THE PROMISED LAND by ELIZABETH MUSSER

 THE PROMISED LAND by ELIZABETH MUSSER tells the story of four people with varying problems who do the Camino pilgrimage together. It is a really inspirational book which brings to mind the words of Jesus in John chapter eight: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.", in that they are set free on two levels - coming to know the truth about themselves as well as the truth that the Lord is always with them.

It is a sensitively written book, and as we go on the journey with Abbie, Bobby, Rasa and Caro, there are things we not only learn about each of them, but also things that could be applicable in our own lives.
Abbie, the control freak who has literally driven her husband away and cannot seem to help interfering in her sons' lives, Bobby, who is too ready to carry everyone's burdens and is getting over a terrible tragedy, Rasa, the refugee who has panic attacks and tends to take on too much as well, and Caro with her self destructive and tragic past, are an unlikely group of people, and it is interesting to see how the Lord uses them in each others' lives.
It is a really lovely book and one I can highly recommend.
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 SWAN HOUSE by ELiZABeTH MUSSER

 THE SWAN HOUSE by ELIZABETH MUSSER is a beaurifully written novel, full of truth, with a strong Christian message of love and acceptance, as some hard subjects are tackled by the author. It is not a book that can be read quickly, nor will it be easily forgotten. It is an emotional story of salvation and redemption which is firmly based on God’s word.

When tragedy hits the Middleton family, deep-seated family secrets are uncovered, and life changes for them all, especially for Mary Swan, who relentlessly works to uncover the truth about her beautiful, artistic mother. On her journey of self discovery, Swan battles with the prejudice and hatred against those of a different colour or religion, and gets involved in helping the poor black people of the Mt Carmel church, befriending Carl and his family and learning what being a real Christian is all about from them and Miss Abigail. The family’s beloved servant, Ella Mae, hopes that helping others less fortunate than herself will help Swan in her grief. …..

I cannot recommend this inspirational novel strongly enough, and  I don’t want to analyse it too much and spoil your read. 

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

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.