Spotlight on Historical Fiction — The Eyes of River

24 Jun
The Eyes of River JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Eyes of River

Title: The Eyes of River
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 23, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction

A heart-wrenching Appalachian novel from a best-selling, award-winning author

In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run. She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to their late mother’s friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she happens upon an unexpected friend to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin’. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the accuracy of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Excerpt

“Cat got your tongue?”

I had to give Alton credit. He was doin’ his best to start a conversation. I just didn’t have it in me to reply.

“I understand if you don’t want to talk. I know girls sometimes get a little bashful. Though you wasn’t too bashful tellin’ me you’d bloody my nose. I’m just tryin’ to be gentlemanly. You know, help out a friend. Do what’s right.”

“Will you stop babbling? I was at the station because I . . . I . . . I had business there.”

“I know. It’s none of my beeswax, right?” He kicked a rock a few feet in front of us. It splashed in the soggy grass.

“Look, Alton . . .”

“I know, Lizzy. You don’t like me. I understand. Like I said, I’m just tryin’ to be gentlemanly. I turned eighteen yesterday. Momma said it was time I bucked up and come into my manhood. Guess I ain’t doin’ so good at that, now am I.” His blue eyes focused on the ground at my feet.

I sighed. Alton wasn’t a bad person. I just wasn’t fancy on him, and despite his being nervous, he was being kind. I sure wasn’t beholden to his concern. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a hard day. And you’ve been nothing but gentlemanly. Got your fancy trousers on and all. See, I noticed.”

Alton lifted his gaze from the road to me. “Mighty kind of you to notice. Thanks.”

I nodded. “I just mailed a box to Knoxville.”

He stopped square at the edge of a puddle and rubbed his nubby chin with his finger. “Mailin’ a box don’t rate a person cryin’. Seems to me there’s more to that box than you’re lettin’ on.”

I was tired of lies. Tired of hiding things that should be spoken, and though I wasn’t keen on trusting just anyone, I’d known Alton long enough to see that he’d keep my secret to hisself. I hated being forced to shy from the truth. I ain’t no liar, and being honest means something to me. I stared into Alton’s eyes, and for an instant I saw someone I could tell the truth to and feel safe.

“I ain’t a liar, Alton. And I don’t trust many folks, but I think you’re different. So truth is, I mailed my brother to Knoxville.”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

About The Author

Cindy Sproles 2025

Cindy K. Sproles is a speaker and best-selling,award-winning author of several novels, including Mercy’s Rain, Liar’s Winter, and Coal Black Lies. She is the executive editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. She also mentors and coaches new writers with Write Right Author Mentoring Services. She is an Appalachian-born-and-raised mountain girl who now lives in East Tennessee.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindysproles.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Eyes of River and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The Eyes of River JustRead Takeover + Review Tour

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 24, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Top 10 Tuesday — Summer TBR

23 Jun

Happy Tuesday and happy summer! Today TTT is featuring bloggers’ Summer TBR Lists. Mine is short, but sweet 😉 . I do have a favor to ask of you, though. I need to pick something for my book club to read in August. I’ve presented 3 choices — please tell me which you would choose and why. Thanks so much!

For more from bloggers, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

My Summer TBR List

All The Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan

South of Somewhere by T. I. Lowe

Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox

Until April by Janet W. Ferguson

When Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard

And Three To Vote For

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

The Brunswick by Callie Murray

Sense And Suitability by Pepper Basham

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Book Review: The Bookshop of 99 Doors

22 Jun

If you like some added creepy with your suspense, then The Bookshop 0f 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright can be your next thrilling read. Ghosts/spirits and undiscovered doors to the other side provide the backdrop to this faith-filled novel that will keep you guessing. Read on for more info.

The manor’s rumored one-hundredth door may conceal secrets hidden as deep as the estate’s bookshelves extend high . . . but the haunted past has a way of ensnaring curious souls. 

In 1888, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the dark superstitions that envelop the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain haunts the house and worried by her father’s rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home’s fraught past in an effort to bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie’s own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss’s dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother’s team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door–a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion–results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to hunt down the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

An atmospheric dual-time Gothic suspense masterfully penned by acclaimed author Jaime Jo Wright with themes of a Civil War-era ghost, a possible hidden door, and unexplained mysteries at a historic mansion’s bookshop with a troubled past.

Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author–including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards–is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes – providing an exhilarating amount chaos.

Visit her at: http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com and listen to her podcast MadLit Musings on your favorite podcast player or at http://www.madlitmusings.com.

My Impressions:

I love a spooky story, and Jaime Jo Wright always delivers. In my opinion, The Bookshop of 99 Doors goes above and beyond to deliver riveting stories (there are two timelines) with broken main characters who are desperate to understand their worlds. And of course, it contains the promise or threat of worlds unseen, depending on your perspective. I found this book to be excellent for many reasons. The history of the notorious Ambrose Fields house is well-developed. Grisly crimes, ghosts, and rumors of the Underground Railroad are all part of its intrigue. The characters, main and secondary, are complex. And you never really know just what is going on with them. The creep-factor is off the charts, but in true Wright fashion, the spookiness is more Scooby-Do than Stephen King. I like that there is always a reasonable explantation in spite of being convinced that there really are ghosts afoot. I read a couple of reviews that stated that God is not a part of this book. I found that to be far from the case. The two main female characters, Triss and Minnie, are seekers. They are stumbling around, but are determined to find truth. No, there is not a salvation scene, but I felt sure that with the Spirit’s (capital S 😉 ) wooing, their desire to know God would win out in the end. Because of the heads-up from the reviews I spent a lot of time looking for God in this book. And I found Him. And because this is fiction, I can write my own happily-forever-after for all of those seeking.

I read this book for book club this month and anticipate a great discussion. It is a great choice for a buddy read. I highly recommend it!

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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First Line Friday — Shattered

19 Jun

Happy Friday! Today I am sharing Dr. David Jeremiah‘s end times novel, Shattered, book two in his Vanished series. Beginning two years following the Rapture, this novel is a thriller! Check out the book and the opening lines below.

Here are the first lines:

Prologue

New Era, Day 2

Tel Aviv, Israel

“Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.”

Saul Katz whispered the holy words to himself, seeking comfort. Or peace. Or even a moment of solace within the chaos detonating the regular rhythms of his life since the previous evening.

In the gripping sequel to Vanished, a global power rises, and the ancient prophecies of the Antichrist are set in motion.

Two years have passed since millions across the globe disappeared in a heartbeat including John “Haggs” Haggerty’s own family. Haggs, a military expert in pandemics, warned his agency of growing patterns in deadly epidemics and other threats to security. Then the “Great Disappearance” and the nuclear destruction of the US changed everything. Now he is invited to join the powerful Trident Group, led by the wealthy Matthias Vilks.

Inside Trident, Haggs sees patterns that suggest a coordinated plan to control economies and governments. He is not alone. Israeli tech expert, Saul Katz, saw his colleague disappear before his eyes. Now the Israeli government confiscates his life’s work, a defense system for Israel. Li Fan, monitoring seismic anomalies, sees terrifying signals in the earth’s activity, but no one will listen to her warnings.

As the disturbing pieces fall in place, governments fall, and John and his best friend’s daughter, Abigail, begin to see those prophecies from scripture come to life–Israel is in danger, natural disasters rake the planet, and world leaders bow to one powerful man. The signs are clear: the end times are no longer approaching–they have begun.

New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Jeremiah returns with more apocalyptic action and emotion that’s infused with his signature perspective and compassion.

Dr. David Jeremiah serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. He is the founder and host of Turning Point, a ministry committed to providing Christians with sound Bible teaching relevant to today’s changing times through radio and television, the Internet, live events, and resource materials and books. A bestselling author, Dr. Jeremiah has written more than forty books. Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the complete Word of God continues to make him a sought-after speaker and writer. His passion for reaching the lost and encouraging believers in their faith is demonstrated through his faithful communication of biblical truths. A dedicated family man, Dr. Jeremiah and his wife, Donna, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren. Connect with Dr. Jeremiah on Facebook (@drdavidjeremiah), Twitter (@davidjeremiah), and on his website (davidjeremiah.org).

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Spotlight on Apocalyptic Suspense — Shattered

18 Jun

I am so pleased to feature the second novel in the thrilling Vanished series by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal. Shattered takes place 2 years after the Rapture leaves the world shocked. You will definitely want to read this book! Find out all about it below. It’s available now everywhere you find books.

