THE ROYAL ARTISAN by Tessa Afshar, Reviewed by Paula

(Queen Esther's Court): Historical Fiction in Biblical Times Set 

in the Royal Courts of Queen Esther during Ancient History

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Another excellent story about ancient Persia and the court of Queen Esther. This time from the perspective of a potter who plays a role in the rescue of the Jewish people from evil Haman.
Of course these stories are fictional and are about fictional people m but it is fun to see what might have happened. Ms Afshar has done a lot of research into the times and inserts a real artifact into her story. That is what Sazana and Jadon are searching for.
 

I love a good second chance romance and this one fits the bill. Sazana is the potter, an unusual role for a woman. She and Jadon, one of the elite guards of the royals, have an unpleasant past. But when they are thrown together to help Queen Esther, things get dangerous and they slowly grow together again.
 

Ms Afshar personalizes her story of Esther with excellent details about palace life and pottery making of the era. I like the way she depicts Esther as caring, friendly and using her status as a tool for good.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. 

 

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE ROYAL ARTISAN at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

THROUGH EACH TOMORROW by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Kim

KIM'S REVIEW:
I absolutely love this series and its entire premise! Gabrielle Meyer’s writing style always draws me in from the very first page. Her characters are always wonderful, her storylines are intricately crafted, and just when I’m convinced there’s no possible way out of a situation, she finds one. Her creativity never fails to amaze me.

One of my favorite elements in this installment was the dynamic between Charles and his best friend Andrew. Having them both experience life as time-crossers in the same time periods added such a fresh and fascinating layer to an already unique concept. Their shared journeys deepened the emotional stakes and made every twist even more compelling. As always, the historical details are well researched—I finish every book having learned something new. While I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I usually do, but I still highly recommend the entire series.

Through Each Tomorrow is yet another hit from Gabrielle Meyer. This Timeless series continues to impress me with its heart, its ingenuity, and its immersive blend of history and imagination. I love every story she tells, and I truly cannot wait for the next one! 4 stars!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

SEE REVIEWS by REBECCA and PAULA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. 

Bethany House, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, audio, and hardcover

Buy THROUGH EACH TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Melody Carlson, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson gives all the feels of a Hallmark movie. 

The dilemma is that Carol, a Christmas baby, is not fond of the season because of not the best childhood memories. She is also a designer who stages elaborate decorations way too early for her tastes. She plans a getaway to the Bahamas but gets stranded in Grand Rapids when snow cancels everything. The solution comes when her estranged aunt lives close by in Michigan. Getting to know Aunt Marie and helping her, gets her in the Christmas spirit again. And a hunky neighbor makes it cozy too.

Well written novella with all the atmosphere of Christmas, there is a reconciliation, amd unexpected romance and a return to the real meaning of Christmas.

A clean read with a Christian World View.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a clean read

SEE TRIXI'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Can a tropical escape from holiday blues turn her Christmas into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, the holiday season is something she would rather avoid. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Revell Publishing, September, 2025
Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THROUGH WATER AND STONE by Karen Barnett, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW
This was an artfully woven plot between two time periods.
 

An abandoned baby captures the hearts of Ranger Henry Erikkson and his wife Alma after they lost their baby son in a flash flood. The 1948 time period chronicles finding Billy and the turmoil surrounding his identification. In the present, great granddaughter Talia Erikkson struggles with an ethical problem in her career. She moves to Zion National Park to regroup and works in a gift shop at the park. There she meets Park Ranger Blake Mitchell who becomes her hiking buddy as she crosses hikes off her bucket list. A DNA test brings questions about her heritage.
 

This is the first book I have read by this author although I have several on my shelves. It was so wonderfully written that I will be sure to move them up my list. The characters were realistic. I ached for Alma and what she was going through. And in both eras, the author brought out spiritual struggles and presented viable solutions. The danger and excitement came through in the modern scenes of hiking in treacherous canyons. The romance showed the faith and maturity of the characters.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
In 1948, Zion National Park ranger Henry Eriksson and his wife, Alma, are less than one year removed from their infant son's sudden death in a flash flood, and the weight of the loss hasn't diminished with time. When Henry discovers an abandoned baby in a hatbox on his morning rounds, he's unsure how to react, but Alma is delighted, and she reignites with purpose at what seems to be a miracle from God.

Nearly eighty years later, Talia Eriksson leaves her job at an athleisure company in Palo Alto, California, in disgrace and returns to Zion National Park to reconnect with her grandfather and review her life goals. But when an at-home DNA test exposes family secrets, Talia and her newfound friend, law enforcement ranger Blake Mitchell, work together to search for answers.

Talia navigates the rocky path into her past with Blake by her side, what she discovers may alter everything she knew to be true about herself. With the uncertain future looming, Talia must learn that family is deeper than genetics and that trusting God can mean being still and clinging to the Rock.

 

Kregel Publishing, September, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover

Buy THROUGH WATER AND STONE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House