Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

Never Fall Again by Lynn H Blackburn lives up to her thrilling and suspenseful writing style. Landry Hutton (who I keep treading her name as Laundry!). Has spent three years rebuilding her life pretty much in seclusion. She’s an artist at a  high-end resort catering to the high-end guests. She’s the artist in residence making well-known pottery pieces, which provides for her and her daughter, Eliza.  Once stable,  she ventures out to build a new home. She meets Cal and instantly they hit it off. However, Landry is not one to trust those around her. Certainly not a man after her experiences with her late abusive husband. However, Landry finds herself falling in love with Cal. Cal is not one to easily trust women given his past experiences. Will he be able to trust as well? Can they deny this love? Will they risk it?

This thrilling novel will keep you on your toes. I kept reading to try and figure out who was causing issues and wanted to destroy Landry and Cal's relationship. It’s not until the end that the villain is reveal. This was an excellent read. I highly recommend Never Fall Again. This is the first book in the Gossamer Falls collection and it's off to a great start!

When the Flames Ravaged by Rhona Dragomir

When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir is the fascinating historical fiction of the deadly fire at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. The circus comes to town, and everyone is very excited. Especially Evelyn Benson, as well as her brother, her sister-in-law, her niece and nephew. Evelyn has already had enough tragedy, losing her husband in World War II. She is highly anticipating taking a day off of work for the circus. Although the clowns are quite amusing; when they first visit the diner she works at a day before the circus not so much. Hank, one of the clowns, finds something absolutely fascinating about Evelyn. However, would Evelyn take a chance with him if she knew about his past? Is God something to be considered? What role will faith and love play in this? How could such a fun event as a circus turn so devastating?

I was absolutely fascinated by this Day to Remember Story. This historical Christian romance fiction is a great tale. Readers will keep coming back for more especially in the series. I really appreciated how the author takes a historical event and works it into a piece of fiction. I enjoyed learning about this fateful day but with a fiction twist. I highly recommend When the Flames Ravage as a very interesting and educational novel.

When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson

When the Waters Came by Candace Sue Patterson is the historical fiction account of the initial Johnstown flood. This book starts off with the iconic Memorial Day celebration. The celebration ends the next day, quite abruptly, when the flood waters come swiftly and quickly to destroy the town of Johnstown. Pastor Montgomery Childs shares his devastation and the account of clinging for his life. Shortly after Annamae Worthington heeds the call of the Red Cross led by Clara Barton to relocate from Washington DC to Johnston to hep. Annamae reports to Johnstown to help with  the victims of the flooding including the outbreak of typhoid fever. Monty and Annamae connect. But what about Monty's past and Annamae's connection with the doctor she works with in Washington DC? Will Monty share his past and even reveal his full name to Annamae? Is Annamae only there temporality? Will Johnston ever recover? Who is responsible for this flood?

I did enjoy When the Waters Came and found myself learning much about Johnston. I am a fan of Candice Sue Patterson's work and When the Waters Came is again a thrilling account of history woven with romance. I could not put the book down and was inspired learn more about the Johnston flood. I would recommend this book.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

Run to read this book!

I absolutely loved Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin. This was a novel I could not put down. One of those books that you can’t wait to get back to you. Germany has invaded the Netherlands. Aleida, who is controlled by her abusing husband, Sebastian, is in fear for her life. Not only due to the Nazis overtaking the Netherlands but because of her husband. Aleida is also in her fear for her son, Theo. Sebastian is ashamed of Theo and will not allow him to be seen. In the desperate hours Aleida is planning desperately to save herself and Theo. But will her plan work? What will happen to Theo. Will Aleida ever find true love? 

I could not put this book down! I found myself wanting to read more books by Sarah Sundin. This is a fantastic historical fiction romance. I highly recommend Embers in the London Sky. So many great twists and turns and it really moved me. I will be looking for more books by this author. Great plot an characters.

The Juliet Code

The Juliet Code is part of the Freddie and Grace mystery series by Pepper Basham. This story tells the tale of missing paintings as part of a collection set in the historic city of Venice. Freddie and Grace have finally arrived on their honeymoon. They are looking forward to spending time together. However, they quickly learn of a mystery of several paintings that make up the Juliet series. Several of these paintings have been lost  with a very high risk, most significantly death. They run into their friend Jack, who is working on the mystery of the Juliet paintings. Of course, Freddie and Grace are eager to help. However, is it worth the risk? Should they stop their honeymoon and help out Jack? What type of adventures await them?

