Approach with Caution (Guest Review by Hayley)

Kate Breslin has proven herself to be a masterful author.  After tremendously enjoying her last novel “Not by Sight”, I was eager to obtain a copy of her newest release, “High as the Heavens.”  Would her most recent novel prove to be as stellar as her previous?  Well… In some ways yes, in other ways,  I’m sorry to say definitely not.

“High as the Heavens” contains an absolutely phenomenal plot.  It is a dramatic, ever-changing saga of espionage, danger and secrets, and every reader will be left gaping at the page in shock at least once along the way.  In fact, to be completely fair, “High as the Heavens” holds one of the very best plots that I have ever read.  Additionally, not only is it a grand adventure, but it is also strengthened by many faith-building elements.  So what’s the problem? Continue reading

Thought-Provoking and Inspiring (Mostly)

“Infuse Your World—and Your Heart—with God’s Life-Giving Power”. With these words, Sue Detweiler invites us on a journey of drawing closer to the heart of God through prayer. “Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace” was published in 2017 by Bethany House, and is written in an interactive style with integrated study questions, journaling prompts, and more. Continue reading

Fascinating History in a Novel!

“London 1879: Forced to leave all she loves behind, she seeks a new life in a city bursting with opportunity, but fraught with danger”. Although these words only give a tiny peek into the story, they revealed enough to capture my interest in this first novel of the “London Beginnings” series. “The Captain’s Daughter” is a Historical Fiction novel written by Jennifer Delamere and published by Bethany House in 2017. While this story undoubtedly contains all the best elements of Historical Fiction including sweet romance, realistic characters and interesting setting, one other facet is unique to this book in particular… Continue reading

My First Supernatural Suspense Adventure. . . (A Guest Review by Hayley)

Supernatural suspense is not my normal genre of reading material. In fact, until now, I’d barely even heard of it. Still, when I read the description for Bethany House’s new release “Invitation”, there was just something I couldn’t resist. It promised thrilling mystery, perilous adventure, and gripping paranormal phenomena. Did it deliver on these promises? Oh yes, and so much more.

The four novellas contained within this book, each one from the minds of four bestselling authors, follow the journeys of a team brought together against all odds. Fighting supernatural darkness that is emerging throughout the world, this unlikely team comes together time and again to bring the power of God into victory, and the demons to their knees. Continue reading

The Final Chapter of the Belmont Mansion Saga… A Masterpiece

Have you ever read a book that was so beautiful, so masterfully written, and reached so far into the depths of your heart that any words you used to describe it felt woefully inadequate? That is exactly my predicament after reading the long-awaited conclusion to the unforgettable “Belmont Mansion” series by Tamera Alexander, entitled “A Note Yet Unsung”. Although several characters are recurring from the previous books in the series, (including Belmong Mansion, which is almost a character itself!) “A Note Yet Unsung” is a brand-new story all of its own. If you haven’t already guessed from the title, the primary theme of this novel is the art of music. Continue reading

A Whimsical, Grace-Filled Coloring Book

Do you enjoy adult coloring books filled with adorable, whimsical, beautiful-but-not-too-detailed illustrations which you can creatively fill with whatever colors you desire? And what if this charming coloring book was filled with Scripture verses, and also had an accompanying devotional page which highlighted each individual verse, and gave you ideas and insights to ponder as you color? Well, as I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, if you answered “yes” to these questions then I have the perfect book for you! “Words of Grace” was created by Jacqui Grace and Dee Arrand, and published by Bethany House in the spring of 2017. Continue reading

I’m Nuts About Books – Are You?

Recently Stephanie from Graf-Martin Communications and the Nuts About Books program shared a video and a question with bloggers in the monthly newsletter.  First, here is the video by Jocelyn Green, author of “The Mark of the King” (read my review for this book here).  Isn’t it a delight?!

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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