Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Dauntless Hearts: A Tale of Heartbreak, Courage, and True Love by Lincoln Tuvelais is a Regency romance with a bit of a difference. Kitty Otis is not your typical, simpering young woman desperate for a husband during the London “Season”. No, Kitty is indeed a beautiful, young woman but smart, business-savvy, and strong-willed to go along with it. With her ailing former pastor father in tow, Kitty embarks on turning around a rural northern England estate that has somewhat been left to rack and ruin. With her modern, scientific farming methods, Kitty won’t endear herself to everyone, though. When she meets a brash, young Irish nobleman, the atmosphere is immediately electric for both of them but any relationship between the pair is bound to be fraught with political difficulties as his Irish family treat the British with as much disdain as they themselves consider the Irish. Despite appearing for her “debut” season in London, Kitty is lacking suitable suitors and perhaps must consign herself to achieving her business dreams ahead of her romantic notions.

Dauntless Hearts is a genuinely warm and at times quite funny dip into the waters of Regency romance. The period around the beginning of the nineteenth century is ripe for a clever author to highlight the disparities between the “haves” and the “have-nots” and the all-pervading strictures of the class system. This is something Lincoln Tuvelais does superbly, with the character of Kitty. Kitty is, in today’s parlance, a strong, independent, and free-thinking woman, none of which would be seen as a leading characteristic for a young lady of the time. What I particularly liked about Kitty was her warmth and her compassion, which served to feminize other aspects of her nature that would be seen as vulgar and crass in a woman in 1812 or thereabouts. This is a character a reader can definitely get behind and root for and I did enjoy the twists and turns in the plot the author threw in from time to time to ensure a reader never lost interest. The style is as you’d expect from a period piece, redolent of the times and its unique language, customs, and manners and beautifully written throughout. This was a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable read that I can highly recommend.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Discovering Treasure by Crystal Mary Lindsey is a warm and fuzzy, happy story that truly offers inspiration and enjoyment. I found it impossible not to love Treasure Gilroy from our first meeting, as well as all of the friends she comes in contact with; Primrose, Ella, Connor, Thomas, Nellie, Kelvin, Frank, Marcus, and of course, Paris the puppy. Treasure is a famous model, well known in Paris, London, New York and Rome during the romantic years around 1928. When her aunt dies and she inherits her grandmother’s home in the outback of Australia, Treasure decides it is time to give up the life of fame and fortune and, taking her best friend Ella, the two set off on an adventure that will change their lives forever; bringing romance, friends, family and a very special village together. Treasure is soon faced with God’s plans for her new life and slowly comes to know Him in a magical and beautiful way.

Discovering Treasure was perfect from beginning to end. Crystal Mary Lindsey has written a book that reached into my heart and made me happy. I felt the joy and the sadness of each character in a unique and touching way. It was so hard to put the book down, but I knew if I read it too fast I would have to say good-bye to my wonderful new friends. Discovering Treasure is a romantic story, a Godly story, a family saga story, and so very much more. If you have any doubts of what God can do in your life or if you know the Lord, Discovering Treasure will quickly find its way to the top of your favorite book list. I cannot stress enough just how wonderful this story was and the joy it brought me. Please do not pass this one up.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Ruby's Redemption by Edwina Kiernan is a Christian historical fiction novel set in Regency England. The book revolves around the titular character, a prostitute named Ruby, who makes the acquaintance of a vicar named Henry under circumstances that could be nothing less than guided by the hand of God. As the two get to know each other, Ruby's outlook begins to change even though the reality of her circumstances shows no means of escape from threats of death. A hatched plan is faced with obstacle after obstacle. The full protection of the church is not enough to keep Ruby's precarious situation from crashing down around her. Worse still, the danger presented to those who cannot be swayed from helping Ruby live a reformed life in the light of God is the same, if not greater, than the risk to her own person.

Edwina Kiernan delivers the first of her Gems of Grace series with a strong start in Ruby's Redemption and one that is likely to hook readers who enjoy Christian fiction in historical settings. The narrative and descriptions are good without dumping information into the plot, a credit to the author who has the skill and courage to elect for a slower unpeeling of backstory. In the context of a solid love story in this specific genre, Kiernan does not shy away from plot elements that rarely come into play. Religion is deeply woven within this but is still allowed to blanket all aspects. Many contemporary Christian authors temper religion to appeal to a broader readership, but Kiernan holds unapologetically tight, and as a result, so did I to the story.

Reviewed by Rebecca S Winner for Readers' Favorite

Gift of Grace by Shanna Hatfield is set in Oregon in 1870. J.B. and Nora have been married for four years. Tragedies in both of their families spur them on to seek a new start in the Northwest. Their adventure starts on a train and ends in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail. Having funds from the sale of both of the family farms, they are able to hire farm helpers and settle down in a cabin. Then tragedy strikes again, tearing J.B. and Nora apart. Their marriage and their friendship with each other is on the line. Will their love for each other and their faith in God sustain them and bring them back to the friends, spouses, and lovers they have been in the past?

I enjoyed the fact that all of the characters in Gift of Grace by Shanna Hatfield are likable. J.B. is my favorite character. His patience and love for Nora enabled her to get through the ordeal. I appreciated that Nora helped herself emotionally since, “Doing good, helping others, had filled her heart with something that had been missing for weeks.” I liked that the new neighbors and friends supported both J.B. and Nora in their struggles. I loved the humor when J.B. pretended to be hurt worse than he was because he enjoyed having Nora fussing over him. I also loved that she saw through it but pretended to go along with it. The descriptions of the homemade Christmas gifts and ornaments were authentic for the period. I would highly recommend Gift of Grace by Shanna Hatfield to all readers of Christian historical romance.

Reviewed by Rebecca S Winner for Readers' Favorite

Evie: Pendleton Petticoats by Shanna Hatfield takes place in Oregon in 1913. Flynn Elliott thinks that courting and falling in love are “sentimental claptrap.” However, soon Flynn meets and is fascinated by Evie, whom he first thinks must be an “astounding figment of his imagination” or a “free-spirited fairy.” Flynn is a landscape architect, designing the yards for well-to-do customers. One of those customers has an employee, Evie, a nanny for his children. Evie happens to be the young lady who got Flynn's attention. Since the parents of the children are not interested in their offspring, Evie is their substitute mother. Due to the landscaping job, Flynn sees Evie frequently for a few weeks. But Flynn thinks he should resist love since it might take him away from his profession. But he has time to be a matchmaker for his sister, Clarice.

Evie: Pendleton Petticoats by Shanna Hatfield is the second book I have read by this author. I love the way Evie mothers the children. I enjoyed the relationship between brother and sister Flynn and Clarice, who both thought they did not have time for a life of their own because the other needed them. I was so glad the situation between the parents and their children was rectified. The author includes interesting historical facts about the area. I enjoyed getting to know the people of Pendleton, Oregon, who are fascinating characters and supportive of each other. I think Flynn's profession is fascinating, making the plot unique. This is an author I am glad to have found, and I intend to read more books by her.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Memoirs Of The Senator's Wife by S. M. Ford is the story of a forbidden love affair between Estrella Cyrus, a beautiful politician's wife, and her Secret Service agent, Michael Hagar. The story unfolds in the 1950s but spans the 1960s, which is one of the most turbulent times in the history of the United States of America. As an impoverished working student, the beautiful and strong-willed Estella meets Xavier Cyrus, scion of a rich political family. After an unusual and tumultuous courtship, the couple marries and after a difficult few years, she is thrust in a world so unlike her own. Xavier runs for Congress and with the help of his family's wealth and influence, he wins and the family relocates to Washington D.C. Estella proves to be a political asset and she slowly adjusts to the complicated D.C. social scene. Driven by an insatiable ambition, Xavier becomes a member of an ancient secret society that regularly conducts magic sex rituals. Estella is unhappy in her marriage but she has a daughter and a few causes to fill her days until she falls in love with Michael and her world turns upside down.

S.M. Ford's Memoirs of The Senator's Wife is such an interesting read that the reader may need some time to process the various twists and turns of the plot. The main plot, however, is the relationship between Estella and Michael, but it certainly takes a convoluted road to reach the conclusion of the affair. Having said that, the author is able to develop fully the various controversial characters in the story and that makes S.M. Ford a gifted storyteller. It is also fascinating how the author is able to weave together the many subplots flawlessly. From the start of the narrative until its momentous end, this novel will definitely grip the reader's attention in such a way that many other stories can't.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Wounded Angels by Chuck Miceli is a novel that is both emotionally and psychologically rich, a story of two souls that have been deeply wounded and a journey towards healing that is filled with mystery. Maureen Bower is just fourteen when her father abandons her. But then Frank Russo comes into her life and makes her feel loved, standing by her on every challenge and supporting her through difficult moments and complications from family and the devastating sense of loss, and separation. But what if Frank also abandons her? Maureen’s thoughts on abandonment usher her into a deep depression and no one seems to have a strong and positive effect on her. The path of healing might be in Doris Cantrell, a woman who has suffered abuse in childhood, has experienced a failed marriage and been estranged from her daughter. The connection between Maureen and Doris might bring the healing that both of them deserve.

Intelligently imagined and deftly written, Wounded Angels is a book that will speak to the reader’s heart. The sense of pathos is very strong as the reader watches the characters struggle with the reality of emotional pain. Chuck Miceli’s book reflects the reality of the human heart, exploring themes of depression, loss, family, love, and healing. The characters are richly developed and each has strong emotional depth. It isn’t difficult to identify with Maureen and to imagine the pain that she goes through after her experience of abandonment. I quickly learned to love this character and wanted to see what eventually becomes of her. The prose is gorgeous, the plot strong and the storytelling craft so refined that readers can’t help feeling as though they are part of the world of the characters, thanks to the humanity of these characters and the realism of the writing.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Lin Wilder’s historical novel, My Name is Saul, is a testimony of love and faith. As a prisoner held in Mamertine prison, Rome, the apostle Paul reflects upon his life. This is his last night alive; tomorrow morning, Paul will be beheaded. He is weary, yet hopeful and at peace. However, within him stirs one last story to tell, one more letter to be penned to his beloved church. Paul asks Aurelius, his Roman centurion jailer and now dearest friend and secret disciple, to be his scribe for the evening. Aurelius is a willing participant; he is honored by Paul’s request. As a matter of fact, Aurelius would do anything for Paul. As Paul recalls his past life, Aurelius becomes overwhelmed, his ideologies are crushed. What he is hearing can’t possibly be true! Paul is not dismayed by Aurelius’s reaction; he continues to tell the story of his childhood and the man known as Saul of Tarsus. Paul’s tragic past is revealed, and his discovery of the Truth unfolds. “Nothing we can undergo, no amount of sacrifice or torture can alter the truth.”

Lin Wilder pens an unconventional account of the life of the apostle Paul in My Name Is Saul. The narrative is richly detailed and well-researched. Wilder fluently weaves scripture and history together as she draws you into her story. My Name Is Saul is more than a conversation between two men. In a dark and dank prison cell, on their last night together, a foreboding vigil occurs. Yet, their last hours together forge an unbreakable and eternal bond of friendship. The hearts and souls of the characters are exposed. Emotions are felt; at times unspoken thoughts speak louder than the dialogue. The reader is taken on a journey through time, traveling down the road of Saul’s past to the finality of Paul’s present. Using insightful and creative liberties, Wilder fills in the blanks of Saul’s life before his conversion. As the scribe realizes while listening to Paul, “the past and present had to coexist” because the story would be incomplete otherwise. Paul’s entire life was an expedition to discover the Truth. At the end of his days, he understands that the story of his life belonged to the Lord, the author and finisher of his faith. My Name is Saul proves that no matter what we have done, “all of us can be used by Christ.” It is a compelling read from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Dream of Her Heart is the third book in the Hearts of the War series by Shanna Hatfield, and even though I haven’t read the other books in the series, I found this one complete and utterly satisfying. It is wartime and before his departure on a new and dangerous mission, Lieutenant Zane West travels across Oregon to see one of his friends who has been wounded. But when he arrives at the hospital, he discovers, to his utter stupefaction, that the army captain has disappeared. Billie Brighton, a devoted nurse whose life is spent looking after wounded veterans, can’t keep a promise she made to herself when she vowed never to let her heart be stolen by a soldier. That is when she sets eyes on the handsome lieutenant looking for his friend. The attraction between the two grows with every passing moment, but is there a future for them?

This is a beautiful story with sophisticated characters; a wartime romance that explores the hearts of two powerful characters. Shanna Hatfield reminds readers of the power of love and infuses the writing with great realism. Readers experience the emotional tension, the feelings of the characters, and their humanity. From the descriptions of the scenic views to the solitude of the sick to the fusion of hearts, the author keeps it real, evoking powerful feelings in readers. Dream of Her Heart should be read with the heart and I loved the strong voice, the elaborately developed characters, and the plot points. The premise is strong — a man looking for his friend and discovering that he has disappeared. While the plot is fairly simple, the author builds on the emotional part of the story, creating characters that win the hearts of readers. Great writing, a compelling narrative voice, and memorable characters.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Reluctant to Wed is the story of Emma, a young girl who left her farm home in Pennsylvania to travel to England and live with a grandfather she has never met. An arranged marriage has been set up for her and she is soon to meet and wed Devon, an Earl and a handsome young man. Neither Emma nor Devon are really prepared for what their future will hold and each brings their own set of doubts, worries, and concerns. Emma is taught how to behave like a lady. Enjoying his freedom, Devon is busy still being a bachelor, free to come and go and do as he likes. The marriage takes place and there is much adjusting as Emma and Devon slowly come to understand what is expected of them and how they really feel toward each other. God plays a strong role throughout the story as they seek guidance in prayer for themselves and each other.

Reluctant to Wed (Arranged Marriage Series) is the best Christian historical romance novel I have read in a very long time. I found Reluctant to Wed very hard to put down and really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Arranged Marriage Series. Anneliese Dalaba is a very talented author who brought me along on a romantic journey of two very likable characters and provided me with other characters, some of whom I strongly disliked! Reluctant to Wed is a book that all fans of historical, Christian, and romantic fiction should grab. Readers will love it and it should not be missed.