reviewsbyerin | Recent Entries

She's a travel nurse with a plan for her life. Work until she's 30, then marry a teacher and live a very stable happily ever after, making up for the broken home she was raised in.

He's a baseball player on the verge of breaking into the major leagues. When an injury lands Beau in the hospital, he instantly falls in love with his nurse Ivy, but Ivy knows a professional athlete (just like her father!) can never fit into her plan... but maybe she can set him up with her best friend Lucy.

Ivy has worked every Christmas for years, since her family stopped spending holidays together. This year she's supposed to spend the holiday with Lucy, but busy days and illness cause Ivy and Lucy to lose touch only to reconnect when Lucy announces her engagement, and Ivy can't believe things moved so quickly with her and Beau. Ivy agrees to change her plans to travel to Beau's hometown to celebrate Christmas with them...

...except the matchmaker has met her match. A series of misunderstandings, assumptions, and outright deceit land Ivy in a place where she's forced to either reevaluate her plans or stick to her guns. Are her plans God's plans? Or does He have something more amazing in store if only she can trust Him?

I really liked the setup of this book. All of Becca's books are based on massive misunderstandings, and this one might be the funniest yet. Like her other books, this one tends to stretch the mix-ups past suspension of disbelief so there's more eye-rolling than laughing, but I also appreciated the depth that was packed into this fun little Christmas novella. If you enjoy over-the-top stories with a side of faith, you might want to check this one out for next Christmas.

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This Advent devotional focuses on an aspect of the Christmas story that many overlook: the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was there in Bethlehem at the birth of the Christ child. He has been there from the beginning, and He remains in us today.

If you would like to learn more about how the Holy Spirit was at work during this pivotal time in history, or to have your eyes open to how He may be working in the here and now, this is a book you'll want to check out. Each devotional is a delightful bite-sized look at another aspect of the Christmas story that we may not have considered. There are also suggestions for welcoming the Holy Spirit into your current holiday traditions.

I enjoyed this book and could hear the author's voice throughout. Those who love Cynthia's warm tone and gentle humor will feel the embrace of her wisdom and the weight of her research in this volume. It's a small book but it packs a punch.

Recommended for readers of devotionals and lovers of Christmas.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Listen to my interview with Cynthia Ruchti:

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I've been so excited for Karen Witemeyer's new series ever since I heard of the concept. The Secret Society of Spinsters will bring the possibility of love to three Texas spinsters. As someone who didn't meet and marry my husband until I was in my 40s, this is a topic that is close to my heart and I love the representation of older singles.

Noreen O'Sullivan is an extremely passionate heroine. Her foremost calling is to temperance, because of how her life was shaped by her alcoholic father. Whether she is staging one-woman protests or passing out temperance literature, Noreen is widely known around town. Most are her friends. Some are her enemies.

Deputy James Paxton dreams of law, order, and promotion. With a desire to be unbiased and just in every situation, James is caught off guard when he becomes attracted to the woman who can sometimes be a nuisance.

When Noreen realizes James could be an ally and help her achieve her goals in a law-abiding way, their friendship forms quickly. Their perspectives are often different and come with plenty of conflict, and when tempers flare and danger to the town comes about because of the temperance movement, their connection is threatened.

I still love the idea of this series and can't wait to read the next ones. Noreen wasn't my favorite heroine because she is so incredibly feisty, and I couldn't relate to her personality in that way. However, I loved the different ways Noreen and James are perfect for each other. Their personalities played off each other so well, in both their strengths and their weaknesses. There's a lot to enjoy in this story, including some truly unpredictable twists and turns.

I would recommend this book to all fans of Karen Witemeyer and western historical romance.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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It's America's 250th birthday this year, and Laura Frantz has issued an invitation to readers everywhere to get a close view of the labor pains of this nation. Maebel Bohannon and her sister Coralie are providing aid for the Patriot army, though Coralie's intended is fighting in the Loyalist army. Tensions run high and decisions and motives are questioned.

Quartering at the Bohannon home is General Rhys Harlow, and Rhys and Mae are quickly drawn to each other. Rhys works closely with General George Washington in the fight for this fledgling nation. Attacks, retreats, and strategy are a vital part of their mission to become independent from Britain.

I liked Mae as a character. She shows tremendous growth over the novel and always believes the best in others. She's hardy and resilient. Rhys is also strong, both as a leader and a love interest. Neither is perfect, and personal conflict does come between them, but in a very believable way as their strengths clash in one particular area.

This book is very deeply researched and contains many scenes directly related to battles and the war effort. Many real people and events are woven in to the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this novel for fans of historical romance, particularly if you have an interest in the American Revolution.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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Before the King tells the story of Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward. Joanna is mentioned in Luke 8:3 as being one of the women who followed Jesus. Heather Kaufman has woven a moving and intricate tale, starting from Joanna's childhood and stretching through the resurrection of Jesus.

Joanna and her sister Dahlia were active and playful children. But when Dahlia developed incurable seizures, the family's life is changed forever. In order to protect his place in the court, Joanna's father chooses to send Dahlia away to live with relatives and pin all his future hopes and dreams on making a successful marriage for Joanna.

Yet things do not always go as planned. Through the ups and downs, Joanna learns to lean on the Mighty God. When she meets Jesus of Nazareth, she knows her life will never be the same.

I loved this imagining of a New Testament woman right in the middle of the biggest moments in history. Joanna is brave but also deeply human, and her inner and outer journey are a pleasure to read. It's fun to see personalities put to familiar names of disciples and others of Jesus's followers, and Heather does a great job weaving in palace intrigue as well.

If you're a fan of Biblical fiction, I highly recommend Before the King.

Listen to my interview with Heather Kaufman:

Watch on YouTube

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Fans of Julie Klassen are going to delight in this new Gothic mystery. Anne Loveday is a surgeon-apothecary's daughter who has learned quite a bit assisting her father over the years. In an attempt to escape her stepmother's matchmaking ways, Anne goes to visit friends in Painswick and soon finds herself taking a position as nurse for one of the village matriarchs.

But echoes of the past and whispers heard around corners soon prove that danger is afoot at Painwick Court. When someone makes an attempt on Lady Celia's life, is Anne in danger too?

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery! The characters are well-developed and easy to follow. The secrets are deep but not so much that they stretch suspension of disbelief. You'll keep turning pages until you reach the final exciting conclusion.

I received my copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Listen to my interview with Julie Klassen:

Watch on YouTube

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A few months ago I had the chance to interview this author and her stories sounded so fun that I had to check one out! All Men Are Liars takes place in 1973, when a young woman named Dana is fully involved in the Jesus movement and attends a conservative Christian college. To her surprise, things are not on fire for God on campus. Where are the prayer meetings? Where are the ones truly seeking to know Jesus?

Dana is also an actress, and she takes the acting department by storm with her passion and life. She also attracts more than a few guys interested in dating her, which becomes a bit of a sticky situation as emotions become involved.

Through it all, Dana builds friendships, challenges the status quo, has adventures, and seeks to grow closer to God.

I did not live in the 70s myself, but thoroughly loved the groovy language and descriptions of those days. I had two minor complaints about this novel. Though Dana herself does not swear on the page, one of the other characters does, and that bothered me. Additionally, multiple times Dana tongue-in-cheek references feeling "a disturbance in the Force," which as a Star Wars fan I truly appreciated, but as far as I know, that phrase wasn't popular until after the release of A New Hope in 1977. Aside from those things, I loved Dana's full-hearted pursuit of knowing God, and I hope I have the chance to read the sequel soon!

Listen to my interview with Marline Williams:

Watch on YouTube

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Haley Holt's librarian job just went up a notch, as she's now in charge of the brand new library bookmobile. The position is new, not the vehicle. The vehicle is in fact old and about ready to break down, which it proceeds to do on her very first visit to the remote town of Turkey Grove. Good thing there's a mechanic who can go about fixing the four-wheeled beast, and he just might stake a claim on her heart while he's at it.

Levi Redding mostly wants to be left alone. As the middle child sandwiched between four sisters, he's had enough chatter in his life, especially with his sensory processing disorder. Certain sounds, smells, textures, and other things bother him way more than most people. When Haley blows into her life, with her bubbly personality and friendly ways, he should be put off by her. But she's refreshing in an unexpected way, and very soon they find themselves drawn to one another.

I really enjoyed this book. It held so many things that I personally love in a story, and it also reminded me of my love story with my husband, as he is my own hero with a physical disability and we had to have a level of commitment very early in our relationship that probably did look like insta-love and forced proximity to onlookers. Of course, we were in our 40s and knew what we were looking for in a partner and had lots of family around us, so it wasn't quite the same, but there were aspects that were similar.

I liked this book because it was light and fun but also had really great truths woven through that challenged both Levi and Haley in their approach to life. I liked the resolution of Haley's main hold-up and found it incredibly endearing. And let's not forget the kittens! Talk about insta-love.

Not everyone will love these tropes and I would definitely say the romance reached Jody Hedlund levels, so I can see why not all readers would love this book as I did. But it lightened my heart and made me laugh. I hope you'll check it out!

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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Welcome to a brand new series for fans of Jane Austen! In Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, Australian-born Liv is on an unexpected break from her teaching career when she is elected by the family to go help her elderly grandmother in a small English village. The village is also the home of Hartbury Hall, which was once used as Pemberley in a fictional film version of Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice.

Liv's grandmother used to be a tour guide at Hartbury Hall, and though the property remains a tourist attraction (especially its beautiful garden!), the property is mostly closed to the public due to the new owner having trouble keeping up with it all. Events soon unfold so that Liv is working at Hartbury herself, and butting heads with the contrary head gardener.

This book is full of beautiful descriptions and strong personalities. I had a hard time relating to either Liv or Liam, but I could see how they were right for each other. The idea of working at a property that was once Pemberley was a huge attraction for me as an Austen fan. I also think a series that plays off these Australian sisters and their Austen-obsessed mom sounds like a lot of fun.

If you enjoy sweet stories and love Jane Austen, consider checking out Not Exactly Mr. Darcy.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Current Mood: good

My husband and I continued to listen to the If I Run series, wrapping up with If I'm Found and If I Live. Casey Cox continues to evade police, having been falsely accused of the murder of her best friend. While on the run, she can't help but try to assist those around her. And while she's running, the authorities aren't the only ones pursuing her. God is calling her, patiently seeking someone who is being drawn to Him more and more.

In If I'm Found, Casey finds a suicide note tucked into a hotel Bible, but when she looks up the man who wrote it, she finds he is still alive. She returns the Bible and befriends the family, trying to help through the difficulties they are facing. Danger ramps us as Detective Keegan closes in, and meanwhile Casey has more contact with Dylan Roberts, the private investigator also on her case. Dylan is convinced Casey didn't kill Brent, but can he get her to trust him?

In the exciting conclusion If I Live, you'll stay glued to the page as Casey and Keegan come face to face one more time. If she even survives, is there any way her name can be cleared?

We both enjoyed this audio series, though we wish there had been a better narrator. I was honestly rather disturbed by the subplot in the second book, even within this genre. I've read other reviewers complaining that nothing happens in Book 2 to advance the over-arcing plot, but since I knew this was a trilogy with cliffhanger endings, I personally didn't find that detracting. The strong faith theme also didn't bother me, though readers might want to know whole scenes are devoted to Casey's decision about whether or not to surrender her life to the Lord and what that would mean for her legally and morally. An interesting conundrum!

Overall, if you enjoy Christian suspense, I would recommend this series.

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There are so many things I should have loved about this story. I love the author. I love baseball. I love being a romance writer and being friends with lots of other romance writers. I love the crazy cast of characters this author always includes in her stories.

First Love, Second Draft was a hard one for me. I didn't understand why Noah and Gracie had divorced in the first place until it was belatedly explained halfway through the book. At that point I began to have hope that we were going to have growth and healing within the relationship, but honestly, I can't tell you why the characters ended up with each other at the end. I was surprised. They were just... back together. Without anything really changing between them or any growth on the part of the characters at all.

Perhaps it was because I was listening on audio, but I could not keep Matt's storyline straight. I didn't see why he was a point of view character. As far as Gracie being a writer, she came across as unbelievable and unhinged.

As a baseball fan, I did like the parts about baseball. I also liked the firehouse boys, who were hilarious.

There were some good moments sprinkled throughout, but you kind of had to look for them.

Overall, if you love really crazy romcoms you might enjoy this one. I'm hoping for better things from Kinzer's 2026 release!

Current Mood: tired

Julie Klassen's On Devonshire Shores series concludes with this poignant holiday novella. If you've come to love Claire, Sarah, Emily, Viola, and Georgiana, you'll definitely want to spend Christmas with them at Sea View.

Readers have long anticipated Sarah's romance, and when she travels to Scotland as a companion on her sister's wedding journey, we are sure she is to reconnect with Mr. Henshall at last. When things don't go as planned, Sarah begins to wonder if her life will always be spent in service to her family. Meanwhile, she is determined to give youngest sister Georgiana the most joyous Christmas possible, giving everything they have to the magic of the season.

Georgiana continues to assist the youngsters at a nearby school, building friendships and taking notice of those less fortunate. When one young girl loses her only living relative, Georgiana wishes to be instrumental in helping her find a new family.

Meanwhile, her mother's health and unexpected visitors have Sarah in a flutter over Christmas. Will it be everything she hopes? What of her own hopes -- will those find a way of coming true?

In a book full of charm, readers are sure to be delighted and satisfied as this series comes to an end. I enjoyed learning more about English and Scottish holiday traditions. Klassen brings them to life in a sweet and touching way, showing their meaning to the characters in ways readers will understand, whether or not they are familiar with them beforehand.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

Current Mood: good

When Casey Cox's best friend is found murdered, she's the chief suspect. On the run, she must rely on every instinct to stay off the grid and also figure out who could have murdered Brent and why they are framing her.

Dylan Roberts is a young veteran with PTSD. With a background in investigation, he's hired to help the police find this elusive Casey Cox, but he soon realizes there is a lot more going on both with this situation and Casey's background. Things are not as they seem.

As Casey travels from state to state, she is drawn to help those she comes across, even at the risk of exposing her true identity. Based off the classic TV series The Fugitive, Casey's bent toward doing right and helping others may end up being her downfall.

Suspense is not my normal reading genre, but this series has come so highly recommended that I wanted to check it out. It was really good and I enjoyed it. My one small complaint was that there were often major coincidences that led the characters to make the choices they did, which stretched suspension of disbelief. Overall, however, it's a gripping and exciting story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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If you've enjoyed meeting the Summers sisters in Julie Klassen's On Devonshire Shores series, you won't want to miss this third book as disgraced sister Claire comes home to Sidmouth.

Claire Summers had an error in judgment years ago, and has lived outcast in Scotland taking care of an elderly aunt. When Aunt Mercer dies, Claire is forced to choose the next steps in her journey, and she chooses to return to those she loves most, even though her welcome is uncertain. She takes a position helping run an inn close to her family's home and soon finds herself involved in the business and community -- and face to face with her mother and sisters again.

Sarah, Emily, Viola, and Georgiana are thrilled to see their eldest sister again, though Mrs. Summers is less certain after her husband's dying admonition about Claire's indiscretion.

I was glad to revisit this family and get Claire's story at last, though I didn't enjoy it as much as the other books in the series. Claire's story ended up being underwhelming, and the romance had no chemistry. I really wished this story had been about Sarah instead. However, Sarah's story is coming up next in the novella A Sea View Christmas, and I am looking forward to reading it. I hope that will be the happy conclusion this reader is looking for.

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Echoes of a Silent Song JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

I'm a huge fan of Amanda Wen's storytelling abilities, and Echoes of a Silent Song not only held up to but exceeded my expectations.

In our contemporary storyline, high school choir accompanist Blair faces a new school year with another new director. Her school hasn't been able to keep a director for more than one year for a long time, making it hard for the students to gain ground or trust those who work with them. This year looks to be the same, as disgruntled composer Callum Knight sees Peterson High as just a rung in his ladder before returning to the life he wants working with professionals in Boston.

On the first day of school, as Blair and Callum are picking out music for their concerts, they come across a faded piece of handwritten score that is so hauntingly beautiful that they must find out more about its composer. Iris Wallingford was a student set to graduate in the spring of 1970 before dying by suicide... or did she?

The historical first person storyline follows Iris through the fall of 1969 and into the fateful events of early 1970. Iris is quiet but in love with music -- and with Victor Nelson. She would do anything for Vic, and believes he feels the same way about her. But events soon unfold that leave Iris grappling with the choices they've made, for better or worse.

I loved this book for many reasons. For one, I know Amanda herself is a high school choir accompanist, so it was a joy knowing Blair's day job reflected hers (though without the mystery solving!). For another, the characters and their emotions come across real and strong, and they deal with things I know are relatable to readers because they were relatable to me. I loved the sparks of romance, the wounds that are able to be healed, and how faith is woven throughout in a natural way.

If you are a fan of dual timeline stories, I highly, highly recommend Amanda's books. The stories will touch your heart and echo across your soul. Make sure to check out Echoes of a Silent Song today!

I received my copy of the book from the author and JustReads Publicity. All thoughts in this review are my own.

About the Book

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song

Series: Melodies and Memories #1

Author: Amanda Wen

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Genre: Split-time Romance

A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology.

Also Available:

About the Author

Amanda Wen

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Connect with Amanda by visiting amandawen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Echoes of a Silent Song and a $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 October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2025. Winner 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

This book is coming up soon on my TBR! It's a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in the Appalachian mountains. Doesn't that sound amazing? Watch for my review in the next few weeks!

Meanwhile, here's an except:

Lizbeth Bennet clutched the handle of the wicker basket with hope. The same hope with which she’d gathered each and every wildflower within. Slipping inside the farmhouse, she traded the brightness of day for the dim light of Ma’s kitchen—the very heartbeat of Bennet Hollow.

“Did you spot the new train car, by chance?” Jayne asked from the table, her voice as soft and mountain grown as a wild birch grove. “They say it’s called the Pemberley.”

Lizbeth lowered the basket to the table and handed a sprig of lacy white yarrow to her older sister. “I didn’t wander far enough. Have you seen it yourself? This Pemberley?” Having just come in from the sunny garden, she brushed her hands clean and sat. “Clearly I’ve missed the gossip.”

“I saw it when I walked into town this mornin’.” Jayne examined the contents of the basket. Her golden hair was bound up in rag curlers, and a single band of gray twine wrapped her pale wrist, holding a tiny nugget of violet amethyst that Pa, a geologist, had unearthed in a mine. “It’s the prettiest sight, Lizzy. Brighter than a new penny perched there right on the track.”

Lizbeth rolled back the sleeves of her striped work dress and tried to imagine such a view. A breeze blew cool against her bare neck from the open window, causing her homespun collar to flutter. Her sisters had been on the lookout ever since some weeks back, when the owner of the New River Coal Company had announced his coming guests—a slew of coal barons and investors, all eager to bid on the property that was now for sale.

And the best part of all among the Bennet sisters . . . the dance that would mark their arrivals.