THE HEIRESS AND THE WOODSMAN by CHRISTINE HILL SUNTZ

 Pubication date 11/8/26

THE HEIRESS AND THE WOODSMAN by CHRISTINE HILL SUNTZ is a beautifully written historical romance novel which takes place in Canada in 1837 against the backdrop of the rebellion. 

Charlotte Carruthers and her younger brother Simon have grown up playing the parts of Robin Hood and Little John in the woods around Edenbrook and the idea of taking from the rich to help the poor has taken root in Simon. Now Simon has disappeared and there are runours that he may have joined the rebel army, putting the ownership of Edenbrook at risk. Charlotte takes off on horseback to find him and save his inheritance. En route she has trouble with her horse losing a shoe and then with members of the rebel army, and is rescued by Joshua Robertson, who is on a mission of his own to save his indentured brother Henry. They set off together in Joshua’s cart, meeting many very interesting characters on the way……..

Both Joshua and Charlotte have suffered tremendous rejection, and as they travel through dangerous and rough terrain, they confide in one another and their friendship grows…….

I love the characters, the vivid descriptions of the Canadian setting and history, and the strong Christian message of hope running through the story. 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 my own.

FAITHFUL OF HEART by TRACIE PETERSON

 FAITHFUL OF HEART is the first novel in the A Minnesota Legacy series by TRACIE PETERSON. The story takes place in Minnesota in the late 1800’s, after the American Civil War that left so many widowed, orphaned and homeless. Dr Roman Taylor and Judith Stanford are both filled with compassion for the destitute, and each in their own way work tirelessly to help those in need, him with his medical training and her with her wealth. They are strongly attracted to one another, but will Roman ever be able to forgive Judith’s grandfather for causing his familymso much pain?…..

When Judith is summoned by James Ashton, the  grandfather she has never met who cut her father off for marrying a woman he considered below his station, to Minnesota, she first of all refuses to go. When Norbert Black, her grandfather’s lawyer, approaches her with a large bank draft from his employer that she can use in her charity work,she reluctantly goes with him……

The story is beautifully told, the characters well portrayed and the strong Christian message of forgiveness and redemption, backed up by Scripture verses,  is excellent.

I cannot recommend this lovely read strongly enough and am looking forward to the next novel in the series.

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 GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS by MELANIE DICKERSON

Publication date 17/5/26

THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS by MELANIE DICKERSON is a beautiful Regency romance novel with a lovely story and unforgettable characters. There is also a gentle Christian message running through the book.

Charlotte Robbins longs for love and family, having been orphaned when she was five years old. She grows  up at Mrs Southey’s school for young ladies and ends up teaching there. Although she is happy and has good friends, she longs for adventure. She bravely applies for a position as governess to look after Lord Brookhaven’s seven year old siblings. …..

William, the Earl of Brookhaven, has grown up with distant, unloving parents and spent most of his life at a strict boys’ boarding school.

These two unlikely people have a great deal in common, in spite of being at opposite ends of the social scale. William finds Charlotte refreshing and honest,  and far more interesting than the spoilt and selfish young women who are looking to catch a titled husband……

When Charlotte inherits a fortune and goes to London to meet and mix with the ton, things change for them both…….

There are secrets, there is unkind gossip, and Charlotte finds that being rich can be dangerous and often attracts the wrong kind of attention…..

I cannot recommend this most enjoyable read 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.

WHITEOUT by LYNETTE EASON and DANI PETTREY

 WHITEOUT consists of two thrilling romantic suspense novellas, each of which has well defined characters and a good Christian message.. Be ready for a roller coaster ride as you read BURIED in SHADOWS by DANI PETTREY and SNOWBOUND SECRETS by LYNETTE EASON. Both stories are fast-paced and  absolutely unputdownable, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

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 SPY KEEPER OF MARSEILLE by ROSEANNA M WHITE

 Publication date 7/7/26

THE SPY KEEPER OF MARSEILLE by ROSEANNA M WHITE is a beautifully told love story that takes place in occupied France against the background of WW11.

Zelie Bellerose is passionate about her country and wants to make sure sure her children grow up in freedom. She works as a spy for Alliance, part of the French Resistance under Navarre’s leadership  eventually taking his place …….

Marcus Laurent is a well known musician who is introduced to Zelie when he is released from a POW camp in Germany. He becomes a useful member of Alliance, using his position as leader of a youth orchestra to travel widely, picking up information and passing on coded messages to M16 in London……

Both Marcus and Zelie are passionate about music. In fact Marcus’ playing helps Zelie cope with her responsibilities and her worry about her children and mother’s safety……

As they desperately try to evade the enemies that are closing in on them, the members of Alliance, under Zelie’s competant leadership, deal with betrayal, imprisonment and loss, with great courage. never giving up on their mission to save their country. …..

In response to Marcus’ faith in God, Zelie learns to pray again, and we also see Marcus’ unconditional love and compassion…….

I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.

I cannot recommend this thrilling 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.

DAUGHTER OF THE REBELLION by JAMIE OGLE

 Publication date 12/5/26

DAUGHTER OF THE REBELLION by JAMIE OGLE is a thrilling read which brings to mind the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. I cannot recommend the novel highly enough for the exciting story that brings to life the brutality of the ludi,  with the history of ancient Rome, where, in spite of the acceptance of Christianity, idolatry, violence and slavery are still very much the order of the day. There is also a strong Christian message of deliverance against all odds as Telemachus and his fellow monks stand up for the underdog……

Felix and Adel’s relationship is beautifuly described together with their emotions. We see how the past has affected each of them…….

I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling thins for you.

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 LIGHT OF STARS by JENELLE HOVDE

 Publication date 14/7/26

THE LIGHT OF STARS is a beautifully written Regency novel by JENELLE HOVDE that takes place between Britain and India, London and Calcutta, with true to life characters, an exciting story and a good Christian message underlying it all. The descriptions of scenery are excellent and one can feel the hostility between the East India Company Moguls and the impoverished Indian labourers. Could there be more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye?…….

Sebastian Sinclair is torn between his desire to please his controlling grandfather, who expects him as his heir to head up the East India Company, and his Christian beliefs which are being nurtured by his missionary friend, William Carey.

He is sent to England to speak in parliament against the unfavourable judgments being made against the East India Company, and to marry Miss Katherine Grenville…….

BUT Kitty Grenville has other ideas! Apart from disliking Sebastian for his unkindness towards her when they met as children, she is tired of being controlled by her grandfather, who literally abducted her and her brother Edward from Hyderabad, leaving her distraught Indian mother behind. Her interests lie in astronomy and she wants to study in that field. She is also determined to find her mother……

I am not going to spoil things for you by telling you anything more. 

I cannot recommend this most enjoyable, romantic 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.