MISTS OVER THE CHANNEL ISLANDS by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"Man's hatred cannot destroy God's love. Man's wickedness can't destroy God's goodness. Seeing the Lord amidst all this evil isn't easy, but he's here and he's good."

Choosing to stay on her beloved Jersey Channel Island in spite of the pending German occupation, Dr. Ivy Picot is determined to serve the residents of her community while maintaining her family's long-standing medical practice. As the everyday stresses of rules, regulations, and rations begin to strangle her livelihood, her teen brother quits school in order to locate work, while her older sister becomes more and more belligerent, causing friction between the sisters to the point of compromising their principles.

Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee, along with a fellow resistance member, reluctantly volunteers to evaluate the construction of German fortifications along the shores of Jersey Island while seeking opportunities to send vital maps, along with intelligence details, back across the Channel to British Allies. In a orchestration of details that only Providence could arrange, Gerrit crosses paths with Ivy and her brother Charlie, catching the admiration of one while earning scorn from the other. As secrets come to light and crossroads become critical, Ivy struggles to trust Gerrit to be exactly who he appears not to be, subsequently grabbing hold of the chance to serve her country in ways that she never thought possible. If only their two hearts were not as entangled as their circumstances.

A shining example of inspirational historical romance, this niche setting is perfectly suited for its characters, adding to the intensity of their situation while epitimizing the charm of their attraction. Even though the time line spans years of history, it never feels stalled or rushed, crediting the author's lovely word flow and obvious knowledge of the subject matter.

A title that will surely appear on many top reads of the year listings, including mine!

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND WINNIE

BackCover Blurb:

Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish.

The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers--even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

Renowned WWII fiction author Sarah Sundin crafts a compelling historical romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, wartime resistance, and medical intrigue--a tale of loyalty, resilience, and courage when love and duty collide. 

Revell Publishing, February, 2026

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

Buy MISTS OVER THE CHANNEL ISLANDS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS by Melanie Dickerson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

A Rags-to-Riches Historical Romance 

set in Regency London England of Forbidden Love

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"If Miss Charlotte Robbins remains unattached, we would like to offer the position of governess to her . . . "

Aspiring to better her future, Charlotte Robbins leaves the only home she has ever known, Mrs Southey's School for Young Ladies, to accept a governess position at Lowndesbury House, where an earl resides while raising his much younger siblings. Never expecting to form a friendship with a man far above her station, Charlotte has a difficult time understanding her strong attraction to Lord Brookhaven and his seeming fondness for her.

Believing herself to have been orphaned, Charlotte is astonished when it comes to her attention that she has inherited a large sum of money from an uncle whom she never knew existed. Suddenly thrust into London society with many choices and little knowledge of how to proceed, Charlotte wonders if her simple life as a governess had been a gift far more valuable than wealth.

In a "tale as old as time" sort of way this story meanders through the corridors of an upstairs-downstairs imagining with a well positioned twist that turns the entire story on its head. Things are not as they seem, leaving Charlotte to wonder if anyone will ever truly love her for who she is rather than who she is not. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

My only remaining marriage prospects were the head gardener, the vicar, and the steward. But how could I marry any of them when I was in love . . . with Lord Brookhaven?

Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings despite rumors of the earl's severe and mysterious demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love--with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl's friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she's no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing--or if it is the very thing that threatens the love she's always longed for.  

Bethany House Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

SUNG IN THE SHADOWS by Crystal Caudill, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Be gentle with her but don't give up. She's a hard one to get to know, but I think it's because she fears being known. She had a harrowing childhood."

Nora Davis had experienced quite a harrowing childhood, to the extent that her parents relocated, changed their names, and kept Nora as far away from the music performance world as possible. In some ways they were successful, with her mother tucked away in an asylum and her father working as an accountant, they never imagined that a besotted man would unknowingly turn the clock back towards danger.

Visiting his mother once a week at Longview Asylum, stage manager Ezekiel Beaumont had the unique pleasure of listening to Nora Davis sing under her mother's careful tutelage. When he was finally able to gain her attention (albeit with the help of a maniacal cat!) she expressed no interest in friendly conversation, much less his flirtatious antics. To his credit, Ezekiel could demonstrate unadulterated persistence and quickly realized that the lovely young woman carried the sort of heavy burdens that she was never meant to bear.

This story wields a worthy sword; cutting through pleasantries with deft precision, exposing raw wounds and deep fears, manuevering steadily through the darkness of hopelessness and into the brilliant arena of truth. Nora and Ezekiel painstakingly learn how to transfer their burdens to the only One who promises rest for their souls, but in the interim . . . there is an amazing story to be told!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

 

PAULA'S REVIEW 
"We can do everything right and it still not be enough. Only God is enough, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like He is."
 

A meet cute in an insane asylum? All thanks to a cantankerous cat who brings comic relief to a dark subject.
 

This well-written book gives hope among despair. It is infused with intrigue, mystery, danger and romance in an unlikely situation.
 

In this second in the series, The Art of Love and Danger, Nora sees her past catch up to her. Fellow Guardians from book one are there to help her as well as hero Ezekiel. Ezekiel and Nora meet at Longview Asylum where each of their mothers is a ward of the state. Ezekiel proves his integrity as he shows his faith in God and loyalty to Nora. Nora battles seen and unseen enemies and questions her own sanity but takes comfort in scripture and her faith.
 

This was an interesting look into not only asylums of 1869 but of the opera world too.
 

Lovers of Christian Historical Fiction will want to put this one on their list.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel on behalf of the author 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:
When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother's permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it's one she can avoid fanning for only so long.

With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont's soul is weary, but Nora's presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike's Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He's determined to find out.

Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she's being watched, and her own paranoia blooms. 

 

Kregel Publications, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback,

BUY SUNG IN THE SHADOWS at Amazon,  Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

ALL BOOKED UP by Melody Carlson, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt #ReleaseDay

 

A Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Bookish and Literary Themes

TRIXI'S REVIEW: 
Family is where you find it.
 

Riva has many memories in the old Victorian house her family has had for years. With the passing of her husband over a year ago, she finds herself at a crossroad. Due to finances, she can’t keep the house, yet at the same time she can’t bring herself to sell it…so when an opportunity to rent out the rooms to female boarders, she embarks on a new and somewhat scary adventure.

We’ll be like the Golden Girls of the new Millennium.

I love how the author weaves these five women together even though they all have different backgrounds and life experiences. It’s hard at first, but they all have one thing in common—grief—which bonds them in the end. Of course, you can expect a few bumps along the way as they navigate living under the same roof. A few incidences were portrayed in a juvenile manner, so it took a bit of the enjoyment out the story for me. There were many emotions felt by me as I learned of the past hurts or difficulties of the characters and that helped connect me to them in a tangible way. In the end, it was a truly enjoyable read about a group of people navigating life together and overcoming grief. My favorite part was when Riva reminded them that God’s love is unconditional and never gives up. He’s relentless in pursuing us in spite of all our human flaws. I love those reminders myself!

*I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Netgalley and Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own*

 

BackCover Blurb:
When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined.

Widowed empty-nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave decades of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

A heartwarming contemporary romance featuring a bookish widow finding a second chance at love. This small-town rom-com about new beginnings makes a perfect read for your book club.

 

Revell Publishing, March, 2026

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

Buy ALL BOOKED UP at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House