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,

THE RELUCTANT HEALER of HALIFAX by TERRIE TODD

 Publication date 1/8/26

THE RELUCTANT HEALER OF HALIFAX by TERRIE TODD is the sixth novel in the Enduring Hope series. In it the author tells the story of Pearline Campbell and Oliver Hamilton and their families and what they endured during and following the great explosion in Halifax on December 6th 1917.

The story is well told and the bravery and the emotional upheaval of all who survived the horror is well documented. There is also a strong Christian message running through the book.

I cannot recommend this amazing read strongly enough.

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

THE DOGWOOD GOSPEL by CINDY MORGAN

Publication date 13/10/26

 THE DOGWOOD GOSPEL by CINDY MORGAN is the beautifully told story of a young girl’s discovery of her roots after experiencig an unloving adoptive father and a rigidly legalistic church upbringing. Her adoptive mother, Mama Rose, her “aunt” Fiona, playmate Bobby and precious horse, Lexi make her life bearable…….

Her journey of self discovery leads her to  Southland Carnival where she makes friends with a wide variety of  misfits and where she becomes a brilliant stunt rider……

Meanwhile Chief Cates is working a thirteen year old cold case and the disappearance of three young girls…….

I love books with horses ( unless they are sad) an exciting story, and interesting characters, and The Dogwood Gospel has all three! There is also a strong message of redemptive faith. I cannot recommend this lovely 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.

 Publication date 13/10/26

THE SEDALIA CODE by PATRICIA RAYBON is a well written and inspirational historical fiction novel, with unforgettable characters, which takes place in North Carolina during WW11. 

Laurette Lowe, a math teacher at the prestigious black finishing school,  La Porte Academy, has a great deal to overcome in spite of her brilliance as a mathematician. From a dirt poor home, with an unloving and critical mother, and the Jim Crowe restrictions, she is determined to find a place in the upper echelons of black society. Her life and ambitions change when she meets a charming coloured lieutenant, Nev Pierce, from Cape Butner and is asked to crack a code with an alarming message…..

It is a story about bravery, friendship and patriotism as these two make a plan with trusted friends to thwart the Nazis……

In amongst all this there is sweet romance and a strong Christian message of redemption, forgiveness and the really important things in life.

I cannot recommend this great 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.

THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW’S TOWN by NAOMI MUSCH

Publication date 1/6/26

 THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW’S TOWN by NAOMI MUSCH is an outstanding novel in the Enduring Hope series, based on the horrific train crash that happened on 22nd June 1918. when an empty troop train destroyed a train carrying members of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, killing and injuring many of them.  

The story starts with Lily Mae Dodge, a victim of the orphan train system, escaping a life of drudgery in Rock Springs, catching a train to Chicago to look for the mother who had given her up ten years ago. On the train she is befriended by Francis Basnett, a roustabout working for the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus. Both of them have suffered from rejection - Francis has an unusual eye disorder and Mae feels rejected by her mother. I love the way these two broken people set off to “tomorrow’s town” together, trusting in the Lord who says in Psalm 32 verse 8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.”……

This is one of the most unforgettable books I have read! There is a wonderful message of hope, overcoming circumstances, forgiveness. unconditional love and faith in God running through it, and I cannot recommend the read strongly enough.

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

THE BACHELOR SPY by PEPPER BASHAM

Publication date 1/7/26

 THE BACHELOR SPY is the fifth novel in the Grace and Frederick series by PEPPER BASHAM, and it has the same excitement and element of danger as the other four. There are many of the same characters, some new ones, and of course the inevitable villanous ones……

It is 1915 and Grace and Freddie are as much in love as ever. Sadly Freddie is away fighting in France and Grace is left in charge of a convalescant hospital for wounded soldiers on their country estate. 

There are some inexplicable burglaries in Freddie’s office and Grace’s sleuthing nature comes to the fore. She is relieved when Stephen Blake, Freddie’s cousin and best friend, arrives just in time to try and help solve the mysteries, which turn out to be very serious and point to there being a traitor in their midst…….

The story is fast moving, full of adventure, mystery and romance. There is a shipwreck, there are spies, and no one knowing who to trust. The conversation is lively and full of humour, and there is an excellent Christian message. I particularly like Grace’s loving, caring, nature and her delightful naivete.

I cannot recommend this lovely read highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

EVERY GIVEN DAY by CATHY GOHLKE

 Publication date 8/9/26

EVERY GIVEN DAY by CATHY GOHLKE is a beautifully written novel which takes place mostly in Bennett House, a mansion in New York belonging to 

Russell Bennett, Gwen’s sister Marion’s handsome but innatentive husband. Gwen has come to look after their children while Marion is in a santtorium being treated for consumption. It is 1918, the first workd war is coming to an end and Spanish Flu is rife. It is an emotional time and Gwen, who has a meaningful reunion with her sister, is left in charge of the children when she dies. To start with Clara and Alistair are wary of Gwen’s arrival in their home, but they and the loyal Scottish housekeeper soon come to love her. The children’s welfare and her suspicions about their mostly absentee father’s business dealings  keep her on her toes, and when the flu attacks their household she barely manages to hold her life together…….

The story is informative with the author’s well documented history of the times. The book is full of relevant Scriptures as we follow the spiritual growth of some of the characters…….

I don’t want to tell you too much for fear of spoiling things for you. 

I cannot recommend this great 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.

INTO A GOLDEN ERA by GABRIELLE MEYER

 Publication date 5/5/26

INTO A GOLDEN ERA is the seventh novel in the Timeless series by GABRIELLE MEYER. I have read and enjoyed them all, but this one is my favourite. 

