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Book Review — The Last Noel

12 Oct

Is it too soon to read Christmas fiction? Absolutely not! Especially when there’s a 3-novella collection of authors who continually deliver great mystery/suspense! The Last Noel features stories by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberly Woodhouse. All three have different styles, but the theme of forgiveness and the plot device of second chance at love tie them together in a complimentary way. I loved each unique voice. First up is Do You See What I See? by Hamaker. This novella is all about fast-paced suspense and dangerous situations! Main characters Oakleigh and Joseph never stopped loving each other. When Oakleigh and the two children of her best friend/foster sister are threatened, Joseph was the one to call. I loved the protective natures of both MCs and the lengths they went to protect the vulnerable. This novella examines foster care in a realistic manner. The second story is Do You Hear What I Hear? by Jayna Breigh. I have come to love Breigh’s characters through her full-length novels. This story doesn’t scrimp on developing MCs Elise and Jack. Their love is just waiting for forgiveness to uncover it. And you are going to love Elise’s grandmother! Breigh uses the woman to bring about the healing they both need. This one is more romantic mystery, than suspense. I love the legal drama foundation of this one. The magic of the holiday season as depicted in its Asheville, North Carolina setting is just what you want in a Christmas read. The third novel is Do You Know What I Know? by Kimberly Woodhouse. I loved that Woodhouse set this novella in both south Louisiana and Alaska. I have been to both places, and her descriptions brought my memories back. I also loved the food references and cooking scenes. This one is part Food Network competition and part Hallmark movie, with a good dose of serious bad guys. LOL. I rooted for Faith to heal from the betrayal that gutted her and reach out to love. Warning: you will be hungry after reading this book. Luckily there’s a link to great recipes!

As stated, forgiveness is the overarching theme in the novella collection. It’s really hard to give, but brings such freedom to the one who forgives. The Last Noel explores that through the varied stories in such a great way. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery/suspense and the Christmas season. 😉

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the ebook. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)


The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.


“Do You See What I See?” by Sarah Hamaker

Oakleigh Wright’s estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?


“Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Jayna Breigh

Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?


“Do You Know What I Know?” by Kimberley Woodhouse

When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the “friendly” competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews.

Jayna Breigh is an award-winning writer of Romantic Legal Dramas – Suspenseful, Twist-Filled Mystery/Thrillers with Romance. She practiced “Big City Law” in Los Angeles for over a decade. Jayna loves funny, inspirational and painfully cute social media. The only real life drama allowed—British period pieces and games of Wordfeud.

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers along their journey to publication. She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, and Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.

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Book Review — Cascade

7 Oct

If you are looking for a fast-paced romantic suspense with strong faith elements, then you need to check out Cascade by Linda Rodante. The book starts out running and never really lets up. There are gunshots, arson, and bears (plural), oh my! And while not targeted at first, main characters Crista and Sid are all in on the investigation and the danger. What first attracted me to this novel was the setting — the mountain area of Tennessee. So similar to my home in northeast Georgia with its abundance of hiking trails and waterfalls, my hometown doesn’t have the level of nefarious goings-on that Crista and Sid face. I like my criminality fictional. LOL! And there is plenty to keep the two on their toes and watching their backs. The romance is sweet, but not without its obstacles. Both of the main characters carry baggage that they must work through. That’s where the strong reliance on God comes in. With prayer and the wise counsel of friends, the two achieve their happy ending. No spoiler there — this is Christian romantic suspense. I felt their relationship developed naturally with checks on their attraction and the knowledge that God needs to lead. Cascade is book 3 in The Waterfall Mysteries and the first in the series that I have read. The only thing I felt I missed out on was the backstories of the secondary characters. But that’s the beauty of a series with ensemble casts. Each book can stand alone, while readers can catch up at any time. There was one issue I had with the book. I’m not sure if it has to do with ebook formatting (which I read) or is present in the paperback copy. There were typos and grammatical errors that seemed to be clustered on several pages in the middle of the book. While this English language nerd was taken out of the story for a bit, it wasn’t long before I was right in the middle of the mystery again.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I borrowed the ebook from KindleUnlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

A fresh start in the Tennessee mountains was supposed to bring peace. Instead, it brought a killer.

Crista Henson fled to a quiet Tennessee town to rebuild her shattered life, trading her past for a fresh start as a vacation planner and a deeper reliance on God. She wants peace. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a deadly web of secrets with enough suspects to challenge Hercule Poirot himself. She never planned on playing amateur sleuth—and she certainly didn’t plan on Sid Martin.

Sid is running from his own devastating past, swearing off the wilderness forever.
But when a friend lures him back, a desperate cry for help and a brutal attempted murder force him to confront his guilt and his fears.

As their investigation expands and danger closes in, can Crista and Sid narrow the suspects in time to prevent their own demise?

Linda Rodante was born and raised in Florida. She is married with two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. At twenty-six, she discovered the miraculous love of Jesus Christ. God blessed her with a passion for the written word—especially mysteries and romantic suspense novels, from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie, from Dee Henderson to Kristen Heitzman. She speaks about and works against human trafficking. Her author blog is www.lindarodante.com. Her human trafficking and commitment to God blog is at https://lindarodante.wordpress.com/.

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Book Review — The Spring in Trulee Holler

5 Oct

The Spring in Trulee Holler by debut author Jana Hutcheson is magical. You can apply that to the autumn setting of the small Alabama town of Trulee, or the romance between main characters Jess and Silas. Or, you can settle into the magic that is the spring that is rumored to be the fountain of youth. Or is that just God being God? You’ll have to decide for yourself, but I found the book totally enchanting and a recommended read.

Jess Lockhart thought she’d fought her hardest battle when she beat a rare form of lymphoma. But months into remission, it’s fear of the unknown-especially of cancer’s return-that’s stealing her future. Once an aspiring fashion designer, she’s lost her drive to create and now spends her days working at her father’s hardware store in rural Trulee, Alabama.

When a young botanist rents the barn-loft apartment on her family’s property, Jess thinks she’s finally found something to take her mind off her mortality. Not only is Silas Haney strikingly handsome, but he’s irresistibly mysterious. His cryptic remarks and odd behavior suggest he’s hiding something. Then an accident exposes his secret: Silas once drank from a spring that made him immortal. Now he’s searching for the spring once more, hoping the tree that legend says grows from it can reverse the eternal youth he now sees as a curse. And that spring lies hidden in the woods behind her house.

Convinced the spring is the answer to her problems, Jess blackmails Silas into taking her along on his quest. But as forced companionship turns into affection, Jess begins to question whether escaping the fear of death is the same as truly living. When a crisis arises, Jess must decide: Will she trust God with her future or scoop destiny into her own hands?

Jana Hutcheson lives and teaches in the same small Alabama town where she grew up. A public-school teacher for over thirty years, she holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education from the University of North Alabama. The Spring in Trulee Holler is her debut novel. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found taking long afternoon walks, reading on her patio bed swing, and spending time with her family.

My Impressions:

I am so impressed with the debut novel The Spring in Trulee Holler by Jana Hutcheson. This general fiction offering with a good dose of magical realism is so well-crafted, I couldn’t believe it was the first of what I hope is many more great books. Hutcheson crafts a mythology surrounding the small Alabama town of Trulee. There’s the legendary Goat Man and the rumored spring that brings those who taste its waters immortality. This reader can just imagine the tales being told on long summer evenings on the porches of local houses or around the campfires of autumn. When main character Jess is actually confronted with the truth of one of her hometown tales, she must decide if she can take control of life or whether she should trust God for his best for her. That is the main question of the novel, and one that this reader dwelt upon long after the last page. If we trust God, do we trust Him all the way, or only for those things we think He will handle correctly. Jess is struggling with the unknown — will her cancer return, will she have the life she used to dream about, or will fear take the reins? When confronted with Silas, a young man who is afraid he will never die, Jess must change her way of thinking and living. The Spring in Trulee Holler is a love story, an homage to small Southern towns, a myth come true, and a testament to God’s sovereignty. But don’t worry, this book isn’t preachy — rather it takes very believable (and lovable) characters on a faith journey that allows questions and doubts.

