16. Lumber Baron's Wife

16. The Lumber Baron's Wife. Lynn Austin. 2026. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian fiction, historical fiction, dual timelines, multiple narrators, three stars]

First sentence: It's long past midnight but I cannot sleep, consumed with worry for my friend.

The Lumber Baron's Wife has THREE narrators. (Is that too many narrators???) Hannah and Kate narrate the "past" timeline in the novel. Hannah is the doctor's wife. (His name is John). They've lost their children to disease, they were exposed through her husband's work. They are newly moving to Michigan. Kate is the lumber baron's wife. (His name is Henry). He is old. She is young. She isn't just younger than him. She is different in every way imaginable. Everyone thinks it would be a good idea if Hannah "coaches" her in behavior. The longer Kate and Henry are married, the more frustrated he gets with his wife. Meanwhile, Hannah barely tolerates John because she blames him for the death of their children. The "present" timeline in the novel is narrated by Ashley. Her husband is David. He is a conservationist? environmentalist? Something to do with trees and nature and wild things. She loves museum work. He "insists" they move to Michigan. She leaves her happy, happy job so he can have his happy, happy job. Which might be completely and absolutely okay if he gave any proof of being a decent human being. (He does not.) Because we're thrown into the middle of this troubled, tension-filled marriage, there's not much reason for me to like him. She wants to restore the lumber baron's mansion--that is join the community effort. He wants her to find steady work, the higher-paying the better. And he absolutely under no circumstances wants her to have the baby they've conceived. His pressuring her to have an abortion in a dozen or so chapters is the most obnoxious thing I've ever read in a Christian book. 

The stories are tied together because of the setting--obviously--but also in trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Kate. 

I did not like this one very much. I didn't love Kate and Henry. I didn't. I could tolerate John and Hannah. But I despised and loathed David. 

A bright side for this one could be that it does tackle difficult issues. Spousal abuse, manipulation, grief, abortion, etc. Most of the characters are not Christian. There's some will they or won't they become Christian by the end of the novel. This might be a plus for some readers. There is plenty of WHY is this happening if there is a God. Hannah questions God after losing her children. Her husband wants her to share the gospel with Kate, but, Hannah is struggling to believe the gospel herself. Kate is struggling with the basics of the gospel. She doesn't believe that grace could actually be grace. Henry and John aren't really characterized super well, though we do know that HENRY is a horrid, horrid man. David, as I mentioned, is despicable. He is angry at God. And he's super controlling and manipulative. And Ashley is not a Christian. She isn't open to the idea of spending time with Christians just in case they share the gospel. But she makes a friend who is a Christian and their mutual interest in restoring this historic house brings them together. There's some gospel presentation. But it isn't always received well. Which I think is probably realistic. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. Mists Over the Channel Islands

11. Mists Over the Channel Islands. Sarah Sundin. 2026. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [world war II, historical fiction, historical romance, christian fiction, 5 stars]

First sentence: Words failed Dr. Ivy Picot, so she sketched her father with gray-flecked hair, packing to go to war. 

Mists Over the Channel Island depicts a family torn apart by war. Half of the family goes to England--either to fight for Britain OR for refuge. Ivy and her sister, Fern, remain behind. Ivy is a doctor and she's needed. Fern chooses to stay than to go with her husband who will soon be fighting for the Allies. 

Gerrit van der Zee (and his friend Bernadus Kroon) are Dutch and have joined the Nazis. Not because they're actually actually Nazis--in any way. But because they want to be spies and work with the Resistance. They are assigned to Jersey (one of the Channel Islands). They soon befriend, Charlie, Ivy and Fern's younger brother. Ivy doesn't want to like--let alone like-like- the enemy. But she soon seems there's more to Gerrit than what it seems. HE is a good guy though technically 'an enemy' 'an outsider' to the islanders. Meanwhile, Fern begins working FOR the Nazis--after a fall out with her sister--and soon finds herself having an affair with a Nazi soldier. She even begins to view the Allies as enemies and the Nazis as the good guys. 

Tensions are high. Lives are at stake. Family loyalty is tested....

I enjoyed this historical romance GREATLY. It was a great read. Highly recommend. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

10. The French Kitchen

10. The French Kitchen. Kristy Cambron. 2025. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] [3 stars, historical fiction, Christian fiction]

First sentence: What would a French glamour girl wear to stash weapons in the dead of winter besides a haute couture gown? Kat Harris wished she knew.

The description of French Kitchen sounds great, interesting, intriguing. However, for me at least, the book failed to match the description. 

The French Kitchen has dual timelines. 

There is a timeline set in France during World War II where the heroine, Kat Harris, is masquerading as Celine a woman part of the Resistance. The real Celine never arrived at her assignment. Kat Harris took her place and assumed her name. She's going undercover as a pastry chef, I think??? Regardless, she's going undercover in a French kitchen. France is occupied. The book opens with a cliff hanger, though since you have no investment in the characters much of the intensity and suspense is wasted. 

The second timeline is France in the 1950s. Kat Harris has received a telegram that may or may not be concerning her dead or not dead brother who was also a spy working with the Resistance. For whatever reason she feels the best way to find her possibly-not-dead brother is to find a man she may or may not be able to trust, Gerard, and marry him. For whatever reason he says yes. (At this point, readers are most likely as clueless as I was as to why he would say yes and why she would propose and what the point is). 

The chapters alternate between the past and present. In the 'present' story line Kat is once again become interested in cooking and meets Julia Child. This is what the description emphasizes. This is what the author's note emphasizes. This supposedly is the whole reason the book exists--to create fictional characters to interact with a fictional Julia Child. She's also searching for her possibly-not-dead brother. 

There are characters--friends, enemies, frenemies--in both timelines. But the way this story unfolds...at least to me...is not as effective as it could be if the author had chosen a timeline and kept things chronological. I am not opposed to dual timelines IF the story flows well and most importantly if it makes sense with little to no confusion. 

The description seems like it was written by someone who only heard a summary of the book and didn't actually read it. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

8. The Belle of Chatham

8. The Belle of Chatham. Laura Frantz. 2026. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, historical romance, American Revolution]

First sentence: Her four-poster bed seemed made for winter. 

Premise/plot: The Belle of Chatham is historical fiction set during the American Revolution. Maebel and Coralie Bohannon are sisters with VERY different opinions on the war. Coralie is a loyalist engaged to a British soldier. Maebel is sympathetic to the 'rebel' Patriots. When the Bohannon's house several American soldiers--including General Rhys Harlow, Mae becomes quite smitten. The strife between the sisters continues to grow as the war continues on. 

The novel is set in New Jersey and New York in 1777/1778 I believe. The tension between the sisters is one of the main plot points, and, the damage it does to their relationship, the family itself, and Mae's new relationship with Rhys. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I don't normally read American historical fiction set during this time period. But I enjoyed this one! George Washington does get some time in the book, I believe, as well as some other real life historical figures. While this one is definitely a romance, there's more history than romance. The romance happens quickly--yet I think that is realistic in times of war, particularly at this time in history. Seize the moment while you can when you find someone you love. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

6. The Fault Between Us

6. The Fault Between Us. Stephanie Landsem. 2025. 344 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, christian fiction]

First sentence: The day Mother left, Claire got a gold star for her report on Yellowstone National Park. 

Premise/plot: Historical fiction set in 1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie are sisters. Claire has married a cowboy, Red Wilder, and is now living in Montana in western Yellowstone. Her dad who did not approve of the marriage even slightly has sent his two daughters--Bridget and Frannie--to "fetch" her home with her new baby with or without her husband. Claire receives word via letter that Bridget it is coming two days before. Not much time to prepare, and since Red has literally just lost his job, there is much tension. The visit does not go well--at the start. Red goes off in search of another job. Bridget goes to her nursing job in Yellowstone. Frannie runs away to join the staff at Canyon Lodge. But when disaster strikes--an earthquake--the family will be tested greatly. Will they survive the shocks and aftershocks? 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It isn't without its...faults...but it is a good read. There are a LOT of narrators--Claire, Bridget, Frannie, and Red. The characters don't always treat each other with kindness, compassion, love. There's hardly any giving each other the benefit of the doubt. But I do think the book deals with family trauma. Not all historical romance does. So this is definitely not your typical Christian historical romance. 

Once the earthquake happens things gets intense QUICKLY. Everything is building up to that point. The pacing is a little uneven, but, it is necessary. You can't just start with the earthquake without building up the characters and giving them back stories. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

75. Through Each Tomorrow

75. Through Each Tomorrow. Gabrielle Meyer. 2025. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [historical fiction, 4 stars, time slipping, christian fantasy]

First sentence: Hardship seemed my constant companion. The only difference was that in 1563, I had money and a title to overcome the difficulties life threw at me. 

