Friday, December 29, 2017

Book Review: Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings


Purchase HERE
Title: Holding the Fort

Author: Regina Jennings

Series: The Fort Reno Series #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

When dance hall singer Louisa Bell visits Fort Reno to see her brother, she is mistaken for the governess that the harried Major Daniel Adams is waiting for. Between his rowdy troops and his two daughters, he has more responsibility than he can handle alone. Eager for the opportunity, Louisa sets out to show the widower that she is a perfect fit.

~ MY REVIEW ~
**3.5 stars**

While Holding the Fort wasn't my favorite book by Regina Jennings, I must admit it was a pretty adorable story. The first book in a new series, THE FORT RENO SERIES, it was engaging, fun, and easy to read. I ended up liking all the prominent characters: Louisa Bell, the dance hall singer. Her trouble-making brother, Private Willis. The rather endearing Major Daniel Adams, a widower and father. And the major's two daughters, Caroline and Daisy.

There was a sweet romance, unexpected happenings, danger, and drama. Secrets and unwanted surprises. And a bit of a faith theme, which was touching.

It was interesting to be in Indian territory, amidst a fort of soldiers and very little women. Caroline and Daisy kept things lively ... and Louisa, of course! *laughs* She was fun and sweet and spirited, and it was nice to watch her understand that she didn't need to change who she was to be accepted.

With some humor, and some hurt, Holding the Fort wove together a fun story. For some reason it didn't end up being a favorite for me, but it was entertaining and I'm sure others will enjoy it!

I received a copy of Holding the Fort from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, December 22, 2017

The Christmas Tag

I was tagged for The Christmas Tag! Christmas is in three days, folks! Are you resting in the peace of Jesus Christ and rejoicing in the hope He brings? ^_^

I admit, often it's hard to spend December being still before God and developing a heart of worship and praise. This month has been difficult for me in some ways, but it has also had many beautiful moments and I've been able to spend quite a bit of time in prayer. I pray that you allow yourself to be filled with His love, joy, and peace this Christmas season and into the new year of 2018!

Anyway, on to the tag! Thank you, Natasha @ Simple Things for tagging me! *hugs*

(picture found on pixabay.com)

1} What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I don't believe I watch actual Christmas movies. However, Love's Long Journey (2005), Felicity: An American Girl Adventure (2005), and The Sound of Music (1965) are perhaps movies I've seen during the Christmas season and have a cozy, nostalgic, or festive feel to them. The first two have parts of celebrating Christmas in the duration of the film.




The TV series, Call the Midwife (2012-), has some lovely Christmas specials that I've enjoyed. (Note: I haven't exactly kept up with this series because some of the later seasons have been pushing liberal agendas.)




2} Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Yes, indeed! At least during the years I lived in the cold and wintery state of Minnesota. Last year I experienced a white Christmas, I believe. *smiles*

3} Where do you usually spend your holiday?

At home! Going to relative's houses for dinner. There have only been a few times when my family actually traveled somewhere for Christmas.

4} What is your favorite Christmas song?

I love O Come, O Come Emmanuel. One version, of many, that I like is by Celtic Angels.



5} Do you open any Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve?

Um ... I don't really know. I didn't last year, anyway, haha.

6} Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Absolutely not. I don't keep up all that stuff, apparently. I never knew much about Santa Claus. *laughs and shrugs*

7} What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?

Well, I really enjoy the usual relaxed, family time that we have on Christmas morning. The kids are up fairly early, typically, wanting to see what's in their stockings. We have some special foods for breakfast. Everyone sits in the living room amid presents, sweets, and laughter. It's just cozy and close.

I've tried to make it a tradition to make Chocolate Cherry Pudding Cake on Christmas Day. We've done it a couple years, and have all the ingredients to make it in a few days! ^_^

(Click the picture to find the recipe this pic goes with. I use this recipe, but don't follow it exactly.)

8} Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

It is real this year! Some years we don't have a tree. But this year we do and it's perched all lit up and lovely in our living room.

9} What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?

Dark chocolate with sea salt? Spiced apple cider? Chocolate cherry pudding cake?? *hugs yummy food* Those kind of come to mind when I think about Christmas.

10} Be honest: Do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?

