Welcome to the Bookstagram and Review Tour for Storm at Nottingham Castle by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Tours!
I am doing a review-only post for this wonderful book.
About the Book
Title: Storm at Nottingham Castle
Series: Sisters of Sherwood, #1
Author: Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Publisher: Indie publisher
Released: April 30, 2026
Genre: Inspirational Gothic Romantic Mystery
Three sisters are thrust into an uncertain future when their wealthy stepfather dies, leaving them with a small annuity to live upon. They find refuge with an aged uncle who convinces them to live in the apartments at Nottingham Castle, whose halls are shrouded in history and secrets, and whose residents watch the sisters with unsettling interest. Chief among them is the handsome property manager, Charles Rushforth, whose quiet authority conceals more than estate affairs and a brooding lodgekeeper who seems to know every hidden passage and whispered rumor…
Charlotte Fieldstone received a parting gift from her late stepfather—a set of valuable pilgrimage badges meant to safeguard them from want. But hidden hands seek the relics, and in the caves beneath the castle, a restless hunger stirs among those who trade in sacred things. At the center stands her uncle, whose charm deceives, and a Duchess, whose influence can tip scales on a whim.
As Charlotte’s uncle is swept into a dangerous quest, tensions rise. Charlotte must depend upon a stranger to shield her from a society whose motives aren’t as they appear. Will Charlotte be able to keep her sisters together as the tempest threatens to tear them apart?
Surrounded by deceit and danger, Charlotte must cling to faith and to one whose protection feels perilously like love…
Have you heard the name of Ann Elizabeth Fryer? If you are a fan of inspirational Gothic Romantic mysteries, you will definitely want to add Ms. Fryer’s name to your list of authors on your must-read TBR! Her writing style reminds me of Michelle Griep’s, but with even more twisty mystery!
The first line quoted above from Storm at Nottingham Castle sets the dark, Gothic stage. I immediately was drawn into the story of three young adult half-sisters who, upon the death of their beloved step-father, Josiah Fleming, are forced to vacate the one secure home they have known.
While we meet all three sisters, Faith, Moriah, and Charlotte, this is definitely Charlotte’s story. (First book in a series, Yay!) These main characters are so well drawn and so relatable. We get enough glimpses of the secondary characters to begin to work the puzzle pieces slowly in the jigsaw that this mystery is. But Fryer puts so many twists and turns into it, it’s hard to know if you as the reader are piecing the parts together right. But that’s ok. Because honestly, as Charlotte and Charles (steward of the Palace), work together to uncover the secrets of Uncle Calvin and the caverns and denizens below, they are just as confused! Who has the pure vs. self-serving motives? Uncle Calvin? The Duchess? The Baron? Edmund? The neighbors in the Palace? This novel was as twisty as the caverns beneath the palace, and the outcome nearly as uncertain as descent into those caverns.
Relics, Secrets, Control, Sisterhood, Family, Mastermind, Gaol, Pawns, Social Status; are all key words that sum up many of the themes of this amazing book! I can’t wait for book two, Tempest at Rufford Abbey!
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours. I also bought my own ebook and a d ordered a pb copy for the keeper shelf!! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“He didn’t intend to just guard her person; he’d do everything to guard her heart.” ( Charles)
“They were all puppets in a performance. This much was true, but with real ramifications.” ( Charlotte)
“Sentiment was a currency of the heart.” ( Charlotte)
“Best know that the people of the underneath aren’t better or worse as those on the topside.” – Heathcliff
“…real friendship, even acquaintances, only lasted when their motives were pure in the first place.” ( Charlotte)
*And, because I am an avid reader-
“A home without a library, well, was it a home at all?” ( Charlotte)
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Superior! This novel strikes a bulls-eye target on my reading sweet spot and challenges my puzzle-solving abilities! Standing ovation!!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sunflowers in Paris by Ashley Rescot, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Sunflowers in Paris Series: The Strings of Sisterhood #2 Author: Ashley Rescot Publisher: Rescot Creative Release Date: April 7, 2026 Genre: Clean Contemporary Split-time Romance
After a career-altering injury, violist Adrienne Pearson digs deep into her French roots. As the second of five sisters, she seeks individuality. But when several of her family members and friends decide to join her on a French excursion, she must navigate old and new relationships while finding her place in a foreign land. Will she rediscover her voice in the home of her ancestors?
Jean-David Béranger, a brooding, reclusive French journalist, finds his life upturned when his eccentric godmother invites an entourage of American students to live with them while studying music at the local conservatoire. Can Adrienne, a beautiful American sunflower girl, dismantle the fortress surrounding his heart and convince him to turn toward the light?
Sunflowers in Paris takes the reader on a journey through the Loire Valley, Versailles, and Paris, the City of Light, weaving elements of historical and contemporary French life with a centuries-old cold case about a real, 18th-century composer.
Ashley Rescot is a professional violinist, educator, writer, and Fulbright Scholar. An aficionado of music, pedagogy, family, faith, and language, she writes about her life as a musician. With degrees in both violin performance and French literature, she hopes her stories will inspire the next generation of musicians, encourage music professionals, and educate others about the exciting world of music.
Connect with Ashley by visiting rescotcreative.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
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My Impressions
“Adrienne had always played viola as though it expressed her very soul, her voice. Until the injury took it away from her. The ache and pain had never gone away. Now she, like the doll ballerinas, felt trapped in a world where she could go through the motions, but she’d lost her voice. Would she ever find it again?”
