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.