Christian Fiction – Page 29

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton

In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart?

Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She’s experienced it time and time again. But there’s a silver lining to repeatedly proving she’s confident and self-reliant.

When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she’s game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she’s not about to let her guard down–especially with the other women who received the same invitation.

A strange voice on the phone tells them he’s gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can’t let go the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell.

With Everleigh’s keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry’s vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner’s connections to the antiques world, they’re bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie’s nephew, Niles Butler, doesn’t trust Everleigh’s innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh’s walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team.

Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God’s love will relish this new series.

My Review:

An international treasure hunt with all kinds of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ vibes! And it includes a slow-burn, enemies to more romance with lots of sniping and banter. Add in the historical mystery element along with the not quite dual timeline (More time is spent in the present than the past) and well, this quickly became an unputdownable read for me.

This is my first Susan L. Tuttle book and I have fallen for her storytelling style. Love the way she developed the characters – especially Everleigh. I didn’t quite like her at the start, and she frustrated me no end with some of the decisions she made, but she has spunk and tenacity and a gnarly past that explains so much. And there are two more women on the team who obviously have just as intriguing backstories so I’m hoping future books in the series will feature them.

Guilty Until Innocent

When an old case is reopened, two lawyers work to prove a man’s innocence despite the odds stacked against them.

After being fired from his last two jobs, Ryan Clark lands an associate position with a law firm run by his distant cousin, Tom, in a small North Carolina town. Over twenty-five years earlier, Tom represented local man Joe Moore when he was convicted of murder in the deaths of a prominent young couple. Even though the evidence was circumstantial, Joe was high on drugs and doesn’t remember the details of the crime. He never seriously questioned his own guilt, even when he was originally accused. Not only has he adapted to life in prison but he’s become a different person there and has a significant ministry to fellow inmates.

But Joe’s family remains unconvinced of his guilt, and they hire Ryan and Tom to file a motion to obtain Joe’s release. The resulting investigation uncovers layers of dark secrets in the local community. It will result either in Joe’s vindication–or expand the number of people who should join him behind bars.

My Review:

A character driven story that slowly builds in suspense and, mercy, but the faith elements in this novel are phenomenal.

The book’s strength is in the character growth. It is told from multiple points of view with varied perspectives that blend into a cohesive whole by the end. There’s Joe, twenty + years into a lifetime prison sentence for double homicide; Ryan, an up and coming young lawyer and his wife, Paige. I enjoyed the time I spent with each character and loved the way their faith journeys intersected, shining a spotlight on how God can work good out of any situation.

I went into this book expecting a legal thriller/suspense but I found the plot takes more of a meandering pace towards the action packed conclusion. Definitely more of a redemptive type of story with a side of suspense. I figured out the whodunnit aspect very early on, but it was still fun (and frustrating) to watch Ryan take his sweet time reaching the same conclusion…when it’s almost too late!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Guilty Until Innocent’ and found it to be an easy listen. I don’t usually enjoy male narrators because their female voices often feel like caricatures, but Jason Keller’s performance worked well for this story. I liked the way he brought distinctive voices to the characters…along with some Southern twang!

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

Now or Never + Giveaway

Indie!

Will leaving positive legacies mean kissing their own happily-ever-after goodbye?

If Tim Bergeron got a lifetime achievement award for anything, it’d be managing the iconic rock band, Awestruck, but he’d trade his successful career for the opportunity to prevent his daughter from repeating his mistakes.

When a health scare proves time is short, he talks Isabella into a cross-country road trip. His attempts to talk her out of a hasty marriage drive a wedge between them, and it looks like the best he can hope for from the trip is scouting out promising new talent to represent. That is, until he meets Gabby.

Widow Gabrielle Voss has responsibilities to her daughter and patients, deep roots in the community, and a dream that scares her. Though she’d never utter it to the people she lives and works among, the truth slips out with Tim, who’s not in Many Oaks, Iowa, to stay.

As her fiftieth birthday party draws near and an attraction to Tim sparks to life, Gabby realizes she must pursue her dream now—or, more reasonably, never.

This prequel novella to the Many Oaks Romances stars a popular character from the Rhythms of Redemption Romances.

My Review:

The perfect place to begin a new series, with the prequel novella! I love the glimpse the author gave us of the town and some characters who I believe will be featured in future novels (angsty ones at that!)

But this story focuses on a ‘later in life’ romance between Tim and Gabby who are both in their early fifties. And, of course, it’s all kinds of complicated given each of their personal histories. And the fact that they don’t live in the same town or even state!

