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Recommend this book:
Faithful Journeys
Sisterhood, Love, and Restoration
J. Ryenae
2026 Finalist
367 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Faithful Journeys: Sisterhood, Love, and Restoration by J. Ryenae is the story of four women, Jaquell, Nikki, Kyla, and Courtni, who shared an unbreakable bond of sisterhood in high school, a bond that is tested by the challenges of adulthood. Now they are adults, and each of them is at a crossroads: Jaquell is afraid to lose her identity in marriage, and she must also handle her fiancé’s overbearing mother; Nikki tries to put on a happy face, but underneath her façade is a story of trauma, a cycle of abuse with Shawn; as a successful entrepreneur, Courtni must face her materialistic insecurities when she meets Solomon, a man who is God-fearing but who fails to meet her financial checklist; Kyla suffers from infertility which makes her push her husband to the limits. Secrets start coming out, and these threaten their bond; they must choose the one thing that helps them with restoration.
J. Ryenae delivers a tale with remarkably authentic characters and successfully creates relationships that reflect the messiness in long-term friendships and faith. What captivated me was the realism of the story, and things like the toll of psychological and physical abuse on the victim are exemplified in Shawn’s violent attack. Kyla’s nervous breakdown and therapy were so resonant that they reminded me of moments and places I have been in my own life. The women’s “surrender pact” was a highlight of the story for me, as it showed the power of faith over the need for control. I loved the balance of engaging, descriptive prose and dialogue, and timely paragraph breaks. Faithful Journeys is a book I would recommend to anyone looking for inspiring women’s fiction or a book with believable and realistic characters.
Faithful Journeys: Sisterhood, Love, and Restoration by J. Ryenae is the story of four women, Jaquell, Nikki, Kyla, and Courtni, who shared an unbreakable bond of sisterhood in high school, a bond that is tested by the challenges of adulthood. Now they are adults, and each of them is at a crossroads: Jaquell is afraid to lose her identity in marriage, and she must also handle her fiancé’s overbearing mother; Nikki tries to put on a happy face, but underneath her façade is a story of trauma, a cycle of abuse with Shawn; as a successful entrepreneur, Courtni must face her materialistic insecurities when she meets Solomon, a man who is God-fearing but who fails to meet her financial checklist; Kyla suffers from infertility which makes her push her husband to the limits. Secrets start coming out, and these threaten their bond; they must choose the one thing that helps them with restoration.
J. Ryenae delivers a tale with remarkably authentic characters and successfully creates relationships that reflect the messiness in long-term friendships and faith. What captivated me was the realism of the story, and things like the toll of psychological and physical abuse on the victim are exemplified in Shawn’s violent attack. Kyla’s nervous breakdown and therapy were so resonant that they reminded me of moments and places I have been in my own life. The women’s “surrender pact” was a highlight of the story for me, as it showed the power of faith over the need for control. I loved the balance of engaging, descriptive prose and dialogue, and timely paragraph breaks. Faithful Journeys is a book I would recommend to anyone looking for inspiring women’s fiction or a book with believable and realistic characters.
Recommend this book:
A Wrong Turn Right
Karen Lopez
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
J.R.R. Tolkien’s quote, “Not all those who wander are lost,” really captures the heart of A Wrong Turn Right by Karen Lopez. It opens with an exhausted Dr. Preston McClendon heading home from his wealthy fiancée’s family event. Things take a sudden twist when his car breaks down on a remote wooded road. He leaves it behind to seek help and begins walking through the woods, where he meets Wendellia (“Wende”). She’s a guarded young woman from a nomadic clan and doesn’t know or understand modern conveniences like cars or phones. As they navigate the strange “traveler’s moon” in search of Wende’s missing brother, Egan, he starts to think he may have slipped into another time. Perhaps his wrong turn might hold a purpose he never imagined.
As I was reading A Wrong Turn Right by Karen Lopez, the phrase “Everything happens for a reason” kept popping into my head. I felt very connected to Preston’s tug-of-war between his obligation to stay with Wende and his pull to return to his time and his responsibilities at the hospital. I could also relate to her fierce loyalty to her brother and her way of life. The writing moves easily between tense scenes and quieter, reflective moments. It also has a gentle spiritual thread that doesn’t feel forced. It seemed more like watching two people learn to listen better—to God, to themselves, and to each other. Readers who enjoy heartfelt, slow-developing relationships, family bonds, or faith in everyday choices will appreciate this tale. This is the kind of book that could be turned into a great movie. I enjoyed sinking into it on a cozy evening, and it left me thinking about the “wrong turns” in my own life that might’ve actually been nudges in the right direction. I loved this book.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s quote, “Not all those who wander are lost,” really captures the heart of A Wrong Turn Right by Karen Lopez. It opens with an exhausted Dr. Preston McClendon heading home from his wealthy fiancée’s family event. Things take a sudden twist when his car breaks down on a remote wooded road. He leaves it behind to seek help and begins walking through the woods, where he meets Wendellia (“Wende”). She’s a guarded young woman from a nomadic clan and doesn’t know or understand modern conveniences like cars or phones. As they navigate the strange “traveler’s moon” in search of Wende’s missing brother, Egan, he starts to think he may have slipped into another time. Perhaps his wrong turn might hold a purpose he never imagined.
As I was reading A Wrong Turn Right by Karen Lopez, the phrase “Everything happens for a reason” kept popping into my head. I felt very connected to Preston’s tug-of-war between his obligation to stay with Wende and his pull to return to his time and his responsibilities at the hospital. I could also relate to her fierce loyalty to her brother and her way of life. The writing moves easily between tense scenes and quieter, reflective moments. It also has a gentle spiritual thread that doesn’t feel forced. It seemed more like watching two people learn to listen better—to God, to themselves, and to each other. Readers who enjoy heartfelt, slow-developing relationships, family bonds, or faith in everyday choices will appreciate this tale. This is the kind of book that could be turned into a great movie. I enjoyed sinking into it on a cozy evening, and it left me thinking about the “wrong turns” in my own life that might’ve actually been nudges in the right direction. I loved this book.
Recommend this book:
Blooms
A Magnolia Creek Novel
Terri Depue
2026 Bronze Medal
184 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Dolly Parton once said, “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one,” and that’s just what Annie does in Blooms by Terri Depue. Her already tough day in Seattle takes a turn for the worse, causing her to make a life-altering decision. She decides she needs a change and moves to her grandmother’s home in Magnolia Creek, Virginia. Once there, she starts to lean on some of her grandma’s long-time friends and reconnects with the small town she once called home. In the quiet of the old house and orchard, she begins to imagine a new life grounded in flowers, family history, and the comforts of a close-knit community. Annie also meets some new people, including a thoughtful handyman named Tom. He has his own reasons for escaping the fast-paced world he once belonged to. Will they be able to piece together their pasts to have a future?
I was first drawn to Blooms by Terri Depue because of its homey-looking cover. I’m glad I got to know the characters that grew like blooms in a garden. Annie’s move to a quieter town felt believable and pretty comforting considering the circumstances behind it. The writing is straightforward but warm, with natural dialogue that makes the characters feel like people you know in real life. I thought Annie’s friendship with her grandmother’s buddies was the best part. Their age difference didn’t matter and wasn’t the focus of their relationship, anyway. I also appreciated that her relationship with Tom developed at a slow pace. This story is great for fans of gentle romance or second chances. It’s the kind of book that lets you settle in, root for the characters, and simply enjoy spending time in their world, remembering them long after you’ve closed the cover.
Dolly Parton once said, “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one,” and that’s just what Annie does in Blooms by Terri Depue. Her already tough day in Seattle takes a turn for the worse, causing her to make a life-altering decision. She decides she needs a change and moves to her grandmother’s home in Magnolia Creek, Virginia. Once there, she starts to lean on some of her grandma’s long-time friends and reconnects with the small town she once called home. In the quiet of the old house and orchard, she begins to imagine a new life grounded in flowers, family history, and the comforts of a close-knit community. Annie also meets some new people, including a thoughtful handyman named Tom. He has his own reasons for escaping the fast-paced world he once belonged to. Will they be able to piece together their pasts to have a future?
I was first drawn to Blooms by Terri Depue because of its homey-looking cover. I’m glad I got to know the characters that grew like blooms in a garden. Annie’s move to a quieter town felt believable and pretty comforting considering the circumstances behind it. The writing is straightforward but warm, with natural dialogue that makes the characters feel like people you know in real life. I thought Annie’s friendship with her grandmother’s buddies was the best part. Their age difference didn’t matter and wasn’t the focus of their relationship, anyway. I also appreciated that her relationship with Tom developed at a slow pace. This story is great for fans of gentle romance or second chances. It’s the kind of book that lets you settle in, root for the characters, and simply enjoy spending time in their world, remembering them long after you’ve closed the cover.
Recommend this book:
Love Beyond Eros
The Love Secret Book 3
Chris Neo
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Chris Neo’s third installment in The Love Secret series, Love Beyond Eros, continues the story of Aris, the American traveler who finally finds the “love secret,” and Angelica, the woman of his dreams. After a village festival throws their future into chaos, Aris goes missing. He is bitten by a rare “assassin’s snake” known as the Dracula snake when he is found, and the community rallies, including Granny the healer, his loyal friends, Uri and John, and young Zoe. Now, two antivenoms are carried across continents: one by Varo, the American businesswoman whose love for Aris can either curse or heal him; the other is from a rogue Russian general with links to Granny’s hidden past. With betrayals, kidnapping, and mercenaries involved, will Aris recover and reveal an enemy hidden in plain sight?
Chris Neo’s book is a fast-moving love story with short chapters, engaging dialogues, and cliffhangers that make it impossible to put down, from mid-air refueling and carrier landings to a Russian jet boldly parking on top of an American fighter. While the story is philosophical in nature and tender in its treatment of love, the author injects pulsating action to make it a page-turning read. The worldbuilding is terrific and detailed; the village is filled with raki, Zeia bread, Zorba dances, Orthodox folklore, and owls. You immediately feel as though you are part of this world, thanks to the detailed descriptions that make the village realistic. Love Beyond Eros is a meditation on love and sacrifice. The author offers a unique take on real love through the story of Aris and Angelica: “My love for you will always be agapi peran apo ton erota—love beyond eros.” It’s a love that survives distance and even death.
Chris Neo’s third installment in The Love Secret series, Love Beyond Eros, continues the story of Aris, the American traveler who finally finds the “love secret,” and Angelica, the woman of his dreams. After a village festival throws their future into chaos, Aris goes missing. He is bitten by a rare “assassin’s snake” known as the Dracula snake when he is found, and the community rallies, including Granny the healer, his loyal friends, Uri and John, and young Zoe. Now, two antivenoms are carried across continents: one by Varo, the American businesswoman whose love for Aris can either curse or heal him; the other is from a rogue Russian general with links to Granny’s hidden past. With betrayals, kidnapping, and mercenaries involved, will Aris recover and reveal an enemy hidden in plain sight?
Chris Neo’s book is a fast-moving love story with short chapters, engaging dialogues, and cliffhangers that make it impossible to put down, from mid-air refueling and carrier landings to a Russian jet boldly parking on top of an American fighter. While the story is philosophical in nature and tender in its treatment of love, the author injects pulsating action to make it a page-turning read. The worldbuilding is terrific and detailed; the village is filled with raki, Zeia bread, Zorba dances, Orthodox folklore, and owls. You immediately feel as though you are part of this world, thanks to the detailed descriptions that make the village realistic. Love Beyond Eros is a meditation on love and sacrifice. The author offers a unique take on real love through the story of Aris and Angelica: “My love for you will always be agapi peran apo ton erota—love beyond eros.” It’s a love that survives distance and even death.
Recommend this book:
The Christmas Will
Pete Thomas
2026 Gold Medal
247 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Pete Thomas’s The Christmas Will, John Roberts Jenkins has spent his life believing his father died in World War I. Then James Thompson, a Missouri attorney, finds proof that his father was John Roberts, the late owner of JR’s Department Store in Poplar Bluff. Brought there under a cover story before a Christmas Day will reading, John enters a town where strangers know his father’s name while he knows almost nothing about the man himself. Sarah Johnson, John Roberts' longtime business partner, is asked to guide him through the store his father built. On the train to Poplar Bluff, John meets Judy Martin, a trained accountant whose first days in town begin alongside his own uncertain place inside the store. As Christmas approaches, John must step into a family, a business, and a legacy that have been waiting for him.
What a Christmas miracle! Pete Thomas’s The Christmas Will introduces a Christmas inheritance family story that is extremely thoughtful and does an excellent job of taking us into the lives of everyone in the story. As much as I appreciate John the younger as a lead, the most fascinating characters for me are the women. As John Roberts dies, it is Sarah Johnson, his longtime store manager and later-life love, who stays beside him, and it's Gail who raises a son alone after wartime reports told her John had died. I love Judy and had a bit of a chuckle when she meets John, and not knowing he is massively wealthy, she speaks plainly to him about how their dating might affect her job. The historical details are pitch-perfect, and being ensconced in early mid-century America was wonderful. Well written and immersive, readers who enjoy holiday family fiction will adore this book, as I certainly have. Very highly recommended.
In Pete Thomas’s The Christmas Will, John Roberts Jenkins has spent his life believing his father died in World War I. Then James Thompson, a Missouri attorney, finds proof that his father was John Roberts, the late owner of JR’s Department Store in Poplar Bluff. Brought there under a cover story before a Christmas Day will reading, John enters a town where strangers know his father’s name while he knows almost nothing about the man himself. Sarah Johnson, John Roberts' longtime business partner, is asked to guide him through the store his father built. On the train to Poplar Bluff, John meets Judy Martin, a trained accountant whose first days in town begin alongside his own uncertain place inside the store. As Christmas approaches, John must step into a family, a business, and a legacy that have been waiting for him.
What a Christmas miracle! Pete Thomas’s The Christmas Will introduces a Christmas inheritance family story that is extremely thoughtful and does an excellent job of taking us into the lives of everyone in the story. As much as I appreciate John the younger as a lead, the most fascinating characters for me are the women. As John Roberts dies, it is Sarah Johnson, his longtime store manager and later-life love, who stays beside him, and it's Gail who raises a son alone after wartime reports told her John had died. I love Judy and had a bit of a chuckle when she meets John, and not knowing he is massively wealthy, she speaks plainly to him about how their dating might affect her job. The historical details are pitch-perfect, and being ensconced in early mid-century America was wonderful. Well written and immersive, readers who enjoy holiday family fiction will adore this book, as I certainly have. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Soap Opera Digest
The Story of a Woman, a Dream, and an Endless Love
Stacy Thowe
2025 Finalist
308 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Soap Opera Digest by Stacy Thowe is the story of a woman whose past has cocooned her into believing that her best days were in the past and how that has affected her present life and relationships. Twenty-five years ago, Julia Melrose experienced the kind of love that seemed destined to last forever, but life had other plans and pulled those dreams apart. Now, a divorced mother of two, she is constantly re-evaluating the choices she made long ago. The voice of her beloved Ritchie calls her to reclaim the life she was meant to live. However, her daughter Lauren’s unexpected pregnancy, her son Bobby’s struggles with addiction, and her mother’s stroke make her want to pause in following her dreams. Her chance meeting with Andy at her workplace sparks a connection that makes her want to believe in love again. While standing at life’s crossroads, between the comfort of the known life and pursuing the long-lost dream, which path will Julia choose?
Stacy Thowe’s Soap Opera Digest is a contemporary romance about second chances, with a touch of the paranormal. Using a mix of detail-oriented narrative and inner monologues, Stacy Thowe draws us into the bittersweet portrait of Julia whose mental state seems to be a mix of nostalgia, regret, and mainly clinging to past dreams. Flashbacks are used effectively, giving a better understanding of Julia’s past and showing glimpses of her lost loves, especially the love she felt for Ritchie. You can make out the contrast between the youthful woman Julia once was to the lonely figure she now seems to be. The story unfolds at a slow pace, reflecting the theme of gradual healing and emotional introspection. This also allowed me to grasp the experiences of each character – whether it was Carmen’s humor and determination to get over her experience with stroke, Bobby’s struggle with addiction, or Julia’s affection for Andy. The appearance of Ritchie’s spirit provides a unique magical element, helping Julia get emotional release and closure from her past. Soap Opera Digest offers an unexpected sense of serendipity and fate throughout Julia and Andy’s story, making it an engaging read for fans of emotional, character-driven romances.
Soap Opera Digest by Stacy Thowe is the story of a woman whose past has cocooned her into believing that her best days were in the past and how that has affected her present life and relationships. Twenty-five years ago, Julia Melrose experienced the kind of love that seemed destined to last forever, but life had other plans and pulled those dreams apart. Now, a divorced mother of two, she is constantly re-evaluating the choices she made long ago. The voice of her beloved Ritchie calls her to reclaim the life she was meant to live. However, her daughter Lauren’s unexpected pregnancy, her son Bobby’s struggles with addiction, and her mother’s stroke make her want to pause in following her dreams. Her chance meeting with Andy at her workplace sparks a connection that makes her want to believe in love again. While standing at life’s crossroads, between the comfort of the known life and pursuing the long-lost dream, which path will Julia choose?
Stacy Thowe’s Soap Opera Digest is a contemporary romance about second chances, with a touch of the paranormal. Using a mix of detail-oriented narrative and inner monologues, Stacy Thowe draws us into the bittersweet portrait of Julia whose mental state seems to be a mix of nostalgia, regret, and mainly clinging to past dreams. Flashbacks are used effectively, giving a better understanding of Julia’s past and showing glimpses of her lost loves, especially the love she felt for Ritchie. You can make out the contrast between the youthful woman Julia once was to the lonely figure she now seems to be. The story unfolds at a slow pace, reflecting the theme of gradual healing and emotional introspection. This also allowed me to grasp the experiences of each character – whether it was Carmen’s humor and determination to get over her experience with stroke, Bobby’s struggle with addiction, or Julia’s affection for Andy. The appearance of Ritchie’s spirit provides a unique magical element, helping Julia get emotional release and closure from her past. Soap Opera Digest offers an unexpected sense of serendipity and fate throughout Julia and Andy’s story, making it an engaging read for fans of emotional, character-driven romances.
Recommend this book:
Walking By Your House
A Wholesome Christian Romance
A W Anthony
2025 Bronze Medal
240 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Walking By Your House by A W Anthony is a wholesome Christian romance that brings fresh authenticity to the young adult genre. Alan Weiss, a socially awkward teen, embarks on a heartwarming, comical journey of love, faith, and self-discovery that will appeal to both religious and secular readers. The novel deftly handles themes of first love, personal identity, and spiritual growth through the lens of Alan's endearing mishaps and genuine struggles. Anthony creates a world where faith feels natural rather than forced, allowing readers to connect with Alan's experiences regardless of their own beliefs, while his journey through the complexities of teenage social life provides both humor and touching moments of growth.
Author A W Anthony captures the authentic feel of adolescence while maintaining a delicate balance between faith and entertainment. I particularly appreciated how the narrative approaches teenage romance with both humor and respect, avoiding common tropes or the need to over-dramatize a situation. It also delivers genuine emotional resonance that is on the right level for YA readers to relate to. Anthony's portrayal of Alan's awkward yet earnest attempts at love and friendship rings true, creating moments that are both cringe-worthy and deeply relatable. Some stellar dialogue moments made me chuckle and sometimes genuinely brought a tear to my eye. The integration of faith elements feels organic, adding new elements of self-reflection to the character development without becoming preachy or overshadowing the central story. Anthony depicts Alan's growing self-awareness and emotional maturity through both comedic and touching situations to create a satisfying journey that feels earned rather than contrived. This arc exemplifies teenage insecurity and longing, but with a tone that remains uplifting and hopeful throughout. Overall, I recommend Walking By Your House to readers seeking a genuine, heartwarming story that handles both faith and teenage romance with equal sincerity and charm.
Walking By Your House by A W Anthony is a wholesome Christian romance that brings fresh authenticity to the young adult genre. Alan Weiss, a socially awkward teen, embarks on a heartwarming, comical journey of love, faith, and self-discovery that will appeal to both religious and secular readers. The novel deftly handles themes of first love, personal identity, and spiritual growth through the lens of Alan's endearing mishaps and genuine struggles. Anthony creates a world where faith feels natural rather than forced, allowing readers to connect with Alan's experiences regardless of their own beliefs, while his journey through the complexities of teenage social life provides both humor and touching moments of growth.
Author A W Anthony captures the authentic feel of adolescence while maintaining a delicate balance between faith and entertainment. I particularly appreciated how the narrative approaches teenage romance with both humor and respect, avoiding common tropes or the need to over-dramatize a situation. It also delivers genuine emotional resonance that is on the right level for YA readers to relate to. Anthony's portrayal of Alan's awkward yet earnest attempts at love and friendship rings true, creating moments that are both cringe-worthy and deeply relatable. Some stellar dialogue moments made me chuckle and sometimes genuinely brought a tear to my eye. The integration of faith elements feels organic, adding new elements of self-reflection to the character development without becoming preachy or overshadowing the central story. Anthony depicts Alan's growing self-awareness and emotional maturity through both comedic and touching situations to create a satisfying journey that feels earned rather than contrived. This arc exemplifies teenage insecurity and longing, but with a tone that remains uplifting and hopeful throughout. Overall, I recommend Walking By Your House to readers seeking a genuine, heartwarming story that handles both faith and teenage romance with equal sincerity and charm.
Recommend this book:
Bravo
Jessica Ashley
2025 Gold Medal
388 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Jessica Ashley's Bravo: Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue is a gripping romantic suspense novel set against the rugged backdrop of Texas ranch life, intertwined with daring rescue missions. The story follows Bradyn Hunt, a former Special Forces operative turned head of Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue. He dedicates himself to rescuing victims from human trafficking and other dark threats. His quiet strength and unwavering faith contrast with Kennedy Smith, a woman on the run from her past, hiding as a ranch hand on the Hunt family’s property. As Kennedy struggles with her secrets and the danger closing in from her past, she falls for Bradyn, whose protective nature and faith offer her hope. When her enemies discover her location, she must decide whether to keep running or fight for the love she’s found—and for her life.
While the plot is twisty and filled with intriguing points, the characters won my heart. Bradyn is a resilient, faith-driven hero whose past military service shapes his dedication to justice and rescue. Kennedy is complex and guarded, haunted by trauma and secrets, yet her bond with the Hunt family and her faith hint at the possibility of healing. The setting shifts from the dark, jungle hideouts of international human trafficking operations to the warm, tight-knit ranch community in Texas, a contrast that I found thoughtful and indicative of the conflict that is also well-handled. Bravo deftly explores themes of trust, whether in each other, faith, or divine purpose, and the redemptive power of love that refuses to give up. Jessica Ashley has crafted a captivating romance filled with tension, engaging characters, a delightful plot, and a satisfying denouement.
Jessica Ashley's Bravo: Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue is a gripping romantic suspense novel set against the rugged backdrop of Texas ranch life, intertwined with daring rescue missions. The story follows Bradyn Hunt, a former Special Forces operative turned head of Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue. He dedicates himself to rescuing victims from human trafficking and other dark threats. His quiet strength and unwavering faith contrast with Kennedy Smith, a woman on the run from her past, hiding as a ranch hand on the Hunt family’s property. As Kennedy struggles with her secrets and the danger closing in from her past, she falls for Bradyn, whose protective nature and faith offer her hope. When her enemies discover her location, she must decide whether to keep running or fight for the love she’s found—and for her life.
While the plot is twisty and filled with intriguing points, the characters won my heart. Bradyn is a resilient, faith-driven hero whose past military service shapes his dedication to justice and rescue. Kennedy is complex and guarded, haunted by trauma and secrets, yet her bond with the Hunt family and her faith hint at the possibility of healing. The setting shifts from the dark, jungle hideouts of international human trafficking operations to the warm, tight-knit ranch community in Texas, a contrast that I found thoughtful and indicative of the conflict that is also well-handled. Bravo deftly explores themes of trust, whether in each other, faith, or divine purpose, and the redemptive power of love that refuses to give up. Jessica Ashley has crafted a captivating romance filled with tension, engaging characters, a delightful plot, and a satisfying denouement.
Recommend this book:
The Musician
A Goodwater Ranch Romance
Amanda Lewis
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Amanda Lewis has beautifully crafted an unforgettable story rich with emotion, romance, and faith in her enchanting contemporary romance novel, The Musician: A Goodwater Ranch Romance. Nearly seven years ago, Isaiah Matthews disappeared without a trace. His best friend, Taylor Strauss, was left feeling lost and abandoned. After he left her behind, she was forced to pick up the broken pieces alone. Now Isaiah is back and is determined to get some answers and rekindle the love he shared with Taylor. Taylor, however, is still struggling to move past his abandonment and wants nothing to do with him. But Isaiah is not deterred. As they share their versions of what happened between them, new revelations emerge and they begin to see the past through each other’s eyes.
Lewis offers an absorbing story about God’s redemption and His ability to piece together even the most broken circumstances. The novel also explores other important themes about healing and forgiveness that I found hopeful. Laced with humor, the dialogue is entertaining and skillfully woven into the story. Lewis has an amazing gift of developing original characters with complex lives that portray real-life struggles which will resonate with many readers. With an expert hand, she brings to life the people and places in Goodwater Ranch town. This quaint town has its own eccentric, compelling characters and delightful places that form wonderful backgrounds for Taylor and Isaiah’s soul-stirring love story. The Musician by Amanda Lewis is a hope-filled, captivating story packed with intriguing revelations and uplifting themes. Readers will love its witty conversations and fascinating characters.
Amanda Lewis has beautifully crafted an unforgettable story rich with emotion, romance, and faith in her enchanting contemporary romance novel, The Musician: A Goodwater Ranch Romance. Nearly seven years ago, Isaiah Matthews disappeared without a trace. His best friend, Taylor Strauss, was left feeling lost and abandoned. After he left her behind, she was forced to pick up the broken pieces alone. Now Isaiah is back and is determined to get some answers and rekindle the love he shared with Taylor. Taylor, however, is still struggling to move past his abandonment and wants nothing to do with him. But Isaiah is not deterred. As they share their versions of what happened between them, new revelations emerge and they begin to see the past through each other’s eyes.
Lewis offers an absorbing story about God’s redemption and His ability to piece together even the most broken circumstances. The novel also explores other important themes about healing and forgiveness that I found hopeful. Laced with humor, the dialogue is entertaining and skillfully woven into the story. Lewis has an amazing gift of developing original characters with complex lives that portray real-life struggles which will resonate with many readers. With an expert hand, she brings to life the people and places in Goodwater Ranch town. This quaint town has its own eccentric, compelling characters and delightful places that form wonderful backgrounds for Taylor and Isaiah’s soul-stirring love story. The Musician by Amanda Lewis is a hope-filled, captivating story packed with intriguing revelations and uplifting themes. Readers will love its witty conversations and fascinating characters.
Recommend this book:
Victory
Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way
Mayra Barry
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Victory: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way is a work of fiction penned by author Mayra Barry in the historical, romantic drama, and Christian fiction subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The story unfolds with Joe Smith, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn after betrayal, captivity, and laboring on a plantation. Despite the hardships, Joe's resilience and skills make him indispensable to the Kemet family, particularly catching the attention of Victoria Kemet. The novel weaves together elements of action, romance, and a hidden message of finding blessings in adversity.
Author Mayra Barry really knows how to captivate an audience and immerse them in history, taking her readers on an adventurous journey to explore faraway places, turbulent storms, and moments of betrayal and forgiveness. The narrative is well-paced, with great rise and fall in the action, and the structure of the carefully crafted scenes makes it rich with suspense and thrills whilst the overarching themes of faith, hope, and love gently simmer and build in the background. The central character of Joe Smith is penned with sincere emotion and deep resonance, and Joe soon becomes a symbol of overcoming challenges and creating a new legacy that makes him more heroic as the novel goes on. The story delivers a Christian romance in a richly-developed historical world that was perfectly in keeping with the morals, attitudes, and lifestyles of the time, and it had some really strong, atmospheric dialogue to keep that sense of period alive throughout. Overall, readers seeking a story of resilience, love, and the triumph of the human spirit will find Victory a compelling and uplifting read indeed.
Victory: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way is a work of fiction penned by author Mayra Barry in the historical, romantic drama, and Christian fiction subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The story unfolds with Joe Smith, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn after betrayal, captivity, and laboring on a plantation. Despite the hardships, Joe's resilience and skills make him indispensable to the Kemet family, particularly catching the attention of Victoria Kemet. The novel weaves together elements of action, romance, and a hidden message of finding blessings in adversity.
Author Mayra Barry really knows how to captivate an audience and immerse them in history, taking her readers on an adventurous journey to explore faraway places, turbulent storms, and moments of betrayal and forgiveness. The narrative is well-paced, with great rise and fall in the action, and the structure of the carefully crafted scenes makes it rich with suspense and thrills whilst the overarching themes of faith, hope, and love gently simmer and build in the background. The central character of Joe Smith is penned with sincere emotion and deep resonance, and Joe soon becomes a symbol of overcoming challenges and creating a new legacy that makes him more heroic as the novel goes on. The story delivers a Christian romance in a richly-developed historical world that was perfectly in keeping with the morals, attitudes, and lifestyles of the time, and it had some really strong, atmospheric dialogue to keep that sense of period alive throughout. Overall, readers seeking a story of resilience, love, and the triumph of the human spirit will find Victory a compelling and uplifting read indeed.
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