Christian Fiction – Page 18

Castle on the Rise + Giveaway

A storied castle. A band of rebels. And a nation chasing the centuries-old dream of freedom . . . What legacy will they leave behind?

When Laine Forrester travels to France to attend her longtime friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find a bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks–a devastating diagnosis, a castle restoration put on hold, and the emergence of deep-seated family dynamics that threaten to derail the new couple’s fledgling marriage–it seems the storybook life Laine had imagined for her friend–and once, for herself–is suddenly crumbling before her eyes.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending for one of them, Laine throws support behind her friend and agrees to accompany the couple to the groom’s family home in Ireland, where the merging of a mysterious inheritance, long-buried wounds, and a fractured family set out to upend the trip from the start. It’s in the unlikely corners of a historic Dublin pub, and across the wide-open moors bordering Ireland’s majestic Wicklow Mountains, that Laine is slowly drawn in by the land and the people, sparking hope for something she never imagined possible: the courage to heal. But with secrets of her own–and a heart afraid to trust again–Laine must determine how much she’s willing to risk in mending the broken places within herself, and whether she believes that even through the depths of our pain, a beautiful story can emerge.

Set in three time-periods–the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland’s turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day–Castle on the Rise weaves a story of legacy, conviction, and redemption against the backdrop of Dublin’s storied streets, and the stretch of Ireland’s stunning emerald shores. It raises the question: given the choice between the fairy tale or a life of truly anchored faith–which legacy would you choose?

My Review:

published in 2019

“Ireland has a million stories and if you stay long enough you’ll learn them all.”

Heartfelt, shivery sigh. Followed by some muffled sobs and inelegant hiccups. I need a moment…or a week…to recover from this splendiferous read.

Heart-breaking. Awe-inspiring. Hope-lifting. Sure and Kristy Cambron must have kissed the blarney stone, her words are that eloquent. And greatly enhanced by the narration of Amy Rubinate. I listened to the audible version of this book and I’m so glad I did. It created an evocative mood that heightened Cambron’s storytelling prowess. This is one book I think ‘reads’ best when you listen.

And the story! Well, stories, really — three distinct time periods at pivotal points in Irish history. Magical and spellbinding. I had no trouble jumping between centuries and connected with each hero and heroine. Honestly — each timeline story could easily have been published as a standalone novel…but the way Cambron weaves them together! Impeccable pacing — and the way she stops one story at a heart-plummeting moment and then picks up with the next…wow — I’m still experiencing reader whiplash. There were times I had to hit pause and collect myself. Pace madly around my house while wringing my hands and moaning…”no, no, NO!” And then wonder if I’d have the courage to press play again.

Castle on the Rise made me homesick (I’m an Irish born Canadian.) It celebrates the courage and conviction and abiding faith of a complex people. There were so many inspirational passages that I’d have jotted down if I’d been reading a paperback copy. I guess I’ll have to buy one for my keeper shelf as well. 🙂

An emotional masterpiece that quite literally took my breath away.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Castle on the Rise, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 22 2025.

Where Trees Touch the Sky

Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall.

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she’s grown to love, is the son of one of the area’s worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity–if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father’s greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side?

Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?

When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion’s life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt’s worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams.

Karen Barnett’s beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday.

My Review:

A multifaceted faith-infused dual timeline historical novel that has left me a wee bit discombobulated. Some things went exactly as I thought they would while others sent me into a tailspin. Wow. Just. Wow.

Barnett did a wonderful job with her historical research for both timelines (1920s and 1970s) and I loved being in at the beginnings of a National Park. I especially appreciated the inspirational perspective on what it means to honour God’s creation through the way we care for the natural world. A refreshing viewpoint to find in Christian Fiction, especially at this particular time in world history.

Both our heroines face unique challenges and I love the personal connection between the two. Marion is an environmentalist fighting to save the majestic redwood forests from lumber barons in 1923. Decades later, her great-niece becomes one of the first female park rangers. Their stories are unique and yet contain some uncanny parallels. The author expertly weaves the two timelines together until the point where they finally overlap and then — kapow – fireworks! Made for such a captivating read!

Searching for Justice + Giveaway

A cold-case reopened. A K-9 in pursuit of the truth.

When a teen goes missing from the same place where her own foster sister disappeared, K-9 handler Brynne Taylor is on the case…until she’s caught in a lethal trap. Someone doesn’t want her or her Saint Bernard, Fergie, snooping around, and they’re willing to kill to keep their secrets. Saved by rancher Jace Jackson, Brynne reluctantly accepts the single father’s help solving both cases. But they’re under fire every dangerous step of the way—and eluding this killer may be as impossible as outrunning Brynne’s past…

My Review:

Wow! This is the 15h K-9 Search and Rescue book from Love Inspired Suspense and I hope they keep them coming. I’m always on board for good K-9 mystery and this one is fantastic. How could it not be with Fergie leading the way?! A St. Bernard who has a lot to prove along with human partner, Brynne, since they are the newest hires in this small Texas town. Especially since Brynne has history that seems to be all tangled up in the latest missing teen case.

I really enjoyed the way Queen strikes a balance between the romance and the suspense. The Second Chance trope plays out realistically. Past traumas – especially for Brynne – make things extra challenging. Loved the way the past is gradually merged into the present and there were so many ‘aha’ moments that made the suspense even more thrilling for me…and left me on tenterhooks regarding the happily ever after outcome. I knew it was coming…this is a Love Inspired novel, after all…but just how satisfactorily would it be wrapped up? Splendidly, I’d say!

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Cyndi Stark. Her performance complimented these characters and drew out the tension at just the right moments. An excellent listen that I’d recommend to audio ‘readers’ like me.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Searching for Justice, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 15 2025.

Deadly Revenge + Giveaway

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That’s where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

My Review:

Phew! A gripping police procedural that turned this into an unstoppable read. Absolutely love the investigative aspects to this suspense. It’s the focus of the plot though there is also a creepy undertone simmering in the background. Sent delicious chills up my spine a time or two. And when it comes time for action, it explodes off the page in a breath-snatching fury. I’ve just now managed to get my heart rate down.

Max and Jenna worked together before in another police department and there was definitely a smouldering attraction between the two until…well stuff happened. Fast forward a few years and they have both experienced enough grief in the romance department to be wary of rekindling an old flame. The tension between these two is palpable from the onset – equal parts awkward and anticipatory. All while they’re grappling with a complicated case that seems to stretch into the past.

‘Deadly Revenge’ is riveting on so many levels. Love the way the author develops the relationship between Max and Jenna. It’s slow and measured and built on respect. And believably sidelined (most of the time) in deference to the case they are working on. And there are so many intricate layers to the suspense plot that kept me on the edge of my seat and frantically trying to put the pieces together before Max and Jenna did. I was right…some of the time…but wrong a lot more. Love when a suspense gives my mind a good workout!

This is the third and last book in the Pearl River series but works fine as a standalone. We do get to see a lot of Alex (heroine from book one) as a secondary character though, in her role as sheriff. And there’s a wonderful epilogue that brings all the series’ heroes and heroines together for one final ‘hurrah’ for readers.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Deadly Revenge, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 15 2025.

The Filling Station + Giveaway

Two sisters. One unassuming haven. Endless opportunities for grace.

During Jim Crow America, there was only one place Black Americans could safely refuel their vehicles along what would eventually become iconic Route 66. But more than just a place to refuel, it was a place to fill up the soul, build community, and find strength. For two sisters, the Threatt Filling Station became the safe haven they needed after escaping the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

After looking in the face of evil and leaving her whole world behind, Margaret Justice wants nothing more than to feel safe and hold tight to what she has left. Her sister, Evelyn, meanwhile, is a dreamer who longs for adventure and to follow her heart, even though she’s been told repeatedly to not dream too big.

As they both grapple with love, loss, and racism, Margaret and Evelyn realize that they can’t hide out at the filling station when Greenwood and their father’s legacy needs to be rebuilt. Going back will take strength they’re not sure they have. But for the love of Greenwood, they will risk it all and just may be the catalyst to bring Black Wall Street back to its former glory.

My Review:

I am really struggling to find the words to do justice to this novel. I’m still a chaotic mess of emotions and it’s been almost a week since I finished ‘The Filling Station.’ This is a story that has settled into my soul and will be remembered forever.

It’s a tough read. Miller doesn’t mince words when it comes to describing the events of the Tulsa Race Massacre. I felt the terror and keen sense of injustice and disbelief right along with Margaret and Evelyn. Seeing everything unfold through their eyes made for an emotional assault on my senses. But the author doesn’t abandon us there.