But it’s attraction at first sight at a time neither of them is looking for love. Conrad writes a beautiful romance with depth and grace…and a healthy dose of grit. I appreciated the maturity in the way they tackled all the issues they faced, both personally and together as they try to figure out what their future might hold. And I love that they are both anchored by their faith which makes for a strong foundation.

Realistic drama, family struggles and the way the author approached some tough topics added emotional layers to their story and made for a captivating 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 Now or Never, 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 February 1 2025.

Serial Burn + Giveaway

She’s out for justice. But the arsonist she’s tracking is out for retribution.

Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn McCormick is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family when she was just seven years old. As the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a string of fires–including at Jesslyn’s church–brings up all those old feelings and offers new evidence.

Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past–one he’d prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.

As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories will come flooding in from the past to bump up against hopes for the future. And when Jesslyn comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she’ll have to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community of friends in order to survive.

My Review:

Gobbled this one up in a day. Just could not leave these characters at any point in the story. An engrossing police procedural mixed with arson investigation and a s-l-o-w burn romance had my bookish heart singing!

This is the third ‘Lake City Heroes’ book and something that is done spectacularly well in this series is the ‘found family ‘aspect in the diverse friendships. The gang is back, ready to serve and protect and kid around at every opportunity. As well as have those pointed heart to hearts when necessary. It was such a blast to spend time with these characters again and I loved getting a glimpse at previous books’ power couples. Having said that, ‘Serial Arson’ can easily be read as a standalone novel too so don’t be afraid to hop in mid-series if you feel the urge.

Jesslyn and Nathan make a great team – both in the investigation and as friends…and maybe something more? This book is quite light on the romance and more about the deepening friendship (they’ve known each other through their friend group for a while.) They both have traumatic backstories and I appreciated the time the author gave them to work through issues and come to terms with how they can move forward together.

And there’s a powerful inspirational thread about forgiveness that really hit home. “Forgiveness is a decision.” Had to sit with that simple but profound statement for a bit. I love when something like this jumps out at me through my fiction and there’s a moving scene involving Nathan that really touched my heart.

Of course, the suspense is stellar (this is a Lynette Eason creation after all) with just the right mix of action and danger and good old boots to the ground legwork before the pieces of the puzzle finally come together in a resounding conclusion.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of this book, narrated by Lauren Pedersen. She’s become a familiar voice in my audio book ‘reading’. I really love the way she captures the personalities of each character which helps me feel even more connected to the story.

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 Serial Burn, 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 February 1 2025

With All Her Heart + Giveaway

Bonnie and Elijah each believe that marriage is not in their futures . . . but they hadn’t counted on God’s plans being bigger than their own imaginations.

Bonnie Yoder owns and operates a gift shop popular with tourists and local shoppers alike. She’s glad she’s found a way to be a productive member of her Plain community where all women aspire to marry and have children–something she’s sure she’ll never do because of her physical disability.

Elijah Miller has been acutely shy his entire life, which makes joining his brothers as auctioneers unthinkable. It also means he’s never courted a woman. Instead, he spends every spare moment creating wooden children’s toys and child-size furniture in a workshop he built behind his parents’ house, all the while dreaming of starting his own business.

It’s that dream that prompts Elijah to approach Bonnie about selling his wares in her store. He feels an immediate connection. So does Bonnie, but she’s afraid to believe he’ll ever see her as more than a shop owner kind enough to sell his toys. Elijah’s convinced that someone so sure of herself would never be interested in a man who’s too shy to put two sentences together around her.

What they can’t see, others can. Matchmaking mothers and caring friends conspire to bring the two together. After spending time with each other, Elijah and Bonnie learn that sometimes the most challenging obstacle is a lack of faith–in themselves and in God. Together, they will traverse a difficult road to find their way to the future they’ve never allowed themselves to dream of having.

My Review:

First off, as someone who lives with a disability, it was exciting to see that representation in this book. Just simple things like distinguishing between a walker and a rollator nearly made me giddy! And a romance featuring a heroine with mobility issues is such a gift, not only for people like me, but to help others understand that physical limitations don’t have to limit life choices.

That’s something Bonnie wrestles with. She has an almost false sense of pride, not wishing to be a burden to others which was so relatable. I cringed in places because I could see myself being as stubbornly independent in just as exasperating a way as she is. So, lessons learned here.

Definitely don’t skip the author’s note at the beginning of the book. It is heartfelt and to the point and should be read before diving into the story.

And what an incredible story it is! With a surprise second romance! There’s a real sense of Amish community – both comforting and frustrating (for this reader, anyway) and two strong women finding their way after life has knocked them around a bit.

