December 2025 Books

 Personal Reading

The Healer's Secret

by Given Hoffman

This is the third book in the author's "Marked" series.  It's been a long time coming, but well worth the wait!  I thought it would be the last in the series, but the story definitely isn't finished yet.  But I'm grateful the author didn't end it on quite the horrible cliffhangers as the first two books (See my reviews of "The Tournament's Price" and "The Rebel's Mark.")  This book hasn't officially released, but I got an early copy by supporting the Kickstarter campaign.

This is a medieval fiction/adventure story set in a fictional kingdom, using a historical medieval background. This continues the story of Prince Gage and others as they are caught up in tumultuous and chaotic events in the three kingdoms of Edelmar, Keric, and Delkara. The author does a masterful job of creating and maintaining suspense and bringing the reader into the minds and emotions of the characters as they wrestle with who can they trust, who is an enemy, who is an ally, what is right, what is wrong, do the ends justify the means, and how can God be good when there is so much evil in the world.  In the acknowledgements, the author says, "many of the hardest sections to write were the parts that talked about God." In my opinion, these were the very best parts of the book.  I HIGHLY recommend this series. Content considerations: there is a lot of sword and knife fighting & treacherous murder; it is not gory, but sensitive readers should exercise caution.  If you've made it through The Green Ember or The Wingfeather Saga, you'll probably do fine with this.

Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel

by Alice McVeigh

A delightful sequel to "Sense and Sensibility," imagining Marianne's life 3 years after the events of Austen's original story. I loved how the author brought together many side characters from several Austen books into intimate acquaintance with each other. In this story, Marianne has been widowed for 2 years, after a very short, but happy, marriage to Colonel Brandon. Now she is in London, being pursued by 3 men (Rushworth, Willoughby, and Crawford). I figured she must end of with one of them, but for most of the book, I couldn't imagine which of the three would reform and prove worthy of her. I was delighted by the redemptive reformation of the one who eventually won her heart and hand.

 I laughed out loud at the younger sister, Margaret, who is an aspiring authoress of Gothic-style novels. "What's the point of having an expansive vocabulary if you never use it?" And, upon being reminded to practice piano, "I had been hoping to be spared the tragedy of being lamentably over-prepared for my lesson."

 If you have read and enjoyed all of Jane Austen's novels (including Lady Susan), you will likely enjoy this clean, sweet story.

The Road Unveiled

by Tim Bishop

Amazon blurb: Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage.  Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with motorcyclists bound for a massive rally, including gang members who eye her as theirs for the taking.  Doug Zimmer, another lone cyclist, is grappling with loss and wondering if anyone will be alongside him when he figures out what’s next. He isn’t the only one drawn to Lauren’s vitality and spirit.  But Lauren may already be in too deep. What she faces on the Golden Prairie Indian Reservation tests her courage—and her faith—more than anything she encountered as a missionary in Uganda.

I enjoyed this book for two main reasons: the descriptions of the countryside and the Christian faith of the characters. I could relate to the descriptions of Yellowstone, Wyoming, and South Dakota because my family and I took a road trip (driving, not biking) through many of the areas described. I admired the main female character praying for the various people she encountered, even the creepy ones. I appreciated the compassionate and Biblical way she talked to a man struggling with homosexuality. She did not water down the Biblical position, but she did not speak in a judgmental or condemning way. The ending was kind of odd and surprising to me, but I can't say why or it would be a spoiler.  I didn't read the first book "The Persistent Road" before reading this one, so I felt a little lost about some context and background, but it didn't significantly interfere with understanding and enjoying this book.  Content considerations: Lauren experiences many instances of men leering and ogling her and making suggestive comments; also an attempted gang rape.

The Cider Maker's Secret

by Matida Lockwood

This story takes place in Herefordshire, England, 1763. Parliament has implemented a oppressive new cider tax on England’s orchard keepers. Elizabeth Whitcombe is a widow with a talent and passion for managing her apple trees and producing cider of exceptional quality.  But those who run society deem that a woman is not competent to manage her business without a man in charge. Nathaniel Carter has come to England from the Virginia colony with secrets and schemes to clear his family's name and save his family's land.  But when he meets Elizabeth, he comes to admire and respect her and desire to help her protect her land and legacy from those who would try to steal from her by one means or another.

I enjoyed this book, for the most part. It was an interesting glimpse into the life of an orchard owner and cider maker and exposed the difficulties widows (and women in general) had in a time period when men did not think them capable of running a business. I enjoyed the way the two main characters slowly developed trust and love. Things that were confusing for me were the timeline and some of the double-meanings in many of the conversations. It was hard to follow the progression of time in this story. At times it seemed that only a short time had passed, but then it seemed like it had been weeks or months. I'm still not sure how much time the whole story spans. The characters seem to often be using cider-making and/or orchard terms to describe things other than the literal meaning. Since the terms and concepts were new to me, I could not always be sure I understood either their literal or figurative meaning. Content consideration: several uses of damn and hell; one sensual scene (but not explicit).

