing the newly released Bethany House book entitled “A Heart Most Certain”, written by new-to-me author Melissa Jagears. The lovely cover image, the series name of “Teaville Moral Society”, and even the back-cover synopsis did not reveal what this book was truly about. While the storyline and plot did surprise me greatly, I was not, however, disappointed in my hope for a wonderful story. It was simply wonderful in unexpected ways. Continue reading
Bethany House
Fascinating Historical Description
I don’t usually recommend picking up a book located in the middle or at the end of a series without having read the earlier stories, but I recently did exactly that… “The Artisan’s Wife” was written by Judith Miller and published by Bethany House in 2016, as the third and final installment in the “Refined by Love” series. Although numerous references were made to the earlier stories (because each book is about a different member of the same family) “The Artisan’s Wife” still stood strong all on its own, and gave just enough explanation to make the recurring characters understandable without re-telling their entire stories! Continue reading
The Heartwarming Final Installment
After reading the “Return to the Canadian West” series conclusion, I feel as though I have reached the end of an era. “Where Hope Prevails” was written by Janette 
Oke and Laurel Oke Logan and published by Bethany House in 2016. Interestingly, this story plays three important but very different roles… First, it is (presumably) the final book in its series. Second, it is a spinoff story to the original “Canadian West” series published several decades ago. And third, it is a companion story to Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” television series. If you are unfamiliar with any of these connected stories, rest assured that after reading “Where Hope Prevails” you will undoubtedly find yourself not only picking 
up the rest of the series, but also speed-reading the original saga and devouring the entire 3-season-and-counting television series, too! Continue reading
A Fascinating Sequel
It isn’t very often that the second story in a series outshines the first, but that is exactly what has happened with the “Hawthorne House” series by Kristi Ann Hunter! “An Elegant Facade” is the new 2016 sequel to “A Noble Masquerade”, both published by Bethany House. According to Ms. Hunter’s website, the series will carry on for at least two more books, meaning that each of the four Hawthorne siblings will have their own story. Who is “An Elegant Facade” about, you ask? Well, it reveals the secrets of Georgina Hawthorne, and what a story it turns out to be! Continue reading
Is This the Book For You? Let’s Find Out!
She’s done it again, folks! Master storyteller Karen Witemeyer has crafted a tale that will capture your heart and imagination, and draw you in faster than quicksand… Published by Bethany House in 2016, Ms. Witemeyer’s newest book is entitled “No Other Will Do”, and is a “Ladies of Harper’s Station” novel. The question is, does it pass the expectations set by so many of her other books? Let’s play a little game I call “Is This the Book for You?” to find out! Continue reading
A Charming Victorian Tale
“Beloved Author Lawana Blackwell Returns With a Charming and Memorable Tale!” I couldn’t agree with this tagline more if I had written it myself… “A Haven on Orchard Lane” was published by Bethany House in the summer of 2016, and certainly is both a charming and memorable tale. Continue reading
Genuinely Unforgettable
Stepping into the world of an Elizabeth Camden novel is always a magical experience. The characters share their stories with dazzling lifelikeness, and the unique plot yanks you in from the beginning. Rarely are you disappointed! “From This Moment”, Ms. Camden’s 2016 Christian Historical Fiction release from Bethany House, is no exception.
Each character within this story, despite their role, is exquisitely drawn. As per a Camden novel, Romulus the hero and Stella the heroine are unexpected and unorthodox, but utterly charming nonetheless. Their strengths, weaknesses, and ambitions make them approachable and human. Unquestionably, each character within “From This Moment” truly makes the novel an unforgettable one. Continue reading
The First (For Me), But Not the Last!
“Fading Starlight” is the first book I’ve read by Kathryn Cushman, but it most definitely won’t be the last! Published by Bethany House in 2016, “Fading Starlight” is a contemporary story that weaves the past and present into one captivating narrative. The gift Ms. Cushman has for bringing her characters to life causes readers to feel as though they are watching a movie, not reading a novel, but this story’s merits don’t end there. Let’s take a look at three of the foundational elements upon which this story is built…
If you have ever been interested in fashion and design, even a little bit, this book will undoubtedly prove as fascinating for you as it was for me. Nearly the entire storyline is based upon a foundation of these elements, and the details are delightful to uncover. Continue reading
Two out of Three Impressive Novellas
“Secrets and lies. Danger that will never go away. Join three beloved masters of Romantic Suspense for novellas where the past will not stay buried.” With a tagline like this, fans of Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and/or Lynette Eason won’t be able to resist a new three-novella collection published by Bethany House and entitled “Sins of the Past”. Each novella is a standalone, and they are not related to each other in any way. Because of this unique feature, I will briefly share my thoughts about each one individually: Continue reading
Don’t Miss This Incredible Blessing
A new little volume released by Bethany House in 2016 should become required reading for any Christian going through hardships and times of pain, suffering, and confusion. “Finding God in the Hard Times: Choosing to Trust and Hope When You Can’t See the Way” was written by Matt and Beth Redman, the songwriters of a life-changing 
worship piece entitled “Blessed Be Your Name”. Although small in size and less than 150 pages in length, this little book packs a punch that may forever alter your view of trusting God through hard times. Incorporating the lyrics of their beloved song into each chapter of the book, the Redmans point readers towards the trust and hope that is available to us all, even in a world of darkness. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 