Receiving gifts is fun, but it's not what I look forward to Christmas for. And ... I'm not much of a gift-giver. I don't always get excited in anticipation of presents (though I do usually like what I receive & truly appreciate people's thoughtfulness and care! *hugs sweet people tightly*), so maybe giving gifts isn't something I'm good at, likewise.

If I bought/put together a gift that I knew someone would really love, I could get very excited to give it to them and feel a lot of warmth in the face of their happiness.

(found on pixabay.com)

11} What is the best gift you've ever received?

Quality time. Connection and conversation. Laughter. Genuine hugs.

Not saying I don't feel special when people take the time to buy and give gifts to me. Especially gifts that they would only know to give me if they took time to get to know me! Presents are special things. It's just that my primary love languages involve relationship and conversation. *winks*

12} What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

*thinks* *thinks some more* Well, I do have very fond memories of having family reunions of sorts during Christmastime.

Vacationing at a nice city all festive for Christmas is fun.

13} Are you a pro present-wrapper, or do you fail miserably?

Probably closer to failing than being a pro.

14} Most memorable holiday moment?

Playing a lively game with my grandparents, older brother, aunt and uncle, and cousins on Christmas Eve, I believe. We laughed crazily and it was beautiful. Still warms my heart and makes me smile when I think about it.

(found on pixabay.com)

15} What made you realize the truth about Santa?

As I mentioned above, I never really got into the Santa stuff. I watched that one movie, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, perhaps once. And I've seen a couple random movies about Santa Claus or Jack Frost. But those traditions and fanciful tales were never a huge part of my Christmas celebrations. Not the real reason for celebrating Christmas anyway, right? *smiles*

16} Do you make New Year's resolutions? Do you stick to them?

No, I probably never have seriously made any.

17} What makes the holiday special for you?

Family time // candlelit evening church services // singing joyful and peaceful Christmas songs // holiday foods // festive gatherings // ... I can't always hold onto it, but I seek to dwell on the love, joy, and peace of the Lord. To reflect on the hope the birth of Jesus Christ brought. Because He came, I now have a Savior. I have been given the undeserved right to be a daughter of the Heavenly King. I have been given the gift of adoption into an eternal family.

(found on pixabay.com)

During the Christmas season, I want my heart to swell with the beauty of God's plan and the joy and peace of belonging to Jesus forever.

It is perhaps a time to remember and dwell on the truly important things in life - and that is a precious thing to me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(found on pixabay.com)

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Adult Coloring Book Review: Picturing Heaven by Randy Alcorn & Lizzie Preston


Purchase HERE

Title: Picturing Heaven: 40 hope-filled devotions with coloring pages

Author: Randy Alcorn

Illustrator: Lizzie Preston

Genre: Coloring Book

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Imagine Heaven the way the Bible describes it - a place of exquisite beauty brimming with marvelous detail and intricate patterns; a special dwelling place free of corruption and sin; and a place of both rest and enjoyable, meaningful work.

Let the power and majesty of Heaven fill your heart with joy as you color these 40 designs carefully interpreted from the pages of Scripture. Savor a respite from daily life as you read and meditate on devotions from best-selling author Randy Alcorn, a leading authority on Heaven. Picturing Heaven will offer you comfort and relaxation, while filling your heart with restful assurance that God prepares a special place for those who love Him.

~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**

Picturing Heaven is a fairly large book filled with lovely and unique coloring pages. Beside each illustration is a little devotional and some Scripture. The theme is heaven, so the Bible verses chosen talk about heaven, eternity, and longing to be with God and do everything as unto Him. In the devotionals, Randy Alcorn talks about heaven and what it will be like. He explores thoughts of the new heaven and new earth, creation, God's design, and God Himself. Some of this is just speculation, I feel, but he does also use Scripture in his musings of heaven.

This adult coloring book was definitely different than I imagined it would be. Despite the gorgeous front cover, there are actually very few pictures inside of just beautiful nature and such. One illustration is of a bride with a verse on the skirt of her dress talking about the wedding feast of the Lamb. Some are of animals, and some of people in rather modern-appearing surroundings. There are illustrations of galaxies, crowns, and pretty rooms. It's not what I expected from a coloring book about heaven, but it is unique - and the coloring pages along with the devotionals give you something to ponder and can be very encouraging.