Sunflowers in Paris is a contemporary dual-timeline by Ashley Rescot. A new-to-me author, I picked up the book because I love seeing how authors fit together characters from two different centuries. I also loved the idea of much of the narrative taking place in France. I loved the virtual tour of different locales and the history that went with each. I also enjoyed the extra French phrases, but in some cases, wondered if non-French students would miss out. There is a glossary at the back of the book, but I never go to the back of the book before my reading takes me there, afraid to spoil the ending. Who doesn’t remember seeing pictures of Notre Dame de Paris burning in 2019? I was glad to see this included and the resolution.
The story itself held me captivated as former viola player, Adrienne Leclaire and some of her sisters find themselves traveling to France to study abroad. They are hosted by their grandmother’s( GiGi) sister, CiCi. I enjoyed seeing the love and camaraderie of the sisters. This contrasts to the fraternal relationships we see in the 300 year-old journal that Jean-David, CiCi’s godson, finds in her ancient home. So many relationships in this story are fraught with peril or, in some cases, rejected as characters strive to stay in their comfort zone. Can Jean-David find and accept the family offered him?
Adrienne is so very empty after her accident that leaves her unable to play her beloved viola. While several of sisters are musical or dancers, Adrienne has had to change her study focus to music history instead of performing. She feels left out. Will the two hearts that feel alone find strength and comfort in each other and ultimately God?
I loved the mystery of Pierre’s family from the past. To make it more tantalizing, Rescot feeds us short snippets from Pierre’s lifetime journal, bit by bit.
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours. I also bought my own copy. No positive review is required, and all opinions are my own.
My fave secondary character has hot yo be CiCi. At 80, she is doing things many 20-year-olds would not! The strength of character, warmth, generosity, and care for those around her, wow. She would be a woman to meet.
Notable Quotables:
“See, even amidst the darkness, light shines through…I do know who holds the future. God never leaves us truly alone.”- Adrienne
“So, why did you come?” “For Cici.” She shrugged. “That’s what we do for family. Why are you here?” He smiled. “The same reason.” He extended his arm to her. “For Cici.” – to be discovered
“All he’d ever wanted was to have his family back. But had God really sent Cici, and even the Americans, to be his family?“ (Jean-David)
“Reading about people is my passion, so reading people is my superpower.” – Louisa
“Tonight, God had brought them to each other at this ancient church, tested by fire, aging, and destruction. And if he had helped Notre Dame rise from the ashes, God would also help them do so as well.” – to be discovered
“I don’t like change. I prefer things to stay how they were, like the Medieval castles.” “You mean the fortresses?” She frowned. “Guarded and walled off.” – Jean-David, Adrienne
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! I will be picking up the first book in the series, as well as future books about these sisters.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive French chocolates and a copy of A Change in Tune and Sunflowers in Paris!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 1, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 8, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Book: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley (The Silver Teapot Series Book Two)
Author: Carolyn Miller
Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction
Release Date: May, 2026
Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?
Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.
Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy
Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.
More from Carolyn
Do you know someone who has found love online?
I do. I have numbers of friends and even a family member who have found love and married thanks to dating apps and the like. This newer form of meeting people is something I’ve referenced in several of my books (including Only You Can Love Me), as several of my characters have used an app called Dream Match, a romance matchmaking app for Christian singles around the world. But when I first mentioned Dream Match years ago I didn’t realise at the time that I’d end up writing a story about how the inventor of Dream Match would finally meet her match.
And it seemed perfect to me that Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, known for her matchmaking skills, should be reflected in a modern day context as being the ultimate matchmaker, EJ Bennett, who is responsible for helping hundreds of people find love online. Even if she doesn’t think she needs or wants love for herself.
Playing with Jane Austen’s characters and putting them in a modern setting is a lot of fun. So not only does Emma Woodhouse become EJ Bennett, but George Knightley becomes EJ’s best friend and app co-designer Jordan Knight, the straight shooter she needs. And Frank Churchill, the man Emma starts to fall for, becomes Eric Churchill, son of a TV mogul squillionaire.
The first book in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, also played around with some of Austen’s settings, placing the story in a small town in Australia called Wattle Vale. I had fun further developing the Australian connections by setting other key scenes in iconic places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, which naturally meant I had to visit for “research.”
So I hope readers enjoy this little taste of Australia, and all the fun references to Jane Austen’s Emma. Be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media for more Jane Austen inspiration and fun, and get ready to enjoy Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, a sweet and swoony best friends-to-more romance that shows the path to true love is never smooth – even for the professional matchmaker.
Happy reading!
My Impressions
“I’m not crying.” “You should be, Emma-Jane Bennett,” Jordan said. “Then maybe you’d wake up to yourself and realise what is real and what is a lie and who your real friends are.”
As I shared my excitement over emotional fireworks in this story, one friend called it a great “comeuppance,” as the before-now unlikeable female main character( EJ Bennett) finally gets her “what for!!” I must say, Carolyn Miller has written her two main characters so convincingly in Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, that it is easy not to like the self-absorbed, social climbing, rather money-hungry EJ.
Such a fun story, that I loved especially because of the main character’s growth. EJ, from a small Australian town, has been best friends forever with her neighbor and now-business partner, Jordan Knight. Both are now living in Sydney. The two start a very successful online dating app, which catches the attention of Gwen, who promises to introduce EJ to rich investors. As EJ begins to follow the path to schmoozing with the rich and famous, her discontent with her former life grows and Jordan becomes concerned. “That’s the thing, EJ. I can’t keep making excuses for you. And as your best friend, I’m supposed to tell you the truth, and if I’m honest, I’m concerned about where all this is taking you.” Yet, EJ wants her taste of the high life. If that means ignoring Jordan and her family, so be it. Since EJ’s new friends scoff at her faith, EJ is careful to keep that under wraps, too.
As Jordan’s feelings for EJ begin to deepen and he helplessly watches her become a different person, I really began to love him and strongly dislike her. I wanted Jordan to stop pining over EJ and find somebody else. So when the comeuppance scene finally explodes, I was one ecstatic camper. Gentle, kind, and loyal Jordan finally erupts and tells EJ the truth… not something she wants to hear. Now, from this watershed moment, can EJ and Jordan find their way back to forgiveness, restoration, and the friends-to-more conclusion Miller has primed us to desire?
I fell totally in love with the book when Jordan finally decides “Real friends held each other accountable” and that EJ needs a good dose of reality. There are some great one-liners that are applicable to many relationships. I loved seeing how easily Jordan turns to prayer and recalls Scripture to encourage himself when the path gets tough.
It is great to see the other Bennett sisters again, as well as the parents and Jordan’s parents. We see some good foreshadowing of the next book and also we see characters that provide grounding for our main characters. Who are we without family and God?
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Body blows couldn’t hurt more than his words right now.” ( EJ)
“He didn’t want to be another voice, adding to the noise. He wanted his ears tuned into the One whose voice set the world in motion. Because by listening to that eternal voice, Jordan would hear those words that actually needed to be said, and those would be the words that would truly make a difference.” (Jordan)
“Truth might sting at times, but at least it was honest. Flattery was lovely, but it wasn’t real. Flattery felt like a house of cards, one breath and it would all tumble down.” ( EJ)
“It’s a good thing that God is still in control, huh?” – Ben
“You don’t need to be the Holy Spirit’s little helper, trying to help EJ see the error of her ways.” – Ben
“Catastrophising” (- a new fave word Miller introduces)
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Superior! Is “comeuppance” a trope? It should be! This scene makes me award this book a strong five stars!
Welcome to the JustRead Tour for Crossbones, by C. C. Warrens.
About the Book
Title: Crossbones Series: A Holly Novel #6 Author: C.C. Warrens Publisher: Independently Published Release Date: May 15th, 2026 Genre: Romantic Suspense
“Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.”
Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him.
Even her life. But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends?
Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden.
He doesn’t want to be found. He doesn’t want to be known. And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies.
Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.
If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.
Connect with C.C. by visiting ccwarrens.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
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My Impressions
“I survived, and I wouldn’t give the rest of my life over to bitterness. Whatever days I had left were mine, and I would focus on the joy rather than the pain.”
Whew! I have safely survived reading Crossbones, A Holly Novel #6, by C. C. Warrens! I thoroughly enjoyed myself as I journeyed with Jordan, Holly, Sam, and Jace through the dangerous and complex cold case of Jace’s brother, Scott. This is the first C. C. Warrens book I have read. I must say, while I would not suggest most pick up the series this far through, Warrens gives enough backstory that this novel made perfect sense. Will I have spoiled previous novels? Perhaps, but more so, I now need all the deets that I just have an inkling of, in so many cases. So, now I need to go back and read all the Holly series books!
Jace, a young woman from one of New York’s most affluent families, is suing her mother in court for the power of attorney rights over her comatose brother, Scott. Jace idolizes her big brother, and even though he’s been kept alive by machines for four years, she is certain her mother has an ulterior motives in wanting to pull the plug. So, Jace hires her best friend’s boyfriend’s detective agency to discover her mother’s secret. Time is essential, and Holly, part of the JGH agency, refuses to stand by, as requested, and let her boyfriend, Jordan, investigate by himself. Noble of her, but after reading just a few paragraphs, the reader will be pretty uncertain Holly has the physical prowess to defend herself.
While headstrong Holly is begged by both her boyfriend and her police officer “dad” to be careful and do nothing on her own, somehow… she sure gets herself into lots of situations that require either a quick escape or a rescue! Holly has a strong faith that she tries to share with her bestie, Jace, as they work the case. “Church is not gonna fix this.” “It’s not about fixing things. It’s about drawing closer to God and letting Him fill you up when the world has drained you dry.” Unfortunately, Jace has been indoctrinated against Christianity from her mother.
One question is often at the forefront of Jace’s mind, and also Holly’s. What happened that caused Mrs. Walker to turn her back on her son? Why is Mrs. Walker such a difficult, controlling person? The answers are very shocking!
Warrens does show a bit more detail of the crimes than some authors. However, no more than one might see on an intense crime show mystery. What I absolutely love about her writing is the way she inserts such humor into very tense situations. I actually laughed out loud many times just after I had bitten my nails down! I’ll never see Chia seeds the same!
And just when I thought it was safe to peek out from under the covers… Bang! Huge plot twist! Well-played!!
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“I know that, too often, people dismiss the truth because it’s easier to cling to what they already believe, even if that belief is wrong and harmful.” – Holly
“I’ve seen a lot of people sink so deeply into their anger that it consumes them, and eventually, it’s all they have left. I don’t want that for you.” – Holly
“Before was a concept I knew too well. The life, dreams, and identity that existed before tragedy tore them away and forced a person to start over.” (Holly)
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Superior! Chilling romantic suspense with messages of Hope and Faith. Recommended!
