reviewsbyerin

When Eva Inman finds an ancient silver ring on her property, she realizes a great many of her troubles might be over. Her financial worries might be eased if there are Roman ruins ripe for excavation right in her own backyard. Things haven't been easy since her father's death. Their estate needs repairs, the taxes must be paid, and her blind sister wishes to go to school. Eva ventures to Cambridge to speak to the history department -- and comes face to face with the last man she expected to see.

Bram Webb is on the hunt for a discovery. His eccentric uncle, who is also a Cambridge professor, has his job on the line unless he can prove the existence of a settlement of Roman Christians in Britain. When his childhood friend shows up at his door with the perfect opportunity, Bram is quick to accept.

The story unfolds with twists and turns, secrets and adventures. I missed the slight but delicious spookiness that I've come to expect from Michelle Griep's books, but also loved the more UK-centric elements, like a full-blown Guy Fawkes Night party with various competitions and celebrations.

I would recommend this book to all fans of historical romance.

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

Current Mood: good

If you're a fan of Beauty and the Beast, you will love this sweet retelling from fan favorite author Karen Witemeyer.

Everett Griffin went from an elite member of New York society to a scarred recluse in Texas after one horrible moment changed everything. Reading is one of his only solaces, and he hires a book binder to come take care of his massive library. He's horrified when the book binder's daughter arrives with every intention of carrying out the job for her injured father.

Callista Rosenfeld is determined to keep her father's book bindery running even if he is out of commission for a while, and even if it means taking on the huge job of restoring Mr. Griffin's library while tucked away at a manor house in the middle of nowhere. The staff is friendly even if Mr. Griffin is not, though his appearance doesn't bother her nearly as much as it seems to bother him.

As Callista wins Everett's trust, he begins to see what a gift she is, able to look past what so many others are not. A friendship blossoms, sped along by a local visitor full of himself who doesn't take it well when Callista rebuffs his advances.

I personally am not a huge Beauty and the Beast fan, but I fell in love with this charming retelling. The birthday party is absolutely magical! And when one of the characters mentions using antlers in all of his decorating, I was so amused I literally choked on the snack I was eating. So funny! Great attention was given to including little details from the classic tale while still making this story its own. Highly recommended for all fans of Disney and historical romance.

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

Current Mood: happy

This new release from award-winning middle grade author Anna Rose Johnson tells a sweet story with a vintage feel as 13-year-old Rosemary must leave her home in London to escape the Blitz. She moves with her family to northern Wisconsin, reunited with a grandmother she's never met due to family issues. Rosemary has long dreamed of finding Paradise, a place where both family and flowers blossom. Could Wisconsin be the land she's longed for?

Rosemary gets to know her grandmother through gardening and other adventures, and she soon discovers there's a whole heritage that has been hidden from her. Her grandmother is a Native American of the Ojibwe tribe. A whole new world opens up as Rosemary explores the culture of her ancestors.

I loved how Rosemary felt she must be the peacemaker for her family during this stressful time. As a fellow big sister, that rang very true to me. Rosemary gives her all to bring people together and work for a happy future even though she's young and other people's choices can be difficult for a child to understand.

I appreciated how the story twists and turns, with friendship and discovery and hearts mending. I'd recommend this for young and old readers alike, alongside the author's previous books The Star That Always Stays and The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry.

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

Current Mood: good

Proclaimer

"The only way to save us is to betray the king I vowed to protect."

In a story that picks up immediately where Protector leaves off, this dystopian retelling of the book of Esther continues the tale of Novalise, or Astra, the bodyguard of the king and secret follower of Alpha. Is there any way she can convince the king that the followers of Alpha are not a danger to the kingdom? Can she save her people?

Be immersed in palace intrigue as Astra seeks to gain the king's favor for her people while also balancing the romance that has been building between them. King Zadien isn't evil but he has not always listened to the best advisors. How will he react when he finds out she's an Alphanite?

From the action-packed beginning to he explosive end, Proclaimer will have you racing through the pages with unexpected twists and turns to find out how the author wraps up this unique take on a much-loved true story.

Esther was my favorite book of the Bible when I was a little girl, and it was interesting to see it brought to life in a dystopian world. I struggled a bit with the attitude of some of the characters, but each of them undergo a transformation through the course of the story. I do think readers who enjoy dystopian young adult fiction will appreciate this one, and of course I loved tracking all the notable Esther moments as they played out in a totally new way.

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

Purchase Links

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About the Author

After a year of traveling the country in a 100-square-foot camper with her husband, daughter, and dog, Megan Schaulis was bursting with wonder and inspiration—and she poured it all into her writing.

Megan has a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University and is a member of the ACFW. As a special education teacher, she helped young people fall in love with reading and writing. Today, when she’s not spinning stories, Megan uses words in playful and creative ways at her branding agency. Her debut series, The Susa Chronicles, a YA dystopian reimagining of Esther, released with WhiteCrown Publishing in 2024.

Megan lives in Abilene, Texas, where you’ll find her staying up way too late reading or hiking with her family.

Author Links

Instagram | Facebook | Newsletter | Website

Current Mood: good

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House

Penniless clockmaker Sydney Forrester finds the world against her, for although she is brilliant she is young and female, and therefore customers aren't likely to trust her. She longs for connection with the parents she does not know and cannot remember, and when a mysterious woman informs her that she has inherited a remote manor house from an uncle she's never met, Sydney takes a leap and sets off to claim her new home.

It turns out, however, that she is not the only heir. The will is in dispute. Blakely House is also not at all what Sydney expected, full of gadgets and half-finished inventions that give her a glimpse into her uncle's mind. There is also a full company of mismatched pirate servants who seem to have it out for her. With the odds against her, Sydney must prove who she is and that she is the rightful heir through many ups and downs and adventures.

As with every Joanna Davidson Politano book, there are beautiful themes woven throughout the story. Threads about identity, being chosen, and reckoning that "When you run away from your problems, you take yourself with you" (page 134). The themes were my favorite part of this book.

I liked Sydney as a character, and though I found the plot a little hard to follow, I appreciated her journey. It was a great reminder of how God knows what we need and who we need in our lives and is able to provide even in uncanny ways.

I would recommend this book for readers who like historicals with hints of mystery and suspense.

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

Current Mood: busy

Travel writer Katie Campbell is off on another adventure -- or misadventure, if things go as they often do for her. Katie has been tasked to cover a brand new Edwardian experience, where guests can step into life in a manor house as it might have been in the early 1900s. But if trouble can find Katie, it will. Whether that's a stairway railing not quite secure, a territorial Highland cow, or her former flame now turned bitter enemy, Katie faces a new challenge at every turn.

Katie loves her job and it provides relief from a difficult family situation, but her heart longs for home. Among the green hills and humble Scottish folks, not to mention one #HotScot, Katie begins to yearn for what she sees there in the Highlands. I loved the author's use of the words "linger" and "tarry," as Katie mulls over whether love and commitment could frame her new vision of the future.

The novel started off very slowly for me, despite the funny moments, but as we got into the layers of Katie's character I could relate to her more, and as I already mentioned, I really appreciated the themes of this novel.

I listened to the book on audio and very much enjoyed the narrators.

I would recommend this book for those who enjoy humorous adventures, immersive settings, and slow-burn romance.

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

Current Mood: good

Kate Landry's life is full. She's raising her niece and running a successful business. Her 20-year-plan is working.

Until an amazing new business expansion opportunity comes up, her niece is suddenly singularly focused on getting a dog, and a childhood friend with the potential to be more returns to her life. On top of all this, a wild parrot has suddenly taken to wreaking havoc all over her courtyard, adding daily frustration on top of her more pressing matters.

Kate Landry Has a Plan is a story about seeking God, forgiving others, and keeping priorities straight. Kate's past hurts greatly affect her present, clouding her decision-making skills. Through the course of the novel, she is gently reminded by the people in her life about which risks are worth pursuing and which should be regarded with more caution.

I liked Kate as a parent to her niece, and I loved the hero Micah Guidry. The New Orleans culture shines through this novel and you'll feel like you're strolling through the streets of the Big Easy and tasting their distinctive cuisine. The animal characters also add a lot to the story.

I would recommend this novel to fans of humorous novels with deep themes.

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

Current Mood: hungry

Cilla van der Zee is desperate. The Nazis now occupy her home country of the Netherlands and she has to escape. But how? Cilla hatches a plan: Approach the Nazis, convince them she can spy for them, and then defect as soon as her feet hit English soil.

But that plan fails immediately when instead of defecting she is arrested before she can even leave her lifeboat.

In the face of execution, a new plan arises: Agree to become a double agent.

Cilla is forced to a remote posting where she provides strategic information to the Nazis but all of the Nazi information to her British handlers, including the man who captured her. The one man who can't stand her. The one man she can't stop thinking about.

This novel explores the concept of freedom. Is Cilla really free within the cage of what she is allowed to do? Is Lt. Mackenzie free within his strict orders and the need to do everything correctly? Is his brother free when he protests Scottish involvement in Britain's war? Where do faith and forgiveness and love come in?

As always, a wonderful WWII novel from Sarah Sundin. I personally had a hard time wrapping my head around the spy angle because that's not how I think, but I enjoyed the characters and their wonderful arcs. I'd recommend this book for any fans of historical romance.

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

Current Mood: hungry

Evangeline Kelly believes love has passed her by. Surely no man would ever find her attractive since alopecia has claimed all of her hair. But that doesn't mean she can't be a part in other people's love stories. As a librarian, she knows what people are interested in. What if she used checkout histories to play matchmaker for her patrons? Aren't mutual interests a great place for love to bloom?

But perhaps love is not as over Evangeline as she believes it to be. She keeps crossing paths with tattoo artist Tai Davis, and there's something about him that she can't quite define. He lives free while she lives held back, terrified to face more rejection and humiliation over her autoimmune disorder. Could she trust him to see her heart and indeed all of her?

I enjoyed this story. I thought it took a little while to get off the ground, but I loved the themes in the novel and also that the book didn't follow a traditional formula. There are many unique things about it! Conservative readers who are not comfortable with tattoos might not enjoy the story, given the protagonist's profession. The spiritual arc is very well done.

"We prayed... that you'd stop running away from love long enough to see that love will never stop pursuing you." (Chapter 37)

If you like contemporary stories with a different beat that will make you laugh out loud and touch your heart, you'd definitely enjoy this book.

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

Current Mood: happy

The streets of Berlin come to life in this newest novel from Elizabeth Camden. As Germany perches on the edge of war, Inga Klein takes a position with the American Embassy in the German capital. As secretary for the ambassador, she has a front row seat of the diplomatic relationships between Kaiser Wilhelm II and the other nations trying to keep peace.

Inga has always been light and carefree, and her cheerful ways draw the ire of one Benedict Kincaid. Benedict is all business all the time. Even Inga's unflagging spirit begins to dim as war draws closer, and as a German citizen her future is uncertain. Could Benedict possibly be the key to securing her safety?

This book reminded me very much of Sarah Sundin's writing, which is a huge compliment. I liked the opposites attract storyline, though this story takes slow burn to the extreme. As you might expect, politics and talk of the war are heavy topics in this novel, which some readers may enjoy more than others. You can tell the book is very well-researched and is sure to delight true historical fans.

Overall, I would recommend this to any fans of Elizabeth Camden, Sarah Sundin, or historical novels based on real life events.

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

Current Mood: good

If you've enjoyed Becky Wade's Sons of Scandal series, you are not going to want to miss this entertaining and endearing conclusion.

Max Cirillo longs for closure. His friendship and business partnership with Sloane Madison ended badly, and now he has the chance to come face to face with her again. Not only that, he has the chance to put her at his mercy. He's not going to be too diabolical, of course. Just enough to make sure he has answers.

Sloane believed she was in for a wonderful, golden summer with her teenage niece Ivy. That was before she learns her nemesis Max is the landlord of the apartment they've rented and Ivy declares she wants to find her birth father. Sloane is able to rely on her faith and good etiquette to pull her through and navigate the twisting path of these various relationships.

I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of either Max or Sloane, but I loved this story. The side characters and plot really bring it to life. I feel compelled to point out that this is the third straight series where Becky Wade tackles the "looking for biological family" trope, but she does each one so well that I don't mind at all. The side plot about the missing tiara seems strangely out of place at first, but was incredibly moving in the end.

My very favorite part of the story was how Sloane purposefully lived out a rephrasing of the Golden Rule: "Give to other people what you need." In each situation, she evaluates what she needs, whether that be attention, respect, care, or so on. She then gives that to the other party. I found this to be an intriguing rephrasing that I've instinctively lived out in many areas of my own life. I want to continue to ponder this and see how it brings light to the words of Jesus.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and the narrators do a wonderful job bringing the story to life.

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

Current Mood: good

Juliet Catesby is the strong, compassionate oldest daughter on an indigo plantation. She despises the necessity of slave use and secretly works to free as many of them as she can. Her keen mind comes in handy when she must occasionally stand in for her father in his business dealings due to his ill health.

When a visiting tobacco lord from Scotland comes to the area, Juliet sets about making a match with Leith Buchanan and her younger sister. Much to her surprise and chagrin, she discovers her father has already taken matters into his own hands, and if she will agree to marry Mr. Buchanan herself, their family's debts will be wiped away.

Faced with a choice, Juliet weighs options. She hates what the tobacco lord stands for, but the alternative is to leave her father in immense debt. She loves their colonial Virginia home and would not choose to go to Scotland with him. But events unravel that soon force her hand.

I love Laura Frantz's work, but I never felt connected to either Leith or Juliet or their marriage of convenience. Both are proud and withdrawn for various reasons, which made it hard for me to get to know them. The last third of the book is also completely different from the opening sections, diving into the Scottish legal system. You can tell the author combed through mountains and mountains of research material to make this as authentic as possible.

I appreciated the themes of the novel and I believe other readers will enjoy the characters of Leith and Juliet. I enjoyed the minor characters in this novel and all they brought to the scenes as well.

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

Current Mood: busy

Right Before Their Eyes is a story of intersecting lives. Clare Martin cares for her grandmother with dementia and is also a social worker, looking out for various children and teens. One of her teens, Lucia, has become dear to Clare's heart. As Lucia struggles, Clare wants to help her, but Grandma Dottie's care requires so much of her time, and she's also trying to balance everything with the relationship with her boyfriend Aiden, who is growing more distant by the day.

Mason Hughes has a decision to make. He is determined to follow his dream and go to medical school, but should he take the free pilot program in New York, or stay in Minneapolis close to the people he loves?

Clare's determination to be there for both Lucia and Grandma Dottie is tested when Lucia begins making poor choices, and her backup plans for help with Grandma Dottie keep falling through. How can Clare juggle everything to be there for everyone who needs her?

I enjoyed this story and I wanted good things to come for the characters. Your heart will break for Lucia as she believes she will never know love. You'll smile over Grandma Dottie but also ache that her memory is failing her. You'll wonder with Clare how she can do it all, and root for Mason to make the choice you know is the right one for him. Through all the twists and turns of the story, faith shines through. Readers will be reminded that Jesus is the hope and love all of us need.

I'd recommend this book for all fans of contemporary fiction with strong faith themes.

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

Current Mood: good

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June 2025

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Page Summary

"Of Silver and Secrets" by Michelle Griep
"To Love a Beast" by Karen Witemeyer
"The Blossoming Summer" by Anna Rose Johnson
"Proclaimer" by Megan Schaulis
"The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House" by Joanna Davidson Politano
"Some Like It Scot" by Pepper Basham
"Kate Landry Has a Plan" by Rebekah Millet
"Midnight on the Scottish Shore" by Sarah Sundin
"An Overdue Match" by Sarah Monzon
"When Stars Light the Sky" by Elizabeth Camden
"Uneasy Street" by Becky Wade
"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz
"Right Before Their Eyes" by Carrie Walker

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Entries tagged with 2025 book reviews

"Of Silver and Secrets" by Michelle Griep

"To Love a Beast" by Karen Witemeyer

"The Blossoming Summer" by Anna Rose Johnson

"Proclaimer" by Megan Schaulis

"The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House" by Joanna Davidson Politano

"Some Like It Scot" by Pepper Basham

"Kate Landry Has a Plan" by Rebekah Millet

"Midnight on the Scottish Shore" by Sarah Sundin

"An Overdue Match" by Sarah Monzon

"When Stars Light the Sky" by Elizabeth Camden

"Uneasy Street" by Becky Wade

"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz

"Right Before Their Eyes" by Carrie Walker