In the gripping sequel to Vanished, a global power rises, and the ancient prophecies of the Antichrist are set in motion.

Two years have passed since millions across the globe disappeared in a heartbeat including John “Haggs” Haggerty’s own family. Haggs, a military expert in pandemics, warned his agency of growing patterns in deadly epidemics and other threats to security. Then the “Great Disappearance” and the nuclear destruction of the US changed everything. Now he is invited to join the powerful Trident Group, led by the wealthy Matthias Vilks.

Inside Trident, Haggs sees patterns that suggest a coordinated plan to control economies and governments. He is not alone. Israeli tech expert, Saul Katz, saw his colleague disappear before his eyes. Now the Israeli government confiscates his life’s work, a defense system for Israel. Li Fan, monitoring seismic anomalies, sees terrifying signals in the earth’s activity, but no one will listen to her warnings.

As the disturbing pieces fall in place, governments fall, and John and his best friend’s daughter, Abigail, begin to see those prophecies from scripture come to life–Israel is in danger, natural disasters rake the planet, and world leaders bow to one powerful man. The signs are clear: the end times are no longer approaching–they have begun.

New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Jeremiah returns with more apocalyptic action and emotion that’s infused with his signature perspective and compassion.

Dr. David Jeremiah serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. He is the founder and host of Turning Point, a ministry committed to providing Christians with sound Bible teaching relevant to today’s changing times through radio and television, the Internet, live events, and resource materials and books. A bestselling author, Dr. Jeremiah has written more than forty books, including Agents of Babylon, Agents of the Apocalypse, Captured by Grace, Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World, What in the World Is Going On?, The Coming Economic Armageddon, God Loves You: He Always Has—He Always Will, and What Are You Afraid Of?. Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the complete Word of God continues to make him a sought-after speaker and writer. His passion for reaching the lost and encouraging believers in their faith is demonstrated through his faithful communication of biblical truths. A dedicated family man, Dr. Jeremiah and his wife, Donna, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren. Connect with Dr. Jeremiah on Facebook (@drdavidjeremiah), Twitter (@davidjeremiah), and on his website (davidjeremiah.org).

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Meet All Your Favorite Authors at Rendezvous ’26!

17 Jun
Read Write Rendezvous '26 JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour that brings Rendezvous 2026 to you, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Bringing Rendezvous ’26 to You!

Rendezvous: reader and writer gathering

November 7, 2026

Holiday Inn Nashville Airport

Readers and Writers will gather at the fourth annual Read Write Rendezvous, organized and sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, on November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT at the Holiday Inn Nashville Airport. Rendezvous celebrates Christian fiction and sweet reads, featuring corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small-group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up bookshop, and book signings. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Over forty featured authors are participating, including The Christy Award Hall of Fame and bestselling author Tamera Alexander who will deliver the keynote address. USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author Lisa Phillips will lead worship. We will announce several more authors in the coming weeks! We prayerfully honor the legacy of the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat through each Rendezvous event, and this year we are especially celebrating the very first CFRR which was held 10 years ago in Nashville. Rendezvous is open only to registered attendees. Want to extend your reader getaway? The Christy Award Gala and Art of Writing conference will be held at a nearby venue on November 6.

Learn more about the 2026 Rendezvous

If you’re unable to attend Rendezvous this year, we don’t want you to miss out on getting to know our authors and their books. Our bloggers are bringing Rendezvous to you by spotlighting several of the participating authors this week. Follow along to grow your TBR list to astronomical proportions!

Check out recent releases by these participating authors in the JustRead Amazon Storefront.

Author Spotlight — Tamera Alexander

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today’s most popular authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction, including A Million Little Choices, Rekindled, and Within My Heart. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops.

Her works have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal’s top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher’s Weekly Starred Reviews.

In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.

Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels.

Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.

Tamera’s newest book, In These Hills, releases on September 8, 2026.

A young suffragist on the run finds more than refuge in the hills and hollers of Tennessee in this gripping historical romance from USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander.

