What I Would Tell You by iz Tolsma

It all started with a DNA test. Tessa quickly realized that her cousin is not her biological cousin. How can this be explained? Will her mom tell her the truth? What is the big secret in the family history? What are the ramifications of her being Jewish?

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma is part of the Echoes of the Past series. It is a dual timeline, Christian historical romance fiction. Flashback to 1941 and learn all about Mathilda, and her journey of early marriage, publishing a very risky newspaper to share the truth about the Nazis, as well as her unexpected pregnancy. This book takes you on the twists and turns of present day, with Tessa trying to navigate her life and find out where she belongs while flashing back to Mathilda and her struggles of reality of the Nazis in Greece. It is a unique setting as it does take place in Greece. I thoroughly  enjoyed What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma. This was a very good read and I would highly recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

I have to admit when I started reading Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels, I was intrigued and not necessarily hooked on the novel. But, read on! This fiction story takes place in1989. I found that an interesting year to set a novel in, rather unique and intriguing. Guitarist Michael Sullivan is kicked out of his band and moved in with his Uncle Mike. Across the street lives the Wheeler family, who is very well-known in the music industry, including Deb Wheeler. Deb is famous for her songs that she had recorded many years ago. Michael also meets Deb’s daughter, Natalie , who is beautiful and happens to be blind. Her father, Dusty, is very well-connected in the music industry. Having grown up with no significant home influence, Michael is taken aback by Natalie‘s family. He spends time with Natalie and enjoys getting to know her family. However, that will all have to soon come to an end. 

Admittedly once I had started the novel and was about a quarter of the way into it, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. I was a little surprised by the content since Revell typically publishes Christian content. This book was not overtly Christian. However it was a good read, and I would recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels. 

Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepherd Gray

Mary Margaret Miller is off on an adventure for a much-needed break. She is headed to Pinecraft, Florida to leave her Amish lifestyle temporarily behind for a much needed break. She meets Betty and Lily on the bus trip. She’s amazed at their Amish similarities and lifestyles. They become fast friends and decide they will have quite the adventure being away from the Amish rules and laws. All of a sudden enter a handsome carpenter Jayson Raber. Unexpectedly Mary Margaret’s long time hometown rival Betsy shows up in Pinecraft. She is suddenly smitten with Michael the young Amish gentleman who works very hard since his parents have died, and he lives with his aunt and uncle. 

The adventure of five individuals have while in Pinecraft make up the tale of Her Heart’s Desire. It is a little difficult to follow with the two different romances. However, I did find the book very interesting, and was eager to read the story. Drift off into another world as you read Her Heart’s Desire. Learn more about the Amish lifestyle, including some of their jargon.

I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend Her Heart’s Desire.

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall is part of the Heroines of World War II series. Ginny was in nursing school, however, when the war broke out, she had to return home and help her mother and younger sister. Her younger sister Belle is quite the go-getter. She is a Girl Scout and is always ambitious. Ginny is her Girl Scout leader. Ginny and Belle have not had a close relationship since Ginny went to nursing school.

Enter Timothy Elliot, who is a British reporter and finds himself on a ship that was attacked. He comes ashore to the Outer Banks, and suddenly is cared for by a Girl Scout troop without their leader. Must they tell Ginny about everything they do? Is Timothy safe or the enemy? Eventually, Ginny and Timothy meet. The story that follows is intriguing and will captivate your attention. This is a wonderful historical fiction book. I found myself gripped by the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend on my honor by Patti Smith Hall.

The Bible Recap Discussion Guide

The Bible Recap Discussion Guide with weekly questions for group conversations covering the entire Bible by Tara-Leigh Cobble is an excellent resource in the Bible Recap series. This guide features 52 weeks of daily Bible reading. This is a companion to the Bible Recap program. The journal is self guided. It has a daily reading plan but the discussion guide is broken down by weeks instead of days. For the first day you read Genesis 1-3. The first week covers Genesis 1-11 and Job 1-16. It follows the Bible chronologically. This book is intended for a weekly group discussion. This is mostly a discussion guide and not necessarily a place to write your answers. This discussion guide offers rich resources for those leading a group discussion, and following the Bible Recap. 