She shines a light on the resilience of a people who refuse to be beaten down. She infuses faith and hope in the midst of the impossible. It’s never easy. Everything isn’t all tied up in a bow by the end. Some gaping wounds are still festering while others have healed over. Margaret and Evelyn deal with their trauma and grief in very different ways and that means that sometimes they clash, but the bond of their sisterhood can never be severed. They are survivors and overcomes and their story, while fictional, represents the real life experience of hundreds of men and women.

And that’s what stops me cold. Because it seems so impossible. I should be reassured that the massacre happened a hundred years ago. And yet, I can’t help but feel like we are back sliding, losing ground in battles already won and it makes me so sad and mad and feeling helpless. But what gives me hope is that people like Margaret and Evelyn didn’t give up. They didn’t succumb to fear, exhaustion or despair. They focused on doing the next right thing, many placing their faith in a God others might think had forsaken them. So much to learn and admire about this kind of tenacity and courage.

And the people who stepped up to stand in the gap for them. There’s huge lessons to be learned about what it means to actively be the hands and feet of Christ. So many wonderful secondary characters, some based on real people, who give me hope for humanity. God isn’t finished with us yet.

‘The Filling Station’ is an absolute MUST READ as far as I’m concerned. And it would make an incredible book club selection because there are so many important talking points.

I was privileged to be able to listen to the audible edition narrated by Angel Pean who did a stupendous job conveying the depth of emotion in this story. And she really captured the unique personalities of both sisters and all the secondary characters as well. Would highly recommend the audio edition of ‘The Filling Station.’

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Filling Station, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 15 2025.

Of Gold and Shadows + Giveaway

The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

After eight years in India, Oxford’s most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor’s determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin–rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk–surfaces, and they’re left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . .

My Review:

A luscious mix of history and mystery and the Egyptology aspect makes the story that much more interesting. I’ve always been fascinated by the Victorian’s antiquities obsession. Lots of fodder for intrigue and drama and Griep delivers that in the aptly titled ‘Of Gold and Shadows.’

An alluring plot fraught with danger and betrayal. An independent heroine ahead of her time. A hero with something to prove (or so he thinks.) I get delicious thrills just thinking about the way their love story plays out especially as it contains a significant faith thread. Humour in unexpected places along with some very enjoyable banter lightened the ‘shadowy’ parts of the story. But, of course, there are plot twists!

Lots of intriguing layers to delve through and secondary characters to love (or hate!) I especially adored Edmund’s quirky staff! This author is a masterful storyteller and her talent shines in this first ‘Time’s Lost Treasures’ novel. I can’t wait for book twos release this summer!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Of Gold and Shadows, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 15 2025.

Hiding the Witness + Giveaway

Rescuing a child makes a killer’s target.

Racing into a burning cabin to search for survivors, firefighter Diana Cameron stumbles upon an unconscious child—and two bodies with bullet wounds. When a sniper targets their narrow escape, Diana has no choice but to team up with bodyguard Chase Mitchell to keep the little girl safe. Uncovering the identity of the murder victims is the only way to find the killer. But as they’re chased by gunmen into the mountain wilderness, can they protect a tiny witness from the unknown…when the truth is more sinister than they imagined?

My Review:

Whoa – what a compelling romantic suspense! I listened to the audio edition, and I have to say that narrator Alexis Vandom’s performance increased my appreciation of the storytelling that much more. The way she delivers the dialogue – especially when Diana and Chase are sniping at each other — just brilliant! She draws out the tension, infuses emotion into these characters and just made the story more engaging for me. Excellent narration.

And the story? Phew! High-octane intrigue from the get go. Excellent pacing. Even though the danger is relentless and Chase and Diana face endless obstacles, the author creates enough breathing space for a believable relationship to develop. And that sweet little girl they are protecting adds a poignant touch to the story. As does the inspirational thread the author has deftly woven throughout – even in the midst of uncertain peril.

I need to read more of Deena Alexander’s novels, including catching up on her backlist because it looks like this book is part of a series featuring Chase’s private security team. (No worries though – it reads well as a standalone.) But I’m intrigued now that I’ve met the whole gang and I need to know all their stories.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this novel.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hiding the Witness, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 8 2025.

An Overdue Match + Giveaway

If the covers of every romance book ever published hadn’t convinced librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection—even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian does the same thing and believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book—or each other—by the cover.

My Review:

‘An Overdue Match’ will definitely make my ‘Top 10 in 2025’ list. It’s funny and flirty but hard-hitting too. I experienced a mash-up of emotions from snort laughing to teary-eyed and everything in between. I love feeling my way through a story and Monzon always delivers that for me.

Evangeline is a heroine after my own heart. She’s a kindred book nerd – “a book doesn’t have feelings but it has a soul.” This is one passionate librarian who ferociously guards her charges (aka books) from the perils of careless borrowers. Enter tattoo artist Tai and their tumultuous meet cute sets the stage for rom/com delight.

Loved the bantering, Tai’s teasing. He takes such pleasure in pushing Evangeline’s buttons. And when he starts trying out nicknames for her…be still my heart. I was constantly swooning into a puddle the rest of the read. He has this bad boy persona that is completely opposite to what he’s really like. Judged by a few youthful indiscretions, there are plenty of folks in town who see his return ( to open a tattoo parlour no less!) as Bad News. Of course Evangeline isn’t as immune to Tai’s rakish charms as she claims to be and a delightful game of cat and mouse ensues. Highly entertaining!

But while the comedic beats are measured out to perfection, it is the deeper inspirational threads that elevate Evangeline and Tai’s story to the ‘memorable, rereadable, keeper shelf’ status. So touching and poignant . And inspiring. I appreciate the autoimmune rep and the role it played in the drama and conflict…and ultimately triumph.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘An Overdue Match’ (cute title that totally fits!) narrated by Allyson Morgan. Loved the way she portrayed these characters and delivered dialogue. Listening to the story added to its emotional impact. I so appreciate these talented performers who bring beloved stories to life.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Overdue Match, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 8 2025.

Grace’s Pictures + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

Grace McCaffery hopes that the bustling streets of New York hold all the promise that the lush hills of Ireland did not. As her efforts to earn enough money to bring her mother to America fail, she wonders if her new Brownie camera could be the answer. But a casual stroll through a beautiful New York City park turns into a hostile run-in with local gangsters, who are convinced her camera holds the first and only photos of their elusive leader.

A policeman with a personal commitment to help those less fortunate finds Grace attractive and longs to help her, but Grace believes such men cannot be trusted. Spread thin between her quest to rescue her mother, do well in a new nanny job, and avoid the gang intent on intimidating her. Grace must put her faith in unlikely sources to learn the true meaning of courage and forgiveness.

My Review:

published in 2013

Thomson had me at Irish immigrant and Ellis Island. My Irish heritage is always clamouring for more Irish heroes and heroines. Erin Go Bragh! In addition, this turn of the century historical has an incredibly unique twist that adds the spice of suspense to an already gripping tale.

The depth in characterization and the impossible but historically accurate situations made this a riveting read. It wasn’t long before I was lost in another place and time, riveted by emotions that leapt off the page and wrapped around my heart. Grace has a traumatic past to overcome and her unwillingness to trust brings her close to disaster more then a time or two.

Grace’s Pictures will evoke images and feelings you won’t soon forget. It is a moving tribute to the courageous immigrants who made their way across Ellis Island in the hopes of creating a new and better life. An exceptional read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Grace’s Pictures, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 8 2025.

A Healing Touch

Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients’ physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok’s world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives.

A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that’s like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart.

My Review:

What a thrill to be back in Stoney Ridge and meet up with so many beloved characters from the author’s previous series. ‘A Healing Touch’ could be read as a standalone, but I think readers familiar with some of the Stoney Ridge books, especially the ones featuring Dok, will appreciate this story so much more.

Dok was raised Amish but left the faith and her community to pursue a medical degree. Circumstances have brought her back to Stoney Ridge where her brother is the Bishop and she has an interesting mix of Amish and Englisch patients in her thriving Family Medicine practice. Dok is the kind of physician we’d all love to have – old-fashioned enough to still make house calls, caring enough (aka bossy enough) to push for the best outcomes for her patients, whether they want her to or not! And she has a creative approach to meet the needs of some of her most stubborn patients!

Mind you, Dok, knows a thing or two about stubbornness — just ask her husband! Love the insights we get into her married life (he’s the sheriff!) as they work their way through some tough situations. I might have cried at one point.

This story is told from three different women’s points of view. Dok, of course, and her busy practice and challenging home life; her receptionist, Annie, a young Amish woman who yearns for something more in her life, and Bee, Dok’s recently widowed patient who has just been given an unwelcome diagnosis.

There’s love and laughter, frustrations and tears — all woven together with the promise of divine hope and faith shared. An emotional journey realistically depicting a slice of real life.