SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE by T I LOWE

Publication date 10/3/26

SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE by T I LOWE is a beautifully written novel in which the authot deals sensitively with some difficult subjects, such as alcohol and drug addiction and family dynamics. The story will keep you riveted as you follow Junie Wilder in her journey to stay sober and show her brother Cy that she is capable of looking after her little daughter Fern. ……

On being released from rehab she goes tol live in the house in Sullivan’s Island where memories of her grandma Olla abound. She is desperately lonely and feels guilty for her bad behaviour, but, between her fatherly probation officer, handsome and kind neighnour Henry, Betty from her Methodist AA meeting, her friends from the Magnolia Nephilist Society, and Winston her canine friend, Junie gradually learns to foegive herself. ……

There is a strong Christian message, and  I like to see her relationship with God growing, as well as her desire to make things right with her brother…….

This is a story about second chances, redemption, determination, and the courage of a mother, who herself was neglected by her parents, striving to make up for her mistakes and become the best mother she can be for her daughter. 

I cannot recommend this lovely read strongly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely mu own.

A MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS by CHAD ROBICHAUD

Publication date 13/8/25

A MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS by CHAD ROBICHAUD  is a powerful story of faith, courage and sacrifice as we hear from the author, a former recon Marine, how he and his team go in to war torn Ukraine to help those who are suffering at the hands of the Russians. We see the truth about the brutal way they attack civilians and destroy the homes and the infrastructure of towns, leaving desolation and death behind them, and also evidence of chemical warfare……

As Chad says, “Nothing makes me so enraged as when I see innocent people, especially children, terrorized by evil men,” and, “how far away does someone have to be before we lose our compassion to help them?” He also says, “If we let politics get in the way of our compassion for people in need, then we should probably change our politics,” and, “there is never a wrong time to do the right thing………All it takes, is all you got.”

I like Chad’s honesty as he speaks of his own battle with PTSD, even as the founder and CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a non profit organization where thousands of veterans are helped throughout the world. He speaks about his battle with letting go of his worry for his son Hunter who joins him in the Ukraine, and for his family in general, learning to trust Gos with them.

I like to see how he and his colleagues pray together and minister to those on the battlefield, and support Ukrainian pastors and chaplains. Of his ministry to the suffering people in the land he says, “Mostly I prayed that they would know that God loved them and that He was going to be with them every step of the way - especially in the middle of so much hardship.” We also see how his own faith in God grows…….

I cannot recommend this excellent book highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Nelson Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

SPLENDOR OF THE LAND by CONNILYN COSETTE

Publication date 5/8/25

SPLENDOR OF THE LAND is the third novel in the King’s Men series by CONNILYN COSETTE. It is one of the most beauriful books I have read in a long time! It really spoke to me as all of this author’s books have done. There is biblical truth, emotional depth, suspense, adventure, betrayal, sacrificial love, bravery, and romance, all against the backdrop of the first book of Samuel chapter fifteen and verse six, where Saul warns the Kenites to leave their homes and lands as he is about to come against the Amelekites who are living among them. This decree, to destroy the Amelekites,  has come from Yahweh through the prophet Samuel, to finish what the Israelites had been told to do when they came into the Promised Land so many years before.

Gavriel, a soldier under Yonatan in King Saul’s army, has finally caused his commader to discipline him harshly for his drunken and reckless behaviour by sending him away to help Emmet, a captain who despises him, to help move the Kenites to safety. It is there that he meets his “little dove” Zahava,, and his life will never be the same!…….

The beautiful, although crippled, Zahava, is a brillian maker of red gold jewellery. Her father, Barzel, has taught her secrets handed down by their Kenite ancestors, because he is losing his sight. Her father is a godly man whi, with her mother, follows Yahweh closely. He is particularly protective of his family, especially his damaged middle daughter. Zahava’s mother tells her here how she got her name: “ “You father named you not for the gold that men pull out of the ground by the sweat of their brows, Zahava, ……but for that golden star shining like a beacon - like a blessing from on high - throughout the long hours he waited outside the tent, listening for your first cry.” “  Zahava says “ From my earliest memories my mother had sung a song about how the Creator had fashioned me with elements far stronger and more precious than pure gold,  just as he’d made that beautiful star with no more than a word from his mouth.”

Forging, blacksmithing and goldsmithing form an integral part of the story, and we are reminded of God, our Creator, who is forever refining us into His own image.

This novel really makes the Bible come alive and gives us so much background history to that single verse. I cannot recommend Splendor of the Land highly ebough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

DESIGNED WITH LOVE by TRACIE PETERSON

Publication date 1/7/25

DESIGNED WITH LOVE is the second novel in the Hope of Cheyenne series by TRACIE PETERSON, but it can easily stand alone. It is a beautifully told story of the redemptive power of God’s love, with two lovely romances and wonderful characters, as well as some intrigue……

The tragedy that occurs at Emma Johnson’s wedding to Tommy Benton changes her from a rather shallow, fun-seeking, young woman, into a seeker of the truth. When she returns to Cheyenne with Tommy’s brother Colton and his sister Rosie, she has a strong desire to make amends for her rebellious youth…….

I love the way the godly people in Cheyenne, together with Emma’s new faith and his sister’s childlike trust in the Lord draw Colton, the dedicated businessman, to seek the truth for himself.

I cannot recommend this most enjoyable and inspirational novel strongly enough. 

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

THE UNDERCOVER HEIRESS OF BROCKTON by KELLY J GOSHORN

Publication date 1/8/25

THE UNDERCOVER HEIRESS OF BROCKTON by KELLY J GOSHORN is the heartwarming story of two people of different social status joining together to help those affected by the horrific fire at the Grover Shoe Company in Brockton.in 1905. When firefighter Leo Erikson dances with heiress Henrietta Maxwell at the annual firefighters’ ball, although sparks fly, neither of them know what good friends they will become or just how much they have in common with their desire to help those in need as well as a shared faith in God. When Etta literally drops out of a tree on top of Leo, dressed in men’s clothing, with a skewed false eyebrow, he realizes that she is also a reporter for rhe Enterprise called Henry Mason ………

I love their sweet relationship, the ragging and support Leo gets from his firefighter father and brothers, and Etta’s determination to succeed in a man’s world.

There is heartache and betrayal, and of course the unavoidable hint of scandal…….

This is an emotional story told against the backdrop of heartbreaking loss.

I highly recommend the novel as a most enjoyable and inspirational read.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

EDGE OF TRUTH by JANICE CANTORE

Publication date 17/2/26

EDGE OF TRUTH by JANICE CANTORE is an exciting thriller with great characters and a strong Christian message of redemption and forgiveness running through it. Not only the forgiveness of others but of one’s salf as well! This is a well written story which will grip you until the last page. 

Lainie Jensen, a detective in Long Beach, and F.B.I. agent Ben Isaacs  are working a case together, trying to put Dallas Vine away for good. He has evaded justice too many times, and when both Lainie’s sister Evie and Ben’s partner and best friend go missing, the stakes are even higher. When Evie’s husband Stan comes under suspicion, things become really interesting…..

I cannot recommend Edge of Truth highly enough. 

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

PROWL COLLEEN COBLE

Publication date 4/11/25

PROWL is the second novel in the Sanctuary series  by COLLEEN COBLE, and another exciting story that takes place at the Lawson’s Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve in Nova Cambridge, Alabama. We come across many of the characters from the first book, including Paradise Alden, her soon to be fiance  Blake Lawson, his mother Jenna and younger brothers, Isaac and Levi, who are all desperate to save the preserve and all the animals against vicious threats and even murder, which are causing financial problems from bad online reviews. Somehow Paradise’s unfortunate childhood, largely spent in foster care after her parents’ murder when she was eight, is involved, as she is being threatened as well…….

The descriptions of the setting and the animals are really lovely, and there is also a sweet romance. I particularly like the strong Christian message of trusting God running through the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I do not want to tell you any more for fear of spoiling your read.

I cannot recommend this gripping and inspirational novel highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.