Keeping an eternal perspective, thinking of heaven and our ultimate home, and meditating on the fact that Jesus Christ is preparing a place for us there are wonderful practices, I believe! I look forward to reading and coloring more in Picturing Heaven!

I received a copy of Picturing Heaven from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Turning Twenty-One

I turned twenty-one yesterday!

(found on pixabay.com)

Now I should think of something profound to say. But ... I'm not really coming up with anything. Hmm. Here are some of my thoughts - briefly and unorganized.

I thank God for bringing me this far - and that He's been with me each step of the way, even when I've thought I was alone.

And I look forward to growing ever closer to Jesus Christ this 21st year of my life ... and forevermore! Because He is everyone and everything that gives life meaning.

I look forward to going on new adventures. I look forward to growing in fearlessness and grace. I look forward to reading more soul-stirring stories ... and, perhaps, writing a few of my own. I look forward to being filled up with the love of God. I look forward to new friends, close relationships, nurturing, and speaking life to people. I look forward to spending time with old and dear friends. I look forward to maturing as a prayer warrior. I look forward to another year of blogging and interacting with my amazing readers!

***

Lots of blessings came my way this birthday! On Saturday, my mom took me out for coffee at Panera Bread. She surprised me by inviting the ladies from our Bible study group (two of which are my aunts). That was so special for me! I loved the sweet fellowship with them and was so glad that each of them came. <3

This is the book we're going through in our Bible study: A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas.


Sunday, I attended Sunday school at a church I've gone to three times now. Afterwards, they had a Christmas party for the college-aged people. That was really fun, and I felt truly blessed ... like God worked it out that I could spend time in fellowship with some brothers and sisters in Christ my own age on my birthday!
We ate lunch, exchanged gifts, played some fun games, and talked. I truly enjoyed myself and look forward to getting to know this group better! *smiles*

Then I came home. My mom had made a gluten-free, dairy-free cake and we had meatballs, sweet potatoes, and broccoli for supper. It was all so delicious. I got my chocolate cake at last! *laughs* <3
They sang 'Happy Birthday' to me and we ate cake, talked, laughed, and played games such as "spoons" and "golf".


What's more, I received lots of lovely birthday wishes from friends on Facebook, and emails and cards. They all blessed my heart so! ^_^ THANK YOU, DEAR FRIENDS!

Here are gifts I'm received. So blessed to have been given these!


Did you notice the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD adult coloring book??? My siblings bought it for me, and I'm so thrilled! This coloring book, made for the eight-book fantasy series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is beautifully illustrated by Hannah S. J. Williams. It just released! Purchase it on Amazon today! *grins*

***

It was a beautiful 21st birthday. I hope and pray that I have a beautiful 21st year spent deepening my relationship with Jesus and all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! A year of growing and serving and loving and laughing and adventuring. A year of rejoicing. A year of making much of His name!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
Praise Him in the heights!
Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!
Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light!
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
And you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.
He also established them forever and ever;
He made a decree which shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
10 
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;
11 
Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
12 
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children.


Psalm 148

(found on pixabay.com)

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Cover Reveal: Song of Leira by Gillian Bronte Adams

Hello, all! Today I have the privilege of being part of the cover reveal for book three in Gillian Bronte Adams's THE SONGKEEPER CHRONICLES!

Thus far, it's been an intriguing and adventurous fantasy series. The characters are great. I loved book one, Orphan's Song! Songkeeper, book two, was a lot darker. But I'm very excited to read this newest book and see how the series concludes!

So, without further ado, the cover ...

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


Title: Song of Leira

Author: Gillian Bronte Adams

Series: The Songkeeper Chronicles #3

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

Release Date: June 5th, 2018

ABOUT THE BOOK

The song bids her rise to battle ...

Reeling from her disastrous foray into the Pit, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, retreats into the mountains. But in the war-torn north, kneeling on bloodstained battlefields to sing the souls of the dying to rest, her resolve to accept her calling is strengthened. Such evil cannot go unchallenged.

Torn between oaths to protect the Underground runners and to rescue his friend from the slave camps, Ky Huntyr enlists Birdie’s aid. Their mission to free the captives unravels the horrifying thread connecting the legendary spring, Artair’s sword, and the slave camps. But the Takhran’s schemes are already in motion. Powerful singers have arisen to lead his army—singers who can shake the earth and master the sea—and monsters rampage across the land.

As Leira falters on the verge of defeat, the Song bids her rise to battle, and the Songkeeper must answer.



Isn't it magnificent?? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Monday, December 4, 2017

Gorgeous Book Covers!

It's that time again ... cover love post. *winks* These books are 2017 or 2018 releases. We're sadly lacking new covers/books of fantasy and the sort! But there are still some intriguing beauties here. Which are your favorites? Any you're excited to read?


Cherished Mercy {Heart of the Frontier #3} by Tracie Peterson

After surviving the Whitman Massacre as a child, Mercy still prays for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers of Oregon Territory. Longing for purpose, she travels to another mission to help a friend. There she meets Adam, a handsome young minister. When tragedy strikes yet again, Mercy and Adam must rely on their faith to make it out alive.

Published: September 5th, 2017 (Bethany House Publishers)


Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky

The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover battles near Union occupied Nashville.

The year is 1864 and the Civil War continues to impact families in the North and South. British born James Galloway, a special artist for Harper’s Weekly, travels with the Union troops, sketching battle scenes to bring war news home to those in the North. It’s dangerous work, but he is committed to the Union cause. When he is captured by Confederate troops, he spends several months in a prison camp. Finally, he escapes and travels north, hoping to reach the Union lines, but a bushwhacker attacks him, steals his horse, and leaves him seriously injured at the side of the road outside Nashville.

Rachel Thornton, a kind-hearted doctor’s daughter, takes James into their to home and nurses him while he recovers. Her feelings for James grow, but she has already lost one man she loves in the war. How can she give her heart to James, when she knows he may become another casualty of the war? With family drama, romance, and inspiration, this novella will lift your spirit and satisfy your romantic heart.

This novella was originally titled Though the Mountains Tremble and published in A Blue and Gray Christmas novella collection in 2009. It has been revised and updated for new readers to enjoy.

Published: November 7th, 2017 (Flowing Stream Books)


War of Loyalties {The Folkestone Files #1} by Schuyler McConkey

April, 1917. A ring of German spies threatens the coastal town of Folkestone, England. Newly-recruited agent Ben Dorroll must uncover which British citizens are traitors to their country. When his first attempt at espionage falls prey to a trap laid by German sympathizers, the security of the British Secret Service is threatened. Feeling lost in a strange country and aching for a steady place to call home, he wants to resign and go back to his medical practice in America. But success means his first chance at winning the respect of the father he’s never met. And when he learns that his family identity holds the key to capturing the spy ring, Ben has no choice but to unite with the mysterious Jaeryn Graham so that the truth can be discovered.

In the aftermath of the Irish Rebellion, Jaeryn Graham's British colleagues look warily on his Irish background. Always up for a challenge, he thinks his a new mission in the Secret Service should be an opportunity to prove his prowess. But after an encounter with death and alienating two agents, he finds the road to victory isn't as easy as he thought. Unless he can win the loyalties of his newest assistant, Ben Dorroll, his secret ambitions and his perfect success record will be destroyed.

Published: November 30th, 2017 (McConkey Press)


The Melody of the Soul {Music of Hope #1} by Liz Tolsma

By 1943, Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost everything, including her career as a concert violinist and almost her entire family. The only person she has left is her beloved grandmother, and she's determined to keep her safe. But protecting Grandmother won't be easy - not with a Nazi officer billeted below them.

Anna must keep a low profile. There's one thing she refuses to give up, though. Despite instruments being declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to practice her violin. She has to believe that the war will end someday and her career will be waiting. Fortunately for Anna, the officer, Horst Engel, enjoys her soothing music. It distracts him from his dissatisfaction with Nazi ideology and reminds him that beauty still exists in an increasingly ugly world.

When his neighbors face deportation, Horst is moved to risk everything to hide them. Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals to her might break her trust and stop the music forever ...

Expected Publication: January 16th, 2018 (Gilead Publishing)



Journey now to San Francisco, California, of 1853 where...

An English socialite finds more treasure than expected on her trip to the American West.
When Abby Effingham becomes stranded in the middle of the California gold rush, her money depletes quickly even while her prospects for marriage increase daily. But Abby is on a mission to find her mother—not romance. Will a ridiculous scandal keep her from traveling on, or will it wake up an aloof innkeeper to the treasure right under his roof?
Samuel Harris runs a moderately priced hotel where Abby and her family’s elderly butler find shelter. He is looking forward to when she—and her parade of suitors—move on, though he concedes to let her work in his restaurant. When the sassy socialite is in trouble, will Samuel come to her rescue or find himself alone?

Expected Publication: March 1st, 2018 (Barbour Books)


Ashes on the Moor {A Proper Romance} by Sarah M. Eden

When Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher in 1871, she finds herself struggling to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. Raised with the high-class Victorian values and ideals of a sophisticated upbringing, she is unprepared for the poverty she finds in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, where the locals speak with a hard-to-understand Yorkshire accent and struggle to thrive with few resources or opportunities.

Though she has no training as a teacher, she must prove herself successful before her grandfather will release her substantial inheritance to her and allow her to be reunited with her younger sister, the last remaining member of her family after a fever claimed the lives of her parents and brothers.

Evangeline's sudden change in circumstances is complicated when her aunt—a woman who values class distinctions more than her family relationships—forbids her from acknowledging any connection to her or to her grandfather, Mr. Farr—the man who owns nearly the entire town. For the first time in her life, Evangeline is truly alone.

Heartbroken, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness—an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot become friends, due in part to her ability to connect with Ronan, whose behavior requires special attention. The boy is uncomfortable around strangers and rarely even speaks to the other children in town. He often fixates on details other people ignore, and he adheres to specific, self-made rules that give his life order and structure; for example, Dermot's coat must be hung on a specific peg next to the door.

Evangeline attempts to prove herself a worthy teacher and earn the respect of her hard-to-understand students. Determined to find a way to introduce them to "proper English" while still honoring their unique language and culture, she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. Because of her efforts, the students and their families warm to Evangeline and she continues to look for ways to give the children a chance to become more than factory workers in the local cotton mill.

When the town learns of her upper-class status, Evangeline must work twice as hard to win back their trust--especially Dermot's. In the end, Evangeline and Dermot discover that, even though they come from different social spheres, together they can overcome social prejudices, make a positive difference in the lives of even the humblest people, and enjoy the strength that comes when two hearts find each other.

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.

Expected Publication: March 6th, 2018 (Shadow Mountain Publishing)


Winning Miss Winthrop {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1} by Carolyn Miller

Catherine Winthrop is almost at her last prayers, rejected years ago by the man who stole her heart. When tragedy brings him back into her life, she must suffer further grief in silence, amid her family's pain and hostility, which eventually sends her to seek solace in Bath.

Jonathan Carlew might be wealthy, but the mystery surrounding his birth has shadowed his life, bringing fresh challenges as he takes on the Barony. Caught between appeasing the Winthrop family's concerns and doing what he could to salvage their failing estate, he must also weigh the echoes of the past with the demands of his new responsibilities.

Two hearts must decide whether present speculation will condemn them to the dust of their memories, or if the whispers of forgiveness can provide freedom for the future.

Expected Publication: March 27th, 2018 (Kregel Publications)


The Accidental Guardian by {High Sierra Sweethearts #1} Mary Connealy

Trace Riley has been self-appointed guardian of the trail ever since his own wagon was attacked. When he finds the ruins of a wagon train, he offers shelter to survivor Deborah Harkness and the children she saved. Trace and Deborah grow close working to bring justice to the trail, but what will happen when the attackers return to silence the only witness?

Expected Publication: April 3rd, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt

It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them ... until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

Expected Publication: May 2018 (Tyndale House Publishing)


All for Love: 3 Historical Romance Novellas of Love and Laughter by Mary Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter, & Jen Turano

Three of Christian historical fiction's beloved authors come together in this romantic and humorous collection of novellas featuring prequels to their latest series. New and loyal fans alike will enjoy these novellas previously released only as ebooks. Connealy's "The Boden Birthright" journeys to the Old West, where ranch hand Chance Boden's determination to be his own boss is challenged by his employer's pretty daughter. Hunter's "A Lady of Esteem" follows a Regency-era young lady whose chance at love and reputation in society are threatened by a nasty rumor. Turano's "At Your Request" tells of a young woman who is humbled at her newly lowered status in society when she is reunited with the very man whose proposal she rejected.

Expected Publication: May 1st, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli

New York, 2016

Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.

New York, 1776

Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.

Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends.

Expected Publication: May 8th, 2018 (Tyndale House Publishing)


Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson

Reluctant debutante Keziah Montgomery lives beneath the weighty expectations of her staunch Confederate family, forced to keep her epilepsy secret for fear of a scandal. As the tensions of the Civil War arrive on their doorstep in Savannah, Keziah sees little cause for balls and courting. Despite her discomfort, she cannot imagine an escape from her familial confines―until her old schoolmate Micah shows her a life-changing truth that sets her feet on a new path ... as a conductor in the Underground Railroad.

Dr. Micah Greyson never hesitates to answer the call of duty, no matter how dangerous, until the enchanting Keziah walks back into his life and turns his well-ordered plans upside down. Torn between the life he has always known in Savannah and the fight for abolition, Micah struggles to discern God’s plan amid such turbulent times.

Battling an angry fiancé, a war-tattered brother, bounty hunters, and their own personal demons, Keziah and Micah must decide if true love is worth the price ... and if they are strong enough to survive the unyielding pain of war.

Expected Publication: June 1st, 2018 (Tyndale House Publishing)


A Defense of Honor {Haven Manor #1} by Kristi Ann Hunter

Forced to run for her life, Kit FitzGilbert finds herself in the very place she swore never to return to - a London ballroom. There she encounters Lord Graham Wharton, who believes Kit holds the key to a mystery he's trying to solve. As much as she wishes that she could tell him everything, she can't reveal the truth without endangering those she loves.

Expected Publication: June 5th, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


A Rebel Heart {Daughtry House #1} by Beth White

Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he'll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to "supervise" while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she'd do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

Expected Publication: June 5th, 2018 {Revell Publishers}


A Daring Venture {Empire State #2} by Elizabeth Camden

Dr. Rosalind Werner is at the forefront of a groundbreaking new water technology - if only she can get support for her work. Nickolas Drake, Commissioner of Water for New York, is skeptical - and surprised by his reaction to Rosalind. While they fight against their own attraction, they stand on opposite sides of a battle that will impact thousands of lives.

Expected Publication: June 5th, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


More than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Seeking justice against the man who destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront the person responsible. But his quest is derailed when, instead of a hardened criminal, he finds an ordinary man with a sister named Evangeline - an unusual beauty with mismatched eyes and a sweet spirit that he finds utterly captivating.

Expected Publication: June 5th, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


The Lady of Tarpon Springs by Judith Miller

Much to the dismay of her Greek family, Zanna Krykos makes a living as a lawyer in Tarpon Springs, Florida. When her friend Lucy needs legal advice about the business she inherited upon her father's passing, she ends up asking Zanna to run the business instead so she can focus on her medical career.

Nico Kalos is a Greek diver who has worked on sponging boats in the Aegean Sea since the age of 14, giving him a vast knowledge of the trade. When he hears of an opportunity to lead a group of spongers to the United States, he seizes it. But his excitement is quickly quelled when he arrives only to discover that a young woman with no experience in the business will be in charge of the new crews.

But as Zanna and Nico face even more complications than they could have imagined, they must learn to work together or risk everything they've worked so hard for.

Expected Publication: July 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart's latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.

Expected Publication: July 3rd, 2018 (Revell Publishers)


In Dreams Forgotten {Golden Gate Secrets #2} by Tracie Peterson

After her parents' death, Judith Gladstone travels to San Francisco to find her last living relative. Her unrequited love, Caleb Coulter, helps her search, and when his connections lead Judith to a wealthy, influential family, she learns shocking truths about her heritage ... and finds herself in danger from someone who wants to keep the past hidden.

Expected Publication: July 3rd, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)


Minding the Light {Nantucket Legacy #2} by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be - honorable, wise, faithful - she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend - and Daphne's fiance. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

Expected Publication: July 3rd, 2018 (Fleming H. Revell Company)


Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

Expected Publication: July 10th, 2018 (Thomas Nelson Publishing)


Caught by Surprise {Apart from the Crowd #3} by Jen Turano

Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they're seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage - except Temperance will have none of it. She's finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won't give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.

Expected Publication: July 31st, 2018 (Bethany House Publishers)