Secrets

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A Charming and Gentle Story – Guest Review by Hayley

The Summers sisters return to us in the second book of the “On Devonshire Shores” series.  Emily Summers is the main focus of this novel, although we do get to check in with Sarah as well, from time to time.

I greatly enjoyed the history in this book, with much of the story involving the Duke and Duchess of Kent (parents of the future Queen Victoria) and their historic visit to Sidmouth.  Although the visit ends tragically, the history was fascinating, as well as the effect that royal visitors had for the residents of Sidmouth. Continue reading →

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A Beautifully Crafted Story

Doesn’t the title alone just capture your attention right away?  It did for me!  “The Legacy of Longdale Manor” is the first novel I’ve read by Carrie Turansky, but now I have a hankering to go back and dive into some of her previous work because, well, it is very clear that she’s an amazing and talented author.   Continue reading →

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Unusual… And Beautiful

What a unique story this was, on so many levels…. “This Is Where It Ends” by Cindy Sproles is a slow, contemplative, redemptive, and far-reaching novel that is best slowly savored and explored, chapter by chapter.  It is repetitive, but in a way that makes the characters more real because, after all, life’s struggles can be repetitive, can’t they? Continue reading →

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Can You Believe, The Ninth Hope Harbor Novel Is Here!

My summer would not be complete without a visit to the seaside town of Hope Harbor, ‘where hearts heal… and love blooms.’  (And where Charlie’s fish tacos make my mouth water with every mention!)  Irene Hannon has been writing these stories for 9 years now, can you believe it?  Yes, “Windswept Way” is the 9th annual installment in the “Hope Harbor” series, and we have already been promised that a 10th novel is in the works for spring of 2024.  (Hurray!) Continue reading →

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The Only Bad Part Is… When We Reach The Final Page!

I can never pass up the opportunity to read new Christian Historical Fiction by an author I’ve enjoyed before…. Stephenia H. McGee impressed me last year with her story of “The Secrets of Emberwild”, so I was excited to discover what fictitious delights “The Swindler’s Daughter” would hold!   Continue reading →

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Healing For Your Heart And Wings For Your Imagination – Guest Review by Hayley

Having read three books now by Amanda Dykes, it is clear that this author possesses a divinely-bestowed talent with words.  Rarely have I read such poetic writing in a novel.  “All the Lost Places” brings readers this signature writing style in a very unique setting, one that I don’t believe I have ever seen before in a novel – Venice, and in two different time periods.     Continue reading →

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It Drove Me Crazy! (In The Best Sense :)

Wow, did this book ever drive me crazy – in all the best ways possible!  “In Love’s Time” by Kate Breslin is the type of story that snatches your imagination from the first page, and holds it captive right until the very end.  The twists and turns, the agonizing misunderstandings, and the beautifully drawn-out love story set in war-torn Europe were all written in such a way that I felt as though I were right in the midst of it all – and biting my nails as I witnessed it unfold! Continue reading →

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Amy Lynn Green Pens Another Treasure

To put it simply: anything written by Amy Lynn Green is a MUST-read for me!  “The Blackout Book Club” is her newest release from Bethany House Publishers, and as always it exceeded my expectations by far.  The influence of books and the power of friendship are two themes that shine so brightly from the pages of this story, and ensure that you will not come away untouched and uninspired… it simply isn’t possible! Continue reading →

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The Adventures of the McQuaid Family Continue

Jody Hedlund’s “Colorado Cowboys” series continues with the fourth story of the adventurous McQuaid siblings.  This time it is the only sister Ivy getting the spotlight, as “Falling for the Cowgirl” ropes us into a dramatic adventure.  

From the start, I always guessed who Ivy’s hero would be…
Jericho Bliss.  I knew this simply because we’ve witnessed her feelings for him grow and continue throughout the previous three books in the series, and it is high time this romance was brought to the forefront and given the attention it deserved!  Ivy as a protagonist is both entertaining and frustrating, because although her big heart cannot be ignored, her strong will is sometimes hard to take.  Jericho’s intentions towards her, to protect her from his own life choices, are admirable but as he quickly discovers, feelings can sometimes derail our best intentions. Continue reading →

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A Beautiful Story Featuring A Very Special Character

I don’t know how she does it, but Stephenia H. McGee’s new release from Revell is so vivid and real in my imagination that it feels more like a movie than a novel!  “The Secrets of Emberwild” is a beautiful, sweeping, and unforgettable story that I adored from start to finish, and if you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction it should definitely be high on your to-read list as well.   Continue reading →