Sandra Merville Hart's Blog, page 10

Brighten Your Corner by Michelle L. Levigne

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Book & Mug Mysteries

Book Three

After reading the first two books in the series, I was excited to read the third one and it didn’t disappoint me!  

Melba and Cilla, two cousins actively working to open a new candle shop, have trouble right away from Ernie, the last shop owner who had been evicted. Ernie feels the cousins have stolen the shop they’re now renting, and complains he didn’t have enough notice to remove all his possessions.

To make matters worse, Melba and Cilla’s cousin, Charlotte, insists that the shop was her idea in the first place and she’s the business owner. Charlotte has been a thorn in their side for decades and her erratic demands cause no end of trouble for Melba and Cilla, yet Ernie’s threats are even worse.

The author does a great job building tension through twists and turns I didn’t anticipate. This cozy murder mystery snagged my attention right away. I love when a small-town cast of believable—mostly lovable—characters collide in a cozy mystery. The author does a great job at making the characters relatable, and I already had my favorites when I began reading this latest novel.   

There are a variety of characters in this book, and several have scenes written in their own point-of-view. While reading the third book, it was less challenging to remember family connections, though I still had to pay close attention at times.

Levigne has delivered another well-written cozy mystery that kept me turning pages.

I hope this isn’t the end the series!

Amazon

The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Amish Marketplace

Book One

Christiana Kurtz is thrilled to open a bake shop in a local market. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve even more of the delicious desserts she’s become well-known for baking.

Jeff Stoltzfus sells wood and leather goods in the shop beside Christiana. The pretty baker catches his eye but he’s still trying to grow beyond a prior relationship, that his fiancé had ended. She’s married now. Jeff won’t allow himself to be hurt like that again.

Friends and family notice the spark between them, but Christiana’s father may be the biggest hurdle of all.

The Amish romance is light-hearted and easy to read. Readers of this genre will enjoy the book!

Amazon  

Announcing River of Peril, Book 5, Releases Today!

River of Peril, Book 5 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, releases today, October 15th!

What endorsers are saying about the book:

Sandra Merville Hart is skilled at taking readers into the hearts and lives of the common people during the Civil War. ~Cindy Thomson, Author of the Ellis Series and the Daughters of Ireland Series

River of Peril is filled with romance and intrigue! ~Deborah Sprinkle, Award-winning author of the Trouble in Pleasant Valley Series and the Mac and Sam Mystery Series

With her meticulous level of research, her proven ability as a natural storyteller, and her ability to weave all these elements into a riveting narrative, Sandra has again crafted a book you won’t be able to put down. ~Kevin Spencer, Historian—ON THIS DAY in North Carolina History

What reviewers are saying about the book:

Well researched and worth a read!

River of Peril is a page-turner story of love and loss, faith and hope amidst life’s trials, including war.

I especially liked how the story focused not only on the characters’ daily lives but on the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi as a whole. It was a very hard time for all the residents there, not just the soldiers. You really get a feel for all that was happening in that time period. An excellent story and one filled with emotion, forgiveness and danger.

Remembering can be worse than forgetting!

The author keeps a good balance of hope throughout the story, because even in war, there is hope in God. The details are clear and engaging to the point you feel like you are there, feeling everything along with the characters – the good and bad.
I enjoy studying history, and this novel delivered for me. I look forward to the next in the series.

The extensive research done by this author shines clearly in this historical novel which is both informative and very engrossing.

Back cover blurb:

Amnesia stole his memory, and now he’s fighting for the wrong side.

Orphaned and alone at sixteen, Felicity has found solace in serving others as a volunteer nurse. When she discovers her Confederate soldier beau, Luke Shea, among the wounded in her ward, her worst nightmares come true. Luke’s shrapnel wound has stolen his memory, leaving him with no recollection of their love or his past. As Felicity struggles with the loss of the man she once knew, she turns her attention to the service of her broken country. But the more she learns about the brutal war, the more she realizes she can no longer stay silent. She becomes a Union spy, plunging herself into danger.

When Luke Shea awakes in a hospital with no memory of the last five years, he’s shocked to learn he’s been fighting against the Union he once so strongly supported. And when he learns of his past courtship with his nurse, Felicity, he struggles to understand the man he was and what happened in those missing years. Determined to atone for his Confederate past, Luke also joins the Union cause as a spy.

As danger lurks at every turn, only a Divine hand can not only protect their lives, but give them a second chance for love and the future they both crave.

Pick up your copy today on Amazon !

Once you read it or any other of my other books, I’d appreciate a review!

And you won’t have long to wait for Tides of Healing, Book 6, where you will read the story of Savannah and Travis. It will release on February 11th

Dancing on My Grave by Michelle L. Levigne

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Book & Mug Mysteries

Book Two

After reading the first book in the series I was excited to read the next one and it didn’t disappoint me!  

While Becca Sheridan is away on an extended mission trip, she keeps in touch with Conrad Price. They’re to meet within hours of her return to Cadburn, Ohio, and she’s excited that this date will be the beginning of moving past the friendship stage.

Then Conrad stops communicating. He doesn’t meet for their date. When she runs into him, he’s changed. He’s forgetting earlier conversations and activities they’ve shared. He also informs her the square dancing club can no use his company for their practices, something they’ve done for years. Becca’s not the only one frustrated with him because he’s treating everyone differently.

This cozy murder mystery snagged my attention right away. I love when a small-town cast of believable—mostly lovable—characters collide in a cozy mystery.  

There are a lot of characters in this book. A variety of characters have scenes written in their own point-of-view, and I had to remember how they were connected—family, friends, enemies, etc.

The author does a wonderful job of building a cast of believable characters.

Levigne has delivered a well-written cozy mystery that kept me turning pages.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Amazon

Next Book in Spies of the Civil War Series Will Release Soon!

My Spies of the Civil Series is continuing with Felicity and Luke’s story! River of Peril, Book 5, will release on October 15th!

Felicity Danielson, a volunteer nurse, is shocked to learn that her beau, Confederate soldier Luke Shea, came to her ward overnight with a head wound. Worse, he has amnesia and doesn’t remember her. This is a nightmare from which neither of them can awaken.

Back cover blurb:

Amnesia stole his memory, and now he’s fighting for the wrong side.

Orphaned and alone at sixteen, Felicity has found solace in serving others as a volunteer nurse. When she discovers her Confederate soldier beau, Luke Shea, among the wounded in her ward, her worst nightmares come true. Luke’s shrapnel wound has stolen his memory, leaving him with no recollection of their love or his past. As Felicity struggles with the loss of the man she once knew, she turns her attention to the service of her broken country. But the more she learns about the brutal war, the more she realizes she can no longer stay silent. She becomes a Union spy, plunging herself into danger.

When Luke Shea awakes in a hospital with no memory of the last five years, he’s shocked to learn he’s been fighting against the Union he once so strongly supported. And when he learns of his past courtship with his nurse, Felicity, he struggles to understand the man he was and what happened in those missing years. Determined to atone for his Confederate past, Luke also joins the Union cause as a spy.

As danger lurks at every turn, only a Divine hand can not only protect their lives, but give them a second chance for love and the future they both crave.

Preorder your copy today on Amazon !

What Did Jesus Eat?

Linda Dindzans, dear friend and fellow author, shares two recipes that Jesus might have enjoyed. Also, she is celebrating her debut release of A Certain Man, a Biblical fiction novel I loved! Welcome to Historical Nibbles, Linda!

by Linda Dindzans

Writers of historical fiction who want to create a story that rings true must research many aspects of everyday life. One of the most fun topics for me to research is the foods that were consumed, how they were prepared, and who would have had access to them at the time of Jesus.

The basic diet throughout Roman Palestine included a daily portion of wheat or barley bread, a portion of lentils, peas, some olive oil, and a portion of dried figs or other produce. Fish was part of the diet for those near rivers or the sea but had to be salted for situations where transport was required. Only the wealthy would have been able to readily afford meat— goat, beef, lamb. Commoners would have served meat only at feasts, weddings, or other occasions of great significance.

Kitchens did not exist. In small houses, food was cooked out back over an open fire or in a fire pit. In larger houses, a cookfire would be maintained in a central courtyard and kitchen foodstuffs were kept in a storeroom. Only the wealthiest homes had a dedicated place to cook inside and a fiery oven.

