Christmas In The Castle Library by Ann Swindell

I have been reading rave reviews of Ann Swindell's Christmas In The Castle Library and I am pleased to say it exceeded my expectations. Ellie Sawyer is a fascinating lady who doubts her worth other than as a historical researcher. She jumps at the chance to spend Christmas researching the disappearance of a queen who ruled a hundred years ago. I really enjoyed the plot with it's strong message of faith. The setting of a castle in a small country was perfectly done with beautiful descriptions. Although this book is strong enough to stand alone I was pleased to hear that there will be two more books! Christmas At The Castle library was the perfect blend of mystery, romance and a journey of self discovery. I highly recommend this book! All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday. Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom. About the author

Ann Swindell and her writing have been featured widely by The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, (in)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and many other publications. She is the owner of Writing with Grace (where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses), and holds an MA in Writing from DePaul University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Seattle Pacific University. Ann lives in West Michigan with her pastor-husband and their children. Learn more at annswindell.com.

The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham

The Cinderella Plot is a lovely book by Pepper Basham. I loved how Paisley and Chris discover what really matters in life, faith, family and each others friendship. Iwas thrilled that Ms. Basham wove her typical Basham Banter through the book, with refernces to many books and movies. I worked in a public school for 10 years and believe that the author clearly captured the day to day lives of teenagers with all of the ups and downs that go along with growing up. This is a sweet story that I feel all young women struggling with self image and fitting in should read. Well done Ms. Basham! My advice is that young women should set up a book club and enjoy the book together. I was given a copy of the Cinderella Plot by the author with no expectations. All thoughts are my own. From AmazonPaisley Harper is invisible. Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way. She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed. Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date. With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first. But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question: What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself? Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along. ** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page ** About the author:

Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram. You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com .

The Silence Of Babel by Dante Lupinetti

Dante Lupinetti's The Silence Of Babel is a cautionary tale that begins on the Plains of Shinar and the origional Tower of Babel. It then fast forwards to a sometime in our future when AI has progressed far beyond anything we can imagine. I really enjoyed the way Mr. Lupinetti blends faith and a good story. The plot of The Silence Of Babel is fast moving and quite engaging. I thought the characters were realistic and interesting. The setting was perfect. All in all a great book. So grab your favorite snack and beverage, then settle in for a great story. I was given a copy of The Silence of Babel by the author with noe expectations. All thoughts are my own. From AmazonDavid Reznor's BabelCore AI promised to end human suffering by connecting seven billion minds into perfect unity. It succeeded—until the lights went out. When a global blackout strikes at the exact moment his ex-fiancée Naomi leads believers in coordinated prayer, David discovers the horrifying truth: BabelCore was never artificial intelligence. It was an ancient entity that's been rebuilding the Tower of Babel for millennia, and David gave it the perfect vessel. Now millions are dying from digital withdrawal as the entity constructs a new tower—not with bricks or silicon, but with stolen souls absorbed into collective consciousness that promises transcendence while delivering extinction. Armed with Naomi's faith and his own technical knowledge, David must reach the entity's broadcast center and speak truth into networks designed to sustain beautiful lies. But stopping the tower will require a sacrifice he never imagined. Prayer scattered Babel once. This time, it will cost everything. An Ai Apocalyptic Thriller especially for readers of Jamie Lee Grey and Ted Dekker. About the author:

Dante Lupinetti has lived in the greater Washington, DC area for fifty years. Assimilated by the Washington DC universe, he has not tried to escape it like so many others. He relishes the richness of its music, culture, artistry, sports, industry and political scene. He writes in a refuge located in Frederick, MD, fifty miles North of DC on the way to Camp David. Dante retired from coding after 45 yrs. commuting the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) as he worked in high tech. Dante is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and has been an elder in his church. He and his wife, Sue, are very active in local church life. They have five grown children and fourteen grandchildren. Dante is also a jazz enthusiast.

To Win A Crown by Rachel Hauck

The House of Blue is back and one of it's greatest secrets has been revealed. Scottie O'Shay, a men's clothing company from Tennessee is also the secret daughter of the Queen of Lauchtenland. Scottie decides to spend some time with her mother to find out what the Royal side of of her family is like. Which life will she choose, Royal or commoner? Just to make things interesting Ms. Hauck tosses in a handsome body guard and another mysterious princess. I loved this story and it brings a satisfying conclusion to the House of Blue. The story of renewed faith is very gratifying. I especially love Emmanuel's visits. So grab a warm beverage and a cozy blanket to cuddle up with while you read To Win A Crown. I was given a review copy by BookFunnel. All thoughts are my own. From Amazon: She’s the secret daughter of the queen. He's the man sworn to protect her. When duty collides with desire, which will they choose? Scottie O’Shay has the perfect life as creative director for her family’s beloved men’s fashion brand, which she embraces with grit, style, and southern charm. But when a reporter’s exposé reveals shocking secrets, she discovers she’s not just Scottie O’Shay anymore. She’s the secret daughter of the Queen of Lauchtenland. Eager to know the mother who gave her up, Scottie flies to Europe for a brief visit only to find herself entangled in animosity and palace intrigue. Then there’s Michael Cross—a devoted protection officer whose piercing eyes and quiet strength make her feel dangerously at home. Michael has loved and lost before. He won’t risk his heart again—especially not for an American clothing heiress who’s determined to cling to her O’Shay family roots. Yet when a late-night kiss in a hidden doorway melts duty into devotion, neither one can deny the affection growing between them. Together they’ll discover a legacy of secrets and forgiveness powerful enough to heal a fractured kingdom. On the verge of truly falling in love, devastating news from home yanks Scottie from her personal fairy tale into reality. She faces an impossible choice—the safe ground of Tennessee or the uncharted waters of Lauchtenland where love and a royal crown await. The third enchanting installment in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck's beloved series proves once again why readers can't get enough of her royal romances. Perfect for fans of Hallmark royal movies and beautiful literary romance— To Win A Crown is a tender, faith-filled story about second chances and the power of family that proves love is always worth the wait. Read the rest of the series: Book One: To Love A Prince Book Two: To Save A King More royal romance by Rachel Hauck The Royal Wedding Series Once Upon a Prince (an original Hallmark movie) Princess Ever After How To Catch a Prince A Royal Christmas Wedding A March Bride (Part of the Spring Weddings Collection)

Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is the recipient of RT's Career Achievement Award. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was filmed for an original Hallmark movie. Hauck has been acclaimed for her split time novels and royal romances. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan. In other news, she's recently learned how to hard boil an egg. She's quite proud. Visit her at www.rachelhauck.com or www.facebook.com/rachelhauck

Whispers At Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen has done it again, Whispers of Painwick court is a delightful Regency Romance with an intriguing mystery. It is difficult to know who to like and who to mistrust. Anne Loveday must decide who can be trusted while nursing a woman that she cause to intensely dislike. Anne has decided that she desires to remain single for life, but now has several possible suiters. Great book! I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. From Amazon She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance. Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year. Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late? Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.

The Bird Of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep releasing February 1, 2026

I had the priveledge to readan advanced copy of Michelle Griep's The Bird of BedfordManor. This story is a delightful mix of romance and mystery set in an old English Manor house. Juliet is a strongcharacter who grows through the bookand becomes a very self assured likeable character. I didn't care for Henry at first as he seemed a bit unsure of his role in life, however he grows throughout the story and comes into his own. The mystery kept me guessing as to who was behind all of the alleged accidents. I really enjoyde watching both Juliet and Henry rediscover their faith. This is a great book and I recommend it to all who enjoy Regency Romantic Suspense. I was given a copy of The Bird Of Bedford Manor by NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. From Amazon: Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself. Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all: swoon-worthy romance clever turn-of-phrase colorfully memorable characters charming British setting About the author:

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write--except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

The Whispers of Eden by Kurt Barnes

The Whispers of Eden is a fascinating tale based on Enoch and Methuselah from the book of Genesis. Enoch is the seventh generation from Adam. At this time Nephilim and the sons of Cain roam the world and the true story of Adam and Eve have faded. Enoch has a vision of a cave where Adam hid his writings of the beginning of time. The Whispers of Eden is the tale of a fictional journey made by Enoch and his son Methuselah to find the cave outside of Eden. i really enjoyed this book. The imagery was fascinating. This book offers an interesting view of what life might have been like in Biblical times. I liked the way Enoch and Methuselah held on to their faith and even grew as the story progressed. I would recommend this book to anyone who might like to speculate on life before the flood. This is historical/ Biblical fiction at it's best. I borrowed a copy of The Whispers of Eden from Kindle Unlimited. All thoughts are my own. From Amazon In the world before the Flood, the memory of Eden is fading, and the power of the Nephilim is on the rise. Enoch, a patriarch of Adam's faithful line, receives a divine vision: journey to the legendary Cave of Sorrows and reclaim the lost testimony of the First Man. With his son Methuselah, Enoch must leave his hidden sanctuary and plunge into a corrupted world where the Serpent is worshipped, and the truth is a fire the darkness will kill to extinguish. Forging an unlikely fellowship with noble Giants and fierce survivors, they are hunted by an ancient evil that seeks to destroy not only Adam's record but also the prophesied line of redemption. The Whispers of Eden is an epic fantasy adventure that brings the world of Genesis to life, a story of faith, sacrifice, and the desperate fight to preserve hope in a darkening age. About the author

Kurt Barnes is a devoted husband, father, and enthusiastic Oregon Ducks fan. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Silver Creek Fellowship Church in Silverton, Oregon. With a deep passion for guiding others on their spiritual journeys, Kurt dedicates his life to serving his community and sharing the transformative power of God's love. He firmly believes that God has a unique dream for each person's life—a plan filled with hope, purpose, and fulfillment.