Hearts Under Fire by Cori Lynn

 

Hearts Under Fire by Cori Lynn
4.5 Stars Rounding Up to 5 Stars On Goodreads
Honorable Mention for A Favorite Book of 2025
💌📮🎖️🪖💔🕰️💌📓🖋️🔍🗝️

YOU GUYS. This book was SO good! I am beyond impressed with Cori Lynn's debut novel - Hearts Under Fire. I read this with my friend Jeanette and loved the buddy reading experience.

Read this immediately if you like:

✨Clean, Historical Romance

✨Stories with Journal Entries 
✨Hidden, Secret Journals and the Mystery Surrounding Them

✨Dual Timeline Stories that tie together well

✨WWII Historical Romance 

✨Love Triangles DONE RIGHT

✨Antique Restorations 

✨Second Chances 

✨Grief Thread with Hope 

✨Realistic Character Driven Stories 

I honestly think so many of you will like this book. It was very engaging and layered - so much in under 300 pages Cori packed into this story! 

We follow Laura who is an antique expert that stumbles upon an old steamer trunk and decided to restore it. The trunk has a secret, hidden journal with entries dating back to 1941. Laura finds herself so engaged in reading the journal entries, filled with stories from Ava and her high school sweetheart Dean. As WWII comes upon them, Ava's story turns to Dean leaving for the war and she is left behind to support him from afar and hope he returns. Ava and Dean write letters back and forth while he is away. Tragedy strikes on both sides for Laura and Ava and you as the reader are left wondering....what's going to happen next?! I was in a chokehold with this book because I needed to KNOW exactly what was going to happen after some twists and turns went down. 

I can't say too much more because I do not want to spoil anything but let me just say, I honestly loved the character driven focus Cori had here. Laura really learned so much from Ava and her journal entries that tied back into her own life struggles and grief and we saw her grow and heal. 

I mention there is a bit of a love triangle here and y'all know I am normally not one for love triangles unless it's done RIGHT....and Cori did it RIGHT here! We see a realistic view on what it's like to wait for your loved one to return home from war and the worries they have. We also see a respectful friendship between Grayson and Ava and I appreciated how she handled that. It just felt so real. 

Overall, because I can't say much more....because I think you just need to go in blind here like I did - read this book. I loved Cori's writing, it was very high quality to me and I just fell in love with her characters. I can't wait for more in this series! 

P.S. In true Cori fashion, she threw in some good humor too! :)

content warnings: mentions of loss of a loved one, grief from that loss shown, small war details, clean romance, kisses only.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7278821879
Amazon: https://amzn.to/488fDyH

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley

Book Review: On The Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley 

4 Stars 

Another good Patricia Bradley read! This book is a Christian Romantic Suspense that keeps you on edge with fast paced suspense, characters you root for and a faith thread that is naturally woven in the book.

We follow FIB undercover agent Scott Sinclair and Crime Reporter Podcaster Tori Mitchell. Scott and Tori work together as her nephew is accused of murder. Scott was wounded by gunshot and is recovering from the injury as it threatens his future career. Tori is a very passionate crime reporter and podcaster who continues to pursue the truth. She works to free wrongfully imprisoned people and search for the truth at all costs. 

When her nephew is accused of a murder he didn't commit, she is trying to clear his name. Someone doesn't like her investigating though and comes after her...Scott and Tori are connecting, romance grows....stakes are intensifying....you know the drill.

 

I haven't read the other logan point books, but reading this, I don't feel like I missed anything. I liked the faith bits but do feel like it could have been explored a bit more, especially with Tori's journey. Scott was a previous alcoholic so it was nice to see his redemption story. 

I have read a lot of Pat's books and would recommend them for good, Christian, romantic suspense. While this one wasn't my top fav, it was still pretty good and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook also.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8058292750
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ojBZCl
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780800747398_on-the-edge-of-trust

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

The Prince Warriors by Pricilla Shirer

 The Prince Warriors by Pricilla Shirer
4 Stars
Book 1 in this Trilogy 

This is a very engaging, spiritually rich adventure that pulls young readers and even adults into a vivid unseen world with an epic action packed adventure. A great Christian fantasy.  

We follow Xavier and Evan with so many high stakes. The mysterious creature Ruwach introduces them to Ahoratos - the true realms where spiritual battles are fought.....the story goes on from here with these ordinary kids as Prince Warriors in battle. 

The message is clear. You have everything you need. God equips us with the armor and strength we need for the battles we face. The allegory in this had some great spiritual parallels. 

The worldbuilding was really good, enjoyed the pacing - very fast and included themes of courage, identity and faith woven into a very adventurous story. Definitely a page turner!  

I think if you like Narnia, Pilgrim's Progress...or stories like that, this would be for you!

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8070677847
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3X9n0zI

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Wild Card by Emma St. Clair

 

The Wild Card by Emma St. Clair - 4 Stars 

Book #4 in the Sheet Cake Texas Series 

A Charming Fake-Dating Rom-Com with Heart and Humor

Another great read from Emma! Sheet Cake, Texas is one of my favorite fictional places!  Molly is ready for a fresh start and runs to Texas to outrun her problems....only to run right into a bigger one....she needs a fake boyfriend for her job circumstances! Here comes Collin and she ropes him into her scheme, but unfortunately, it's the one guy she didn't realize who he truly was....leading to some family shenanigans. 

Honestly, this whole series is a perfectly fun rom-com mishap that keeps you rooting for the characters from page one. 

Their “fake” relationship is full of spark, awkward charm, and emotions neither of them is prepared for.

The neighborly app was so fun too with all the chats!

The town gives such a cozy feel and while the book worked as a standalone, I need to read books 2&3 ASAP to get some of the connections I missed for other characters!

If you enjoy fake dating, forced proximity, complicated family connections, small towns, found family, good friends, stories with depth, rom-coms with lots of laughs...read this! 

Thank you to Emma for sending me a complimentary e-book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content: no language, kisses only

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8053587096
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4prEfYT

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar

 The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar 

4 Stars 

Once again, Tessa has a beautiful blend of biblical history, romance and mystery right into the royal courts of ancient Persia.  Tessa really has a gift for biblical fiction. She gives such a view that we normally wouldn't have explored without reading through her stories. We follow Sazana, a very talented Jewish artisan whose pottery is very well known. She has a secret identity that puts her in danger under the rule of Haman. Her parents passed away years ago and for the last 12 years, her parents friend has watched over her and worked with her. In comes Jadon, the man who broke her heart years ago and is now unexpectedly assigned to protect her and uncover threats. 

The second chance romance pulls so much emotion with Sazana and Jadon, loved their interactions.

Some bits were a bit slow on pacing that I wasn't as connected with, but overall, I still loved the balance of romance, family, mystery and biblical aspects. I love that Tessa encourages her readers to go back to the scriptures as well in her author's notes.

I highly recommend this series if you are wanting some great tie ins with the story of Queen Esther. 

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7894931929
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47UhS7i
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764243707_the-royal-artisan

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Prowl by Colleen Coble

 

Prowl by Colleen Coble
4 Stars
Book 2 in The Sanctuary Series

Really enjoyed book 2 after Ambush! This is a Christian Romantic Suspense series and delivers fast paced suspense, emotional depth and a romance you just can't help but root for. We had a CRAZY introduction to this book. A body is found in the tiger enclosure and RIGHT AWAY you just need to know ALL the things! I listened to the audiobook and love the narration. Colleen always has a good narrator for her books that keep you engaged. 

We are back with Blake and Paradise from book 1 with their second chance romance continuation as their relationship grows amid alllll the chaos around them. We are following multiple mysteries in a way with Paradise's missing DNA results and the murder of the woman from the beginning of the book.

Definitely recommend this series by Colleen, really good! Especially if you like animals, fast paced suspense, faith moments and a sweet romance.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7884556230
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hN2xtS
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780840714374_prowl

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Tempest at Annnabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright

 Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright

4 Stars

Another great autumnal read from Jaime Jo Wright! A very haunting book starting out on the shores of Lake Superior into a dual timeline mystery to present day......a very emotionally charged book. The ending TOOK ME OUT. I did NOT see that coming. We follow Rebecca who is a battered woman in 1874 who wakes up with no idea of her past. Then we follow Shea in modern day who is an author seeking refuge from her crumbling marriage. Both women find themselves drawn to the isolated lighthouse with a lingering presence of Annabel.

This had a theme of gothic suspense because you have a tie in with Edgar Allen Poe as it's inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's haunting poem of Annabel Lee. I loved that because I knew nothing of Edgar Allen Poe and it caused me to research a bit about the history of that poem.

I can't say a ton because I don't want to spoil anything, but wow, what an ending. 

Trigger warning: suicide mentions, harassment, semi-detailed violence, abuse and death.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7160984537
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qX9a0T
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764243790_tempest-at-annabels-lighthouse

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Playing for Keeps by Mandi Blake

 Playing for Keeps by Mandi Blake
4 Stars 

This was another great Christmas read by Mandi! She always brings the faith and sweet romance that I enjoy in books! This is a second chance romance story between Justin McKinnon and Caroline Taylor. Their families have hated each other for decades and when Caroline asks Justin to pretend to be her boyfriend one day many years ago, their spur of the moment kiss turned into a secret romance...just like Romeo and Juliet with their feuding families. 

Cut to many years later....they still love each other but as things would have it, they went their separate ways unwillingly. Caroline owns the bakery in town but no guy she has dated since Justin has worked out for her. She has been hung up on her first love (Justin) in the back of her mind for so long. Justin is back in town after escaping his abusive father years ago, and is ready to work things out with Caroline, if it be in the Lord's will for them.

Really enjoyed the Christmas elements, family and faith thread in this one. I also loved seeing characters from previous Mandi books from this series. This can be read as a standalone but it's nice knowing characters like Alicia from another book in the series.

We had some great themes of forgiveness and grace and Mandi always points the reader and characters back to Jesus. 

Recommended for anyone who loves Christmas Christian Romance books. The romance is clean with no language. Thank you to Mandi for sending me a copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7836925016
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/45GXdTm

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.