THE BIRD OF BEDFORD MANOR by MICHELLE GRIEP

 In THE BIRD OF BEDFORD MANOR, MICHELLE GRIEP has given us another exceptional historical romance novel with plenty of mystery and suspense, wonderful characters and a strong Christian message, well written and against the backdrop of British country life in 1820. It is a beautifully told story of redemption and the  importance of forgiveness and reliance on God…….

Juliet Finch is caught poaching by Henry Russell on his country estate. She has been forced into this in order to keep her aunt Margaret and herself alive. She was a young woman of means but her life has been destroyed by her father’s crimes. In fact she does not know who most deserves her anger - her father or God!…….

Henry is impressed by her fortitude and beauty, and feels she may be the answer to his prayer for someone to track the person who is terrifying his sister Charity. He employs  her instead of having her arrested but when  Juliet becomes a person of interest in the situation, Henty is not sure if he should still trust her!……

We see how seriouslyHenry takes his responsibilities and how afraid he is of letting his father down…….

There are many twists and turns, a crafty villain and an unforgettable love story.

I cannot recommend this most enjoyable and 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.

AMBUSH OF THE HEART by MARY CONNEALY

 AMBUSH OF THE HEART  is the first novel in a new wextern adventure series by MARY CONNEALY, and I am looking forward to following the characters’ further adventures.The story is exciting, as Owne Riley and his fellow marshalls travel over mountainous terrain with their charges, one of whom is an escaped prisoner whose family members are determined to set him free again. Their other charges are the beautiful Delaney Bridger and her brother Boone, who are on their way to meet their formiddable parents at Fort D A Russell. 

There is adventure, romance, humour and faith in this well told story, making up an altogether enjoyabe 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.

ON LIVING STONE by HEATHER KAUFMAN

 In ON LIVING STONE, HEATHER KAUFMAN tells the story of Salomem wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John, the Sons of Thunder, from her childhood with her beloved father, a godly on stonemason who saw the hidden glory in stone and heard it sing, to becoming a follower of Jesus, witnessing His death and resurrecrion, as she says the “Glory under the grit and grime”. Salome’s struggles are very well portrayed as she deals with family dynamics and fear for her sons. I love the way Mary, Jesus’ mother, tells her how she needs to release her sons and cling to Adonai……

It is a truly beautiful novel in which the author faithfully follows Scripture and shows us the loving and compassionate Son of God interacting with mankind, choosing humble men as His disciples, stirring up belief in many by His love and miraculous acts, and hatred in many of the teachers of the Law.

To me it is a story of the birth and growth of discipleship as found in these words at the end of the book:“As you come to Him, a living stone — rejected by people but chosen and honored by God —  you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house . are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptible to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5

“Together we are His house built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself.” Ephesians 2:20.

Do not miss this wonderful novel! I cannot recommend it 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.