Forged in Peril by Kendra Warden

Forged in Peril - Kendra Warden
4 Stars

I really enjoyed this Christian romantic suspense! Kendra's writing style is great! Bristol and Cameron knew each other some time ago....she broke his heart and is back - but she's not the same girl he once knew. She has been through some very traumatic things in her past and a dark secret threatens her career. She needs help from Cameron as someone is obviously after her...is it the man from her past assault she has tried to heal from for so long? She's a paralegal and he a private security operative. He will do anything to keep her safe and she finally feels safe for the first time in a long time with him....

This is the first book in the Forge Brothers Security series and I found myself really connected to these characters and loved the romance! It was just the right amount for me. Very sweet, protective MMC Cameron and Bristol had really been through some heartbreaking things. We had a lot of focus on second chances and I really liked the faith thread with prayers, bible verses and that no matter what, God's plan is always at work through our suffering.

I will definitely be continuing in this series soon! 

Read if you like:

- Dual POV Romances

- Christian Romantic Suspense

- Books with heavier topics and a faith thread

- Second Chance Romance

- Protective MMC

- Paralegal FMC

- Workplace Romance

*Trigger Warning: Previous sexual assault discussed, kidnapping.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7460356166

Amazon: https://amzn.to/446NPYt

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

 

The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke

The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke 
5 Stars

WOW, what a powerful and thought provoking story. This is a biblical fiction - with fictional characters during biblical times, during the time of Jesus' ministry. We follow a young Jewish woman, Mary, who has a strong story of hardship, faith and redemption. Enos is a rising Pharisee and sees her in the market and decides to make her his bride. She is quickly swept up into a world that she never asked for. The marriage promises to lift her family out of poverty, but it becomes clear Enos views her more of a possession to help him in his circumstances, than a partner. Her training is to become the wife of a religious Pharisee who has a goal to take down Jesus, the miracle-working Prophet of their time. 

Mary was so strong in everything she went through with Enos - it was POWERFUL. I cried with the forgiveness shown in the end and in a couple of other places with Jesus mentioned. The ending author's note also got me crying! I was so encouraged that no matter what happens here on earth, it's our temporary home as we await Jesus' ultimate return. 

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, such as Tessa Afshar, Connilyn Cossette, etc.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7535057899
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kJZSSx

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/597427
 
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

 The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

The Lawyer and the Laundress - Christine Hill Suntz
5 Stars 

This is Christine's debut novel with Tyndale and I LOVED it so much y'all! This truly was an AMANDA book! 

Tropes and Buzzwords:
- Marriage of Convenience 
- Canadian Settings
- Single Dad with a sweet little girl 
- Clean Historical Romances
- Faith Threads 
- Found Family
- Family Reconciliation

Set in Canada, 1837, we follow our leading lady, Sara O'Connor who is somewhat in hiding from her wealthy father after a sad departure many years ago. After her husband passed away, she's been guarding her heart and working head down as a laundress ever since. Enter widower James Kinney and his daughter, Evie. Evie is the SWEETEST little girl, you fall in love with her from the moment she steps on page. Sara works as a laundress as the school Evie attends and they grow a quick bond together as Sara tries to step in and protect Evie from the leaders of the school less than desirable punishments. James forbids them from being friends for propriety reasons....but Evie gets sick and Sara is called to help save her life. It's at this moment when you start to see James really open up and realize he was wrong about Sara. Scandal ensues....as it usually does ;) and James offers a marriage of convenience to Sara to protect her and help him raise Evie....the story goes on from there.

I just LOVED the writing style Christine had in this story, so engaging and I connected with the characters so well. Sara and James' getting to know each other was so great. I loved the romance specifically and the way Sara fit like a glove into James and Evie's lives. You really get to see them all become a family together and it was inspiring.

I teared up too with some of the faith moments between Sara's granny and her. It was so moving and my favorite quote was "I'm talking about faith. Hope. All those things you pretend you don't need. You figure God abandoned you, but you know deep down that's not true. He was there all along, holding you up until you were ready to stand again." SO RELATABLE for me. 

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7618512042
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kimSI7
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/617750

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

From the Valley We Rise by Elizabeth Musser

                      From the Valley We Rise by Elizabeth Musser

4 Stars

My first Elizabeth Musser book was By Way of the Moonlight in 2022. I loved that book so much, so her newest release, From the Valley We Rise was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025. Set in 1944 following the D-day invasion of Normandy, leading up to the second D-day invasion, she once again wrote a deeply moving and unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and hope. This book weaves together the lives of three characters, Isabelle, Peter, and René. They each navigate betrayal, loss, and the high cost of freedom during WWII.

Isabelle’s commitment to rescuing Jewish children, even among the chaos was inspiring. Peter is an American chaplain grappling with past wounds and brings a powerful perspective of faith and healing. René’s journey from devastation to resilience was emotional. We really see a glimpse into France during WWII. 

With characters like this, it's hard to pick a true favorite, they all went together so well. Anyone who loves a good Historical Fiction would enjoy this. Now, I need to go back and read ALL of Elizabeth's books!

Thank you to Bethany House for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content warnings: war violence mentioned, sexual abuse of a child briefly mentioned but not detailed.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7598396326
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618531
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Z3sQnJ

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

The Sacred Scales by Bryan Davis

The Sacred Scales by Bryan Davis
4 Stars
Book 1 in the Dragons Of Camelot Series

OK Y'ALL I need to read all of Bryan's books, this was so great! As a lover of middle grade books and stories such as Narnia, The Hobbit, LOTR....This reminded me of those type of epic stories! Perfect for middle school kiddos and really people of all ages because I had SO much fun reading this. The ending has me needing the next book ASAP too!

This is a Christian Fantasy with mentions of Jesus as their Lord and savior, praying to God and standing for truth but also has mixed in fantasy elements with Arthurian legends -- like Merlin, King Arthur, dragons...etc. It's a great opportunity to remind those reading it that while the faith in the story is real and powerful, the magical elements are just part of the make-believe world. I loved how Bryan tied all that together as he really invites you in to this fun fantasy world.

We follow Hawk and Sabina as they team up to protect dragons from a sinister plot that threatens their very existence. Lots of wild rides, escapes, riddles, twists - overall a good read with themes of faith, courage, the power of prayer and friendship.

I would recommend this for older middle school kids and up as there are themes of battles, some characters being burned, mentioned of death etc. 

🐉 Read If You Like:

• Dragons, danger, and daring rescues

• Faith-filled fantasy adventures

• Arthurian legends and dragon lore

• Stories about standing up for what’s right

• Action stories with strong Christian themes

Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for a copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7602185603
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k61eGO
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/617741

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

 

Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick

Across The Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick - 4 Stars

I love that Jane Kirkpatrick tells stories about real life people in history. This one is a story of Mary Edwards Gerritse, a woman who was adventurous and wanted more beyond her traditional role as a wife and mother. Mary and her husband John have been through a lot, living on the Oregon coast in the late 1800s. Mary is a very determined woman who wants more than just typical motherhood....she wants adventure, purpose and to learn about her family's past. 

She becomes the first female mail carrier in her region during that time and takes on the treacherous postal route of the "crying sands beach area". She definitely defied the expectations of her time, reminding you that sometimes you take a risk for what your dreams are, even as a young mother, and that's ok to pursue those dreams. Would recommend.  I related to her feelings of wanting more than just being a stay at home Mom too. She was looked down upon for leaving her children with her family to watch them while she went to work with her husband. For me, I can understand wanting that fulfillment outside of just those things and found it relatable. 

Looking forward to book 2 next April. 

Read if you like:

- Stories about real people in history
- Strong, independent women in history
- Frontier and pioneer life
- Themes of pursuing dreams, careers and
- Overcoming and walking through grief 
- Atmospheric settings on the Oregon coast 

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7451290793
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618551
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FhISUd

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

A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

 A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano 
4 Stars
Book 1 in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies Series

If you love historical romance with a side of sass, mystery and lots of humor - READ THIS BOOK! 🎀✨

Miss Drusilla Merriweather has lost everything....her father, her fortune, and even her fiancé (good riddance, to be honest!). She is left with only a "haunted" castle 🏰, one with strange happenings like walking suits of armor and unexpected visitors. She rolls up her sleeves and decides to turn it into a finishing school. Cue the ghostly shenanigans, suspicious developers, and a swoon-worthy architect with a heart of gold. 💘

Rhenick Wittenbecker is charming and clever. I loved their dynamic together. The BANTER had me giggling! 

All the funny, lighthearted "attacks" and quirky details really made the story. We have SO much in this, including fun pirate stories and hilarious animal events. Drusilla really is a spunky woman and Rhenick was a great guy.  The mystery surrounding the castle was very interesting to me, really something you just got to know how it ends up. 

Jen never fails to create heroines who refuse to be boxed in by society’s expectations and Drusilla is no exception. She’s bold, smart, and determined to make her own way, haunted castle or not, which I absolutely LOVE! I connected to her immediately with the drama with her fiancé making me crack up! Her SASS was on 10 and I loved it!

Loved this one and looking forward to the next book! Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7451289998
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YGITHJ
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618535

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