splendor of the land | book review

about the book

Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

publisher: bethany house publishers 

release date: august 5, 2025

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other books in the series

the wedding gift

the blind scribe

voice of the ancient

shield of the mighty

the collector of burned books | book review

about the book

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

—Stand-alone historical fiction from a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author

—A thought-provoking novel perfect for book clubs

—Includes discussion questions

publisher: tyndale fiction

release date: july 15, 2025

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hiding the amish witness | book review + giveaway

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about the book

A witness in hiding.

An enemy with a vendetta.

After discovering her best friend’s dead body, Miriam Troyer knows two things: the killer is the same man who murdered her husband… and he wants her dead. With the culprit in pursuit, Miriam goes on the run with her baby and seeks refuge in the Amish community she left behind. However, after an attack leaves Miriam with no memory, Caleb Schultz, a man from her past, must step in to protect her and her daughter. But the criminal is determined to silence Miriam for good and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.

publisher: harlequin love inspired suspense

release date: july 29, 2025

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other books in the series

plain target

plain retribution

amish christmas abduction

amish country ambush

amish country emergency

guarding the amish midwife

hidden in amish country

plain refuge

deadly amish reunion

amish country threats

covert amish investigation

amish christmas escape

amish cradle conspiracy

her secret amish past

crime scene witness

hidden amish target

hunted at christmas

amish witness to murder

protecting the amish child

a family on his doorstep | book review + giveaway

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about the book

Sometimes a tough situation

Requires a leap of faith…

Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walker overcome their scars from the past and embrace the possibility of a happily-ever-after together?

publisher: harlequin love inspired

release date: july 29, 2025

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burning justice | book review + giveaway

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about the book

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.

THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She's been searching for her father for fifteen years...

Maria Sanchez has spent her entire career as a CIA operative searching for her father, and she’s not going to let some tough, arrogant former-soldier-turned-hotshot stand in her way.

His life was upended on a single fateful mission...

After being betrayed, branded a traitor, and declared dead, Kane Foster has a lot prove—and he’s not going to let his team—or his country—down. Even if he has to douse the sparks between him and his feisty teammate. Because some things are more important than love.

Now someone tell that to his heart…

As the smoke clears on this pulse-pounding series, buried truths will be uncovered and loyalties tested in this sizzling finale to the Chasing Alaska romantic suspense series.

publisher: sunrise publishing

release date: august 5, 2025

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burning hearts

burning rivals

burning escape

burning secrets

burning truth

the neighbor and the gifts | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero.

Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location.

As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

publisher: hearth spot press

release date: july 15, 2025

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other books in the series

the sheriff and the outlaw

the baby and the guardian

what brings us joy | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

1895: After losing their Georgia home, eighteen-year-old Delia Truitt and her family move to Blooming Grove, Texas, to work for a relative on a ramshackle farm. Set on helping her family dig out of their impoverished circumstances, she plans to open a dressmaker’s shop, combining her sewing skills and her keen fashion sense. But owning a business takes money she doesn’t have.

Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker.

Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge. Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together.

Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?

publisher: scrivenings press llc

release date: july 15, 2025

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fire mountain | excerpt + giveaway

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Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

publisher: revell

release date: july 1, 2025

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names of God: knowing peace | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

Peace.

The very word evokes images of serene landscapes and quiet stillness. In today’s chaotic world, peace is a valuable commodity. The Bible has a lot to say about peace, claiming that God himself is the ultimate source. In this follow-up to Names of God: Living Unafraid, Grace Fox reflects on how the following names of God point to the peace our souls so desperately crave:

Yahweh Shalom—The Lord Is Peace

Abba—Father

El Shaddai—God Almighty

El Roi—The God Who Sees Me

Yahweh Ori—The Lord Is My Light

Yahweh Nissi—The Lord Is My Banner

Immanuel—God with Us

Knowing Peace uses examples from Scripture and compelling real-life stories to illustrate how these names can bring inner peace amid life’s storms. Each session includes a guided prayer, reflection questions, and a video link providing additional insights from Grace. Perfect for individual or group study, this new addition to the Names of God series will encourage and inspire readers to draw near to God and receive his peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).

publisher: aspire press

release date: july 8, 2025

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other books in the series

names of God: living unafraid

the fire chief's surprise | excerpt + giveaway

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He wasn’t looking for love…

Until one little boy came into his life.

Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

publisher: love inspired

release date: july 1, 2025

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midnight offensive | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line.

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack.

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late.

publisher: faith writes publishing

release date: may 14, 2025

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echoes of darkness | excerpt + giveaway

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A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets… and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

publisher: love inspired trade

release date: june 24, 2025

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oakwoods series | excerpt + giveaway

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Pip O’Possum (Work Then Play)

Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)

Benjamin Bat (Humility)

Nuts (Sharing is Caring)

Jeremy Jay (Resilience)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals’ adventures, friendships, and foibles, they’ll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!)

publisher: chickadee words

release date: april 4, 2025

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the final word | excerpt + giveaway

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When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope… if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.

publisher: mountain brook ink

release date: june 5, 2025

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other books in the series

captured in frame

the dutch muse | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.

Amsterdam, 1973.

It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city.

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities.

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.

Amsterdam, 1641

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist.

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.

publisher: independently published

release date: june 17, 2025

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other books in the series

the london forgery

trouble in assisi

the paris portrait

the ties that loose | excerpt + giveaway

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Can you really trust God when life plummets out of your control?

While clearing out her mother’s estate, Dani Robicheau Kirkland makes a shocking discovery: a box containing pieces of her parents’ life hidden away after her father was declared Killed in Action in the Vietnam War. Inside she finds her mother had once clung to faith and the desperate certainty her husband was alive before she spiraled into the devastated alcoholic Dani has known.

Dani’s F-15 pilot husband, Chris, chafes under his father’s expectations to live up to his granddad’s legacy as WWII pilot. While the Bosnian War rages, Chris is tasked with a clandestine mission: flying an unsanctioned diplomat into Bosnia. But when his plane goes down due to a bird strike, Chris is trapped behind enemy lines with little hope of rescue.

Dani is terrified she’ll nosedive like her mother did, but still clings to hope and a certainty that Chris remains alive despite the Air Force’s doubts. As she searches for a way to bring Chris home and he strives to stay alive, they each battle their family histories desperate to find God’s future for them both.

Family ties ensnare them. Can God loose their grip forever?

publisher: salt & light publishing

release date: may 23, 2025

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the puzzle within | excerpt + giveaway

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FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette… and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

publisher: scrivenings press llc

release date: june 3, 2025

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a slight change of plans | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

She believes she doesn’t matter.

Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes, and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home uncertain of her next step.

His scars have made him an unlovable outcast.

Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance, and even more so at his eagerness to assist her.

As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk.

Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other?

publisher: scrivenings press

release date: may 27, 2025

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when plans go awry

how to kill a giant | excerpt + giveaway

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He lost his courage. Will meeting a real superhero help him find it?

An awful summer … Thirteen-year-old Hugo is miserable. His move to a small Pennsylvania town has brought him nothing but trouble. Ignored by his new classmates and a favorite target for the school bullies, Hugo lets fear rule his life. It’s going to be a long summer.

An unexpected twist … Hugo meets siblings Julia and Stefan, who are just as unhappy as he is. After finding a mysterious old Bible, all three are magically transported to ancient Israel, where they meet the young shepherd David, who suspects they’re spies. The trio is caught up in a scary world where danger lurks on every side.

A terrifying adventure … As Hugo and his friends navigate the perils of this strange and frightening land, Hugo must face his greatest fear—that he’s a coward. His only hope of survival is to learn the secret of David’s bravery, but will he do so in time to face his biggest test? Find out in this thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and faith.

How to Kill a Giant is a 2024 Christian Indie Awards Winner.

publisher: elk lake publishing llc

release date: june 11, 2023

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the surprise next door | book review + giveaway

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Should they take a chance…

On unexpected love?

Chasing her escape-artist rescue dog, Gus, into the neighbor’s yard wasn’t on Nicole Connelly’s agenda for her first day back in her hometown. Especially when Gus’s antics bring her under the suspicious gaze of the gorgeous single dad next door. Staying on the move has kept her heart safe for twelve years. But veterinarian Ethan Price and his adorable daughter make Nicole wonder if staying in Golden might be worth the risk. Is she ready to overcome the past and find her forever home with a loving instant family?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

publisher: harlequin heartwarming

release date: may 27, 2025

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other books in the series

the single mom's second chance

the hometown cop's forever family