Through Each Tomorrow features FOUR, yes, FOUR time-crossers. Charles (1560s and 1880s), Cecily (1560s, 1910s but she's deceased in her second time so she's stuck in Elizabethan England), Drew (1560s and 1880s) and Evelyn (1690s and 1880s). We get points of view from Cecily, Charles, and Drew. 

This novel is ALL about time-crossers crossing into each other. Charles and Drew occupy the same times and have become friends in both times. Drew falls for Charles' sister, Cecily. Charles falls for Drew's sister, Evelyn. I believe Charles and Cecily are step-siblings. Drew's sister Evelyn was adopted. There's plenty of complications mainly about CLASS and REPUTATION and snootiness. 

Charles is an Earl in his 1560s timeline; Charles and his sister are both in the royal court of Queen Elizabeth. In the 1880s, Charles is a poor farmer. He poses as an EARL to help out his friend, Drew/Andrew. In the 1560s storyline, Andrew/Drew is a poor nobody. In the 1880s he's studying to be a doctor AND the heir to a company. Charles wants Drew to play doctor in the 1560s in the royal court. 

I liked it well enough. I did. Not my favorite or best, but somewhat mostly interesting. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

40. The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House

40. The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House. Joanna Davidson Politano. 2025. 400 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, christian fiction, christian romance, historical romance]

First sentence: It was a strangely calm morning in March, with no wind off the dales, when the woman I assumed to be my mother slipped into the shop. 

Sydney Forrester, our heroine, is a clockmaker and tinkerer living with her aunt who has essentially raised her. (Her birth father is a mystery; her mother abandoned her). She has at times tried to find her mother, but up until now has failed. When the novel opens, her recent advertisement where she is seeking information about her mother, leads another woman to the shop. A woman declaring that Sydney Forrester  has inherited the estate of her great-uncle [or great-great uncle???] Blakely House. When she arrives on the island [I believe it is an island], she learns the truth: she is one of many possible heirs....and there's a 'contest' of sorts. And the other possible heirs? Well they are shady shady and more shady. The only possible potential friend is the handsome, dashing one-armed pirate-butler, Andre Montagne. She'll be risking her freedom and possibly her life if she stays....yet the more she learns about her great-uncle, the man of the house, his work and inventions, his personal life, etc, the more she feels at HOME and at PEACE. 

Sydney Forrester is neurodivergent. The romance was great. I cared more about the romance aspects of this one than the so-called "contest" of heirs. Part of me wishes I had not just read The Inheritance Games. I definitely liked this one. I enjoyed The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple more; this is the novel I read last month, I believe. That one was WONDERFUL. I think I had higher expectations. But this is a solidly good read. Definitely appreciate this author's work. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

35. Short-Straw Bride

35. Short-Straw Bride. Karen Witemeyer. 2012. Bethany House. 368 pages. [Source: Library]

ETA: I listened to Short-Straw Bride on audio book. The narrator is Pilar Witherspoon. Her narration was WONDERFUL. I was SO PLEASED that the narration didn't take away from the awesomeness that is Karen Witemeyer's book. I love, love, love, love Karen Witemeyer. I do. I can't hide the fact. I hoped that the audio book would do her book justice...and it did. I was ALWAYS glad to get back to my audio book. That isn't always the case. Sometimes a book can be great and the audio book not as great because of the narrator chosen. HIGHLY recommend this one. 

From the prologue: Ten-year-old Meredith Hayes balled her hands into fists as she faced her tormentor, "Hiram Ellis! Give me back my lunch bucket this instant!"

From chapter one: "I don't think I can do it, Cass." Meredith peered up at her cousin through the reflection in the vanity mirror. Cassandra pulled the hairpin from her mouth and secured another section of Meredith's braided chignon. "Do what?" "Marry a man who wants me only for the land I can bring him." 

Short-Straw Bride is one of my all-time favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite books. I absolutely love this marriage-of-convenience. Is it a true marriage of convenience? Maybe. Maybe not. The two marry due to circumstances, close to a "shot-gun wedding" if you will. (Though our hero and heroine are innocent of any impropriety.) 

Meredith Hayes, our wonderful heroine, overhears a terrible-horrible plot. She's being "courted" by a villain (though she didn't know it at the time). She rides out to the Archer ranch to warn the four Archer brothers....and her time there on the ranch becomes extended after she suffers an injury....her guardian/uncle demands that one of the Archer brothers steps up and does the right thing and marry Meredith.

I really love this super-sweet and delightful romance. I loved Travis Archer. I loved Meredith. I loved ALL of the Archer brothers. I loved everything about this one.

My original review:

This isn't my first Karen Witemeyer book; however, it is the first Karen Witemeyer book that I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED. Short-Straw Bride is a Christian historical romance; it is set in Palestine, Texas in the 1880s.

In the prologue, Travis Archer saves the then-ten-year-old Meredith, her leg having gotten trapped in a hunting trap. The incident stays with her, as you might imagine. First, because she can't forget Travis Archer, he is forever her hero, the stuff of her dreams, despite the fact that that isolated incident is the only time she's seen him. Second, because it left a scar on her leg and the damage to the bone prevented it from growing as it should; one leg being slightly longer than the other. 

The novel opens with Meredith all grown up and living with her aunt and uncle who are her guardians. They have arranged a marriage for her with an up-and-coming businessman, Roy Mitchell. Meredith prays for a sign, an indication one way or another if she should marry the man her guardians have chosen for her, or, if she should be stubborn and refuse their choice. And the sign, when it comes, is definite: she not only overhears him calling her a cripple, she overhears him making unethical arrangements to acquire land. He WANTS the Archer land, and since the Archer brothers won't sell, won't negotiate, won't budge, he's decided that if he burns their barn down, it will be a good first step to getting what he wants.

So what's a woman to do? Well, she does try going to the sheriff--or the deputy?--but when she's not taken seriously, when she's instead ridiculed for being a silly woman with a vivid imagination, she does what she must: she rides out to the Archer land herself to warn them. The problem? She doesn't have the time to ride out there and back before nightfall. And she wasn't counting on her cousin giving into the pressure of revealing her whereabouts. So her heroic ride to warn them just in time turns into a compromising reputation-killer. Her uncle demanding that one of the four Archer brothers step forward to marry her....

I admit this one could sound a bit silly to some readers, but, oh how I loved it!!!! I loved Meredith! I loved Travis! I loved their relationship, their marriage, their courtship-coming-after-marriage. I loved seeing how Meredith's presence on the Archer farm transforms the place, transforms the brothers. I loved just about everything in this one!!! There were quite a few giddy-making scenes!

Will Short-Straw Bride appeal to every reader? I doubt it. It's definitely for those that love Christian fiction, those that love Christian historical romance. I could see it having some appeal to non-Christians who love and seek out clean romance novels (smut-free romance novels).

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

20. A Promise to Love

20. A Promise to Love. Serena B. Miller. 2012. Revell. 332 pages. [Source: Bought]

A Promise to Love is set in Michigan in 1870-1871. It stars an unforgettable, oh-so-lovable heroine named Ingrid. When readers first meet Ingrid she is a Swedish immigrant working as a servant. She is not being treated fairly; her mistress is very cruel and harsh. But she won't remain in service for long.

Joshua Hunter, our hero, is a widower with five children. His in-laws are accusing him of murder. If they have their way in court, he'll be charged with murder or at the very least lose custody of his children. (They've assumed custody of the youngest, a baby boy just a few months old.) Ingrid sees Joshua (for only the second time) at the inquest. When she sees his four daughters, when she hears the judge say that he will lose his children because he can't provide the care they need, her heart compels her to stand up and speak. She comes close to proposing to him right then and there! She knows she can be a good mother to those kids, and she knows that she can take good care of him too. If he'll let her that is!

Within the first month, Ingrid has taken on the responsibility of a house, a husband, five children, and a mother-in-law. I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ingrid's relationship with her mother-in-law. I love how happy she is to welcome her mother into their small home, not as a burden, not as a responsibility, not as a duty, but as pleasure.

I love the characterization. I love all the major characters and plenty of the minor characters too! I loved the story; it was oh-so-satisfying. If you enjoy historical fiction, or, historical romance, then this is a MUST read.

I first read this one in 2012. I reread it in 2013. I am revisiting this year--2025. I don't know why I waited so long to reread. Within a few chapters I knew I would read it in one sitting. It was just that good. 

I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that the melodrama--which I can complain about in some books--has historical basis. There was a HUGE WILDFIRE that hit this specific region in 1871. So it wasn't just an "obstacle" in the path of love's declaration. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

12. The Indigo Heiress

12. The Indigo Heiress. Laura Frantz. 2025. 416 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, christian fiction, historical romance, clean historical romance]

First sentence: Amid the timeless silence of the verdigris parlor, Juliet remained seated in her Chippendale chair...for the third hour.

