Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Many women’s identities, thoughts, and accomplishments have been erased from history. Women have been robbed of true female role models. Even today, women have no choice but to read and interpret the Bible through the lens of men. But now is the time to learn from a female version. I agree we should not accept seeing Mary Magdalene as a prostitute and sinner just because the Church Fathers portrayed her that way. Bridget Erica is a healer and a Reiki Master Teacher. In her book, Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene, she tells the story of one of the greatest women in biblical history. She uncovers the truth about Mary Magdalene, giving back her voice and shedding light on her untold and misconstrued story. This book reveals the true essence of Mary Magdalene’s life.

I was impressed to learn about the world’s first known female author, Enheduanna, a proud princess, priestess, and poet. Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene was a read so compelling and clean that it kept me up late into the night. It vividly captures the cultural spirit of the time. I am enthralled with Erica's work of rewriting the story of one of the most misunderstood and influential women and healers in history. This riveting fictional account with strong themes of love and faith will leave readers questioning many of the stories of women from the Bible. Christians who dare to reexamine the holy texts with new eyes will have a different, more revealing appreciation for the path Mary Magdalene walked.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Rosamond Hendre and Malcolm Brentwood feature in A Beguiling Ruse: Lords and Ladies of Mayfair Book 2 by Laura Beers. Rosamond had become Lord Ashington’s ward after bringing Lizette home. She is stunned when she learns that Lord Ashington has provided twenty thousand pounds for her dowry. The dowry would attract a multitude of suitors from high society. He allowed her to choose her suitor on the condition that she picked him for love. Meanwhile, Malcolm Brentwood’s father tells him they are bankrupt. He insisted that Malcolm marry Rosamond so her dowry could save their estate and more. Malcolm had always loathed the thought of marriage after watching his father’s treatment of his mother. At Rosamond’s ball, Malcolm asked her to dance, but she dismissed him. The following day, he secured a meeting with Rosamond, but the unexpected appearance of his sister with an ill baby changed his priorities.

Laura Beers' book is about two people with secrets that could jeopardize the way that high society viewed them. Lady Anne’s constant restraining of Rosamond with rules places her in awkward situations. Rosamond’s turmoil is relatable. Malcolm’s inner dialogue shows his feelings alternated between duty and morals. I found Rosamond and Malcolm’s arguments entertaining because both sides presented valuable points of view. They also have issues dealing with their vulnerabilities, especially when others pointed them out. How they navigate high society’s gossip, the loss of title, other suitors, and scandal fills each page. There is never a dull moment to be found. The transitions between each character are seamless. A Beguiling Ruse is a story for historical romance fans who enjoy watching characters step out of their comfort zone to do what is right.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Life Dust by Pam Webber is a historical romance set in the Vietnam war era. Andy and Nettie were looking forward to getting married. Planning their wedding and living in blissful oblivion, their illusion was broken when Andy was suddenly deployed to South Vietnam for 12 months. With Andy gone, Nettie had nothing else to do but worry about him and went headfirst into her job as a nursing intern. While Nettie had to deal with workplace politics and an elderly patient, Andy drew the short end of the straw and had dangerous situations to face. Given the job of escorting Bien, a freedom fighter, to meet a soldier who wanted to switch sides, Andy knew there was something fishy about the whole mission. What would he do in this situation and will Andy and Nettie get their happily ever after?

Life Dust had everything I could wish for in a novel. It had romance, suspense, great characters, and an intense story with plenty of options. Pam Webber did a fantastic job of creating a believable universe, made sure she did justice to the Vietnam War running in the background and gave plenty of space for her characters to grow. While Andy and Nettie were the protagonists of the story, Bien had my heart from the moment she was introduced. Her back story was heartbreaking, yet it proved to be the motivation Andy needed to work just a bit harder and get back to Nettie in one piece. The narrative style was sharp, invigorating, and exceptional. The plot moved with fluidity, the dialogues were crisp, and the characters drove the story forward. I loved it!

Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

In the masterful historical tale, This Hallowed Ground by Donna E. Lane, readers are taken on an unforgettable journey as Aiden MacAlister, the son of Scots-Irish parents, is swept away in a war that shattered the country. He quickly finds himself lost and adrift as his reasons for fighting begin to slip away. What will he do when finding himself on the losing side of a war he never intended to join? After hitting rock bottom, only to find he had yet more to lose, we see one man's deeply moving tale of desperation, faith, and God's loving redemption that touches the core of what it means to be human.

I loved reading Aiden's story, and in so many ways this is also a story of the land. The United States was ravaged during the Civil War, and later the Lakota people became the Union's focus once the Civil War ended. This hauntingly beautiful account brings their story to life in a new and powerful way and is beautifully interwoven with the faith and truth of God's word. Donna E. Lane offers a unique perspective into the lives and perilous times of these majestic people and their way of life. I found myself drawn in and captivated by the writing of This Hallowed Ground from the opening pages, but it wasn't until about a third of the way that I felt things picked up, from which point this story shines! I adored Aiden's time among the Lakota, which brought to mind the TV series Into the West, one of my favorite historical films. The beautiful themes of forgiveness, friendship, loyalty, and faith throughout this story also appealed to m. Well written and a book you won't want to miss.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Earth Remains by Shelley Burchfield spans many years. The story starts in September 1848 and takes us late into 1922. It was bad times in the South, both before and after the Civil War was fought. Polly Burgiss, a white woman, is the main character. Ben and his mama Ona, along with several other slaves, play an essential role in the story. Polly’s hardships begin early in her life with the death of her two brothers. Ona is the slave who cares for Polly and is always there in times of trouble. Ben is Ona’s son and a hard worker who dreams of being a free man someday. We meet many of the other slaves working for Miss Polly, along with the overseer Tom Roper and the man she marries, John Stone. Polly faces many tough times, hard decisions, and frightening situations, but she stands tall and always fights her way back.

Earth Remains is the best book I have read in a long time, causing me to ignore my chores, stay up late and even miss a meal. I believe it can easily become the next Gone With the Wind as a great book and an epic movie. Shelley Burchfield is a brilliant writer who gives us a story with an incredible plot from page one until the last word. In addition, she has created an emotional group of characters meant to be loved or hated. Polly, Ono, Ben, Tom, Cissie, Kate, John, and others became real people to me, and I was magically transported right into the pages. I loved The Earth Remains very much and highly recommend it and anything else that Burchfield writes; it doesn’t get much better than this.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

“The two most important warriors are patience and time.” JP Robinson’s Christian historical fiction novel, In the Dead of the Night (Northshire Heritage), is one intriguing drama. The Great War (WW1) continues its devastating path of destruction. Thomas Steele, branded a traitor, risks his life to return to England to save his Northshire estate from being seized by the government. His German daughter-in-law, Leila, is forced to resume spying when Elsbeth Schneider, the German espionage network leader, abducts her child. Elsbeth knows Leila’s strengths and capabilities, thus playing on her emotions and loyalties to the German cause. Malcolm is overwhelmed by the recurring backlash he faces from his father’s treason and his wife’s occupation. But he will do whatever it takes to rescue his son and save his legacy.

Spies, lies, love, and loyalty are often misleading in JP Robinson’s outstanding novel, In the Dead of the Night (Northshire Heritage). These characters are definitely skilled in manipulation and survival skills, even the untrained ones. A few of the events that occurred are based on actual historical references that JP Robinson included in his informative notes. Some of the characters were created after he was inspired by historical figures he read about, including the barbarous Elsbeth Schneider and spymaster Robert Hughes. David Lloyd George served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1916-1922. There’s often a lot of information and news-worthy documentation on WW2, so it was nice to learn more about The Great War and how it affected the world. In the Dead of the Night (Northshire Heritage) is a novel that historians and readers, in general, will find a fantastic read.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

David, God's Chosen Crucible by Joseph Ganci is a historical novel that retells the life of David - the prophet, warrior, king, musician, psalmist, and lover. The author brings to life some of the outstanding events in David’s life, weaving a narrative that is spellbinding and infusing the tale with intrigue and relentless suspense. It is the story of the shepherd boy who receives God’s favor. Anointed as king, he has to deal with all kinds of challenges while evading the traps set by the vengeful Saul. Some scenes are beautifully written, and the author does a wonderful job of crafting moments like David’s desperate escape, his friendships, the kidnapping of his two wives, and his battles against the shapeshifting Amalekites. Events that will arrest the attention of readers include the battle at Mount Gilboa and the fall of Saul, David’s wedding, the encounter with Goliath, and many more.

This book is intelligently plotted, well-researched, and expertly executed. The writing by Joseph Ganci is wonderful and the author has the gift of filling the narrative with exciting details, describing a setting that is colorful and transports readers to biblical times. The cultural elements are well-written and readers find themselves in a nuanced world, brimming with religious conflict. I particularly enjoyed the vividness with which the rural, idyllic landscapes are portrayed. This historical narrative is not lacking when it comes to action, and at every turn, there is something that engages David - threats from enemies like Saul who is consumed by jealousy, thoughts about love, or his preoccupation with God’s will. There is an unusual blend of divine and mortal energy that runs through the story and that mesmerizes readers. David, God's Chosen Crucible is one of the best stories I have read about biblical characters.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

David Thomas Kay’s Christian historical novel, The Sword of Saint Isidores, is a detailed and compelling epic saga set in 10th-century Norway. The story is book 1 in The Circles of Time series. The story was inspired by a beautiful ceremonial sword, studded with precious gems, mentioned in the chronicles of the Kings of Norway. The story begins with the sword of Saint Isidores, forged at the Cistercian monastery of Asturia, a coastal kingdom in northwest Spain. The sword falls into the hands of Norse sea traders who plunder the monastery. Abbott Joseph of the monastery curses anyone who comes into contact with it. The traders sell the cursed sword to a merchant for the English King Athelston. In 926 AD, King Athelston gifts the sword to King Harald of Norway, who gives the sword to his courageous and loyal warrior, Hauk the Red. In 946 AD, Hauk’s son Ragnarr inherits the sword and becomes the next Earl of Strandevik. Shortly after King Harald dies in 960 AD, Norway comes under Danish rule. Ragnarr decides to emigrate to England’s Lake District.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading David Thomas Kay’s The Sword of Saint Isidores for its remarkable characters and the richly imagined and evocative historical setting. I loved the undercurrent of suspense of the ominous and menacing presence of the sword, and how the curse manifests itself in different ways in the lives of the people who possess it. The story sprang to life with the character of Ragnarr, the Earl of Strandevik, a farm owner, a sea merchant, and a warrior. I liked the immersive details of his life and how it connects to the key secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed how the lives of Norway’s king, earls, warriors, farmers, sea merchants, and ordinary people of villages and townships emerge as Ragnarr’s life and that of his family unfold. The detailed settings and the emotional depth of the dialogues were very well-crafted, showing the Norse customs and beliefs in many gods at sea and on land. I loved the vivid details of the sea and the long ships, and how the story keeps the sea at the center of Norse life. I loved how the past connects to the present, enriching the characters and adding new details. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy multilayered historical fiction with vivid and complex characters.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Confessions of a Janissary by Nicholas Downing is an absorbing, compelling work of Christian historical fiction. This engrossing story is set in the early Ottoman Empire, in the latter part of the 14th century. Christian boys are taken from their families by the Sultan and used as slave soldiers, converted to Islam against their will, and their future is serving in the military for the Empire for the rest of their lives. This sprawling tale centers on one boy named Mirko who grows to manhood--one of the slaves destined to be a hero. He's a celibate looking for his one true love and a stray sheep needing guidance. Besides the faith aspect, you have many different themes streaming through the narrative, from friendship to adventure to epic battles and more. With a plot like this, you never know what will happen next, and the story is told in fine detail and thorough description, which holds you in the long-ago time and place. If you're looking to get lost in a unique, heart-quickening story, this one has it all.

Downing respects his audience by providing plenty of researched information that adds so much believability to the narrative. You'll learn about history, culture, customs, and faiths. Couple that with a strong plot and convincing characters and situations and you have a hit novel on your hands. You can enjoy this book even if you aren't of a certain faith. The author doesn't tell you how to believe, he just presents his fascinating story. The first thing I noticed about the book is the authoritative voice of the author. He confidently explains what is going on all the way through. It's books like Downing's that bring history to life. I like the emotionality of the plot points and characters, but the author balances the darkness and hard times with hope and light. They say adversity can strengthen a person. Well, it does in Mirko's case. He is a strong character with traits that readers will connect with, admire, and root for. He's looking to discover who he really is, but it doesn't come easily. Maps are included in the text and some definitions. If you are looking for a work of Christian historical fiction that will captivate you until the end, Confessions of a Janissary by Nicholas Downing should be on your reading list this year.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

Bold Springs by William Tinsley is a work of historical fiction with a Christian theme. Set during the Civil War, it’s an epic tale that spans the secession of Texas to the battlefields of Virginia and crescendos at Gettysburg. It is centered around two men: storekeeper William James and the Reverend John Browder, neither of whom is either pro-slavery or pro-secession, one a man of uncertain faith and the other of deep belief, one a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto and Texas independence and the other a more recent northern immigrant. It follows the lives of a company of Texas Confederate Army volunteers and some of their family members as they experience the drama, trauma, and social upheaval of the war that once divided the country.

In Bold Springs, William Tinsley gives us an engaging, dramatic, and ultimately uplifting story that satisfies on many levels. Whether you’re a fan of Civil War fiction or anything about Texas, you won’t be disappointed. The characters of William James and Reverend Browder are carefully and believably drawn. These are men who have imperfections but who attempt to do what is right even in the face of threats to their lives from their own neighbors. William’s friendship with Sam Houston and John’s with Abraham Lincoln, along with references to military leaders and combatants on both sides, provide historical insight. Most of all, a golden thread runs throughout: an edifying call for brotherhood, unity, and peace. Highly recommended.