1905. Josephine Dunham is running for her life. After a women’s suffrage rally in Atlanta turns deadly, she buys a one-way ticket on the first train out and lands in rural Tennessee. There, Dodge Coburn―a rough-edged stranger with undeniable appeal―begrudgingly offers her a ride to Lynchburg, a speck of a town where Josephine hopes to disappear.

Battered and desperate, Josephine has little to say when Dodge delivers her to Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House. Hoping to work in exchange for room and board, she soon discovers the only job matching her skills is at Jack Daniel’s Distillery, an irony not lost on a suffragist committed to prohibition.

Dodge is skeptical of Josephine’s claim that she’s on the run from an abusive husband. But between running Jack Daniel’s cattle farm and raising his young niece, he has little time or inclination to press her . . . at first. But when Josephine’s convictions and compassion draw him in, Dodge begins to reconsider the life he’s chasing, while Josephine must face a world far more complicated than the principles she’s held to.

As Jack Daniel’s Distillery gains national recognition, Josephine’s secrets resurface. In a place where whiskey making takes time but justice is too often hurried, Dodge and Josephine must decide what―and who―they are willing to risk everything for, and whether faith will hold when the cost is high and time is running out.

You can pre-order the book HERE.

Excerpt

March 1905

Atlanta, Georgia

“Remember, Miss Dunham, you’re an intelligent, independent young woman. Don’t let them intimidate you!”

“No, of course not.” Josephine followed the head of the local American Woman Suffrage Association to the foot of the makeshift outdoor stage, her insides thrumming with ­ anticipation— and panic. Crowds filled the street, women and men alike. Far more than expected for so early in the morning ­ and— judging by the ­ hecklers— not all of them supportive of the cause.

She still couldn’t believe they’d invited her to speak, and on the heels of Miss Susan B. Anthony herself. Even now, the venerated Miss Anthony, ­ eighty- five years old, wearing her customary ­ round- rimmed glasses and hair pulled back in a ­ no- nonsense style, commanded the podium as she delivered her closing remarks.

“I wish I could live another century and see the fruition of all the work for women, including that of this next generation who joins the revolution with such unwavering enthusiasm and commitment. Like their foremothers, they have vowed to carry forth the fight for temperance, for voting rights for women, for equal pay for equal work . . .”

As Miss Anthony’s voice rose, so did the jeers.

A biting wind whistled through the alleyways between downtown brick buildings, sharpening the unseasonably cold spring air. Josephine turned up her coat collar and adjusted the Votes for Women sash she and her fellow suffragists wore to such gatherings.

The past week of canvasing Atlanta’s familiar streets and neighborhoods publicizing this event had made a real difference. Josephine took a deep breath. Now if only she could.

Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner’s choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!

Rendezvous '26 blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 15, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 22, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Top 10 Tuesday — Wishes, Hopes, And Dreams

16 Jun

Happy Tuesday from the sunny and HOT south! I really wasn’t feeling this week’s TTT prompt — wishlist books. So, I decided to feature books with the word wish in the title. That quickly evolved into books with wish(es), hope(s), and dream(s) in the title. I hope you find one to love!

For more blogger wishes, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Book Titles Containing The Word Wish, Hope, or Dream

A Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin

Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart

Holding on to Hope by Janet W. Ferguson

Hope Beyond The Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli

Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

A Dream within A Dream by Mike Nappa and Melissa Kosci

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White

Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers

Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter

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Book Review: Mists Over The Channel Islands

15 Jun

Sarah Sundin is one of my book club’s favorite authors. We were not disappointed with her latest WWII-era novel, Mists over The Channel Islands. If you are a fan of Sundin or like well-researched historical novels, you need to check this one out!

Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish. 

The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot’s peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father’s medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy’s quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers–even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide–or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

Renowned WWII fiction author Sarah Sundin crafts a compelling historical romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, wartime resistance, and medical intrigue–a tale of loyalty, resilience, and courage when love and duty collide.

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of Mists over the Channel Islands (February 2026), Midnight on the Scottish Shore (2025), Embers in the London Sky (2024), The Sound of Light (2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and several World War II series.

Sarah’s novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award, The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award, The Sound of Light was a finalist for both the Christy Award and the Carol Award, and When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were finalists for the Christy Award.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups. Sarah serves as co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.

