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

15. Into a Golden Era

15. Into a Golden Era. Gabrielle Meyer. 2026. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [christian fiction, christian romance, series book, 3 stars]

First sentence: I needed help, and I didn't have much time. 

Premise/plot: Into a Golden Era is the newest in Gabrielle Meyer's "Timeless" series. Ally, our heroine, lives in two timelines. She lives in California in 1849 during the "Gold Rush," and in California in 1929 as an actress in the Golden Age of Hollywood. In the 1849 story line, Ally is trying to use her knowledge of the future (though not well thought out research) to make her family rich so she doesn't feel guilty leaving them for her more modern life. She knows where gold will be found, and is going to try to get there and take some before it is actually actually found. In the 1929 story line, Ally and her family (who own a small, independent film company) are filming Little Women. Ally is faking a relationship with Hollywood bad-boy, Spencer, who is starring as Laurie in the film. This is the life that she supposedly wants, but, she's not particularly happy in it. Well, to be fair, Ally is having all the issues in both timelines. 

The two love interests are Sam (in the 1849 story line) and Spencer (in the 1929 story line). The reader can guess the outcome extremely early on. 

My thoughts: I don't mind formulaic romance. I don't. It can be a great joy, a "guilty pleasure" if you will. Guilty not because it's sinful or shameful but because it isn't the most super amazing quality of literature. The books are allegedly Christian fiction. And there's a shallow amount of Christianity to be found. Which is completely fine. The speculative fiction of this series makes it strange. And perhaps it's for the best that theology or doctrine isn't inserted in this super strange world. Two bodies, one soul. It is just ODD if you overthink the theology of it. 

I wanted to love this one more than I did. But I did like it better than some in the series. 

© 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

9. Taming Lady Temperance

9. Taming Lady Temperance. Karen Witemeyer. 2026. 336 pages.  [Source: Library] [historical fiction, historical romance, christian fiction, 4 stars]

First sentence: Casting a surreptitious glance over her shoulder, Noreen O'Sullivan tiptoed pas the unoccupied Methodist church, then darted across Walnut Street toward the schoolhouse. Heart palpitations brought on by self-imposed skulking shallowed her breathing.

Premise/plot: Noreen O'Sullivan is a "spinster" (27 years old) who has reconciled herself to being single, strong, independent, and, of course, opinionated. Soon after the novel opens, she joins a Spinster Society. Noreen's cause is temperance. She is out to almost singlehandedly change her community.  She's protesting and using her first amendment right to try to dissuade anyone from entering the local saloon. The local deputy, James Paxton, wants to be fair to everyone. He does. But he is becoming more and more smitten with Noreen by the day. He wants to support her cause without going on the record as supporting her cause. After a parade--with band--in support of temperance, a local drunk beats up his daughter and wife. Noreen loses control and makes an unwise decision...which sets her up to be set up. 

James will have to fight for Noreen...even when she asks him to consider his own career before her freedom. 

My thoughts: This one was a quick read. I enjoyed it. It was both unique and predictable. Unique in that I haven't personally read many Christian fiction romances about feisty heroines who are part of the temperance movement. Predictable in the romance perhaps. Though maybe that is unique in some ways too? I feel I've seen some old black and white movies that might perhaps feature this type of romance. Anyway, a deputy falling in love with someone he's had to arrest.... Anyway, plenty of drama and melodrama. I liked it for the most part. 

© 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

7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song

7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song. Ariel Vanece. Illustrated by Jade Orlando. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, hymns, friendship]

First sentence: In the summer, Caius spends his mornings on Mr. Johnson's front porch. 

Premise/plot: Caius loves his neighbor, Mr. Johnson. On good days, Mr. Johnson is still singing his song--a hymn--though he fumbles with remembering the words. Lately, Mr. Johnson hasn't felt like singing his song at all. His memory problems are getting him down. Caius goes in search of Mr. Johnson's song so he can potentially cheer his neighbor up when he sings it. 

The song Mr. Johnson loves to sing is "Further Along." 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I am glad I read it. I wasn't expecting the hymn connection when I checked it out from the library. It is a sweet story about a young boy who loves his neighbor and wants to be his friend and cheer him up. 

I definitely recommend sharing the song with young ones if they are unfamiliar with it. 

© 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

81. Christmas in Wisconsin

81. Christmas in Wisconsin. Linda Byler. 2025. 240 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, Christmas, Christian romance, Christian fiction]

First sentence: The onset of winter in Wisconsin came suddenly.