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Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a grand prize of a signed Crossbones paperback with bookmark, sticker, character art card, and a $10 Amazon gift card!
Up to (5) winners will each receive an ebook of Crossbones, delivered via Bookfunnel!
Up to (4) winners will each receive an audiobook download of Crossbones!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 25, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for grand prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
(Note: I am late with this post due to a family emergency. I notified Celebrate Lit that this would be late. Thank you for your understanding!)
About the Book
Book: Anchoring You
Author: Robin Patchen
Genre: Christian romantic suspense
Release Date: May 12, 2026
On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.
A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jaz.
DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as “the Phantom.” The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Phantom’s web, Jaz risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.
Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jaz, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jaz must work together to unravel the Phantom’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.
From a USA Today bestselling author… Don’t miss this heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance as Kenzie and Jasper discover their fight for survival—and for love—can only be won together.
Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.
More from Robin
Too Far Gone? Writing a Prodigal Hero
When I started writing Anchoring You, I knew the hero was going to be a challenge.
On the surface, Jaz is everything my heroine Kenzie despises: a charming playboy who flits around the Caribbean with a different woman on his arm every week and a drink perpetually in his hand. When he tries to get to know her, she wants nothing to do with him. She’s heard the rumors. She knows exactly what kind of man he is.
Except she doesn’t know the real Jaz. Nobody does.
Underneath the polished persona, Jaz is drowning. A gambling addiction led to crushing debt, which led to a desperate deal with a dangerous man, which led to five years of living undercover as a DEA informant. He’s lost everything that matters—his money, his reputation, his relationship with his brother, Noah, and most painfully, his daughter Charlotte, whom he left with Noah to keep her safe from the criminals who control his life.
Somewhere in the midst of all that, Jaz also lost his faith.
The Prodigal Who Doesn’t Come Home
We all know the parable of the prodigal son. He squanders his inheritance, hits rock bottom, and returns to his father’s open arms.
But what happens when the prodigal believes he’s wandered too far, done too much, burned too many bridges to ever find his way back?
That’s Jaz’s life when we first meet him. He tells Kenzie at one point, “I’m not sure if I left Him or if He left me, but God and I haven’t had a relationship since I was a teenager.”
Jaz isn’t angry at God. He’s not wrestling with doubt. He’s just disconnected. Numb. He made choices that spiraled out of control. People got hurt, and somewhere along the way, he decided that men like him shouldn’t expect grace.
I think a lot of people can identify with Jaz, even if their circumstances aren’t as dramatic as his. It’s not always a crisis of faith that pulls us away from God. Sometimes it’s shame, the quiet belief that we’ve disqualified ourselves. We believe grace is real, just not for us.
A Faith That Doesn’t Preach
Kenzie could have lectured him or quoted Scripture at him. But Kenzie, a strong believer, doesn’t preach. Instead, she lives her faith, acting on what she believes. In one quiet conversation, when Jaz confesses how far he’s fallen, she offers him truth without judgment:
“There’s no such thing as too far, Jasper. Not with God.”
Kenzie’s relationship with God is evident in how she treats people, how she handles fear, how she extends grace to a man the world has written off. Kenzie’s witness begins to crack Jaz’s defenses.
Writing Broken Heroes
I’m drawn to characters who carry weight—who’ve made real mistakes with real consequences, not just minor flaws designed to make them “relatable.” Jaz gambled away half his family’s estate. He slept around. He abandoned his daughter—even if it was to protect her. He spent five years lying to everyone he met.
These aren’t small things. I didn’t want to minimize them or sweep them under the rug in the rush to make him likable.
I believe in redemption. I believe people can change—not by willpower but by the power of God.
Jaz doesn’t have a dramatic conversion moment in the middle of the action. His journey back to faith starts with prayer, the gentle testing of God in moments of crisis.
And God answered, protecting and guiding him through the most difficult time of his life. When it was over, Jaz realized God had been there all along.
That’s the heart of the prodigal story, isn’t it? The father doesn’t chase the son down the road. He doesn’t force him to come home. But when the son finally turns around, the father is already running to meet him.
Jaz spent years believing he’d gone too far. Kenzie helped him see that there is no “too far” for God.
Because if grace only works for people who haven’t messed up too badly, it’s not really grace at all.
My Impressions
“But I know God is big enough for my mess, no matter how ugly it is. Which means He’s big enough for yours too. The question isn’t whether He’ll take you back. It’s whether you’ll let Him.”
What an exciting, fast-paced romantic suspense novel Anchoring You by Robin Patchen is! We have arrived at the fourth and last daughter of Gavin Wright, in the Heroes of Maine series. Kenzie has fled her father’s overprotective cocoon tendencies and has established a yacht-running business in the Caribbean. She loves the freedom of the water, and she enjoys her Caribbean life until the day her life is upended.
Pirates attack Kenzie’s boat. Determined to protect her crew and herself, Kenzie puts on a brave front, but is rescued by an island playboy, Jaz, she had met the night before. Then the struggle begins as Jaz tries to protect her, and Kenzie strives to retain her hard-earned independence.
