SHADOW WITNESS by JANICE CANTORE

 SHADOW WITNESS by JANICE CANTORE is an exciting political thriller in which we follow Seargeant Kaycee Carlyle and Pastor Daniel Nelson in their search for the famous actress Jessie Jewel, a former classmate, who has gone missing and is in danger.

The story is fast paced, the characters are interesting and there are all the elements of suspense  that make an excellent thriller. 

I particularly like the strong Christian message of redemption as Kaycee and Daniel struggle with their faith. We also see, particularly in Daniel’s case, how the Lord can change people who turn to him…..

I highly recommend Shadow Witness to anyone who enjoys this genre.

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 WOMAN BETWEEN by FRANCINE RIVERS

 I have read and enjoyed all of FRANCINE RIVERS’ Christian novels and THE WOMAN BETWEEN has now become one of my favourites. Her books are well thought out and the characters unforgettable, with the Christian message forming not only the basis but an integral part of each story Her books are well worth waiting for!

The story takes place in the small town of Thurmond, California, in 1875. I love the description of the inhabitants and their involvement in one another’s lives. Amos Wainwright, as Sheriff, makes it his business to keep the town safe and checks on any newcomer arriving in town. When he comes across Clay 

Barrister, the son of his past nemesis, who reveals the past he has kept a secret for years, things get really ugly, and his beautiful daughter Emma becomes caught in between…….

Emma is well known for her service to the community. She lives to help others and feels that by doing so she is pleasing God. She thinks the best of people and makes excuses for them. She loves her father, but she begins to feel her life is no longer her own when he, wanting  to keep her safe, begins trying to run her life……

The book starts with two Scriptures, Romans 12:19 and Matthew 7:1-2 on the dangers of taking revenge and judging others, and ends with the meaning behind Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called accotding to his purpose”.

This is a story of forgiveness and redemption, as God reveals his grace, love and mercy to thos who seek Him.

I cannot recommend this beautiful book 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.

MATRIARCHS by PAIGE ALLEN

 MATRiARCHS by PAIGE ALLEN is one of the best women’s Christian teaching books I have read. It is encouraging as the author dives into the lives of the matriarchs of Genesis, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, showing us what we can learn from these mothers of our faith, with understanding and no condemnation, also telling us about her life and the times she herself has missed the mark! She also compares Eve and Mary and how their different responses to God’s promises have affected the human race……

This is the opposite of a self help book, In fact it is entirely the opposite! 

The book is divided into sections which include a summary at the end of each part and questions, which make the book suitable  for a discussion group.

I cannot recommend this truly inspirational 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.

SHE WILL END THIS by COLLEEN COBLE and RICK ACKER

Publication date 10/11/26

 SHE WILL END THIS by COLLEEN COBLE and RICK ACKER is an exciing political thriller that kept me engaged from beginning to end.   It was a real roller coaster ride which certainly kept me guessing, with interesting characters, some romance and a very well thought out plot. There is also a good Christian message running through the story.

I cannot recommend this excellent read strongly enough.

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

PRIDE AND PRACTICALITY by PEPPER BASHAM

 Publication date 4/12/26

PRIDE AND PRACTICALITY by PEPPER BASHAM is an absolutely delightful Regency romance which closely follows Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, just as Sense and Suitability, the book in which we are introduced to the unforgettable characters, does Sense and Sensibility. The novel is more than just a rom-com. There is depth of character and a strong Christian message underlying the story. 

Arianna Reeves is rescued from the rake who destroyed her reputation by Thomas Reeves at a ball in Leeds. They meet up again in St Groves where she has returned to her family at Ravenscross and he is rector of Greenleigh chapel. She is wary of clergymen, but she soon finds that she and Thomas have a lot in common. They have the same passion for helping those in need, especially children……

Although she is afraid that her brother Simon, Viscount of Ravenscross, will not accept her, she finds he has changed since marrying Emmeline, the love of his life. It is harder to find acceptance in the social set…….

The story is beautifully told, with witty dialogue, the characters’ behaviour closely following those in Pride and Prejudice, Scripture references and the scrapes that the indomiable Arianna manages to get into……

It is a story about how love, mercy and grace can change situations…….

I cannot recommend this lovely read 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.

BOOKMARKED FOR LOVE by SARAH MONZON

Publication date  21/7/26

BOOKMARKED FOR LOVE is the third rollicking romance novel in the Checking Out Love series by SARAH MONZON, and I have enjoyed each one. It is great to meet up with the three librarians of Little Creek, Tennessee again.  

This ia Martha Aldridge, the children’s librarian’s, story. The book is laugh out loud hilarious in parts, as well as having a great deal of depth, with lovable characters and a gentle reminder of the part Father God plays in His children’s lives. …..

I love the dialogue between Martha and her childhood crush, Julian King, which is both serious and funny, and also to see them getting to know each other again as adults.The love Martha has for her young reader friends and her determination to keep the children’s programme open is good to see,……

I am not going to tell you any more in case I spoil things for you.

This is a really lovely read and I cannot recommend it 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.

A LIFE SO TRUE by TRACIE PETERSON

 Publication date 7/7/26

A LIFE SO TRUE is the second novel in the Minnesota Legacy series by TRACIE PETERSON and, although the book can easily stand alone,  I hidgly recommend that you read the first in the series as well for pure enjoyment.

It is July 1893 in Mineapolis and Evie Turner is back from Philadelphia where she completed her nursing training and is expected to join her doctor father, but she has a problem and is afraid of disappointing her parents by telling them that nursing makes her really ill. She is really good at fund raising for charity work, which is something her entire family is invested in, and it is at one of their fund raisers that she meets Maxwell Garrison, who is invested in lumber with his father. Unlike Evie, Max did not have a happy childhood, and is delighted to be embraced by the rambunctious and caring Turner family……..

There is a wonderful Christian message of redemption and the importance of forgiveness on which the  story is based. There is also sweet romance, tragedy, pride and suspicion - together with strong family ties…….

I cannot recommend this lovely 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,