Premise/plot: The Indigo Heiress is set a few years previous to the American Revolution; it is set in Virginia AND Scotland circa 1774/75. Juliet Catesby and her sister Loveday star in this historical romance. Juliet has always felt that her sister Loveday was absolutely wonderful, beautiful, striking--everything a man could ever hope to have in a future wife. She's always felt a little less so in comparison. However, when a Scottish merchant, Leith Buchanan, comes a-calling [from Scotland] it is HER he wants. Though perhaps not the stuff of fairy tales. He is a widower looking for a marriage of convenience. He's looking for a good mother for his children, yes, but he's also thinking of how the marriage can benefit him and his business. The two have a mutual attraction that is obvious to everyone but themselves. How could she ever love him? How could he ever love her. Thus, of course, being "the last to know" in a predictable way.

I *do* have a weakness for marriage of convenience stories. 

I definitely have a SUPER strong weakness for Scottish romantic leads.

I do LOVE historical romance.

I have loved so many of Laura Frantz' previous books.

I will say that this one suffers a bit here and there with pacing issues. I also either blinked and missed it OR the book lacks a little in the villain backstory development. In other words, I'm not sure I picked up on *why* the villains were the villains and why they were choosing to act that way? It was a little melodramatic at a point or two in a way that I never require. Still, I enjoyed it a great deal. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1. Cloaked in Beauty

1. Cloaked in Beauty. (Texas Ever After #3) Karen Witemeyer. 2024. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, historical fiction, christian fiction, romance]

First sentence: Nightmares were supposed to stop once little girls woke up, but when five-year-old Scarlett Radcliffe opened her eyes, things only got worse.

Cloaked in Beauty is a retelling smash-up of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood. It is set in Texas in the 1890s (IF my math is correct, circa 1896.) Letty Hood (AKA Scarlett Radcliffe) has lived in hiding with her grandmother since she was five. Her [wicked] uncle is out to kill her so that he inherits her father's estate [his brother's estate]. They have been on the move throughout her life, but they have been settled for several years in Cass County living a very secluded, rural life. Her grandmother goes into the nearest town only rarely and never mentions that she's the caretaker for her granddaughter--or anyone for that matter. But her [wicked] uncle has not forgotten her, and as her twenty-first birthday nears, Letty's life is increasingly more in danger. 

Her mother has hired a Pinkerton agent, Philip Carmichael, to try to find her daughter before her birthday. She wants to warn her that her latest letter--which included a photo--has been discovered and that she is no longer safe staying put. 

Can Letty, Philip, and Rusty (her oh-so-trusty wolf) make their way to safely and outwit the wicked uncle?

If you ask me five minutes after I finish reading any Karen Witemeyer book if that book is my favorite, I'm prone to say yes. However, this time I truly think it will have sticking power. I really loved this third entry into the series SO much. I appreciated the first two--all are stand alone novels, by the way--but the third was near perfection. 

Quotes:

"I'm not a helpless damsel looking for a man to slay my dragons," she said, her gaze locked on the man before her. "I'm a woman heading into battle who needs an experienced warrior at my side. one I can trust to guard my back. One who will discuss his plans with me and treat me like an equal. Is that arrangement acceptable to you?"

"Sweet girl, there's nothing new under the sun. Strong, handsome young men have making young ladies' knees wobble since Eve first got a look at Adam."

Letty awoke to a kiss the next morning, only it wasn't the kiss she'd been dreaming of most of the night. Eyes squinting, she reached for the furry head she knew would be on the other end of the tongue that licked her face.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

52. The Seaside Homecoming

 52. The Seaside Homecoming (On Devonshire Shores #3) Julie Klassen. 2024. 400 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars]

First sentence: Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.

Claire Summers, the oldest sister (I believe), stars in the third book in the series. The series has been absolutely fantastic. I have LOVED all three books. They are all similar YET also each is unique. You do get a chance to reconnect (briefly) with previous characters and see how their stories are progressing. 

Claire has been shunned--cast out--by her parents for eloping with a fellow who was less than honest. The marriage did not happen, and she fled to her Scottish aunt or great-aunt. She's been her companion--for better or worse--since the failed elopement. She has no idea if her sisters will ever be a part of her life again or not. (Same with her mother). 

After her great-aunt dies, Claire is left without a place to go and only a small allowance to allow her to make a new start. (Not a genteel start, but a start). Claire sees an opportunity that just so happens to be near where her family has resettled....will her new beginning be a happy one? Can she make amends with her family? 

