THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING by JULIE KLASSEN

THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING is the third novel in the On Devonshire Shores series by JULIE KLASSEN. I have been looking forward to this addition to the series and am definitely not disappointed! It is a beautifully written and well researched book, with great characters whose emotions one can literally feel, sweet romance and a strong Christian message of redemption. I particularly like the very apt quotations at the beginning of each chapter, from Jane Austen and other authors of the early nineteenth century.

It is good to come across most of the same characters as before, namely the Summers family, as well as some interesting and mostly delightful new ones, in the same beautiful seaside setting.

When the rigidly religious and seemingly unfeeling Aunt Mercer dies, Claire Summers, who has taken refuge with her aunt in Edinburgh, bravely sets off to Sea View, hoping to at least see her sisters, even if her mother still refuses to reconcile with her after her unforgivable sin.

With some trepidation she answers an advertisement to go into partnership in Broadridges boarding house, hoping that her past is never found out by her business partner, Mr William Hammond………

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

I cannot recommend this enjoyable and thought provoking book strongly enough. I am now looking forward to the fourth novel in the series.

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

THE QUEEN’S COOK by TESSA AFSHAR

Publication date 19/11/24

THE QUEEN’S COOK is the first novel in The Queen Esther’s Court series by TESSA AFSHAR  It is the lovely story of the beautiful and brave Queen Esther and her friendship with her beautiful and brave “Little Cook” Roxannah. The queen speaks to her as a friend as she encoutages her and praises her cooking, and we read of Roxannah that “She had come to love Esther, the fragile queen who held her world together with nothing but threads of love and grace.” I felt as though I was savouring a delicious meal, with the scriptures heading each chapter, the gorgeous setting and the lovable and strong characters.

Adin, the palace physician, is a strong and godly Jewish man who trusts the Lord, but the death of his wife has made him guard his heart, not wanting to lose a loved one again.

Roxannah, who has spent most of her life hiding from her abusive, drunken father, tends to either hide or run away when things get tough, but as she comes to know the Jewish God, “The God who had gven her mother peace and Darab dignity and Esther courage and Adin healing,” she becomes stronger and when she and Adin help Amestris and Queen Esther thwart a vicious plot she feels that, like Esther, the Lord has put her in the palace “for such a time as this.”

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

I cannot recommend this beautiful and inspirational book 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 BEIJING BETRAYAL by JOEL C ROSENBERG

Publicationdate 11/3/25

What a brilliant finale to the Marcus Ryker series by JOEL C ROSENBERG! THE BEIJING BETRAYAL has it all - it is  a riveting political thriller, with well developed characters, an exciting story and a strong Christian message - what more could you want?!

Marcus Ryker’s missiion to stop imminent danger to America and Taiwan takes us through the Middle East, Russia, China and India, the white House and the Ops Centre of the CIA. The author’s vast knowledge of world affairs makes us feel that we are opening tomorrow’s newspapers!

The wickedness of fallen man comes through strongly as we see the way Kairos, the Libyan terrorist organization, and the Chinese head of state, to name but a few, have no respect for human or animal life! 

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

I cannot recommend the 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.

INTO THE SUNSET by MARY CONNEALY

INTO THE SUNSET is the third novel in the A Western Light series by MARY CONNEALY. Although it can easily stand alonr I suggest you read the books in sequence. It is a great series.

When Ginny Rutledge decides “I don’t want to live in fear of the world outside that canyon any more” and goes to Cheyenne to find a judge to proclaim her sanity, she is terrified of coming across her husband Thaddeus who had her put in an insane asylum.  Dakota Harlan goes with them to help in Ginny’s protection and Maeve O’Toole goes to help Beth with her small children…….

I like to see how family and friends stand together and their courage, especially that of Ginny and Maeve, in staanding against evil. …….

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

I cannot recommend Into the Sunset highly enough for the exciting story, unforgettable characters and their strong faith in God.

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

BRAVE: THE STORY OF AHINOAM by MESU ANDREWS

BRAVE: THE STORY OF AHINOAM is the first novel in The King David’s Brides series by MESU ANDREWS. In it the author tells us Biblical truth with just enough fiction to enhance the story. I cannot recommend Brave strongly enough for the relatable characters, well researched Biblical facts and strong redemptive message.

Ahinoam and her father Toren, Kenites from  Jezreel, had  to escape their home when they were attacked by the Amelekites. Having learnt the art of sword and dagger making, and throwing from her father, Ahinoam is a force to be reckoned with…….

It is the time of Saul’s disobedience and David ben Jesse, having been anointed as king by Samuel the prophet, is fleeing for his life with his loyal followers when Toren and Ahinoam find him and join his company. Ahinoam uses her incredible knife throwing skill to save David’s life…….

Ahinoam is very strong and brave and follows Yahweh even when the things He asks her to do are hard. Especially when David takes Abigail as his second wife.

I particularly like the author’s use of scripture throughout the book and the way David sings his psalms to Yahweh.

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

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