Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

I loved, loved, loved Jennifer Bort Yacovissi’s new book, Up the Hill to Home. This debut novel is so beautifully and lovingly written that if I didn’t know that it was based on the author’s ancestors, I would have assumed as such. Up the Hill to Home follows the life of Lillie Voith, beloved wife of Ferd, only daughter of Emma and Charley Beck, and mother of nine, soon to be ten. When Lillie discovers her pregnancy, she happily asks Ferd to bring her the treasured memory box, the sweet custom she follows when she is expecting each of her children. When Lillie takes a fall in the basement one day, then develops a worrying cough, everyone starts to fear that they may lose the glue that holds the family together.

Up the Hill to Home is, in this reviewer’s opinion, a masterpiece in the genre of historical fiction. Taking place in the late 1800s until the 1930s, the experiences, conversations and surroundings of the Beck and Voith families ring so truly of the time period that when I needed to take a break from reading, I’d have to shake my head a bit to clear my mind and bring myself back to the present moment. This book would appeal to any reader of authentic historical fiction, any lover of fiction in general, and any reader longing for a story that showcases true familial love and connectedness. I simply cannot recommend this book any more. Jennifer Bort Yacovissi’s Up the Hill to Home is a treasure, and one to which you should definitely treat yourself.

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite

Seeing the Life by Sophie Dawson is a wonderful fictional account of the most glorious true story ever told. Beginning with Mary going into labor in the stable of a Bethlehem inn, Sophie Dawson takes us through the life of Jesus, right up to the day he ascends into heaven in the sight of hundreds of witnesses. Although much of the story is fictional, it includes a great many actual events recorded in the Bible. I was particularly intrigued by the way the author built a long-standing relationship with some people mentioned only tangentially in the Bible, such as Joseph of Arimathea. This clever technique allowed her much freedom to create a plausible and culturally accurate history without veering one iota from the truth of the Gospel message. Seeing the Life is a brilliant and extremely well-conceived story, presenting the life of Christ as recorded in the scriptures, but augmented with non-scriptural day-to-day events and activities very much in keeping with the time and place in which Christ walked the Earth.

Seeing the Life is the kind of story that should capture the imagination of people who either do not or will not read the Bible, potentially being the instrument whereby they might become convinced of the truths to be found therein. As such, I believe this could be a very useful witnessing tool, particularly for teenagers in your home. Ms. Dawson is to be commended for developing a remarkably believable story. I’ve been familiar with the biblical account of the life of Christ my whole life, but Seeing the Life is perhaps the single most comprehensive compilation of biblical, cultural and historical fact, woven within the matrix of a fictional background, that I have yet encountered. In recent years Hollywood has produced a few such accounts, but they all seemed to have been primarily vehicles by which the producers could present horribly graphic depictions of violence and blood-letting. Sophie Dawson took great pains to be respectful and inoffensive in her account of the crucifixion of Christ, perhaps the single most cruel and unnecessary form of torture and execution ever practiced on planet Earth. Seeing the Life is a book I highly recommend. It may help you to see the light.

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite

Esther, Queen of Persia by Jim Baumgardner is an outstanding, biblically accurate and historically consistent presentation of the Book of Esther. Combining an intimate familiarity with the Book of Esther, with an intensive study of the historical customs and events of the Persian Empire, Baumgardner has penned a moving and very believable historical fiction novel. True to the biblical account, this book offers a rare glimpse into the past, when Persia ruled the known world, from India to Libya. At times one wonders if, perhaps, Baumgardner hadn’t located an unknown scroll from that era and merely copied a true story … it’s that believable. Esther was a mere teenager when King Ahasuerus commanded that a large number of young virgins be brought to the palace, and prepared for a year to become presentable for the King’s bedroom. Ahasuerus needed a queen to replace Queen Vashti, whom he had banished from the kingdom in a drunken rage some years earlier. If you know the story of the Book of Esther, you know it was she who ultimately was selected for that lofty position.

Esther, Queen of Persia is a fascinating tale. The minute details Baumgardner included brought this story to life. Even knowing the biblical account, I still found myself in suspense, wondering what would happen next. If this story were entirely fabricated, with no biblical or historical documentation from which to build it, it would still be remarkably entertaining. The fact that it IS built upon a true story just makes it that much more beguiling. This story is not strictly for Jews and Christians; anyone who enjoys historical fiction will find Esther, Queen of Persia to be a captivating and charming love story. I urge all readers to consider enjoying this book. I sincerely hope Jim Baumgardner plans to write more such stories; he has a very obvious talent for weaving history and timely imagination into a great tale.

Reviewed by Ashley Tetzlaff for Readers' Favorite

Rebekah’s Treasure by Sylvia Bambola is a Christian historical fiction set around the time of 70 A.D. It features a family of seven: father, mother, four sons, and a daughter. The story’s Point-Of-View switches between the mother’s (Rebekah) and the father’s (Ethan), and that way you can cover more historically than with just one POV, but aren’t confused by too many POVs. Ethan and his sons stay in Jerusalem to defend it against the Romans, while Rebekah and her daughter go to Pella for safety. And so the adventure ensues! Treasure hunting, siege and famine, miracles, idolatry and ravaging, Zealots, Christians, Jews, Romans, fictional and historical figures – they all meet in this page-flipping work.

I enjoyed reading Rebekah’s Treasure from the start. It reminded me of G.A. Henty’s work, For The Temple, but more novel/female oriented than battle/guy oriented. I brushed up on a lot of facts and events around the fall of the temple, and felt that Sylvia Bambola put me in the times. I appreciated finding out about the different characters and how they interacted with others and what drove them. I didn’t always care for how different characters treated each other (speaking rudely, grabbing and slapping, rebellious and resentful), but I guess that’s what you get in a fallen world. I felt the ending wasn’t quite resolved. But other than those things, I relished reading it and thought about it all the time until I was able to continue reading it. A fascinating read.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

What a scary time it must have been for the disciples and those who had been following Jesus, after He was crucified on that cruel, rugged Roman cross. But the most amazing resurrection happened and Jesus is not dead. He has risen from the dead and is alive. And the disciples, with the help of the Holy Spirit, will carry on the command made by Jesus before His death, and that is to tell the world the Gospel, and of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And this wonderful Gospel story is played out in this most inspiring and entertaining book, The Wind, the Road and the Way by Jenny Cote.

This is my first book by author Jenny Cote and it was an amazing read. I love how the characters fell right into place, bringing the story together before my eyes in each scene. Ms. Cote takes the story that we celebrate at Easter, the story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and gives her readers a vivid example of how life may have been like for those living during those early days. I loved the biblical history and getting to know the lifestyles and historical details of the early days talked about in Acts. But most of all, I enjoyed the way Ms. Cote takes the Gospel of Jesus and weaves it throughout the book and the lives of the people. The redemption message is clear; Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of mankind. And He can and will change the hearts of those who trust Him. Nothing is impossible for Him.

If you enjoy biblical fiction, I highly recommend The Wind, the Road and the Way by author Jenny Cote. I just know you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Thank you, Ms. Cote, for an amazing account of God’s love for us.

Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Diana Wallis Taylor’s novel, Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate, tells the story of a woman who becomes the wife of the governor of Judea, the man who condemns Jesus to death. Claudia, granddaughter of a Roman emperor, lives a simple life with her banished mother in a villa outside of Rome. Her life takes a different turn when she is summoned to the palace where power hungry officials indulge in intrigue and betrayal. After marrying Lucius Pontius Pilate, she moves to Judea, where her husband has his hands full in governing the Jews. Unlike her husband, Claudia shows interest in the people’s life and religion. Her dreams of having a happy family life, far away from Rome, prove to be elusive and things get out of hand when Jesus starts preaching against the practices of the Jewish priests.

Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate, is a historical fiction that follows the journey of a woman who is only fleetingly mentioned in one of the accounts of the gospels. In this novel, author Diana Wallis Taylor tries to reconstruct the life of one of history’s least known figures, who happens to be the wife of the controversial Pontius Pilate. In doing so, readers can get a glimpse of the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus from a different point of view. Claudia lives during a time when events will change the course of human history and that makes her story quite interesting. It is clearly the author’s intention to focus on her life and I believe this is an achievement, considering the many twists and turns of the era. In the end, we get to know her innermost feelings as she faces her destiny. It is a story that is absolutely worth the telling.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Laine and her friend Eshana flee south after a rescue they planned did not go as they wanted. But never did Laine imagine she would run into her former fiancé. Imagine Laine’s surprise when she starts her new nursing job at the jungle plantation and finds that Adam is the owner! And what is Adam’s reaction when he sees Laine again? Regardless of their past, Laine is now working there, along with Eshana, and she is determined that Adam will not keep her from doing the job she is here to do.

Christine Lindsay again writes a story that captures the hearts and minds of readers from the very first page. She creates characters that are strong and believable and develop well throughout the story. I loved the heartwarming relationship between the two ladies, Laine’s spunky determination and boldness and how Eshana’s strong faith in the Lord carried the two through the difficulties and heartbreaks they had to face. I also appreciate Ms. Lindsay’s thorough research and vivid descriptions of historical India. I was not only entertained by the story, but I now have a better understanding of this era in historical India. This is not a light read at all; this story goes beyond that into the hardships and difficult situations people of India faced after WWI. What I like and enjoy about this author’s writing ability is that she weaves the difficult and good times together in a unique way and gives her readers a wonderful story that will not leave them even long after the book is finished. I highly recommend this story about life in historical India, and I recommend that you read the first book in this series as well, "Shadowed in Silk". You will enjoy the wonderful stories and will fall in love with the characters.

Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

“Tracks in the Snow,” a novel written by Sandra H. Esch, is an inspirational novel that will have you laughing, crying and immersed in the characters’ lives immediately. Jo is living a storybook life with her husband and daughter even though they are living during wartime. All of this changes when Jo’s husband is killed, not because of the war he is planning to fight in, but because of a snowstorm. Jo tries her best to give her daughter a happy life, but it appears as if things cannot go right. Tryg, whom Jo blames for her husband’s death, is being successful with setting up his practice and Jo cannot even seem to protect her daughter from run-ins with Big Ole or give her daughter a Christmas gift. You will be transported to Minnesota for a Christmas that you will never forget as love, forgiveness and hope abound.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters as well as the setting which was brought to life for me while reading. Big Ole is my favorite character is this book; he grew and changed so much in this story and although he is grumpy, there is kindness and hurting underneath, which is eventually brought out. I also liked the pace of the story as it was not rushed. It takes time for people to work through their grief and feelings in order to find forgiveness and peace and Jo is the perfect example of this and it made the book realistic instead of just rushing through and giving a “happily ever after.” Upon finishing this novel, you will have a smile on your face, feel content about how the story ends and will be ready to read more by this author.

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite

“Abraham and Sarah” by J. SerVaas Williams is a story like few others. Williams has taken the Biblical account of Abram and Sarai, imaginatively filled in the blanks, and woven a rich tapestry of life and love in the Middle East 4,000 years ago. From before their first meeting to the birth of Isaac, these two people lived a life of blessings because of their constant and genuine faith in God, who changed their names to Abraham and Sarah when Isaac was born. This Biblically correct telling of the story takes two people often known by name only, and puts faces and feet on them. “Abraham and Sarah” is a deeply moving historical fiction that reads like historical fact, owing to the extensive research conducted by the author.

Many Christians tend to overlook the Old Testament as being irrelevant today. Others find it ‘boring’ to read. Williams takes one of the ‘boring’ stories and brings it to vibrant life. Three major religions trace their roots back to Father Abraham: Jewish, Christian, and Islam all stem from Abraham, to whom God literally promised offspring numbering more than the sands of the Earth, or the stars in the sky. Their unwavering faith in God to provide their needs, protect them, and fulfill His promises, is the standard which God wills that all should emulate. This is a book you will not want to put down once you have begun reading. It will bless you as you read it, regardless of your particular religious background, just by showing you what life was like for the Patriarchs of the church. I fervently recommend this account to people of every faith, as well as to people of no faith. Before the coming of Jesus Christ ushered in a new covenant, God routinely spoke to his prophets verbally, as He does throughout this story. You won’t want to miss out on reading about many such events in the lives of Abraham and Sarah. This is a fascinating story, from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

Katie Reed is reeling from the death of her husband, as well as her young son Kenny in a house fire, and is unsure how she will go on. Drew Richards has just lost his beloved wife Rachel during the birth of their second child, and knows the only way his newborn daughter will survive is if he can find someone to become her wet nurse, and the only person in town that can help is Katie. The only way that it can work is if she moves into Drew's home to take care of his newborn daughter Anne and his two year old son Joel. Katie soon becomes ingrained in the children's lives and they decide for the sake of the children that they should marry. Can a marriage for the children's sake ever work?

Sophie Dawson grabbed my emotions from the beginning pages with this story! She weaves together a tale of loss and heartbreak, but blends it well with hope, love and inspiration to make for a satisfyingly rich historical tale that was a real page turner for me. The story revolves around Katie Reed and Drew Richards and his children. The story unfolds so naturally that I felt as though I became a part of the characters' lives, feeling their hurts, shared in their grief but also glimpsed their love and strong faith in God. I felt true heartbreak not only for the main characters, but also for the people who loved Rachel. The solution seemed perfectly plausible and I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and move forward as the story progressed. One of my favorite characters had to be young Joel. His character was so endearing, and just seemed so realistic that the author even describes a temper tantrum that he has on his third birthday that was perfectly written. Ms. Dawson creates a story that certainly tugged at the heart, but balanced it well with instances of humor that gave me a few laughs. There are several citizens in town who are a vital part of the story, and keep the plot moving along. Mrs. Taylor was a stand out citizen. As the busybody in town her character reminded me of Harriet Olsen from "Little House on the Prairie!" There is also a bit of a mystery surrounding stolen items in town and that adds an extra element to the story. While "Giving Love" is the third book in the 'Cottonwood Series' the author provides plenty of background information so that it can be read as a stand alone story, but if you are a fan of historical inspirational fiction you are going to want to read all three books in this wonderful series. Filled with endearing characters whose stories beckon you to step back in time, each story in 'The Cottonwood series' leaves me feeling as if I have had a visit with long time friends and has me waiting anxiously for the next installment! Each story in the series has left me feeling blessed for having read it! I highly recommend this entire series!