As I mentioned before, I really do love the series so much. I think I may love the first two a tiny bit more than this third book. HOWEVER, all the books have been SO wonderful and just a joy to read. I do hope the series continues since there are more sisters who haven't had their own books. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

44. Saved by the Matchmaker

44. Saved by the Matchmaker. (A Shanahan Match #2) Jody Hedlund. 2024. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: World's biggest fool. The words felt engraved on Enya Shanahan's forehead.

Premise/plot: Enya Shanahan's marriage has been annulled. That is great news. However, she'll always carry something with her from her first marriage--a child. What her family wants to find her is a husband--and quickly. Someone who is willing to marry a pregnant woman and raise the child as his own. There is such a guy who is desperate to find a wife quickly for his own reasons--something to do with his father or father's business. These two marry out of convenience, will it turn into a love match?

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE marriage of convenience stories. This one was a thousand times better than the first book in the series which I truly despised. Okay, maybe that is taking it a couple steps too far. The good news is that I didn't get angry and stay angry at this book. So hooray?! 

There are two things that still bothered me about this one. 

First, this one still seemed to do a lot of line crossing when it comes to graphic content of the intimate sort. Though at least these two are technically married. But just because the fictional couple is married doesn't mean that the intimate scenes have to be written in an overly provocative, graphic way. In mainstream fiction, this would not be all that "steamy" or "smutty." This is a Christian novel, however, and I think there are plenty of readers who go out of their way to avoid just this. Not every Christian reader, mind you. 

Second, it could have been so much better if it was a bit shorter. One conversation could have saved about a hundred pages of prolonged silly misunderstandings. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

36. For a Lifetime

For a Lifetime (Timeless #3) Gabrielle Meyer. 2024. 400 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a strange reality to be on the precipice of tragedy and not be able to stop it. Stranger, still, to live two simultaneous lives and know that one day I would have to choose one and leave the other forever. But this had been my existence since birth. A gift, my mama had called it, though I am certain she only said that to placate the fears of a child. A child born with the mark of a time-crosser.

Grace and Hope--our two heroines--are time-crossing twins. They live their double lives in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. Normally time-crossers have difficulty choosing between their two (or even three lives), but not in this case. Who would want to stay in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials? Also knowing from your other timeline in history class about the Salem Witch Trials long before they started. Their upbringing is also radically different. Again, no contest, right? But it wouldn't be much of a book if there were no twists and turns and surprises. Life doesn't go as intended for either Grace or Hope. 

This is the third in the series. I mildly disliked the first, really enjoyed the second, and found the third difficult to get through. Just like Grace and Hope I really didn't have any desire to stay in the 1692 timeline. I also disliked having TWO narrators. I realize that the whole point of this one was revisiting the same old premise but with the TWINS feature. It does complicate things certainly, because you feel an extra special connection with your twin and don't want to choose a different timeline than your sister. 

But I found the characterization a little lacking. 

The fourth book is coming later in the year. If I go with my pattern, I'll probably really enjoy that one. It is so odd to have such vastly different reactions to books in a series. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

29. All My Secrets

All My Secrets. Lynn Austin. 2024. 400 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Adelaide Stanhope sat at her father's graveside, as still and upright as the surrounding tombstones.

All My Secrets is a generational historical romance (of sorts). The stories of a daughter, mother, and grandmother are interwoven. The story unfolds in a series of storytelling flashbacks--a revealing of past secrets. The three women are at a crossroads (of sorts). Difficult choices remain to be made. Will they fight to keep their mansion and their lifestyle even if it comes at great personal cost? Sylvia wants her daughter, Adelaide, to marry for money--and quickly--before the rumors start to spread of their change of fortune. Junietta wants her granddaughter, Adelaide, to choose a different path, a different life, to hold out on marrying until she falls head over heels in love. Junietta sees the dangers of wealth. It comes with great responsibility, but it corrupts and taints. Adelaide spends time listening to her mother AND listening to her grandmother. What will she decide? And how will she feel about the secrets of her mother and grandmother?

I don't always love stories told from multiple points of view. But I found all three narrators (and their stories) compelling--for the most part. The setting is New York in the nineteenth century. The "present" day is 1898/1899. The past occurs many decades before--also in New York. 

Faith does play a role in the story but not in a stuffy way.  

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

22. When the Day Comes

When the Day Comes. (Timeless #1) Gabrielle Meyer. 2022. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: For as long as I could remember, my mama had told me that my life was a gift. But at the age of nineteen, I had yet to see how this life I was living--or rather the lives I was living--could be anything other than a burden.

Premise/plot: When the Day Comes is a "timeslip" novel I believe. The premise is that there are a select number of human beings gifted/blessed by God with an unusual ability. They live two lives. When they fall asleep in one life, they wake up in the other. That's the keeping it simple summary. On her twenty-first birthday, the individual--in this case, Libby--must choose between her two lives and commit to living in one time period. Libby lives in Colonial Williamsburg in 1774--so essentially the country is on the verge of the war--and New York in 1914--again, Libby is living on the verge of war, though she probably doesn't know that bit. Her mother is also a "time traveler" (her lives were Colonial America and the 1990s). 

Libby is 100000000% certain that she knows her choice already. She is going to stay with her widowed mother and siblings in Colonial America, and, above all she is going to stay with her much beloved sweetheart, Henry. She hates almost every moment of her "modern" life in 1914. She doesn't hate her father, she might miss him a little bit. But she has no bond or connection with anyone else. Everything is a drudge.

But God may have different plans for her life. Will He work all things out for good?

My thoughts: I don't hate the premise. I don't. I actually think it has a LOT of potential. I do. I think it could be done really well. There could be great characterization, immersion into different time periods, and genuine tension and conflict. Like what if she *equally* enjoyed/loved both lives. What if she actually cared about both families. What if she actually lived life to the fullest in both lives. What if she authentically belonged to both timelines. But as it is, the characterization just isn't there. The characters lack fleshing out. The relationships feel flat, for the most part. The book does not read historical for either time period because the main character doesn't really 'belong' anywhere. She knows too much about Colonial America [and American history up through 1914 at least]. And through conversations with her mother, she has hints of even more. At one point her mother gives her a brief overview of the twentieth century. 

I think the biggest problem for me was the NON love triangle. We have one of the weakest love triangles ever. Which is fine, completely fine. Many people hate love triangles. But when you've got the main character in relationships in both timelines, but she loves one madly and despises the other...then it is just wearisome. The modern timeline depicts S.A. 

I take back what I said about the biggest problem. The solution tie-a-bow-on-it-ending was 1000000% convenient and felt cheater-pants. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

18. If the Boot Fits

If the Boot Fits. Karen Witemeyer. 2024. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: She'd only been home from school for two weeks, and already her father was trying to marry her off. Silently fuming, Samantha Dearing yanked open the door to her father's study and stepped inside.

Premise/plot: If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After series by Karen Witemeyer. Samantha Dearing is the daughter of a "cattle king" and her father is anxious to see her wed. Samantha wants to marry sure enough, but not just anybody and definitely not someone just of her father's choosing. She wants to follow her heart and marry for love. 

The novel opens at the close of a party--a "ball," if you will--Samantha has not found her one true love. But she has caught someone sneaking around her father's property. And that someone--somehow, someway--has left a boot behind. In his flight, however, he does take time to save Samantha's younger brother, Clint, who is in pursuit. 

Asher Ellis has no love for Mr. Dearing, but, his daughter on the other hand seems oh-so-charming and quite lovely. Not just on the outside, but a GOOD person through and through. She's teaching Asher's younger brother to read, and he is teaching her to ride a horse.

As she settles into the community, it seems someone in the community wants her dead....can Samantha survive long enough to see if the boot fits her one true love?

My thoughts: I'm not sure if I'm all the way committed to the notion of this being a Cinderella retelling. It is clumsy--in my opinion--if that is the sole determinator of the book's success. However, if you remove that somewhat gimmicky premise, the book is definitely worth reading. I do love Asher and Samantha; individually and together, these two are easy to like/love. Both are genuinely good people. The book has plenty of drama--though none from stepmothers or stepsisters. In fact, I'd argue that Karen Witemeyer has taken the intensity level completely off the charts. If you want DRAMA that goes all the way--full force on dangerous predicaments and true life-or-death peril--then this one delivers. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

14. Just Once

Just Once. Karen Kingsbury. 2023. 336 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Red was the last color, the very last. That's what Dr. Edmonds was saying. Irvel Myer's mind would splinter and fracture and fade under the burden of Alzheimer's, and she would forget the love that long ago caused her world to stop and stare in awe. 

Just Once is a story with framework. The outer frame is Irvel and Hank recording their love story with a personal camcorder in 1989. Irvel has recently been diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer's. The couple wants to record their love story for each other--something to view together on good days and bad--and for their children, grandchildren, etc. These tape(s) become lost but are rediscovered by either a grandchild? a great-grandchild? The inner frame, the "main" story, the heart and soul of the novel, is a series of flashbacks. These flashbacks follow Irvel and Hank during the 1930s and 1940s. 

This has a "Notebook" like feel to it, but it is so much better--in a way. Less drama/trauma. Less smut. I enjoyed Irvel and Hank in both timeframes. I did. They were delightful characters. The book is strongest when it it sharing the romance. The book is weakest, however, when sharing details about their work during the Second World War. Which is fine. No complaints that I didn't feel historically grounded in the war details. Some books you do, some books you don't. The romance was strong. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

13. A Season of Harvest

A Season of Harvest (Leah's Garden #4) Lauraine Snelling. 2024. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "Make sure you send me a telegram when you get to Linksburg."

What should you know about A Season of Harvest? 1) It's historical ROMANCE set in Nebraska in 1868. 2) It's the FOURTH in a series. 3) Each book focuses on a family of sisters; each novel features at least one romance. 4) There are brothers but they are less important because their romances aren't featured. (Okay, that might be an exaggeration). 5) By the fourth book there are dozens of characters to keep track of. No characters are dropped. 6) If you do not read the novels close together, you may end up super-confused OR super-frustrated OR both.

I have read the other novels in the series. At least I am mostly sure I have read the first two books. (I think I've read the third.) It wasn't recent enough for me to remember ANY details about the story. Not the sisters' names. Not the husbands' names. Not the kids' names. No major plot twists. No minor plot twists.

Is this one written so that it could stand alone? No. Not really. To start with the fourth book would be like tuning into a movie when you've only got thirty minutes left. You might pick up enough to know if you want to watch the movie in its entirety. You might like it enough to want to know the title so that you could seek it out to watch it. But you'll have more questions than answers. When it comes to this novel, I felt the characterization was relying so much on reader's previous knowledge in other books that it was a little lacking.

I did like that the novel shows how the Civil War still has WOUNDS--literal and figurative--that are open. Four or five years might have passed but for those who fought, for those who lost brothers or husbands or fathers or sons, it's still FRESH and very much still a trauma to work through. 

Larkspur and Lilac are the two single sisters when the novel opens. The other three novels in the series has focused on the other sisters and their romances. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. After the Shadows

After the Shadows (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #1) Amanda Cabot. 2023. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [historical fiction, Texas fiction, historical romance, mystery and suspense]

First sentence: Everything looked the same. The live oaks in the park still shadowed this block of Main Street, providing a welcome respite from the early afternoon sun.

Premise/plot: Emily Leland, widow, is returning home to Sweetwater, Texas. It is not a joyous homecoming. Her mother has died without the two reconciling. Her father is hours away from his own death. (If the publisher description spoils it so why shouldn't I?) Her sister despises her--mostly. Emily's now-dead husband was super-controlling and abusive. Nobody knew. Well, not anybody in Sweetwater. She soon finds herself with an opportunity. It's not one she expected--to open up her house, almost like a boarding house. But there is a definite need. After several fires in town leave the new school teacher (a widower) with a young son AND an older widow woman [longstanding family friend] homeless, she opens up her home and makes a new start. Her sister [who will be the star of book two] leaves soon after. A third guest--a week day guest--a young girl with "special needs" is incoming. 

Meanwhile while all these new beginnings are beginning to flourish, relationships being formed, much comfort and encouragement all around....Emily begins to investigate her father's death....and soon there's a WHOLE PILE of bodies stacking up to investigate.

My thoughts: After the Shadows is a slower-paced book. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it personally. Perhaps slower-paced isn't the right word. Right words can be hard to come by. I mean that there are so many sub-genres going on at the same time, that the story plot sometimes seems confused and hesitating. It has a cozy feel in the historical romance camp or genre. It happily could have lived there and pleased everyone. I also love the focus on friendships--strong friendships--between women. I loved the advocacy. One of the characters--one of the students--has Down's syndrome. (Not that it was called that in this book.) Emily is 1000% supportive and loving and kind. In a community where everyone is stand-offish and judgmental, Emily is a breath of fresh air to this little girl. The mystery comes and goes. There's always new dead bodies. So it's never far from your mind that something is FISHY about this community, but if the mystery element is what you're there for....then you'll be waiting forever and ever and ever. It isn't until the end of the novel when the book seems to remember that it is a mystery as well. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible