Of Gold and Shadows

Author: Michelle Griep

Series: Time’s Lost Treasures #1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 24, 2024

A story of romance more than anything else. Fans of romance will enjoy this one.

In 1888 a female Egyptologist is not common, but Ami Dalton is just that during the day while using the cover of dark to help save black-market artifacts from the wrong hands, using her alter ego, The Shadow Broker. Edmund Price is planning to run for Parliament and needs an Egyptologist to tell him the value of his new collection. Edmund doesn’t expect Ami when he searches out help from Professor Dalton but soon finds she is just the person to help him.

It might be that I’ve read a few too many historical romances lately but this one fell flat for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the storyline just wasn’t interesting to me as I had hoped. This story was too familiar to some of the ones I had just read and had the “same ole, same ole,” feeling to me without anything new and exciting. It is hard writing these days because there are so many authors and books to battle with making it hard to find the new and exciting reads. The book was not bad by any means, it was just not exciting and what I was hoping for.

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

A Hope Unburied

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Series: Treasures of the Earth #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 24, 2024

A middle of the pack historical romance for me. Good but not great.

Becoming a paleontologist in the early 1900s is not something a woman does, but it is exactly what Eliza Mills does to follow her passion. In order to break into the field, she has had to publish papers under a false name until she is able to earn her place at Carnegie Museum. When she gets the chance to work at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, she jumps at the chance and finds things aren’t what they seem. Devin Schmitt has been Eliza’s closest friend for years and would love to be more. When he has just about given up on being more than just friends, Eliza asks for him to visit her in Utah. Both Devin and Eliza quickly find themselves in danger and a web of lies and betrayal that may just be impossible to find their way out.

Kimberley Woodhouse is a great writer. I usually enjoy her books, and I did with this one but it was too much of a slow start. The ending made up for it with the high stakes and action. The relationship between Devin and Eliza played out well and once they found themselves in trouble I found myself invested in the story. The early parts of it where too much “woe is me” for the hardships she faced trying to break into the male dominated field. If the story could have focused more on their dynamic earlier on it would have been even more enjoyable. I do think this book is just right for the fans of historical romance and fans of Woodhouse’s writing.

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

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

Author: Roseanna M. White

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 3, 2024

A delightfully beautiful story with so much more to get readers in the holiday spirit.

Plumford Manor has been the home and hopeful inheritance of Lady Mariah Lyons for years. When the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, her plans change. Cyril was a childhood friend and at one time she had hopes of him becoming more, but as that didn’t happen and he is now the heir, she puts her hopes in him as a good man to do right by her stepfather’s home. Cyril didn’t want to come back to Plumford Manor; he is with Lady Pearl even though his heart still belongs to another. As the holiday season approaches and feelings are in the balance of tearing him apart from those he cares about he tries to determine what path to take before it is too late.

This was a whimsical romance set in the past in a way that pulls readers right along with these characters and takes them along for the romantic ride. With a bit of a slow start, I was surprised to see it pick up pace by the end and finish nicely. The romance was just right pulling me in, even when the story itself felt a bit slow. Mariah and Cyril were good characters to follow along with and want to see succeed. The rest was just there to fill the pages. I would recommend this book to those that enjoy a fun and quick holiday romance.

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

A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 3, 2024

A dual timeline story that is full of mystery, adventure and a perfect amount of romance.

Lillian Freemont wants nothing more than to reunite with her niece, Alice, whom she hasn’t seen in 8 years. 1885 in London makes that more difficult. Lillian gets the help of investigative reporter Matthew McGivern and together they try to track down Alice and can’t hide the growing attraction to one another. In Present day London, Janelle Spencer runs a museum and during a search of the archives with Jonas Conrad she discovers articles from the past that if brought to life will change everything. Janelle wants to protect the reputation of the museum, but it might be harder than she imagined.

I love a good dual timeline story, and this one had the perfect mix of mystery, adventure and intrigue to keep me glued to the page. I enjoyed the present day timeline more than the one set in the past; just the dynamic of it all was more my pace. Janelle and the way she dealt with the mystery and how it would affect the museum had such tight tension, an amazing way to move a story along at a fast pace. This is probably the best Turansky novel I have read and am happy to recommend this one to readers that have enjoyed her work and want to keep reading clean, crisp historical romance.

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

Shield of the Mighty

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: The King’s Men #2

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Biblical fiction written in a way that will make readers want to keep reading.

Zevi was captured by the Philistines many years ago and has since grown up to become a warrior for their army and King Saul. Now he is sent out to gather new soldiers and find artists for the king’s court, but his new mission sends him back to the town he was taken from as a young boy. Yochana is a young woman of business and when Zevi stops by her shop and what he is tasked with she finds herself immersed in his schemes and forced to tackle old wounds that resurface with his arrival.

Biblical fiction is not my go-to genre, it usually isn’t done as well as historical fiction, but Connilyn Cossette is one that I enjoy. Shield of the Mighty was very well written with a lot of heart, action and tension that kept me turning the pages. The tension was so well done that I forgot I was reading a historical novel at times. Going back in time to the Old Testament era and being on this adventure with these characters was actually very fun for me, I enjoyed Zevi and what he was tasked to do and how it played out. Cossette was able to write these characters and the storyline in such a way that readers will feel like they are transported to this time and place and going through the trials with them. I’m thankful for clean Christian fiction that is entertaining and enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book to fans of biblical historical fiction.