This is an excellent resource to go along with the Bible recap series. I was giving a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend this valuable resource.  

The Power for Your Day Devotional by Samuel Rodriguez

The Power for Your Day Devotional by Samuel Rodriguez features 45 days to finding more purpose and peace in your life. Each daily reading features your daily power point, your daily reading, your daily scripture, and your daily prayer starter. Scripture quotations are from a variety of translations. The devotionals are inspiring. I appreciate that this book is dedicated to “plow pushers”. In other words all those who are plowing the way for the next generation.

This book is a fantastic source of encouragement. Samual addresses a variety of people in his book. It's not simply for men, women, etc.  I appreciate the variety. This book is power packed with positive, uplifting words. I was given a free copy of this devotional to review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend. It is very inspirational and encouraging. 

Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn, H, Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

Targeted features three romance suspense novellas by three well-known Christian romance suspense authors. These include Lynette Easton, Lynn H, Blackburn, and Natalie Walters. Each story is very short and therefore the plot escalates very quickly, sometimes a little bit unrealistic, but still enjoyable. If you’ve read any of the books by these women before you might recognize the familiar characters. I thoroughly enjoyed each story. They were entertaining and engaging. This is a fantastic novel containing three such stories. Each is gripping and intriguing with the FBI, Secret Service and CIA. I thoroughly enjoyed Targeted. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I recommend!

Passages of Hope by Terry J. Haynes

Passages of Hope by Terry J Haynes is a dual timeline Christian fiction romance novel. Gracie McNeil has recently inherited a house from her grandmother in the historic neighborhood in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, there is some family jealousy that prevents Gracie from rejoicing over her inheritance. Gracie also has many heart aches from the past, including her mother dying during her birth. With a dual timeline this book switches back-and-forth between Gracie and Olivia Kingston. Olivia is a station master for the underground railroad. She does not share the details of her work with her doctor husband, Douglas. However Douglas is understanding and seems to support Olivia‘s work. It is extremely dangerous for Douglas to know of her work.

Gracie discovers a secret room in her grandmother's house. Her neighbor, a good friend of her grandmother's connects her with her grandson who is able to help with the history of the house and many of the fine details of registering the house as a historic landmark. However Gracie finds herself trying to start a business, as well as settle herself in the new area. Will Gracie be able to accomplish that? Can Olivia continue to help those passing through the underground railroad? Will they be found out? Will Douglas trust her and her work?

This dual timeline novel was a fantastic read. I found myself enthralled going back-and-forth in time. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. I recommend Passages of Hope by Terry J Haynes. 

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder is that tale of Ella, who is mourning the loss of her sister. Not sure quite how to process her sister's mysterious death, Ella proceeds to her sister's estate. One problem, how will she confront her brother-in-law rumored to be the killer? Instead Ella takes on the role of governess for her nephew. However, Ella has no experience as a governess, must change her name and her role in society. She hides it well. She must now solve the mystery of her sister's death and confront her brother-in-law. But is it that simple? Is she even safe in the house?

I've recently read several books I simply cannot put down. Rather unusual for me, but Beneath His Silence was one such book. I was absolutely captivated by the story, both the romance and the mystery.  Hannah does an amazing job of weaving a tale, taking you back in history and having the reader on their toes trying to guess what will happen next. I was given a free copy from the publisher, which I was happy to do. This tale is very enjoyable! I do recommend!

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano is an excellent story of historical fiction romance. Concert pianist, Vivienne Mourdant's father dies. Intrigued by her now poor state and no longer controlled by her father Vivienne must find out why her father is supporting a patient in an asylum. In order to do this, she disguises herself as an aide and works in the asylum. However Vivienne is quickly drawn into the asylum and suddenly finds herself as a patient. It is frightful and revealing as to what goes on in the asylum. No one will believe Vivienne's real name and her real circumstances.

I must say I was absolutely drawn into the story of The Lost Melody. There are a lot of references to music, which music fans will enjoy. However, as one who is not so educated in music, I was still able to enjoy the story. The story is a bit frightening as it dive into asylums in the Victorian era. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I could not put it down. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano.