THE BACHELOR SPY by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

 

A FREDDIE AND GRACE MYSTERY #5

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Somebody catch that blasted cat!"

"If Grace had thought turning Havensbrooke into a convalescent hospital in Frederick's absence a good idea, this moment may have caused her to question herself." Without her beloved Lord Astley by her side the responsibilities of caring for wounded soldiers, overseeing the medical staff, running a large household, praying constantly for the well-being of her husband, and chasing a runaway cat, Grace was veering far beyond her comfort zone and surely didn't need anything to go wrong. Like for instance, expensive estate items disappearing and a very curious break-in where nothing of value seemed to have been taken.

When their dear friend Stephen Blake shows up among the wounded, Grace immediately treats him as a guest rather than a patient. Curiously enough, the odd occurances around the estate seem to multiply following his arrival, prompting Grace's imagination and determination to work overtime, after all what was life without a good mystery? And wouldn't you know, she was exactly right!

Populated with multiple favorite characters and then some, this entertaining romantic mystery boasts spy networks, forced proximity (closets, of course!) a very capable butler, and a little girl who knows so much, along with surprises of a very personal nature and hard fought faith battles.

A joy to read and difficult to put down!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I also purchased a copy of this book. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Grace had just added a second mystery to her list. And this one involved a charming spy, a suspicious maid, and secrets that were practically begging to be uncovered. Why enjoy only one mystery when she could have two? How absolutely delightful.”

There is a mystery afoot at Hevensbrooke and maybe more than one. That is what Grace and cousin Stephen Blake aim to discover. After surviving the sinking of the Lusitania, Stephen arrives at Havensbrooke in search of a traitor known as Midnight Angel. But she could be one of several women serving at the mansion turned convalescent hospital, including Evie Montgomery, Stephen’s former colleague, who is disguised as a maid. “Mission: loving Evie Montgomery til death do us part. Which given his line of work, was always unpredictable.” 

The Bachelor Spy has all the things I love in a Freddie and Grace mystery: spies who are stealthy, hidden tunnels, swoony romance (look for that closet kiss) and the solid faith of the main characters undergirding it all. Along with clever banter and the quick quirky mind that is signature Grace, daughter Zahra returns, this time with an unruly cat and faithful Brandon the butler. One thing is sure, even with her tender heart, Grace is a force to be reckoned with. 

This book was a joy to read. I am so sorry to see these characters go, I will miss them. Maybe I will start the series over again!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Review Crew and 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:
Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out? 

Barbour Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, and paperback

Buy THE BACHELOR SPY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

CHASE THE LIGHT by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

(National Parks Summers Book #2): Clean Contemporary Romance at Acadia National Park with Love Triangle, Mystery, Multi-Generational...

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
I think the author eloquently summed up her book in these last sentences at end of the story:

“The beauty of national parks isn’t just in their landscapes—it’s in their history, their stories, and the people who come before us. I hope this book inspires you not only to explore but also to listen, learn, and appreciate the rich heritage woven into the places we now cherish.”

This is what I love most about Chase the Light; it’s not only a story to get lost in for hours on end, but it also teaches the history and rich heritage of Acadia national park. For example, I have never heard of the Penobscot Native American tribe. We get glimpses of it through Wabanaki Dana—aka Naki—a policy maker and representative for his people. I enjoyed learning through his eyes! Then the treasure hunt thrilled me… hidden gold catches with puzzling notes pointing out where to find them. What an adventure that was for both Ranger Scout and Naki! And of course, the reader as you follow along. I wanted to learn about the centuries old mystery and solve it right along with our characters. Lastly but certainly not least, the breathtaking beauty of the national park itself. Suzanne Woods Fisher vividly describes the landscape, the feel of the air, the salt water as it hits your face and the majestic views from mountain tops… WOW! Just like the first book in this series, I have put Acadia National Park on my list of places to see in my lifetime. I can visually image how much more breathtaking it would be in person.

What I appreciate most is how the author naturally incorporates faith into the pages. It doesn’t feel forced and is refreshing to see it lived out in her characters. I loved catching up with Chief Ranger Tim Rivers, his now fifteen-year-old granddaughter Maisie Mitchell, her mom Thea Mitchell, and seasonal volunteer Frankie Franklin from the first book (Capture the Moment). It’s always fun to see how old friends are doing and meeting new ones along the way.

With that said, there’s also the romance to watch play out. Though I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, I think for me, the other aspects of the story overshadowed that and did not diminish my enjoyment of the story (I was rooting for one particular gentleman). There’s lots of plot twists that made me gasp in surprise and added to the depth, mystery and adventure of how well written this is. I really hope the author has more of these up her sleeve because I certainly got lost in the book in full enjoyment!! 

I would highly recommend reading the first book so you get to know the characters who appear in this one… though it certainly isn’t necessary! I’m just one of those readers who love to read each book in order no matter if they are stand-alone or not. If you love adventure, solving centuries old mysteries, traveling to new places, faith-filled stories and getting to know characters so real you feel you’ve plopped into the book right alongside them, you don’t want to miss this one or Capture the Moment… or the next, or the next and etc!! 

*Many thanks to Revell through Netgalley for a copy. I voluntarily reviewed this under no coercion or obligation to do so. * 

BackCover Blurb

She uncovered a piece of history--but can she make peace with her own?

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper's suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia's rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn't expect to find. But they aren't the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper--and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who--and what--deserves her trust.

Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a contemporary romance filled with mystery, treasure hunting, and adventure as a park ranger uncovers a century-old shipwreck and dangerous secrets at Acadia National Park. Perfect for fans of mysteries and love triangles. 

Revell Publishing, Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:May, 2026

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

Buy CHASE THE  LIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE ESCAPE GAME by Gina Holder, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Deadly Game of Survival (The Game Masters Book 2)

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"Music can calm the spirit or awaken monsters. You choose."

Had it come down to this? Had a twenty year long search for a father who had simply disappeared paired small town resident Demi Kayne and virtual stranger Liam Shepherd together inside a house of horrors? It was unthinkable, and yet it was exactly where they found themselves, enclosed within the walls of the rumored to be haunted Ives Mansion.

Liam had arrived in Silver Falls, Minnesota searching for his twin sister Alexis, his life as a world traveler, spreading the Gospel as a missionary, had separated them for a short period of time and the few clues Alexis had left behind led him to this location. Striking up a friendly acquaintanceship with a local puzzle shop owner and two of her friends, Liam and Demi ended up on knocking on one of the many doors they would have to breach in order to survive.

While this book was filled with exhilarating suspense scenes( it makes one think that the author herself may be a puzzle genius), it was also a generous wealth of faith lessons, bravely sharing the salvation story while the characters themselves literally hung on for dear life. Moving forward from fears, both temporal and eternal, does eventually bring these two characters down the finish line . . . but, barely.

"It's never the wrong time to talk about Jesus . . . "
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW 

BackCover Blurb:
Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

SCRIVENINGS PRESS, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback (soon)

Buy THE ESCAPE GAME at Amazon 

PROTECTING HONOR by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 Book 4 of 6: Refuge Cove

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"You were choosing what mattered . . . That's what honor looks like."

When a resident of Refuge Cove disappears into the night after a close encounter with her violent husband, Max Kincaid offers his assistance to the local sheriff in the search to find her. His attention is already divided though, there's a lovely new vet in town, whose steady presence at the Cove's dog shelter during the birth of six new puppies has precipitated a spark of attraction, but after his recent break-up with another employee, the timing may not be right.

Veterinarian Hadley Chase loves her new home in Blue Ridge Hollow, but instead of thriving, her practice is experiencing what seems like a rash of targeted attacks. Her only consolation is how helpful Max Kincaid has been, she feels safe whenever Max is around and his commitment to finding out the truth is reassuring. When a seed of doubt about him is planted from an unknown source, Hadley is ready to give Max the benefit of the doubt, but tragically it may be too little, too late.

A thrilling new addition to the Refuge Cove series. 
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

 She’s found the perfect place to start over. But someone doesn't want her here.

Veterinarian Hadley Chase moved to Blue Ridge Hollow looking for a fresh start. After the chaos of Atlanta, the quiet rhythm of a small mountain town—and her new clinic—feel like exactly what she needs. But she never expected danger to shadow her there.

Max Kincaid keeps his head down and his past where it belongs—behind him. He came to Refuge Cove to rebuild the honor he nearly lost, and working there suits him fine . . . until Hadley becomes the focus of escalating danger. When unsettling incidents turn into targeted threats, it becomes clear someone wants her gone.

Staying out of it would be smarter. Safer. But he's not willing to walk away.

Max will do whatever it takes to protect Hadley. Even if it means confronting the past he's spent years trying to outrun. Even if it means exposing a truth that could cost him everything—and her.

River Heights Publishing, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook, or paperback at Amazon