What a unique and promising start to Jody Hedlund’s new series!  “Calling on the Matchmaker” is the first book in the “A Shanahan Match” saga, and I am very much looking forward to more installments about this family.   I won’t go into details about the historical backdrop or characters’ heritage, but I would like to point out that the concept of a matchmaker forming the basis for the hero and heroine’s relationship was such a fun and fascinating element in the story.  It had me guessing as to the matchmaker’s motives, and also cheering for him along the way.  Certainly the ..read more

I read Scott Kedersha’s book “Ready or Knot” several years ago, and so I was excited to discover the newly released companion entitled “The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide: 100 Prayers for Dating and Engaged Couples”.  This is a superb little book that will be so helpful for anyone in a serious relationship, and I highly recommend it.   A couple of the things I like most about this book is how it can be ready chronologically, or by topic simply by browsing the table of contents.  I also like how down-to-earth and relatable the writing style is, plus the prayers at the end of each dev ..read more

The Summers sisters return to us in the second book of the “On Devonshire Shores” series.  Emily Summers is the main focus of this novel, although we do get to check in with Sarah as well, from time to time. I greatly enjoyed the history in this book, with much of the story involving the Duke and Duchess of Kent (parents of the future Queen Victoria) and their historic visit to Sidmouth.  Although the visit ends tragically, the history was fascinating, as well as the effect that royal visitors had for the residents of Sidmouth. It was fun reading the quotes at the beginning of each c ..read more

I enjoyed the first story in Amanda Cabot’s “Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing” series, so it was a given that I’d have to give the second installment a try.  “Against the Wind” tells the story of the youngest Vaughn daughter, Louisa, and her return to the town where she grew up.  Picking up where the last novel left off, we jump right into the thick of things in the aftermath of the town doctor’s death. Will Louisa be able to fill his shoes in caring for the health of the community members, or will the fact that she’s a woman deter them from reaching out to her for help…? As a forever ..read more

“All’s Fair in Love and Christmas” is much as it sounds.  A play on the phrase “all’s fair in love and war,” the title is quite fitting, as we are presented with two workplace rivals, going head to head for a promotion, and the much-needed pay raise that goes along with it.   If you enjoy sweet, gentle Christmas movies, this book will give you the novelized version of just such a film.  I enjoyed how there was a bit of faith sprinkled in, although I would have liked more for a book set in this holy season.  Still, it was nice to see moments of prayer, and learning to trust ..read more

And just when I thought I couldn’t love Kimberley Woodhouse’s books any more than I already did…. She releases a showstopper called “The Secrets Beneath”!  This story is truly incredible, both for it’s unique portrayal of paleontology in the 1800s and it’s richly drawn characters that never cease to surprise. “Treasures Of The Earth” is the brand new series that begins with “The Secrets Beneath”, and I cannot wait for the next title to be released.  I assume it will be related to the field of paleontology as well, but I’m not certain.  I’m also not sure if it will contain hints ..read more

Doesn’t the title alone just capture your attention right away?  It did for me!  “The Legacy of Longdale Manor” is the first novel I’ve read by Carrie Turansky, but now I have a hankering to go back and dive into some of her previous work because, well, it is very clear that she’s an amazing and talented author.   Although there are many things to applaud about his novel, the first that stands out is how it is actually two stories in one, taking place a century apart but interweaving back and forth to create a unique tapestry of faith, healing, and love.  I’m always drawn t ..read more

This book… I’m certain it’s destined to become a classic, truly.  It’s so multidimensional, it has so many different elements of living life and growing up and finding your place in the world…  and it somehow manages to speak to readers across the board, regardless of our experience, age, past, or present.  “The Best Summer Of Our Lives” is the newest release by Rachel Hauck, and I hands-down describe it as a work of art.   The girls in this story, as they reveal their deepest thoughts and realest challenges and most crushing despairs, come to life and feel like friends – n ..read more

It truly doesn’t get any better than this, folks!  Wild West meets old-fashioned fairy tale in the incredible Karen Witemeyer’s newest release from Bethany House: “Fairest of Heart”!  As the first story in the “Texas Ever After” series, this tale includes all the signature qualities of a well-told western, but with a twist…. The foundational plot is straight from the tradition of a classic fairy tale we all know and love; Snow White and the Seven Dwarves!   As always, Karen’s mastery of storytelling shines through in every page, as I literally could not put the book down.  ..read more

My summer would not be complete without a visit to the seaside town of Hope Harbor, ‘where hearts heal… and love blooms.’  (And where Charlie’s fish tacos make my mouth water with every mention!)  Irene Hannon has been writing these stories for 9 years now, can you believe it?  Yes, “Windswept Way” is the 9th annual installment in the “Hope Harbor” series, and we have already been promised that a 10th novel is in the works for spring of 2024.  (Hurray!) I enjoyed how this story not only brought old characters in for cameos while spotlighting new protagonists, but it also hi ..read more