Beyond the Desert Sands

Author: Tracie Peterson

Series: Love on the Santa Fe #2

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Great redemption story set along the New Mexico rail lines!

Isabella Garcia has hated her life since she was ten years old when her parents tore her away from the family and estate that she loved in California and moved to New Mexico to start up the town of Silver Veil. She has gone back to stay with her aunt many times, but always loathes to return. Now at twenty-five, she feels that she is entitled to remain in California and marry her childhood crush Diego, who can manage her inheritance from her grandparents. But once again, she must make the trip to Silver Veil to spend time with her parents for Christmas. The only thing worse is that she must be accompanied by Aaron Bailey, who she has been at odds with for five years when he called her out for her selfish behavior.

Upon arriving in Silver Veil, she sees that the town has grown and learns that her father’s true reasons to leaving California were due to his health. Several days later, she also learns that her beloved aunt has died, and the estate was sold over a year ago. Now she must truly look at herself and behavior and decide if what she has really wanted all those years mean anything or if there is something more on the horizon.

I didn’t think that Peterson could write a character that would be more self-centered and annoying than she had in the first book in this series, but oh did she prove me wrong. Isabella is the most entitled, selfish character I have ever encountered in a book. She rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and just kept on rubbing. Maybe it’s because I’m a parent of a preteen, but I was ready to lay down the law to her. But everyone is truly entitled to redemption, and I must say that her character’s turnaround was astonishing. How is it possible that a character you just love to hate can become one that you want to love? Truly a showing of how God’s love can impact people.

There is plenty of suspense, intrigue, and deception throughout these pages, so don’t think this is going to be some sappy historical romance. It’s exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat while you enjoy learning part of the history of New Mexico.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Unfailing Love

Authors: Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Series: When Hope Calls #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: June 7, 2022

A wonderful companion for anyone that enjoys the Hallmark Channel’s When Hope Calls.

It is a hard job, but someone must care for the children in distress and Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett have it placed upon their hearts to be there and help the children. When they hear of three children that have run away and need help, they do all they can to find them before it is too late. They have worked at creating a safe place for children and now Lillian must choose between her commitment to her sister and the life she has wanted to build with her fiancé. With all the trouble they encounter, it is hard to know who to trust and if they can’t trust their family and those they love, it makes their lives so much more difficult.

Unfailing Love is the third book in the When Hope Calls series and unlike some, I would say this is a series that needs to be read in order for the readers to get the most out of each book and follow the story. There is a lot to unbox within this story and the plethora of characters brings a dynamic to the story that can be hard to follow if readers aren’t careful. The writing is well done even if the pacing of the story is a tad on the slow side. I found the characters of Lillian and Grace to be good leads for this book but wished for a little more character development on a deeper level. The setting of the story really drew me in and kept the story what I wanted from it. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and those that love the Hallmark type movies of this nature.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Blue Diamond

Author: Leonard Goldberg

Series: The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes #6

Publisher: Minotaur

Release Date: June 14, 2022

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes is back with her toughest case yet!

Two premier hotels in London had valuable items stolen out of one of the guest rooms over the past two nights, prompting hotel owners to request for added protection from Scotland Yard. But it is not until a third hotel has an item stolen that Joanna Watson, her husband, and father-in-law are solicited for their assistance. The Governor-General of South Africa is in London to visit the crown and has brought with him the famous Blue Diamond that was discovered as a gift. But even with the entire penthouse suite provided to the security entourage, the thief has somehow managed to break-in and make out with the diamond without anyone being aware.

As the Watsons go about observing to discover all the facts, another break in is committed at the same hotel. This time to a French Diplomat whose wife’s necklace and bracelet were stolen as well as his briefcase which contained a most important document that could be used to turn the war into England’s favor against Germany. With national secrets on the line, the Watsons must act quickly before the Germans can discover the military’s plans, but someone is willing to kill the Watsons to move the plan forward. Will they be able to stop them? Or is it the end of the line to the daughter of Sherlock Holmes?

This is one of those series that I can’t wait for the next installment every year! It always winds up on my “best of” list and the “looking forward to” list! The mysteries are always so intertwined that my brain keeps turning throughout the whole book trying to keep with Joanna and figure out who is the culprit. Just when I think I have it figured out, Goldberg throws in a curveball to keep me guessing right up till the end with Joanna reveals it all. I’ve read all the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series and have enjoyed each one. They can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy them one at a time throughout the series. There is some character growth throughout each book and I love seeing several repeat characters throughout each story and how they grow as well. Just a great mystery that all will love!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Resistance Girl

Author: Mandy Robotham

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: May 31, 2022

Very interesting story concerning the effect of the German occupation of Norway during World War II.

Rumi has had her fill of this war as the Germans have taken the one thing that mattered to her: her husband. After the Germans occupied Norway to “liberate” them, the Norwegians started plotting ways to get their country back. Now a vital member of the Norwegian Resistance, Rumi works as a smuggler to get agents and supplies across the North Sea. One night she is sent out to pick up two scouts and finds one dangling from a tree and the other badly injured. She learns the man in the tree is her neighbor’s nephew and part Norwegian. He is a radio transmitter and the Germans have been closing in on their broadcasting stations. As the two work together, then find they have more in common than anyone could imagine and work towards a common goal of freeing Norway even if they die trying.

I’ve always thought one of the best aspects of a historical fiction novel is when you get to learn something you knew little to nothing about. Such was the case with The Resistance Girl. While I knew that Germany had occupied Norway, I didn’t realize the extent that they did nor what the primary mission was for. I’m not going to reveal what it was, because they would take away the premise of the book, but I did have to go back and do my own bit of research for validation, and it all lined up. Terrific job!

The characters have a great story arc in this book and it is just fun to read about. There is a bit of Norwegian thrown in here and there, but nothing that context clues won’t help readers understand. There is a bit of language as well, but nothing that takes away from the story. If you love historical fiction concerning little known events during World War II, this is the book for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

When the Meadows Bloom

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: May 3, 2022

When the Meadows Bloom can fit into several categories: historical, romance, inspirational and contemporary. It’s hard to limit to just one, which makes it a great read for many to enjoy!

In the early 1900s, Rose Meadows is trying to recover from an illness that has put her in the hospital and away from her girls who have to be in an orphanage while she recovers. Her husband passed away during the influenza epidemic and she was never close with his brother, Dirk. It has been years since Dirk was badly burned in a fire and has since kept to himself for the most part. After hearing of the trouble his sister-in-law is in with being ill and away from her children, he comes to help and brings them back to his land in Kentucky. Having to navigate being at a new place and around family they have never spent much time around, Rose and her girls, along with Dirk, will have to learn new routines and find a way to bring light back into all their lives while healing.

Historical novels are not my normal go to reads but this one was on my shelf and I decided to give it a try. There isn’t much tension or fast paced moments in the book, but there are lots of sweet moments and great bonding moments between the family. Rose and her daughters have gone through a lot and are in need of a break, which they hope to get by moving to Meadowland with Dirk. The interactions between Dirk and Calla were probably the best for me, it showed a softer side of him which helped move the story along. This is the perfect book for those that love historical romances with inspirational moments that can be read in a quick few days. Ann H. Gabhart has become an expert in the historical romance department and readers will not want to miss this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Master Craftsman

Author: Kelli Stuart

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: April 5, 2022

One of the best time-slip novels of the year! This should be on your summer reading list!

Karl Faberge has been charged with creating some of the most memorable sculptors during his time, many that have become known as the Faberge Eggs, which were produced for the Russian Tsar family during the late 1800s and early 1900s. But when Karl began to see the effect of the Tsar’s rule over Russia, he created one egg that hardly anyone knew about. The secret keeper of this egg was none other than Alma Phil, one of the best craftsmen of the House of Faberge.

Fast forward to present day, Ava Laine learns that her estranged father and famed treasure hunter Nick Laine has developed a fatal illness. Encouraged by her mother, Ava visits Nick and learns that there is one last treasure that he wants to find and hopes that she will do it for him. With little to hold her back, Ava, her mother, and her next-door neighbor team together for a wild trip to Russia in hopes of locating the missing egg. But they get more than they bargained for when they find out they are not the only ones after the egg.

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year! Not only was the historical fiction portion of the story super interesting, but the present-day mystery and treasure hunting aspect took the whole book to another level. I couldn’t decide which of the two stories that I wanted to read more and they pretty well blended altogether. Such a great story for anytime of the year. I’ll even read it again before this year is up!

I enjoyed getting to watch Ava’s character growth throughout the book. She went from feeling abandoned with a little self-centeredness to becoming a family member and genuine concern for others. I don’t know if Stuart has considered making this into a series, but I would be on board for any future installments. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Spark of Love

Author: Amanda Cabot

Series: Mesquite Springs #3

Publisher: revell

Release Date: March 1, 2022

What a great conclusion to the Mesquite Springs series!

Some people just won’t take no for an answer, especially when money is involved. Alexandra Tarkington must leave New York for her own sanity and safety and decides to go to the booming metropolis of Mesquite Springs, Texas, which is nestled in the hill county and the town where her father is building a hotel. After leaving a false trail, she arrives in Mesquite Springs to find that the hotel is nowhere close to finished and her father seems to have aged twenty years and taken on a different name. Instead of being happy to see her, he urges her to return to her aunt in New York, but she knows she can’t and decides to carve out a life for herself here.

However, things aren’t always as they seem. The nice man who accompanied her to Texas known as Gabe Seymore happens to be an investigator hired to out her father as a swindler. But as things progress, Gabe and Alexandra continue to find themselves in dangerous situations that can help but make sparks between them.

I’ve loved this entire series and each year I get to spend a few days in Mesquite Springs with my favorite characters. I was glad to see some characters from previous books and how they have been getting along in the town. Each book is a little predictable, but they are still fun with a little twist of suspense thrown in at the end. If you love western type clean romances, this is a series for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Hundred Crickets Singing

Author: Cathy Gohlke

Publisher: Tyndale

Release Date: April 5, 2022

Characters from Night Bird Calling return for a new adventure set between two wars!

Old houses always hold secrets and Gardens Gate is no exception. After a storm damages the roof, a hidden room is discovered by Celia Percy and her younger brother. With civil war era clothing and documents, they discover that this room was once used to hide slaves making their way along the Underground Railroad to find freedom in the North, which is completely unexpected knowing that the ancestors were slave owners and Klan members. As Celia uncovers more about the civil war, her friends Marshal and Joe are across the Atlantic preparing for the Normandy invasion in 1944. When Marshal makes a choice that shocks not only his family, but the whole community, Celia knows it is up to her to make it so that he can return home.

Eighty years earlier, Minnie Belvidere is stuck between her two brothers, one that is for the Union, but must enlist in the Confederacy and the other who fully believes the Confederate values. Her mother was always a proponent of freedom for all men and women, which made them an unpopular family in North Carolina. After her mother’s death, her father’s health begins to deteriorate, she knows she must step in to continue her mother’s legacy.

I was not expecting a time slip novel from Cathy Gohlke, but I’m pleased to say that I hope she decides to write more. She has been such a master of historical fiction that it seemed only fitting that she took this challenge to bring readers not just one, but two fantastic stories set years apart, but both at war.

I loved seeing previous characters return for a chance to see how their stories are continuing as well as meeting new characters from a previous era. In both timelines, the protagonist is a young female who is set on making wrongs right based on the social norms. With love, suspense, and great characters, readers will love this book just as much as the first. While I would say that you don’t have to read Night Bird Calling before this one, I do think it will give quite a bit of backstory that readers would otherwise miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Count the Night by Stars

Author: Michelle Shocklee

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: March 8, 2022

Terrific historical time-slip centered around the historic Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville!

Tennessee in 1897 was the place to be. The state was celebrating its centennial anniversary and everyone came to Nashville to celebrate at the exposition. Priscilla Nichol’s father was instrumental in bringing the railroad to Tennessee and took full charge of the exhibit, which brought their family to Nashville for the exposition. While there, Priscilla befriends their young carriage driver Luca Moretti and his younger sister Gia. But Nashville, like many large cities, has a dark side that people don’t want to talk about. Priscilla learns that people that run in her family’s circles aren’t always the ones you should keep company with.

Almost seventy years later, Audrey Whitfield is helping her father run the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville. It’s not the crown gem that it once was, but it still has several residents as well as guests. When Ms. Nichols, one of the longtime residents, has a stroke and is admitted to the hospital, Audrey begins going through her personal items and finds a scrapbook from the Centennial Exposition in 1897. The more she goes through the scrapbook, the more she uncovers a mystery of the woman that she never really got to know. Who was she?

There is nothing quite like a good time slip and when both periods deal with historical fiction, you have a very happy reader. Shocklee did a great job tying in major historical events to both timelines with the exposition in 1897 and the hotel fire in 1961. Both storylines were very intriguing and I keep devouring each chapter to discover what was going to happen next. It’s not often that I get that involved in both timelines, but they were interwoven so well that I just had to know what was going to happen! I loved the character growth of both Audrey and Priscilla and really wanted to know more. Great read for springtime!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Fires of Edo

Author: Susan Spann

Series: Shinobi Mystery #8

Publisher: Seventh Street Books

Release Date: February 15, 2022

After almost three years, Hiro Hattori and Father Mateo have returned for another mystery!

Upon arriving in Edo to fulfill their task of alerting Iga operatives that they may be in danger of Lord Oda’s uprising, Hiro and Father Mateo get caught up in the fire brigade’s rush to extinguish a burning building before it can spread to other structures. Head of the fire brigade is no other than Hiro’s childhood nemesis from Iga, but he must put feelings aside to warm him of the possible danger. When the remains of a samurai are discovered in the fire, all attention is put on the shop owner who is responsible for the damage and the death. As the penalty in Edo for a negligent fire is death, Father Mateo and Hiro agree to investigate and determine the true cause of the fire to hopefully spare an innocent man’s life.

I have loved this entire series and this installment is no different. What makes these stories so great is the banter between the two main characters. It’s just comical and makes the story move along so well, but the mysteries are always intriguing to keep the reader trying to guess at what the truth is. With colorful supporting characters as always, Spann does a great job introducing new friends as you lose some along the way. The ending made me feel like this could be the end for the series, but I sure hope not. I’ve waited three years just for this one and I hope she manages to pen one or two more before it’s officially over.