Category: Book Review

The Paris Betrayal

By James R. Hannibal

MY REVIEW

The fantastic plot, wonderful characters, and well – paced story make for a read that is hard to put down! 

I enjoyed the banter between characters and the characters themselves. This author always has fascinating characters in his stories. This book is no different. It doesn’t lay them out quite the same as previous stories, but the plot doesn’t make that possible. It’s pretty much about one guy.

My daughter and I are currently studying Job so it was easy to see the allegorical details in relation to the book of Job.

The plot of the story is fascinating…never read a story quite like it. I had originally given it four stars, but the moral that is taught here kept coming to mind as did several of the predicaments in which Ben found himself . If a book is closed, yet it still remains with me, then I can’t help but rate it well. This book did that for me. Highly enjoyable, some surprises, and great dialogue makes this book a winner. Do not miss it…or the other books by this author!

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

Dark of Night

By Carrie Cotten

MY REVIEW

Fantastic thrilling read from start to finish. It is always hard for me to jump into a book that isn’t totally reality. Two authors make it a bit easier, and this author is definitely one of them. I stay hooked for two reasons.

First, I want to follow the characters. They are incredibly well done and have shortcomings like us all. They grow through the circumstances in the book just as they do in our own lives. It isn’t all sunshine and roses, but God is there with us through those trials.

Second, I love the faith theme in this novel it is absolutely fantastic. Dealing with anger and learning to trust and obey God are things in which every Christian can improve. One can feel these emotions as the writer portrays them so well! A big bonus in putting in scripture. All of this is so well done and the faith theme is seamlessly woven in the story.

So now we fans eagerly wait the next book….and try to wait patiently…maybe this book should have dealt with that virtue!

PS. Just do yourself a favor and go to Amazon and get this book. This books imagery created a movie in my mind. It’s really powerful in so many ways.

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

Hope Between the Pages

By Pepper Basham

MY REVIEW

This is a beautifully written time slip novel. I really enjoyed this novel, and this particular time-slip novel holds a unique distinction in all that I’ve read. I can’t pick a favorite. I enjoyed the historical and the contemporary stories. In all the others that come to mind, I can easily tell you that the historical held the largest part of my heart. Both of these stories, however, are so fascinating in story and sweet In characters. How can I possibly pick a favorite?

I love the interaction in the historical story between the two main characters. The fact that they fall in love through books is fascinating. It is so well done! The backdrop is wonderful and the characters engaging.

In the present day story Max draws me. He has scars that he thinks will prevent anyone from seeing HIM. With his sweet character and thoughtfulness, he definitely underestimated himself. I’m in a wheelchair, and I thought the same. Then I met a man who saw me…and no friend of my hubby’s knows until they meet me that I’m handicapped. I’ll never forget my trip to get a wig before a brain surgery. The lady who runs the place looked at me ( while he was perusing the tables of hair) and said, “ He married you like THAT?” Yes…yes, he did. This is why I felt so pulled towards Max and his story. I understand the thought that what can be seen will override anything else. So many times in this world of beauties…that is true. The treasure is finding someone who values you…the real you.

This was such a well done, beautiful written story ( both of them)…so many characters that I loved…and the story itself is enough to keep the reader turning the pages. Add the wonderful fairy tales with the well written lovely characters, and you have a book that made my forever shelves…and is highly likely to be read more than once. This is at least my second favorite book by this author. Vying for Position is August and Jessica in The Thorn Keeper…a read that I still easily remember. Hope Between the Pages will be the same. Do not miss this beautiful story where the authors heart is between the pages as well.

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

Dreams Rekindled

By Amanda Cabot

MY REVIEW

Such a wonderful historical novel. I really enjoy Amanda Cabot’s historicals. This series has a great set of characters. I really like the main characters and the secondary characters in this story.

It’s a lovely historically complete with a mystery! I really like that added element to the story. The characters themselves kept me vested in the story, but the storyline itself is a strong one. I love the character growth that takes place in this novel. Several of the characters have growing to do, and I love how the author uses the circumstances to bring about the growth. 

I connected very well with Dorothy. I never intended to marry. I thought that was God’s will for my life for several reasons, but God brought someone into my life that made it evident I had been wrong. Sometimes we have ideas of what our life should be, but choosing the path God wants is always the best choice.

I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters, but this novel got a full four stars because of the lovely faith theme that permeated this book. It was a beautiful faith theme and a strong one. Don’t miss out on this series. I’m loving it! 

