313 pages Publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publication date April 14, 2026
ABOUT THE BOOK
Brought together by chance, bound together by secrets.
A decade into the Great Depression, Millicent Green is a twenty-five-year-old “old maid” living with her marriage-obsessed mother and domineering older brother in the stiflingly small Jewish community of New Bern, North Carolina. Smart and prickly, she’s struggling to find her place in the world following the loss of her beloved younger brother, and with him, her dreams for the future.
One humid August day, Millie is sent to run an errand and discovers a young woman unconscious on the ground. This mystery woman, mute and without identification, will upend Millie’s life. Together, they set out on a quest that will lay bare some of the twentieth century’s most shameful episodes.
From a historic river town to the hinterlands of rural North Carolina, The Lost Girl of Craven County delves into the impossibility of burying secrets forever. It’s a story of love, loss, and—above all—the indelible, world-moving power of female friendship.
MY THOUGHTS
Very intriguing read that kept me reading. Taking place in New Bern, NC in 1939. There is Jewish representation in this historical fiction. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline really kept me intrigued. The story had surprising twists and turns and wasn’t how I expected it to be but even better. Now I’ll need to see what else the author has out.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
383 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date November 4, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.
In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport’s elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew’s intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.
In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily’s heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny.
MY THOUGHTS
The Timeless series is fascinating. Writing about crossing time takes a lot of research into the different time periods and this author really does her research. Though each can be read as a standalone there are characters mentioned in previous books so it would be beneficial to read past books first. Taking place in 1563 and 1883 are such different times you couldn’t have asked for something more unlike. I found the 1563 time period fascinating as I learned so much about it and royalty especially Queen Eliabeth I and her court. Richly detailed I was immersed in what I was reading and greatly look forward to the next book in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Gabrielle Meyer is the Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of over 45 books, including her popular Timeless Series. She lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with history and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places and events.
381 pages Publisher Berkley Publication date June 13, 2023
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Most Anticipated Book by Real Simple ∙ SheReads ∙ BookBub ∙ and more!
Inspired by a remarkable true story, a young teacher evacuates children to safety across perilous waters, in a moving and triumphant new novel from New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor.
1940, Kent: Alice King is not brave or daring—she’s happiest finding adventure through the safe pages of books. But times of war demand courage, and as the threat of German invasion looms, a plane crash near her home awakens a strength in Alice she’d long forgotten. Determined to do her part, she finds a role perfectly suited to her experience as a schoolteacher—to help evacuate Britain’s children overseas.
1940, London: Lily Nichols once dreamed of using her mathematical talents for more than tabulating the cost of groceries, but life, and love, charted her a different course. With two lively children and a loving husband, Lily’s humble home is her world, until war tears everything asunder. With her husband gone and bombs raining down, Lily is faced with an impossible choice: keep her son and daughter close, knowing she may not be able to protect them, or enroll them in a risky evacuation scheme, where safety awaits so very far away.
When a Nazi U-boat torpedoes the S. S. Carlisle carrying a ship of children to Canada, a single lifeboat is left adrift in the storm-tossed Atlantic. Alice and Lily, strangers to each other—one on land, the other at sea—will quickly become one another’s very best hope as their lives are fatefully entwined.
A vast expanse of ocean water reflecting sunlight under a sky filled with scattered clouds
MY THOUGHTS
The Last Lifeboat puts you right there, in the lifeboat with the lost at sea and needing rescued children. Based on true historical facts I had a hard time putting this one down. When the S. S. Carlisle carrying a ship of children to Canada is torpedoed by a Nazi U-boat tragedy strikes. As the threat of war looms British children are being evacuated overseas to Canada but disaster strikes this one. The very last lifeboat to evacuate the children becomes lost at sea in treacherous waters. This is the story of those children and how they survived those harrowing days, adrift in a lifeboat becoming weaker and delusional with very little food and water. Very few children from the original voyage survived. Such a tragic story but the heroes become apparent right away as they give their portions of food, water, warm clothing and boost the morale of the children. What a celebration when the survivors reached shore. Very sad history I was glad to see all who helped in whatever way they could.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Irish Times and internationally bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A debut author recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award, her work has since been shortlisted for the 2019 HWA Gold Crown Award, the 2020 RNA Awards, and the Irish Book Awards in 2017, 2020, 2023 and 2025. WHEN WE WERE YOUNG & BRAVE was a national bestseller in the USA and THE LAST LIFEBOAT was a Times of London historical novel of the month and a 2024 Audie winner for Best Fiction Narrator. Her co-written historical novels with Heather Webb have all been published to critical acclaim. Hazel’s latest novel, BEFORE DOROTHY, became a USA Today bestseller and is shortlisted for the 2025 Irish Book Awards. Her work has been translated into twenty languages and she is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family.
391 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date
April 7, 2026
ABOUT THE BOOK
The streets of New York are brimming with secrets, and discovering the truth means navigating danger, deception, and an unexpected romance.
Ivy Malone, a New-York Historical Society librarian, is dedicated to preserving Manhattan’s rich history, but when society grand dame Adeline King anonymously reveals her shocking life story, Ivy finds herself holding a highly coveted secret. Burdened with the responsibility of keeping Adeline’s identity hidden, the matter grows increasingly complicated when two men claim ties to the elderly woman–one of them accusing Adeline of involvement in a crime.
Another dilemma brews when Ivy’s Italian cousin, Gina, is detained at Ellis Island for lack of proper documentation. Hoping an immigration service can resolve the misunderstanding, Ivy employs their help but is instead thrust into a dangerous world. With time running out, she must unravel the tangle of secrets that bind Adeline’s past, Gina’s freedom, and her own safety. Who can she trust, and how far is she willing to go to protect those she loves?
This sweeping historical romance set against the backdrop of 1920s Manhattan, New York, and Ellis Island features family secrets, immigration, and a librarian’s quest for justice. Fans of Elizabeth Camden and Roseanna M. White will savor this story that’s perfect for book club discussions.
Readers immerse themselves in books within a warm, vintage library setting.
MY THOUGHTS
The Manhattan Confessions is the third and final book in the On Central Park series. Though I’ve never been to Manhattan there are a lot of historical buildings mentioned, some still standing and in use that sound like they would be fascinating to visit. I love how well researched the authors books are including this series. Really makes you feel like you’re going back in time. This one takes place in the Roaring Twenties. A very intriguing read this one talks about immigration and the strictness of being accepted at Ellis Island, many failed the health test or questionnaire. Along with immigration came gangs, human trafficking, the Prohibition era and immigrant smuggling. New York seems to have always been a booming area with lots going on. The book is full of secrets and when one is revealed it’s dangerous and life changing. This book really kept me glued to it and I can’t wait to see what’s released next by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.
Her books have finaled in the Christy Awards and Inspirational Readers Choice Awards, and have won gold from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.
Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, Toblerone chocolate bars, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.
Visit her at jocelyngreen.com, and receive a free gift when joining her e-newsletter mailing list at jocelyngreen.com/subscribe.
320 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date December 2, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
In her new homeland of Iowa, she must risk heartbreak and uncertainty for her dreams to flourish.
Maya Bredesen and her husband plan to journey from Norway to a new life at her cousin’s boardinghouse in America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to finish his seminary degree.
Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly married couple, Maya struggles to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind farmer next door, but just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?
This Christian fiction historical novel by Lauraine Snelling paints a heartwarming story of family and love on the Midwestern frontier for readers of frontier romance, Janette Oke, and Tracie Peterson.
MY THOUGHTS
At Morning’s Light is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series. I have been reading this author’s books for absolutely years, and I find it fascinating that so many of the series are based on characters living in or coming to America from Norway. In this second book in the series, we meet many of the same characters from the first book when they voyaged to America. Coming to America is just what Maya Bredesen and her husband need for a new start. A tragedy occurs before they can leave, a fishing trip accident and her husband is lost forever. The voyage to Iowa sees Maya accompanied by her brother and she will live in her sister’s boarding house. After arrival I love the willingness, the characters have to help each other. Imagine being in a country unfamiliar to you having to learn the language and customs of this country. In the area of Iowa they settle in there are plenty of other Norwegians to help them settle in. I enjoyed seeing the dialogue, types of foods and reading about the Norwegian customs they brought to America. There are trying times as our characters try to acclimate themselves to a new country. Just when Maya is sure things are getting better, she is dealt another blow. A close friend will help her through this. Out of the burning ashes a light shines through. Very realistic I enjoyed this very much.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
About the Author
Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California. Learn more at LauraineSnelling.com.
Kiersti Giron writes stories and collaborates on historical fiction series with bestselling author Lauraine Snelling. When she’s not writing, Kiersti loves drinking tea, adventuring with her family, and teaching writing and literature. Learn more at KierstiGiron.com.
363 pages Bookouture publisher Publication date March 31, 2026
ABOUT THE BOOK
Maggie O’Halloran gazes at the Statue of Liberty, her eyes wide with wonder. “At last,” she breathes softly. “This is where my future begins…”
New York City, 1891: Stepping off the boat she boarded in Ireland, Maggie O’Halloran’s heart is filled with hope for this brave new world. But when her father isn’t waiting at the docks as planned, her excitement vanishes with the terrible realization she and her brother Danny are utterly alone—homeless, penniless and without a friend in the world.
Life on the Lower East Side is hard and grindingly poor, but Maggie is determined to survive. As she gazes longingly into the windows of Manhattan’s famous department stores, she dreams of owning her own millinery shop and becoming independent at last. And when fellow Irishman Brendan O’Donoghue offers her and Danny refuge, Maggie finally feels hope for their future.
Finding work with a wealthy family on the Upper East Side, Maggie’s dreams begin to feel closer than ever before. But just as her fortunes finally change, her brother’s involvement with a notorious New York gang brings terrible danger to both her and Brendan’s doors. Facing a heartbreaking decision, can Maggie save her brother and protect the new life she’s built? Or will the American dream she has held so close to her heart be lost forever?
The first book in the Maggie O’Halloran series, this is a sweeping, epic and heart-wrenching story of one woman’s determination to change her fortunes against all odds. Perfect for fans of moving historical fiction, Kristin Harmel and Jean Grainger.
MY THOUGHTS
I really enjoy reading historical fiction a lot. It’s always so fascinating what I can learn from it. I had ancestors come over to America from Galway and often wonder what their voyage was like on the way over and how well did they manage when they landed here. The book was very well researched and the portrayal of the Irish immigrants when they landed in New York very realistic. Maggie and her young teen brother Danny have been sent for by their father to come to New York and live with him. Trouble starts almost as soon as they arrive finding out her father had left where he was staying several weeks before their arrival with no forwarding address. I’ll admit it would be very hard and scary being in a brand-new country on your own not knowing anyone and broke. I liked Brendan’s character a lot, he’s a shop keeper and kind to everyone including Maggie and her brother. He has helped Maggie out of more than one bind. The book was full of Irish characters and like with many immigrants they were discriminated against by many, and many tried to take advantage of them even other Irish people. The book was heartbreaking a lot of times seeing what these characters had to go through. Ending on a cliffhanger I’m already looking forward to reading the next in the series and continuing on with the story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers.
An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), their two Golden Retrievers and their independent cat. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books. Links can be found on her website, katehewittbooks (.com).
Her latest releases are Where The Dawn Finds Us, a dystopian novel about a woman protecting her family after a nuclear holocaust, Summer Skies over Starr’s Fall, the fourth standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls, and The Long Winter, the fifth in her Wildflower Valley’s series about modern homesteading and inspired by Little House on the Prairie. There’s something for everyone so do check them all out and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate’s books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate’s Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.
336 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date February 17, 2026
ABOUT THE BOOK
When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?
Noreen O’Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she’s invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her–including the local deputy.
Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O’Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can’t afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who’s captured his heart–knowing either choice could cost him everything.
Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.
MY THOUGHTS
This was a greatly anticipated title for me and as always, it did not disappoint. The way the author crafts a wonderful and entertaining story that even though I have the flu I had trouble putting it down. Well-developed characters, I especially like Noreen and how she stood up for her beliefs despite the back lash she got from others and their actions. I also learned a few things historically and I love how well researched this is. The author can really bring out the emotions in a reader, and this author does a great job of it. At times I was laughing out loud and at other times I was mad at the treatment Noreen was getting for her beliefs. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Secret Society of Spinsters series and read about her “sisters” and their strong beliefs. Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Have a super day. I’m grateful for your presence here.
With February being a shortened month, I didn’t get a chance to post this one yet and having a cold hasn’t helped.
384 pages Publisher Ballantine Books Publication date April 1, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
WINNER OF THE BLACK CAUCUS OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S FIRST NOVELIST AWARD • BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB PICK
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, NPR, She Reads
Philadelphia, 1837. After Charlotte escaped from the crumbling White Oaks plantation down South, she’d expected freedom to feel different from her former life as an enslaved housemaid. After all, Philadelphia is supposed to be the birthplace of American liberty. Instead, she’s locked away playing servant to her white-passing father, as they both attempt to hide their identities from slavecatchers who would destroy their new lives.
Longing to break away, Charlotte befriends Nell, a budding abolitionist from one of Philadelphia’s wealthiest Black families. Just as Charlotte starts to envision a future, a familiar face from her past reappears: Evie, her friend from White Oaks, has been brought to the city by the plantation mistress, and she’s desperate to escape. But as Charlotte and Nell conspire to rescue her, in a city engulfed by race riots and attacks on abolitionists, they soon discover that fighting for Evie’s freedom may cost them their own.
A compelling story of three black women on different paths in their freedom journey. Richly woven historical fiction about a time, pre-civil war Philadelphia where freedom had been won. But why wasn’t everyone treated as if it was? The ignorance and behavior from my home state is shocking. The struggle to right a wrong, slavery kept these characters struggling while look towards that glimpse of hope. The path is carved out towards freedom.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Ashton Lattimore is an award-winning author, journalist, and former lawyer. Her debut novel, All We Were Promised, won the First Novelist Award for the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Lattimore’s journalism has appeared in the Washington Post, Slate, CNN, Essence, and Prism, where she was editor-in-chief until 2024. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.
288 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date
October 7, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead?
When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with that of Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie’s family ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance.
The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie’s Treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family from out east has everyone focused on what other precious finds might be waiting at the end of the legendary two-part map. As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more treacherous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but life’s true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods.
Embark on a rousing California wilderness adventure filled with danger, deception, and second chances in this riveting conclusion to Mary Connealy’s Golden State Treasure series–ideal for fans of frontier romances, cowboys, and treasure hunts.
MY THOUGHTS
Riches Beyond Measure is the conclusion to the Golden State Treasure series by Mary Connealy. You know this one is going to be full of adventure when it starts out with an earthquake. There were so many twists and turns and suspense that I could hardly put it down. Despite this and a character or two not having the best of intentions towards others I loved this series and the excitement. Cowboys, treasure hunting, an old ship the excitement just keeps going. I enjoyed the characters and the men were so protective of their ladies and with new relationships being forged life does move on after loss. Nice faith-based novel and I will certainly be looking forward to many more by the author.
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 always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of over 80 books and novellas.
Her most recent book series is: Rocky Mountain Marshals including Ambush of the Heart, and Golden State Treasure, including Whispers of Fortune and Legends of Gold, and Riches Beyond Measure.
Other series include A Western Light Series, Brothers in Arms, Wyominng Sunrise, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters, The Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing, an indy pubbed series called Garrison’s Law, and many novellas.
Mary has over a million and a half books in print.
303 pages Publisher Lake Union Publishing Publication date August 30, 2022
ABOUT THE BOOK
In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.
Nona “Peaches” Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She’s forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that’s all shaken when her father’s death forces her to return to everything she’s tried to forget.
Julia Curtis hasn’t forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn’t feel guilty for turning to Nona’s old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds.
Upon Nona’s return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew—about themselves, each other, and those they loved—will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond—or tear it apart again, forever.
MY THOUGHTS
Nona “Peaches” Davenport has grown up, moved on and has no need for her family in Natchez, Mississippi. She knows she has all her stuff together living in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Having not been to see any of her family in fifteen years she’s satisfied to keep it that way but then she’s notified her father has passed away. Returning means, she can no longer hide from the past, she must confront it and head on. It’s not easy, it’s bitter many times. She deeply regrets not having visited her grandma these past years. As she returns the feeling of betrayal rears its head and the more, she finds out the harder it gets but confront the past she must. Seeing and knowing isn’t easy. A sense of betrayal but regained closeness and forgiveness make this a worthwhile read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Cade Bentley is a novelist and editor who is also published as Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Abby L. Vandiver, as well as Abby Colette. When she isn’t writing, Cade enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She resides in South Euclid, Ohio. For more information visit http://www.authorabby.com.