I got to read this book while at my cottage in the woods — the crisp night air and the sounds of barred owls made the reading a little sweeter. It’s perfect for fall reading, but really, you will love this book anytime you pick it up. Which should be soon. 😉 You should probably grab a reading buddy too — you are definitely going to want to talk about this book!

Highly Recommended

Great for Book Clubs

Audience: Adults

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

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Book Review — Spies, Lies, And Alibis

22 Sep

My book club chose Spies, Lies, And Alibis by Natalie Walters as our September selection. While we have read many of Walters’ romantic suspense novels, we all agreed that this suspense with a lot of rom-com elements is a bit of a departure for the author. In a good way! We all liked it. Check it out below.

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

My Impressions:

If you are a fan of the romantic suspense by Natalie Walters, you will soon realize that Spies, Lies, And Alibis is a bit of a departure for her. Your first hint will be the cover. This novel was my book club’s September 2026 selection, and all admitted they probably would have passed this book by due to the cover (they’re old, LOL). The whimsy of its design is an indication that you will find more inside. This book can be described as a suspense-filled rom-com or a humorous romantic suspense. Either description fits, and it was everything we could have asked for in a fun book club read. There is the underlying plot that included seriously bad bad guys, two endearing main characters that need to get together despite their past relationship, and witty banter and hilarious situations to keep you chuckling. And the secondary characters are a hoot too! Danger, twists you don’t see coming, and a love story to, uh, love made us love (there’s that word again) this book. We are happy to see that another book in the series will be released next year. It’s already on our TBR list.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review — Things We Cannot Keep

18 Aug

I read Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox during an especially difficult time in our family’s life. My MIL passed away over a week ago. At 98 years old she lived a very full and faith-filled life, but the last year has been a struggle. She went home to Jesus surrounded by those who loved her. The past weeks have reminded us of the stories we have shared — both the bitter and the sweet. This novel sets its foundation on the stories that surround precious heirlooms, in particular, a mysterious pocket watch delivered to main character Tess Holcomb. As Tess takes a journey to discover the stories behind the watch, she faces the demons she left behind in her home town 18 years before. Joining her is her longtime, ex-best friend Elliot. The boy who she loved and who betrayed her. Together they work towards a place that Tess has long since ceased to believe in. Things We Cannot Keep is about the courage to face the hard parts of life. It has themes of forgiveness — a hard thing to give and receive — and redemption. I loved everything about this book. The characters, both main and supporting, are well-developed. The plot is intriguing and really kept me turning the pages. And the spiritual themes are naturally developed. There’s no quick and easy resolution, but there is peace at the end. This is a special book that I can’t keep from thinking about. I know it will be with me for a long time. It is also a book that you really need to read. It’s a novel that also needs to be shared, so grab a buddy or your book club and schedule a lengthy meet-up. You will need to talk about it. It’s a 5-star for sure and very highly recommended.

Very Highly Recommended

Great for Book Clubs

Audience: Adults

(Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

A mysterious package. A name she thought she’d erased. And the one person she never expected to see again.

Tess Holcomb has built a new life in Alabama, repairing timepieces and avoiding her troubled past as she restores her customers’ family heirlooms–treasures she never had. When a mysterious package arrives addressed to Teresa Baker, the name she abandoned, Tess finds herself drawn into a puzzle that threatens her delicate peace.

Then Elliot Sullivan appears at her door after eighteen years, and Tess knows he’s after more than just forgiveness. She doesn’t trust his motives, but he could be the key to uncovering the origin of the mystery package and its cryptic contents.

Tess has found safety in her simple life, but to reunite this lost heirloom with its rightful recipient she will have to come out of hiding. Each clue leads her further from the security of home, and each story reveals hidden truths. The question is whether she’s brave enough to face what she might find–and whether the man beside her can be trusted with what matters most.

Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.

A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes.

To get a free short story featuring characters from The Edge of Belonging visit: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fuj7mlfd83.

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Book Review: When The Silence Breaks

3 Aug

The first book of a brand new romantic suspense series by Elizabeth Goddard, When The Silence Breaks, releases tomorrow! I had the good fortune to receive an ARC, so I dug in as soon as I could. This novel checks all the boxes for fans of the genre. Find out more below.

A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers–and danger closing in. 

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather’s deathbed confession connected to her brother’s murder, she’s determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand. 

After his father’s death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can’t stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find. 

This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry.

My Impressions:

When The Silence Breaks is the first book in Elizabeth Goddard’s new Mercy Ridge romantic suspense series. This book has it all for fans of the genre — fast-paced suspense, dangers from all sides, twists/turns/surprises you don’t see coming, and a sweet romance with a swoon-worthy hero. I loved it!

The action starts right away as the main characters are caught up in a mudslide in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. I have never been to that area of the country, but it was if I was feeling the ground shake and the devastating power of nature along with the main characters. And nature never gave up as the book progressed! A former agent of an unnamed federal agency hires an ex-Navy Seal turned hiking guide to help her uncover a decades old mystery. While the threats from nature are real (which is a great plot device in itself), they are tracked by unknown determined and deadly human assailants. I loved the history behind the mystery, while feeling the tension of the quest with all its risks. The main characters have an immediate attraction that translates into learning to trust each other — something they both needed desperately. As always, the author interjects a faith message that compliments, rather than overwhelms the narrative.

When The Silence Breaks kept me furiously turning the pages even as I wished the story could go on. But luckily, there is more to come in the small mountain town of Mercy Ridge.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review — Until April

13 Jul

Janet W. Ferguson has a new release in her Coastal Hearts series that you will not want to miss! Until April is thought-provoking women’s fiction/contemporary romance. Get al the info below.

Michael Galloway has always believed freedom means living life on his own terms. His career is dedicated to saving the environment and teaching others the importance of taking care of the earth, rivers, and oceans. He’s building a life with no room for complications. Especially in his love life.

Then tragedy turns April Yancy’s world upside down.

After her husband’s death, April discovers he’d been hiding devastating secrets, leaving her buried in debt and struggling to protect her children’s future. The last person she expects to come to her rescue is Michael—the man who shattered her heart years ago.

Michael has few regrets, but hurting April back in grad school still haunts him. When her situation grows desperate, he devises a risky plan to help her rebuild her life…even if it means jeopardizing his carefully guarded independence.

Accepting Michael’s shocking offer could cost April more than her pride. His resistance to her faith clashes with the convictions she holds dear, and trusting him again feels impossible. Yet as doors keep opening and her prayers keep nudging her toward him, April begins to wonder if God is offering her a second chance at more than survival.

An emotional second-chance love story of forgiveness, redemption, and unexpected faith.

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist, Maggie Award Winner, and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.

​ Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children and a cat that allows them to share the space.

My Impressions:

I am going to be honest with you, I was not sure how I was going to like Until April, the latest offering in the Coastal Hearts series by Janet W. Ferguson. This women’s fiction/contemporary romance includes a marriage of convenience trope. I always associate that with historical fiction. You know, a time period where that’s acceptable. LOL! Everyone loves Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke, so why does the trope need to be confined to the days of the horse and buggy? Ferguson proved to me that it does not! In the novel, the two main characters have a lot of past history together. They are brought back together under tragic circumstances that Ferguson handles with a compassionate hand. When faced with raising a toddler and a newborn baby alone amidst staggering debt, April takes the extreme step towards security, even though she risks future emotional trauma. Unlike secondary characters in historical fiction, the reactions from friends is not necessarily that of approval, yet it is supportive. And that’s one of the strengths of this book — a community of believers coming alongside believers and nonbelievers alike in loving ways. There are a number of other themes in this book that make it more than just another romance. Male main character Michael is a scientist with a capital S! I loved how believers were firm, but respectful in their sharing of God’s love with him. And I loved how the author has God enter into Michael’s life in supernatural ways that turn his beliefs upside down. There are also themes of grief, forgiveness, family dysfunction, and mental illness explored. The author weaves all of these threads into a sweet story that made me regret turning the last page and leaving Dauphin Island. I hope another book in this series is in the works, because I can’t return soon enough!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I borrowed a copy of the novel through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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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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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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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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