You know you are reading a book by a talented author when the words on the page form a story that is equal parts hilarious and tragic, messy and endearing. Kristi Ann Hunter’s second novel in the “Haven Manor” series from Bethany House Publishers is a close continuation of the first installment, and is entitled “A Return of Devotion”. This charming book draws you into the dilemmas of the characters from the first page, and had me scarcely able to turn the pages fast enough to discover how the heroine would get herself out of the terrible fix she was in! Continue reading
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Becky Wade is an amazing author whose stories sparkle with wit and whimsy, as well as characters who walk off the pages with their lifelikeness – from internal struggles to joyful triumphs and everything in between. Ms. Wade’s newest release from Bethany House is entitled “Falling for You”, and is the second full-length novel in the “Bradford Sisters Romance” series. 
A question for readers: Isn’t it fun when you adore the first book in a new series, then you anticipate the next installment for months (hoping you won’t be disappointed) only to discover that book number two is even better than the first?! For me, Jody Hedlund’s “Orphan Train” series from Bethany House is the perfect example. “With You Always” was an excellent Christian Historical Novel, but “Together Forever” resonated with me even more… Perhaps because I could relate to the characters in big ways, and I loved the inclusion of the young orphans – in search of new families – who really added to the story with color, vivacity, and depth of emotion. 
When dance hall singer Louisa Bell inadvertently stumbles into a position as governess for the two precocious daughters of Fort Reno’s Major Daniel Adams, well, a series of endearing and often hilarious antics are bound to follow! “Holding the Fort” is the first book in the delightful new “Fort Reno” series, and was written by Regina Jennings and published by Bethany House in late 2017. 
“With the greatest risks come the greatest rewards”. As one of it’s primary themes, this phrase is given many different layers and meanings in Roseanna M. White’s newest release, “A Name Unknown”. Before beginning this novel, I felt rather indifferent to it. I was neither excited about it, nor did I not want to read it. I simply thought I would give it a try, and had neither high nor low expectations for it. What I didn’t guess was that it would quickly rise to number one on my list of favourite books! 
I’ve read and enjoyed many of Karen Witemeyer’s novels. So with the new release of “Heart on the Line”, there was no question as to whether or not it would be in my TBR pile. As the second “Ladies of Harper Station” novel, “Heart on the Line” follows the story of Grace Mallory, a character we are already somewhat acquainted with from “No Other Will Do”. 
You aren’t supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, but sometimes it just can’t be helped! This was the case for me with Becky Wade’s newest novel from Bethany House Publishers, entitled “True to You”. Although I’d never before read a book by Ms. Wade, I just HAD to give this one a try, especially after reading the unique synopsis. . . To explain it simply: genealogist Nora Bradford and former Navy SEAL John Lawson work together to discover the secrets of a hidden ancestry, and soon begin to realize they make a perfect pair—until a wound from the past resurfaces and threatens to submerge any hope at a future together. As the first installation of the “Bradford Sisters Romance” series, this book did a fantastic job at not only creating John and Nora’s story, but also setting the stage for the other two Bradford sisters and their romances, too! 
Oh 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. 
“In the beginning, you were made well. Designed with divine imagination, shaped by sacred hands, and crafted by the Curator of creation. You and I were called good. We were already enough.” Such is the opening line of Jenny Simmons’ new release from Baker Books, “Made Well”. The subtitle describes it best: “Finding Wholeness in the Everyday Sacred Moments”. 
Sigh… I am quite sad. Why? Because one of the most intriguing, compelling and well-written novel series I’ve read in a long time has reached the end. Finished. Over. Forever. Isn’t that tragic? Roseanna M. White’s “Ladies of the Manor” series, published by Bethany House, began a year ago with the release of 