Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Robert Frost once wrote, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” In Autumn Ridge by Micaiah Munro, that sense of home is tied to a quiet cabin in Montana, where family history and personal struggles meet. The book begins with Bo Lyons building a life with his wife, Maybelle, in that very place in the early 1900s. However, their time together is short-lived, and he is left to carry on alone. Little does he know that his story helps shape later generations of the Lyons legacy. Fast forward to the present, with Jess Lyons preparing for a weekend with his son Dave back at the family cabin. There are some big topics to work through, including an upcoming marriage. As father and son reconnect, Jess shares with Dave the stories of their ancestors who made their retreat possible. They also discuss the weight of expectations. As they talk, work, and spend time in the wilderness, deeper questions about love and the future begin to surface. Whatever happened to Bo? Will Dave find the answers he needs?

I was first drawn to Autumn Ridge by Micaiah Munro because of the cover. When I saw it, I wondered what stories the cabin could tell about the people who had lived there. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. The writing is calm and steady, which fits the characters well. My favorite is probably Bo because he comes across as kind, steady, and full of wisdom shaped by everything he’s been through. I especially liked that he wrote a poem even though he didn’t think he’d be good at it. The story also balances past and present nicely without ever feeling confusing. The relationships felt real, like they could be part of my own family’s history. It’s the kind of book that stays grounded and still makes you think. Readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories set in rural settings will likely find a lot to appreciate here.

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

In The Library: Victorian Virtues Book 3 by Edwina Kiernan, Irene uses books to escape the fear she experiences at home. It’s the 1850s in England, and news spreads across the village of Lindenfell that they may soon get their own public library. Irene clings to the possibility of finally finding a safe place where she can breathe freely and relax. At the same time, Solomon, the son of the local chemist, has his own struggles. They slowly become interested in each other. Through quiet moments and small conversations, Irene and Solomon begin to form a connection, but both worry that their private burdens could threaten any chance of a future together. Will the library ever become a reality? And will Solomon and Irene be able to move past their troubles to build a life side by side?

The Library by Edwina Kiernan is a heartfelt historical romance that’s very difficult to put down. I quickly became invested in Irene's and Solomon’s lives and felt a deep empathy for her situation. The writing is warm and personal, with the tension building naturally through quiet moments and meaningful conversations rather than constant dramatic events. I also appreciated how books are such an important symbol throughout the story. Irene’s love of reading made many scenes feel relatable and, in a way, comforting. The pacing is steady, with chapters that flow smoothly, making it easy to keep reading “just one more page.” Fans of Christian historical romance and emotionally layered love stories will enjoy this book. This is a rewarding read that balances hardship, hope, faith, and romance in a memorable way.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Winter in the High Sierra by Robert Brighton transports us to the year 1899 in the Sierra Nevada mountains of eastern California. Here, we meet the last winter train bound for San Francisco. But high up in the howling blizzard, an avalanche fast approaches. In a desperate bid to save the passengers, the train's engineer decides to leave behind the last three cars—the only way they can escape. When 25-year-old Louisa MacGregor wakes up stranded and alone, she must solve her predicament to survive. When a mountain man stumbles upon Louisa's abandoned passenger car, he offers to take her to his cabin in the mountains. Louisa (Lou) has plans, and none involve waiting out the winter in a small cabin. But watching her charming roommate might be what she needs to cure her broken heart.

The story is character-driven. Lou and Bandit are lovable, realistic, and hugely entertaining, and their dialogues are often witty and have meaningful depth. I don't think I'll ever recover from how Bandit sternly told Lou that the big steamer trunk at the far end of the cabin was off-limits. I couldn't wait to unravel the secret in its depths—I was not disappointed. I loved Lou's morale, and I was internally screaming whenever there was a slight touch between the two. Watching their relationship build, I could see what they liked about each other and why they fell in love. This story beautifully explores how the kindness of a stranger can mean the difference between life and death. The themes include friendship, hope, and unwavering love. Anyone looking for a solid, fast-moving romance with lots of action will find Robert Brighton's Winter in the High Sierra to be a new favorite. A love story that you will love—I know I did!

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Shakespeare once wrote, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” That quote perfectly captures the heartbreak, betrayal, and lasting love at the center of Sarah by Shanna Hatfield. This World War I historical romance centers on Sarah, her longtime love Brett, and his twin brother, Ben. It starts with Sarah believing she is secretly marrying the man she loves, only to discover she has, in fact, wed his twin. That truth leaves her hurt and forces both families to face the fallout. To further complicate matters, the twins deceive their grandparents and ship off to Europe to aid in the war effort. While overseas, Brett and Ben often think of home, Sarah, and their futures. Back home, Sarah is left juggling her own responsibilities while worrying about what awaits when the brothers return. Will she be trapped in a future she never wanted? Or can love survive after trust has been shattered so completely?

I was intrigued by the cover of Sarah by Shanna Hatfield. I wanted to know more about the woman there. The writing is clear and descriptive, making it easy to picture what is happening in the book. The war setting was an important part of the plot, but didn’t overshadow the rest of the story. I really admired the title character, Sarah. She had a somewhat difficult home life, yet ends up being quite resilient and strong. I appreciated how she faced humiliation, uncertainty, and heartbreak without losing her kindness or sense of dignity. There’s also an added depth with the emotional complexity between Brett and Ben, especially as war and guilt shape their choices. Readers who enjoy historical romances with a slightly dramatic edge, strong family dynamics, believable characters, and heartfelt moments will want to pick this book up.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Linda Dindzans’s novel, A Certain Mercy (A Certain Future series), is a profoundly moving and inspiring Christian historical story set in Judea in the first century AD, in the time of Yeshua of Nazareth. Zara is a young Judean Jew from a wealthy family. She is married to Joram, a compulsive gambler. He neglects Zara. Auriga Maximus is a champion charioteer, the son of a famous gladiator. He is also Joram’s slave. Zara and Auriga are passionately attracted to each other, and Zara is irresistibly drawn into intimacy. She is dragged to the Temple Courts to be tried for adultery. She is thrown at the feet of Rabbi Yeshua of Nazareth. No accuser or witnesses are present. Yeshua speaks a few words to the crowd, who disperse, leaving their stones at the Temple Courts. With a few words, Yeshua gives Zara incredible hope, an unexpected new beginning in life. Kind, gentle followers of Yeshua lead her to safety, and Zara becomes one of the followers of Yeshua. Zara’s journeys become challenging and dangerous.

​I particularly enjoyed reading A Certain Mercy for its remarkable character development and the tightly interwoven storyline of the teacher, guide, and healer, Yeshua of Nazareth. I particularly liked the focus on Zara and how Yeshua transforms her life by giving her new hope. Zara’s deep unhappiness as a neglected wife, her fall into adultery, and her subsequent spiritual transformative journey were expressed very well through well-crafted settings, intensely emotional dialogues, and dramatic interactions. I felt the story gained great depth, as Zara struggles with fear, hope, and the torment of her sin of adultery. She struggles with how to forgive herself, how to forgive those who have wronged her, and how to forge a new life. Zara’s struggles and character sprang to life vividly through the story’s other characters, and I loved the immersive development of those who struggle through their own moral and ethical difficulties, seeking and giving forgiveness. I loved the richly evocative and imaginative way in which biblical characters and parables, like the good Samaritan and Lazarus, are woven into the overall story. For me, undoubtedly, the stories of Zara and the key secondary characters became more powerful through the character of Yeshua, his teachings, his love and mercy. I think the most moving part was the series of events leading to the crucifixion, as well as the aftermath. In particular, I liked how Zara and other followers of Yeshua continue to learn from Yeshua’s own courage and unforgettable love and mercy. I highly recommend Linda Dindzans’s A Certain Mercy to readers who enjoy inspiring stories of new beginnings, forgiveness, redemption, and hope.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Kirk by Charlene Raddon is the third book in the Gun For Hire series. Set in the year 1874, the story follows Kirk Reddick, a former preacher turned hangman, who is plagued by guilt over his job. After his brother, Cage, was framed for a bank robbery he didn't commit, Kirk accepted the role of a hangman as punishment on behalf of his brother. When a hanging leads to Kirk being shot and chased by an angry mob, Adina Kinnaird, who works in the local newspaper office, takes him to safety and nurses him back to health. As the two travel from town to town due to Kirk's duties, they develop mutual feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Adina runs into the man who shot and killed her boss. What's next in store for Kirk and Adina?

This is a book for fans of romance and Westerns alike. Chalene Raddon weaves an engaging narrative full of suspense, action, and romance. The plot revolves around the love story between Kirk and Adina, featuring a couple of unexpected twists and turns that are sure to take readers by surprise. Raddon's salt-of-the-earth characters and the immersive Western setting transport you to another time and place you don't want to leave. But this is not just another story where the hero saves the damsel in distress. Quite the opposite. I loved the chemistry between Kirk and Adina. Even the secondary characters like Glory and Marshall Sandford are well-developed and likable. I also found the ending very satisfying. Readers who enjoy love stories in Western settings should not miss out on this!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard is a heartfelt Christian historical novel set against the chilly, windswept backdrop of World War II Iceland. Marie Foubert is a Red Cross recreation worker grappling with abandonment issues after growing up in an orphanage, and Stefan Dabrowski is a gifted seaplane pilot facing discrimination due to his Polish heritage. Their paths cross amidst the camaraderie and conflict of military life, where love blossoms cautiously between them. Marie must confront her past when her long-lost cousin attempts to reconnect, while Stefan must prove his worth against jealous colleagues threatening to sabotage him. As personal reckonings collide with the demands of war, both Marie and Stefan are forced to confront who they are, where they belong, and what family truly means.

Author Terri Wangard has a flair for character that’s evident on every page of this highly descriptive and deeply emotional novel, which beautifully captures vulnerability and resilience in a wartime setting. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding them in a war-torn world, Marie and Stefan are brought to life with tender dialogue appropriate for the time, but also giving a deep insight into issues of identity and family still relevant today. The pacing of their feelings and emotional journey keeps a great sense of suspense. Their evolving relationship is a poignant and realistic portrayal of love under pressure that feels balanced between them as individuals and as a pair. The setting itself also feels like a character, thanks to the author’s excellent knowledge of the mood and attitudes of Iceland, giving a refreshing take on WWII fiction by spotlighting lesser-known locations and dynamics. I also felt that the Christian themes were integrated seamlessly, enriching the story with hope and redemption, but never making it feel overdone or preachy. Overall, No Leaves in Autumn is a highly recommended read for its unique perspective and well-penned character drama.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

Molly by Shanna Hatfield is a most delightful romance that takes part at the tail end of the First World War when the United States Army introduced women into their Signal Corps, nicknamed the Hello Girls. The main characters are Molly Thorsen and her extended family and Harkey John, her sister’s fiancé, and his best friend Friday Fitzpatrick. The author guides the main characters through their story so skilfully that the reader will find it very hard to put the book down once the plot starts to unfold. It takes place at a time of a war that nobody really wanted but everyone rallied to help stop. The fact that romance and hope can thrive in such despair and loss of life gives optimism to those who survive. A delightful romance set in an era when innocence and gallantry were slowly coming to an end in the world as we knew it.

Molly by Shanna Hatfield is written with such compassion, showing the ugly side of war and then the best side of those who go to war and still help others where they can, even to the detriment of themselves. The author leaves the reader with a feeling that there could be many more stories like this that happened during this period. A beautiful romance that is set in a time of innocence and each of the characters adheres to it with a grace and kindness that is not found today. The author writes in such a way that leaves the reader to use their imaginations to think about how the main characters feel about each other. The characters are so charming and take the reader on a journey of joy, sorrow, loss, and love most delightfully. The author also brings to light the fact that sometimes it takes decades for people to publicly acknowledge those who helped the troops and their movements during the First World War, leaving the men to fight the good fight. Can you imagine waiting until 2024 to find out that the army now actually acknowledges that you were part of the US Forces fighting in France and Belgium during the First World War? Since then, there have been the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and the women who served in those wars are on the Wall of Remembrance, even those who died in Hawaii. Thank you for a most interesting read.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Life wasn’t easy for young Beatrice. An orphan living with and caring for an aging aunt, she has her sights set on a young man, Isaac, who lives nearby. In Edwina Kiernan’s The Lamp, Beatrice and Isaac try to cement their love in the Victorian era, when certain principles and family obligations sometimes interfere. Isaac is sent away to look after some property that his father recently inherited. He has no time to meet with Beatric and inform her of his departure. Then an outbreak of cholera threatens their lives, making it difficult to believe that their love might someday bring them back together. Will the two find their place together, as they believe was God’s intention?

Edwina Kiernan’s novel, The Lamp, is the second book in the Victorian Virtues series. Set in Victorian England, this charming historical romance will captivate historical romance readers. The two main characters are well-developed and presented in a caring, believable manner. Dialogue is used effectively to enhance the character development as well as move the plot forward. This is a fast-paced drama, a real page-turner. The author has a thorough comprehension, understanding, and appreciation of the era in which her novel is set. Christian faith plays a profound role in this story, as it did for many who lived in the Victorian era. Bursting with intrigue, powerful sentiments, and a lasting desire to follow the life of a good Christian, the two main characters, Beatrice and Isaac, will inspire and encourage readers well after they’ve finished reading the book.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Only By Grace by Elizabeth Johns is a Regency romance that blends humor, tenderness, and adventure on the open sea. The story follows Grace Whitford, a gentle and unassuming young woman who, after being accidentally left behind on a ship following her sister’s wedding, finds herself on a voyage to Ireland with the dashing and brooding Lord Carew. Grace’s character unfolds beautifully throughout the novel. Initially presented as quiet and timid, her circumstances gradually reveal her wit and surprising boldness. Her interactions with the crew, particularly the young cabin boy Paddy, highlight the narrative. Meanwhile, Lord Carew, burdened by an old family feud and personal regrets, grapples with his protective instincts and growing affection for Grace. Their slow-burn relationship is marked by playful banter, simmering tension, and a mutual respect that blossoms naturally over time.

Elizabeth Johns brings the historical setting to life, weaving in vivid details about the many challenges of sailing during the Regency period, from the unpredictable dangers of the sea to the demanding navigation of strict social expectations placed on women of the era. The novel's pacing occasionally slows, particularly in scenes devoted to the gradual emotional shifts between the characters, but this is fitting for a slow-burn romance. Fans of historical romances will find much to appreciate in Only By Grace. Johns offers readers an immersive escape into a world where strength reveals itself quietly, through patience, compassion, and resilience. It is a reminder that grace, whether offered to others or accepted for oneself, can change the direction of a life.