All stories affect us to some degree, but in some cases when the topic strikes such a chord in our hearts, we hold the story up beside our own lives as a filter to perhaps look at life a little differently than we did before. The issues surrounding slavery, and the courage of the men and women who helped the slaves escape their prison, are a prime example of a very poignant slice of history for many people. I have only read a handful of stories set during the Civil War, but Tara Johnson’s newest novel is definitely one of the most memorable. “Engraved on the Heart” was published by Tyndale House in the fall of 2018, and is a moving saga of courage, faith, and love. Continue reading
Secrets
A Haunting Yet Beautiful Story of Unlikely Friendship
“The Solace of Water” by Elizabeth Byler Younts is the type of story that stays with you long after reaching the final page. Published by Thomas Nelson, this book is an intricate tapestry that spans a vast range of emotions, from soul-numbing grief to the hope which only the redemption of Christ can endow. Although external action is not the focus of this story, the inner worlds of the three POV characters are compelling, heart-wrenching, and at times even haunting. Continue reading
You Won’t Be Able To Stop Reading This New Suspense Novel from Jaime Jo Wright!
Spellbinding. Terrifying. Unputdownable. “The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond”, Jaime Jo Wright’s newest release from Bethany House, weaves an unforgettable chain of events into a story that encases one mystery inside another – spanning more than a century of deception and intrigue. From the first page, you will be tugged into a world filled with dark secrets and hair-raising encounters, as “Two women, separated by a hundred years, must unravel the mysteries of their own town before it’s too late and they lose their future – or their very souls”. Continue reading
A Journey of Fantasy
Fantasy novels are a huge leap outside of my comfort zone… There, it’s out in the open and we are all aware of it! Therefore, when I accidentally received a new fantasy novel for review from Revell, I was a little apprehensive about this unfamiliar genre. In the end, though, it was an enjoyable experience. “The Edge of Over There” was written by Shawn Smucker, and is actually a sequel to his previous book entitled “The Day the Angels Fell”. I had not read this pre-story, and while I think it would have been helpful in fully understanding the continuing saga, there was enough history sprinkled throughout the pages for newcomers to follow along as well. Continue reading
A Second Visit to Nantucket
“Minding the Light” is Suzanne Woods Fisher’s newest release in the “Nantucket Legacy” series, a unique story filled with fascinating history, a secondary plot from an earlier generation (in the form of a journal), and the unique setting of Nantucket Island in the 19th century. Published by Revell in the summer of 2018, this story of the Quakers who made a living from the dangerous whale trade is a must-read for all of Ms. Fisher’s Amish fiction fans. Continue reading
A Compelling New Regency Series from Kristi Ann Hunter
Award-winning author Kristi Ann Hunter has released the first book in her brand-new “Haven Manor” series from Bethany House, entitled “A Defense of Honor”. Just like her previous novels, this new story is compelling, intriguing, and filled with endearing characters who walk right off the pages and into your imagination. I truly cannot wait for the next installment of “Haven Manor”, but first I must give you a word of caution about a major plot point that conservative readers (as I consider myself to be) should certainly be aware of. Continue reading
Not My Kind of Story
I wanted to like this book; I really did. A secret heir and a rags-to-riches story set in England… Sounds great, right? “A Most Noble Heir” was written by Susan Anne Mason and published by Bethany House, but apart from a promising premise this story just had too many faults to be truly enjoyable. Continue reading
A Poignant and Unforgettable Novel… It Will Take Your Breath Away
Have you ever read a book by an author who possesses the incredible ability to tell a story that crawls into your imagination and comes to life with the vivid clarity of a movie? Does that author also have the ability to plumb the depths of the heart and soul, bringing to light some of the questions we all have inside? For me, Charles Martin is just such an author. Although I’ve only read two of his books so far, both affected me deeply, and I don’t think I will ever forget the poignant tales that he shares or the quotes that are so filled with truth. Mr. Martin’s newest work is “Send Down the Rain”, and was published by Thomas Nelson in the spring of 2018. Continue reading
The Second Cimarron Creek Story
If you are a fan of Christian Historical Fiction, the name Amanda Cabot is likely one you’ve come across before. As the bestselling author of “A Stolen Heart” – book number one in the “Cimarron Creek Trilogy” – Ms. Cabot shares stories that will inspire your heart and intrigue your imagination. “A Borrowed Dream”, her newest book and the sequel to “A Stolen Heart”, was published by Revell in the spring of 2018.
“A Borrowed Dream” is a novel that truly contains a bit of everything… Romance, heartache, mystery, deception, joy, hate and love. Continue reading
Breathtaking and Unforgettable
Have you ever read a novel that was so remarkably unique, masterfully written, and utterly compelling that it almost left you speechless with amazement? Lisa T. Bergren’s new story, which is book number one in “The Sugar Baron’s Daughters” series, is a historical novel that is nothing short of a masterpiece, and will sweep you away to a time and place that seems almost like another world (but one that is vivid and alive and fascinating all at the same time). “Keturah” takes place in 1772. It begins in England, but through the course of the book we journey with the characters as they travel to a new life (though not the one they would have chosen) and the legacy their father left them on the Caribbean isle of Nevis. Continue reading