"Becoming Us" by Robin Jones Gunn

Having read several Todd & Christy books, I was super excited when I realized this book was a continuation of their life together.

Becoming Us (Haven Makers Book 1) by Robin Jones Gunn is a tale of friendship and forgiveness. It details not only how Todd & Christy become “us” with a new life away from his family, but also how Christy and her friends become a tribe.

This book made me yearn for my own DOE group. I have a tribe, although just four ladies. We are at that time in our lives, all busy with our own families, where we don’t have much time for each other. However, these are ladies I could call in the middle of the night and they would come. These are shoulders on which I have cried and those that I have supported.

Ladies need shoulders… a tribe for when we are angry with our husbands, our children and even ourselves. We need shoulders not only for life’s disappointments but also to share our triumphs. We need shoulders for dinners, movies, and weekend getaways.

I loved the “Welcome to Womanhood” party. I only wish this book came out a few years ago. The party is so sweet and endearing. Making your girls feel a part of a tribe rather than dirty, alone, ashamed, or ugly.

Most importantly, Robin reminds us to always live for your King of Kings!

Publication Date: May 7, 2019

Genre: Christian Fiction, Religious Fiction, Chick Lit

Cover: Perfect

Rating: 5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

#BecomingUs #NetGalley

"A Bound Heart" by Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz’ “A Bound Heart” is the story of childhood friends Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall who grew up together on the charming and beautiful isle of Kerrera (off the Scottish coast).

Although they had many of the same opportunities as children, they lead quite different lives as adults; Magnus is Laird of Castle Kerrera and Lark is the Keeper of the Bees. Lark has always been quite fond of Magnus and was heartbroken when he returned a few years ago to the isle with a wife. So, she busies herself taking care of her elderly Granny and her beloved bees. She also has a flirtatious friendship with the handsome captain of the Merry Lass, Rory MacPherson.

The inhabitants of the isle soon learn that Magnus’ wife, Lady Isla, hates the isle and living there. She is mean, rude and often physically ill. Furthermore, she does not like “the help” to be seen (including Lark). Matters only worsen when she is unable to produce an heir. Lady Isla is desperate to have a child and dies after ingesting one of Lark’s potions. Lark is soon tried and found guilty or murder. Lark and Magnus’ trials and tribulations and ensuing love story comprise the rest of the book.

Both Magnus and Lark are Christians and Frantz reminds us that it is “better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman” and also that “husbands, love your wives.” She also reminds us that “the true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good!”

If you require a lovely historical romance, this is for you! Frantz describes the isle of Kerrera so beautifully you will feel as if you are there. This book is great for any age reader.

Hoping that this may become a series (although the cover did not designate as such). I would love to read more about their lives after the ending of the book.

#ABoundHeart #NetGalley

Publication Date: January 1, 2019

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Scottish

Cover: Stunning and absolutely perfect!

Rating: 5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden

I love that the main female characters in Elizabeth Camden’s books are always strong, smart, independent women. The main character in “A Daring Venture” is no exception. 

This is the story of Doctor Rosalind Werner who is no stranger to sadness. Her parents died from a water-borne disease when she was young. She was forced to live with a relative who later died, forcing both her and her brother, Gus, to move to Germany and live with yet another relative. She has dedicated her life to saving as many people as she can from the same type of horrible death as her parents. Rosalind is also struggling to live in her tiny house with her brother and his German wife, Ingrid who harbors ill feelings toward Rosalind as they were forced to leave Germany because of a scandal involving Rosalind.

She and her associate, Dr. Leal, are trying to convince the world that chlorine is the answer. It can kill harmful bacteria and is safe. However, not everyone is easy to sway, especially the handsome Nicholas Drake who just happens to be the newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York.

Nicholas has lots of issues, too. He is from “new” money, his aunt is trying to exact revenge upon him, his sister, and his sister’s family and he finds himself attracted to Rosalind, who is on the other side of the cholrine debate.

One issue in this book really resonated with me. Nick was in charge of moving the residents of five towns so that a new reservoir could be created. I empathized with the folks of those towns who were angry and upset that they were going to be “bought out” and forced to move. I live in an area that was purchased by the government and flooded in 1933 when the Tennessee Valley Authority built 40 dams to control flooding and create cheap electricity. People lost their family farms, homes and livelihoods.