Amish fiction is not my typical read although I have read Amish stories here and there. This one has a modern-day Wisconsin setting, and it's a Christmas-ish setting as well. It tells a few (disjointed at least to me) stories. Lydia Beiler is a 'spinster' schoolteacher--Amish, of course--who has spent decades teaching and never had a romance of her own. Laura Slotzfus is a young Amish woman--a teenager--who is being courted. Lydia's suitor is the father of Laura's suitor. Neither romance is fleshed out. And I don't mean in a fleshy-worldly way. I mean in a fictional-literary-basics way. Characters need to actually be developed and stories need to be developed as well. Romance stories should feature romance. I'm not talking steamy romance. I'm talking scenes where the characters are together be that talking about the past, the present, the future OR talking about hopes and dreams and such OR just talking about the day, the weather, anything. 

I wanted LYDIA to have a story beyond the guy that she had a crush on as a teenager coming back to the community with his grown son and him showing up with a basket of fruit and them becoming essentially engaged within thirty seconds. Her: I had a big crush on you as a teenager but you never noticed me. Him: I noticed you and wished I'd picked you instead of the woman I married. I ended up not liking her at all. Do you want me to marry me in three months? 

The other romance was about the same except I'm not sure we actually spent much time with them. It was mostly HIM talking to his dad and others about how much he thought of Laura but she was barely eighteen and he didn't think she'd be interested in marrying him. And with Laura, well, we didn't even get to know Laura that much. I mean we read that she was confused why after sitting together at a wedding why he didn't show up ready to court her within a few days. But essentially no characterization there. 

More time is spent on Laura's parents--Amos and Mary--than on Lydia OR Laura. 

I felt the first half had potential. I felt it was going somewhere probably. The second half was just ALL telling and no showing. There was no relationship development, no character development, no plot. And the last chapter was the worst type of ending to a book where the author dumped forty-million bows onto the story. In other words, it wasn't just one story wrapped up with a pretty little bow. It was let's give happy endings to every character for several generations and all the side characters that were mentioned too. 

All this being said, I think for readers who LOVE and adore Amish fiction, this one might work. I mean the author has a LOT of Amish novels fiction published and they obviously have an audience. I am positive that there are readers out there who do enjoy this type of read. I'm just not the target audience. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

79. Unoffendable

79. Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. Brant Hansen. 2015. 214 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Okay. So this may sound like the dumbest thing you've ever read, but here goes: You can choose to be "unoffendable." 

Brant Hansen's Unoffendable is a quick, thought-provoking read. It challenges mindsets for sure. It was written by a Christian for other Christians, but, surely the whole world would benefit IF and only IF people CHOSE to be UNOFFENDABLE. 

Essentially, the book argues that GOD IS GOD IS GOD IS GOD IS GOD. We are not. We're just not. God knows all, sees all, hears all, can judge the OUTER actions and inner thoughts. Nothing is hidden from God. NOTHING. Not a thing. We can trust God to handle everything. His justice. His wrath. His righteous indignation. His vengeance, if you will. GOD has a time and place and a WAY. No one will escape his judgment. 

The Bible has commanded us to be forgiving, to love our enemies, to not store up anger, to not act in anger, to not take vengeance, to not harbor resentment and anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is the way. Love is the way. We are to not let anger rule in our hearts, our minds, our spirits. Whether we are sinned against by an unbeliever or a believer, we can choose forgiveness. This means trusting God with everything, with all the details. Hansen argues that it can be our egos, our pride, our sense of entitlement, that fuels our outrage. Choose humility over pride and love over hate. He stresses throughout that it is BECAUSE we have been forgiven by God that we can forgive others. OUR sin was great and yet forgiven. We are not without sin, we are forgiven by a gracious God who calls us to graciously extend that forgiveness to others. The point is also made that God does not need us to be angry on his behalf. God is God is God. Everyone will be held accountable. God doesn't need us to fight his battles for him--in anger. I think you can stand for truth, stand for righteousness, stand for the faith without being angry. Hansen stresses that anger is not necessary for action. You can SEE injustice and ACT without being angry. You can SEE error and speak against it without being angry. 

The book challenges assumptions and presumptions. It's a good read. There are a LOT of stories and illustrations. Not as much exposition of Scriptures in great detail. BUT I do think that when he uses Scripture it seemingly is used correctly. 

ETA: I have read a few reviews that point out that Hansen CHOOSES his verses carefully and does not mention verses that seemingly conflict with his position. That he only presents one side and oversimplifies everything. I thought that was a fair point. I mean he does not do a deep dive into EVERY instance of anger in the Old Testament and New Testament. 

So now I'm torn between four stars and three stars. There are plenty of commands to love and forgive. No lie. In the gospels. In the epistles. But there's also instances in Scripture where we are told to hate sin, to reject sin, to NOT associate or "walk with" the unrighteous. I imagine it is oversimplified here. BUT we are living in dangerous times where EVERYONE tends to be offended by everything all the time always and always and no exceptions. So perhaps the pendulum has swung a little too extreme in reaction to that. But I do think he makes some good points. 

The review of this book that has made me think hardest mentions Paul's anger in the book of Galatians. Though one could easily jump from Paul's anger in that circumstance to Paul's anger with the Corinthians. 

Hansen tends to think that anger is wrong 100% of the time no excuses, and I'm not sure the Bible concurs with that. I think it's more nuanced than that. 

Quotes:

We're told to forgive, and that means anger has to go, whether we've decided our anger is "righteous" or not.

Yes, the world is broken. But don't be offended by it. Instead, thank God that He's intervened in it, and He's going to restore it to everything it was meant to be. 

What about being angry at sin, Brant? Of course, we're supposed to be angry at sin. It's probably worth noting that, usually, when this question is asked of me, it's about something more specific. By "sin" we mean other people's sin. Are we to cling to anger at their sin? God took out His wrath on Jesus for other people's sin. And I believe Jesus suffered enough to pay for it, and my sin too. I'm so thankful for that. He will deal with others' sins; it's not my deal.

We cling to our self-righteousness and can't possibly imagine giving it up. We think it's how we're supposed to live. Wait: We're supposed to surrender the idea that we know others' motivations? We're supposed to give up thinking we know everyone's spiritual temperature? 

But rules don't change anyone's heart, ever. Grace does.

Being offended is a tiring business. Letting things go gives you energy.

An emotion is just an emotion. It's not critical thinking. Anger doesn't pause. We have to stop, and we have to question it.

Anger is extraordinarily easy. It's our default setting. Love is very difficult. Love is a miracle.

God knows others' private motives. We don't. God knows our private motives. We don't. We think we can judge others' motives. We're wrong. We should abandon our "right" to anger, simply because we can deceive ourselves so easily. 

It is the essence of ministry. It finally occurred to me that we can't be agents of healing in people's lives unless we're ready to bear their wounds for them and from them.

Seek justice; love mercy. You don't have to be angry to do that.

We simply can't trust ourselves in our judgments of others. WE don't know what they're really thinking, or their background, or what really motivated whatever they did. And since we don't know, let's choose ahead of time: we're just not going to get offended by people. If we don't need to be right, we don't have to reshape reality to fit "The Story of My Rightness." 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

77. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

77. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Barbara Robinson. 1972. HarperCollins. 128 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, realistic fiction, children's classic, children's book] 

The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker's old broken-down toolhouse.

Let me ask you a question. Who is the gospel for? Think about it if you want. I'll wait.

Is the gospel for people who have it all together, the people who are good and are always striving to do better, to do more?  Or is the gospel for people who don't have it all together, who don't have the answers, who don't even know that they need to be asking questions? Is the gospel for broken, messed-up, difficult-to-get-along-with people? Or is the gospel for people who aren't-all-that-bad-all-things-considered?

On one hand, The Best Christmas Pageant is a comedy through-and-through. It's narrated by a child who's been tormented by the Herdmans for years. And it captures all the reactions of a town to all the bad stuff the Herdmans do (and say). The narrative voice, for most of the book, is just hysterical.

On the other hand, The Best Christmas Pageant is a much-needed reminder of what Christmas is all about, of what the gospel is all about.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:11-13 

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever provides an inside-out look at the nativity story, and captures best why Christ came in the first place.

It is told from the "inside" Christian perspective, a Christian perspective with varying degrees of self-righteousness. That is some characters are presented as more self-righteous than others. But many characters are a bit blind. They have never thought of the gospel as being for the Herdmans. They see themselves as better--significantly better--than those Herdmans!

As if God's grace wouldn't dare include the Herdmans. Jesus die for the Herdmans????? You've got to be kidding, right???? Not them, Lord! Why, that's ridiculous. But the truth is, it's ridiculous for God to save any one of us. None of us--not one of us--merits God's salvation: his mercy and grace.

I liked seeing the Christmas story from a new angle.

They knew that Christmas was Jesus' birthday, but everything else was news to them--the shepherds, the Wise Men, the star, the stable, the crowded inn. It was hard to believe. At least, it was hard for me to believe--Alice Wendleken said she didn't have any trouble believing it. "How would they find out about the Christmas story?" she said. "They don't even know what a Bible is." (55) 

I couldn't believe it. Among other things, the Herdmans were famous for never sitting still and never paying attention to anyone--teachers, parents (their own or anybody else's), the truant officer, the police--yet here they were, eyes glued on my mother and taking in every word. (59) 

When we got home my father wanted to hear all about it. "Well," Mother said, "just suppose you had never heard the Christmas story, and didn't know anything about it, and then somebody told it to you. What would you think?" (68)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

74. The Christmas Book Flood

74. The Christmas Book Flood. Roseanna M. White. 2025. 175 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical romance, holiday romance, Christian fiction]

First sentence: The ringing of the phone quite possibly kept Tatiana Eliasdottir from getting sacked. Its shrill cry brought her jumping to her feet, and a startled look at the clock on the wall showed her that had the phone not pulled her from the sentence half written on the paper in the typewriter, she would no doubt have been late to her job.

Premise/plot: The Christmas Book Flood is set in Iceland during the Second World War, 1944, I believe.

Tatiana Eliasdottir, our heroine, is secretly a published author writing under a false name. Her editor does not know her real name or gender. But she knows him a bit better because of their correspondence AND the fact that she works in the same office. Anders Johannsson, our hero, is an editor and an artist. He fears that his family does not accept his life choices--he's not in the family business, after all. 

When Tatiana's niece comes to spend the holidays AND this visit comes at a particularly busy time--a CHRISTMAS BOOK FLOOD, there are several in the office that help 'babysit' her while she's in the office...including Anders. As they begin to spend time together outside of the office it becomes clear that love is in the air....

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. It is a novella. I prefer full-length novels because it allows for more character development and more romance development. But it was an enjoyable Christmas-y read. 

Quotes:

But nothing she saw in the sparsely shops looked right for Anders. Nothing said, I know you and want to know you more. Nothing said, I want this to be the beginning of forever.

She'd been falling in love with him step by step, letter by letter this past year, after admiring him for years before that but deeming him unknowable.

She was, without question, the only woman ever to touch his heart in a way that made him dream of forever by her side. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

73. On a Midnight Clear

73. On a Midnight Clear. Karen Witemeyer. Tracie Peterson. Misty M. Beller. 2025. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, novella, Christmas novellas, christian fiction, christian romance]

There are three novellas in ON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR. All are historical fiction, historical romances. Tracie Peterson's novella is The Shepherd's Heart. Misty M. Beller's novella is No Room at the Inn. Karen Witemeyer's novella is A Star in the West.

A Star in the West is set in Waco, Texas, circa 1890. 

First sentence: THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST TO ARRIVE TOMORROW. The headline caught Stella Barrington's eye as she cleaned up her father's breakfast dishes.

I'll start by reviewing my stand-out favorite, favorite of the three. I adored Karen Witemeyer's A Star in the West despite it being about math and/or science. Professor Ignatius Barrington, has invited the three professors to Baylor University for a conference of sorts. Stella Barrington, our heroine, has been corresponding with a young man, a professor, Frank N. Stentz. The two have become friendly-friends. Neither is absolutely certain how the other feels. She has all the feels for him; he has all the feels for her. But they've not had that conversation, that vulnerable I like-like you, do you like-like me conversation. Now the two will be meeting in person for the first time. Will he want to pursue a relationship? Will he not? And conversely, he is thinking will she want a relationship with me...what if she rejects me...etc. Over a short span of time, these two make a connection...but will it be enough for a proposal. 

I underlined (this was a digital library read) so many places in this one!!!! SUCH a great, sweet story. I loved it. 

I would rate this story easily a five stars.

Quotes from A Star In The West

Writing a man who lived a thousand miles away had seemed safe enough. The two of them would never meet. He worked at Harvard, for pity's sake. She had nothing to fear in striking up a friendship. And when the letters had become more personal? Well, it was like living in her very own novel. A place where she could pretend to be beautiful and clever, the type of woman to engage the interest of a scholarly gentleman. A gentleman she'd come to respect and esteem. Perhaps even love. 

Besides, God had arranged her features the way he'd seen fit, and she'd not argue with the Creator over his artistic inclinations. He hadn't given her beauty, but he'd given her other blessings--ones she wouldn't trade even if offered the choice. A loving home, a supportive faith community, a passion for learning, and an empathy for others struggling to find their way. Things that carried lasting value. 

Her insinuation made his jaw clench. He looked her straight in the eye and refused to let his nervousness divert his gaze again. "You're right. There is a reason you haven't yet had a suitor. Because until today, I was in Massachusetts. I apologize for my tardiness." Now it was her turn to blink. Once. Twice. Three times. "You're in earnest?" He nodded. Then, just to ensure there was no misunderstanding, he added words. "I am." 

"Don't let fear steal your chance for happiness, Miss Barrington," Annabelle whispered. "If God can make a path through the Red Sea, he can clear a way through whatever obstacles stand in front of you, too. So don't go running back to Egypt just yet."

It reminded me that holding tight to something just because it's familiar isn't always as safe or good as one might think. Sometimes we have to try something new to discover blessings only God can see.

No Room At The Inn is set in Nebraska territory (Wyoming) circa 1861. 

First sentence: Hope Palmer slid her knife through the last of the dried apple pieces, letting them drop the bowl on the table in front of her. 

Hope Palmer and her brother run an inn for the stage coach. A storm brings them unexpected guests for the holidays. One of whom is Noah Bentwood. The other is a young lady he is accompanying--having been hired by her father. She falls for him. He knows he's about to leave with little reason to return. But he does find her charming, etc. During their few days together will love develop. 

This was my least favorite of the story. I felt that while there was some character development, it was a minimum of character development. Most of the story is about a 'missing' heirloom--a knife--that she plans to gift her brother. The plot is so thin and uninteresting. I also found myself doing a lot of overthinking. She is a baker--in the west, not really close to civilization as such. I'm fairly certain railroads had not gotten through that far yet. Though I could be wrong. Things come by stage coach. Hence the stage coach inn. Yet she is reckless with her baking--sugar, chocolate, spices, etc., In my opinion. Perhaps I've just read other pioneer stories where sugar is almost hoarded for extremely special occasions. It was an okay read. I liked the romance well enough. 

I would rate this one three stars.

The Shepherd's Heart is set in Nebraska circa 1875.

First sentence: For a moment that dawn, everything seemed completely perfect.

Angellyn Lewis (aka Angel) was jilted on her wedding day, or perhaps the night before her wedding. One or the other. Yet she feels like she's heard a voice from above telling her she'll have a husband by Christmas. It's September. Visiting with a close family friend, she learns of a former childhood friend, recently widowed, who's looking for a woman to marry to help him raise his children. She has very fond feelings of their friendship, and so she agrees. He lives in Wyoming so off she goes to be his bride. Will these two who marry for convenience fall truly in love with each other? 

I tend to love marriage of convenience stories. This one was fun. I DO personally wish it had been a full length novel. I do feel it was a bit rushed. I think with a bit more time--and less rushing--it would have easily been a five stars. I really found myself liking both Angel and Vincent (Duran). I just felt that they went from being awkward friends to not being able to keep their hands off each other. One page it was, she'd get the bedroom and he'd sleep in the barn. And then the next chapter they're in bed together. I kept looking for what I'd missed. Maybe I did truly miss something. But I thought it was good. 

I enjoyed two out of the three stories very much. I would definitely reread The Shepherd's Heart and A Star in the West. I was not as fond of No Room at the Inn. But I didn't dislike it enough to regret my time. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

70-72. Three Usborne Bible Board Books

70. [Board book] The Prodigal Son. Retold by Russell Punter. Illustrated by Gabriella Galvez. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, bible stories]

First sentence: In a town near Jerusalem, Jesus sits down to share his evening meal. Some people called Pharisees pass by. They think they're better than everyone else. 

Russell Punter has retold the parable of the Prodigal Son for young children. (To read the Scripture go to Luke 15.) The story features many elaborations adding details not found in Scripture. These descriptions certainly make for a story, but is it THE story? Maybe. Maybe not. While adding his own elaborations, he fails to include some of the details found in Scripture. Perhaps reasoning that these are cultural considerations that might take a bit too much time to explain? The Bible does NOT give a lot of details about HOW the son spent his money, yet, people do love to elaborate and imagine all sorts of things. Which is fine so long as you keep in mind that it is speculation and imagination. 

One thing I did dislike was how the book concludes with this little paragraph

Who was Jesus? Jesus Christ was born in a town called Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago to Jewish parents, Mary and Joseph. For Christians, Jesus is also the Son of God. When Jesus grew up, he went from place to place teaching people about God and asking them to love one another.

Not exactly the best answer to the question of WHO Jesus is. It is unsatisfactory. 

71. [Board book] The Good Samaritan. Retold by Russell Punter. Illustrated by Gabriella Galvez. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, bible stories]

First sentence: It is a hot day in a dusty town square. Jesus is teaching people about God. Then a man in the crowd asks a question...What must I do to live forever? 

Russell Punter has retold the parable of The Good Samaritan for young children. (To read the Scripture go to Luke 10). The story features many elaborations adding details not found in Scripture. These descriptions certainly make for a story, but is it THE story? Maybe. Maybe not. 

Parables in Scripture are rarely--if ever--fleshed out with elaborate details and vivid descriptions. Punter has speculated, imagined, crafted a story that builds upon the parable found in Scripture. But it goes a long way past Scripture. It provides motivations for the actions of the priest and the Levite. Motivations that are absolutely not spelled out in Scripture. Punter's imaginative story perhaps contrasts how others have told the story. For example, the reason given in Punter's board book is that the Priest and the Levite were scared of robbers and wanting to avoid getting caught up in any traps. I believe the more traditional interpretation is that they were afraid of becoming unclean, of coming into contact with the dead or the dying. Though to be fair--the REASONS why the Priest and the Levite did NOT stop are never clearly given. So there could be multiple interpretations of what *might* be plausible. When speculations become the main part of a Bible story retelling, perhaps there is some risk that the details will become "fixed" in young minds as being part of the Bible story itself. 

One thing I did dislike was how the book concludes with this little paragraph

Who was Jesus? Jesus Christ was born in a town called Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago to Jewish parents, Mary and Joseph. For Christians, Jesus is also the Son of God. When Jesus grew up, he went from place to place teaching people about God and asking them to love one another.

Not exactly the best answer to the question of WHO Jesus is. It is unsatisfactory. 

72. [Board book] David and Goliath. Russell Punter. Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, bible stories]

First sentence: Long ago, in Israel, a boy stands alone on a hillside, watching his father's sheep. David is young, but VERY brave. He scares off hungry lions...and cares for all his sheep. One day his father gives him a bag of good.

Russell Punter retells the story of David and Goliath for young readers. (To read it in the Scriptures, read 1 Samuel 17). This story in Scripture has plenty of details so there is less room to elaborate. I do think David is presented a little too young in the text and illustrations. But the story itself seems good. 

I enjoyed all three board books. The David and Goliath book is probably my favorite of the three. (The others being The Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan). 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

68. Yesterday's Gone

68. Yesterday's Gone. Cindy and Erin Woodsmall. 2022. 432 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, time travel, Amish fiction, christian romance]

First sentence: Sweat rolled down Eliza Bontrager's neck as she carried her youngest sibling on one hip and a plate of sliced bread in her hand. Stale bread, and the last of it. The mountain air hung thick with the familiar July aromas. 

Premise/plot: TIME TRAVEL. AMISH ROMANCE. Who knew these two could blend so well?!?!?! 

Eliza Bontrager loves, loves, loves Jesse Ebersol despite the opposition of their families and the community. There have been marriages between the Ebersols and the Bontragers in the past that were less than ideal. There's even rumors of a 'curse' if these two families marry into one another. Jesse and Eliza do not believe in 'the curse.' Love conquers all. On their wedding day, Eliza is given a quilt--passed down through the generations--and told a family story. The story is almost too incredible to believe. If she takes the quilt to an old cabin in the woods--place names escape me--and she undoes a single stitch in the quilt and restitches it, she can travel back in time to one particular moment in her past. Supposedly, once done it is DONE. No going back to the way things used to be. And no do-overs. Five or six years later, Eliza faces strong temptation after burying her third child. She is convinced that life would be better for everyone if she'd never married Jesse. But is that true?

My thoughts: This one has IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE vibes and time travel. It also has quite a lot to say about grief, love, loss, and healing. I really LOVED this one. I loved getting to know Eliza, Jesse, Ruth, and Andrew. I loved seeing both realities. I highly recommend this one. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

67. The Steadfast Love of the LORD

67. The Steadfast Love of the Lord. Sam Storms. 2025. 240 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, christian nonfiction, christian living]

First sentence: It only makes sense that before we dive into an exploration of the steadfast love of God that we define love itself. You may think that's a no-brainer, but the distortions of love in our world today have made this a somewhat arduous task. 

Sam Storms' newest book is about the steadfast love of the LORD. In many cases an example of what you see is what you get. The love of God is a subject that is simple and complex; one could drink of its richness, of its depth for decades upon decades and still find more, more, more. It's a subject worthy of our attention because HIS LOVE is so often unlike our own love. Oh, we try (and try and try and try) to love others, to love as He loves. But GOD's love is so amazingly amazing and extraordinary that it will always be a thing of wonder and awe. 

Here Storms shares in thirteen chapters insights and lessons about the love of God. 

1. Love is Love. Or is it?

2. How Long Will God's Love Last?

3. Sovereign Lord on Bended Knee

4. The Look of Steadfast Love

5. The Touch of Steadfast Love

6. Strengthened by the Spirit to Enjoy God's Love

7. Love in the Most Famous Verse in the Bible

8. When God Loves the Unlovely

9. Overwhelmed by the Floodwaters of God's Love

10. The "Much More" Love of God

11. The Incalculable, Insurmountable, Sin-Killing, Soul-Preserving Love of God

12. Saved by the Love of a Sovereign God

13. The Father's Loving Passion for His People 

Conclusion: May the Lord Direct Your Heart Into the Love of God

Quotes: 

To truly love a person you must say and do all that you can to direct them to beliefs and behaviors that align with their eternal destiny in the presence of God in the new heaven and new earth. That is love.

At no time during his earthly life, at no time during your earthly life, does Jesus cease to be sovereign.

The only sin that can be defeated is a sin that has been forgiven. ~ John Piper

Being right with God must precede doing right for God. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

66. Last Light Over Galveston

66. Last Light Over Galveston. Jennifer L. Wright. 2025. 356 pages. [Source: Library] [christian fiction, historical fiction, survival story, 4 stars]

First sentence: I walked until I could go no farther, until open water was all I could see. It was the end of the road, for sure. Possibly the end of the world. For me, they were one and the same. 

Premise/plot: Kathleen McDaniel (aka "Annie") is running away from her past. She's found refuge in an orphanage in Galveston, Texas, though she is not young enough to technically be in an orphanage. She doesn't want to be a nun herself, but, she's happy to help out in exchange for a safe place to stay. But her welcome is wearing out, perhaps, on the 'fateful' day the hurricane hits the island. She's only lived on Galveston a few months--May through September--yet everyone she has come to love is in great, great danger. No where on the island is safe, no person is safe. 

My thoughts: This one is definitely not my first book on the 1900 Galveston Hurricane; I've read fiction and nonfiction. This may be my first CHRISTIAN fiction novel with that setting. The survival aspect of this one is definitely a strength.

Last Light Over Galveston may try to tell too many stories. Reading is subjective. I would have preferred NOT to have the 'current' storyline interrupted for many, many, many flashbacks to her past--how she came to run away from her old life. I thought the 'added' drama of having her past 'catch up with her' by someone discovering her new location, new life, was a little unnecessary considering THE HURRICANE.  Like, she's already in great danger from the winds, the floods, the collapse of buildings, etc, let's have someone from her past there trying to pursue her. I think if her past story was simplified or revealed through conversation, it would have fit better. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

58. These Blue Mountains

58. These Blue Mountains. Sarah Loudin Thomas. 2025. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, historical romance]

First sentence: Hedda slipped from the frigid air into the warmth of the kitchen and snugged the door shut behind her. She closed the dead bolt. Opened it. And closed it again, nearly dropping the newspaper beneath her arm. She reached for the lock a third time but then lowered her hand. No. It wasn't necessary.

Premise/plot: Hedda Schlagel lives with Lotte, the woman that would have been her mother-in-law if her fiance had not died. She is surprised to see his name appear in an American newspaper as someone who died in a German camp. She goes to America to find his grave, to bring his body back to his mother, to perhaps find some closure. The problem--you know every novel has one--the body in the coffin, in the grave, is NOT her fiance. It is a woman who has been missing for years. (I believe 1918, though I could be off by a year either direction). She does NOT want to return to Germany, yet she's overstayed her approved visit. Sheriff Garland Jones finds himself in a place to help the newly arrived Hedda out. Not just once, but over a series of weeks and months. Soon he considers her a friend. He is aware that she could get deported back to Germany and wants to help her find a way to stay in the United States. 

Several mysteries are found within These Blue Mountains. It is historical fiction set in Germany AND North Carolina in 1932/1933. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the characters. There are definitely more side characters fleshed out than is typical in a romance novel. (This is a good thing). I enjoyed the setting and the time period. Easy to recommend this one to those who enjoy Christian historical romance. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

57. Hand to Hold

57. Hand to Hold. JJ Heller. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book]

First sentence: Trees are made for climbing. Days are made for sun. Puddles are for jumping. Fields are made to run. Stars are made for counting and for wishes coming true. Sleep is made for dreaming, and I have dreams for you. Stones are made for skipping. Stories are to tell. Life is made for living. I pray you live it well.

Hand to Hold is a picture book adaptation of JJ Heller's lullaby, "Hand to Hold." 

I have only recently discovered JJ Heller's music. It was--and is--LOVE at first listen. While "Hand to Hold" isn't my absolute favorite and best song of her work, it is a great song. I can see why it was chosen to adapt in picture book format. It's a lovely picture book to share with little ones--toddlers, preschoolers, pre-K, etc. It would be good for a family read aloud as well with multiple ages of children. 

It's sweet, adorable, playful. And the message, of course, is solid. A parents' love is unconditional. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

56. This Promised Land

56. This Promised Land. Cathy Gohlke. 2025. 358 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, christian fiction, general fiction, family]

First sentence: It was late in the season.

Premise/plot: Ginny Pickering Boyden is returning to her family home after almost five decades. Her family home is a Christmas tree farm, Wetherill Pickering's Christmas Tree Farm. She didn't leave under the best of circumstances--family drama, you see--and she never expected to come back again. Her plans are to be quick about it. Little does she know that this homecoming is a forever homecoming. 

Why did she return? Her brother Harold's death. Turns out he's been lying to her for decades as well as lying to other family members. The tree farm is now hers....but what can she do with it? 

Harold's two sons--Mark and Luke--are under the impression that they will inherit the Christmas tree farm. Luke and his wife, Bethany, do not have children. Mark has three children. Can they come together as a family to save the tree farm and be each other's true FAMILY? 

This family saga has a handful of flashbacks to the 1940s but is primarily set in 1992. The main character, Ginny, is older (probably mid to late sixties). There's some romance, but, it's not the primary focus exactly. 

This one is all about the healing of dyfunctional families, complex relationships, and forgiveness.

My thoughts: This Promised Land was a wonderful read. I loved getting to know the characters. I loved the flaws--in the characters, in the situation, the realness of the family dynamics. I loved how everyone came together and grew together. I love that it wasn't an easy process, that it was a journey, a struggle, that it required commitment and effort and time. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

55. From Me To You, Love God

55. From Me To You, Love God. Claire Freedman. Illustrated by Emily Boughton. 2025. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 3 stars]

First sentence: If God sent you a letter, 

He'd say, "I love you so!

You're very precious to me,

and I want you to know."

God made you,

and He knows your name,

and so it's no surprise,

that the one and only,

uniquely YOU,

is perfect in His eyes!

From Me to You, Love God is a children's book, a picture book, published by Kregel. 

It is written in rhyme. It is definitely of the precious-precious-super-sweet narrative style. 

While God is mentioned on nearly every single spread of this one, the depth and substance as to who God is vague and generalized. Though we do get one 'Heavenly Father.' 

There is no mention of Jesus at all. Not even once. I think a choice was made. Perhaps I'm wrong. What is mentioned about God is certainly happy-happy-cozy-cozy and not at all controversial or offensive. 

There is not a great depth to the spiritual truths in this one. But one does get a sense that God is all-knowing, all-seeing, kind, good, and loving. There is more focus on God watching over YOU the one and only unique, supremely precious perfect YOU than anything else. (You get the impression that the message is God is so lucky, fortunate, blessed that there is a you in his life). The focus is definitely on God's love and loving YOU and loving everyone. But God is definitely a tame, gentle God in this one. 

Does a picture book *need* to present the gospel? Maybe. Maybe not. Does this book in anyway indicate that there is a gospel? No. Not really. The book doesn't really go there at all. For better or worse. I mean a book certainly doesn't have to present our need for the Savior, who the Savior is, how we're saved, what we're saved from, what our salvation means, the hope to which we cling, etc. 

The book begins with the premise *if* God sent you a letter....and then proceeds. The truth is we do have God's revelation. We do have his written word. While it may not be a letter written for us specifically as individuals. We have access to the very words of God. We know WHO he is because he has revealed himself to us. (Read Psalm 19 or 119 among dozens of other places that speak of the Word of God). We do not have to guess about who God is, what God has done, what God has promised, what God has said. Perhaps there was a missed opportunity to point little ones to the Word of God.

One of the book's premises is that little ones can look for EIGHTY letters in the illustrations. A seek and find if you will. The back copy reads, "they will find encouraged" when they spot these illustrated letters in the book because "God is always with them on life's journey." I certainly don't have issues with illustrators providing details for little ones to find. But it does seem odd to me at least that this is the highlight of the back copy. Like that is the most important thing about the book? 

There aren't a tremendous amount of Christian picture books published each year. I'd say there is a small number published each year. I always like to review them when I can because I know the need is there. I've read better. I've read worse. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible