THRONE OF THE HEAVENS by CONNILYN COSSETTE

 THRONE OF THE HEAVENS is the fourth and final novel in the King’s Men series by CONNILYN COSSETTE. As it is with all her novels, the book is based on Scripture, in this case,1 Samuel 15:34-35, which speaks of Saul’s fall from grace. In fact I suggest that you read the whole chapter to fill in the background.

She has a wonderful gift of revealing Scriptural truth through using well developed fictional characters to reveal, not only the history of the time period, but also the truth of God’s Word. Her novels are the product of a great deal of historical and biblical research, but also strong faith in Yahweh, the One True God, and a love for the Jews, His chosen people. Her character analysis is also excellent.

I like to see how Mattaniel, even when he is still a slave in the king of Tyre’s court, has prophetic dreams which come from his upbringinging under Samuel’s teaching, even though he cannot remember who he is or where he came from……..

We learn so much about the treachery of the Sidonians and Philistines and their hatred of the Hebrews, the Shardan people with their strange language and their friendship with Mattaniel, life in the court of Tyre where everyone bows the knee to King Abibaal and also to the false gods they worship. We also see what Saul’s court has become due to his disobedience and arrogance……

There is treachery, intrigue and danger, but there is also hope, brotherly love and a beautiful and impossible romance, as Yahweh works through a young man who finds out who he is and moves into God’s purpose for his life.

The message in this beautiful and exciting story really spoke to me and I cannot recommend Throne of the Heavens, and the whole series, 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.

FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW by KRISTINE DELANO

 FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW by KRISTINE DELANO is an emotional and exciting novel that takes place in the New York financial world. The characters and the Wall Street vibe are well portrayed, and the author’s Christian beliefs feature strongly in the book……

Two brilliant sisters, Paige and Vivian Walsh, after years of estrangement due to growing up in a toxic family situation, have a difficult decision to make. Will they be able to work together to uncover corruption that could destroy one of them, or is the price too high? …….

I like the split timeline that the author uses to introduce us to each of them, and to show us their emotions and struggles……

There are many twists and turns, with betrayal, murder and shifting loyalties, keeping us guessing right to the end.

I highly recommend this exciting, emotional and inspirational read.

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

CHRISTMAS WITH THE EAST END GIRLS by JEAN FULLERTON

 CHRISTMAS WITH THE EAST END GIRLS is the third novel in the East End Girls series by JEAN FULLERTON, but it can easily stand alone. It is a delightful story of unconditional love and second chances against the backdrop of  war torn East End London in 1943.  There is also a great message of Christ’s unfailing love and forgiveness, as two sad and broken people meet at Christmas time. …….

Their first meeting is in a pub, where the disillusioned Georgina St-John Smythe, who mans the barrage balloon near his church, finds that the dashing Captain Moncrieff, who she has kissed passionately, is actually Father Guy Moncrieff and the new vicar!  She feels guilty and ashamed, but he also feels ashamed of  his behaviour and of voicing his anger towards God………

I love the close friendships amongst the balloon girls and the lack of class distinction amongst them.

I highly recommend this heartwarming, exciting and inspirational WW11 novel to anyone who enjoys rhis genre.

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

THREE STEPS BEHIND by DANI PETTREY

 THREE STEPS BEHIND is the rhird novel in the Jeopardy Falls series by DANI PETTREY and I can’t wait for the fourth book! What a truly thrilling read, with interesting characters and a strong Christian message of trusting in the Lord and in His redemptive power. 

The story starts with FBI agent, Harper, who has been captured whilst on a humanitarian mission in the Syrian hill country, escaping to Jordan. After her debriefing in the States, battered and broken, she makes straight for Deckard at Second Chances Ranch in Jeopardy Falls. Deckard and his family have had a brutal upbringing with their  con-men  parents, having been forced to work for them from early childhood. All except his oldest sister Bristol, who is still plying the trade, have come to know the Lord, and are working together to bring about justice. I really like the way the author describes her characters emotions.

There are two great romances, one of which I expect will be carried over to the next book…….

This is a thrilling murder mystery in which such things as sex trafficking and child and wife abuse, are delved into with great depth. I cannot recommend it strongly enough to anyone who enjoys this genre.

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 CHRISTMAS COURIER by ROSEANNA M WHITE

 THE CHRISTMAS COURIER by ROSEANNA M WHITE is a well written WW11 novella which has a strong Christian message of hope as seen in the Christmas story.

The story takes place in Lyon in 1943. Madeleine Perrin has been in love with her one time neighbour Daniel Raymond, who she only sees occasionally now when he comes around to his former home to collect papers to deliver for the Resistance, of which she and her family are all members. Daniel is a wanted man because he is half Jewish…….

I love to see the closeness of the Perrin family and their devotion to Jesus.

When Daniel finally realises his love for Madeleine, he is betrayed and imprisoned, awaiting torture and execution. Madeleine, a history enthusiast, comes up with an ancient law that just might save the man she loves……

The author, whose research is always so good, has based the novella on a true story.

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.

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.

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.