Recipe for Love

by Penny Zeller

Amazon blurb: Nothing interesting ever happens in Cloverdale Falls, which suits Maisie Carpenter just fine. Small-town drama keeps her entertained until that small-town drama brings news Maisie never imagined. Main Street has sold, and with it, the building housing her bakery. Ask any resident, and they’ll readily provide a dismal answer as to what will become of the friendly town founded by chicken farmers in the 1800s. What happens when she discovers the man connected with purchasing the businesses is the very same man she’s recently fallen in love with?  Hudson Tressler is content working for his uncle's company, helping to revitalize struggling towns. Cloverdale Falls is his next mission, and he quickly discovers the residents are as quirky as the town itself, with its famous Henrietta the chicken mascot. Hudson finds himself drawn to one such resident—the clumsy, but cute baker who makes the best chocolate cookies he's ever tasted. With the residents fearing for Cloverdale Falls's future, Hudson finds himself navigating chickens, self-appointed geriatric investigators, and falling head over heels for Maisie.

This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm a fan!! It's funny (I smiled, chuckled, and laughed through the whole book). It's full of family and quirky, loveable small-town characters. It's full of realistic Christian faith. Noble, chivalrous men (who were homeschooled!)

Under the Mistletoe

by Penny Zeller

Amazon blurb: Introvert Braxton Wertz needs a vacation, but his trip to the small town of Cloverdale Falls is anything but restful when he finds himself not only falling for the sweet and bubbly Gracely, but also in the crosshairs of geriatric private investigators...and their numerous shenanigans.  Recovering from a painful breakup, extrovert Gracely Eklund needs a vacation. Where better to spend her Christmas than her aunt and uncle's charming bed and breakfast? Her time managing the business comes with a few surprises, one of those being the nerdy and lovable Braxton. He's from Florida. She's from the Rocky Mountain West. Can Christmastime, an incomplete photo album, and a quirky town with its equally quirky residents bring two unsuspecting hearts together?

Just like the first book in this series, it's funny, faith-filled, and full of family and quirky, loveable characters.  The author does a great job of describing how an introvert gets "peopled-out".  I love how the adult characters are close to their families and seek out their parents' counsel when considering a mate.

Heart of Courage

by Penny Zeller

A sweet story of a young widow with a two-year old son barely two coins to her name who sets out to make a new life for herself in Hilltop, Montana. It was nice, but not as funny and engaging as the author's modern rom-coms such as "Recipe for Love" and "Under the Mistletoe."

A Christmas to Remember

by Penny Zeller

Otis (grown up from the 2-year-old he was in Heart of Courage) and Belinda were once great friends, but when she turned down his marriage proposal, both their hearts were broken. Over a year later, they meet again as they battle an epidemic that threatens her family and town. Sweet reconciliation, strong family & faith themes.

The Bartered Bride

The Marriage Masquerade

The Engineered Engagement

by Erica Vetsch

I totally loved this series about the three Kennebrae brothers and their scheming grandfather who arranged marriages for each of them to benefit his own business. I especially enjoyed the faith in God that each of the men and their prospective brides exhibits and grows in throughout the book. And the wonderful banter and friendship between the brothers. It might be a bit unrealistic how quickly the characters fall in love, but still an enjoyable story. 

Clara and the Cowboy

Lily and the Lawman

Maggie and the Maverick

by Erica Vetsch

I totally loved this series about the three McConnell brothers as they live out their Christian faith and try to overcome the prejudice against them because of their past. I especially enjoyed the wonderful banter and friendship between the brothers. It might be a bit unrealistic how quickly the characters fall in love, but still an enjoyable story. 

His Prairie Sweetheart

by Erica Vetsch

Savannah is from a rich, socialite family in North Carolina, but when she is jilted at the altar, she responds to an advertisement for a teacher in a small town in Minnesota.  She is ill-prepared for the culture and climate shock and the fact that her students speak little to no English.  Elias is the sheriff of the small town, hurt by the sudden departure of the last teacher, whom he fancied he was in love with.  Although he is attracted to Savannah, he has no desire to be hurt again, so he hides behind a wall of criticism and disdain for this Southern belle and makes no effort to hide it.

I enjoyed this sweet romance set in late 1880s Minnesota, in a mostly Norwegian settlement.  The ending seemed a bit rushed and unrealistic, but overall, it's an enjoyable read.