An emotional and rewarding read…well, listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed narrator Lauren Berst’s performance. She doesn’t just narrate, she brings the characters alive with her emotional interpretation. An immensely satisfying listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing me with an audio copy 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 With All Her Heart, 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 February 1 2025

Wonderful Lonesome + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

“Without church for over a year, this is a wonderful lonesome place to be.”

In a struggling Amish settlement on the harsh Colorado plain in 1914, Abbie Weaver fights for the life of the church she cherishes. Hail, wind, drought and coyotes are daily enemies to the farming Amish, and some families are giving up and returning east. But the loss the community feels most deeply is the lack of a minister. Visiting bishops have stopped coming – a mystery that demands explanation.

Even Abbie’s closest friends aren’t much comfort. Ruthanne is pregnant and afraid her husband will die. Rudy is lonely and weary. Willem is fiercely determined to succeed at any cost. Their unfolding responses to daily challenges press Abbie to confront the convictions that form the backbone of her dreams for the settlement. Though Abbie loves Willem, his choices put a wedge between them. She turns her gaze to Rudy as a blessing that just might save the settlement.

When Abbie discovers the root of the unspoken spiritual divide that runs through the settlement, she finds herself questioning her own father’s faith. Will a collision of loves and values cost her Willem forever?

My Review:

published in 2014

A different kind of pioneer story. It is 1914 but Colorado is still a wild, relatively unsettled part of the country. Land is cheap but not without challenges as a small group of Amish settlers soon discover. This whole story fascinated me on so many levels. The historical facts for one — the author based the settlement on actual Amish endeavors in the area at the same time and she deals with a lot of ‘big’ questions. The conflict that stems from those concerns — both personal and as a group — compelled me to keep reading.

No worries if you are not an Amish fiction fan. This isn’t ‘that’ book. If you like pioneer stories with a good dose of grit, you’ll like this novel. It’s about living a dream — willing a dream actually and what you do when that dream starts crumbling right before your eyes. Do you let it go or hang on for all you are worth? And at what cost? Not just to you, but to those you love.

Told through multiple viewpoints ‘Wonderful Lonesome’ is a sombre tale that will haunt you long after you close the book.

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 Wonderful Lonesome, 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 January 25 2025.

K-9 Alaskan Defense + Giveaway

A K-9 stand guard while a killer closes in.

Discovering a dead body in the woods turns into a fight for survival when Lily Peterson is attacked by an unknown assailant. Rescued by her retired police K-9, Timber, Lily calls the one man she trusts for help—her late fiancé’s partner, former officer Travis Beckett. Only, the danger proves to be far from over when Lily’s house goes up in flames. Someone wants her dead, and all clues lead to a connection to her departed fiancé’s final case. Investigating the past is the only way to stay alive…but can they elude a killer neither expects?

My Review:

I so enjoy these Love Inspired Suspense K-9 series – such amazing variety in all these stories! ‘K-9 Alaskan Defense’ is an example of all that is good in this kind of romantic suspense.

First — the setting. I am so enamoured with stories set in Alaska particularly when it’s a romantic suspense. And the opening scene with Lily stumbling upon a dead body in the middle of nowhere. Phew! Cue the ominous organ music and buckle up for a rocky ride to her happily every after! Really loved the pacing — the way the author builds up the tension but includes enough breathing space for the relationship between Lily and Travis to grow.

So — second chance romance trope written with just the right amount of angst and redemption. Loved the way these two communicate, even when it comes to the hard to hear stuff. And the rich emotional layers in both their back stories add extra depth to an already riveting read.

Then there’s Timber – retired K-9 officer who hasn’t forgotten any of her training and is still all about serving and protecting. Love me a good fur-buddy bodyguard!

The suspense grabbed my attention from the very first scene and I found the mystery so compelling. I could feel my anxiety levels rise as I tried (along with Travis and Lily) to figure out why Lily seemed to be a target and then I got to an ‘aha’ moment waaaay before they did and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to catch up with me…or prove me wrong. Absolutely love how engaged I was with these characters and their story.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Dominique Dibbell. Her performance matched the tension and action of the story and enhanced my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more. Such a blessing to have so many of the Love Inspired books being made available in audio format now.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy 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 K-9 Alaskan Defense, 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 January 25 2025

Defending the Child + Giveaway

Caught in a mountain blizzard…with a child to protect.

