Category: Christian Fiction

Underestimating Miss Cecilia

by Carolyn Miller

“Perhaps this trial was yet another way God was trying to gain her attention,so she would focus more on Him, and not let the distractions of this world steal her thoughts and emotions.”

I enjoyed this read and the fun characters that really drive the plot. Cecilia and Ned are both flawed characters as Carolyn Miller’s usually are. If you are fond of the girl falling in love with the boy next door or the prodigal son returns home in a wonderful historical setting this book is for you.

I really like how well this author natural weaves a strong faith message into her books. This one is no different. It truly belongs in the genre of “Christian Fiction.” Throughout the book the reader sees how the faith of the characters affects their everyday decisions as well as those decisions that are going to affect their entire life.

It’s a lovely story with the characters learning as they grow giving the reader a chance to ponder if perhaps he could do a better job at putting the focus on God in our lives as well.

“Understand that God’s plans are for good, not to be a weighty burden. Remember that He is with us, in both good times and challenges, empowering us for His work.”

I received this book through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Express Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

“…at twenty eight, he had nothing to show for himself except wealth. That thought in light of eternity didn’t make him feel like he’d accomplished much of anything.”

This is another terrific novel in the Mayflower Bride series! The characters are so well done and set in a fascinating historical setting. It had mystery, suspense, and a terrific faith theme. All the elements combine to make a book that I just wish had been longer.

I don’t want to say it’s my favorite in the series, but if it isn’t-it’s close! The authors notes on The Pony Express are interesting and not widely known so don’t miss those. Definitely do not miss this next book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series! 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Why God had chosen to spare him when he’d been such an atrocious human being was beyond his comprehension. But he was grateful.”

“ Thank you, God. For forgiveness. For grace. For a wonderful mom and dad.”

Where Dandelions Bloom

by Tara Johnson

“But whether I live or die is Gods decision. Not Yours.”

Where Dandelions Bloom brings the Civil War to life through several interesting characters. The reader gets to see the war through the eyes of a woman who chose to face war instead of the awful man she was goi g to be forced to marry, through the eyes of a photographer who wants to tell the story through pictures, and following a young lad who signs up as well.

The picture of war isn’t pretty, and it’s effect can be damaging. It is always life changing. The authors characters are based in history. Quite a few women did sign up and fight in the Civil War, and she uses her research to bring a realistic plot to readers. 

Really liked the faith theme in this story. Various verses come to mind for Cassie as she strives to get through the difficulties that she faces. They give her perspective and strength. They even give her strength to do something she thought impossible.

The characters are well done, the story well told, and a faith theme that flows smoothly through the story and gives the characters an anchor. War isn’t pretty, and this book did a tremendous job of bringing out some of the real horrors that were faced….and the waste of lives that occurred. If you like historical fiction or love Civil War era reads, this is definitely for you. Ultimately, it’s a story of forgiveness and triumph through Christ and the love and forgiveness he offers.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you…
A hot tear escaped her lashes, tracing a warm path down her cheek. Yes, her father had abused her over and over again. He’d sliced her apart with his words, his fists…Forgiving him didn’t excuse him. But it would free her.” 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Reluctant Belle

by Beth White

A terrific novel from this Author! It had just the right mixture of suspense, wit, humor, romance, and faith to produce an entertaining read that was at times incredibly funny and at others infuriating and tense.

Set during the very volatile time after the Civil War, the historical setting is incredibly well done and creates the suspenseful backdrop and circumstances surrounding a love triangle story where one angle clearly wasn’t IN the triangle. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre ( though some days I might tell you it’s suspense) , and the historical backdrop is done so well. I love the strong faith theme present in this book. I take a special interest in that at the moment as a book I read recently had none. This author did a great job of weaving the message of faith through dialogue and other natural elements in the story.

It’s a hard to put down a novel with all the wonderful necessary threads needed to create a good read. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. If you enjoy historical fiction, go grab a copy. It’s a story that begs to be read and savored.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Cross My Heart

by Robin Lee Hatcher

This is by far my favorite series by this author! A split time series with a family Bible that is the link between past and present is a terrific idea, and I love the stories that have been created.

This has a wonderful plot, a slow moving relationship, terrific characters and just a really sweet story…both of them so touching. The angst and horror of war with faith as an anchor; a sordid past with faith getting him through each day. Reading the notes written by the man who relied on his faith through the war and beyond.

This book will go on my forever shelves next to the first in the series.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky


This was a fascinating piece of history about which I knew nothing. Taking children that aren’t wanted or are living on the streets, to a new world with parents waiting for them. It sounds like a wonderful idea, but with some involved it became a scary time for children and parents.

This book follows several characters in this backdrop of history. The characters are well done, and I enjoyed getting to learn about this time in history through their eyes. I found myself wondering what choices I would make in certain situations. It wasn’t exactly black and white for those who so very much wanted to right the wrongs that had occurred. The faith theme in this book is present and a good one! I always enjoy when Christian elements are present in Christian Fiction.

So take yourself on a journey through an interesting time in history…think of why your emotions, feelings, and mind would have suffered.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

My Dearest Dietrich

by Amanda Barratt

MY REVIEW

I think every reader starts a book with certain expectations. I expected this book to be good because I knew about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Haven’t most? This book wasn’t just good, it was unforgettable.

I found it amazing how enthralled I was with the story, knowing the outcome. It takes a special kind of writing to want to enjoy and savor a book where there really aren’t any spoilers. I knew the ending ; yet I so enjoyed the journey, the blessed journey of this couple..so beautifully written.

The scenes are painted with intricate detail…as they tried to visit in prison with others looking on, the reader can feel the tension and the hesitancy of the actors, the characters. They are alive…so real and vibrant. I knew the happily ever after would never come, that darkness was abundant. However, it doesn’t overtake the beautiful love story, and the love God gave these two for each other. This book makes Mr. Bonhoeffer more a man than a minister…more human, and more relatable.

The book has prose as beautiful as poetry, and tells of a beautiful love story…but in a way that I’ve never quite read before.

This book finds its place on my forever shelves, and I definitely plan on visiting Maria and Dietrich again!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.