A Child's Christmas Wish

by Erica Vetsch

A reclusive widower with a young child reluctantly opens his home to a neighboring family (a pregnant widow and her grandparents-in-law) after their home burns down.  Though he resolves to keep his emotional distance, the young widow's plight rouses his protective instincts, and her joy and cheerfulness reawaken his heart.  A sweet, clean, enjoyable Christmas love story.

Some Like it Scot

by Pepper Basham

This book had me actually guffawing at all the misadventures the female protagonist falls into (literally!). And the puns! Oh, my! Yet the story also explores how people grapple with devasting loss in healthy and unhealthy ways. Content considerations: there is some ogling and passionate kissing, but nothing explicit.

Authentically, Izzy

by Pepper Basham

The tale of two book lovers, on opposite sides of the ocean, told mostly through emails and texts between them and their families.  Wow!  This was SO good! Delightful dialog, beautiful banter, charming characters. Laugh out loud funny!  I read the ebook free from Kindle Unlimited, but decided this is definitely worth purchasing a physical copy (even if I don't have room on my shelves).  The perfect book for any true bibliophile! I can't wait to get the next two books in this series.

Sense & Suitability

by Pepper Basham

The story of two friends almost engaged two years prior, both pressured to find a "suitable" match (but not with each other) before the social season ends. Another delightfully humorous story by Pepper Basham. Love the characters, the dialog, the banter, the love of family.

Everything's Coming Up Rosie

by Courtney Walsh

Rosie has been pursuing her dream of becoming an actor for years... with nothing to show for it but a heart full of rejection.  She's afraid to tell her friends and family that she's a failure, so she pretends everything's fine.  After a desperate spree of job applications, she gets an offer to be part of the creative team putting on a summer musical in Wisconsin (far from her dream job in New York and her family in Illinois).  It's not until after she arrives that she finds out that she is not just a part of the creative team; she is the creative team, i.e. the director, for the theater at an upscale retirement community.  As she works through the challenges of working on this show and develops a relationship with a handsome physical therapist, she learns that it's ok to rethink her dreams if they are not working out for her.

A delightful story, full of humor, relatable characters, and deep themes. Content consideration: a lot of kissing and some innuendos.

Falling Between the Pages

by A. M. Heath

This is a delightful blend of modern rom-com with western fiction.  Two Christian fiction writers who seem to be opposites in every way -- from their approach to writing (planner vs panster) to the way they deal with life and loss -- are assigned to work on a project together (writing a serial novel, alternating chapters). They reveal their changing feelings for one another through the pages of their story. Funny, sweet, inspiring. The time travel aspect of the story they write together was interesting -- bringing in the details of life a hundred years ago that modern people would find very difficult to adjust to and don't normally think about.

The Heart of Bennet Hollow

by Joanne Bischof DeWitt

I was intrigued by the idea of retelling Pride and Prejudice in an Appalachian setting, but for some reason, I just couldn't connect with the characters. The story just felt flat to me; it didn't grab me and keep me riveted. I think the author tried to overlay plot points from the original onto this story, but it didn't make sense why the characters should act as they did. I made it halfway before setting it aside.

November 2025 Books

Personal Reading

Illusion's Reign

by Sarah Pennington

From the Amazon blurb: Crown Princess Onora of Atìrse is eager to prove herself as the heir to her parents' throne. Moving into one of her family's holdings away from the Royal Seat offers the chance to put into practice all she's learned and demonstrate what kind of queen she intends to one day be, and even the shadow of an uprising among Atìrse's faery neighbors can't dull her excitement. Yet her plans go awry when one of her attendants proves false and she's transformed and replaced by a faery imposter. Though cursed and cast into the role of a lowly goose-keeper, with only her beloved cat as an ally, Onora refuses to admit defeat. She'll do whatever it takes to break the curse, expose the imposter, and take back the role that is rightfully hers. However, that's easier said than done when her opponent can so easily manipulate the truth — and the fickle feelings of the locals and the surliness of the miller's strange assistant don't make her task any less difficult.

An engaging and fascinating retelling of "The Goose Girl" fairytale. The world created by the author has a deity very much like the God of the Bible. Though I've had this book on my shelf for several months, I just now got around to reading it.  But it was the perfect timing, as I really needed to soak in the lessons the character had to learn about waiting on and trusting in her God to make the truth known and bring good out of evil. I loved the characters and the dialog!  I only wish the author had included a pronunciation guide to the many unusual names.  Though this book is the second one in the series, it occurs before Song of the Selkies which I reviewed in May 2025.

Middle Grade Fiction

The Free State of Jax

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

This is both a heart-wrenching and hilarious tale of an orphan boy longing for love and family. He runs away from his abusive aunt & uncle to establish his own "micronation" on the mysterious neighbor's property. Jennifer Nielsen's wonderful cast of characters never fails to delight! The audiobook was excellently narrated.  Content consideration: there are a couple of brief, subtle references to one child having "two dads."

Helmer in the Dragon Tomb

by S. D. Smith

A wonderful, long-anticipated story about the enigmatic Helmer from the Green Ember series. Hope this is just the first of several about Helmer's life! My son read it in one day. It took me a little bit longer because I had more responsibilities. :-)

Historical Fiction

Half-Truths

by Carol Baldwin

Amazon blurb: It is 1950, and 15-year-old Kate Dinsmore wants to become a journalist. But, her tobacco-farming father can't afford to send her to college. She devises a plan to move from rural North Carolina to her wealthy grandparents' home in Charlotte in hopes of gaining their financial support. Now she has a new set of problems. How can she please her society-conscious grandmother and conform to her new classmates' lifestyles? She meets Lillian, her grandmother's teenage maid, and in spite of their racial differences, they form a tentative friendship. While exploring her grandmother's attic, Kate unearths a secret that rocks her world and Lillian's too. The shocking discovery reveals half-truths that threaten the girls' friendship. What will Kate do when she must choose between Lillian and her new society friends? Through a mentorship with a newspaper editor, Kate realizes that journalism requires honesty. But, the risks of truth-telling make Kate question herself. If she reveals what she has learned, what price will she pay?

An excellent story about life in North Carolina in the 1950s -- dealing with discrimination, justice, prejudice, honesty, and family. Because a major plot point is the consequences of the adultery of the main character's ancestor, this book is rated for age 13+.  The topic of adultery, as well as prejudice and the KKK is dealt with in a sensitive and non-graphic manner.  Although the author uses language that is realistic for the time period, there are no curse words. I really liked this book and will likely share it with my kids.

Non-fiction

Expository Listening

by Ken Ramey

The first few chapters are a bit confusing with the author's Calvinistic theology, but after that he offers some great tips on how to become a better listener to the preaching of God's word through sermons. I especially appreciated the encouragement to be a discerning listener -- even for pastors you trust -- carefully searching the Scriptures to see if what the preacher taught lines up with the Bible actually says.

Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity

by Charles Swindoll

An exposition of the book of Esther.  There were some good lessons about waiting on God and trusting him and his timing to overcome evil & injustice.  While I like Chuck Swindoll, he does use quite a bit of "creative license" in imagining details and motives that the Bible doesn't not describe.

October 2025 Books

 Personal Reading

When Hope Calls Series Book 1: Unyielding Hope

When Hope Calls Series Book 2: Sustaining Faith

When Hope Calls Series Book 3: Unfailing Love

by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Wow! Just wow! This is an EXCELLENT trilogy of books by Janette Oke and her daughter. This rivals Love Comes Softly and When Calls the Heart which have long been my favorites by this author. A great cast of characters dealing with realistic life circumstances that test and try their faith in God.  A satisfying, but tear-jerking ending.  The story is set in Alberta, Canada and deals with the lifelong issues that children face when they lose their birth families, either through death, abandonment, or forced removal.  Lilian Walsh lost both her parents and a younger sister when she was just a young child.  She was adopted and raised by a loving family.  But now her adoptive mother has died after a long illness, and twenty-something Lilian is trying to find her place in her.  Then she discovers that her sister is still alive; after they meet, Lilian is thrust into her sister's world of caring for orphans -- specifically, ones who have been relocated from England to Canada and whose first placements haven't worked out.  The three-book series follows these two sisters and various children through many trials on their way to finding permanent homes. The audiobook was excellently narrated!  The dialect & accents might have been hard to read or imagine without the narrator.

The Light Between Oceans

by M. L. Stedman

Back cover blurb: After four harrowing years on the Western Front [in WWI], Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day's journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby's cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby. Tom, who keeps meticulous records and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel insists the baby is a "gift from God," and against Tom's judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

This is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel -- if you can get past the language (cursing) and the many misuses of "Jesus" and "Christ".  It shows the twisted rationalizations people can make when they've been through deep emotional trauma. It shows "what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive" -- whether we are deceiving others or ourselves.  It shows how the choices we make can have a ripple effect that touches many other lives.  And it shows how telling the truth and doing the right thing is the best thing, even if it seems that it will deeply hurt us or those we love.  Up till almost the end, I was wondering if the author would bring this heart-breaking tale to a redemptive conclusion or if it would end up being a sad, sordid, and broken story like Wuthering Heights.  Though there cannot be a "happily ever after" for everyone, I was satisfied with the resolution and the bittersweet conclusion of the story. I admire the character Tom and his determination to make things right and to take the brunt of the consequences on himself in order to protect his wife.  Although he listened to his wife and did the wrong thing (like Adam did with Eve), he didn't throw the blame on her but took it all on himself.  The language is the main thing that would keep me from recommending it.

The Perfect Rom-Com

by Melissa Ferguson

From the Amazon description: Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for her grandmother's financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. What she doesn't expect is to get tangled up with Jack Sterling, a jaded literary agent who will change everything. Their partnership begins with a devil's bargain: Bryony will ghostwrite for his talentless bestselling client if Jack will represent her real novel. But as deadlines loom and sparks fly during a traveling book tour that's always one breath away from disaster, Bryony realizes she's not just rewriting romance novels--she's living one.

Loved the look into the ghostwriting and publishing world!  I couldn't put this book down. This quote explains why I've enjoyed Melissa Ferguson's brand of rom-com: "Laugh and fall in love and resolve some of your existential crises while you go."  Another great quote: "But as often happens in life, the greatest joys and greatest struggles tend to be delivered to your doorstep in the same basket.  And it's up to you to dissect the two and embrace the good without letting the bad overcome."

Honor's Mountain Promise

by Misty M. Beller

A sweet, clean romance set in Montana territory (before it was a state).  Aaron Long is a former outlaw, now a freight wagon driver with a strong faith in God.  On one of his last runs before winter, he encounters a young widow, heavy with child who is stranded along the road.  He rescues her, ends up helping to deliver her baby, and falls in love with her.

Biography

Children of the Storm

by Natasha Vins

From the Amazon blurb: Young, school-age Natasha receives pressure from her teachers to give her unquestioning allegiance to the Soviet State. Anti-Christian sentiment dogs her family's life as well. The Vins family faces imprisonment, humiliation, court trials, and loss of jobs as part of the persecution waged by their government. In her teen years, Natasha begins to see that doors close to those who remain faithful to Christ. Now she must count the cost and decide for herself whether she wants to pay the price. It's a fairly short book recommended by our history curriculum. Makes me appreciate the freedom I've always had as a Christian and admire those who stay faithful in the midst of persecution.

Historical Fiction

Otto of the Silver Hand

by Howard Pyle

From the Amazon blurb: Young Otto is born into a warring household in an age when lawless chiefs were constantly fighting each other or despoiling the caravans of the merchant burghers.  He is raised in a monastery, only to return to his family's domain and become painfully involved in the blood feud between his father and the rival house of Trutz-Drachen.

It's a fairly short book recommended by our history curriculum, designed to be read during a study of the Middle Ages.  It's an ok book, but there are some gaps in the story that left me wondering what happened. It was explained later, but it seemed like it should have been explained sooner to prevent reader confusion.

Non-fiction

The Cost of Discipleship

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer expounds on Jesus' sermon on the mount (Matthew 6-8) to explain the difference between "cheap grace" and "costly grace."  He details what being a true follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ really means.  It was convicting from the introduction on.  I listened to the audiobook, but also bought the paperback book for further reading and pondering.

Middle Grade Fiction

The Golden Road of Tumbleweed Thompson

by Glenn McCarty

Amazon blurb: In the nine months since Tumbleweed Thompson left the town of Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado, for life on the road with the Coyote Pete Frontier Show, Eugene Appleton has found himself yearning for a taste of the adventures he imagines his new friend having on the American frontier. Life at home changes in an instant when Tumbleweed once again finds a way to interrupt Eugene’s life to ask for his help in solving the sudden disappearance of his father. And so, the two set off on a life-changing quest in search of the fabled treasure of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Filled with pulse-bounding adventure, suspense, humor, and moments of rich beauty as Eugene and Tumbleweed explore the American West in all its ruggedness and splendor, The Golden Road of Tumbleweed Thompson will take readers on a remarkable journey.

This is the second book about Tumbleweed Thomspon and his friend Eugene Appleton (told from Eugene's first-person point of view). Just like the first, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, this is a great read for middle-grades. It does use some "darn" and "heck", but otherwise it's pretty clean.

Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid

by Glenn McCarty

Dead-Eye Dan is the hero in a series of western books that Eugene Appleton (The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson) loves to read. This is one of those novels referenced in The Golden Road of Tumbleweed Thompson.) Great adventure for middle grade boys especially, but many girls will like it too. There are some noticeable editing mistakes that are a little distracting.

Dead-Eye Dan and the Secret of the Swamp

by Glenn McCarty

A second novel about the famous law-man Dead-Eye Dan. Sequel to Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid. Great, clean adventure for boys. There are some noticeable editing mistakes that are a little distracting.

Junction Tales

by Glenn McCarty

A collection of short stories set in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado.  A companion to The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson. Best read after that one and before The Golden Road of Tumbleweed Thompson. Another clean adventure book for middle grade boys.

Giant

by Judith McQuoid

A fictional account of C. S. ("Jacks") Lewis' boyhood in Ireland. A short, delightful novel for middle grades, appealing to both boys and girls. Listen to Sarah McKenzie's interview with the author or watch it on YouTube. Or read another review by Sherry Early.

September 2025 Books

 Personal Reading

How to Plot a Payback

by Melissa Ferguson

From the Amazon blurb: Successful screenwriter Finn Masters just landed his dream job writing for Neighbors, one of Hollywood's highest-rated, longest-running sitcoms. The only downside? It will put him back in proximity of the show’s universally adored, optimistic, altruistic star, Lavender Rhodes, who has been inadvertently ruining his life since they were school chums in England. But she doesn't even know she destroyed his acting career and wrecked his relationship with the love of his life. He's not about to let this woman yank yet another dream out from under his feet. In fact, he realizes he's been given the ideal opportunity to plot his payback: spinning her character in shocking new directions. What could go wrong? Only everything.

"Hilarious and heartwarming tale of revenge, redemption, and unexpected romance". This subtitle pretty much sums up this story for me. The author makes the characters come alive to me, the dialog and banter are great, and the redemptive story arc is refreshing. I enjoyed the dual point of view and getting a glimpse into the world of writing and producing a TV sitcom. The audiobook was excellently narrated with dual voices.

The Dating Charade

by Melissa Ferguson

From the Amazon blurb: Cassie is fed up with online dating, but just when she’s finally decided to give up, firefighter Jett Bentley takes her on an amazing first date. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Another funny, but poignant rom-com by Melissa Ferguson. (This was actually her debut novel, but not the first one I read.) Heartbreaking and hilarious, as the two protagonists deal with sudden, unexpected parenthood, as well as the foster care system and loved ones with addictions. I almost needed the tissues toward the end. Audiobook was good.

The Cul-de-Sac War

by Melissa Ferguson

From the Amazon blurb: Actress Bree Leake doesn't want to be tied down, but just when it's time to move on again, Bree's parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she's always wanted—her grandmother's house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life throws her some curve balls. And then there's her new neighbor. Chip McBride.  For the first time in her life, she's met the person who could match her free-spirited air—and it's driving her to the ledge of sanity. She would move heaven and earth to have him out of her life, but according to the bargain she's struck, she cannot move out of her house and away from the man who's making her life miserable. So begins Bree's obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast.  Bree isn't the only one who's a wee bit competitive, and as Chip registers what Bree's up to, he's more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur.

It is a standalone, but features some of the same characters as The Dating Charade, so I'd recommend reading that one first. Just like all the other rom-coms by this author, I love the characters, the banter, the growth and redemptive story arc. Sweet, clean romance.  I couldn't put this one down.

The Princess Bride

by William Goldman

Subtitle is "S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure." Blurb from the cover:  A tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts. From the Amazon blurb: As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devastated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchman, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince Humperdinck, and rescued once again by the very crew who absconded with her in the first place.

I read this because it was referenced in another book I like (Plays by the Book by Carolyn Miller) and I wanted to see what the fuss was all about.  It's a good thing I had read that it's a "meta-story" and satire, or I would have abandoned it near the beginning.  The characters are flat, and the plot is so stupid that it's funny. I guess that was the point.  Content considerations: in the introduction and first chapter, there are men ogling women who aren't their wives and a father putting down his son for being fat; there are also a few uses of s*** and b****; plus the torture scenes could be disturbing to sensitive readers.  Those who take things literally and who can't appreciate satire would probably not enjoy this book.

A Whisper of Peace

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Library blurb: Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separate her from her tribe. Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay and his stepsister, Vivian, arrive in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athbascan people. Clay is totally focused on this goal...until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.  But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe, and befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?

I had trouble suspending disbelief on several aspects of this story. It seemed unrealistic that the village would welcome the white missionaries as openly they did. It was also strange that the missionary would think that he had to build his mission building before he could preach the gospel to the villagers.  And the gospel he shared was not very clear or Biblical -- it focused only on God's love for people and failed to mention man's sin and need for repentance.

Drums of Change

by Janette Oke

From the Amazon blurb: Running Fawn loved her place of birth, the site of the Blackfoot tribe's winter camp, more than words could express.  But the coming of white men with their guns and diseases, the prairie fires that swept the grazing lands, and the quick slaughter of the vast buffalo herds leave her Blackfoot tribe with little choice but to take up residence on the assigned Reserve. All too soon, the world that Running Fawn has cherished is left behind. The chief's son, Silver Fox, and Running Fawn are chosen to attend classes at the Mission Boarding School in Calgary. How can she adjust to the strange new world? To the loneliness in this place far from her home and family? And how should she respond when Silver Fox shows more than a passing interest in the white man's God--and in her?

A thoughtful treatment of the experience of the native peoples of North America as white settlers moved in and changed their way of life.  An accurate and compassionate presentation of the gospel by a missionary who truly cares for the people he works with and lives among. I haven't been excited by many of the author's books in this "Women of the West" series, but this one was particularly good -- on par with her excellent books in the Love Comes Softly and When Calls the Hearts series.

Classics

Dombey and Son

by Charles Dickens

Mr. Dombey is the proud proprietor of the prosperous "Dombey & Son" business in London.  It was passed down to him from his father, and his pins all his hopes and dreams on passing it down to his own son.  He has no affection for his firstborn child because she is a girl.  But his second-born, a boy, is weak and sickly and has no interest in money except in using it to help a friend who is in trouble. Mr. Dombey has even less use for his daughter after his son dies. He remarries, but his new wife (who was pressured to marry him) despises him and his wealth and refuses to submit herself to his prideful demands.  When he forbids her to show affection to his daughter, he sets in motion a chain of events that leads to his ruin, which eventually leads to his redemption. Like all Dickens books, this is a long, wandering tale filled with many characters (some colorful, some villainous, and some too good to be true), dry humor, and social commentary.  The villain meets his end, the others find some measure of redemption, and most live happily ever after. An audiobook is helpful in getting through it. I listened to one narrated by Mel Nicholson.

Young Adult Fiction

Fortune's Call (Gold Rush Odyssey Book 1)

by Frank Nissen

Amazon blurb: What begins as a high-spirited jaunt west to claim easy riches becomes a grim race for survival. Pegg is only 13 when he and his father set off for the gold fields of California. But by the standards of the 1840's, he's on the verge of manhood. Unfortunately, the third person in their party, Fred Hoyt, is a city slicker who is of little help on the trail. Worse, he proves to be unreliable, with a dangerous habit of making rash decisions. Even as Pegg struggles to fulfill his father's dream of a better life for their family, Hoyt's every move jeopardizes his chances. Can Pegg muster the courage and perseverance to not just survive, but to succeed in the lawless frontier?

A well-written, fascinating, historical novel. Clean adventure book that I would recommend to anyone, but especially teenage boys. Content consideration: there is some non-explicit references to Mr. Hoyt's dealings with women, and there might be a few mild curse words or using the Lord's name in vain.  Be sure to have book 2 "Fortune's Price" on hand when you finish this one.

Non-fiction

Homegrown

Edited by Amber O'Neal Johnston

This is a collection of essays and articles by homeschooling moms and dads from many different backgrounds, ethnicities, and educational philosophies. They all have the purpose of giving the reader "guidance and inspiration for navigating your homeschool journey."  I had heard of a few of the contributors (such as Sally Clarkson and Jennifer Pepito) but most were unknown to me. Some write from a Black perspective, some from an Asian perspective; some are fathers, most are mothers; some with neurotypical children, some with special needs; some with many kids, some with just one or two.  In the first 68 pages, I marked more than a dozen quotes that resonated with me.  Then I misplaced my sticky notes, and I didn't mark much in the rest of the book. Some of the essays are down to earth and practical; others are full of flowery language and buzzwords that remind me of a high schooler (or college student or an adult) trying to sound scholarly and sophisticated but end up sounding pompous and unrelatable. I do recommend this to book to homeschoolers or those considering homeschooling with one caveat: the short bios of each contributor indicate that, in addition to homeschooling, they are all authors, bloggers, speakers, entrepreneurs, business owners, or leaders of some thing or another.   This could make someone like me (just a homeschooler) feel like I'm not doing enough because all I do is homeschool by kids. I don't think that's the intent, but it could be an unintended consequence.  I received this book as a giveaway in exchange for a review.

The Last Days Collection

by Keith Green

This is a collection of articles by various authors, published by Last Days Ministries (founded by Keith & Melody Green). It addresses topics such as repentance, revival, forgiveness, modesty, gossip, evolution, love vs romance, "what's wrong with the gospel" (what's been taken away and what's been added to the Biblical gospel).  All as relevant today as they were when they were written in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The Arts: A Practical Approach

by Ivan Kushnir

I was intrigued by the title description of this book in LibraryThing.com's giveaway program, hoping it might be something I could add to either my homeschool library, or the homeschool library at my church.  It claims to "cover all forms of art from ornament to ballet, from henna to 3D graphics, from folk dances to cinema." And it does, in a way...in very short, numbered paragraphs. A 219-page book cannot possibly cover all these topics in any depth. It does not "deliver knowledge in a vivid, engaging way," and it is not "an encyclopedia of inspiration for any child." It certainly will not "transform childhood for many."

As a homeschooler who is not of the artistic bent, I hoped this book would be a helpful resource (or in the words of the subtitle "a practical approach"). Sadly, it utterly fails. As other reviewers noted, there is no introduction or explanatory text as to the goal or intent of the author or how to use it with children.  Although it may have some helpful step-by-step instructions, it needs more step-by-step pictures to go with the text.  There are a lot of pictures, but there are no captions to explain what the pictures are or what they are supposed to illustrate. The overall feel is boring and impractical.  I tried to read through it from the beginning, then just skimmed through it.  No child of mine would find this book interesting or helpful. There are also a number of pictures of immodestly dressed women. I would not give this to children to use. I would not recommend it to anyone, and I definitely would not spend any money on it.

My thoughts on Newbery Awards

 

I used to think that a Newbery Award meant a book would be an excellent read.  After having gone through all 103 Newbery Award books (from 1922 to 2025), I've changed my mind. 

Here are the stats from my evaluations.

50 -- abandoned or did not read or would not recommend because of objectionable content (sexual content, crude language, witches, glorifying pagan gods)

8 -- Uninteresting (to me), and there are some caveats (not enough to count as objectionable)

3 -- Uninteresting (to me) but no caveats

10 -- OK, but with some caveats

13 -- OK, with no caveats, but not outstanding

19 -- Outstanding, truly worth of the award, enjoyed by kids & adults

You are probably asking yourself which ones I think are outstanding?

In chronological order:

(1923) The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

(1936) Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Brink 

(1943) Adam of the Road by Janet Gray 

(1944) Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes 

(1948) The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène Du Bois 

(1949) King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry 

(1950) The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli 

(1951) Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

(1955) The Wheel on the School by Meindert De Jong 

(1956) Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Latham 

(1959) The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

(1972) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien 

(1987) The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman 

(1990) Number the Stars by Lois Lowry 

(2002) A Single Shard by Linda Park 

(2003) Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

(2004) The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo 

(2011) Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool 

Guest Post: Christian Fiction and Homeschooling by Erica Vetsch

 In recent months, I have raved about a set of Regency-era mystery/clean romance books written by Erica Vetsch.  I had the privilege of being on the launch team for her latest book.  And now I have the honor of having her write a guest post for you!  Enjoy! -- Amy

Christian Fiction and Homeschooling

I began my writing journey when I brought my kids home to homeschool. I had been a middle school and high school history teacher, and my children attended the Christian school where I taught, but the time came when we felt it best for our family to teach our kids at home.

At first, I was resistant. I knew almost nothing about homeschooling, and what I had heard involved some pretty odd (to me) behavior. But after about two weeks, I was running around like I invented homeschooling. Have you heard of it? Do you know how great it is? Do you want to try it? Like a homeschooling evangelist. 😊

What I also found was that I had more time on my hands than when I was teaching. Our schooling was mostly done by noon each day. My kids were fairly little, so there weren’t a lot of extra curriculars that would have us in the car running hither and yon.

That’s when I started writing fiction and pursuing publication. As I learned more about writing, I was able to evaluate literature better and be more mindful of what my children were reading.

Which is one of the reasons I highly recommend Christian fiction for homeschooled children. Stories from trusted authors and publishers allow parents to introduce tough topics to their children in a way that reflects both reality and the spiritual implications behind what is happening in the story.

In my latest book, A Scheming in Parliament, I did not set out to write an “issue” book. But the story does deal with human trafficking and political corruption. But it also has strong stances on sin, the need for salvation, the problem with situational ethics based upon feelings, and the knowledge that God is both sovereign and good. Tough topics are handled without shirking the realities, but not graphically or gratuitously treated.

Christian fiction can open doors of conversation with your homeschooled child/teen so you can prepare them for the harsh realities of the world, underpinned with the foundation of Godly principles and faith.

If you haven’t looked into Christian fiction as part of your curriculum, I urge you to take a peek. Stories written from a Biblical worldview that aren’t afraid to tackle real-life issues without glorifying sin can be excellent teaching tools, not to mention fun to read!

 

About A Scheming in Parliament

"Vetsch keeps the stakes high and the plot twists frequent . . . Readers will have a hard time putting this down."
—Publishers Weekly

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Scheming-Parliament-Cloaks-Daggers/dp/0825448638

About Erica Vetsch

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com and you can find her on Facebook at The Inspirational Regency Readers Group where she spends way too much time!