I'm a longtime fan of the Canadian Murdoch Mysteries show (though I'm very behind with all the seasons) and Roseanna M. White's most recent book definitely satisfied me with its Edwardian mystery vibes.

Title: An Honorable Deception [The Imposters #3]
Author: Roseanna M. White
Published: 2024 by Bethany House

About the Book:

"In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous. Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister. 

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
In An Honorable Deception, Roseanna M. White features the leader of the Imposters himself, Lord Yates Fairfax and his team working to search for Lady Alethia Barremore's attacker and her missing friend. While secretly heading this elite private investigation firm which markets their services to the upper echelons of society, Lord Fairfax wrestles with his heart as his longtime friend and unrequited first love, Lady Lavinia Hemmings joins their investigation. 

While I've read several other books by Roseanna M. White, this is my first in the Imposters Trilogy. I was able to follow along quite well, but it would probably be best to read at least book one, A Beautiful Disguise prior to starting An Honorable Deception unless you don't mind spoilers since the main plot points from that story was referred to and mentioned multiple times in this book. One thing I love about White's writing is that she has more unique or unusual plots. Since this book is also set in the Edwardian era of the early 20th century, things like the eccentricities of the Fairfax estate --with Yates and his sister Marigold's interest in acrobatics and exercise in early but appropriate gym wear was plausible and believable to me as a reader. I also appreciated the slight love triangle/quadrangle element that was well written but not often (in my experience) seen in Christian Fiction. All of the characters involved were worthy matches and I enjoyed the mix of wit, humor, and heart in the characters' dialogue.

White also skillfully incorporates darker topics such as abuse in a manner that is not overly graphic but also with the gravity it deserves. Due to the heavier subject matter, the final element I especially appreciated was the strong spiritual thread woven throughout the story. The foundation of faith in several of the characters served to give them hope and healing and was wonderful to see. Teen and adult fans of the Murdoch Mysteries tv series or romance with a side of sleuthing will enjoy this latest offering from Roseanna M. White. 

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via the publisher]

About the Author:

"Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary."

Discover Holman Bible Publishers' Old Testment Hanbook, an elegant resource to begin to dive deeper into God's Word and enter to win a $10 gift card!

About the Book:

"Immerse yourself in The Old Testament Handbook, an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, The Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship. 

FEATURES: 

• High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime
• Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament 
• More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book 
• Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing

The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others."

In 2012, Ronie Kendig released Trinity, the first novel in her A Breed Apart Trilogy and began her reign as the paramilitary romantic suspense genre queen of Christian Fiction. Her latest release, Havoc, is a spin off of that beloved series. Read on for the full review and enter to win a copy for yourself!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Havoc by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

© 2023 Sunrise Publishing

About the Book: 

"A soldier, a Malinois, and a stuntwoman walk onto a TV set ... 

Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin takes everything in stride, even the career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. Putting his life back together and lying low, he takes a job with A Breed Apart and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc. It’s too good to be true—and the proof is in their first assignment: to work as a K-9 team for a television drama in Los Angeles. Miffed at being relegated to TV fodder, he’s willing to pay the price when he sees the stuntwoman. 

Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. The same one that plagued her childhood and put her through a nightmare scenario. Now, her tight-knit stunt team are the only ones she trusts. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down. 

Ticked as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey, Crew guts it up—after all, he has Havoc again. Okay, and yeah—Vienna is going, too. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. 

Experience the high-octane thrill ride that is the first book in the A Breed Apart: Legacy series."

The Artist Librarian Review:
Though I haven't gotten around to reading Ronie Kendig's A Breed Apart Trilogy yet, I had no trouble following along since other than some possible cameos, the characters in Havoc seem to be all new. Kendig's experience and extensive research into the lives of "MWDs" (military working dogs) and their handlers shines through from every page. From the first prologue with Crew to descriptions of Vienna's life as a stunt double, there is a grounded authenticity in the worldbuilding and portrayals that kept me reading until the end! One thing I've always enjoyed in Kendig's novels is that she seems to have found the delicate balance of intense-yet-not-gratuitously-graphic in regards to action, romance, and language.  Whether readers have been following Ronie Kendig from the very start or are just discovering her books for the first time, both will enjoy Havoc's journey and the humans by his side. 

[Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]

About the Author:

"Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty-five books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the MWD Washout. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. 

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates."

Tour Giveaway:

One (1) winner will win a paperback copy of Havoc and a $10 gift card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 16, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Title: Creed [The Minnesota Marshalls #5]  

© 2023 SDG Publishing

"He’s a criminal—who must become a prince to save the princess he loves. But will she have to become a criminal to save him? 

In the heart-pounding conclusion to the epic Minnesota Marshalls series, Princess Imani finds herself once again in peril as she becomes the target of a deadly plot. She needs Creed – only problem is, he’s facing charges in Lauchtenland. But he’s not going to let that stop him from protecting her…even if he has to become a fugitive. But who is trying to kill her? Together, they race against time to unravel a web of deceit and conspiracy that seems to entrap the entire family. As their journey takes them from the palace to the high mountains, and finally back to Minnesota, Imani and Creed must discover the truth before tragedy destroys everything—and everyone—they love.

Read the thrilling finale of the Minnesota Marshalls series, where the fate of a family and destiny of a kingdom hang in the balance."

The Minnesota Marshalls series by Susan May Warren is gearing up for an explosive finale, but first up is Iris' long awaited story!

About the Book: 

"Iris Marshall never wanted to be anything more than what she is—an official for the European League of (American) Football. So, why she said yes to being a courier for the CIA? She’s not sure, especially when it lands her in an international thriller that has her on the run from a killer. And worse, the person she’s on the run with? Arrogant, bossy, playboy Hudson Bly football player and the last person on earth she wants to go into hiding with. 

Hudson knows his days as a wide-receiver are numbered. Too many head injuries, starting with a violent TBI in college have caught up with him. So yes, he agreed to be a patriot, do his bit for the USA and courier a message between agents. He never expected for that simple act to ignite an international man-hunt for the official who wrecked his life, Iris Marshall. But what’s a guy to do—let her get killed? But spending time with Iris has ignited a desire in him that takes him by surprise, and for Iris, maybe Hudson is more than she thought. 

But who is after Iris? When one of her fellow officials is murdered, maybe the killer is after more than just her—maybe she’s found herself in the middle of an international plot to take down a country. 

It’ll take the help of the entire family to keep Iris safe…but at what cost when they have to choose between their careers…and their country?"

Can you think of a favorite fictional quartet of sisters? Read on to learn more about the Collins sisters featured in the latest release from Misty M. Beller!

© 2023 Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:

"In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's deathbed request for them to return a special set of beads to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels West. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley. 

Riley Turner came West to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known. 

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return East or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?"

The Artists Librarian Review:
No quartet of literary sisters have captured my attention since the March sisters in Little Women! Juniper, the second oldest of the Collins family, along with eldest sister Rosemary, and younger sisters Lorelai and Faith, have come to the Rockies determined to honor their father's dying wish to return a keepsake to the Native American woman who saved his life years ago. Unchaperoned, the young ladies are resolute to stick together, complete their quest, and return to Virginia and restart their family's horse ranch. Trapper Riley Turner falls in with the women and becomes one of their protectors and guides, but who will protect his heart? 

Misty M. Beller crafts a satisfying start to the Sisters of the Rockies series in Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, setting the stage for future stories (each I assume will follow one sister, so either a quartet or at least a trilogy of novels).  Growing up in a place where I was highly sensitive to the concern of indigenous representation, I was initially slightly worried about how the Native American characters would be portrayed, but there were no huge gaffs that I detected and there was an even-handedness compared to other older western-set novels I've read (though for full disclosure, I am not indigenous myself). I appreciated that Beller didn't refer to the Blackfoot tribes as a monolith, but specified the Piegan and other tribes as well. A believable romance with likable characters, along with a side mystery of stolen horses, will keep readers turning the pages to the end. I look forward to the rest of the Sisters of the Rockies series and recommend it for any western or prairie romance fans!

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via JustRead Tours.]

About the Author:
"USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven through with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children. Learn more at mistymbeller.com."

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey, organized by JustRead Tours!
Read on for my review of this satisfying novella and for a chance to win a copy, along with the other books in the series!

"An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Logan Perry’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, Emmy Thorton, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart. 

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him. 

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other? 

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line."

2022 - Bethany House

About the Book: 

"A lively competition draws her into her rival’s blueprints–and maybe even his heart.

Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it’s only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny–not knowing that she’ll be working for her idol, Joplin’s leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.

Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny–she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What’s worse, Maxfield’s current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder’s work.

As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive’s involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?"

The Artist Librarian Review:
A decade after her author debut, Regina Jennings' twelfth novel, Engaging Deception is a lighthearted historical romance perfect for fans and new readers alike. Though the final book in "The Joplin Chronicles", Engaging Deception can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel as well. Olive Kentworth and Maxfield Scott were likable protagonists and easy to root for. Though preferring to stay at home with her comfortable routine, Olive has a compassionate heart and wants to help others. Meanwhile, Maxfield is a conscientious and involved father who is still recovering from the loss of his wife. Seeing their growth over the course of the story was very satisfying. The side characters were also well done. Ruby Dennis was also likeable and could be appreciated beyond being "just a rival" and Olive's family were-well meaning meddlers (also Amos was a riot whenever he showed up).

Based on the existence of the Joplin Public Library, it can be surmised the story takes place in the early 20th century, but I don't recall the specific year explicitly mentioned or listed in the book, which I felt was a bit unusual for a historical. But other than that hiccup, I'd recommend Engaging Deception to any Christian historical romance fan who is looking for a unique story premise. As someone who's followed her career from the beginning, I look forward to seeing what Regina Jennings dreams up next!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]

What are some of your favorite historical fiction reads from 2022?

About the Author:  

"Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children."

Susan May Warren's Sunrise Publishing invites new authors to write in and expand on best-selling author's beloved series. Defending Honor by Kelly Underwood is the third book based off of Lynette Eason's Elite Guardians novels.

About the Book:

"Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it. 

Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead. 

Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage. In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart? 

Book three of the riveting, high-octane world of the Elite Guardians reboot!"

The Artist Librarian Review:
Author Kelly Underwood closes out the first cycle of the Elite Guardians Collection with a successful debut featuring an ex-Israeli intelligence agent and a reformed playboy heir. Laila Rabbinowitz is a strong, capable protagonist. Hired to protect Preston Whittaker, the reluctant heir to a multi-millionaire business, an unexpected comment sparks the idea to disguise her bodyguard status by masquerading as Preston's wife. Can they convince everyone they're totally in love (or maybe they aren't faking it ...)?

While I more commonly see the "fake marriage" trope in historical fiction, Underwood runs with it in a satisfactory way in Defending Honor. Seeing Laila and Preston's relationship evolve from awkward attraction to trust and sacrifice was rewarding to read. The romance was sweet with a bit of steam, and while not the main focus, a spiritual thread about redemption and letting God fight our battles was present. I thought the suspense and mystery aspect was enjoyable: there was lots of action and a sizable list of potential suspects --it felt like I was guessing until the end! Cameos of original creator Lynette Eason's beloved characters and characters from the previous two books show up, but even as someone new to the Elite Guardians books, I wasn't too lost since they weren't the main characters or focus. I definitely will have to read more from this series and I look forward to seeing more romantic suspense from Underwood and the other new authors continuing the Elite Guardians' stories!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]

About the Author: 

"Kelly Underwood's favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don't ask her about snow, because she's been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She's a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you're looking for her, she's probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other."

About the Series Creator:

"Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com."

"Waiting on Wednesday"/"Can't Wait Wednesday" is a weekly meme now hosted by Wishful Endings, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

"The time for peace is over—now he demands vengeance. 

They followed him back. Against his will, against his intention. Now enemies threaten from every direction. Amidst it all Marco Dusan struggles to lead his people, to help them survive, even mayhap win the war. He will take any advantage to even the odds. But only after tragedy strikes does he learn just how much he’s willing to sacrifice. 

He's not alone. Droserans fight as one, united against the offworlders—Symmachians who covet their planet. With the aid of unexpected allies, the Droserans battle on longer than anyone could have anticipated. Yet they cannot win. And the Faa’Cris, those supernatural warriors, fair of face and fierce of mien, do nothing. 

But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies. 

In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul. "

Check out the full tour schedule below for Finding God in Anime: A Devotional for Otakus, Volume 2 and read my review below!

About the Book:  

"Have you ever wanted a season two of your favorite anime but found out it is unlikely for the company to produce one? 

Stinks, doesn’t it? Well, Finding God in Anime definitely isn’t like that. After all, you’re looking at volume two right now! 

Welcome to the second installment of the acclaimed devotional: Finding God in Anime! Each bite-size piece comes straight from the passionate otaku souls in our collective of Christian authors. You will find anime-inspired pieces from across tons of beloved genres within this devotional, and each one presents a unique and Biblical outlook on your favorite shows! 

• Find God’s fatherly love in 'Daddy’s Girl,' inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist
• Go down to your atoms to discover God’s purpose for us in 'Jobs,' inspired by Cells at Work
• Huddle up to hear God’s game plan for living like Him in 'Get Your Head in the Game,' inspired by Kuroko’s Basketball

…and so many others! So grab your shuriken or computerized make-up compact and join us on the exciting adventure of finding God’s teachings in anime!"

The Artist Librarian Review:
After thoroughly enjoying Finding God in Anime: A Devotional for Otakus last year, I was thrilled to find out editors Laura and Moriah would be continuing the devotional anthology and releasing a companion volume (which you can download for free for a limited time --with volume 1-- starting June 1, 2022)! Volume 2 features 46 devotionals from 25 contributing authors, and like the first, you can use this book as a daily devotional for quiet time or read in one sitting. I always enjoy the variety of anime and manga featured, from iconic series like Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist, to popular mainstream titles such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Naruto, to lesser known series like Shugo Chara or Maquia. My personal highlights were reading devotionals featuring some of my all time fave series like Digimon Tamers, Yona of the Dawn, and The Promised Neverland.  As with the previous "FGiA" book, no major spoilers are shared, so even if you aren't familiar with a series, if a devotion chapter piques your interest, you can look into watching or reading the original series yourself for the full experience.  It's wonderful to again discover the insights that other Christians gleaned from anime and manga and I eagerly look forward to future installments of the Finding God in Anime anthology series!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the editors for review purposes.]

About the Organizers:

"Laura A. Grace and Moriah Jane’s life consists of giving each other manga recommendations until they see whose TBR pile will fall on them first. Rest assured they're both still safe...until another manga releases. In the meantime, they enjoy sharing beautiful pictures of Japan and trying to make each other laugh with anime memes. They both have an appreciation for cute stickers, samurai, and pins. If they're not chatting about all things otaku, you can find them trying to write their next story or surviving on ramen and Pocky after their latest manga order. Learn more at https://www.lauraagrace.com/findinggodinanime."

Blog Tour Schedule:

Monday, May 30th
Elrich’s Expressions
The Artist Librarian [You are here!]

Tuesday, May 31st
Paper Ink & Lizard
Imperial Scribis

Wednesday, June 1st
2¢ Movie Reviews
Beneath the Tangles
Geek Devotions

Thursday, June 2nd
Clean Fiction Blog
Jenna Terese
The Faerie Review

Friday, June 3rd
The Writing Corner
Laura A. Grace—Manga Starter Giveaway Pack 

Saturday, June 4th
Laura A. Grace—Blog Tour Wrap-Up

With her indie published Metcalfes series, Ronie Kendig exposes a small glimpse into the horrors of human trafficking and the brave heroes who combat it.

About the Book:

"To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obiora Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted. 

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him."

The Artist Librarian Review:
For over a decade, Ronie Kendig has been one of the leading Romantic Suspense authors in Christian Fiction and especially well known for her portrayal of multi-dimensional military protagonists. With her indie published Metcalfes series, she exposes a small glimpse into the horrors of human trafficking and the brave heroes who combat it.

While Willow is what I would consider "edgy Christian fiction" compared to what is generally seen in the mainstream Christian fiction market, I felt that Willow balances treating the human trafficking thread with the respect and gravitas it deserves without being gratuitously graphic. However, not to say that this book isn't intense. Definitely take note of the author note at the beginning of this novel, which reveals Kendig's heart and inspiration in tackling this heavy subject. While I reviewed an eARC, I hope that future editions may consider trigger/content warnings for some of the more heavier content like murder, rape, attempted sexual assault, etc.  I would carefully consider who I recommended this novel to because some exclusively Christian fiction readers may be taken aback with the intensity, though I feel that readers need that to begin to understand a bit of this sobering situation that similarly occurs far to often in our world. 

While I didn't really connect with the titular female lead at first, I could understand her stubbornness and tenacity. Chiji on the other hand, I was always a big fan of, and am interested to see how their stories continue in future installments.  Though ideally read in order, I read Willow as a stand alone since I hadn't gotten to Stone, book one, and was able to follow along fine. I look forward to catching up with and following along with future installments of The Metcalfes. Fans of Kendig's previous series like The Tox Files and Discarded Heroes Series will also enjoy seeing familiar characters reappear.

A modern day fairytale that transports readers to a tropical African island kingdom, Toni Shiloh's In Search of a Prince features a refreshing, contemporary heroine along with immersive worldbuilding and a strong spiritual thread.

© 2022 Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:

"It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything. 

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing. 

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?"

Title: The Flirtation Experiment: Putting Magic, Mystery, and Spark Into Your Everyday Marriage 

"From popular Christian voices Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer, The Flirtation Experiment inspires you to strengthen your marriage with a fun, unexpected approach that leads to the depth, richness, and closeness you desire. 

After reading The Flirtation Experiment, wives will… 

• be filled with hope and encouragement for how they can make a powerful, positive change in their marriages, 
• become empowered to pursue their husbands romantically, 
• understand the Bible invites women to be proactive in their marriages, 
• be motivated to consistently love in creative ways, and 
• forge closeness and intimacy in their marriages." 

Do you like "split-time novels" where there's both a historical and present-day storyline? I haven't read many, but High-Wire Heartbreak, the latest entry to the stand alone novel series, Doors to the Past is one of them!

Welcome to my stop on the Takeover Tour for High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: High-Wire Heartbreak [Doors to the Past Series]

"In 1936--A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery--and possibly death. 

A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details. 

Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold. 

Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?"

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Schmidt is the author of over twenty works of fiction. Among her many honors, Anna is the recipient of Romantic Times’ Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the RITA award for romantic fiction. She enjoys gardening and collecting seashells at her winter home in Florida.

CONNECT WITH ANNA: Website | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

One (1) winner will receive a print copy of High-Wire Heartbreak and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 5, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!