A Healing Touch

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: October 1, 2024

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a master when it comes to writing entertaining and endearing characters and stories that readers will think about long after the final page.

Ruth is a rare doctor that still does house calls, and when she does, she treats her patients for more than just physical, she pays attention to what they might need emotionally too. Her skill set comes in handy when a patient, Bee, is diagnosed with breast cancer and then her assistant leaves Ruth for another calling. Ruth does all she can to help treat her patients but must come to the realization that it will take more to truly heal, a true healer.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a beautiful tale that addresses so many issues that will connect with many different readers. Not only does she tackle cancer but also a grieving widow, foster system and much more. Each issue is written with deep emotion connecting me to the characters and story. Ruth is a character that I wanted to see come out happy and safe by the end of the story. I devoured this book and was sad when it ended all too soon. This book left me inspired and sitting afterwards thinking about the story and all the lessons throughout. I recommend this book to those that enjoy Amish Fiction but also just a flat out good story.

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

Deadly Revenge

Author: Patricia Bradley

Series: Pearl River #3

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: November 5, 2024

A good finish to a romantic suspense series that fans of Bradley’s writing will enjoy.

Jenna Hart came back to her hometown of Pearl Springs and became a deputy just as city officials are in the bullseye of a killer. The town itself has problems of its own. Decades ago, a construction company took over land that belonged to others and now someone is coming after revenge. When the former mayor of Pearl Springs is up for a spot in the US Senate and in danger, Jenna gets help from Agent Maxwell Anderson who she used to work with at the Chattanooga Police. The attraction that they once had for each other comes back quickly as they work on this new case tracking down a killer.

This is the third book in the Pearl River series and a good finish up to a fun romantic suspense series. Patricia Bradley has made a name for herself as a top romantic suspense author in the Christian fiction market. These stories are enjoyable but predictable. The romance was nice but didn’t make me swoon. The tension was probably the nicest part of the story, it was tight and enough to keep my interest. All of those are enough to make this a good story, not a great one. Fans of the series will enjoy it as it wraps up the

storyline.

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

Tea with Elephants

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: October 15, 2024

A fun contemporary read that is full of adventure, friendship and amazing faith filled moments.

It’s been almost 20 years since Fern and Lily met volunteering at a center in Costa Rica and ever since they have remained close friends. When they get the chance to go on an African Safari together, they jump at the opportunity to get back out and see what the world has to offer them. The last 20 years has been hard on both of them and being out in the wild and connecting with their faith and each other is a little harder than when they were young.

Tea with Elephants is a great contemporary read, full of all the great adventure moments one would come to expect from a book like this. I loved the way Gunn brought readers right into the thick of the African wilds with all the exotic animals and the glory that comes with being in the presence of God’s greatness. Both Fern and Lily have a lot going on in their lives and have to be able to work through it in order to return from this trip better than when they started it. I enjoyed the way they struggled with decisions they had to make and the fact that it wasn’t too easy and expected that would have made me roll my eyes at the way it was written. This is the first book by Robin Jones Gunn I have read, it was well written and enjoyable making her a new author to add to my shelves. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy contemporary adventures in an exotic setting.

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

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Author: Robert Dugoni

Series: Keera Duggan #2

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Robert Dugoni has crafted a spectacular legal thriller that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Keera Duggan has had some hard cases in her time as a lawyer but none as hard as having to defend a childhood former friend accused of murder. She knows how manipulative Jenna Bernstein can be ever since they were young and had several run ins with Jenna that didn’t end well. This isn’t the first time Jenna has been accused of murder; the first time Keera’s dad got her off and now it’s Keera’s turn. Trouble follows Jenna wherever she goes and if Keera isn’t careful, she might just find herself caught up in the trouble with her.

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

This is the second book in the Keera Duggan series and by far better than the first. I enjoyed the first book, but it was only mediocre. This one was hands down better, better story, better character connection and much more tension to keep the story moving at a fast pace. The back and forth between Keera and Jenna was spot on, especially when Keera would go into memories of what happened between the two of them when they were younger. Robert Dugoni has a way with writing female protagonist in a way that all readers will relate to and want to route for and see succeed. He has done this with his Tracy Crosswhite series and now Keera Duggan. This story had a particularly good flow to it, regardless of if they are in the courtroom or researching things for the case. Robert Dugoni is a one of a kind author that seems to not be able to write a bad book. Fans looking for a fantastic legal thriller will not want to miss this one.

Specters in the Glass House

Author: Jaime Jo Wright

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: October 1, 2024

Jaime Jo Wright is back with her best yet! She continues to fascinate me with her ability to craft the most amazing and touching stories.

After both of her parents pass away, Marian Arnold returns to her childhood home and her mother’s butterfly house. In 1921, prohibition shut down her family’s brewing empire and left Marian with very little. Shortly after she returns home, Marian starts having nightmares and wonders if she is going crazy as dead butterflies appear along with a dead body in the butterfly house. Marian finds solace in her childhood friend Felix who is also dealing with ghosts from his past. Together they must work past the ghosts and butterflies to find a future.

In the present-day timeline, Remy Shaw is a researcher coming to help an elderly biographer looking into the murders and mystery behind Marian Arnold and all that happened at the manor. One of Marian’s decedents shows up at the manor wanting to make sure the story is told correctly. But mystery and danger haven’t strayed far from the manor and yet another generation might be in for more than can take.

Jaime Jo Wright gets better with each novel and this newest one is no exception. I have loved all of her books but this one was by far the best. When you think of butterflies, the next step is not serial killers and ghosts. The dual timeline is something Wright has just about perfected after so many books and she does it better than almost anyone else. It doesn’t matter if it is the past or present timeline, I found myself connected with the characters and the storyline. Usually, a story with a historical timeline is not my “cup of tea” but when Wright is creating the story I know I’m going to connect with the story and characters. If I can connect with characters, then I am hooked into the story till the end. This is the kind of story that is perfect timing coming out right around Halloween. I would recommend this story to readers that love a little spooky with their romantic suspense but also just a fantastic story with great characters.

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

The Blooming of Delphinium

Author: Holly Varni

Series: Moonberry Lake #2

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 24, 2024

A whimsical romance with much to offer readers.

Delphinium Hayes has a peculiar hidden talent. With one quick whiff she is able to tell a lot about a person. This helps her create the perfect bouquet for each individual when needed. She is able to use this to her advantage for all except one, and when she comes across Elliot Sturgis, she questions all she knows. Elliot is quickly enamored with Delphinium and finds out of her secrets and hope he is following God’s plan for his life by trying to help her.

I wish I could say this book was top-notch for me but unfortunately this one fell a little flat. I had trouble relating to the characters and there just wasn’t much to pull me into the story and keep me glued to the pages. The writing itself was well done just not enough to pull me in. The problem is I probably wasn’t the right audience for this book. The characters had great potential, and I think for the right audience it will be the perfect “feel good” book. I would recommend this one to those that love contemporary romance and characters that are full of life and so much more.

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.

Remnants: Season of Glory

The final book in the Remnants series doesn’t disappoint with quality, but it does leave me wanting more stories with the Ailith.

The power of Andriana and the Remnants is growing, which causes the threat from Pacifica to grow as well. Pacifica’s plans for domination are coming close to collapsing as the Remnants try to win over Kellach and those who serve him. Sethos and the Shiolite try to thwart them at every turn but are quickly finding themselves out numbered. The people of the Way quickly draw more followers and those in Pacifica try to annihilate the Remnants and everyone that has chosen to side with them setting the stage for an epic showdown that will change the course of a world on the brink, possibly forever.

As I started this book, I was excited to see how the story played out but also very sad to know it was the last in the series. I have enjoyed this series and am pleased to say this final book was just as enjoyable. From the very first book in the series I have devoured every page and anxiously awaited what would come next. The writing has been flawless with a combination action, suspense, romance, and everything that makes a story worth reading. Being marketed to YA, I loved how there were no aspects that would make me hesitant to recommend to that age rage. Bergren has a way with words that kept me flying through the pages even when the action hit a bit of a lull and the romance heated up. This story had a bit more romance than the previous two, but it was played out well with a realistic timeline of events between the characters. Each character is so fully laid out and developed that each thing they do seems natural. Dri and her desire to see Kellach with them even though she knows no one else feels the way she does all feels natural. She knows she is alone in this but can’t keep from feeling the way she does and following her heart. Don’t try to rush through this book! Take enough time to soak in the story and enjoy the world created for you. I don’t want to give any spoilers away so it is hard to say much more other than it was a great read! I wish the series wasn’t over. One of my favorite series and one I highly recommend!