This is definitely a true fiction Christian romance mystery. There are lots of details to discover in the story. I have to say I was a bit confused at times, but in the end, the story did come together. I did find it an enjoyable read. I would recommend to those who definitely prefer mystery. 

Capturing Hope by Angela K. Couch

Capturing Hope is part of the Heroines of World War II series by Angela K Couch. This book was the fantastic amazing fictional story story of Nadia. The story opens with Nadia and her father and a mysterious American photographer, named David. This is just when Germany is invading Poland. Nadia‘s father gives David specific instructions to safely help Nadia out of Poland. David is on a mission to get her out, but it ends there. Or will it? Along the way David and Nadia have compassionate hearts to help and save others. 

Although this is a difficult and deep subject, the author also made it a great fictional read. Using a very heartbreaking topic, the author was able to make it a very a interesting story. The author did leave me with a few questions at the end, but I did enjoy the story. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. I couldn't wait to read to find out how the story ended. Nadia's compassionate heart is an inspiration. I would highly recommend Capturing Hope by Angela Couch.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

The Warsaw sisters by Amanda Barrett shares the heavy and heartbreaking story of two women in Poland during the German invasion starting in 1939. This heavy tale weaves the story of these two sisters, their loss, loves, their hardship, their secrets, and their tragedy. This is a deep book to read. Helena and Antonia are twins. They share everything, but will the German invasion prevent that? What will happen to the closeness they once shared? How far will they go? What will they do to survive?

I will admit I had trouble getting started with the story because of the heaviness. I would say this is definitely historical fiction with a lot of facts. Once I was able to get into the story, I could not put it down. I was enthralled. The story of Antonia and Helena, the tragedies they endure, and the twist and turns of the story were amazing. It is a heavy book, but is definitely worth the read. This is part of the World War II Poland series. Lots of historical information but also a wonderful read. I would highly recommend. 

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder

 I absolutely loved Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder! This historical romance novel was super intriguing! William Kensley knows his mother passed when he was born. He knows that his father will have nothing to do with him. He knows that his aunt and cousin despise him. When his grandfather passes away he is left with an inheritance and many questions. Those he has spent his entire life with raise questions and concerns about his history. Is his father really a wealthy estate owner? Does he really have a sister? What is his true birth story and the circumstances of his birth? Can William trust anyone?

As I said, I loved this book. I could not put it down and had to keep reading. The story line kept twisting with the unexpected. The author wrote in a very enthralling manner. I was hooked! I throughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hannah Linder! 

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele is a refreshing new Amish Christian Fiction. Barbara never quite fit in with her family. Her love for the outdoors and flowers does not coincide with her family's traditions of quilting and staying indoors. As Barbara is getting older, her parents send her off to Indiana to help her grandparents, specifically her grandmother, at her quilting shop. Barbara quickly realizes, yet again, that quilting is not for her. She does also not appreciate the rude young man who nearly ran her over once she arrive in Indiana. All she wants to do is return to her family and Kentucky. Will Barbara ever find her calling? Will she be able to work with the flowers that bring her such joy?

I found The Flower Quilter a unique Amish novel. It honestly had a different twist the the usual Amish fiction romance. I was hooked and could not put it down. Mindy writes in a new and refreshing way. There is a glossary of Amish terms in the beginning, which initially intimidated me, however, I found that I was able to decipher the jargon from the context and didn't really need it. I absolutely enjoyed the Flower Quilter and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend. 

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot

Against the Wind by Amanda cabinet is part of the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. While this is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first, although it is very helpful. Louisa Vaughan has returned to Sweetwater Crossing, but only for a few days. Her dreams and ambition to be a midwife, and doctor are not met with the most receptive attitudes in her hometown. She has been rejected in the past and is rejected again. However, on her return trip home, she finds an injured man along the road. As is her calling, Louisa takes care of him. Although she soon finds herself doing more than just taking care of him. 

I could not put this book down. I was so into the storyline and thoroughly enjoyed it. Amanda writes with intrigue and mystery. Against the Wind is action packed  as well as unexpected. This is an excellent book. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I highly recommend.