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

Unknown Threat

By Lynn H. Blackburn

MY REVIEW

This was a terrific suspense read! The storyline itself is an adrenaline rush. It never slows down and has action from start to finish. The scenes of suspense keep the reader on the edge of his seat for the entire journey of the novel. In most suspense reads the storyline is the main thing that keeps the reader engaged.

In this book, I really enjoyed the characters as well. They are created so well, and they each have their quirks that make them endearing to the reader. The romance is minimal and fairly well done.I prefer little romance in my suspense reads. The characters feel like real people and their development is terrific. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well.

The faith theme is evident in this novel and well done. This is always important in a Christian Fiction book in my opinion.

A wonderful suspense novel that is not at all realistic, but much suspense and well done characters.

This book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Yours, Till Heaven

Ray Rhodes Jr.

I fly through fiction, but I like to savor non fiction. I spent far more time on this book than most. What I loved most is how they chose to labor together for Christ…each giving everything of themselves.

I enjoyed seeing the quotes from one spouse to another all combined into one book. If you are a voracious reader of Spurgeon then some of this may not be new. However, having two sides of a love story told in their own words is precious. A combination of letters, books, and friends quotes combine to give a good example of what a Godly marriage should be. Neither Charles nor Susie were perfect, and they both try to name and overcome their weaknesses together. They both suffered through health issues, but they encouraged each other as they walked this journey with the Lord. Their time apart was difficult, yet it strengthened them both. I really enjoyed the realistic approach of this book.

I would really recommend this book as a wedding gift, anniversary gift, or a gift for someone who enjoys Spurgeon. 

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

Network of Deceit

Tom Threadgill

Another terrific suspense novel from Tom Threadgill. I really enjoyed the first in this series…the second was not a letdown. This is definitely an author I want to follow. Pretty much everything comes to a nice close with plenty of surprises for a mystery lover like myself.

The characters are interesting, and I really enjoyed them and their quirks. Many times in a suspense read it’s just the story that keeps the reader turning the pages. Not true with this author. Both the intriguing characters and the suspense kept me in the book. Lots of twists and turns keep coming in this one.

My only complaint is that I’d like to see a stronger faith theme. Other than that, this is a story with wonderful build, terrific storyline, interesting characters, and I really loved the last sentence! 

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

The Prince of Spies

Elizabeth Camden


Truly…WOW! I don’t think I can do this book justice in a review. The love story is a beautiful one…I love the time they spent together, the qualities they like in each other, and the growth of both of the main characters.

This book also contains fascinating history of Washington D.C. Everything from the historic building and construction to the historical ways of testing food preservatives on humans. I really enjoyed learning about that as well.

With an intriguing and beautiful love story, fascinating history, and well done characters this book was a read that stole my sleep. I read it within 24 hours though I wished I could slow down and savor..I could not. This book definitely makes its way to my forever shelves and a book I will enjoy reading again. This entire trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies of all time. 

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

A Dance in Donegal

Jennifer Deibel


“In Him, there was never a promise of no grief on this side of heaven, but there was always the promise of joy. And she would await that day with a hopeful heart.”

It’s a beautiful story and a beautiful setting.

I really enjoyed the characters and the setting, but the faith, hope, and Biblical verses spoken at just the right time combined to be my favorite part of the novel. It’s wonderful to watch characters grow and to see a younger woman taking advice and help from an older wiser one. Moira and Sean both grow spiritually throughout the book which is a wonderful part of the story.


This novel has some real life situations in it ( nothing is graphic, but it does contain adult elements), and it isn’t all predictable either which I like in a novel. This was an easy read for me, but an enjoyable one. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more books from this debut author.

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

Shadows of the White City

Jocelyn Green

MY REVIEW

Such a terrific story wound through all the exciting and educational exhibits that could be seen at the Chicago World’s Fair. It’s wonderful to revisit the characters in the first book of the series Veiled in Smoke.

There were several things that I really liked about this book. One being that the main character is older and single. That’s rather rare to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about a women that was close to my own age. It helps to relate to her much better. I also have an adopted daughter. She was adopted at four so we have had some difficulties faced that this book brings to light. Sylvie has a lot to learn about control, and through that the author brings a great faith theme that is so well woven into the story.

The book takes you on a trip to many fascinating exhibits at the Chicago fair. The history is fascinating, and I learned so much about all the amazing things one could see there. It must have been quite an experience!

It’s a wonderful mystery and a beautiful story of relationships, life, and faith. With the tale all interwoven with real historical characters and real exhibits in the Chicago World’s fair. Definitely recommend. This one will be going on my forever shelves. Another terrific read brought to readers by Jocelyn Green.

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