Ally is a time crosser and the story starts in 1849 with her arrival in San Fransisco with her sick father and young sister Hazel. Her plan is for them to go into the Sierra Nevada foothills to pan for gold, wanting to make enough money for both her families. Having lost all their money en route they end up staying in a very questionable boarding house in Sydney Town where they are looked after by some great people, including Sam. a convicted murderer…….

In 1929 Ally is a film star and is the main actress in her father’s film studio, which is making a valiant effort to avoid bancruptcy with a production of Little Women. Ally plays the leading role of Jo, while dashing playboy Spencer Hayes plays the part of Laurie. They have been offered Spencer by L.B. Mayer as long as Ally agrees to a fake romance with him in  order to improve his image. Will this lead to real romance?……

Ally’s twenty-fifth birthday is fast approaching and she has a difficult choice to make, being torn between those she loves in both timelines.. 

The author has done a great deal of research into these two periods of history. It is a well written book with great characters and a good Christian message. I could not put the book down and highly recommend it.

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

THESE EMPTY PLACES by SARAH LOUDIN THOMAS

 THESE EMPTY PLACES by SARAH LOUDIN THOMAS is a beautifully written novel that takes place at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, starting in 1916 and ending with the epilogue in 1961. The characters are great and their emotions and relationships are very well portrayed. There is also a strong Christian message, about love, forgiveness and what is important in life, running through the book. ….

Claire, who has had two great loves in her life and is experiencing romantic love for the third time, is a great help to Lena in her marital problems. The following is a quotation between them at the end of the novel,“Thank you”, Lena whispered (to Claire). “For what?” “For teaching me what real treasure looks like.” The relationship between these two women is inspirational……

I loved every part of These Empty Places and literally could not put the book down. I am not going to tell you amy more for fear of spoiling things for you. It is a lovely story and I cannot recommend the book highly enough. 

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

THE MANHATTAN CONFESSIONS by JOCELYN GREEN

Publication date 7/7/26

 THE MANHATTAN CONFESSIONS is the third novel in the On Central Park series by JOCELYN GREEN but it can easily stand alone. The novel kept me rivetted with the descriptions of the dangers faced by Ivy Malone after her story of the wealthy socialite Adeline King nee Molly Kelly attracts people from Adeline’s former life of crime……..

Added to this is the problem of her cousin Gina’s immigration from Italy. Here we see how some women immigrants are treated unscrupulously by so-called immigration specialists……

Ivy’s friend,Tom Lightfoot, is a caring young man who becomes her protecter. He suffers from shellshock from the war. Ivy, who has no family left, draws strength from her friends, and Tom in particular, until she realises that true strength comes from the Lord…..

The history of the time is well documented, the characters and their emotions are well portrayed and there is a strong Christian message. I cannot recommend this exciting Christian historical romance 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.

IN THESE HILLS by TAMERA ALEXANDER

Publication date 8/9/26

 IN THESE HILLS by TAMERA ALEXANDER is a beautifully written historical romance novel with unforgettable characters, nail-biting suspense, and tragedy, as we follow suffragist Josephine Dunham as she runs away from Atlanta Georgia, where a suffrage meeting has turned dangerous, to the small town of Lynchburg……

Dodge Coburn has lived in Lynchburg all his life. He runs Jack Daniel’s cattle farm. He is passionate about animals and his deceased sister’s daughter, the feisty nine year old Bethie. He has an aversion to suffragsists because of what happened to his sister Kathleen. …..

The only employment for Josephine is as bookkeeper to the famous Jack Daniel. Working in a distillery goes agasst her convictions but she gradually learns that men are not all villains, and in her friendship with Dodge she learns that showing grace is more important than followng hard held convictions. She s shown so much grace by him, Uncle Jack and her friends at Miss Mary’s boarding house that she feels guilty about the lie she is living…….

Josephine is terrified of being arrested for killing the mayor of Atlanta’s son, even though it was in self defense, and makes up a story about an abusive husband, which no one really believes……

There is a strong Christian message of God’s faithfulness, largely based on psalm 56:8 “You number my wanderings;; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?” which helps Josephine in her suffering………

I cannot recommend this truly inspirational novel highly enough.

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

CONSPIRACY by COLLEEN COBLE

Publication date 7/7/26

CONSPIRACY is the third novel in the Sanctuary series by COLLEEN COBLE, and, although it can easily stand alone, I am glad I have read the first two  books and have come to know the characters.

The story is not only full of suspense, mystery and romance, but the setting in the animal sanctuary with all the amazing animals is powerful. The theme of family and belonging is very strong, not only as far as people are concerned but also in the lives of the animals. I love the family oriented lemurs and the powerful big cata. The fact that a group of lemurs is called a conspiracy ties in well with the conspiracies and secrets surrounding the murders of Paradise and her brother Drew’s parents.

There is also a good Christian message as Paradise and Blake learn to trust the Lord in the hair-raisng situations they find themseves in.

I cannot recommend this great 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. 

SHATTERED by DR DAVID JEREMIAH

 Publication date 16/6/26

SHATTERED is the second novel in the Vanished series by DR DAVID JEREMIAH and I can’t wait for the next one! It is an exciting and gruelling read as we see the rise of the Antichrist and False Prophet, who use the Trident group to control those who have been left behind after the Rapture of the church. We also see the minitry of Abigail Hart and the World Wide Way, which consists of like-minded believers, as opposed to her “Uncle” John Haggerty, a doctor who joins the Trident Group and is caught up in a world of lies. There is also Saul Katz, who has become a believer in Yeshua, to name a few of the characters. ……

The author is a well known Bible teacher who is well versed in End Time prohecy, and the story is totally based on the truth of God’s Word. The book is full of relevant verses, mostly from Daniel and Revelations, which help us to understand the coming horrors of the Great Tribulation.

I cannot recommend this brilliant book 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.

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.