Kenzie discovers that Jaz’s carefully cultivated wild reputation is a front so he can work with the DEA. He has his sights on a very big fish in the ocean, indeed! But his methods require Kenzie to trust him. Kenzie has long ago decided that no man should be in charge of her future or her choices. In a world of fast living, fast guns, and the seemingly omnipresent evil bent on their death, Kenzie’s trust in Jaz is vital. But, can Kenzie relinquish control of her life to someone else?
Kenzie slowly begins to see past Jaz’s playboy persona to his deep longing for redemption. Jaz has lost everything, and is quite sure God cannot forgive the man he has become. Once upon a time Jaz had faith. But now, he’s turned too far away, done too much to ever be good enough. Kenzie gently reminds him, “Grace is a gift. Even when you don’t feel lovable, even when you think you’ve gone too far, God is right there, loving you, holding grace out to you, waiting for you to accept it.” Another time, she builds on that and challenges him to view himself and his past with more grace. “Maybe you need to quit thinking you’re smarter than God and start seeing yourself the way He sees you.”
I loved the high-action story and the romance that seems like it cannot go anywhere. Both main characters and a secondary one show significant growth in their lives as the book progresses. But what really stood out to me? It was Kenzie’s prayers. They were real, every day conversations with God. Neither super short nor long, just matter-of fact, here’s the issue, we need help. Plus, Kenzie is also an example of praying God’s Word back to Him. We know God’s Word is powerful. I loved those reminders of great prayers!
By the end of the book, I was so connected with the characters, I felt their cold, their terror, their confusion, and their astonishment as they finally figure out the surprising identity of the cartel!
Another Robin Patchen book you’ll not want to miss!
I received a copy of the book from CelebrateLit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“He’d lived on the edge of a sword for so long he was starting to feel the stab, the dripping blood—his own and everyone else’s.” ( Jaz)
“She’d spent years on the water because it was the only place she felt safe. She’d built a business so she could control her own life, just to wind up a pawn in somebody else’s elaborate scheme.” ( Kenzie)
“She didn’t mind being known as Jesus’s girl. She wouldn’t mind being known as Jaz’s girl either.” ( Kenzie)
“What do you see? What can you use? Don’t just react. Think. Your greatest weapon is your mind.”- Kenzie’s dad
“She’d more than “do.” She looked…she looked like the kind of trouble that could blow up his whole life.”
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Superior! I always love each installment in this series, and seeing how they all fit together!
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Targeted by Cara Putman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Targeted Series: Secrets to Keep #3 Author: Cara Putman Publisher: Kregel Publications Release Date: May 19, 2026 Genre: Romantic Suspense
Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?
When Chloe Ainsworth’s older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe’s abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won’t allow them to suffer the way she did, but she’s desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.
Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can’t get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.
They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It’s clear they’re onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it’s too late?
Cara Putman is a professor, an attorney, and an award-winning, best-selling author of more than forty novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series, the Hidden Justice series, and The Vanished.
Connect with Cara by visiting caraputman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
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My Impressions
“‘I am always alone.’ He will never leave me or forsake me…
It didn’t matter if people would leave her or let her down. God never would. He promised that, and his promises were true. Always.”
This review may well be one of the hardest I’ve ever written. Because The Targeted by Cara Putman, contains such sensitive and trigger-inducing content that I may have ever read. The legal drama, book three of the Secrets to Keep series, tells the story of the last of three young women involved in the legal world.
Very well executed and written with an obvious knowledge of the law, this fictional story becomes very relatable and painful to read. Plus, a second trigger was lying in wait in the form of Cloe’s mom, as we see her fading in and out of reality with her early-onset dementia.
Putman shines a light on how easily abuse can occur between a minor and a trusted adult. Her character, Cloe, is a great example of a groomed victim who, because of age, trust in adults, and negative reaction when she tries to share bits of her story, stuffs it all inside. Without her once-beloved older sister, Ginny, who left fourteen years prior, and her mother’s dementia clouded mind, Cloe has learned to become an island onto herself.
Roadblocks occur when she attempts to bring her abuser to justice. Sometimes, Cloe herself is the issue. Sometimes it is others. Can 2nd year law student Dare help her file a complaint years after the event? What happens when the abuser is closer than Cloe is comfortable with? Will she use the community of friends and law resources around her, or will she quietly run away from her memories and hurt?
There’s hope in this story! I could keep reading, hard as it was to be confronted with truths and memories of the past, as I realized Cloe would fight not for herself but for the new crop of gymnasts. She is determined to make a difference. The hardest question keeps her going: “What if by not trying, by staying silent, we’ve all been complicit? We’ve all allowed him to continue his behavior because none of us have taken the risk of saying it has to stop?” Ooh. Rough. Time to take action!
While needing to stay unattached as her legal counsel, Dare realizes his attraction to this brave, strong-though-wounded young gym coach. He looks for ways to help, and prays for her. I loved this line…
“How was it possible that the man morphed more into her hero each time he showed up? It wasn’t so much big, heroic actions as the small, consistent moments of showing up again and again.” That’s how these two and their team hope to win at this terrible loop life has thrown them… start with the small steps, complete each task step by step, until they have solved this case and won. Unfortunately, a big twist occurs and the action becomes very urgent!
In summary, expect a very well-written read with potentially difficult subject matter. I wish there had been a trigger warning at the front of the book. But… knowing what kind of fiction this author writes, I did know she would show how God can bring good out of bad. That makes a hard story worth reading!
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“He couldn’t change her history, but he could create a different future.” (Dare)
“Remember that sometimes God simply asks us to take the next step. He rarely tells us every part of the journey that’s coming.” – Janae
“Before, this was about me and the past. Now, it’s about the present and protecting my girls, today’s gymnasts.” – Clie
“‘What could I do as a junior man on the team?’ ‘Speak up. Believe them. Validate their experience.’” – Dare, Cloe
“Life demanded a decision. Everyone else had to move on, even if she didn’t.” ( Cloe)
“She needed the possibility of more, even if she chose to stay. What she really wanted was the illusion of choice.” (Cloe)
“She knew her strength at one level, but at another level, she was still the girl who had allowed bad things to happen to her.” ( Cloe)
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! For legal drama lovers, those who have endured abuse, or those who need to understand victims of abuse and how to help them.
Tour Givaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Targeted and $20 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 20, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Book: Chase the Light (National Parks Summers Book 2. It can be read as a stand alone.)
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: May 5, 2026
When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.
Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.
More from Suzanne
If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.
The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*
Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.
While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.
Makes 6–8 large popovers.
What You’ll Need
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of baking soda
2 tablespoons melted butter
Let’s Make Them
Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan). Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
Whisk the batter. Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
Fill the cups. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
Bake. Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
Resist the urge to peek. Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.
Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.
A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers
Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.
“The best stories are the ones God unfolds in his perfect timing. It’s always best when we let God write our story.”
Suzanne Woods Fisher. Another auto-buy paperback for the trophy shelf author! While Chase the Light, a novel about Acadia National Park, is a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading book one first, as several relationship groundworks are set up.
I love that Fisher includes a list of characters in the front of the book and a description of each. With a year between books, the reminder of who’s who is helpful. We see returning characters like Chief Ranger Tim Wilson, his manipulative 15 yr-old-granddaughter Maisie, clueless 18 yr-old Frankie, and a few tertiary characters who momentarily step up for short, but notable contributions. We are also re-introduced to FMC Scout Johnson, a dedicated park ranger who has worked her way up to her dream job, interpretive ranger in Acadia National Park.
Frankie and Maisie with their self-absorbed, centrisic attitudes cause quite a ton of problems. But they also step forward to become central secondary characters. They add so much color to the story, instigating (by carelessness!) the discovery of the 170-year-old park secret.
At first, I was #TeamChase. He seemed like a very nice man, good looking, church -going, newspaper owner, passionate about his work, and fun to be around. Good match for Scout, right? (Oh, did I say Frankie is clueless? Chase can be, too! He sure doesn’t read relationships well! Sometimes, I was left just shaking my head at his interpretation of events!!)
But, as the story went on, another man, Wananaki Dana, a Penobscot Native American policy maker whose side passion is Maine shipwrecks caught my eye (and Scout’s). A fun line inserted repeatedly- “Naki will do.” His passion is to help his people out of generational poverty, alcoholism, lack of education, and other issues that plague a people forced onto a reservation. And does he understand Acadia National Parks! He just might be a tad bit tall and a tad bit swoony, too! But as Chase’s mother once communicated to him, “…a person’s looks became subjective the moment you got to know them. They grew more attractive, or less.” Which man, by his very different choices in the difficult circumstances that arise following the lighthouse discovery, will end up showing a solid character?
With themes such as family relationships, forgiveness, moral character choices, found family, second chances, and even maturation, this novel is a must read. Great for National park lovers, Maine lovers, shipwreck lovers, those who love to see how choices can make or break a character. Plus, the mystery, the romance, the faith. Nearly something for everyone in an easy-flowing readable style! Pretty sure this one will be pulled for a re-read!!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own pb for the keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“A family is like a big house. Each person peers into it from a different window and sees a different view.” – Naki
“…it dawned on her that she might be guilty of projecting that same disappointment onto God. Not entirely trustworthy. Not dependable when it really mattered. She’d never put it into words before, but now it sat in her mind like a truth she couldn’t ignore. That wasn’t the right way to think about God. He’d been there, all along.” -(Scout)
“‘On the truth that the ultimate unity is the body of Christ. If we could only see people through God’s eyes, we would be the model of what the world is desperately longing for.’His gaze moved to the sea in front of them. ‘I wish my people could understand that God made them the way they are for a purpose.’” – Naki
“Forgiveness and trust shouldn’t be confused.” – Naki
“Coincidences weren’t something she believed in—not in her job, not in her life. God had his plans, and while they might be mysterious, they were never accidental.” – (Scout)
“His faith steadied him, a constant reminder that he didn’t need to have it all mapped out—only to take the next step.”
-(Tim Rivers)
“To turn a beacon of safety into a tool for destruction—it felt like a betrayal, not just of duty, but of something deeper.” -( Scout)
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Superior!!
I foresee myself pulling this book out for a reread! Sooo good!!
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Escape Game by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Escape Game Series: The Game Masters Author: Gina Holder Publisher: Scrivenings Press Release Date: May 5, 2026 Genre: Romantic Suspense
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.
Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.
Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.
Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.
They’re players.
Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they’re ready to face.
With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.
In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.
Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?
Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.
Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you’ll never see coming.
She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author.
She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles.
Gina is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews.
Her first traditionally published novel released in June 2025 with Scrivenings Press LLC, after winning their “”GetPubbed”” contest’s grand prize.
Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Gina by visiting storiesbygina.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
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My Impressions
“Something in his gut warned this would be unlike anything he’d ever faced before. Were they up to the challenge?”
Whew! I am never going to be able to do another escape room! The Escape Game, bk 2 of The Game Masters series, by Gina Holder, kept me spellbound and enthralled. This gripping, romantic suspense novel of chilling proportions stands well on its own. I had not read the first book, but now, of course, it’s on my TBR pile!
I was reminded of a Shakespearean tragedy set in current times as I read through this nail-biting suspense. Poor grown-up Demi, puzzle solver extraordinaire with an IQ off the charts, desperately seeking the love and affirmation that she missed all her life. Her father disappears when she is younger, and she feels abandoned by any who may get close to her. Her intelligence level and social awkwardness allow her few friends. Then her best friend, Maddie, gives her unsettling news. As she meets Liam, a daring missionary and escape room solver expert, she develops a tenuous bond as they search for his sister. Yet, she realizes as their dangerous search of an unknown real-life escape experience escalates, Liam, too, has future plans that don’t include her, should they be so fortunate to escape alive.
“Trust—the word hit like a gut punch. It hurt to trust—people always let her down. Abandoned her when she needed them.”
Liam is great, noble, selfless, brave, daring, and handsome young man who is frantically searching for his missing sister. Joining forces with Demi, the two form an attraction which Liam realizes will not last, given Demi’s lack of true belief in God. He shares his faith with Demi whenever he can, but Demi has learned to protect her heart and believes her intellect and self-sufficiency will eventually save her.
There are some great twists involved in the story, that threaten to rewrite the narrative. A great look into different kinds of relationships and how they affect the human behavior. And how God is willing to step in and re-direct our stories, forgiving the unthinkable, IF we will let him!
Don’t miss this book!! I know I won’t miss another of Gina Holder’s in this series!
I received a copy of the book from the author through JustRead Tours. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“This was not the lost-and-found box. These were trophies. And someone was still collecting.”
“You can’t win by playing smarter. You need a Savior, not a strategy.”
“Pride is the monster; humility is the key.”
“My IQ would make Einstein jealous.”
“The eagle does not fight the snake on the ground. It changes the battlefield.”
“Because forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt.”
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Superior!! If you’ve never read this author’s romantic suspense, push her books to the top of your list!! Pronto!!
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Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card and a copy of The Escape Game (eBook or paperback, Winner’s Choice)!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies. Enter Giveaway
Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.
Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
More from Michelle
The Waltz: The Dance That Shocked Regency England
Post by Michelle Griep
I’ll be the first to admit it…I can’t dance a lick. Not a jig, not a reel, and certainly not anything that requires turning in rhythm without stepping on someone’s toes. If you ever spot me on a dancefloor, it’s because someone shoved me there or I lost a bet. Which is probably why the waltz both fascinates and terrifies me. A dance that actually expects you to glide gracefully while holding someone close? Absolutely not. And yet in Regency England, it became the talk of the town.
When the waltz swirled onto the dancefloors of England in the 1790s, it caused more shock than delight. Imported from Austria and southern Germany, it was a turning, closely-held dance—far too close for the comfort of polite society. Many called it indecent, warning that no respectable couple should stand chest-to-chest before a room full of onlookers. Some critics even claimed the dance “ignited dangerous feelings” and threatened to erode proper English restraint.
Shocking, right?
But fashions shift, and all it took was the Prince Regent giving the dance his approval in 1814. Overnight, the waltz transformed from scandal to sensation. By the 1820s, it was everywhere.
Here are a few fun bits of waltz trivia from the era: • Some etiquette books warned that too much turning could cause “disorientation” or “undue excitement.” • Early chaperones sometimes counted the number of turns, convinced it reflected a couple’s level of impropriety. • A lady’s hemline was said to act like a “barometer” of a gentleman’s behavior—if it swayed too wildly, he was holding her too tightly.
In The Bird of Bedford Manor, set in 1820, this same world of rigid rules and whispered scandals forms the backdrop for Juliet Finch—resourceful, determined, and driven into the woods by her father’s downfall. When Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land, everything changes. What begins as a crime punishable by death becomes something far more dangerous as he charges her with tracking the stalker tormenting his sister.
Juliet can track anything. But this time, she may become the hunted.
My Impressions
Oh, my stars! It’s amazed I am. The story, the twists, the villians, the red herrings, the faith nuggets plainly on display.
Michelle Griep’s singular gripping storytelling abilities, married with her ability to authentically transport us back in time to Regency England had me salivating at the first sentences. I had trouble getting through the book, but probably not why you might think. Not only are the characters relatable and endearing, but the linguistic paintbrush Griep employs so beautifully caused me to stop and reread many a sentence. “She was like a caged falcon, barely restrained, her sharp green eyes always moving, calculating, waiting for the right moment to fly away.” Or “The place was naught but a collection of boards leaning against one another like drunkards, each seeming to hold up the other by sheer accident.” I just had to sit for a while and take in the beauty of that carefully formulated prose!
The story itself is a great one. Caught poaching on manor land, Juliet is offered a solution other than the hangman’s noose. Her benefactor, Henry Russell, pardons her on the condition she hunt for him. He wants Juliet to discover who is terrorizing his sister, Charity. “Who better to hunt for a man than a hunter? And a female one at that?”
Several characters in the novel totally surprised me. I love a mystery that is twisted enough I can’t figure it out, and the personalities involved seem to perform out of character. However, in the end, it all makes sense, even though my deduction skills weren’t equal to the task. Bravo, Ms. Griep! It was such an exciting, fun journey, I don’t think I can read another book because of the hangover from this one! Definitely my fave Griep novel yet!!
Could I ever relate to Henry in his understanding of a childhood event. I wonder how many adults look back at some childhood event with completely different eyes, sometimes not until someone shows us another perspective.
Don’t miss this fantastic book! I look forward to it to be a 2026 fave of mine.
I received a copy of the book from Barbour Books and Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy, because…the Keeper Shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“…tell me why you cannot trust me.” “Because you have the power to undo me.” – Juliet, Henry
“I am sure you suffer more from my filthy state than I do.” – Juliet -[such well-placed humor!]
“Many a lie is garbled as truism.”– Henry
“Your past- no matter how tragic- does not define who you are.” Henry
“A bull in a china shop only alerts every teacup to its doom.” – Juliet
“Anything good in me—any strength or virtue—comes from God alone. Without Him, I would not even try to do what is right. And that is the thing…“The truth is none of us are good on our own. Every last one of us falls short.”- Henry
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Only because more than five are not allowed. Superior!!
A determined wife and a blind mining engineer—separated by fear, connected by love, and tested by darkness that threatens to tear them apart.
David Mackenzie was the most capable mining engineer in Colorado until a cave-in left him blind and filled with guilt over the deaths of his workers. Now he fears he’ll never be worthy of love or respect again. When his fiancée returns from nursing her sick aunt, he must find the courage to break their engagement before she wastes her life caring for a broken man.
Karen refuses to give up on the man she loves, but David has built a wall between them that grows higher with each passing day. When he tries to call off their engagement, she forces him into marriage through an unconventional lawsuit. Now she must find a way to break through his bitter shell and prove that her love hasn’t changed—before his fears and pride drive them apart forever and she loses not only the man she loves but also her chance at the family she’s always longed for.
When David’s cousin reveals a deadly secret about the cave-in, Karen and David find themselves trapped underground, forced to work together to survive. In the darkness, they must confront the fears that threaten to destroy them both. But even if they survive, can they find their way back to the love they once shared?
Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.
More from Erica
My story, Before the Dawn, is set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As a girl born and raised in Central Kansas, the first time I visited mountains, I was in awe…and also a little worried. Having grown up in a land where you can watch your dog run away for three straight days, not being able to see very far when in between mountains was a bit claustrophobic.
My children, growing up in SE Minnesota, had a similar experience. We were able to take the kids to Colorado several years ago, which is where I first became interested the history of Colorado Mining.
We took the kids to Idaho Springs, where we toured a mine and ore processing facility from the 1880’s. The Argo Mine was fascinating. When I ask my kids about what they remember, it’s always the panning for gold. My daughter reminded me that I was the first in the family to find any gold in my pan, a few little bright flakes, upon which many an adventurer has wagered his life.
The kids also got to sift through a box of sand and dirt to find colorful stones. As my son was enamored with agates and polished rocks at the time, this was the highlight for him.
When I wrote Before the Dawn, I tried to make the setting a character. The story is so tied to the setting, that if I changed where the story took place, it wouldn’t be the same story at all.
I hope, as you read Before the Dawn, you are drawn into the mountains, that you can feel a bit of the same sense of awe that I felt the first time this prairie girl saw the Rockies.
My Impressions
“You are so swamped with fear, you aren’t just blind. You’re emotionally paralyzed.”– Rex
I love Christian fiction marriage of convenience stories. Before the Dawn is an older story of Erica Vetsch’s, set in Colorado in the 1880s. Karen Worth, the young, beautiful fiancée of David MacKenzie returns to her fiancé’s home to an unpleasant surprise. David, a mine engineer, is caught in a deadly explosion. It robs him of his sight and also of his life’s purpose and faith. When his personality and treatment of his family and Karen become unbearable, they take matters into their own hands.
I am proud of the MacKenzie family for their refusal to allow David to sulk his days away in self-pity and hatred. Many measures they put into place are very helpful, if hard for David. But, the final solution may be the death of David and Karen’s forced relationship!
I could easily relate to either main character, David or Karen. David, with his frustrations, feels like life has stopped and left him at the station. Karen now has full responsibility for David’s care and emotional well-being. I am amazed at Karen’s resourcefulness in her husband’s behalf. I love that she employs Rex to teach her husband. I wanted to thrash David more than once for being such a heel and refusing to try to relearn how to live.
With a few prominent, ringing Scriptures that David and Karen hear at a school presentation, Truth nuggets begin to work their way into the couple’s life- slowly. Of course, there is a great twist just when things begin to improve in the marriage.
My fave secondary character is a tie between two different men. The first is Rex, who is a teacher at the school for the blind in town. He is an amazingly patient, understanding, and yet prodding teacher. The other is Buckley, the family butler. He never seems to pity David, but somehow is a very supportive friend.
I loved the mystery and action that are a part of this marriage of convenience story. I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Prayer was the only thing that kept despair at bay.”
“He wanted to pray, to ask for guidance, but he was afraid. Afraid God wouldn’t hear him. Even more afraid the answer would be no.”
“We never realize what we have until it is gone.” – David
“As for losing my independence, isn’t that what God wants most for us as His children? God doesn’t want us to be independent. He wants us to be totally dependent on Him. Without Him, even men with perfect vision are blind.” – Rex
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great! Especially recommended for readers who love learning about mines in the Old West, marriages of convenience, and dealing with pride and blindness.
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions 