Tag: historical fiction

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Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery 

336 pages Publisher Revell Publication date September 7, 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

Present Day. Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home, determined to finally follow her dream of running the family business alongside her mother and grandmother. So when her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that Old Depot Grocery is closing, Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a plan to save the store. But Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons–but she’ll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she’s pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve her family’s reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-time story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth.

MY THOUGHTS

Such an incredibly powerful story.
This explores three generations of women, mother/daughter relationships and secrets. Secrets that do more harm than good, that can destroy.
Spanning sixty years we see how each generation of women have their own secrets and how the lines of communication are not open but need to be.
Nostalgia runs deep, wooden floors, the creaking of them the remembrance of things long past but seem as if it were just yesterday, knowing your children and grandchildren won’t be able to have the same experiences as you.
I’ve read a few other books by the author and just knew I would enjoy this one as well. It did not disappoint.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.

A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes

To get a free short story featuring characters from The Edge of Belonging visit: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fuj7mlfd83

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Beyond the Clouds (The Women of Midtown): Christian Historical Opposites Attract Romance Set in WWI New York City and Europe 

343 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date January 20, 2026

They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together–until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir–until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them–or the possibility of falling in love again?

MY THOUGHTS

From the first book I’ve read by the author through all the rest of her books I’ve noticed how impeccably researched they are. Every single one, every single time and I love it. I love when historical fiction is so well detailed and heavy handed on facts. I love facts but the books are not dry or slow. You learn from them but enjoy the characters and situations.
The author’s magical pen makes these stories come alive and I can completely picture what I was reading as though I were there in the time period experiencing it.
During the war things were terrible but it was not all bad. So many behind the scenes helped out in even a small way that we’ll never know about. It’s just between them, the person/people they helped and God.
Strong themes of selflessness, compassion and forgiveness. A second chance at love and realizing what you first thought you wanted may not be oh so important after all, but God has a plan for you, and it will be revealed in his time.
Excellent and highly recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

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Two reviews in the Noble Ranch series by Jody Hedlund: The Forever Cowboy and The Favored Cowboy

231 pages Publication date October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After running away from her wedding and hiding for months, Violet Berkley is back home in the high country of Colorado. Her father’s gambling debt has caught up to him, and he wants Violet and her sister to help him pay it off by working as dancing girls in a saloon. Rather than face such degradation, Violet seeks out the one man she hopes might be willing to help her.

Sterling Noble doesn’t want anything to do with Violet after being jilted at the altar by her. He doesn’t want to see her, be near her, or even speak to her. But when she shows up on his doorstep in desperate straits, he’s too kind—and maybe still too in love with her—to do anything but protect her.

Violet knows she doesn’t deserve another chance with Sterling, but she wants to prove she’s a new woman. But has she really changed, or are the insecurities still there? Sterling tries hard to resist his old feelings for Violet because his broken heart can’t take another beating. But as the danger closes in, he’s afraid he’ll lose her all over again.

MY THOUGHTS

What an exciting start to a new series, Noble Ranch.
Violet and Sterling had a previous relationship, but she ran away from the wedding and went into hiding. Sterling wanted nothing to do with her after that.
When he realizes she’s back again will he be able to live up to his resolve to stay away. Really enjoyed seeing the progression of Violet and Sterling’s relationship.
I also enjoyed reading about a working ranch and all the entailed and the descriptions of the vast wildness of Colorado sounds marvelous. Another wonderful book by the author that I loved.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

221 pages Publication date October 28, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt is doing his best to start over in the high country of Colorado. He’s gaining back his life, but he’s missing one thing—his mail-order bride, who should have arrived well before Christmas.

Fleeing from her husband’s murderer, Amelia Stone makes it to Breckenridge, Colorado, as a mail-order bride. When she’s thrust into a wedding with her groom by an excited crowd, she hopes that this time she will have a respected place in the community and a happy home to give to her unborn baby.

Thatcher is relieved his bride has finally arrived, but it doesn’t take long after the wedding for him to realize that many things about his new wife don’t add up. When he and Amelia finally figure out there’s been a bride mix-up, they’ve already started developing feelings for each other. But Thatcher’s real mail-order bride is still on the way. Can they find a way to stay together before it’s too late?

MY THOUGHTS

The second exciting book in the Noble Ranch series.
After having read the first book in the series I was excited to start on this one.
I really enjoy mail order bride stories, and this one was really lovely.
A mail order bride loses the letters from the man she is to marry and can’t remember who it is when she arrives in town.
It turns out there is another man in town who is also waiting for a mail order bride, but a mixed-up match up happens.
Full of what I’ve come to expect from the author an exciting story that absolutely captivated me. Full of compassion, empathy and a heartwarming story.
Looking forward to more in this Western Historical Romance series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

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Count the Nights by Stars 

432 pages Publisher Tyndale Fiction Publication date March 22, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

Count your nights by stars, not shadows. Count your life with smiles, not tears.
1961. After a longtime resident at Nashville’s historic Maxwell House Hotel suffers a debilitating stroke, Audrey Whitfield is tasked with cleaning out the reclusive woman’s room. There, she discovers an elaborate scrapbook filled with memorabilia from the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Love notes on the backs of unmailed postcards inside capture Audrey’s imagination with hints of a forbidden romance . . . and troubling revelations about the disappearance of young women at the exposition. Audrey enlists the help of a handsome hotel guest as she tracks down clues and information about the mysterious “Peaches” and her regrets over one fateful day, nearly sixty-five years earlier.

1897. Outspoken and forward-thinking Priscilla Nichols isn’t willing to settle for just any man. She’s still holding out hope for love when she meets Luca Moretti on the eve of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Charmed by the Italian immigrant’s boldness, Priscilla spends time exploring the wonderous sights of the expo with Luca―until a darkness overshadows the monthslong event. Haunted by a terrible truth, Priscilla and Luca are sent down separate paths as the night’s stars fade into dawn.

MY THOUGHTS

Count the Night by Stars has a depth to it that is rarely seen in historical fiction books.
A book taking place in two time periods each equally interesting.
I liked that the book had a different font for each time period to easily differentiate them.
Many historical details about the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville for which Maxwell House coffee is named, the Tennessee Centennial Exposition and human trafficking.
Very informative and engaging read. The author made the characters come to life and I’ll admit feeling a lump in my throat a time or two while reading.
A very touch and romantic story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels including ALL WE THOUGHT WE KNEW, a 2025 Christy Award Finalist; APPALACHIAN SONG, a 2024 Christy Award Finalist; COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS, winner of the 2023 Christianity Today Book Award in Fiction; and UNDER THE TULIP TREE, a Christy Award & Selah Award finalist. As a woman of mixed heritage–her father’s family is Hispanic and her mother’s roots go back to Germany–she has always celebrated diversity and feels it’s important to see the world through the eyes of one another. Learning from the past and changing the future is why she writes historical fiction. With both her sons grown and happily married, Michelle and her husband make their home in Tennessee. She loves to hear from readers, so please connect with her at: http://www.MichelleShocklee. com

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On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Western Historical Romance Novella Collection

304 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love? 

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

MY THOUGHTS

I have read many books by each of the authors, so I was excited to see a novella collection with all of these authors contributing to it.
These are Christian fiction authors who wrote clean, well thought out enjoyable Christmas stories with each having a connecting theme. I loved each story equally and am grateful I had a chance to read them.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Blog Tour for The Hidden Daughter by Soraya Lane

ABOUT THE BOOK

Norway, 1951: ‘I need you to know how much I love you, Amalie. I never wanted us to be parted, and I will do whatever it takes to come back to you and our baby. Please wait for me.’

London, Present day: Everything in Charlotte’s life is about to change. As she clutches a small box in her palm containing a diamond ring and a Norwegian crest, she knows she must return home to be reunited with her beloved great-grandmother Amalie and her Norwegian family.

Accepting her dream job as a head chef at Norway’s most prestigious hotel, Charlotte is welcomed by the hotel’s head designer, Harrison. For years, Charlotte sacrificed everything for her career. As she tours her new surroundings with Harrison, she soon starts to see a way of focussing on her heart too.

But when Charlotte takes the box to Amalie, everything Charlotte thought she knew about her family changes in an instant. As Amalie clutches the ring that she thought had vanished forever, she reveals a tragic love story and a precious secret that stayed buried for years.

When Charlotte discovers the huge sacrifice Amalie made to keep her family safe, will it give Charlotte the strength she needs to follow her heart? Or will she leave Norway forever?

An utterly heart-warming and gorgeous story about the importance of following your heart and never being afraid to find your new beginning. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.

MY THOUGHTS

The Lost Daughter series is one of my absolute favorite historical fiction series and I’ve read every one of them.
All are a time slip which takes place in more than one time period, and it makes the book very interesting as we see the characters and events that took place with them years ago and then again, we meet them in the present time.
The connecting focal point is Hope’s House for pregnant women.
Every time I read a book in the series I know it’s going to break my heart, and I keep thinking if only circumstances could have been different.
This one takes place in England and Oslo, and we meet Amalie at the end of her life and also get to read her heartbreaking tale of her younger days. Not all sad though we see her absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing love story of a strong powerful love that stood up to others who doubted it.
In our present time we have Amalie’s daughter and great-granddaughter and how their lives are affected after they find out family secrets.
A true page turner, stunning descriptions of the scenery. Magical I was caught up in the story and didn’t want it to end!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy Link

MEET THE AUTHOR

Soraya Lane graduated with a law degree before realising that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, including the #1 Kindle bestselling novels The Last Correspondent and The Secrets We Left Behind .

Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.

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When Stars Light the Sky: (A WWI Marriage of Convenience Clean Historical Romance Novel) (The Women of Midtown)

352 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date January 21, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.

Inga Klein’s carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America’s ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict’s determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga’s only hope of escape from the impending war.

MY THOUGHTS

One thing I love about the author’s books are the historical details given in each book, the more the better. I can so easily visualize what is happening in each of her books and it makes the stories come alive for me.
From all over New York to Germany there is a lot of adventure to be had for our main characters. Oh, so many adventures some delightful some taken warily as WWI is about to happen.
Twists and turns happening that had me even thinking about the book while not reading it.
The most unlikely couple you could think of, an opposites attract team really, hit it off though we wouldn’t think it so at first.
A high energy keep my attention book which I really loved!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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A Sea View Christmas: (A Holiday Regency Historical Novella with Sisters and Second Chance Romance)(On Devonshire Shores) 

240 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .

With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year’s Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland–and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall–blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year’s dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds.

MY THOUGHTS

What an absolutely lovely book A Sea View Christmas is. It is the last book in the On Devonshire Shores series. I’d recommend reading the series in order as each book builds off of the previous one.

I loved the whole series, the location and the characters. The sisters show so much growth and maturation, and I loved seeing these godly women have the support of their family in all they’ve done.

The books are full of laughter, compassion and a few tears along the way. We have a book devoted to each of the sisters.
Family bonds are strengthened, and we see a second chance at love occurring.
This holiday regency explores the customs involving Christmas time and romance and is a true delight. Though I am sorry to see the series end I greatly look forward to the next book by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit http://www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.

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Legends of Gold (Golden State Treasure Book #2)

282 pages Publication date June 17, 2025 Publisher Bethany House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?

After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead’s life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben’s sudden interest in finding her.

When Ben’s motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map’s secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s been a few months since I’ve read the first book in the Golden State Treasure series, and this picks up right where the first left off.
There are a lot of characters and a lot going on, so much crammed into one book.
The first bit of the book is a recap of the first book and then the action picks up and goes nonstop til the end. There were a lot of surprises in this fast-paced book, but I loved it and the descriptions of the rural land, treasure hunting and family.
A clean Christian historical fiction that has me looking forward to the next exciting book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie’s daughters, and has man other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

Find Mary online at:

Her website: maryconnealy.com

Her blog for aspiring writers: Seekerville

Her blog for lovers of western romance: Petticoats & Pistols

Sign up for her newsletter at maryconnealy.com/newsletter

Mary is on Facebook at facebook.com/maryconnealy

And Twitter at twitter.com/maryconnealy

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you are having a wonderful day!

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STONES RIVER: A Civil War Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and an Otherworldly Love (THE SENTINEL HEART TRILOGY Book 1)

330 pages Publication date September 26, 2025

Description

When Jessie Gibbs meets Lemuel Sanders, she thinks she has finally found her ideal man—until she discovers that he is the ghost of a Civil War soldier. For 144 years, Lem has kept vigil at his unmarked battlefield grave, seeking someone to complete a personal mission so he can go to his final rest. As love grows between them, Jessie is torn. If she succeeds in fulfilling Lem’s wish, she’ll lose him when he passes into the afterlife. But if she fails and he remains in the world, she’ll never be free to find intimacy with a living man. A riveting story of passion and selfless devotion, Stones River shows the power of love to overcome all obstacles—even death itself. 

MY THOUGHTS

Stones River is written by a debut author and one to keep an eye on.
The writing has very much impressed me. This is a time slip novel but yet so much more. The author contributes a fresh take on the same old civil war story one that caught and kept my interest.


There have not been as many historical fiction books written in the past several years pertaining to the civil war as more are being written about WWII. Civil war history has always been a favorite topic of mine and this writing has been a welcome change.


A time slip we get a modern-day civil war reenactment as our start which includes a woman having a paranormal experience. I haven’t really read much as far as paranormal romance, but this one was really really good. We see many civil war stories from a woman’s point of view, but this one is from the man’s point of view during the civil war time period.

We see day to day activities of the civil war, and I love books that are full of details. It makes the reader feel as though you are really there experiencing it with the characters and you feel included.


Emotional, romantic, full of compassion and very interesting. I can’t wait to see what the author will put out next.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

M. F. JONES is a former editor for Viking Press book publishers, where she discovered Judith Guest’s bestseller Ordinary People in the slush pile and became its editor. She then moved to magazines and held senior editorial positions at Redbook, Family Circle, and Reader’s Digest. In addition to writing, she’s a devotee of reading, knitting (while listening to audiobooks), choral singing, and hiking with her rescue dog, Ruby. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, composer Douglas Hedwig. STONES RIVER is her first novel, and the first book in THE SENTINEL HEART TRILOGY.

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“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” Anne Frank