My Impressions:

Mists over The Channel Islands is another great WWII-era novel from Sarah Sundin. Sundin is a favorite of my book club, and this one did not disappoint us. There is so much to love about this book. First off, the setting. We knew little about the Channel Islands in general, specifically Jersey, but really didn’t know anything about the strategic position it holds in the English Channel and its role during WWII. It seemed inconceivable that this tiny island so close to England had been occupied by the Germans. The people had strong ties to Britain and many evacuated before the coming of the Germans. The experiences of those who remained are faithfully recreated in this novel. While there was no large resistance movement on the Channel Islands, the people chose small acts of defiance that yielded big results in the lives of its citizens, as well as those imprisoned by the Germans. Sundin’s characters, both main and secondary, are well-developed, and as a reader I soon became invested in their struggles. Individual heroism is juxtaposed against characters who collaborated with their occupiers. The book really portrays a balanced view of the island during that time. As always, Sundin presents thought-provoking themes and a strong faith thread that keeps the reader thinking, feeling, and turning the pages.

I highly recommend Mists over The Channel Islands for those who love novels set during WWII, for those who want a unique historical setting, and for those who love a good story told well. It achieved a unanimous thumbs-up from my book club!

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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First Line Friday — South of Somewhere

12 Jun

Happy Friday! This week I am featuring South of Somewhere by T. I. Lowe, a book that’s on my Summer TBR list since my book club is reading it in July. I was thrilled to meet the author earlier in the year when she was a featured author at the book festival in my home town. Have you read it yet?

Here’s the first line:

I died once, and I didn’t find it all that unpleasant.

When Juniper Wilder’s grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she’s burned a lot of bridges, ones that can’t be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother’s South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There’s an unexpected friendship, too―and maybe more―with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it’s hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she’s hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she’s made.


T. I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She is the author of 21 novels, including the #1 international bestseller and critically acclaimed Under the Magnolias and her debut breakout Lulu’s Café. Her novel Indigo Isle won the prestigious Christy Award in the contemporary romance category and was subsequently named Christy Award Book of the Year. She lives in coastal South Carolina with her husband and family.

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Mini-Book Review — The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes

11 Jun

I am a big fan of Chanel Cleeton. I love learning about the Cuban-American experience, as well as the history of Cuba itself. My book club chose The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes for this month’s discussion. It follows 3 women separated by time, place, and experiences, but bound by the power of story. On the surface it is about a specific book written by a young Cuban woman in the early 1900s that has been lost to time. But it is so much more than a treasure hunt for a valuable item. The story itself, hence the title, is what gives the lost book its importance. I loved all the women portrayed: Eva, a teacher in the 1900s, Pilar, a librarian in the 1960s of revolutionary Cuba, and present-day seeker of lost items, Margo. But Pilar really stole my heart. It is her determination to do even the smallest thing to thwart the totalitarianism of the Castro regime that made a big impression. She risked everything for what some would consider a trivial cause. If you love books, you will love this novel! It has romance, adventure, mystery, suspense, heartbreak, and redemption — a 5-star in my book!

(Please note this is a general market novel, but generally a clean read.)

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets—in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.

London, 2024: American expat Margo Reynolds is renowned for her talent at sourcing rare antiques for her clients, but she’s never had a request quite like this one. She’s been hired to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. With a single copy left in existence, it has a storied past shrouded in secrecy—and her client isn’t the only person determined to procure it at any cost.

Havana, 1966: Librarian Pilar Castillo has devoted her life to books, and in the chaotic days following her husband’s unjust imprisonment by Fidel Castro, reading is her only source of solace. So when a neighbor fleeing Cuba asks her to return a valuable book to its rightful owner, Pilar will risk everything to protect the literary work entrusted to her care. It’s a dangerous mission that reveals to her the power of one book to change a life.

Boston, 1900: For Cuban school teacher and aspiring author Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to study for the summer is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a whirlwind adventure that leaves her little time to write, but a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger changes everything. The story that pours out of her is one of forbidden love, secrets, and lies… and though Eva cannot yet see it, the book will be a danger and salvation for the lives it touches.

Chanel Cleeton is the Cuban American New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many novels, including Reese’s Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel studied in London where she earned degrees in international relations and global politics. In law school, Chanel discovered her passion writing novels and embarked on a new adventure following her lifelong love of books.

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