Lentils were a nutrient-rich legume that had been cultivated for thousands of years and were consumed by Romans, Jews, and Samaritans. Lentils were considered almost as important as grain and are mentioned several places in the Bible. Jacob made Esau a red lentil stew for which he traded his birthright. They are listed among the foods brought to David and his followers when they were running from King Saul.  

My debut novel, A Certain Man, set in ancient Samaria at the time of Jesus, mentions characters growing lentils, packing dried lentils to travel, or preparing lentil stew or soup, called “miqpah”, over a cookfire. The stew was often flavored with garlic and combined with other vegetables such as cabbage. What did lentil soup or stew taste like? Our modern diets are varied, so many of you may have an idea, but below is a tasty version you may enjoy.

The following recipe and photos are taken with permission from an excellent website https://thebiblecookbook.com. This site was created by Walterina Bindhu Jachin, a friend, who has combined Bible study  and her love of cooking to place the many food items or meals mentioned in the Bible  in both a spiritual and physical context. She has developed her take on those recipes to cater to today’s palate. 

Jacob’s Red Lentil soup with Oats bread

Red Lentil Soup Recipe:

1 cup red lentils (You can substitute this with yellow or green lentils)

1 cup red beans, cooked

large red or white onion, choppedTbsp. tomato paste

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds

1/2 tsp. whole peppercorns

1 cup chicken stock (Optional: if you want a vegetarian version, you can use a veggie stock )

1 tsp. Serrano peppers or any green pepper of your choice

1 cup cilantro, chopped 2 Tbsp. ghee (clarified butter) salt – as desired 

sour cream, for garnish

Method:

Wash and soak the lentils for 1 hr. before starting to cook.Add the soaked lentils, salt, cumin, pepper, 1/2 of chopped onions and garlic, cilantro with 3 cups of water and pressure cook it for 3 whistles. If using a pot, let it simmer with the lid closed until the lentils are soft and mushy.In a pan, add the ghee, and heat to medium. Once the pan is hot, add a pinch of whole cumin seeds, Serrano or green peppers, the remaining chopped onions, garlic and let it cook till the onions are transparent.Add the tomato paste with a couple of teaspoons of water and once its heated through, add the chicken stock and red beans. Let this come to a boil and then add paprika and salt to taste.At this stage, add the cooked mashed lentils and let the soup simmer on low for 20 minutes.Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro, a dollop of sour cream and serve it hot with the Oat bread.

Optionally, you can serve this on rice or a side of pita bread. It’s not just delicious, but also simple and hearty. And NO… no matter how good it tastes, you cannot ask people to give up their rights in return for your soup. LOL!

Oats bread recipe :

Ingredients:

cup oats flour  cups whole wheat flour

1 packet Instant yeast  

Tbsp. maple syrup or honey

1/4 Tsp salt

3/4 cup warm water  

Tbsp. butter  

Method:

1.Combine Maple syrup, yeast, with water and let it rise till you see it foaming

2. Add the flour, salt with the yeast mixture and combine it well to form a ball shaped dough 3. Cover it and let it rest in a warm place. I have kept my dough inside the oven with the oven switched off and the lights on.

After 30 minutes, punch the raised dough, knead it for 2 minutes and form into your desired shape and place it in the loaf pan. And let it rise again in the pan for 30 more minutes.

Melt the butter and apply half of the butter on the dough and coat all around it. Sprinkle some oats on top.

Preheat the oven to 350 and bake it for 35 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when you poke in the middle. Apply the remaining butter.Let it rest for 15 minutes and slice it.

Linda again…For other delicious Bible-based recipes visit https://thebiblecookbook.com. I particularly like the fig pudding with raisin jam!

Blurb

Mara, motherless since birth, is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Having suffered thirteen years in her drunken father’s house, more servant than daughter, soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Will her greedy father consider her heart when he brokers a match?

Amazon

Linda Dindzans, M.D. is a writer with the heart of a healer who offers readers stories of redemption and restoration. Though her compelling characters inhabit the treacherous times of the Bible, Linda believes there is nothing new under the sun. The struggles of her characters still speak to hearts today. Connect with Linda on Facebook: Linda Dindzans, Author, and X:@lindadindzans.

ACFW New Releases October 2024

October 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

General Contemporary:

I’ll Be Home by Darlene L. Turner, by Sara Davison, Helena Smrcek, Melanie Stevenson — With chaos and confusion all around them, can they find their way home this Christmas? The people in these four stories are all searching for something—an escaped convict, a job promotion from a love interest, connection to a lost parent, answers across time. Christmas should be a time of wonder and celebration, but the obstacles each faces seem insurmountable. Perhaps they will find what they are seeking during this season of miracles and hope. Or maybe, with God’s help, they will discover that the longing of their hearts takes them to places—and people—they didn’t even know they’d been searching for. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Chokecherry Valley Collection by Jean Rezab — One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond’s life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he’s on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and works on his in-law’s farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. What if Paul could have the one thing he desires most? To see and speak to his daughter again. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

A Match Made at Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, Heather Greer — A mischievous little boy, an interfering friend, a committee of Christmas planners, and a quartet of teenage elves play matchmakers in this fun collection of Christmas romances. (Contemporary Romance, Scrivenings Press)

The Warrior’s B&B by Jennie Atkins — Is it possible for a man to fall in love with two different women and never suspect they are the same person? (Contemporary Romance from Amazon)

The Dream of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — Cowboys who deserve a second chance at love and happiness and the women strong enough to show them the way…Texas style! (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

One Starry Christmas by Mary A. Felkins — A pastor with a past faces his greatest challenge. Redemption. (Contemporary Romance from Gardenia Press)

Wild at Heart by Alyssa Schwarz — She craves adventure. He’s had enough adventure for a lifetime. But when these two friends find themselves searching the skies for an endangered hawk, they’ll find there’s more at stake than the future of Wild Rose Ridge. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Historical:

Brave by Mesu Andrews — In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam–a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman–flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul’s treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam’s conviction that David’s anointing makes him Yahweh’s chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal. (Historical from Bethany House Publishing)

All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee — In the midst of pain and loss two women must come face-to-face with their own assumptions about what they thought they knew about themselves and others. What they discover will lead to a far greater appreciation of their own legacies and the love of those dearest to them. (Historical from Tyndale House)

Historical Romance:

One Special Christmas by Amanda Cabot — It will take a miracle to salvage her dreams, but Christmas is the season of miracles, isn’t it? (Historical Romance from ByDand Publishing)

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly — Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Beyond Shattered Dreams by Cynthia Roemer — After months in a Confederate prison camp, Private Will Everett boards the Sultana eager to return home and leave behind the horrors of war. One day into the voyage, the overcrowded steamboat explodes, rendering Will injured and unable to recall his identity. With only a pocket watch and the name Will E. etched inside to guide him, Will begins a relentless quest to find his forgotten past. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Healing Hearts by Sherida Stewart — Two wounded hearts. His shattered by grief, hers burdened by guilt. Will these two hurting hearts be healed by love and faith? A frontier “Beauty and the Beast” tale set in New Mexico Territory. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Middle-grade Chapter books:

The Beastie of Brambly Bald by Amanda Cleary Eastep — Jack Finch’s plan to gobble up tons of turkey over Thanksgiving Break and work on the Tree Street Kids’ fort has been foiled. Instead, the Finches are traveling to the mountains of North Carolina to visit grandparents Jack barely knows. Thank goodness his best friends Ellison and Roger are coming with him to the cabin on Brambly Bald mountain. But something is lurking in the forest, and soon Jack uncovers a secret bigger than Bigfoot. When the kids come face to face with a real threat, will Jack find a way to protect his friends? Jack braves danger, finds new branches on his family tree, and discovers what it means to be rooted in God’s great family. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Moody Publishers)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

Time to Pay by Susan Page Davis — A near miss for Tony throws the squad into high gear. Captain Harvey Larson is summoned by the mayor to help solve a crime she doesn’t want publicized. Was the caller threatening her or her husband? Meanwhile, the detectives in the Priority Unit are chasing down other criminals. (Mystery [Police Procedural] from Tea Tin Press)

70 North by Kimberley Woodhouse — In this thrilling finale, mysteries deepen, faith is tested, and the pulse of cyber threats intensifies against the striking backdrop of Deadhorse, Alaska. (Contemporary Suspense from Kregel Publications)

Romantic Suspense:

Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen — When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen — A gripping tale of trauma, justice, and the extraordinary strength of a man who’ll do anything to protect the woman he loves. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Search and Detect by Terri Reed — When her home is destroyed by a bomb, Zoe and her little girl need protection and FBI agent Chase Rawlston takes on the job while determining if the bombing is related to the serial killer he’s tracking. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Assigned to Protect by Melanie D. Snitker — Police Officer Jenny Durant and FBI Agent Blake Patterson are assigned to protect a witness who is testifying in a high-profile case. Before she can testify, a bomb goes off at the courthouse, throwing everything into chaos. With multiple casualties and another missing defendant, it’s impossible to know for sure who the actual target was, and whether this attack is only the beginning… (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Guarding Truth by Kelly Underwood — The one thing that Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery regrets is never telling fellow solider Caleb Styles her true feelings. But how could she? They were co-workers, and then the guy went and saved her life. And that turned out to be the one thing that cost them their relationship. So Juliette has moved on, trying to forget Caleb—and her feelings. Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she now lives in Savannah, Georgia…especially since his life is full as guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.… (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller — Nurse Mila Casey did not expect to witness a murder in the clinic’s parking lot. Nor did she imagine seeking protection from the at-large killer would land her on a secluded ranch owned by handsome, but standoffish, Roarke Brenneman. Mila finds herself in the center of ever-growing danger as the police are unable to locate the suspect. When the protection of the ranch is compromised and Mila’s location is discovered, can she, with Roarke’s aid, stay one step ahead of a crazed murderer who intends to silence her… (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction:

The Castle Rose by Tabitha Caplinger — Bastian Roux lived and died a hundred years ago. Kind of. He certainly feels like nothing more than a ghost as he haunts the abandoned Castle Rose Theatre, his only solace found in the notes of his piano. That is until Odette arrives. (Speculative Urban Fantasy from Blue Ink Press)

Western:

Into the Sunset by Mary Connealy — To finally escape the clutches of her controlling husband and the threat of being recommitted to an asylum, Ginny Rutledge enlists the help of her friends, Maeve O’Toole and Dakota Harlan. Fleeing their own tumultuous pasts, the group embarks on a journey to prove Ginny’s sanity. However, as they confront the shadows they wish they could forget, danger looms from unexpected places. (Western from Bethany House)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Sundancer’s Joy by Elsie Davis — Where hope and healing unite… (Contemporary Romance)

A Codebreaker’s Christmas Surprise by Anne Greene — A secret kept by the US Government for 80 years finally revealed. (Historical Romance)

Fellowship of the Frazzled Moms by Stephanie Paige King — One mom’s simple act of crossing the cul-de-sac ignites a movement for an entire community of women. (General Contemporary)

In Pursuit of the Truth by Melanie D. Snitker — When the situation escalates to danger, it’s up to Nate to keep them safe. (Romantic Suspense)

The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander — In 1847, with her husband and four young sons, a pregnant mother crosses the Oregon Trail, a two-thousand-mile journey to the Pacific Northwest. When tragedy strikes, she must find the strength to continue. (Western)

The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Charleston Brides, Book 6

Helena Allston tries to run away from the man her father has arranged for her to marry and nearly drowns in the river.

Gideon Falconer, a gamekeeper, rescues an unconscious woman from the river but can’t return her to her family until she can tell him her name. By then, they’ve been alone together overnight and her father insists Gideon proposes to her.

Helena’s belief that Gideon marries her to obtain one of her father’s plantations puts up a roadblock in their relationship.

This story had many twists that snagged my attention and kept me turning pages.

I enjoyed this story! Several characters have secrets that add to the conflict and a need for forgiveness.

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances.

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.