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

Saved by the Matchmaker

Author: Jody Hedlund

Series: A Shanahan Match #2

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: August 6, 2024

A delightful historical romance that was charming from beginning to end.

Enya Shanahan has become an embarrassment to her family after an annulment is finalized and scandal follows her every step. Her father wants nothing more than to find a suitable husband for his daughter and now turns to a matchmaker to help him in his quest. Sullivan O’Brien is given an ultimatum by his father, either to get married or be cut off from the family fortune. He has been trying to help aid slaves trying to find their path to freedom and now is forced into a marriage he isn’t sure he wants. Enya and Sullivan are both on a path that leads them straight to each other while also leading them to their darkest fears.

Saved by the Matchmaker was a good historical romance that was a quick read that wasn’t too hard to follow and kept up with the previous from the series. There wasn’t much that stood out in this one as spectacular, it wasn’t bad, it just was delightfully average. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this as a great easy read. Enya wasn’t my favorite as far as female protagonist go but Sullivan was a fun character that had a lot of heart. He is the one I was rooting for as I read through the pages. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.

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

Until Our Time Comes

Author: Nicole M. Miller

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: July 2, 2024

Debut novel of the year!!!

Adia Kensington is an American horse trainer who has the opportunity of a lifetime. In the 1930s, women typically don’t have this type of opportunity, but when Adia is given the chance to work at the famous Janow Podalski stables in Poland working with Arabian horses, she knows this is her dream. But in 1939 when the unthinkable happens and the Nazis begin to invade Poland, Adia knows that she has to get these horses to safety. However, she has no idea just how long this endeavor will take her or how it will affect her.

Major Bret Conway is at the famous stables on an intelligence assignment and falls for the lovely Adia Kensington. When the Navis invade, Adia convinces him that they must save the stallions instead of letting them fall into German hands. But doing so will be the hardest test he has faced in his life!

This is by far the debut novel of the year! I read several WWII era novels that sometimes it’s easy to just glance over the cover and expect it to be like several others. Miller poured out everything she had in making this book and you can tell! From the research of the events to the focus on the mental, physical, and emotional strain that the characters go through. I haven’t read a book this good all year and I’m so happy I picked this on up!

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

A Choice Considered

Author: Tracie Peterson

Series: The Heart of Cheyenne #2

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: July 2, 2024

Anyone that has read a Tracie Peterson novel will be thrilled with this new addition to their library.

Melody Doyle has followed the lines of the railroad along with her father and after years she decides she wants to take a step back and settle down. Her father wishes for her to find a husband before he leaves her and if she can’t do that before his next departure she will go with him. The men in town hear word of her wanting to settle down and there is a race to become her husband. When the heir to a banking fortune heads her way at the request of his father, Charles Decker, wants nothing more than to settle down as well and when he meets Melody his life will never be the same.

Tracie Peterson is a star in the Christian fiction world for a reason, her writing is sweet, heartfelt and just what the readers will want. A Choice Considered had all that and more, the way she writes these characters gave me all the feels. Melody and Charles were the right combination and readers will route for them to come out happy in the end. They have a sweet romance and plenty of obstacles in their way to find that happy ending making for plenty of tension throughout the story. The tension is really what drove it forward for me and kept me glued to the pages. It was a job well done by Peterson. As the second book in the series, I will be curious to see what happens next. Readers that love historical romance 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.

Meeting Her Match

Author: Jen Turano

Series: The Matchmakers #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: July 16, 2024

An endearing and charming story that kept a smile on my face and my heart fluttering.

In a time when being married is everything to a young woman, Camilla Pierpont always thought that would be her future until heartache changed her mind and heart. An unfortunate turn of events finds her with a man helping her stay alive and eventually maybe finding love again. When Owen Chesterfield crosses paths with Camilla, his life goes in all the directions he never expected. When her life is in danger Owen finds himself in danger as well trying to keep those he cares about safe.

Meeting Her Match was a match made in heaven with these characters and the love they showed throughout the pages. I loved the whimsical romance between these characters when it seemed most unlikely. At times the story was a bit slow, historical romances tend to be that way at times for me. Owen was a fun protagonist along with Camilla and all they went through to try and find the happy ending they each deserved. This series brought about characters that were enjoyable to read and see what they could accomplish with the goals they had before them. I would recommend this series to those that enjoy historical romance and Turano’s style of writing.

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

Into the Starlight

Author: Amanda Cabot

Series: Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: July 16, 2024

A look back in time with a whimsical story of life, love and so much more.

Joanna Vaughn wanted nothing more than to become a concert pianist in Europe, but those plans are dashed, and she returns to Sweetwater Crossing, Texas. Her husband’s passing after a short marriage is another stab in the heart to her as she tries to keep her head above water. Her childhood home no longer feels like home as she returns and tries to piece her life back together. Dr. Burke Finley is feeling like Joanna as his life seems to be falling apart when his fiancé leaves him for his partner. He goes with his almost-aunt, Della, to Sweetwater Crossing and what was supposed to be a short trip turns into an extended stay when he meets Joanna. The attraction between the two can’t be denied and the happy ever after they want may be harder to obtain than either of them would like.

Into the Starlight is a sweet romance that kept me on the edge of my seat rooting for Joanna to find the love she deserved after suffering such heartache early in her life. Burke also had heartache that he didn’t deserve and when he meets Joanna and the immediate attraction between them made my heart flutter. The setting and story kept my interest throughout and I was so happy with the way this series has played out. This is one that fans of the series and those that love historical romance will not want to miss.

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