Review ~ The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery #4) by Pepper Basham

 

About the Book

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace's sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband's murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister's they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother's inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick's past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

The Highland Heist is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess, The Cairo Curse, and The Juliet Code.

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025 by Barbour Fiction

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My Review 4.5 STARS!!!

Freddie and Grace are one of the MOST fun couples in CF as far as I’m concerned. The exploits, especially Grace’s, made me laugh out loud and I might have caught myself giving an occasional eye roll (all in a good way, of course).

The pacing in this story was enough to make me feel like I had a workout! Gallivanting around takes on new meaning in The Highland Heist. Along with a good, strong faith theme (which I always appreciate) the mystery kept me wondering whodunit, and of course the dialogue was one of the delightful aspects of reading this story.

I highly recommend this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Have you read this book, or this series yet? If so, what did you think?

Basham writes across genres and is one of the MOST talented and gifted writers I've read that can actually pull it off! Check out her books on her website here: Pepper D Basham  

COMING NOV 15, 2022 ~ Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

Epistolary scares off some people but this contemporary novel is so much fun!!! You will be sad if you miss the witty and fast-paced banter flying through cyber space in this delightful novel.

Pepper Basham is a favorite of mine no matter what genre she writes. Don't miss the pre-order on this one at Baker Book House for a 20% discount!!!

Review ~ The Little Women Devotional by Rachel Dodge

Devotional Inspiration from the Lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
 
The Little Women Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, cherished by generations of readers.
Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as His cherished daughter. This beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

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My Review 4 STARS
Dodge has written a darling companion devotional based on one of my most favorite classic novels, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. One of the sweetest things about this devotional is the lovely art work! Faith and family are integral in this devotional, making it one I recommend whether you are a fan of the classic novel or not.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

E-book FREEBIES for the Holiday Weekend

Here's a few Christian Fiction FREEBIES for those who like to read on Kindle. Most of these are available as ebooks for free on other platforms too. You'll have to do the legwork though ;-)

I have not read all of these books so I cannot vouch for whether or not they are any good. 

If you don't like the book/s, don't kill the messenger! haha 

Click on the book image to go to Amazon.

Be sure and check the price before you hit BUY!!

I have read ^^^this one^^^ and loved it!
It's the prequel novella to A Bradford Sister's series,
which is one of my all-time favorites!!!

I've yet to be disappointed in an
Elizabeth Camden novel!!!

Mary Connealy is one of my
favorite historical CF writers!!!

I really enjoyed this one!!!

I hope y'all have a good weekend and find time to enjoy one of these books!

Rebecca Reviews ~ Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

Paperback, 368 pages

Published April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the tiny, coastal Maine town, and he sets his calloused hands to work, but the building halts when tragedy strikes.

Decades later, Annie Sawyer is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when she learns her Great-Uncle Robert, the man who became her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is now the one in need of help. What she didn't anticipate was finding a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Long-ago memories of stone ruins on a nearby island trigger her curiosity, igniting a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

She joins forces with the handsome and mysterious harbor postman, and all her hopes of mending the decades-old chasm in her family seem to point back to the ruins. But with Robert failing fast, her search for answers battles against time, a foe as relentless as the ever-crashing waves upon the sea. 

Rebecca’s Review

5 STARS!!!

"He said he loves you, that it'll be all right, that life is big . . . and God is bigger." 

"Whose Waves These Are" clears generational speed bumps with the ease of a stallion; its poetic prose is enchanting, the spiritual depth and metaphorical descriptions compelling the most seasoned of readers to take pause. 

Using the lives of twin brothers as a foundation stone, the author builds her story; and it's a story like none other, for Robert and Roy Bliss are unparalleled. Their lives diverge from the tiny town of Ansel by the Sea when the call for war beckons one and not the other. In the end, or it could be viewed as the beginning, it's grief that completes what life could not accomplish. 

Years later, a granddaughter reappears in the tiny Maine town, apparently her beloved GrandBob needs her. As Annie Bliss uncovers the fascinating layers of her family history, she learns that "every wave . . . is a story" and "there's a whole lotta light . .. when the Lord makes His face to shine upon Thee"; yet, Annie can only wonder what kind of stories the waves will write for her.

"Build". 

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Rebecca Reviews ~ A Daring Venture (Empire State, #2) by Elizabeth Camden

Paperback, 340 pages

Published June 5th 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

 As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against water-borne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city--but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York Nickolas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, these two rivals will face higher stakes than they ever could have known.

About the Author 

Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.

 

Read more about Elizabeth and her fabulous novels on her website @ http://elizabethcamden.com/meet-elizabeth/

Rebecca's Review

4.5 STARS!!!

"Glass, china, and reputations are easily cracked and never well mended."

"Salmonella enterica, the bacteria that caused typhoid, was surprisingly pretty . . . . Her mission in life was to find a way to kill it." Working tirelessly to prove that minuscule amounts of chlorine in the public's drinking water could save countless lives from water-borne diseases, Dr. Rosalind Werner has also worked tirelessly to guard her reputation in Jersey City, New Jersey. Following a disappointing court case regarding her team's ground-breaking research, Rosalind comes face to face with Nicholas Drake, a man poised to be appointed Commissioner of Labor for the State Water Board of New York; and Nick's plan to provide purer drinking water does not include chlorine.

"Dr. Werner, 'When I saw this box, I thought it was as pretty as a moonbeam, and it made me think of you'."

Nicholas Drake makes no attempt to hide his unabashed admiration of the lovely scientist who has made it her mission to change his mind about chlorine. He might be a outrageously rich former plumber, but common sense tells him that the city's water problems can be solved by better filtration. When his whirlwind attraction to Rosalind hits a snag, the two manage to smooth over their differences and simply enjoy each other's company. Regrettably, secrets and vendettas blindside them both, widening the chasm between them. "They had both burned their bridges with each other and his sadness was overwhelming."

Stepping into one of Elizabeth Camden's stories is like entering an enchanted forest and wanting to get lost; her characters are amazing, her settings are are detailed but fascinating, and her story threads pull at heartstrings that you didn't know she could play. Enjoy the forest!

This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

 
Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

~Happy Reading~

 

Anne's Top Reads in 2014

2014 offered some great books in Christian Fiction.

Life threw me some unexpected interruptions that slowed down my reading but I tried to get in as many books as possible. I read both contemporary and historical novels, and enjoyed some very well written novellas, too!

In no particular order, my Top Novel Reads in 2014 are:

Somebody Like You by Beth Vogt

Displaying  a mastery of writing skills, Beth Vogt has penned an astonishingly complex and emotional novel.

Life Support by Candace Calvert

There are times I read a book, put it down and basically forget the story. This was not the case with Life Support! My heart strings were being pulled from one side to the other like a rope during a rousing game of tug of war. 

 

Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley 

Petticoat Detective is my favorite book from Margaret Brownley! It’s a fast-paced, funny and poignant tale of a female Pinkerton detective who goes undercover in a brothel. Doesn’t sound like something you would want to read? Well, you just might be surprised! 

Hawk by Ronie Kendig

Hawk is the second book in the Quiet Professionals series. It has a consuming plot line filled with engrossing  and complicated technological intrigue. Between bullets and missiles and literally running for their lives, there shines through some tender moments that gave me breathing space to catch my breath.

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Daughter of Highland Hall is the second book in the Edwardian Brides series and from beginning to end, I felt as if I was part of the Ramsey family. This is one of my favorite books so far this year!  In fact, the opening scene where Kate is learning to curtsy, and Jonathan sees her, is one of the most delightful I have read in a long time.  

 A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

A Match of Wits transports us into a charming and rousing tale with Agatha. She is a woman before her time--fearless,  impassioned about many things, and relentless in her pursuit of a good news story.  In many ways, she is a product of a forward moving generation.

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

 An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart? (from the publisher)

Note: I won Prelude for a Lord book in a giveaway and just recently made time to read it, and I am happy to say it is a definite top read! I'll write a review and post it as soon as I can.

  
Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

Full Steam Ahead is one of my favorite books that Karen has written. It will make my Top Ten this year.  It’s filled with fascinating history regarding steam engines, lots of daring adventure, and her trademark humor woven in with a beautiful message of faith.

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig 

I’m not sure how to describe this book. It’s one of those that has so many layers, once they’re peeled back, more and more appear. It is full of intensely gritty scenes that even though I found difficult to read, I couldn’t stop reading. The prose is mind-blowing  and held me hostage from the first page to the last. The intensity of emotion in Raptor 6 tops every one of this author’s other books.

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson

Historical/Contemporary Hybrid

With alternating chapters, this story gripped my heart from the opening scene in the chapelle, to the ending  scene in the same chapelle some 70 years later. I don’t know a lot about France during WWII but I was mesmerized from the start by the story of Giselle, a young woman fighting for her country in the only way she could during a most horrible time in history.

Beowulf by Ronie Kendig

Beowulf resounds with quintessential Kendig. Packed with deep characterization, rich descriptions, and her trademark rapid-fire dialogue, once you start reading you won’t be able to stop.

Call of the Prairie by Vickie McDonough 

Vickie McDonough has the ability to paint such realistic word pictures that I was sure I felt the prairie breezes blowing and could see the majestic windmill standing front and center in the town square. 

Now for the Novellas!

A November Bride by Beth Vogt

 Operation Zulu Redemption by Ronie Kendig

A 5 Part Serialization Project

 The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren

Did you enjoy any of these books in 2014? If so, I would love to hear what you thought about them. If not, what did you read? Leave a comment and lets chat books!