Fairest of Heart by the amazing wordsmith Karen Witemeyer is a Christian historical romance novel. I was immediately invested in the story and characters. This was a brilliant interpretation of the Snow White fairy tale.
This is the story of Penelope. She is a fabulous character, who is always cheerful and hard working. It is also the story of Titus. What a great hero! The characters are all so engaging in this lovely story, especially the seven drovers. I loved those guys.
One of my favorite things about this book is the beautiful message of faith and Bible verses. I want Christian novels to include those, and this one did. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It gets an 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters—and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.
After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.
With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus’s heart divines a different truth—one that might just get Penelope killed.
An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.
About the Author
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Her Only Wish by best selling author Shelley Shepard Gray, is Book Two in her Seasons in Pinecraft series. This Christian Amish book is set in the Florida community of Pinecraft, which is very different from those in other states. Even though it is the second book in a series, it may easily be read and followed as a stand alone.
This is the story of Betsy Detweiler. She has been to Pinecraft, Florida on vacation and decides to go back. There is so much to do there. Betsy has a “life list” which is similar to what other people call a bucket list. Her list includes things she wants to learn while she is there, such as how to swim and golf.
The author has created realistic, believable characters and an engaging story. I was immediately invested in it. After reading this, I have a better idea of what the Pinecraft community is like. Now I want to go there and experience it for myself.
This is a lovely Amish book with timeless life and Christian lessons. It has a sweet romance. I highly recommend it to everyone. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest thoughts.
About the Author
Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.
Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line!
Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.
Transhuman: Will We Obey God or Play God? is Book 2 in author Rena Groot’s Christian futuristic, apocalyptic The Narrow Path Trilogy. Transhuman begins where Manhunt ended, but there is enough backstory and flashbacks to allow readers to follow along even without reading the first book.
This is an end times novel that will grab your attention and refuse to release it. I was immediately captivated in this story taken from Revelation Chapters 5-9. This is the halfway point in the Tribulation.
Author Groot does a fabulous job with her take on End Times. Her novel is gripping, exciting, and a total page-turner. More than once, I was on the edge of my seat while reading this riveting tale.
Characters are believable and multilayered. If you read book one, you will recognize Rachel and Josh. I was immediately invested in them. The story flows smoothly even though there is a lot of action. Scripture is heavenly woven throughout this amazing story.
I highly recommend this book and series. It gives readers a different perspective on the last days while staying true to scripture. This would make an interesting television series or movie. It gets a five star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.
About the Book
Book: Transhuman – Will We Obey God or Play God?
Author: Rena Groot
Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction
Release date: 2021
This work of apocalyptic fiction is based on reality to come. The lines have been purposely blurred between pure fact and pure fiction. It is a warning based on God’s Word. He has told us a time of unprecedented terror is about to come upon the earth. His wrath will be poured out on sinful and unrepentant humanity in a series of judgements. The intensity and severity of these judgements will be unparalleled in human history. The judgements will be on a global scale that will take place over a seven-year period.
The judgements are reserved for those who have chosen to reject Christ. Even in wrath God is displaying mercy. He wants the lost to be found. All who have rebelled against Him are given a chance to find Him. This is His last and final call to the sons and daughters of Adam. Sadly, many will harden their hearts and turn away from the most beautiful invitation ever to have been extended in all of human history. They will curse God and stay entrenched in their rebellious ways.
God does not hide this awful reality from us. He wants us to be wise and flee from the wrath to come. If we are already His He wants us to warn others—to point them to the narrow path that leads to life. TRANSHUMAN is based on my thoughts of what the world may look like at the halfway point in the Tribulation. The Rapture has already taken place. All who have been invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are seated. Time will soon be no more. The curtains are opening on the world stage.
Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, have published eight books, I have designed a digital course called Broken to Beautiful-Transformed By God’s Power, I have been a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, have been a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four—and the most important part—I am a child of God.
The Smells of Summer by author Mary A. Hake is book two in her brilliant Children’s Series, Smells of the Seasons. In this series, the author shows readers how a blind girl is able to experience the seasons using her other senses. This one focuses on Summer and its smells.
Using an array of vivid pictures and easy to understand prose, this book is certain to be a favorite of children. It has a beautiful message of acceptance and gives children a glimpse into the world of someone with visual impairments.
I highly recommend this enlightening book. It would be wonderful for a classroom, home, or library. Give it for any occasion. I rate it 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: The Smell of Summer
Author: Mary Ann Hake
Genre: Picture Book
Release date: May 15, 2023
Explore the smells of summer with April, a blind girl, and her menagerie of pets.
Visit the county fair, the seashore, Grandpa’s farm, and the zoo, and camp with April’s family in the woods—each place has its unique fragrances.
“As summer thoughts stir in my mind,
I wonder what new smells I’ll find.”
The back of the book contains activities using the sense of smell.
Mary Ann Hake, author of the Smells of the Seasons picture book series, has loved learning, reading, and writing for as long as she can remember. She has scribbled stories and poems since she first learned to write and has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, and more for both children and adults plus written hundreds of book reviews. She loved working in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She has also taught writing to children and at writers’ conferences. In addition to writing, she continues to work as a freelance editor. Visit her website, http://www.maryannhake.com, and sign up to receive monthly activities for children and updates on future books.
More from Mary Ann
My mother introduced me to books at a very young age. Mom read to me nearly every day—beginning with picture books then adding longer stories and poetry. I loved books and soon memorized the text of favorites so I could turn the pages and “read” them myself. (My own daughters did the same.) I could hardly wait until I went to school and learned to read so I could devour books on my own. In honor of my mom, The Smell of Summer’s release date is her birthday, May 15. I am her firstborn and her only summer baby. She always encouraged my writing.
My four-book Smells of the Seasons series are told in rhyme because that appeals to children. The Smell of Summer shares summer scenes from the life of April, a blind girl who uses her sense of smell to help her experience her world. The story includes elements that offer a fun companion text for connection to science including the senses, nature settings, animals, flowers, vegetable gardening, and other food. This is the second book in the series with April and her menagerie of pets.
Most people love summertime. This delightful picture book will stir up memories of summer experiences and offer some you may wish to enjoy this year. As the final page says:
I love cookbooks and will read them like a novel. Going through the sections and looking at pictures of the dishes is exciting as I imagine serving something to family and friends. This newest cookbook offering from beloved Amish author Wanda Brunstetter is fast becoming one of my favorites. There is so much in this beautiful, helpful book.
Throughout the book are over 200 recipes, inspirational quotes, advice, and vivid pictures. There are several indexes with recipe contributors, recipes by each section, and the extremely helpful index of main ingredients. This book is well organized and inviting. It has a spiral binding that allows it to open and lay flat for easy reading.
One of the many things that I love about this useful cookbook is that the ingredients used are ones most cooks have on hand. Some of the recipes will spark a memory of something that was made years ago by a family member. Those are ones that I am eager to try.
I highly recommend this lovely Amish cookbook. I gave two for Mother’s Day gifts and the recipients were delighted. These make great gifts for showers, birthdays, Christmas, or “just because”. If you are a cookbook collector, you will not want to miss having this one. It has many “must try” recipes. This wonderful cookbook gets a 5 star rating from me.
Guess How Much God Loves You by author Karen Ferguson is a lovely Christian Children’s Book with pictures. I thought this was a very nice book. Children will be drawn to the colorful images and learn from the easy to understand text.
This is the story of inquisitive first grader, Lucy Lu, and her grandfather, Papa Joe. Lucy has questions about God, and her grandfather brilliantly answers them using the Bible. The story is interesting and will easily engage children. It is written simply so that children may easily understand. The author has included creativity to allow further interest in her book.
This is a wonderful way to introduce and reinforce God’s love and Creation for all children. At the very end of the book is a page about Jesus. Material on Who He is and how He wants to be your friend will help children understand Him even more. Discussion questions are included.
I highly recommend this delightful adventurous picture book. It has quaint illustrations and an important message. Children will discover that God loves them unconditionally and made each one of them for a special purpose. This is a book for home, church, and gift-giving. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest thoughts.
About the Book
Book: Guess How Much God Loves You
Author: Karen Ferguson
Genre: Children’s book (picture book)
Release date: July 19, 2022
Take a journey through the Bible with Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.
Questions like: How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God reallylove me?
After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.
What follows in this book series is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her Papa find themselves in the middle of it all, on each page of the powerful story of God’s love and faithfulness for all people, throughout all history.
This first book is all about God’s Creation
Guess How Much God Loves You is a vibrant, fun, and biblically based book that is sure to captivate young readers as it teaches them important Bible truths that will help them build a firm foundation in God and His Good Character – all through the lens of His unconditional love.
Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and small business owner with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she loves words and the Word of God and is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them.
Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was released in July 2022 through Ambassador International and is available wherever books are sold.
More from Karen
Are you looking for God honoring books that will captivate your child’s imagination, teach them faith-building biblical concepts, and help them grow in their reading skills?
Then I have the perfect book for your young reader…Guess How Much God Loves You
This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the Creation Account, through the eyes of seven year old Lucy Lu, a creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.
Questions like…
How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?
After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey through the Bible to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.
I wrote this book because I want every child to know their life matters. To know that the God of all things created them in His image, on purpose and for a good purpose.
Guess How Much God Loves You will have seven books in the series with each one covering an important Bible account critical to building an understanding of God’s character and His love for all people, including your reader!
This first book is about the Creation Account as recorded in the Bible. Future books will cover the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, the Exodus and more.
I want children to understand these are not just stories about fictional characters, but historical accounts about real people they can relate to. People who experienced God’s power, love, and faithfulness.
My greatest desire is to see this next generation trust the Bible and enjoy reading it. More than ever, young readers need to hear the message that they are valuable, loved unconditionally by the One who created them and gave them the best gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, one signed hardcover, one eBook, and one digital activity workbook that will help to reinforce the learning concepts in a fun way!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Heart of Gold by author Lacy Williams is a Christian Historical Romance novel. It is part of the Wild Wyoming Hearts Series. I enjoyed it and found it to be a quick read.
This is the story of Ida. She comes from a large, loving family. It is also the tale of Tom Seymour, whose family is just the opposite. They meet during hazardous circumstances, but are drawn to each other.
The author has written a sweet, inviting story with characters that come to life on the pages. The children were an especially bright part of the story with their honesty and innocence. I felt like I was watching a movie or television show play out in my mind. The underlying themes of God’s love, guidance, and redemption shone brightly.
I highly recommend this sweet book. It is a nice, engaging read that will whisk you away to a big family Christmas from years past. It gets a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Heart of Gold
Author: Lacy Williams
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: May 11, 2023
They survived a harrowing near-death experience. Can a poignant family Christmas bring them together?
Ida needs a quiet Christmas at home to rest and find her footing again. But her boisterous family is anything but quiet and things only get worse when her U.S. Marshal brother brings home a prisoner for the holiday—the same outlaw that saved her life.
Tom Seymour discombobulates her. He’s arrogant and unrepentant. But when she’s forced to nurse his injuries, she realizes that his persona is all a facade. The man underneath is wounded and kind and in need of redemption.
But Tom must make a choice between his old life and the chance to make a new one with Ida. Can she trust the man he is becoming or will he betray her?
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see in Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published sixty books in a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at http://www.lacywilliams.net/vip .
More from Lacy
Do you like “stranded together” stories as much as I do? Being stuck in an airport, a snowstorm, a wedding weekend… Yes, please, to all of the above.
But has it ever happened to you in real life?
Twenty-plus years ago, when I was a freshman in college and before I started dating my handsome hubby, I dated this other guy.
We met at a mixer during the first few days of the semester and hit it off pretty quickly. Classes started, we saw each other a few times socially.
He was pledging a fraternity and invited me to go with him to a co-ed overnight trip.
And then when we got there, he sort of just… disappeared. For hours. I finally found him and then followed him around… until I finally got the hint. Sometime in the days between when he’d invited me to the float trip, and when we arrived, his feelings changed.
It was SOOO awkward for the rest of the night and then the next day. Not the place and time I wanted to be ghosted. And it was worse because I’d ridden down with a mutual friend and had no way to get the two-plus hours home until the next day.
It wasn’t a romantic or fun time. More like a disaster.
A disaster is exactly what my heroine Ida thinks about being stuck with ex-bad guy Tom for Christmas. They get snowed in with her family (and her deputy older brother) and at first it is awkward.
And then… it’s not awkward anymore.
By the time the snow melts, Ida has caught feelings for Tom.
You can read this story free in KU or win a copy through this giveaway! Ida and Tom’s love story is called Heart of Gold.
Coming Home to Mercy by author Michelle De Bruin is a Christian Historical Romance novel. This is Book One in the author’s Coming Home Series. It begins in 1913 Chicago and continues on to Iowa.
This is the story of Margaret Millerson. She is a wealthy widow living in Chicago in her brother’s home. After receiving a telephone call that her daughter has given birth early to twins in Iowa, Margaret travels out there to help. Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg, the town doctor, who is checking on the new mother and her babies when Margaret arrives.
The characters are engaging. They are realistic and believable. There are so many things in this story that keep it interesting. I appreciate the research done because I learned a bit just by reading it.
This is a beautiful story of second chances, as well as having hope, faith, and trust in God. I highly recommend it and look forward to Book Two. It gets a 4 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Coming Home to Mercy
Author: Michelle De Bruin
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Release date: August 14, 2021
A society woman leaves her comfortable lifestyle so that she can help her daughter adjust to the arrival of twin sons in a small town where the courageous doctor teaches her about taking risks.
Wealthy and sociable Margaret Millerson has always thought of her brother’s Chicago mansion as her home. But when she receives the telephone call that her daughter has given birth to twins three weeks ahead of the expected due date, Margaret must leave her comfortable home, her family, and her friends to travel out of state. While she is helping her daughter care for the infants, Margaret becomes reacquainted with the town’s doctor, Matthew Kaldenberg.
Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg stays busy caring for the health of the citizens of his small town. His profession offers him daily practice in defeating death, his greatest enemy. During the twenty years since losing his own wife and baby in childbirth, Matthew has saved his money for the purchase of a flying machine. But when Matthew takes Margaret for flights on his biplane, he learns that his dreams of rising above the griefs and losses of his past come with a cost. He doesn’t want to lose the trust of the people he cares about most, or the chance at a relationship with Margaret.
Both Matthew and Margaret must make difficult decisions to hold on to the love they have discovered. Will Matthew’s heart recover from sorrow? Will Margaret find her true home?
Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two young adult sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle serves as a Chaplain for Pella Regional Health Center. She writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.
More from Michelle
Coming Home to Mercy is the first in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrowseries is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow.
This book is a graceful story of two people who thought faithful, committed love could only come into their lives once. But they both discover that they get another chance to experience it again.
I wrote Coming Home to Mercy to show what healthy marriages and healthy families are like. I trust this story gives us a glimpse of how true love works, what faithfulness means, and what compassion can do; not only in one person’s life, but in the daily workings of an entire community.
The hero in this story has a sad, broken heart at the beginning. As the story unfolds, he heals and gains a deeper understanding of God’s work in his life. Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg finds love and peace as his belief grows that God truly does work all things together for good.
Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway. Follow me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter at https://michelledebruin.com/.
Wait for Me is Book 4 in author extraordinaire Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time Christian Time-Travel Series. This series is nothing short of captivating. If it is not made into a television or movie series, it will be a grave injustice. This may be read as a stand alone, but trust me, you will want to read the entire series. It is so fabulous. You might as well read them in order.
With her skillful pen, author Hedlund has presented a plausible solution to the time travel conundrum. It is the best I have heard yet and a Christian related one. The book is set in contemporary times and Middle Ages. Obviously a lot of research has been done to include so many details about the time period. I gleaned so much just from reading this series.
The characters are relatable and believable as well as expertly crafted. They were not perfect and had issues, just like we all do. Dawson was a perfect hero. He smoldered yet showed restraint and was a gentleman. Tall, strong, and handsome with morals. Very swoon worthy.
Conversations sounded realistic and were some of my favorite parts of the book. The romance was clean yet so heartfelt but seemed a little rushed due to the storyline. Both characters had immediate chemistry, and sparks flew off of the pages as I read.
I adore the beautiful way that the author writes. Her prose completely whisks me away to another time and place where I become absorbed in the story. Life and Christian messages are always included. Her books, especially this one, are such page-turners that I devour each in one sitting.
I highly recommend this as well as the entire series. It is nothing short of exceptional. I am hoping there will be more to this series. Everyone will enjoy this page turning, intriguing, masterpiece. I give it a 5 star review. A copy was provided but these are my honest words.
The Swindler’s Daughter by author Stephenia H. McGee is a Christian historical romance fiction by Revell Publishing. It is a hefty 348 page paperback with a cover that is both endearing and interesting. Set in the early 1900s, the story takes place in rural Georgia.
This is the story of Lillian. She learns that what she has been told about her father was not true. While she was always told he had died, she just receives word of his death and her inheritance. Lillian must leave the city and her city ways and travel to rural Georgia.
Characters are well developed. They are realistic and relatable. I was able to engage with them and become invested early in the book. The Swindler’s Daughter is a tale of secrets, trust, family, and romance. There is a Christian message and strong faith in God. Life lessons of forgiveness, trust, and hope are also demonstrated. I learned a few things while reading this, too.
There are a few twists as well as some predictable moments. I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. She told an interesting story in words that held my attention. I was able to easily picture scenes. The dialogue sounded authentic. After the story concludes, there are some pages from a book by the author, historical note, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements.
I highly recommend this book. Anyone interested in historical fiction will love it. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.
About the Author
Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 