The Fault Between Us

The Fault Between Us
By Stephanie Landsem / Tyndale Fiction

By Stephanie Landsem

Five stars. Loved it. I chose this book because the setting captured my attention. The vivid characters each with their own well developed and diverse personalities kept me hooked. Once the natural disaster became central to the story, the plot moved at a breakneck pace. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. The Christian message is overt and the timing of each person’s reflection on faith is spot on.

Despite a good portion of the plot being tied to a natural disaster, it’s a story full of heart. Relationships are redeemed. Hope soars to an apex and then drops precipitously to its nadir, but never leaves. Hope, renewal and restoration triumph in the end.

Following the book I immediately researched the true facts of this historical event. I loved how accurately the author covered the facts and crafted such a multi-layered novel around this earthquake. I would choose another book by Stephanie Landsem with expectations of enjoying a great historical fiction book with great attention to detail and an engaging plot.

I read an advanced copy of this ebook supplied to me by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Last Light Over Galveston

Last Light over Galveston
By Jennifer L. Wright / Tyndale Fiction

This book will be released for publication on Aug. 12, 2025

This is an excellent novel you’ll love to read! Jennifer Wright always delivers stories with unforgettable characters in captivating settings. This book based both in Galveston, Texas and Hudson Valley, New York delivers a story with a powerful punch. One plot line is tied to the devastating hurricane that brought its wrath down on Galveston in 1900. The population was unaware since the Weather Bureau was in its infancy. Wright displays her master level writing skills when she describes the sights and sounds of Galveston before and after the hurricane. Her prose grabs our senses. The hurricane’s catastrophic nature comes to life with each paragraph and page turn.

The book has a strong Christian theme that is stated overtly at the conclusion. In life people are often disappointed by family and friends. In Last Light Over Galveston, our main character, Kathleen Ann McDaniel, experiences emotional pain inflicted by her father who blurts out hurtful words just as the plot takes a treacherous turn. Her father is her only remaining parent. All his actions are driven by his greed and self-centered agenda. The disappointment he causes in Kathleen’s life leaves a gaping hole in her heart. At this point, she flees her upscale Hudson Valley home and eventually arrives at an orphanage in Galveston. She assumes a new identity and tries to hideout in this sheltered community while caring for orphans. The hurricane touches down just as she is making preparations to go on the run once again.

Kathleen eventually builds authentic bonds of friendship and mutual respect with most of the supporting characters. Wesley’s point of view shines a light on the poor working conditions and exploitation of immigrant labor at this point in history. Matthew and Maggie are characters to love. Readers will cheer for the future path Matthew, Kathleen and Maggie choose when the wind dies and the flood waters subside.

Non-fiction Christian writers encourage people to fill their broken heart’s gaping hole with faith and a personal relationship with the Lord; the One who is steadfast in love and mercy and is always for us. In Last Light over Galveston, Jennifer Wright’s novel arrives at the same conclusion. Kathleen’s earthly father disappointed her, but she finds healing for her heart through faith and trust in the Lord. This is my honest review in exchange for receiving this ARC from NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction. #LastLightoverGalveston, #NetGalley

Cloaked in Beauty

Cloaked in Beauty, Softcover, #3
By Karen Witemeyer / Bethany House

This book is a fun and enjoyable love story set in Texas beginning in 1881 . I chose it to read because I do like “journey stories”. An heiress to a shipping fortune on route back to her childhood home is guarded by a Pinkerton Agent. The young lady’s villainous uncle is committed to thwarting her arrival and makes plans to bring about her demise. The Pinkerton Agent is fully occupied keeping her safe. Along the way, major accidents and harrowing adventures threaten to keep them from their destination. The two main characters Letty Hood (aka Scarlett Radcliffe) and Philip Carmichael discover a deep admiration and abiding love for each other. The author portrays them both as capable and wise. Throughout the story they most often act unselfishly and care deeply about social justice. At first glance the wealthy heiress and traveling security guard may not seem like they could make a future together work, but the author resolves this perfectly. Reader’s will be happy with the conclusion. I also like the elements that gave a nod to fairy tales. There were many instances when what you might expect was turned upside down. For example: While Letty Hood needed protection, she was not damsel in distress. Her country upbringing while in hiding with her grandmother allowed her to acquire a range of skills that helped to keep her safe until she could reach her twenty-first birthday, return home, and claim her inheritance. The other element turned on its head was the wolf’s role in the story. No big bad wolf here. Just a loyal companion named “Rusty” who is a main character in his own right. The duo of Letty and Philip aren’t going to Grandma’s instead they leave her and make the journey away from her home, only to be reunited with her later. A true “fracture fairy tale” and a fun story to read. This book is Book #3 in the Texas Ever After Series

I read an ARC supplied by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. #CloakedinBeauty, #NetGalley

Recommended for the New Year

When Stars Light the Sky
By Elizabeth Camden / Bethany House

Look for this book when it is released in January 2025. I highly recommend it for historical fiction fans. This book is excellent with smooth writing that is a pleasure to read and flows at a superb pace. The setting and perspective of the characters make this book a standout. I loved learning about an ambassador’s role and the varied duties of his highly qualified staff. The main character Inga is a protagonist with a heaping measure of heart, talent, and charm. Benedict is portrayed vividly and to the reader he is equal parts intelligent, thoughtful, ambitious, and annoying. The conclusion is just what the reader hoped for, yet I never saw the plot resolving the way it did. A delightful surprise.

While some of us may know some general details about World War I, this book with a focus on America’s Embassy in Germany during this tumultuous time offered a good overview into the issues of the era. Even though our nation hoped to stay neutral and out of Europe’s turmoil, events made neutrality impossible. By the story’s end, America declared war and entered the conflict. The historical facts were accurately woven into the story in a way that added to the novel.

This is the second book in the series Elizabeth Camden has titled The Women of Midtown. The parts of the story that shared a glimpse of life in New York City during this time period were well done and highly engaging. I expect to read book one in the series based on how much I enjoyed the sequel. I read an ARC from NetGalley. #WhenStarsLighttheSky #NetGalley

Unforgotten

Unforgotten, Softcover
By Shelley Shepard Gray / Revell

I was interested to read a different genre created by an author I haven’t read before so I requested Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray to read. While this book fits the Amish Fiction category, there is a parallel plot with “English” people to enjoy. I enjoyed the action in middle most of all. The villain was well developed at all points in the story. The author created a cast of great female protagonists with life experiences that are realistic. The ladies, who are cousins, are celebrated for their good sense and bravery in the face of danger. Cynics with their hearts on lockdown might not care for some parts of the two love stories. The men, cast as knights in shining armor, overflow with devotion to their fair maidens. At some points, their dialogue seemed a little over the top for me. But the men were good hearted characters with good intentions even if they seemed a little possessive.

The author shared a realistic view of Amish daily life. I think the reason we like to read Amish Fiction is because we admire the Amish populations’ productivity and steadfast faith. Throughout this book, the men and women, demonstrated these traits.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Revell in exchange for this honest review. #Unforgotten, #RevellFiction!

Where the Rivers Merge

Add this book to your “Want to Read” list and buy it as soon as it arrives from the publisher next spring. I read an ARC and throughly enjoyed this book. It’s a wonderful novel in a stellar setting. The protagonist’s life story growing up on a rice and horse farm in South Carolina is engaging. I grew to care deeply about every thrilling personal victory and tragic heartache. Just when I anticipated one plot twist the tale would go to an unexpected but pleasantly surprising new place. The story had great pace and while I’ve grown lukewarm about split time novels this one really sings! All historic details were accurate and made this time period in the Low Country of South Carolina’s coast come alive.
The author, Mary Alice Monroe, tells us in her notes this is a story about conservation and love of land. She certainly delivered on this and so much more! I look forward to the sequel.
#WheretheRiversMerge

Between the Sound and the Sea

Between the Sound and Sea: A Novel
By Amanda Cox / Revell

I can confidently offer high praise for Amanda Cox’s newest release titled “Between the Sound and the Sea.” The story from start to finish is a brilliant example of Christian fiction. I think I will always remember when her main character, Joey tells Peter, “God meets us right where we’re at. And maybe things in our lives get broken down and beaten up along the way. The good news is restoration work is kind of His specialty.” This passage shines a light on an important truth. It’s a message of hope to cling to when the outlook is grim. I always enjoy the multi-layered and multi-generational stories crafted by Amanda Cox. This novel is a standout.

Readers not familiar with the Outer Banks of North Carolina might unfairly prejudge the book and decide it’s just another beach read with romance, summer fun, and outlandish leisure adventures. This book is certainly not that! The historical themes running throughout the story are highly captivating. Unlocking the mysteries associated with the fictional Bleakpoint Island and its lighthouse allows the author to weave into her story many details that were documented in communications and other artifacts associated with this region during WWII. Plus who doesn’t love a plot line dedicated to restoring a lighthouse.

Our protagonists, Josephina “Joey” Harris, Finnegan Walter O’Hare, III and his father, Walt O’Hare are the perfect trio to keep this story moving at a great pace. Each character forges ahead despite carrying the burden of heart-breaking set-backs and crippling doubts. Naturally they experience times when they second-guess nearly every previous decision. But they’re mature enough to avoid staying mired in regret. Each one of the main characters finds a way to step out in faith and connect with a positive network of people. Upon reviewing the book in its entirety, I feel every storyline was resolved with great satisfaction. Even our troubled teen, Peter, lands on a promising path. Okay so maybe I would like to be a fly on the wall at Murph’s Convenience Store to see how Ida takes the news about the real story of Cathleen and Callum McCorvey. But I can wait for that to be revealed in the movie or sequel. Thank you Amanda Cox for writing such a great novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the publisher, Revell.

Hidden in the Night

This book is the third novel in Elizabeth Goddard’s Missing in Alaska series. I chose the book due to this unique setting and early mentions of retrieving a lost manuscript of Jack London. Goddard’s main character is a rare-book collector and former FBI agent. These plot ingredients were irresistible to me. There were many excellent parts to the book. The dialogue was concise and great. The Alaska setting was stellar. I could feel the cold wind. I especially liked all the action in the planes and the stealthy, night time escape by boat. The characters were realistic and interesting. As they moved through the story, they were very active in solving the plot’s mystery. The characters all had different motives for pursuing the lost manuscript and this brought the action to an apex.

The romantic theme running through the book was well balanced, with just enough emotion that moved the plot ahead but didn’t make it seem unrealistic or out of place.

I was lukewarm about the conclusion to the manuscript story. For me it bordered on the fantastical and made the book more like a doomsday sci-fi novel. Not a genre I typically choose to read. I might have been more in step with the novel if I had read the previous two books in this series.

I thought the villains in this book were portrayed with sufficient measure of selfishness and greed. Both Carl and Donovan passionately pursued ill-gotten gains but their evil actions were thankfully thwarted by the good guys. I always read author notes at the back of the book. The information shared here reminded me again why I chose the book to read in the first place. I also was a fan of Jack London’s Call of the Wild. I remember reading it many years ago. Readers will find Hidden in the Night full of action and fast-paced. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Warsaw Sisters

The Warsaw Sisters of WWII Poland
By Amanda Barratt / Revell

I’ve been steeped in World War II topics in recent months. For print books, I read The Watchmaker’s Daughter (The True Story of Corrie Ten Boom) and The First Ladies. On many evenings this fall, my husband and I settled in and watched all two seasons of World on Fire on PBS. I requested The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt to review, because I wanted to keep this reading and viewing theme going along the same course. Amanda Barratt’s book is accurate and reflects a great deal of research. Her writing shines a light on the horrific experience Polish citizens experienced at the hands of German invaders. It is interesting how this author was able to craft a plot that weaves in many different points of view. Her prose is rich and detailed. It was an education to read about the Home Army Uprising and their valiant effort to defend Warsaw. The Polish citizens were heroic in their efforts. This is one reason I love to read fiction and non-fiction based on history.

The story is built around the experience of two sisters who chose different paths during the war. One chose to get involved with rescuing Jewish children out of the Warsaw ghetto. The other eventually becomes a soldier in the resistance movement. They fall out of regular contact and events make it seem they will stay separated. But Barratt writes a satisfying conclusion giving readers reason to hope.

My recommendation for readers thinking about picking up this book is to be patient and allow yourself a good amount of time to read this book. Read the historical note for context maybe just as you begin your reading journey. Also stop and look up some of the cultural references to help with your understanding. While I have some knowledge of Polish customs, many terms were new to me such as oplatki. Also I did not know some of the Polish musicians and poets that Barratt referenced in her novel.

I did read the book from cover to cover and I appreciate the amount of work this author put into sharing The Warsaw Sisters with her readers. The publisher, Revell supplied me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. On a final note: I seem to be unable to stop myself from picking up more WW II books. Now I’m reading Freedom Flyers: the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II by J. Todd Moye. #TheWarsawSisters!

On Moonberry Lake

On Moonberry Lake
By Holly Varni / Revell

We’ve all seen those signs, “Life is Better at the Lake!”. Holly Varni’s novel proves the truth in this statement. Her novel On Moonberry Lake is chock-full of characters to love and plots you fall for hook, line, and sinker. From beginning to end, readers are treated to equal parts of heartwarming sentiment and comedy.

The book opens with a spotlight on broken relationships experienced by the main character Cora Matthews. She attends her mom’s funeral and can only think about how the words, distant and estranged, perfectly describe their relationship. Two weeks before the funeral, she cancels her wedding plans and breaks her engagement. When she makes the trip back to her childhood hometown she feels the weight of being alone and untethered to anyone and any place. She never dreamed she would be back at Moonberry Lake where she spent carefree days living in her grandparents’ lakeside lodge. A lodge she and her mother left decades ago due to a family dispute that remained unanswered all the years they lived away. Cora learns at the funeral that she has inherited the lodge. It’s a structure that suffers from neglect, but can be a temporary home for Cora while she starts to find a new path forward.

Cora indeed finds a full life lakeside made up of quirky but loyal new friends. She and two other characters work hard to repair the lodge and bring it back to life. The characters, Cora meets while carrying out her daily tasks can only be described as one-of-a-kind. Trust me when I say, you’ll be hard pressed to pick a favorite. From the bossy checkout clerk at the local store to the math genius who suffers from agoraphobia, each one is revealed to be a beautiful soul. There’s romance in the story too and what a love story it is. Finally Cora is able to invest in someone and build connections with her new community. She is naturally apprehensive but she listens to the wise counsel of her new neighbor Kitty when she says, “Happiness is yours for the taking. Sometimes you just have to do things scared and see how they work out.”

On Moonberry Lake is pure book joy. Pick up a copy and enjoy this delightful story. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review. #OnMoonberryLake!