After Marielle Coleman’s foster son witnesses his mother’s murder, he becomes a killer’s next target. Escaping into a raging Montana snowstorm, Marielle and her little boy hide at a remote camp—and unexpectedly reunite with her ex-fiancé, Graham Flynn, an undercover DEA agent. Now Graham and Marielle must put aside their distrust to save the child from dangerous pursuers. But Graham’s still hiding secrets from Marielle…ones that could tie them all to a conspiracy that will end their lives.

My Review:

Brrrrrr…the perfect January read. Nothing like a stranded in a snowstorm scenario to amp up the suspense in a story! I crave this kind of read once the weather turns cold. There’s something so cozy about curling up with a ‘fighting against the elements’ page-turner while ignoring your own blizzard outside!

I was hooked right from the start. The action scenes are so vivid and intense and the plight of an innocent child adds to their desperation. Then there’s the second chance romance (eeeepp – one of my favourite tropes for a romantic suspense!) I really liked the way the author wove Marielle and Graham’s reconciliation into the intense drama of the suspense. Heightened emotions all around, including mine!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Defending the Child’, expertly narrated by Jessica Taige. She conveyed all the emotional nuances perfectly which made the story that much more compelling. Turned this one into a compulsive listen I finished it in a day.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy 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 Defending the Child, 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 January 25 2025

The Letter Tree + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Romeo and Juliet meets You’ve Got Mail in 1920s New York when hidden letters change everything for two lost souls and the community around them.

Seven years ago, a letter left inside a tree brought Laura Bradshaw an anonymous friend who helped her navigate the tragic loss of her mother and gave her something to look forward to despite the overbearing hand of her father. Life would be far bleaker, if not for her beloved Letter Tree, her dear friend, and her secret trips to the Buffalo Zoo. But even these rays of light are threatened when her father decides to play matchmaker in order to further his business goals.

When Isaac Campbell learns that his letter friend is destined to court another, he balks at the suggestion and begs her to break her rule of namelessness and meet him. Her words have endeared her to him, he’s ready to fall at her knees and beg her to choose him—that is until he sees her face. The stranger he’s become so attached to is not a stranger . . . but the only daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.

Can the grown children of feuding parents bridge the chasm between them? Or is the divide too deep—and too wide?

My Review:

published in 2023

Old family secrets are at the heart of this Romeo and Juliet style romance (with a better ending!) I’ve heard other readers compare it to You’ve Got Mail as well and, though I’m not a fan of that movie (the bookstore dies, people!) I can see how that comparison can be made. Again, with a much happier ending. 🙂

As children, Isaac and Laura were the best of friends but a rivalry between their fathers tore them apart and they have both been living with the extreme fallout of a contentious feud ever since. Everyone has to pick sides, including servants and factory workers and the two haven’t set eyes on each other in years.

Until a tree is turned into a mail box of sorts and two lonely people begin exchanging letters using pseudonyms. A friendship is born (or should I say revived?) and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next…plot twist!

Mystery and romance in 1920s New York. Loved the historical details, especially about the Buffalo zoo. Made for an immersive read and kept me engaged right to the end.

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 Letter Tree, 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 January 18 2025

Uncovering the Truth + Giveaway

A trail of threats…and a K-9 to shield them

When Alyssa Anderson stumbles upon her ex-boyfriend’s illegal art theft operation, she goes on the run—and narrowly escapes a drive-by shooting. With the help of her high school sweetheart, Spencer Cavanaugh, and his service dog, Apollo, Alyssa tries to stay one step ahead of her ex who will do anything to find her. When hit men are sent to her hometown, Alyssa’s life is in more danger than ever before. Can Spencer and Apollo protect her from a crime ring more sinister than they ever imagined?

My Review:

‘Uncovering the Truth’ is a compelling page turner so clear your calendar before you sit down to read — you won’t be able to pull yourself away until you reach the end! The sense of urgency begins with the very first scene and the tension continues to mount as Alyssa and Spencer face uncertain danger.

Second chance romance between former star-crossed high school lovers who meet again in highly unusual circumstances. They’ve both grown up a lot. Life experiences have marked them – Spence after a stint in the military and Alyssa as the black sheep of her family who hasn’t made peace with her past. Their struggles are relatable and Post has created complex emotional layers from both their back stories. I was as invested in the romance as I was in the suspense.

Speaking of which, there’s lots of action and relentless danger and the author writes these scenes so well. I could picture every excruciating second. My ‘reading experience’ was enhanced by Romy Evans’ excellent narration since I listened to audio book. She delivered thoughtful interpretations of both character and plot. Loved the way she increased tension with her voice. An exceptional listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy 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 Uncovering the Truth, 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 January 18 2025