About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Thursday, July 30, 2026

The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

The Melody of Love
ABOUT THE BOOK

Amelia Wasn’t Looking for Love
 
A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy.






MY THOUGHTS.....

The Melody of Love offers a perspective not often seen in Amish fiction. We're shown the struggles of an Amish widow who has devoted her life to raising her young son by herself, and her efforts to help him after he is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. As I read Amelia's journey, I was reminded that single parenting can seem overwhelming, but how much worse would it be to have an ill or challenged child? How could there ever be time to think of your own happiness? Would you dare hope to find another chance for love and marriage?

Co-authors Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach poignantly share Amelia's realistic emotions as she navigates the realities of autism. She's determined to help her son Micah, excited that Christian Yoder will be moving to Indiana, but also afraid that Micah won't accept this Amish widower. I enjoyed the blossoming friendship between Christian and Micah, the understanding special ed teacher who helps Amelia and her son, and the support from the Amish community in Goshen. I was also excited that music was so important to Micah in this touching story of family love, second chances, and acceptance of God's Plan!

I received a complimentary copy from the authors and Barbour Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.


To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest






Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach became interested in the Plain people’s culture as a young child, after visiting the Lancaster Amish with her parents. Lorine is a music teacher and lives in Southwest Idaho with her husband, Bill. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. Lorine enjoys playing the piano, singing, writing, gardening, cooking, and traveling.


An interview with Lorine can be found here.
 
Lorine also contributed a story to Sisters by the Sea.







Friday, July 24, 2026

The Second Chance Trailer Park by Katie Powner

The Second Chance Trailer Park
ABOUT THE BOOK

From award-winning author Katie Powner comes a funny feel-good novel about a woman discovering her second chance at life.

This charming and heartfelt story is perfect for readers who loved Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame.


Fifty-two-year-old Meredith McGillicutty is not having a midlife crisis. She’s just ready for a change of pace, that’s all. The fact that she lied to get into a retirement community has nothing to do with being passed over for a promotion at work nor her recent breakup with the only man she’s ever loved. 

Nothing.     

Meredith only wants some peace and quiet. To sit on a porch in elastic-waist pants and mingle with other mature individuals who value a life of serenity. But the residents of the Peaceful Pines retirement community have other plans for her. These quirky and endearing neighbors seem to know her better than she knows herself, and they decide Meredith’s life is only just beginning. 

Blending humor and tenderness, The Second Chance Trailer Park will appeal to fans of Fredrik Backman and Lenora Worth.




MY THOUGHTS.....

Meredith McGillicutty needs a change, but she doesn't realize the change that's coming after moving into a senior-citizen trailer park. She meets amazing people, experiences the joy of unexpected friendships, and realizes the promise of second chances! Her journey is often quirky, always unique, and the humor kept me laughing out loud until the very end. Where else would a cat wedding be normal and acceptable?

Five years ago, I read Katie Powner's debut novel and was blown away by the beautiful emotions depicted in The Sowing Season. Choosing to read her newest book was never a question, but The Second Chance Trailer Park is somewhat different than her previous books! Was I disappointed? No way!

The Second Chance Trailer Park is a heartwarming, feel-good story laced with laughter, faith, and reflection. I highly recommend it to anyone who is longing for an enjoyable summer read!

I received a digital copy of the book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Powner is an award-winning author who lives in rural Montana where cows still outnumber people. She is a two-time OCW Cascade Award and ACFW First Impressions Award winner. Katie is a mom to the third power: biological, adoptive, and foster. She loves Jesus, red shoes, and candy. 

Katie can be found at www.katiepowner.com,  
Follow her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram


I invite you to check out my reviews of other books by Katie Powner!

The Second Chance Trailer Park

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Her Reluctant Amish Heart (Humble Blessings, #3) by Pamela Desmond Wright

Her Reluctant Amish Heart: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
ABOUT THE BOOK

Can her guarded heart
find its way to love and redemption?


When a reckless street race injures her brother, Anika Glick wants nothing to do with the man responsible—especially when he’s sentenced to help her family. But Elam Muller is desperate to prove he’s changed. As they work together on her family farm, Anika finds herself drawn to Elam’s remorse and kindness. But when they're presented with one last risky race that could secure their future or destroy it all, everything they’ve built is put to the test. Will their growing love survive the pull of the past—or will it all come crashing down?



MY THOUGHTS.....

A tragic loss and an unexpected accident leave Anita Glick struggling to keep her head above water. Is it any wonder that she harbors bitterness for the man she holds responsible for many of her added burdens?

This is such a special story! Author Pamela Desmond Wright poignantly conveys Anika's overwhelming pain and her initial reluctance to work with Elam Muller. Her emotions are understandable, but I couldn't help hoping she would finally accept Elam's remorse and his efforts to make amends.

Her Reluctant Amish Heart is a touching depiction of forgiveness and redemption. Elam's life struggles don't end immediately, and he does recognize his need to change. Is he willing to leave the Englisch world and return to his Amish faith? This is the only way he can ever entertain a life with Anika! Grab this book if you're longing for sweet romance, wonderful characters, and a realistic portrayal of Amish living.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late ’90’s, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher’s book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from publishing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.

Pam is represented by Tamela H. Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. 

Learn more by visiting Pamela's Website

Follow her on     Facebook     X     Instagram


HUMBLE BLESSINGS

Finding Her Amish Home
The Amish Bachelor's Bride
Her Reluctant Amish Heart
Finding Her Amish Place

Monday, July 20, 2026

The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White

The Spy Keeper of Marseille
ABOUT THE BOOK

In occupied France, a woman becomes a spy for the Resistance and rises to lead the largest intelligence operation in the country in this propulsive new World War II historical novel by bestselling author Roseanna M. White.

Marseille, France, 1941. Zelie Bellerose never fit the mold of an army officer’s wife. She was too passionate in her convictions, too indifferent to societal expectations. After her husband is killed in the war, Zelie focuses on securing a brighter future for her children, hoping to help free her country from the Nazi regime by joining the Resistance. She is soon one of the most trusted operatives in Alliance, and when their leader is imprisoned, she takes command, hiding her identity from all but a few. With enemies closing in, Zelie must earn the trust of her network and prove herself to those who doubt a woman’s place at the helm of France’s largest spy ring.

Marcel Laurent was a renowned concert pianist before joining the French army and being sent to a POW camp. Freed in a prisoner exchange by a wealthy businessman with ties to the Resistance, Marcel agrees to spy for Alliance by conducting a youth orchestra, gathering intelligence from patrons who are loose-lipped Nazi sympathizers. Marcel’s weekly radio broadcasts introducing the orchestra’s performances give him the perfect cover to send coded messages over the airwaves.

As Zelie and Marcel grow closer through their shared love of music, she begins to rely on him. But betrayal from within Alliance puts everything they’ve fought for at risk. When a double agent infiltrates their ranks and the two are captured, their bond faces its greatest test . . . and any misstep could jeopardize not only Alliance but the very outcome of the war.

AMAZON






MY THOUGHTS.....

I'm once again captivated by Roseanna M. Wright's amazing storytelling! The Spy Keeper of Marseille is a tantalizing tale of danger, intrigue, and hold-tight-to-your-seat suspense that's enhanced by endearing characters, unexpected romance, and a touching nod to the universal language of music. Much of the suspense in Zelie and Marcel's undercover work for the French Resistance centers around clever clues and their shared love of music!

This thrilling story of courage, persistence, and the many sacrifices made during WW2 is woven together with a powerful message of faith. Marcel's unwavering belief is in sharp contrast to Zelie's struggles until she realizes that God has been present in every detail!

This is historical Christian fiction at its best, and it's now been added to my keeper shelf! I highly recommend The Spy Keeper of Marseille.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

































ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

Being educated at St. John’s College (the Great Books School) taught Roseanna to ask questions, to value conversation, and to never accept the simple answer without exploring it for herself. She and her family make their home in the mountains of West Virginia where she and her husband both grew up. Roseanna is a member of ACFW, a frequent speaker at writers events and small groups of readers, and an unabashed email addict.

You can learn more about her and her stories at her Website  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram

View all my reviews

Monday, July 13, 2026

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart

A Chance for Kallie Mae
ABOUT THE BOOK

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away when her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a moonlight school for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that dream.

After Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible until her frantic search through the woods for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn--their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she's worked to protect.

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart brings history and romance from the Appalachian Mountains to life in her newest Southern fiction novel.






MY THOUGHTS.....

I love this book for so many reasons! It's written by one of my favorite Kentucky authors, set very near to my home, and it focuses on my passion for literacy! Kallie Mae Bertram's greatest desire was to learn to read, but she was left to care for her family after her mother died giving birth to her younger sister Emmy. Going to school seemed lost to her until a Moonlight School for adults began in Morehead, Kentucky! Grown men and women could work during the day and attend classes at night! Was it now possible for one of her dreams to come true?

I enjoyed the romance and history in A Chance for Kallie Mae. I've seen the original Moonlight School in Morehead that paved the way for adult literacy programs across the United States. Author Ann H. Gabhart perfectly captures their hesitation, doubts, and finally elation as they learn letters, words, and sentences! There's also a sweet romance that seemed doomed because of a feud between the Bertram and Spencer families. Kallie Mae had loved him forever, and Quinn was finally aware of her! Would this feud always keep them apart?

Gabhart offers a vivid portrayal of the strength and perseverance of her well-developed characters in 1911 rural Kentucky. A Chance for Kallie Mae is a touching story of family, hope, faith, and endurance. This is a book to read and savor time and time again!

I received a copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



























ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over thirty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren and she still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. She has also written two books about Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service: These Healing Hills and An Appalachian Summer. 

To learn more, visit Ann's Website      
Follow her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram     Pinterest



MY OTHER REVIEWS OF BOOKS BY ANN H. GABHART


Saturday, July 11, 2026

The Eyes of River: An Appalachian Novel by Cindy K. Sproles

The Eyes of River: An Appalachian Novel
ABOUT THE BOOK

In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run.

She's been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the United States Post Office to his late mother's friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy's dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.







MY THOUGHTS.....

I am a huge fan of author Cindy K. Sproles! Her authentic Appalachian settings, her ability to channel the very best of mountain people, and the in-depth research always evident in her stories...this is why she has become a must-read author for me!

The Eyes of River
opens with Lizzy Haney mailing her younger brother by mail so that she can protect him from her abusive father. Did you know that mailing children through the United States mail was an acceptable act in 1913? Another important plotline in this mesmerizing story is also based on historical facts. A respected social worker in Memphis was charged with taking children and selling them for her personal gain. As we learn about Lizzy and River's backgrounds, we are plagued by the mystery of their mother's actions. Was their Momma somehow involved in similar actions?

I adored Lizzy Haney!  Her traumatic childhood certainly left her angry and bitter, but her love for her younger brother was even stronger. This is why she mailed him to a family friend in Knoxville, so that he would be safe until she joined him later. What she didn't count on was his disappearance. Her courageous journey to find River is told mostly through her POV, but thankfully, she is helped by the local sheriff's son, Alton. Will they succeed in finding the truth that will eventually save both Lizzy and River?

If you love a book that chills you with its vivid descriptions, challenges you with its truths, and inspires you with its hope and faith, you MUST not miss The Eyes of River! It is often gritty, but it's never without hope. This mesmerizing story will surely be a contender when the Book Award season begins!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Kregel Publishers. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cindy K. Sproles is an author and a speaker, whose dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart. God's plan seems to be for her to write and teach the craft.  With God’s guidance, Cindy is expanding her horizons. We'll see how He uses her.
Cindy is a mountain gal. Proud of her heritage, she was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains where life is simple, words have a deep southern drawl, and colloquialisms like, "well slap my knee and call me corn pone" seem to take precedence over proper speech. Apple Butter, coal mining, the river, pink sunrises, and golden sunsets help you settle into a porch swing and relax. Family, the love of God, and strong morals are embedded into her life in the mountains. Teaching writers, spinning fiction tales about life in the mountains, history, and down-home ideas find their way into all she does. “I love to write devotions, to seek after the deeper side of Christ, and to share the lessons He teaches me from life in the hills of East Tennessee. I am a writer. A speaker. A lover of God's Word and friend to all.” 
Learn more at her Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram



The Eyes of River

Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Bachelor Spy (A Freddie and Grace Mystery #5) by Pepper Basham

The Bachelor Spy (A Freddie and Grace Mystery #5)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?



MY THOUGHTS.....

Did author Pepper Basham know the sensation that she was creating when she wrote The Mistletoe Countess in 2021?  Did she realize that four books later, in what is supposed to be the last book in her series, readers would still be totally smitten with Grace and Frederick Astley? Well, believe me, this reader is!

I loved The Bachelor Spy! The chemistry between Grace and Freddie is just as tantalizing now as it was then, but there's something even more intriguing in this story. Their love has deepened; they have grown emotionally, and they're now faced with the realities of war and separation. And Grace is still an amateur sleuth who can't help being drawn into danger and mystery!

If you're craving a clean romance with some of the best kisses ever, grab a copy of The Bachelor Spy! It is a delightful book with amazing characters, inspiring faith, a story that kept me turning the pages, and the best epilogue EVER! It can be read as a standalone, but I'm sure you'll want to read the others also. The books in the Freddie and Grace mystery series are meant to be read and savored!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can connect with Pepper by visiting her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.



FREDDIE & GRACE MYSTERY

The Mistletoe Countess
The Bachelor Spy

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Beach House Rescue by Hope Toler Dougherty

Beach House Rescue: A Small Town Beach Read with Heart and Hope
ABOUT THE BOOK

Two strangers. One beach house. Zero plans to share it.

When Tessa Trask arrives at a coastal beach house for a quiet summer, the last thing she expects is to wake up to an intruder—and have to defend herself the best way she can. But Wyatt Henry isn’t a burglar. He’s just as surprised to find her there…and just as determined to stay.

With no proof of who belongs, Tessa and Wyatt are forced into an uneasy roommate arrangement. She’s a free-spirited artist searching for direction. He’s a disciplined former Army captain who prefers order over chaos. Keeping their distance should be simple—until a surprise visitor arrives and complicates their fragile truce.

Sun-soaked days and shared responsibilities soften their differences, and Tessa looks to a future shaped by faith instead of fear. But Wyatt’s past has taught him that trusting the wrong person comes at a cost he’s not willing to pay again.

As the lines between them blur, both must decide if they’re willing to cling to what feels safe—or trust God with what comes next.

Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Lisa Carter, and Becky Wade, Beach House Rescue is a clean Christian romance full of warmth, faith, and happily-ever-after hope.







MY THOUGHTS.....

"I don't think she's armed. She's asleep on my couch."

Talk about a memorable first meeting! Tessa Trask believes Wyatt Henry is a burglar who's invaded the beach house she's living in for the summer, and he's certain that she's a squatter asleep on his couch! I laughed out loud during these opening scenes, and It didn't take long for this mix-up to turn into an ongoing battle to see who could outlast the other! Tessa and Wyatt were both determined to spend their summer in this beach house!

Author Hope Toler Dougherty's engaging story shows that a loving, supportive family unit isn't always dependent on blood ties. Perseverance, a little humor, and a lot of grace are definitely the keys, but Beach House Rescue has so much more! A beautiful setting, relatable characters, and intriguing circumstances are mixed with a generous amount of faith and forgiveness, flavored with sweet romance, and allowed to simmer until boiling. The result? A swoony, clean, contemporary beach read!

I received a digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her early novels are Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts. Her Forever series includes Forever Music, Forever Home, “A Hatteras Surprise," featured in Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams, and Forever Free.
She and her husband Kevin delight in visits with their two daughters and twin sons. 

Want to learn more? Visit her Website or connect with her social media accounts. 

Facebook      Instagram       Pinterest     Bookbub  Goodreads      Amazon 

Sunday, July 5, 2026

1 & 2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon: Letters to Leaders--a 10-Week Bible Study on Sound Doctrine and Godly Behavior by Tara-Leigh Cobble

ABOUT THE BOOK

The team behind the bestselling The Bible Recap takes your study of God's Word to the next level. Continuing with the books of 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, The Bible Recap Knowing God Series dives deep into the transformative truths found in Scripture.

Perfect for small groups or individual study, this comprehensive, 10-week Bible study explains and connects the story of Scripture in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Through daily readings, passage-by-passage teaching, thought-provoking questions, weekly challenges, Scripture memorization, and personal study segments, you will

· learn how to dig deep into God's Word
· discover the character of God revealed through the early church
· comprehend the transformational truths of godly humility and love
· apply these truths to your life



MY THOUGHTS.....

This new bible study has given me a deeper insight into the apostle Paul's letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. I was familiar with his special relationship with Timothy but I'm now learning so much about Paul's efforts to teach Christian doctrine to Titus, Philemon, and Timothy, his "true child in the faith". This 10-week study from Tara Leigh-Cobble is an engaging and stimulating journey filled with Scripture, questions, and points to ponder. I was especially pleased that memorizing a weekly Bible verse is stressed and additional online resources are provided!

Understanding church doctrine and displaying godly behavior is essential to both new believers and seasoned Christians. I am using this thought-provoking resource for my worship time, but it would also be perfect for a group Bible Study.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara-Leigh Cobble spends her days helping people read, understand, and love the Bible! Those things include: hosting a daily podcast called The Bible Recap, leading D-Group International (an international network of Bible studies), speaking to audiences about God and His Word, writing books, leading trips to Israel, and hosting a daily radio show called The God Shot. 

She loves adventure, dabbling in flying trapeze, and thinking every meal tastes better when eaten outside. She lives alone in Dallas, Texas.

Learn more about Tara-Leigh Cobble at her Website
Follow her on Facebook     Instagram


The Bible Recap Knowing God Series

1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, & Philemon: Letters to Leaders


View all my reviews


Friday, July 3, 2026

Freed by the Frontier by Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, & Susan F. Craft

Freed by the Frontier
ABOUT THE BOOK

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God's greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.



MY THOUGHTS.....

This novella collection includes Wichita Path Serenade by Sherry Shindelar; Ofuskee Trail Surrender by Denise Farnsworth; and Wagon Road Serenade by Susan F. Craft. I already knew Denise Weimer Farnsworth's talent in writing historical fiction, but Sherry Shindelar's contribution to this novella collection has earned her a new fan! As I read the riveting story of a young woman captured by Comanche Indians, I was torn between dismay for her captivity, admiration for her bravery, and pity that she might have to forsake the love of a lifetime. How was it even possible for a white woman in 1850s Texas to experience such deep feelings for a visiting war chief? Would she dare to cross a line that was considered taboo at that time?

Shindelar's story, Wichita Path Sacrifice, was emotional, entertaining, and educational. The attraction between Eyes Blue Sky and Dancing Eagle appeared hopeless, but the author convinced me that blessings are often disguised. This was a wonderful novella to read during the celebration of our 250th birthday as a nation!

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher. This review is for the novella, Wichita Path Sacrifice. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry Shindelar loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of thirty-nine years.

Learn more by visiting Sherry's Website

Follow her on    Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest