Category: Historical Fiction

The Master Craftsman

By Kelli Stuart

MY REVIEW

This book starts with some Russian history and a treasure hunt. That alone intrigued me. It was a split story line. The historical one was interesting, and the present day one was fast paced. If a deep storyline isn’t for you the treasure hunt may keep you engaged. I enjoy history so the historical Russian history was fascinating. 

The biggest problem the story had was the language and the lack of any faith theme. I expect a faith them from this Christian publisher, yet there was none. At one time, I would have been shocked at language in a book like this. Unfortunately, it isn’t as rare as it use to be. I did read a quote for the author that the book wasn’t a Christian one…which made me wonder why it was published by Revell.

If you are not bothered by the above, then you may find this read interesting and fitting for you. I honestly cannot think of an author I read to compare her writing style. Many reviewers do that, but I’m unable to come up with one for this particular book. Perhaps because it is the only one I’ve read by this author. I thought the storyline was well done as was the twist and turns in the book…especially a huge twist close to the end of the story. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, but this book was far more about story than people.

If the language or lack of faith theme doesn’t bother you, and you enjoy a fast paced mystery then this book might be for you. It just was not my type of read. There are plenty other reviewers who disagree.

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

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The Spark of Love

By Amanda Cabot

MY REVIEW

This was an enjoyable book. I have enjoyed each book in this series. The characters are really enjoyable. The reader knows that secrets will come out eventually so it makes it interesting to find out how and what is going to ensue afterwards.

Then the book is full of suspense/mystery of things the reader doesn’t know. This kept me reading for a long while and finishing quickly. However,the town of Mesquite Springs and its interesting cast of characters is what really keeps the book moving…and intriguing. I really enjoy the relationships here…father and daughter, lovers, and all the interesting relationships that make up life.

The faith theme is good, and is a natural part of the story. It is well done.

I really enjoyed this book. I think the growing relationship between father and daughter is what really touched me. It was sweet. I’m close to my own daddy so this part of the story was what really kept me from wanting to put the book down. I enjoyed this series and recommend all three.

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

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The Lady of Galway Manor

By Jennifer Deibel

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were enjoyable. I especially liked the change of the heroine’s thoughts of who the Irish were…and then who she really found them to be. Much of the story deals with reality verses what people having heard about other people.

The author mentions having lived in Galway. That comes through the book in so many ways. You feel as if you are walking the streets there as you read the book. Many places are mentioned, but they aren’t mentioned as if they are at a distance or out of the ordinary. We see it as an Irish individual who feels so at home with the culture and food when seeing it through Stephen’s eyes. It’s written as though going for lunch for fish and chips is perfectly normal. I loved that. I also like the pronunciation and unique words that make it feel like one has traveled there.

I enjoyed the faith theme that was well done. The plot itself is quite predictable, but the characters kept me engaged in the story. I loved the history in the book as well. Another lovely story from this author.

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

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To Disguise the Truth

By Jen Turano

MY REVIEW

An absolutely witty, amusing, and fantastic read from this author. I have read them all, and this is definitely one of my favorites. There are a lot of characters…so many fun ones- from Eunice (who has so many names) to Arthur to Ivan to Aunt Hazel. There is lots of entertainment and intrigue to be had with this cast. 

The plot was fascinating, the mystery was terrific, and the themes of love and forgiveness were very strong. I really enjoy this author’s books as she always gives a lot of humor. Her books are an amusing and lively escape. This one is no exception.

So, jump at the chance to read any of hers, but this truly is one of her best!

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

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Ever Constant

By Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

MY REVIEW

The final story in the Treasures of Nome series is fantastic! I really enjoyed all the characters in this series. In the final book Whitney feels alone, confused…and tries to be strong. Being the oldest in the family, I do understand that part of her personality.

The story is incredibly well done. Life’s struggles are there, but God is always there as well. This story has a sweet love story; wonderful, vivid characters: and a deep faith theme that is so intrinsic to the story and magnificently done.

The final story in the Treasures of Nome series is fantastic! I really enjoyed all the characters in this series. In the final book Whitney feels alone, confused…and tries to be strong. Being the oldest in the family, I do understand that part of her personality.

The story is incredibly well done. Life’s struggles are there, but God is always there as well. This story has a sweet love story; wonderful, vivid characters: and a deep faith theme that is so intrinsic to the story and magnificently done.

I really enjoyed each of these novels, and I’m rather sad to see their tale come to an end. Go got your copy of the series-wonderful reads!

I really enjoyed each of these novels, and I’m rather sad to see their tale come to an end. Go got your copy of the series-wonderful reads!

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A Heart Adrift

By Laura Frantz

MY REVIEW

I always look forward to a novel by Laura Frantz. She puts forth beautiful novels with exquisite prose that sings like poetry. This tale didn’t disappoint, and it is definitely among my top favorites of hers.

I love the characters! I really connect with Esmee. I love simple things, simple dress, nature, and it’s beauty. The hero is typical of this author-a wonderful one. I truly enjoyed the faith theme and how the characters use the scriptures to bring them direction and comfort. The main cast is surrounded by a terrific secondary set of characters that I loved.

The scene and all that it entails is fabulous. This story appeals to all ones senses, and the reader truly feels as if they have been to Colonial Virginia.

From the front cover to the last word, this book is beautiful, marvelously beautiful. The scenes and characters so real that the reader is not reading a story, the reader is IN the story, a part of the story. One wants to shed tears with them and cheer with them. The storyline is intriguing and engaging. The faith theme is heartfelt and incredibly well done. It has all the great elements for a marvelous novel. Do not miss this five star read!

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

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To Treasure an Heiress

By Roseanna M. White

MY REVIEW

This is a wonderful tale with terrific characters, an intriguing and fascinating plot, and some terrific witty banter and humor. The book has a very good faith theme as well that is intrinsic to the story.

The main male character is such fun…openly blunt when perhaps more tact would be appreciated by those around him. I couldn’t help but really like him, but then he does remind me of my very open, honest, and blunt husband. He brings a lot of humor and lightness to the read.

The character cast is really good all around … secondary characters are wonderful as well.

The treasure hunting is fascinating and fun…and the mystery surrounding it definitely keeps the reader very much engaged. The main female character always seems to get herself into some kind of trouble. She loves a good mystery, and fear doesn’t stop her from following her inquisitive mind.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable read that I highly recommend!

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

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Proposing Mischief

Regina Jennings

MY REVIEW

This book was really good. The story right off the bat intrigued me. It started with such great scenes I stayed with the book longer than usual. I never wanted to put the book down.


The history of the caves and the way the people made them was a great thing for me to read. I had never learned about the caves, even some of the names used were real people. The author did a great job writing the scenes of the spectacularity of the caves. It made me feel as if I was right there.


The romance started just right for me. I love stories of marriage of convenience. Then they begin to fall in love. It was such a sweet love story. My favorite parts of the bonding was Maisies and Boones wrestling.


It did have a good faith theme. It did not have as strong as I thought possible, but it still mentioned the wonder of Gods creation many times. The book was so wonderfully written that the emotions had many rides while reading. I laughed at the really funny parts , and I wanted to cry when Maisie was having a bad day. When they finally hugged each other was special.
It was a beautifully, tenderly written story! It gets 4.5 stars from me.

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

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As Dawn Breaks

By Kate Breslin

MY REVIEW

I so enjoyed this story as I have enjoyed every Kate Breslin novel. Her history is always amazing, and I love how much I learn when reading her novels. A WWI setting is not that common…then put it in Scotland, and the reader has a unique historical perspective of the ways and means they used to help win the war. 


The characters are wonderfully done, all of them. I enjoyed the main characters, but the secondary characters are so interwoven with the story. The reader feels the familial bonds, the grief of those bonds broken, and the struggling of those trying to hold on to those bonds of relationship during such unsettling times. The romance story is realistic, engaging, and slowly grows ( each looking for certain character traits in the other). It isn’t overdone either. The book strikes a very good balance.


It’s a wonderful storyline with suspense and intrigue. The characters are so realistic, and their struggles definitely relatable. The faith theme is an intrinsic part of the story as they pray to the One who controls it all even though it seems nothing is in control. The amount of history contained is wonderful, interesting, and definitely makes the reader feel as if much thought and research went into the novel. Thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommend.

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

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Lost in Darkness

By Michelle Griep

MY REVIEW

I have given very few five stars this year. I guess I am being stingy. My daughter told me that as much as I had discussed this book, its characters, and it’s depth that I should give it five…so I did. It has a fascinating plot and storyline, many interesting historical facts, intriguing characters, and such a wonderful faith theme!! These are what I love best in a well told story. This has a good and well written romance story as well, though that is not necessary for me to fall in love with a novel. 

I find it very interesting because this is really like no other book I have ever read. It was not at all predictable either which is SO nice. So many of the Inspirational fiction I have read lately has been shallow. Griep keeps to her style in writing a story that has depth and intrigue.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical details given after the novel as well. I finished this book within 24 hours, and I have an extra copy of this one. I can highly recommend this read so I am looking forward to passing on to a friend.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as well as purchased a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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