THE WOMEN OF OAK RIDGE by MICHELLE SHOCKLEE

Publication date 9/9/25

THE WOMEN OF OAK RIDGE by MICHELLE SHOCKLEE is the sensitively written account of a young woman, Maebelle Willett, who goes to Oak Ridge Tennessee in 1944 to work for the secret war effort named the Manhatton Project, which was apparently going to end the war.

Her niece, Laurel, who has chosen to write her thesis on the psychological effects of helping in the production of the atomic bomb, comes to stay with her Aunt Mae in 1979 hoping to gain information for her thesis. Although they get on well Laurel cannot understand why her aunt is reticent, even fearful, of sharing her experiences……

The two timelines, 1944 and 1979, blend well in telling an amazing story of friendship, love, duty, hard work, corruption, fear and blackmail. 

The characters are very real and their emotions are strongly portrayed.

The book is enfolded in a strong Christian message based on John 8:36 “If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

I cannot recommend this lovely, interesting and inspirational novel 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.

AN UNEXPECTED GRACE by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE

Publication date 20/5/24

AN UNEXPECTED GRACE is the third novel in The Jewels of Kalispell series by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE, but it can easily stand alone. It is a beautifully written book, with unforgettable characters and a strong Christian message on which it is based.

Both Johanna Easton St John and Parker Bennett are eager to follow the Lord’s leading in their lives, using their God- given ralents to His glory……

When Parker comes back to Kalispell in 1905 with the Franklin Travelling Theatre Group, a famous actor who has not only lost Johanna, his first love, but also seems to have lost  his first lost love for His Lord and Saviour, he has many things to put right in his life. First of all with his mother and sister, Cora, after not being home when his beloved father died, and then to see how he can help the widowed Johanna who is battling with a toddler and sick father. It also seems as though their little family’s lives are in danger……..

I love the way the authors take us right into their characters’ emotions…….

There are a couple of villains and many twists and turns in the story with the suspense making things very excitng. There are also some lovely characters such as matchmaking Marvella and three year old Emily St John ……

I cannot recommend this most enjoyable and inspirational book highly 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 STORIES WE CARRY by ROBIN W PEARSON

Publication date 7/10/25

THE STORIES WE CARRY by ROBIN W PEARSON takes place in  Glory Pryor ‘s precious bookstore, By the Book, in the small town of Gilmore. The story

is full of mystery and secrets buried in the hearts of characters, whose interactions uncover lies and hurts, hatred and jealousy. I like the discussions about quotations, which can turn quite ugly, and the underlying Scriptures that often come up in the most secular of novels. I love five year old Bennett who seems wise beyond his years and who often shows more grace than his mother……

This is a really lovely book which I cannot reommend highly enough for the great story, unforgettable characters and strong Christian message of forgiveness, family, unconditional love and redemption.

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

 Publication date 15/7/25

NO STONE UNTURNED by JENELLE HOVDE is a most enjoyable Regency novel which takes place in the small village of Bramnor in Sussex in 1811. The characters are interesting, and the story is full of twists and turns as Bridget Littleton, the pastor’s daughter who has a passion for antiquities, starts digging with her best friend Abigail Perry in Mr Perry’s field where the farmer has unearthed part of an ancient mosaic. This find could make Bridget famous and save Mr Perry’s farm.
There is a dispute about the boundary line. The new viscount of Hawthorn Abbey, Captain Rafe Hawthorn, has been led to believe that the dig is encroaching on his land. He is desperate to make a success of the property he inherited from his estranged uncle before losing it, and Bridget is desperate to win a prize for her discovery in order to try and find her brother who is missing after being seconded into the navy……
After a poor start, Bridget and Rafe start working together to overcome one disaster after another…….
There is superstition, competition, betrayal and theft, as well as ugly rumours about the Hawthorn family, and criticism of Bridget’s unladylike behaviour.
The Christian message is strong and I like the way the author uses Scripture references, particularly out of Ecclestiastes, to show that man can do nothing of any worth without the Lord. We see how even the worst sinners can change when they turn to God. We also see how, even in pagan Roman ruins, there is some indication that a Christian was there. 
I cannot recommend this exciting and inspirational read strongly enough.
I was given an ARC of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own,

CANYON OF DECEIT by DIANN MILLS

Publication date 9/9/25

CANYON OF DECEIT by DIANN MILLS is a thrilling romantic suspense novel with unforgettable characters and a strong Christian message of the power of prayer and the trustworthiness of Father God.

Therese Palmer and Blane Garcner’s specialist skills complement one another as they go into the Guadalupe Mountains to find eight year old Alina Rurik who has been kidnapped by ruthless men. The Russian mob is involved and the hunt becomes more and more dangerous, especially as Therese and Blane and Blane’s superior officer in the Texas Rangers, feel that they have not been told the full truth. Time is running out, and how many more people will die before the truth is revealed?!…….

As they work together, Therese and Blane open up to one another about their past lives. Here we see their need to forgive themselves, and even, especially in Blane’s case, to forgive God…..

I cannot recommend this exciting and inspirational read 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.

WHAT THE RIVER KEEPS by CHERYL GREY BOSTROM

Publication date 12/8/25

WHAT THE RIVER KEEPS by CHERYL GREY BOSTROM is a beautifully written novel, with an interesting story, unforgettable character analysis, and strong metaphors. As the Elwha River is set free from the two dams that hold it in check, will Hildy Nybo be set free as things are uncovered that explain her unusual childhood, which has caused her to doubt her sanity? Her father understood her - they were always close. They shared a love of fish, nature, and carpentry. He believed in her and his unexplained disappearance has affected her badly…….

Hildy is a highly educated biologist, passionate about wild fish which the demolition of the dams will set free to breed and repopulate the river. She returns to her family home to  oversee a group of scientists who are working on this project.

Luke, Miranda Rimmer’s brother, is a carpenter who really “gets” Hildy. They grow close as she helps him do some work for his sister. Luke has also experienced tragedy. Will her secrets be safe with him, or will they chase him away?………

I cannot recommend this lovely read strongly enough, especially for the strong Christian message of loght in the darkness, forgiveness, deliverance  and redemption.

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

THE ANGEL OF SECOND STREET by BARBARA TIFFT BLAKEY

Publication date 1/5/25

THE ANGEL OF SECOND STREET by BARBARA TIFFT BLAKEY is the beautiful story of  Ida Dempsey and Blaine Prestcott who fall in love, both wanting to share their faith and live their lives to honour God……

It is 1884 in Eureka, California, and Ida’s first attempts to minister to the Chinese and the prostitutes in Second Street are disappointing. I like to see the gentle way Blaine supports her efforts…..

Blaine’s parents do everything they can to separate them, and we see how he tries to honour his parents without allowing them to control his life.

Ida also tries to honour her beloved aunt and uncle, whilst going ahead with her plans to share Jesus with the less fortunate.

There are many twists and turns, but through it all their love for the Lord and dependence upon Him shine through.

I cannot recommend this wonderful, heart warming and truly inspirational, read strongly enough. I see it is the first novel in the Enduring Hope series and I am looking forward to the next one.

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