Amazon

ACFW New Book Releases September 2024

September 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary General:

Kristen by Dawn M Klinge — In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one’s heart to the unanticipated blessings of life’s sweetest surprises.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M Britton — Can a gregarious office manager and rehabilitating business owner find love while fighting accusations of white-collar crime (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter — A temporary position at a rustic resort leads Lauren to the love of her life and a drastic career change. But on the eve of her engagement, an unfortunate fall leaves her unable to remember any of it. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The Farmer and Adele by Candice Sue Patterson — Second chances aren’t for the faint of heart. (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Historical:

Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas — With the help of some unlikely allies, a young Patriot militiaman must save his settlement from the man who had a hand in his father’s death. (Historical, Independently Published)

New Star by Lana Christian — You may know about the Wise Men’s part in Jesus’ story—but do you know the Wise Men’s story? (OR) How far would you go to protect what you believe in? (Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:

The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin — She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett — She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Virginia by Shannon McNear — Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky — In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two women whose lives intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Middle-grade Chapter books:

Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen — Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Morgan James Publishing)

Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille — A twelve-year-old boy must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to the last place in the world he wants to go. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

Romance:

A Journey for Amy by Diane Craver — As the feelings between Amy and Joe grow deeper, can they overcome their dissimilar faiths, or will their differences pull them apart? (Romance from Vinspire Publishing)

Romance – Amish:

A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard and Mindy Steele — Four Stories of Romance by Four Authors set in the Heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills — A female negotiator and a male investigative journalist work place their lives in danger to seek the release of undocumented immigrants hostages from kidnappers who harbor desperate secrets. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L Turner — Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

No Forgetting Providence by Lee Wimmer — Running from faith led DR on a path of untold success, but also put crosshairs on him, is it providence, or is it something else? (Romantic Suspense from Hightower Publications)

Western:

Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst — God uses a painting and a young man helping his neighbors to strengthen a young woman’s faith and enable her to overcome debilitating fear following a traumatic event. (Western from Independently Published)

Young Adult:

The Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs — Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a starpalm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment. (Young Adult from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin — Ringing in the holidays just hit a sour note. With mayhem threatening to turn festive carols into dirges, can a gifted pianist unmask a nasty scrooge? (Cozy Mystery)

The Italian Musician’s Sanctuary by Danielle Grandinetti — Romance, history and intrigue at Our House on Sycamore Street. (General Historical)

The Marble Hill Crime Blotter by BD Lawrence — Life in a small town isn’t always as serene as one might think. The Marble Hill Crime Blotter is a series of thrilling stories that follow Police Chief Tom Petrosky and State Police Forensics Specialist Patricia Johnson. (Mystery/police procedural)

La Elegida para Harley by Heidi Gray McGill — Esperaban una novia por encargo y obtuvieron más de lo que esperaban. (They were expecting a custom bride and got more than they bargained for.) (General Historical)

Hidden Danger by Gail Pallotta — Left at the altar, Emily Hanover flees to Sky High Campground to put her life back together, but danger strikes in the night. Harassed by a man who seems to disappear into thin air, Emily and Nick, the security guard, discover a sinister plot, never dreaming danger could bring romance. (Romantic Suspense)

Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas — Desperate to begin a new chapter after a heartbreaking betrayal, Canadian photographer Georgia Brooks retreats to her quaint English cottage—only to discover she could be in possession of incriminating evidence framing a criminal ring in the ugly underbelly of the art world (Romantic Suspense)

Home Where She Belongs by Penny Frost McGinnis

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Abbott Island Series, Book 1

Sadie Stewart moves the property she’d inherited on Abbott Island, to escape her ex-boyfriend’s abuse at her father’s company. Happy childhood memories of summers spent with her grandparents are overshadowed by her fear that Bryce will follow her.

Sadie’s childhood friend Joel Grayson is now a policeman on the island. She’d once had feelings for him but can’t trust anyone now—her own father refused to protect her from Bryce.

Joel, who had fallen in love with her while in high school, is determined to protect her.

Danger escalates and it seems that Sadie isn’t safe anywhere from Bryce.

My heart went out to Sadie. I found myself pulling for the characters that I learned to love. Many twists and turns led to escalating danger.

This story kept me turning pages. Recommended!

This is a new-to-me author. It won’t be the last book I read by her!

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