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Review: Spies, Lies, and Alibis

I've been seeing  Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters  float around for a while and knew that I had to read it based on the reviews. The conclusion? I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am already looking forward to more adventures! I love espionage fiction set during wartime, so reading a contemporary espionage rom-com has made my day. Book Synopsis They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope. Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez—a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans—she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead. Then he walks back into her life. Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for hel...

Review: The Battle for Heaven and Earth - A Story of Scripture #1

When I saw this book being offered for #CampNetGalley  this summer, I knew that it would be an excellent opportunity to try biblical fiction with a twist on it. The Battle for Heaven and Earth by Mark M. Yarbrough and Jerry B. Jenkins is a book unlike what I've read before and it's already whet my appetite for what's next in the series. It's riveting with fast-paced scenes while plunging me into scenes of much spiritual depth. Since it won't be published until November 3, 2026, I am grateful I didn't have to wait that long to enjoy this title.  Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In the beginning—before Earth, before humanity, before sin--there was Heaven. And it was perfect. This is the story of creation as you've never imagined it. Once united in worship and purpose, the angelic realm is shaken when Lucifer—the most beautiful a...

Review: Rise of the Falcon - Refuge #2

I have been awaiting Gaacó's story ever since we first got to meet him in The Call of Living Water , the first book in the Refuge series by Alexis M. Melvin . In Rise of the Falcon , we also get to know Mar, the doctor who has played a pivotal role in helping her people. This unique series is worth binging, especially if you're looking to be transported to a different continent and setting. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis A jungle chief. A village doctor. A threat to the tribes they both love. Finding a connection built on past friendship, Gaacó and Mar work together to protect their people. Gaacó's new faith demands he trust the God of Living Water above his own strength. But trusting God in the midst of heartache and danger proves more difficult than he ever imagined. Meanwhile, Mar finds herself being drawn back to the jungle and tribal life - but her return threat...

Review: Blueprint for Love - Small Town Shenanigans #3

I've really been enjoying the Small Town Shenanigans series by Penny Zeller , also branded as the Love in Cloverdale Falls series (both are apt!). The townspeople are loveable and it's always a joy to see how Henrietta, the chicken, will show up again. Blueprint for Love is the third book and it's a true rivals to more story with plenty of comical antics along the way. Balancing humour and growth, this is definitely a Hallmark meets HGTV moment. Content to be aware of: depression Book Synopsis He’s a grumpy contractor. She’s a bubbly interior designer. Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love? Eager to prove herself to her demanding boss, Jeanette Wertz travels to Cloverdale Falls with the hopes that helping renovate the local B&B will boost her interior design career. She never imagined the grumpy man she unexpectedly meets on the first day, when her car breaks down on Main Street, is the same man she'll be working with on the renovations. When her e...

Review: False Peace

Books that touch on culture are almost always at the top of my Christian non-fiction reading. False Peace by  Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez not only provides an ethnocultural lens on what unity can mean, it also speaks to the Christian culture found within churches. Combining a practical book on Christian living with helpful advice on church life, this book is sure to benefit both audiences once it releases on August 25, 2026. Many thanks to  Brazos Press  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Too often, what we call "peace" in our churches and communities is really just shallow unity—while below the surface, division is growing. But what if true Christian unity embraces differences instead of erasing them? In False Peace , Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez helps us recognize shallow approaches to unity that are rooted in colonialism and comfort. Through her pastoral wisdom, you'll learn to reject the su...

Review: Coasts & Coworkers - Sweethearts on Everwild #1

It's been wonderful getting to journey with Amanda Tero Matthews and her books over the years. Her young adult novellas and stories, whether in historical, contemporary, or fantasy formats, have been delightful, so I was thrilled to see her expand her writing to contemporary adult fiction. Now all I have left to enjoy are her mysteries! Coasts & Coworkers is the first book in the Sweethearts on Everwild series , and it's exciting to see what will come next for the incredible cast of characters that Amanda has created. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Working together was required. Falling in love with her sister’s ex wasn’t. Natalia O’Brien makes a living writing other people’s stories. But when she’s assigned to write the biographical history of Everwild Island on a tight deadline, she feels completely unqualified. Accepting help from Noah Lester is the only solution...

Review: Trusting the Single Dad

It is always such a joy to complete an author's backlist just in time for their latest release! With Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler releasing on July 28, 2026, it's the perfect book for anyone participating in a certain summer camp reading challenge 😁 Now that I've read all of her books, it is so neat to see cameos from other characters and to really feel immersed in the world of Cape Cod. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : alcoholism Book Synopsis Making amends could give him  a future he never dreamed of. Former bad boy Devin Spencer never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod—but neither did Cassie Reed. Tasked with reopening her family’s beloved summer camp, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from the man. But Devin’s dedication to giving his young daughter a stable life starts to break down her walls. As they grow close...

Review: Jerusalem Calls

I love books that bring further illumination to the culture and context of the Bible, purposefully seeking them out whenever I can. When I saw the subtitle of  Jerusalem Calls by Tammy Priest , I knew that I had to learn more about how the three Jewish feasts of Passover (Pesach), Pentecost (Shavuot), and The Feast of Booths (Sukkot) all point to our Lord Jesus. This book releases on August 4, 2026 and includes a beautiful testimony of God at work in His people's lives. Many thanks to Baker Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis A Compelling Memoir About Judaism's Rich Traditions—and an Unexpected Encounter with Jesus Tammy Priest grew up in love with her Jewish heritage and identity. "I embraced it, dug into it, treasured it." Then one day, everything changed. At age 21, she heard God's audible voice speaking impossible yet unmistakable words: Jesus is the Messiah. It was both thril...

Review: The Enemy's Sister - Our House on Jakaranda Laan #3

Having enjoyed Dienece Darling 's Regency books, I was excited to read her new book in a very different setting. The Enemy's Sister —part of the Our House on Jakaranda Laan series that is multi-authored—takes place in South Africa and is a fascinating story where English, Dutch, and German blend together seamlessly on the page. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis He learned a lot of things in the army. Falling in love with the enemy’s sister wasn’t one of them. Lieutenant John Beauchamp’s faith is as tattered and torn as the storm-tossed ship transporting his regiment to Cape Town in 1795 when they shipwreck on a South African beach. But the steadfast faith of persecuted local, Anneke Terblanche, and her unlikely friend, a freedwoman, inspire John to remember how sweet a life of faith can be. If only Anneke's brother wasn't trying to kill him. Anneke has never met any...

Review: Not So Very Sensible - The Silver Teapot #3

If you've been awaiting a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility  by Carolyn Miller , then Not So Very Sensible , the third book in The Silver Teapot series  will have you excited to see how Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon appear on the page. Obviously, the real stars are Elinor and Katie Bennett in seeing how they handle their hearts in this sweet romance that explores sisterly relationships and discernment. This book releases on October 1, 2026, and I can't wait for it! Many thanks to the author, Barbour Books , and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Two Sisters Navigate the Minefield of Modern Dating Elinor and Katie Bennett are as opposite as sisters can be: Elinor loves structure, planning and design, while Katie’s head is in the clouds as she chases fanciful, romantic dreams. A college graduation trip to the Blue Mountains sees them staying at the Hydro Grand hotel for a murder...

Review: A Secret Worth Protecting

Now this is a cozy book meant for autumn! Susan L. Tuttle was a featured author in the Clearly Christian Readathon  in 2024, so I'm grateful that I finally have the opportunity to read one of her books. A Secret Worth Protecting  is a suspenseful and sweet fall romance that will have you wanting to already decorate your house with pumpkins and throw blankets. I'm looking forward to future titles from the author! Many thanks to Harlequin Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis One season. Two darling girls. And a past he thought he lost forever… Being in witness protection with twin little girls is the least of Sam Cooper’s problems. Right now, he desperately needs a nanny. But he’s stunned when the candidate who shows up on his doorstep is Ansley Tait, the girl he once loved…and left brokenhearted. Sam knows Ansley is everything the sweet—and adorably energetic—twins need. But prote...

Review: Finding Family at Griffin Ranch - Found at Griffin Ranch #1

One of the nicest things about being on Christian Bookstagram has been in following the journey of debut authors! Celia Dodge is someone I connected with several years ago, so it's been wonderful that I've been able to read Finding Family at Griffin Ranch , the first book in the Found at Griffin Ranch series , set in Colorado. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis She left it all behind once before. Will love be enough to call her home? After leaving her small town to become a nurse in a big city hospital, Lanie figured she was done with mountain life forever. But when Lanie’s hometown clinic needs help, she returns after a decade away. Being home means reconnecting with Connor Griffin, an old crush from church youth group. Now a single dad after losing his wife to a car accident that left his son in a wheelchair, Connor is struggling to keep his family’s ranch going on his own...

Review: Ribbons of Guilt - Bite of Betrayal #3

Ever since Harriet first made an appearance in Captured in Frame , I've eagerly been awaiting her story. Ribbons of Guilt is the third book in the Bite of Betrayal series by Laura Thomas , and it finally answers some questions behind the mystery of her marriage. It's been well worth the wait to return to Bramble Downs to discover the threats that have loomed against the Duval family. Many thanks to Mountain Brook Ink for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : scenes of violence and death, abduction, stalking Book Synopsis A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake. Harriet Duval has it all-a handsome French husband, a delightful young daughter, a successful career as a professional ballerina behind her, and a beautiful future in a charming village in the English countryside. Even her beloved sisters can't see the painful truth she hides beneath her perfect mask... Success...