My favorite part of the book is when Dr. Leal, Rosalind’s associate, tells her that “all God asks of us…” is to “do our best with what we have.” What a great reminder!

This is the second book in the series, but it is a standalone story. I have not read the first (yet), but it in no way inhibited my enjoyment of this one. The third book, “A Desperate Hope” comes out Feb 5, 2019.

Publication Date: June 5, 2018

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, 20^th Century

Cover: Perfect

Rating: 4 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice Book #3)" by Nancy Mehl

“Blind Betrayal” is not your typical, run of the mill, syrupy sweet Christian fiction book. The third installment in the Defenders of Justice series by Nancy Mehl is a nonstop, action packed thrill ride! It is well-researched, very realistic and an excellent story. Having never read a book by this author, I was unsure about beginning with a book other than the first in the series, but it in no way hindered the story or my enjoyment.

Casey Sloane’s latest assignment is escorting a witness from St. Louis to Washington to testify in front of a grand jury. However, before she and her partner can even leave town, the Marshal’s Office is attacked. Are the two events connected? Is there a mole in the Marshal’s Office?

Casey, her partner, and another Marshal (a handsome man from Casey’s past) go on the run to hopefully deliver the witness unharmed.

I highly recommend this book and have found a new Christian fiction thriller series and author! I would start the first if you can, just because this one was awesome and you will want to read the others when you finish.

Publication Date: April 17, 2018

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Cover: Perfect

Rating: 5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"In Places Hidden (Golden Gate Secrets Book #1)" by Tracie Peterson

Caleb Coulter, an attorney in San Francisco, is known for his character and deep faith. The decision to defend his friend Patrick Murdock, who he believed to be falsely accused of murder, came easy for him. However, it seems to be a decision that may have cost him his life.

Headstrong Camrianne Coulter travels to San Francisco in an attempt to find her brother Caleb as their family has not heard from him in three months. Along the way, she makes friends with two other young ladies traveling to San Francisco and agrees that it would benefit them all if they stayed together at her brother’s home and pooled their resources to live and search for Caleb.

The trail seems mostly cold by the time she arrives, but with she and her friends begin their investigation which leads them to take a look at the pollical corruption abounding in the city. Caleb’s business partner, house servants and even Patrick are not honest with her and she begins to feat that she will never find Caleb, dead or alive.

Several beautiful biblical truths/stories are woven throughout the book: we are all the same in the eyes of God, God is always waiting for you to return to him no matter how far you may have strayed, God has a plan for each of us, and The Prodigal Son. My favorite, though, was trust God, no matter your circumstances!

One of my favorite lines in the book was “Camri refrained from pointing out the celebrating Christmas didn’t make one a Christian.” Isn’t that the truth! Sometimes we all need to be reminded of that.

I can honestly say that I have never read a Tracie Peterson book that I did not like and this one is no exception. It was interesting and well researched. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series to find what happens with her two friends, Judith and Kenzie and how their mysteries are resolved. The second book in the series, “In Dreams Forgotten” will be published on July 3, 2018 and tackles Judith and the hunt for her long-lost aunt.

Publication Date: April 10, 2018

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Mystery,  Historical

Cover: Perfect (and beautiful)!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"Out of the Ordinary (Apart from the Crowd Book #2)" by Jen Turano

"Out of the Ordinary (Apart from the Crowd Book #2)" by Jen Turano

Gertrude Cadwalader is employed by Mrs. Davenport as a companion, but she is so much more: model of Mrs. Davenport’s strange hair and clothing designs and returner of stolen goods. Mrs. Davenport is not a thief, not really, as she doesn’t keep the things she steals, but tasks Gertrude with returning them. This setup works pretty well until Mrs. Davenport swipes some things during a party on board the Sinclair yacht. Later, Gertrude is caught by the Sinclair matriarch while trying to return those items.  Things become a bit tricky as Gertrude is friends with the Sinclair heir, Harrison, who happens to be quite handsome.

I loved the setting of the yacht and the part of the story that takes place on it.

I also loved the theme of “God doesn’t expect His children to live ordinary lives, but extraordinary ones.” Such a great reminder to hand your “life over to God, trusting Him to lead the way to the path of extraordinary.”

I won’t lie, I would have loved a bit more of Mrs. Davenport and her mystery. It played such a small part in the story and unfolded rather quickly.

Also, I was surprised to find this is the second book in the series as the print copy had no number on the cover, spine or cover page (it did say “Apart From the Crowd”).

This is my first Jen Turano book, but it won’t be my last. She is an excellent Christian Fiction writer and the book was first-rate.

Publication Date: November 7, 2017

Genre:  Religious, Christian Fiction, Historical, Romance

Cover:  Lovely (would have enjoyed  seeing Gertrude in one of Mrs. Davenport’s outlandish outfits… perhaps on the back.)

Rating: 4 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

What do two murders committed over 100 years apart have in common? Kaine Prescott races to find out before she is the next victim.

After her husband Danny’s “accidental” death, Kaine believes she is being stalked and gaslighted. Determined to make a change and escape San Diego, she buys the local “fixer-upper” haunted house in Oakwood, Wisconsin after only seeing an online advertisement as Oakwood was the home of her great-great-grandmother, Ivy.

It seems, however, that the stalker has followed her to Oakwood and the house on Foster Hill. Strange things begin happening and Kaine feels like she is losing her sanity. Unlike the San Diego police force, the Oakwood police don’t believe that she is merely suffering from PTSD and imagining the odd things going on in her life.

Kaine makes quick friends and soon discovers that the house on Foster Hill was the site of a murder that involved Ivy and a missing infant many years ago. She feels a kinship with Ivy as they both understand that grief is “a high currency to pay for loving someone.”

Kaine learns everything she can about Ivy and learns that Ivy was an oddity in Oakwood. Ivy assisted her father during postmortem examinations and even kept a death journal so that everyone she knew who died would never be forgotten.

“The House on Foster Hill” is an excellent mystery.  Throughout the book, the characters learn that no matter the circumstances, there is always hope. Heaven is the future and “there is no despair in eternity, in God’s presence, in His perfection. There is only hope. He is my hope.”  

 

Publication Date: November 21, 2017

Genre:  Thriller, suspense, mystery, Christian fiction

Cover:  Perfect!

Source:  I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4 stars

"Where We Belong" by Lynn Austin

“God knows when the hour of our end will be” and “rich or poor, we each have a God-given calling to fulfill” are the primary themes of this novel. Rebecca and Flora Hawes are sisters who truly take this to heart and spend their lives finding and fulfilling God’s calling. They don’t let Victorian standards get in their way. Thanks to their Father, they don’t spend their days attending parties and looking for husbands but travel the Earth in search of and accomplishing their calling.

This book is five large sections with one from each of the four main character’s point of view. Rebecca’s stories sandwich Flora, Soren and Kate’s and tell how their lives intertwine.

The book begins in the Sinai Desert in 1890 and spans 30 years. The chapters jump to a different time in the sister’s lives before returning to 1890. With some books, this can be confusing but not in this case. As with all Lynn Austin novels, the timelines were well thought out and executed.

This book was very well researched. I enjoyed learning about Chicago, the Sinai Dessert and the Monastery of St. Catherine. The author’s descriptions made me feel as if I was there and a part of the story.

Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end as this book was based on two sisters who really existed!

Release Publication Date: October 3, 2017

Genre:  Fiction, Historical, Christian

Cover:  Beautiful and absolutely perfect!

Source: I received this book from the publisher, BethanyHouse, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 5 stars

"Cherished Mercy" by Tracie Peterson

 

 

 

I love Tracie Peterson and have read many of her novels; I was looking forward to reading “Cherished Mercy”, which is the third and final book in her Heart of the Frontier series. She tackles lots of tough issues including the treatment of natives by the government, murder, rape, racism and adoption.

The book begins with Mercy Flanagan receiving a letter from a family friend requesting that she come to her aid as she is having a difficult pregnancy and could use her assistance as a healer, housekeeper, and baby sitter. Mercy struggles with the decision. She wants to help her friend, but does not want to leave her family. To travel to her friend, Eletta, would mean traveling to an area in Oregon where the native people are clashing with the white people who are invading their land. Some natives are peaceful, but many are not. Not only is this frightening, but Mercy also has a history with Native Americans. She survived the Whitman Massacre and was taken captive along with her sisters as a child. They were treated horribly and abused, but all survived.  However, the vivid memories haunt Mercy as does her sister’s child… a child that was adopted by Eletta at birth.

Mercy chooses to assist her friend, Eletta. Along the way she meets many natives and Adam, Eletta’s Brother-In-Law. The local tribe seems friendly enough, but rumors or massacres are running rampant. Will there be peace in the Rogue River Valley? If so, will Mercy survive it?

“Cherished Mercy” was a great read and an excellent reminder of how important prayer is in our daily lives.  It also reminds us that “faith isn’t faith unless it’s tested” and  God always has a plan! The book is a reminder of how important peace is and that we must fight for it.

I have not read the first two books in the series, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment. The author gave just enough tidbits about the first two so that everything made sense. She also researched the well and gave excellent descriptions of life in that era and the Oregon area.

Release Publication Date: September 5, 2017

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Western, Frontier, Historical

Cover: Perfect

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher, BethanyHouse, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4.5 stars

 

 

"The Return" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

What does true love look like? We tend to think of it as Prince Charming coming to sweep us off our feet or true love’s kiss awaking us from “The Sleeping Death.”  True love or agape love is sacrificial love. What does that look like?

In “The Return” (Amish Beginnings #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher tackles true love and several controversial topics: jealousy, Indian raids, kidnapping, racism, hatred, bigotry and vengeance.
Several children are kidnapped when an Indian raiding party attacks homesteads in Pennsylvania. We discover how they were treated, how those left behind felt and how some involved became bitter and angry and turned to unlawful methods as an outlet for that anger. We learn that “Vengeance is a dangerous master to feed. Its appetite has no end.”

But we also learn that people can change and about kindness, forgiveness and love… true love. A character in the book risks his life to right a wrong not once, but twice. He defends and helps those who cannot help themselves at great risk. Throughout the book the characters grow and learn that no matter what, they belong to the Holy One even when they belong to no one or no group on Earth.

This is the third book in the series. Not having read the first two in no way hindered my enjoyment/understanding of this book. There were a couple of references to prior events, but those were explained. The author also included a cast of characters and short note explaining the time line at the beginning of the book.

Solid 4.5 stars for this excellent reminder that “God doesn’t answer our prayers because we wish Him to. And he doesn’t dislike the people we dislike either. That would amount to making God in our own image.”

Release Publication Date:  August 1, 2017

Genre:  Christian fiction, Amish, Mennonite, Indian, romance

Cover: Perfect!

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4.5 stars

"The Pony Express Romance Collection" by Various

It’s amazing to think that something as ingrained in American history such as the Pony Express was only in operation for 19 months! “The Pony Express Romance Collection: Historic Express Mail Route Delivers Nine Inspiring Romances” is full of interesting facts. For example, they looked for riders who were quite young: between 12 and 18. The smaller and lighter, the better. They also preferred orphans and women were not even considered. You will find these and other interesting facts in the book.

As mentioned in the title, the book contains nine short stories. They all take place within a short time frame and each romance centers around a Pony Express station/stop and tackles issues like bigotry, racism, slavery, prostitution, abuse. The primary characters are also concerned with new telegraph line being constructed as it signals the end of the Pony Express and their jobs.

The common theme throughout these stories, other than the Pony Express and romance, is a character believes that God either does not love them/care about them or does not listen to their prayers. Throughout the story, the character finds him or herself praying/seeking God and realizing His love for him or her. Great reminders that “When god doesn’t answer the way we want Him to, it’s because He knows what’s best for us better than we do.”
I enjoyed “The Gambler’s Daughter” and it’s reminder that “God never leads us to sin”. Set on Christmas Eve in 1860, it is the story of a young lady who sets out to find her father and instead finds romance.

I found that some of the stories seemed to have a similar storyline and appreciated the last couple as they were a bit different. Women were not prized for their ability to cook and clean, but as a horse whisperer and stable hand. However, this is still a good book and would be great for any age as it is clean and has good lessons.

Release/Publication Date:  March 15, 2017

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Western, Romance

Cover: Perfect.

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!

Rating: 4 stars

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate

I reserve 5 full stars for books that move me and stay with me long after I have finished them. “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate was one of those books!

The book details the lives of seven siblings. It travels through their births to their elderly years seamlessly telling the story of how they were stolen from their parents and placed in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society where unspeakable acts were perpetrated against children, the birth parents and adoptive parents.

The book begins with Avery Stafford who has moved back home to assist her mother and father, a Senator, with his public life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her grandmother, Judy, has just been moved to the memory care unit of a premium care assisted living facility as she has been diagnosed with dementia.  The Senator and his staff are trying to juggle that choice, his illness and a scandal involving corporate-owned facilities. Avery attends a meet-and-greet at a facility with her father and meets May, an older lady who mistakes her for both her sister Fern and then her mother, Queenie. While Avery is distracted, May slips an heirloom bracelet from her wrist. When the worker’s retrieve it, May claims it is hers. When Avery returns to retrieve it, she sees an old photo in May’s room. Her curiosity is piqued when she notices the resemblance of the lady in the photo to her grandmother, Judy. When she visits her grandmother to ask her, she tells her to burn all her appointment books/journals at her home.

The resulting story is Avery’s hunt for the truth. “Secrets have a way of coming out. Secrets also make you vulnerable to your enemies, political or otherwise.” Avery must tread carefully; everything her family does or has done is scrutinized. We are reminded that “secrets ain’t a healthy thang, no matter how old they is. Sometimes the oldest secrets is the worst of all”. Is that ever the truth!
Throughout, she begins to question the path she has chosen for her own life. May tells her “a woman’s past need not predict her future. She can dance to new music if she chooses. Her OWN music. To hear the tune, she must only stop talking. To herself, I mean. We’re always trying to persuade ourselves of things.” Such great advice. We often choose someone else’s path for our life. We are reminded to “dance within the music of today, or we will always be out of step”.
It also delves into dementia, assisted living and caring for our loved ones as they age. “This music of old age… it isn’t made for dancing. It’s so… lonely. You’re a burden to everyone.” Wow… go visit your grandmother!

I am the type of reader that loves stores that are based in truth. This one was. The Tennessee Children’s Home Society and Georgia Tann, did exist and committed terrible atrocities. Do a bit of research; you will be appalled.

This story touched me in so many ways. As a child, my sister and I were often shuffled between family members after the death of our mother at ages 2 and 5. I think that we share an even stronger bond because of that. This book describes that bond so beautifully. “The love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof.  It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever present as a pulse.” Another character said, “The heart still know. It still know who it loves”. Indeed it does!

Read this book. It will make you cry. You will be glad you did.

Release Date: June 6, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 5 stars

“Love’s Compass” by Carla Gade

If you enjoy historical fiction, westerns or Christian fiction, “Love’s Compass” is an ideal book. The author writes of love, faith, God, racism and bigotry.

Eliana Van Horn is not your typical female; she is daring, accomplished and takes up for others. She assists her father in his photography studio and then on an expedition during which they travel through Colorado and New Mexico. Since no single female would be allowed to do so, she disguises herself as a man and poses as her father’s son. Along the way, she meets Yiska Wilcox who is a half breed who joins them on their expedition as a guide.

The author vividly describes the area through Yiska’s writings and makes you feel as if you are there. The author also discusses God, prayer and his love for us simply and beautifully. “it’s not the work we do that gets His attention. It’s a humble heart that seeks Him…He hears us because of His love for us, nothing more.”

Giving “Love’s Compass” four stars. It is a lovely romance with a couple of surprises toward the end. Great clean read for just about any age. Perfect travel/beach/car read.

As a bonus, you will also receive “Pride’s Fall” by Darlene Franklin. It is a historical romance, as well.

Release/Publication Date: April 1, 2017 (previously published as “The Shadow Catcher's Daughter”)
Genre:  Historical Romance, Western, Christian Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 4 stars

“My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary” by Susan Page Davis

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

“My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary” by Susan Page Davis is a selection in the My Heart Belongs series which is a series of Christian romance novels set in different cities/areas in the US by different authors.

The book begins with an unwilling 14-year-old Carmela being forced by her uncle to “perform” at various venues by telling her story of being kidnapped and held hostage by Indians in the American Southwest. After her “performance” she runs crying from the saloon and is befriended by a young boy, Will, whos brother is a deputy marshall.  Will attempts to get his brother, Freeland, to assist Carmela. However, Freeland is quite busy with a prisoner and cannot assist until Carmela and her uncle have left town.

Fast forward five years. Freeland is riding with a prisoner on a coach that just happens to be carrying Carmela and her uncle who is still forcing her to tell the untrue story of her parents’ murder and following life with the Indians by telling her that she still owes him money that her father borrowed and that he has paid for her “upkeep”.  Her uncle even repeatedly tattoos her face so that she will appear credible.

While traveling, they find the next stage coach station has been burned and are subsequently attacked by renegades. The story continues with how they escape and run into Indians and outlaws along the way.

The author tackles several biblical truths: confession, forgiveness, being judgmental and true love.
Gave this one four stars. It is a good solid read, nice ending with a funny twist. Very clean… you won’t be embarrassed if your Mom or child looks over your shoulder.

“The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection: Hope Reaches Across the Centuries Through One Single Bottle, Inspiring Five Romances”

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

“The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection: Hope Reaches Across the Centuries Through One Single Bottle, Inspiring Five Romances” begins in Ireland in 834 AD where a monk is fighting to hide a bronze bottle from invading Vikings.  What is special about this bottle? It is filled with scripture and has a message in Latin engraved around the neck, “spero” which means hope. The bottle shows up throughout all five stories reminding the characters at their darkest hours to always have hope.

First, an Irish princess encounters a Viking warrior bent on revenge and teaches him to love your enemies! The details of Viking warriors and their ways of life were intriguing!

The second story, “A Song in the Night” is set in Scotland. One of the main characters was a bagpipe player. I would love to see that one made into a movie! Super scenery, music and characters. I could hear the bagpipes playing as I read!

New York in 1798 is the setting for “The Forgotten Hope” by Maureen Lang is the story of a young lady who longs to continue to work beside her  father as a doctor rather than become the doting wife that society deems she should be.  The story follows her as she assists during a yellow fever outbreak remind us to always rely on God and to not distance yourself from others in an attempt to not be hurt by life’s tribulations.

“A River Between Us” by Jocelyn Green is set in 1864 Georgia, during the Civil War. It is a sweet reminder to love your enemy! If you enjoy historical romances, check out her “Heroines behind the Civil War” series.

“The Swelling Sea” by Joanne Bischoff  is set in 1890 California at the lovely Hotel Del Coronado and reminds us to never give up.

The epilogue is also by Joanne Bischoff and ties all the stories up nicely. Very happy with the ending. Love that the prologue and epilogue are both mini stories themselves!

If you enjoy uplifting, romantic short stories, I highly recommend this book. All five stories were well written and engaging. They all remind the reader that no matter how dark or troubling your life is, there is always hope in God and His word!

"If I'm Found" by Terri Blackstock

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"If I’m Found" by Terri Blackstock is the second Christian Fiction thriller in a series (If I Run).  I love Terri Blackstock’s books because they depict the struggles and sin of real life. 

“If I’m Found” picks up immediately where the first book ends… with Casey fleeing from authorities after helping Laura Daly and her child to escape. The book follows their attempts to get evidence to exonerate Casey from Brent’s murder (the thing that started her running in the first book).  Casey is very resourceful and it is interesting read how she evades those searching for her.

Casey can’t turn off her desire to help others. Once again, she is almost caught and comes close to being murdered because of her need. At times, you want to yell at her to just stop and do what she needs to do to survive.

If you or someone you love suffers from PTSD, parts of this book may be hard to read. However, Ms. Blackstock writes of the disorder and ways to help those suffering. Hunting Casey and then assisting her gives Brent a purpose.

This book is Christian Fiction and the author discusses how to be saved and feel God speaking to you. She talks about prayers and how “none of those prayers go unheard. They might not be answered like you hope or think they should be.” “You might ask for a car, and God gives you a bicycle.” She also explains what it means to be “washed in the blood.” These passages are beautifully written.

I have read the first book in this series, too and can’t wait to read the next one to find out how Casey and Dylan are going to get enough evidence to finally put Keegan, Rollins and their buddies away! Notice the book covers when they are side by side as they make a cool larger picture. Truly enjoyed the note from the author. Read it and practice “intentional gratitude”!

"If I Run" by Terri Blackstock

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"If I Run" by Terri Blackstock is the first in a series (If I Run).  I have read several of the author’s books and enjoyed them all, so I was eager to read this one. She did not disappoint with this Christian Fiction thriller. If you enjoy Christian Fiction as I do, but get tired of sweet, sappy, “everything always works out perfectly” books, give Terri Blackstock a try! She portrays real life in her books; therefore life is not perfect for her characters, Christian or otherwise. People actually die in her novels… even nice characters!

“If I Run” tells the story of Casey who decides to run after stumbling upon her best friend’s (Brent) body rather than call the police. She does not call the police because she does not trust them. Enter Dylan, an old childhood friend, who is hired by Brent’s parents to find her. After searching the crime scene, Casey’s apartment, the vicious stab wound descriptions and doing a bit of research to learn more about Casey, Dylan begins to believe that perhaps Casey did not commit this crime. Still, he is determined to find Casey and get to the bottom of his best friend’s murder. Casey expertly evades Dylan throughout the book, but it is very believable.

Yes, they are both Dylan’s best friend, but do not know each other. This is explained by Dylan’s service in the Army and deployment to Afghanistan. 

The author expertly weaves Bible truths throughout her story. She discusses being able to depend upon God throughout life’s trials and tribulations: “Jesus never promised to erase his believers’ burdens, but he did vow to help carry them.” Loved the character of Miss. Lucy, her beliefs and background; super supporting character. She tells Casey that “The Lord sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to deepen us” and when Casey asks “why do we have to be deep?” She answers, “Because what good are we if we’re shallow? He can use us when we have some depth. He had sorrows, so why shouldn’t we?” Such lovely faith and devotion.

A great read that left me searching for the next book in the series (If I’m Found) which comes out on March 21, 2017. Notice the book covers when they are side by side as they make a cool larger picture. Be sure to read the note from the author at the end of the book!

"The Elusive Miss Ellison" by Caronly Miller

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"The Elusive Miss Ellison" by Carolyn Miller is a debut novel and the first in a series (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1). First, I loved the cover of this Christian Fiction Regency Romance. It was a perfect fit for the story and beautiful with its tones of purple and green.

Lavinia Ellison is the daughter of the local reverend and enjoys spending her days caring for the poor and sick in her village. Nicholas Stamford has become the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury and has returned to the village. Lavinia sees him as an irresponsible blackguard. Lavinia has lived her life without her mother as Nicholas’ brother ran her down with a horse while she and Lavinia were walking along the road when Lavinia was a small child. The book tells the story of how they learn to tolerate each other, fall in love and overcome the secret that Lavinia’s family has kept from her all of her life and learns toward the end of the book.

This book discusses forgiveness and the true outcome of it beautifully as “unforgiveness holds us slaves” and “is a slow rot, poisoning our soul, hardening our heart to God and to others”.  The author reminds us that “when we are quick to forgive every offense and wrongdoing, our hearts become softer and more responsive to God’s love until we are like our Savior, who was able to forgive all humanity as He hung upon  a cross.” The portion of the book in which Nicholas is curious about God and being saved was exceptionally well written and I even went back to read it again. Both biblical truths were nicely written and a joy to read.

 I found the book to be a tad slow in the beginning, but it wraps up nicely and the author resolves all the issues. All in all, a lovely read. Great for the beach or a road trip. I look forward to the second in the series (The Captivating Lady Charlotte) which comes out in June.