I usually avoid books with a medical based storyline, but this is Charles Martin! How could I pass this book by? I am so glad that I didn't. The beautiful language in this book is a key reason for not missing out on When Crickets Cry. The intriguing storyline is another reason. It moves between the main character's earlier years and his present day circumstances, allowing readers to understand the decisions that led him to live the life he is currently living, a life that has seemingly lost purpose and meaning. The story explores the theme of hope, its perseverance in lives where one might see little reason for its continued presence, and its resurgence when it would appear all hope is lost. The heart in this story is viewed not only as an organ that gives the body life, but also as a spiritual organ that impacts how one lives the life they've been given. There are many lessons here for one whose heart is inclined to listen.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When Crickets Cry from Thomas Nelson without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

  

I ordered this book because I thought my husband would enjoy it, which he did, but it was a while before I got around to reading it. I am so glad I finally did! Network of Deceit has a fresh plot line involving bitcoin and cybercriminals. Almara Alvarez has a lot to juggle as she works to solve her first case after joining the homicide unit of the San Antonio Police Department and deals with her mother's health diagnosis. Threadgill handles the medical element of the story tactfully yet honestly while not allowing the story to be dominated by anxious emotions.

I enjoyed Network of Deceit very much and will be on the lookout for other books by this author, as I am sure my husband will be as well.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel - A Book Review

  

Kristen Harmel evokes a wide variety of emotions from the sorrows and suffering of war; the pain of loss and betrayal; the weight of grief and regret; to the delight and relief of finding forgiveness, love, and personal connection. Almost ninety looks very good on Colette Marceau, with her family lost to her in the war, and only two close friends, Colette still dabbles in the family business as a jewel thief and, as a descendant of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. She does not, however, target anyone who has not done something to, in her opinion, deserve being relieved of their jewels. Even the best intentions can become tangled up leading to unintended and undeserved circumstances. Colette must come to terms with the people and years that were stolen from her, as well as the moments and opportunities she relinquished on her own.

This book is itself a jewel with its sparkling moments and valuable insights. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Codebreaker's Daughter by Amy Lynn Green

  

I have always enjoyed Amy Lynn Green's books, but The Codebreaker's Daughter is by far my favorite. This dual timeline novel tells the story of Lillian Kendall's life and her work as a codebreaker in WWI; and the life of her daughter, Dinah, who was trying to serve her country in her own way during WWII. The true historical characters are well-portrayed alongside their fictional counterparts. The themes of mental health and overcoming insecurities are developed as we come to know the characters better and as the intrigue intensifies. Determining whom to trust while working in intelligence and special operations is not an easy task. Ulterior motives abound, even where least anticipated.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Codebreaker's Daughter from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Capturing You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

It always feels like Christmas or my birthday when Robin Patchen has a new release. Enjoying that anticipation of opening up one of her new books, digital or hardcopy, is like peeling back the wrapping paper on a gift. Surprises are always in store. The themes woven throughout the story are a treasure to hold onto. In the case of Capturing You, the theme of God's goodness and presence being with us even when not readily apparent will have readers recalling or realizing how in hindsight they were visible in their personal lives. The intensity of the suspense element of this story will compel readers to set aside the mundane, at least temporarily, for a bit of excitement coupled with expectation and surprising twists. The sweet romance compliments the story without taking over. As an added gift, a bonus epilogue is available on-line.

I highly recommend Capturing You and the series The Wright Heroes of Maine, of which it is the sixth installment. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - A Book Review

  

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are a dynamic duo as a writing team. Each time I read a new book in their Tupelo Grove series, I am unsure how they could ever top it, and then they do! Where Secrets Lie is an amazing piece of romantic suspense, but if you haven't read the first two books, please do yourself a favor and begin at the beginning. Each story, and most especially this latest release, has multiple storylines that intersect. The plot is most definitely not predictable, which fascinates me. The characters are realistic with weaknesses and past sorrows that work to assert themselves when least welcomed. They are also prone to seeking hope even when it seems blocked at every turn, something that would benefit us all.

The writing in Where Secrets Lie is crisp and focused. It evokes strong emotions of many kinds. The authors' voices consistently meld forming a harmony that creates a strong, singular voice. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

  

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

For a young woman to inherit and run an estate in an English village in 1889 was not common, but such was Eva Inman's life. In addition to the failing estate, Eva's blind, twelve-year-old sister depended upon her. Might aid come from a totally unexpected source? Michelle Griep, as usual,does a wonderful job in character development. Without lengthy explanations, Griep peels away layers to reveal her characters' insecurities and motivations. As this story builds, we see God's provision occur in ways no one could have predicted.

I very much enjoyed immersing myself in another of Griep's historical stories of intrigue. Of Silver and Secrets has numerous possibilities to fill the role of bad guy. She will keep readers guessing until the end. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan - A Book Review

  

This short book is an easy read. The investigation of a cold case involving a missing college student is suspenseful. The lead investigator keeping the case alive is a cousin to the main suspect. It seems he not only wants to clear his relative's name, but also to bring justice to the young woman presumed to be dead. Now with the help of a highly motivated FBI agent, he is hoping the case will finally be solved. The suspense portion of the story is very well-plotted and well-written. The romance portion lacks substance. If you are looking for a quick suspense read, this book may fill the bill. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Missing in Texas from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

  

How fun to be back in Kalispell, Montana and especially to reunite with Marvella Ashbury match-maker extraordinaire! This time she has a young widow, Johanna St. John, and her childhood sweetheart, Parker Bennett, in her crosshairs. This does not sit well with her late husband's brother, as he has his own plans involving Johanna.

I really enjoy books that are the fruit of Peterson's and Woodhouse's collaboration. The settings, main characters, and dialogue are always heartwarming. There is enough conflict to build and hold fast to the reader's interest and attention. The romance is sweet. There is always a sense of hope for the future by story's end. An Unexpected Grace is no exception. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Surrendering Certainty by Abby McDonald - A Book Review

  

Abby McDonald mentions things being unveiled in God's timing. Recently, for me that meant receiving a complimentary copy of Surrendering Certainty from Leafwood Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. God knew that this message of relinquishing my concerns for tomorrow in favor of trusting God for today was just what I needed. I am grateful Abby McDonald listened to God's prompting to write this book. I appreciate her sharing personal experiences to make her points relevant and applicable. This book was a big part in helping me to realize my longing for and dependence on certainty, and the impact that was having on my relationship with Christ. I highly recommend this insightful book, and plan on rereading it myself.  

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer - A Book Review

  

This book had been highly recommended to us by a member of our Bible study group. Not long after, our pastors decided to offer the Practicing the Way study as a Lenten study. My husband and I were fortunate to be asked to serve as discussion hosts for the study. While only the companion book was required, we decided to go ahead and purchase a Kindle copy of Practicing the Way, and were so glad that we did. It is easy to see why this book was named the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's (ECPA) Christian Book of the Year for 2025. We've all heard the phrase about knowing your why. For those who know their why is based on Jesus Christ, this book helps us to know our how. John Mark Comer outlines practices that Jesus regularly practiced, and explains how, as apprentices of Jesus, our regularly doing these same practices will bring us into a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The book is written as if Comer is speaking directly to the reader. Throughout the book he quotes numerous scholars from a wide variety of disciplines. The reading of Practicing the Way is life changing, and can become even more impactful by utilizing the resources on the .org website of the same title. It is a wonderful book to read alone, but one that it is even better read within a small group. I most highly recommend Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher - A Book Review

  

I love the flora of nature, but fauna, well lots of times I don't want to be up close or even in the same zip code. This book, the first in Suzanne Woods Fisher's National Park Summers series, has characters whose bravery amazes me. I do appreciate both the rangers who educate the public and protect the flora and fauna of our national parks and Fisher's representation of these brave men and women. Unfortunately, sometimes, as depicted in Capture the Moment, the most dangerous creature in the parks walks on two feet. The title of this book comes from the female protagonist, a photographer who wants to move from photographing animals in the zoo to those in the wild. The change in settings poses more dangers and difficulties that she ever anticipated, but the experience grows her bravery, self-confidence, and faith.

This book is well-written, and the settings are beautifully painted with words that evoke awe of the beauty and shivers from snowy mountain trails and icy streams. The suspense element is a bit transparent, but enjoyable. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Capture the Moment from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey - A Book Review

  

This story is set in 1884 California, largely in the city of Eureka. The female protagonist is a young woman who is determined to share Jesus with two of the city's marginalized populations. The male protagonist is a slightly older man who is determined to follow the path God wants for his life, but must learn to accept that may not be what he had always thought it was. While these two seem perfect for one another, life seems set on keeping them apart. That causes the reader much angst as they can see what's coming next when the characters can't. Isn't that the way it is sometimes in our own lives, those around us can often see where our path is leading even when we can't? That is when we, too, must truly surrender our plans to God.

Blakey has written a story that includes a sweet romance as well as lots of family drama that revolves around opposing priorities and allegiances. We understand how her characters think and feel, but we don't know a lot about what life events brought most of them to being the person they have become. The dialogue flows smoothly. The mental images the author creates are visually and emotionally vivid. The story comes to a satisfactory ending even though not everything is tied up neatly with a bow. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Angel of Second Street from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle - A Book Review

  

This sequel to The Shell Collector is just as delightful as its predecessor. What a pleasure to be on Whelk's Island visiting with Amanda, her children, Paul, Tug; and their new friend, Rosemary. Their story is beautiful, poignant, and romantic, but not without disappointment, grief, and uncertainty. The theme of having a grateful heart open to love and light that will, eventually, overcome our disappointment and worries if properly placed in God and supported by those He sends us, is an important one. Finding pleasure in the moment not out of self-indulgence, but out of accepting God's blessings is the key. Readers may be reminded of Isaiah 43:18-19.

While To Light the Way Forward can be read as a stand-alone read, it will be best enjoyed after reading The Shell Collector. If these are your first Nancy Naigle books, they will have you searching for more. Fans of Grace Greene will delight in discovering Nancy Naigle and vice versa. Both authors are skilled in crafting stories of difficult realities made easier through love and grace, stories that warm the hearts of readers. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Naigle's latest release from WaterBrook and Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes - A Book Review

  

While I have enjoyed other books by this author, this one had enough instances in which one of the characters acted in an illogical manner that it spoiled the story for me a bit. The premise was good: a young woman previously targeted by a serial killer, now running from two killers after she encountered a sheriff who had stumbled upon them while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. The main characters are people that are easy to like. The setting is perfect for the events. This book has a lot going for it. It is true that I read an advanced reader copy provided by Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley without obligation. Some of the concerns I had were likely reconciled prior to the final draft being published. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch - A Book Review

  

I am giving The Other Sister a five star rating because, if I were a fan of intense psychological thrillers, this would be a perfect book for me. It is well-written. The plot holds many unexpected twists and turns, especially just after the half-way point. The problem was that it was a bit too psychologically intense for me even though it is a clean read. Around the sixty-five percent mark while reading on my Kindle, I had to bail because it was more than I could handle. I did jump to the ninety-seven percent mark to see how everything fell into place at the end because, as we all know, it almost always does. This ending was quite satisfying for one character, but left quite a cliffhanger for another. Might a sequel be in the future?

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Other Sister from Harlequin via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese - A Book Review

  

The Voice We Find is a well-told story that involves three narrators whose stories intertwine. Two of the narrators share their stories in real time while the third shares through past voice memos. In addition to the multiple storylines, Deese has masterfully dealt with multiple important themes in this book: prodigals, strained familial relationships, inclusive communication for the deaf community, forgiveness, and reconciliation. While the references to the physical beauty of the three central characters may have been a bit overplayed, they were offset by the focus on their personalities, virtues, and talents. The dialogue was very realistic as were the emotional reactions displayed in this highly emotional story. I highly recommend this book and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

 

Early on in reading The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House it felt like a fantasy story. Then I decided, that while fanciful, it wasn't exactly fantasy. A bit further in, I realized that, whatever the genre, this was a novel that reveals deep and meaningful truths through a beautiful story that in many unexpected ways reveals the relationship God wants to have with us. His presence is unobtrusive but there for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, just as it is in our everyday lives. It is a story of questions, that while not about God, whose answers lead ultimately to Him. The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House is a love story with God; a love story of one who is willing to lay down his life for another; and a love story of two people who, in spite of their distinctly different circumstances, bond over the similarities they share at their very core. It is written in a winsome and whimsical style that draws the reader in, helping them envision themselves within the walls of fantastical Blakely House as well as upon the beach and the open sea.

I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Duplicity by Lisa Phillips - A Book Review

  

I received a complimentary copy of Duplicity from author Lisa Phillips, introducing me to her Benson First Responders series. While it is book eight, I was able to understand and enjoy the story without any confusion. Computer genius Simon Olson works for Vanguard, an elite investigative agency, trying to make up for things he had done under duress as a teenager. School Resource Officer Catalina Alvarez had found a place to continue to serve after being shot and watching her partner die when having responded to a robbery in progress call. Simon and Cat's paths cross as he goes undercover outside of his duties at Vanguard pursuing a lead in his own personal investigation. As a pattern of missing girls emerges, the two begin to work together, and maybe something a little more.

Duplicity is a quick, Christian, romantic suspense read, only 239 pages. The plot jumps around a bit, but comes together well in the end. The author creates a great sense of urgency throughout the story. The characters persistently seek justice at great personal cost. Tension rides high. Enough of the main protagonists' back stories are provided to build a desire in the reader for them to find closure on their old lives and to start something new. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke - A Book Review

  

This is early in the year, and I have already found my second book that seems a likely candidate for my top five reads of the year! This Promised Land is an emotional story of loss: loss of hope, love, family, self-respect, identity, and dreams. It is also a story of redemption, forgiveness, and restoration. The story is populated by realistic characters, coping with situations that are unfortunately also realistic. The story points out that we all at some time in our life can be any one of the characters in the story of the prodigal son. It also points out that we don't have to remain in that role.

This Promised Land is very well-written. Cathy Gohlke is a gifted writer who balances emotions not leaving her readers without hope as her characters tackle weighty life circumstances. She points the characters toward a loving God in a winsome way. She has done just that in this story, making it easy for readers to put themselves in her characters' places, and to put the lessons the characters learn to use in their own lives. I most highly recommend This Promised Land and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong - A Book Review

 

If you are looking for a quick romantic suspense with lots of action and multiple plot lines, this is the book for you. Even though it isn't a long book, Furlong does a wonderful job of connecting readers with her characters, building compassion for them, and placing readers in her story's setting. It is amazing how well she is able to build on the deep themes of grief, suffering, and rebuilding one's faith in such a limited number of pages. The story is well written with regard to the mechanics of writing as well as with regard to the art of writing. Our two protagonists are each grieving the absence of a sibling, and wrestling with the unanswered questions regarding the reasons behind that absence. Together they search for answers, never abandoning their search in spite of life threatening consequences. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Murder in the Appalachians from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

The Keeper by Charles Martin - A Book Review

  

David Bishop, AKA Murphy Shepherd, is a best selling novelist; writing is the way he processes life's difficulties and its joys. However, that is not all he is. As Murphy Shepherd he rescues people who have been abducted and trafficked. Shepherd says he rescues them twice, once when he knocks the door down, and again when he works to help them to be able to love and trust again as well as to once again feel worthy of being loved. This has been Murphy Shepherd's goal in life, placed in his heart by his beloved mentor, Ezekiel Walker, better known as Bones, throughout Charles Martin's Murphy Shepherd series of novels. The difference in this novel and its predecessors is that this one takes place after Shepherd has watched Bones' bullet-riddled body falling a hundred feet down a well shaft into a rushing underground river. Being forced to do this job when a close friend, and highly public figure, called saying all three of his daughters were abducted from their highly-secured home, is almost unimaginable without Bones there to accompany him, but with the support of his family, friends and colleagues, Murphy manages to do the unimaginable.

The Keeper is no less intense than any of the other novels in this series, all of which evoke strong emotions from the reader. Research says fiction reading builds empathy. These books exemplify that. Sometimes the reader will want to stop reading just to catch their breath and let their emotions calm down, but putting the book aside even for a short time is easier said than done. This series is best read in order; much would be lost in doing otherwise. If you haven't read any of the books in this series yet, you have the advantage of not enduring the wait until then next one is published, at least not until you reach this fourth book in the series. I give The Keeper five stars. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Hope's Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer - A Book Review

  

Hope's Enduring Echo takes place in 1915 Colorado. Seventeen-year-old Jennie Ward had taken over her daddy's job of walking and examining the water pipeline that provided water to Cañon City after he fell and broke his leg when she was 15. Her father had slipped into depression after the fall and had never been able to return to his job. It was a heavily guarded secret as her family depended on the income and home that was provided by the Water Works Department. The first person to discover their secret was Leo Day, a young college student aspiring to become a paleontologist and to use that platform to prove the biblical creation story and his belief in young earth creationism. What better place to go on a dinosaur hunt than Colorado, the home of the Bone Wars from 1877 to 1892? Jennie had been without friends since moving to the pipeline. Leo seemed to be an answer to her prayer for a friend. And so began the summer of 1915. Readers will be moved by the many events that occur before that summer draws to a close. The author beautifully illustrates how God moves through prayer and through suffering when one allows oneself to have hope in the Lord and to place themselves and those they love in His care.

Kim Vogel Sawyer consistently writes sweet stories that address difficult themes. This story does not only address the controversial topic of creationism, but also mental illness. It addresses the first with a logically reasoned argument without being argumentative, and the second with great compassion. I highly recommend Hope's Enduring Echo, and all previous works by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry - A Book Review

  

The Story She Left Behind is inspired by the true literary mystery involving the disappearance of author Barbara Newhall Follet in 1939. Barbara wrote her first novel at the age of eight. She became a published author at the age of twelve. The mystery of her disappearance at the age of twenty-five has never been solved.

Henry's character, Bronwynn Newcastle Fordham was also a child literary prodigy. In 1927, she disappeared off the coast of South Carolina leaving her husband and eight-year-old daughter behind. Twenty-five years later, her daughter, Clara, still grieves the loss of her mother. AS a single mother of eight-year-old Wynnie, Clara's own creativity is expressed in her paintings and book illustrations. She has never quite healed from her mother's abandonment. When she receives an unexpected call from a stranger in London saying a satchel containing some of her mother's papers had been found among his late father's things. Clara and Wynnie begin the adventure of a lifetime.

The Story She Left Behind is filled with magic and mystery, secrets and suspense, and make-believe and wisdom. I usually review Christian fiction, while the characters, or maybe even the author, don't see God in their story, those with eyes to see will certainly glimpse Him there. Although, just like in real life, not all choices will reflect him. The language in this book is beautiful. It is meant to be savored, not hurried through. While the ending is not rushed, readers will not be fully ready for the story to end.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Story She Left Behind from Simon &Schuster via NetGalley without obligation.All opinions expressed here are my own.