Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Song of the Shepherd Woman by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux is an engaging novel set against the backdrop of first century biblical times and featuring a shepherding people. When her parents die, Channah is given away. She finds a new home in the house of a shepherd, Avrim — who is called a lunatic by the townsfolk — and his wife, Yael, who can’t speak. The young girl learns how to take care of sheep and receives a lot of love and kindness from this unusual couple, who actually make her feel as though she was their child. But this doesn’t last long! Her sense of security is broken again when her stepfather informs her that she is betrothed to a man from Jerusalem. She only hopes that Enos can be kind to her. But the situation is far from anything she hopes for. Aside from becoming a second wife, she is resented by the first wife who is barren and who is jealous of her youthful beauty. Can this frightened young girl find true love some day?

Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux are great storytellers, transporting readers to a world that feels real and authentic, bringing up scenes from biblical cultures and painting a beautiful picture of places readers have read about like Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The setting is stellar, the characters memorable, and the plot fast-paced and filled with surprises. It’s clear that the novel is well researched and the compelling narrative voice and the crisp and confident writing augment the charm of the narrative. Song of the Shepherd Woman is filled with humanity, realism, and emotion, but it is the spiritual atmosphere the story evokes that kept me turning the pages. It is an absorbing tale.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

The Crimson Heirlooms by Hunter Dennis is set in France from 1776–1832, and in the West Indies. The story centres on two characters, Xavier and Jake, born at different times but loosely connected through their heritage. Xavier Traversier’s family had once been the most important in Nantes, but had since fallen on hard times. His mother had become a recluse and Xavier’s first venture into high society was a disaster. From that moment on, he vowed to rebuild their fortunes and, through sheer hard work and an excellent brain, he succeeded. However, one of the ways he achieved this was by transporting slaves. Jake was at school when he first took part in the riots in Paris and was only released from prison on the promise of finding the Crimson Heirlooms, one a valuable cross called the Cross of Nantes and the other the words to the devil’s song as he danced across the hills of France.

When I chose to read and review The Crimson Heirlooms by Hunter Dennis, I was expecting a historical tale of finding hidden treasure, but this is a completely different book. Firstly, I needed to brush up on the gaps in my French history as it’s not a straightforward account of the usual storming of the Bastille and Madame Guillotine. Both major characters, Xavier and Jake, become involved with the Freemasons and much is described about their organization and outlook. There are extensive discussions of philosophers, especially Rousseau and Montesquieu, and the ideas which underpinned the newly liberated American constitution. Part of the story takes place in the West Indies as the thread of the whereabouts of the Cross of Nantes is transported across the Atlantic. Jake also visits Northern Ireland and learns the history of those who were persecuted by the occupying English forces.

This book is literary, thought-provoking and covers the major social issues of the times, especially pertaining to the French clergy who paid no taxes yet received huge payments from a variety of tolls levied on the poor and middle classes, which were often gambled away at the tables in the chateaux owned by the noble ruling class. I was getting worried as I approached the end of the book as to how all the characters would tie up, and if the cross was found and with what ramifications... The quality of the writing, the excellent characterization, the food for thought, the extensive research and the informative and helpful maps throughout won’t allow me to give it anything else but 5 stars.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

A Conspiracy of Breath by Latayne C Scott is an engrossing historical novel that explores what it felt like to be a Christian in the time of the Roman persecution. Told in a mesmerizing first person narrative voice, the story explores the life of one of the characters in the scriptures, Priscilla, and her life after the painful and shameful death of her father. The novel is so well written that it is hard for readers to draw the line between fiction and history, with the appropriate allusions to Greek and Roman mythology and history as well as elements of ancient cultures. Set against a cultural and religious backdrop when Christians suffered great persecution and when women were less considered, could an outspoken and daring woman of faith survive?

There is much to savor in this narrative and the sheer elegance of the language, the powerful imagery, the strong historical and religious settings put a lot of life into the narrative. The dramatic, poetic imagery of the tree, beautifully personified, is just one of the wonderful examples of Latayne C Scott’s gift for compelling writing: “Tonight it looks like a woman bereft, so anguished she holds her hands straight above her head then puts her elbows together and lets her wrists fall behind her bowed head.” She is a great storyteller who knows how to create the intersection between biblical narrative and history, bringing to life a world that feels real to readers, and that allows them a delightful escape back in time. A Conspiracy of Breath is a gift of faith, as entertaining as it is inspiring.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

I was delighted as I read Mary, Chosen of God to find it stayed true to the Bible and made the family come to life. Mary, Joseph, Jesus and his brothers and sisters were a loving family. Only Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was conceived and born to a virgin and chosen to become the Messiah. Mary gave birth in a stable and loved and took care of Jesus through his boyhood, loving him as only a mother can love a son. His sisters and brothers respected and loved him dearly, and he loved them and treated them with kindness. As his mission begins, Joseph has died and Jesus has been elevated to the head of the family. His brothers and sisters cannot understand how he can just leave home one day; collect a group of disciples; and perform the miracles they hear about. Mary has been waiting for this day to come, though she too was never sure exactly what to expect. There is anger, sadness and disarray amongst the family and it hurts Mary to see this, but the Lord has made it clear that she can say nothing to explain Jesus until the time is right.

As I read Mary, Chosen of God, I felt the pain and heartache Mary had to live with, never knowing what the true path was that Jesus would be called to live, and the fact that she could reveal nothing about it. Mary’s love for Jesus showed in every page of the book and author Diana Wallis Taylor did an extraordinary job of telling the story from birth to death. I had doubts when I decided to read this book that there would be altering misrepresentation of the Bible, but instead it brought each family member to life and made them seem so much more real. This is a book that must be read by young and old, Christian and non-Christian for a truly inspiring event brought to life.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

It's a bold task to take on writing a 400-page plus book based on the life of an obscure English midwife who lived in the 1600s. But that is the challenge Annelisa Christensen gave herself with The Popish Midwife, after studying court transcripts about the trial and conviction of the courageous Elizabeth Cellier, who dared to write a book disclosing the brutality and inhumane treatment of those imprisoned for even minor offences in Newgate Prison.

The Popish Midwife takes place at the end of the puritanical, strict era of Oliver Cromwell, when King Charles II was returned to the throne. While people celebrated the new freedom, the country was far from safe or healthy, especially for Catholics. As a Catholic, Elizabeth was ever exposed to danger as she went about her work of helping mothers give birth. She also spent much of her time taking food to prison inmates and, as she did so, she saw and heard first hand so much of man's inhumanity to man. She felt compelled to bring these brutal practices to the attention of those she believed would care as much as she did. The reward for the efforts of this aging, unwell but brave woman was incarceration in the very place she fought to expose: Newgate.

Historical fiction buffs will love The Popish Midwife, but it is written in first person, as if it were a memoir. That, for me, makes what Annelisa Christensen has achieved in this book even more impressive: it has all the requirements of great historical fiction, including an adherence to the language of the 1600s, but it is touching and real the way a well-written memoir should be. The author spent years researching her story and her attention to detail and fact, the historical period, customs, and dialects give The Popish Midwife authenticity. But it is Annelisa Christensen's considerable writing talent that makes this an absorbing, worthwhile read even for those who, like me, aren't fans of historical fiction, but love a well-written story that keeps one turning the pages and wondering what will happen next. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Keep the Flame: Early Christianity Comes to Life by Susan Preston is book four in The Apostle John Series, a great novel that showcases the challenges of early Christianity, the collision of religious traditions, and the spiritual path — seen from an alternative world, beyond the scriptures — of great characters of faith. In this thrilling story, the author introduces readers to characters like Rachel, who has a hard time accepting Christianity, the grandson of Old Simon, and a host of other brilliant characters. In this thrilling entry, the author takes readers on a journey of what following Christ entailed in the early 1st Century AD, the conflicts that existed, the hurts, and the question of John’s destiny.

Susan Preston’s work is really inspirational, a story that is filled with realism and humanity. Her characters are well-sculpted, and it will be interesting to see how she masterfully blends elements from scripture into the compelling story. The characters leap from the pages of the book with life, and the prose itself makes it an enjoyable read. The narrative voice is very compelling and the author has the gift of making readers care about these characters that will surely be remembered long after the read. The conflict evolves steadily, developed at the different levels of the story. The author uses subplots to create a permeating sense of suspense. Susan Preston has taken biblical characters and transformed them into characters who seem to walk the same path with readers. Keep the Flame: Early Christianity Comes to Life is spellbinding, a hard-to-put-down kind of book.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) by Jenny L. Cote is a revolutionary novel, complex in its characters, beautiful in the atmosphere it evokes, and extraordinary in plot. Readers will revisit the 1775 American Revolution and get acquainted with fictional, fabled characters that will arrest their attention in an irresistible way. Seven characters (pets) from different countries and backgrounds are entrusted with the task to protect their heroes and ensure that the voice of the revolution be transformed into an act of chivalry. Watch the small, black French cat, the Scottish terrier, Max, and their companions in a breathless drama that sets the events that would change the course of history. Emotionally charged and hilarious, this novel is the kind you can’t put down.

This book is so unique and offers a very different perspective on historical novels. It is hard not to enjoy the fable, not to connect with the powerful emotions displayed by the characters that — considering their species — act, speak, and think like humans. Jenny L. Cote weaves great dialogues into a spellbinding story. The language is “sans pareille” and there is no way the reader won’t feel intimately involved in the story. Whether it is Al shouting with glee at victory, or Liz wondering what her next move would be in a stream of consciousness, the drama feels so real that the reader is connected with the characters. I had wonderful moments with these characters like when: “Al sat up excitedly. 'I get to live with the KING?! Hooray, another palace!' he cheered, but then frowned. 'I’ll miss me lass, though.' He enveloped Liz in a smothering hug.” The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) is a classic, a fable that will transport readers into another era and make them feel like they are watching history unfolding before their gaze. A delightful read, indeed. The humor was gorgeous! I just became a fan of Jenny L. Cote and can’t wait for the next books in the series.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Fisherman's Bride: The Untold Story of the Wife of Simon Peter by Catherine Magia is the kind of literature I haven’t read for a long time. Just the idea of writing about the wife of one of the eminent figures in Christian literature, Simon Peter, is appealing. But the execution is what will haunt readers; it’s a very engaging and entertaining story. This woman without a name refused to marry a wealthy man, just to end up with the fisherman of Galilee, Simon Peter, a man who was poor and harbored a disturbing restlessness within. She’s witnessed the domination by the Romans and suffered all sorts of hardships. But the witness of a miracle performed by Jesus, the young carpenter, will change her life forever, setting her on a spiritual path.

Told in the first person, absorbing narrative voice, The Fisherman's Bride: The Untold Story of the Wife of Simon Peter takes readers on a journey that involves tradition, history, a man named Jesus, and a spiritual revolution, silent like the wind. The story is filled with many spiritual lessons and insights. One that I loved the most is: “To soar, we must forsake the self and allow it to die, as He died. I did not come without a struggle. Indeed, few of us do.” And there are many such insights. The setting is vivid and flourishing with biblical and historical references. The biblical references are powerful and the author deftly combines a bubbling imagination with biblical narratives to create a character that readers will embrace lovingly.

Catherine Magia has written a book that Christians will love to read, a story that is as inspiring as it is engaging. I have never read anything like this! The characters are glorious, the writing fascinating, with words flowing like a spell, and a plot that takes readers on a spiritual odyssey into the center of their own hearts.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

In a wonderful new work of historical fiction by author Helena P. Schrader, Envoy of Jerusalem: Balian D'Ibelin and the Third Crusade (Balian D'Ibelin and the Kingdom of Jerusalem) has a story line that kept me obsessively turning the pages from the very first all the way through to the very last. The third book in the series, this story follows the enigmatic Balian d'Ibelin as he continues in his efforts to regain what has lost and to free the thousands of Christians being held captive by the Saracens. A partnership with the Crusaders, led by Richard the Lionheart, looks promising, but is certainly not without its own complications. Will Balian achieve his hope of freedom for the enslaved Christians and hope for his land? You'll need to read this epic book to find out.

Wow. Just, wow. That's exactly what I thought when I finished reading Envoy of Jerusalem: Balian D'Ibelin and the Third Crusade. This book was an action packed thrill ride that I simply could not put down! Author Helena P. Schrader has done a masterful job of writing this book, and providing an accurate historical context for her story line. Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, action, adventure, thrilling reads, or just a great work of fiction in general should absolutely give this book a chance. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from author Helena P. Schrader as soon as I possibly can!

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

The mail-order bride. Just the idea has intrigued me since I learned of the concept as a little girl. When I saw that this was the premise of Amazing Grace: Book Three of the Hymns of the West Series by author Faith Blum, I knew I wanted to read it. Following the story of Tennessee farmer Caleb Stuart and his desire for a wife, and his eventual finding of widowed Maggie MacDougall and their courtship through letters, Amazing Grace is a sweet and lovely story of finding love in an unconventional way. Caleb, who is a shy, “to himself” kind of guy, longs for a partner and helpmeet in life. When the devoutly Christian Maggie and her spunky daughter Rachel are put in his path, it’s not immediately certain that they will be a match. But through letters and time, their paths become clear.

I very much enjoyed this delightful story. There are certainly very strong Christian undertones, and Faith Blum’s writing does much to espouse the glory of God. The story is a simple and good read, filled with interesting characters that have had to deal with many difficult challenges, but still do their utmost to be the best person they can be. Faith in God and in prayer are an important aspect in Amazing Grace and author Faith Blum handles these themes with delicacy and subtlety. This book would appeal to any reader who is looking for a sweet romance, likes historical fiction, and who enjoys reading books with a strong Christian focus. I was pleased to see that Faith Blum plans to continue writing in this series, and will look forward to the next book!