Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

The Actress (A Christian Murder Mystery) by Michael Hicks Thompson is a murder mystery Christian novel that would appeal most to a diverse audience of young adults and adults who enjoy intrigue and detective stories. In the 1960s, a widow named Martha McRae found herself living in a small town located in Mississippi when a dead man is discovered with a note in his hand. Famous actress Tallulah Ivey traveled to Solo in order to film a movie; she never expected there to be a dead man outside of her bedroom window. Is Martha McRae up to the task of solving the murder or will it forever remain a mystery?

The Actress (A Christian Murder Mystery) by Michael Hicks Thompson has a captivating cover that hinted at a story with a woman as a main character. I felt that the cover mirrored the mystery elements of the plot by showing a female form, but hiding the identity of the woman. The book itself was an extremely well-written mystery that allowed me to place myself in the detective’s seat as I attempted to figure out the what, why, and how before Martha McRae. Martha McRae was easily my favorite character with her ability to look beyond the obvious to solve the mystery; it was Martha McRae that truly made the book stand out amongst all the other mystery books that I have read as she was simply a wonderful character. I loved the fact that the author kept the mystery realistic and included elements of Christianity while still staying in the realm of detective fiction.

Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite

What happens when we die? Find out in The Heavenly Oak by Philip Bauer. The story finds several individuals—from varying times and spaces—all at the end of their physical lives on earth. Each of them—a televangelist, superstar performer, Confederate soldier, explorer, and more—find themselves under an idyllic oak tree in another realm of the universe. When they arrive, all find someone is there to greet them. Who is this person and what is the book he has with him? Each person soon discovers that it’s their own book of life and how they react to what they find there determines what happens next. Is death an end or the beginning of something new?

The Heavenly Oak by Philip Bauer presents a picture of heaven that many readers will find familiar and comforting. There is something very reassuring in the way that Bauer writes about the moment of death and one’s arrival at the heavenly oak. And if what comes next seems a bit too easy, the novel makes the definitive point that heaven is available and attainable, but not automatic. In The Heavenly Oak, Philip Bauer presents a lovely picture of heaven and appropriately demonstrates that God is the perfect judge of our lives, taking into account all of our choices and circumstances.

The Heavenly Oak is written as a series of vignettes—one for each individual making the journey to heaven. Each of these people has a unique path and circumstances to appreciate and reckon with. I especially enjoyed the final vignette—one that brings you directly in the path of and to the point of Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice for all sinners. Recommended.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

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

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

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

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

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

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

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

A wonderful gift for Easter, The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality by Caleb Camp looks at one of the least discussed qualities of God — His hospitality. What is God’s vision on hospitality? What place does it have in God’s powerful message of love? Why is hospitality so important for our hostile world? These are questions that are answered in this inspiring and informative book. The author defines hospitality, exploring the etymology of the word and its biblical foundations, and demonstrates what makes it a key quality of God and one of the forms of credible witness to the love he has for humanity.

The discussion on integrating hospitality is so well done and I enjoyed the author’s insightful take on the story of the Good Samaritan and the need for a paradigm shift. In this book, readers will understand how hospitality is one of the things that define the very nature of God, identify traits of hospitality in biblical personages like Joseph, and find material for reflection and a road map to living the spirituality of hospitality. It is interesting that hospitality could be the simple path to embracing what God created us to be for each other — brothers and sisters and sons and daughters of the same Father. Apart from setting us on the path towards peace with our brothers and sisters, The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality will help readers find a way of letting God into their hearts and discovering inner freedom and peace. The book is beautifully written and the simplicity of language makes the wisdom and message of this book accessible to a wide audience. Caleb Camp’s book will help readers understand God and what it means to be credible witnesses to His love. A rare gift of love and wisdom!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Finding Heaven in the Dark by William L. Ingram is the author's compelling and insightful story of personal struggle filled with nostalgia and faith in God, which makes him believe that God has a plan for everyone. Though each one of us has a different journey to undertake, it is important to submit ourselves to God to experience His unconditional love. The book chronicles Ingram's journey from being born to a black, unwed mother in 1949, the 1960s theme of race relations, political instability, assassinations, and the Vietnam War, and how they all influenced him to change his life from that of self-destruction to that of having a better meaning and purpose.

The political backdrop, coupled with spiritual transformation, makes this memoir different and unique. It is a story of loss, redemption, and faith and how the author’s faith in Christian meditation guides him is interesting. The book is honest and I admire the author’s courage to share the dark phases of his life, his rebellious attitude, and confused state of mind with readers. His discovery of life saving and life affirming principles, and his journey of self-discovery and awakening are enlightening. The book will ignite the curiosity of all those who are striving to find a purpose in their lives, an inner meaning, and also to learn more about themselves and their identity. The book is detailed and descriptive and the author takes readers right into his life and the spiritual transformation undergone by him. I like his perspective on meditation; it is quite interesting yet deep at the same time.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Night That Changed Our Lives: The Devil Pushed Me In A Pit But God Pulled Me Out by Kelly Garner is the story of what happened to the author one winter’s night and his awakening to life, to gratitude, and to God in an astonishing and wonderful way. His story about discovering a deeper faith in God, the test, the distress and helplessness his family went through is the story of survival. A man who went out one night to help and thought he would never come back after being severely injured and in the freezing cold for 14 hours. Kelly’s story of faith and will power is testimony to his deep faith and determination. Kelly is a living example of how people react when life brings challenges and how they respond to them. Kelly tells readers how the Devil pushed him into a ditch and God pulled him out.

Kelly’s story is an inspiration to all readers and his story of struggles turning into a positive outcome once his rehabilitation period ended is encouraging and uplifting. The narration about the author’s harrowing experiences is palpable to readers but then it is an example of how miracles can happen, and there is no doubting God’s hand, grace, and protection. Kelly’s journey of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual survival, perseverance, and strength to healing and thriving will keep readers astonished. The author is honest and straightforward when it comes to sharing his life and ordeals with readers, and the black and white photographs connect readers with the author and his situation. It is a story that reiterates the power of God and how He will answer prayers if done with faith.

Reviewed by Patricia Bell for Readers' Favorite

The Color of Truth (The Chain of Lakes Book 3) by Stacy Monson is a heartwarming story about Marti, a young adult who has had an extraordinarily bad life. Having a father in jail and a drunk for a mother, Marti has felt anything but loved. Her sister, Katie, who is still a minor and has been placed in foster care, is developmentally challenged and Marti carries that burden on her shoulders as well. Unknowingly, Marti allowed a very bad man (a drug dealer) to come into her life. A decision that will put her and her sister in danger. And then there’s Sam, who has suffered much himself. After a tragic event at the youth center and his pregnant wife walking out on him, Sam struggles with his own issues of guilt and self-worth.

The Color of Truth is a truly encouraging story of God’s love and grace. Stacy Monson has created beautiful characters that speak to the heart. I couldn’t help but love and feel for Marti and Sam. I enjoyed the way God worked in Marti’s life to give her the self-confidence she needed to realize just how capable she was. I felt a strong connection to Marti. Her lack of self-worth and feelings of inadequacy touched me on a whole new level. This is the third book in The Chain of Lake series and, although I haven’t read the first two, I had no problem following the story. The Color of Truth is easily a stand-alone book. I look forward to reading the first two in the series. Applause to Stacy Monson for creating a beautiful story.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Life on the Porcelain Edge by C.E. Hilbert is the perfect example of great comic timing, amazing romance and superior writing skills. This is the story of a woman named Tessa Tarrington who is at her wits' end, thanks to her now having no job, no home, and her life generally spinning out of control. The only way she can salvage her life is by going back to her old high school, and she does so as a teacher. She has no idea that her life is going to take another dramatic turn when she finds out that the boy who once tormented her in high school is now the football coach.

When he lost his wife, Ryland Jessup became a football coach at his old high school to feel grounded. He spends his days training the boys and his evenings taking care of his daughter. He had no idea that his life was going to take a new turn with the arrival of his high school crush, Tessa Tarrington. He also had no idea that he still had feelings for her. She is a little reluctant to give him a chance, but soon she warms up to him. But when his best friend with irresistible charm decides to come back home, Ryland now questions everything. Will Tessa give him a chance? Or will she fall for the charm of Joey Taylor?

This was a very fun and entertaining novel to read. I love romance of all types, so when I got my hands on Life on the Porcelain Edge, I excitedly jumped at the chance to read it. The novel truly lives up to the title and then some. Tessa is hilarious and so relatable; Ryland is fun and definitely a guy that any woman would want. Together, they make a formidable team that is hard to resist. This novel had me on the edge of my seat, smiling, biting my nails and rooting for these two. This novel is simply so entertaining and enjoyable.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

If you like science fiction with non-stop heart-pounding action and suspense, The Nephilim Virus is for you. In this debut Christian thriller by John T. Prather, a small number of uninfected humans fight for their survival in a nightmarish post-apocalyptic world. Nick Reece wakes from a three-year coma to find that America, and the world, is no longer what it was. A blood-borne virus from biblical times has killed millions of people and turned some infected humans into superhuman, highly intelligent, vampire-like Nephilim, who want to rule a new empire; or the subhuman Anakim, who eat humans and apparently can’t be killed. Nick quickly joins forces with other courageous survivors and a talented dog, determined to take back their world if he can survive all the attempts to kill him. But the Nephilim have their own evil plans for Nick.

I really enjoyed reading The Nephilim Virus. Prather has created an exciting and engaging story that you won’t want to put down until you reach the last page. The narrative is descriptive and flowing. The characters are well-developed and add to the suspense. The medical jargon is minimal. There is a romantic element in Nick’s attraction to Dr. Faith Richards, a brilliant hematologist who is searching for a cure. Prather switches points of view between Nick and Faith, adding plot and psychological suspense to the mix. Courage in the face of overwhelming danger is the common theme. “Evil has never been limitless,” Faith tells Nick. “The world has always been given great men and women with the power to fight back.” Highly recommended.