​SCARS OF THE REVOLUTION--what an exquisite story! Megan’s strong, interesting characters traverse believable difficulties faced during the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. This author skillfully kept me hoping, wondering, and believing. Megan’s ability to weave in spiritual questions and real-life struggles arising from relational and situational challenges made this a full-bodied story with depth and relatability. 

First of all, my favorite series mentions characters from book one in book two, and continues this way in book three. The HARBOR OF SPIES series offers all the best fiction can provide. Likable and unlikable characters, and one or two that keep this reader guessing, are first on my checklist. The storyline is strong and really pulled me back in time to the start of the Revolutionary War. Such upending times, the choices of a few in power became devastating and life-threatening for those pulled into the conflict. 

If you like adventure, romance, historically significant time periods—in this case, the Revolutionary War in America—powerful difficulties, and resourceful characters, then I advise you to check out this story and, in fact, this HARBOR OF SPIES series! 

I can’t sing praises high enough for SCARS OF THE REVOLUTION by Megan Soja! This is a memorable story and a book series that I will be rereading. (Just so you know, I’m a busy person, and for me to make time to reread a series says a lot about this author’s storytelling skill and her meaningful challenges for the characters. This novel was given to me for an honest review, and I'm happy to relay this good review of an excellent story!

Happy New Year, all, and I hope you treat yourselves to excellent reads in 2026!


You will find Megan on her website:  https://megansoja.com/

Of Gold and Shadows 
Do you like Egyptian tombs and mysteries? Do you enjoy unforgettable characters and a vibrant plot that keep you engaged in the story? This 1888 Victorian England historical romance by Michelle is all that and more! OF GOLD AND SHADOWS is quite the page turner, as Ami Dalton battles gender biases that significantly limit a young woman from working as an Egyptologist, and an Egyptian curse—supposedly from a golden griffin—the curse of Amentuk. 

All is not what it seems when Edmund Price hires not the renowned Oxford professor, but his engaging, highly intelligent, and high-spirited daughter, Ami. 
This is a page turner that interested me throughout the entire novel. This Bethany House novel spans 364 pages of delicious adventure, romance, and mystery. This novel will not interest readers of simple, predictable, and short stories, but for the avid historical and mystery reader, this is a delectable treat.

Bravo, Michelle Grip!! I love this novel, and I’m currently reading MAN OF SHADOW & MIST!  

You may find Michelle here MichelleGrip.com, FaceBook—Michelle Griep, Instagram—
@MichelleGriep, and X—@MichelleGrip

Bleu Galant, an exile from Acadie, travels to Virginia’s Rivanna River settlement. But along the way, an unexpected twist, danger, and a woman he can’t forget, intrude upon his life. 
Beautiful in appearance and spirit, Brielle Farrow, confined to servitude, survives a tragic attack at the Rose and Crown. Confronted by devastating loss and danger, there is one who may risk all to rescue her.

The crossroads in Bleu and Brielle’s paths take them on a journey neither of them had considered or dreamed of before. What will Brielle’s future bring, and what of Bleu’s heart? A FIERCE DEVOTION is a novella worthy of your time and attention! I adore this author, her skill, and depth of story in any of her novels or novellas thrill my heart. 

This novella is an exciting continuation of Laura’s novel THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE. Bleu is Sylvie Galant’s handsome, adventuresome, and courageous brother. If you love thrilling and inspiring fiction gleaned from actual historical events, I encourage you to read THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE. It is especially pleasurable to read the novel and then the novella—in that order! Oh, if I could be a fly on the wall and watch your excited turning of these pages! Here is my former review of Laura’s novel! 

http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/the-seamstress-of-acadie-by-best-selling-and-award-winning-author-laura-frantz

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 You may find Laura Frantz's novels and novellas on her website.
https://laurafrantz.net/

This standalone novel, CANYON OF DECEIT, is a well-plotted romantic suspense. Could it be that this is DiAnn’s best suspense? Her novels grip me as I’m reading them, so that each of her stories feels like the best romantic suspense fiction ever. This is such an excellently researched and thrilling story.

When Threse Palmer, a wilderness survival expert, and Texas Ranger, Blane Gardner, work together to find a kidnapped child, sparks and hope fly! Each of the characters—good and bad—holds exacting presence on the pages. The scenes are vivid and realistic. All this made me turn pages quickly!

I’ve been given a free copy of CANYON OF DECEIT, so that I can offer an honest impression of DiAnn’s soon-to-be-published novel. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT.  I am so impressed with the depth of each personality, rich description, and dangerous people and situations that the characters face—well, I couldn’t put the book down. All I can say is bravo.

​Yes, I highly recommend this novel and this author!

You may find DiAnn at: diannmills.com

I very much enjoyed stepping into the 1930s with these two stories, LOWAN’S CHECKMATE, Book 1, and SHAMROCK HUNT, Book 2. I’ve always had a soft spot for detective stories depicting the early 1900s. The dialogue and the clothing and cars are just so cool!

S. E. Grosskopf has skillfully written this new series, which seems to be flying off the shelf and into ready and willing readers’ hands. With equal vigor, more of the series is being published monthly! Each story has been unique and intelligently written. I feel like I’m surrounded by 1930s towns, situations, and people that aid the story, without hindering the action or my interest with overmuch description.  S. E. Grosskopf seems to have a 6th sense for knowing when to add details or not. Well done!

These approximately 100-page stories are fast reads, styled after books written during the 1930s in length and bravado! This author doesn’t skimp on the cultural customs and difficulties that challenge the characters. The fight scenes are excellent, the characters believable, as are their situations stacked against their emotional baggage and courage.
It didn’t even bother me that one characters (you will have to read it to find out who I’m referring to), is an alien. But not a weird one. He so fits into the narrative that if he should disappear, I would throw the book across the room. I think you will like him too.

Not only is there a link for a free short story read at the bottom of this review, but there is a free prequel offered on S. E. Grosskopf’s website.

S. E. Grosskopf is a highly recommended author to keep your eye on. I just followed her on Amazon, and because of the length of this review, I’m not going to mention the character by name. But I will give a blanket, “Her characters do not disappoint.” ‘
Her novels are found on Amazon in both soft-cover and Kindle versions. I do invite you to visit her website, which is awesome! Check out our books. On that note, I wish you happy reading!
 
Find S. E. Grosskopf at:
https://segrosskopf.com/

HERE IS YOUR FREE STORY READ!
​The Storybook Journal winning story, The Messenger, June 17, 2025
​https://storybookjournal.com/the-messenger/ 

​Library board member, Carmen, stumbled to her death—or was this murder? One of her boyfriends, perhaps, or was there another reason for this nefarious deed? Would the Library’s reputation be at risk? 

Observant librarian, Ann Beckett, notices with precision important clues around and on dead bodies that the everyday person might miss. When she discovered Carmen’s body, she knew immediately that it had not been an accident. Purple-haired Luna, another library worker, stumbled on Ann finding the body, and was all in a stir over this tragedy. And she wasn’t the only one. Officer Burton has his hands full while trying to catch the murderer.    

I’m reading OVERDUE, book two of this small-town cozy murder mystery series, THE VILLAGE LIBRARY MYSTERIES, by Elizabeth Spann Craig, and enjoying the approximately 200-page adventure. I highly recommend these books, and if you enjoy small-town cozies, I’m sure this series will be perfect for your next read! 

You may find Elizabeth Spann Craig at: https://elizabethspanncraig.com/

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Cilla needed a way out of the grip of the WA German gang after she witnessed a horrific act. Hilde, her sister, was fully on board with her Nazi boyfriend, but how could she save her sister and family from such evil? She must become a Nazi spy and leave her beloved family and country to join the Allies. Only then could she fight against the evil poised to destroy everything good in her land and the countries around her. 

Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie has some strikes against his military career, and he has to work harder to clear his name. When he discovers Cilla sneaking onshore on a rocky beach near his home, he has some difficult choices to make. When British intelligence orders the woman spy to use radio messages to share false information with her German contacts, Lachlan must work with her to prevent her from betraying them.  Should she work out, the English advantage would help them win the war.

I love this story. This is the first World War II novel about the fight between the Netherlands and Scotland against Nazi Germany that I’ve read. This would make such a great movie! Well researched and written with excellence, MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE captivated me all the way through, and I’m eager to encourage others to read Sarah’s novel. I’m going to check out more of her stories!  This is a highly recommended author and novel!

You can find Sarah Sundin at: SarahSundin.com

Lady Ysabelle Benzel of Benzelan ,or Ysa, as her friends call her, is on a devastating journey. How can she escape her stepfather’s nefarious plans to wed her to a cruel enemy. She is a pawn in this evil man’s eyes, and nothing more. Yet there is a prophecy from a reliable seer that she would meet her true love. 

The Vanguard’s ships and warriors have arrived to conquer. They are advanced with war machines and have come prepared. Many innocent lives have been lost because of them.
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Kullan Asanji, Body-Kin—one who is gifted and trained to cure sickness and heal injuries—has two conflicting choices, and what he decides will affect Ysa’s future. The stepdaughter of Lord Jarrus Benzel surprised him. She was stronger and more interesting than he imagined. What is he to do with her, for he has plans for revenge concerning Lord Jarrus, and she is key to achieving that goal? As Kullan and Ysa work together and get to know one another, her powers grow, changing their lives. 

I was given a copy of this novel to do an honest review. I find SINGER OF THE DAWN to be exceedingly well written, easy to follow, though this romantic fantasy world is full of adventure. The characters were easy to care about, and the situations had me turning pages so quickly that I’m ready for the next novel in this series!  Regan Allen has found her place on my favorite author list, and I enjoy telling readers about her stories. 

Brenna’s nightmarish life spun like a hamster wheel as she tried to protect her children, Sophia and Noah. And if that were not enough, the past rose up before her. Years ago, her father was murdered, and the murderer was let out of jail early! She was a pastor’s daughter, but addiction pulled her into darkness, and was ruining her chances to be with her children, while her cheating ex and his new wife seemed to be winning the battle of destroying her life and breaking her heart. But then . . .

Nate Beckett, Brenna’s past love interest and son of the man who killed her father, comes to town per his mother’s request. A firefighter by trade and hero, he only returns after an injury in the line of duty. 

I’m not going to tell you what happens when their lives collide, but SMOKE SCREEN is worthy of your time and dollar to read. 

Terri Blackstock is an accomplished, best-selling, and award-winning author of fiction that I predict you will have difficulty putting down her novels. I advise that you treat yourself to her delicious plots, featuring flawed, interesting, and surprising characters. You just might be the braver for diving into Terri’s novels--

Just in from a friend, Luzaida, said. "Terri Blackstock is awesome! I was just thiking about getting some books at the library!"  

Yep, all of them! https://terriblackstock.com/