Review: For Us

If you've been following April Barcalow for some time, you'll be just as excited to know that she has recently released a marriage devotional. Newsletter subscribers can receive a free copy, and you can learn more about the background of For Us: Seeking God's Heart for Marriage on her website. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis All throughout Scripture, when God wants us to understand the close, intimate relationship He longs to have with us, He uses the imagery of marriage. That’s no coincidence. Marriage is an echo of the lasting love we share with Him, a framework to help us understand, and a gift. But good marriage, the kind that reflects Him, doesn’t happen without intention. Without building each piece on the solid foundation of Christ. Without choosing one another, even when it’s hard. This 30-day devotional weaves together Scripture, personal experience, and story threads to seek God’s ...

Review: Traitor's Heart - Enemy's Keeper #2

I only really started reading more medieval books within the past year, so I'm thrilled that I've been able to enjoy this YA series as I grow in my knowledge and experience of a bygone age. Traitor's Heart by Kyrie Wang is the second book in the Enemy's Keeper series , offering a clash of worlds between the Vikings, Celts, and Norman knights on land and at sea for ages 13 and up. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of: violence Book Synopsis A healer forced to destroy. A warrior forced to betray. In the shadow of rebellion, every choice leaves a scar. Aliwyn awakens to chaos as tragedy strikes the rebels’ ship. As loyalties fracture and danger closes in, she must make an unthinkable choice: break her healer's oath and betray the knight who holds her heart, or watch innocent lives burn in England’s destruction. Desperate to reclaim his honor, Matthew forges...

Review: Second Shot at Love - Northwest Ice #6

In recent years, I've taken up the habit of reading hockey books during the playoffs. As a result, I'm thankful that the publication date for this book moved up from July to June so that I could enjoy it even earlier. Second Shot at Love by Carolyn Miller is the sixth book in the Northwest Ice series, which made this the perfect book to read during the Stanley Cup Final round  😊 Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Will secrets spoil their second shot at love? Ten years ago Genevieve Rivas made a mistake that changed her entire family. Since that, she’s done all she can to make up for it and make them proud, and is now working as a junior doctor in one of Seattle’s leading hospitals. Everything is finally tracking as it should be, until one day a blast from the past re-enters her life. Ten years ago Kyle Tinker thought he had it all. Until a night of celebration went too far...

Review: The Intrepid Three - Animus Rising

How exciting that The Intrepid Three: Animus Rising by Brianna and Matthew Penfold  will soon be available on July 31, 2026! This is a book that I could not stop annotating; I really have to give a lot of credit to this lovely wife-and-husband writing team for capturing so many sentiments in such a poetic way. Not only is the world building a spectacular journey on its own, the words to get us there have just as much layered meaning. Many thanks to the authors for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The Intrepid Three are back to continue their quest to restore their worlds. Dez, Arabella, and Walter face their greatest challenges yet-their planes are upended, the Murk are on the verge of breaking through from Animus, and the Lumen are vastly outnumbered. To make matters worse, people, the most-needed allies, are petrified. Are The Intrepid Three really the heroes Author believes can restore the planes? Will ...

Review: Shattered - Vanished #2

This is not a light read, but it's one that is captivating and thought-provoking as we see the world descend into further wickedness and lawlessness. Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O'Neal is the second book in the Vanished series , and it contains just as much action as the first book, with even more chilling developments for the characters. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : scenes of death, violence, and desecration Book Synopsis In the gripping sequel to Vanished, a global power rises, and the ancient prophecies of the Antichrist are set in motion. Two years have passed since millions across the globe disappeared in a heartbeat including John "Haggs" Haggerty's own family. Haggs, a military expert in pandemics, warned his agency of growing patterns in deadly epidemics and other threats to security. Then the ...

Review: Schooled in Love - Hearts on Display #4

I've really been enjoying some of the Early Reviewer books on LibraryThing, including this continuation of the  Hearts on Display series ! Schooled in Love  by Kimberly Keagan  is the fourth book about a family of heirs and heiresses connected to the Denwall Department Stores in Gilded America. It's been wonderful learning more about lost family connections and the adventures that await family members bravely stepping out into a new world. Many thanks to the author and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing. Book Synopsis A bluestocking heiress. The second son of a duke. And a medieval mystery that might school them both in love. When Beatrice Dennison discovers a rare book in her grandmother’s library, she enlists Cambridge academic Lord Henry Tisdale to help translate it. But the centuries‑old text holds more than history—it draws them into...

Review: Virtue of the Most High

I'm grateful that I've discovered such beautiful Christian poetry as a result of meeting talented poets online. Virtue of the Most High by Shay McNally  is one such collection that I look forward to revisiting again based on how much it brought me to a place of stillness and peace. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Virtue of the Most High is a collection of free verse, confessional Christian poetry drawn from real experience and real faith. The poems move through family history, breaking harmful patterns, grief, depression, healing, love, marriage, calling, friendship, repentance, spiritual warfare, prayer, forgiveness, and the long path of discipleship formed by the Spirit through the Word. Christ stands at the center as the Lord who speaks through Scripture and stays with His people. The writing holds to this truth and enters both the struggle and the grace with candid h...