An Unfortunate Alliance

 One mistake cost him his inheritance; assuming a false identity may cost him everything else…After turning to the card tables in hopes of winning back his fortune, Gregory Davis finds himself at the mercy of his creditors…until a wealthy victim of investment fraud makes him an offer he can’t find evidence to bring the criminal to justice, and all Gregory’s debts will be repaid.

Widow Sabrina Stafford is determined to help those hurt by her father’s criminal activity. With careful economizing, she’s stretched her modest dowry. Now, her coffers are running dry, and she needs new revenue to continue her charity work, a difficult task given she is a woman with a damaged reputation.

Disguised as a man, Sabrina infiltrates the gambling dens of Bath in search of a promising investment venture. Instead, she finds Mr. Davis, a ghost from her past, using his own alias and disguise. With both of their true identities at risk, Gregory and Sabrina form an alliance, but will working together lead to achieving their goals or place them in danger?

My Review:

Trying to make up for the wrongs that she and her father committed against people, Sabrina Stafford has given herself to aiding those who were affected by them. With the real possibility of becoming destitute, Sabrina hatches a daring plan to restore her coffers, little realizing that this will lead her into danger and second chances. Her change of heart was touching and I really wanted to see her succeed.

Gregory Davis has everything to lose and is hoping that gambling will restore the large amount of money he has lost. When he is approached by a member of nobility about bringing down Mr. Westmore, the man who swindled him and many others, Gregory takes up the challenge. I loved how the characters became involved in this for various circumstances. Gregory is a loyal, deeply caring young man who you really want to see him succeed in trapping Westmore and having a chance at happiness. There are some surprises that I didn’t see coming, and it made the story all the more interesting.

Things to enjoy:
Regency period
dual POV
multiple hidden identities
green eyes
meddling mother
dear personal maid
Lord Duckworth
humor
redemption
justice

Favorite quote:
“But you have the opportunity for a love match. Please do not throw it away because you fear the storm. Do not choose to face it alone.”

This is the second book in the Hearts of Somerset series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is fun to see the same setting of Bath and also the return of Lord Duckworth.

drinking in excess scene

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Unexpected Earl

 A secret past. A chance encounter. A love that changes everything.

Colt Williamson never knew his father’s secret. Raised as a rancher’s son in America, he was unaware of his noble heritage—until tragedy strikes, leaving him not only reeling from his father’s death but also with a bum leg. Forced by his mother to journey to the elegant city of Bath for healing, whispers of his striking resemblance to a long-lost earl begin to spread, and Colt finds himself caught between the rugged life of an American rancher and the duty of stepping into his father’s title.

Penelope Sinclair has always viewed the world through rose-colored glasses. The daughter of a haberdasher, she enjoys her simple life, working alongside her family and spending time outdoors with her beloved nephew. But when she crosses paths with the surly American rancher, she finds a new passion in life, helping someone else find happiness.

Never before has she encountered someone so determined to reject life’s joys, or the love and help others offer, and she’s determined to change that. Can she help him adjust to a life he never wanted, all while discovering a love neither of them expected?

“I never figured I’d find myself again, darlin’, much less find joy in life after all that I lost. But you… you make me want to live again. I’ll do whatever it takes to be the man you deserve.”

My Review:

After a tragic accident, Colt Williamson makes his way to Bath, England to recuperate and heal. While he is going for the restorative waters for his leg, a surprising set of circumstances occurs in which he also receives healing for his heart. I enjoyed this story of loyal and protective Colt and the sweet and selfless Penny Sinclair.

I liked that there was not only a love story, but there were other side stories too. There is the possibility of a relationship for Penny’s widowed brother; a mystery that I hope to see its conclusion in a future story, and a diabolical villain.

Things to enjoy:
opposites attract
America and England
Lord Duckworth
young nephew
suitor applications
Penny’s family
justice

This is the first book in the Hearts of Somerset series, but I believe it can be read as a standalone. This is a collaborative effort by several authors, and I am looking forward to reading more of the books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An Uncharted Dream

  

About the Book

Book: An Uncharted Dream

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 1, 2025

An explorer in search of answers, a determined protector, and an expedition that could cost them everything…

Leonora Thornton always envisioned following in her father’s footsteps—exploring the world and chasing adventure. But after his tragic death, she can’t get past the debilitating fear…until she meets an explorer who promises to take her on his expedition to the very place where her father died.

Marcus Turner knows a con man when he sees one, and after years of hiding his family’s shameful financial situation, he won’t let anyone he cares about be swindled again. Especially not Leonora, his longtime best friend and the woman he secretly loves. Joining the expedition, Marcus embarks on a mission to protect Leonora from the swindler, no matter the cost.

When betrayal leaves them stranded far from their destination, Leonora and Marcus must determine if they can rely on God—or each other.

My Review: 

Leonora and Marcus have been friends since childhood, and Marcus will do whatever he can to make Leonora's dream of following in her father's footsteps become a reality. I enjoyed this slower paced romance that has a mystery, deception, and a faith thread throughout it. Leonora and Marcus have to learn to really trust each other with secrets that have hindered them and trust God and one another.

This is part of the Adventurous hearts series. This book and the others can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

More from Abbey

Have you ever doubted God’s faithfulness toward you? That He could take a tough circumstance and make anything good come out of it?

As with all my books, An Uncharted Dream is filled with romance and fascinating real history. I had the best time writing the love story between lifelong friends Marcus and Leonora. And the research into archeology, exploration, and surveying in the early 1900s was so interesting. You can get a peek into that in my author’s note.

However, I also wrote An Uncharted Dream while struggling with the kind of doubts I mentioned above in my own life. I was fighting to understand how God’s loving plan for me could include so much heartache that quite honestly still seems to have no end in sight. I know I’m not alone. Many of us grapple with questions like this every day and it’s so tough.

Leonora also faces these questions. Just when there might be a chance for romance with her best friend and her dream of going on an archeological expedition is within her grasp, she faces an obstacle that makes her doubt God’s goodness in her life. Like us, she has to come to grips with the reality that following Christ doesn’t mean things automatically go smoothly. Even for His faithful followers, God doesn’t always work out a difficult situation with a tidy happy ending. Often, we’re left to learn to lean on Him as we go straight through the worst of that situation, instead.

It’s not easy, I know that just as well as many of you. And while I don’t know why it has to be that way, I can tell you that God’s faithfulness is constant. He doesn’t love us any less when He lets us remain in a struggle. This story is just that—a work of fiction. But I hope you’ll go through this journey with Marcus and Leonora and be encouraged. I hope you’ll see the unwavering truth of God’s Word and His character. And I hope you’ll be uplifted by the moments of joy and success these characters find in their hardship and see those same kinds of blessings in your life.

Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 25

Inspired by Fiction, July 26

Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Guest Review from Donna)

Book Looks by Lisa, July 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 28

lakesidelivingsite, July 29

Mary Hake, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

Leslie’s Library Escape, July 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1

Blossoms and Blessings, August 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 2

Cover Lover Book Review, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 4

Holly’s Book Corner, August 4

Bizwings Book Blog, August 5

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 5

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 6

Lily’s Corner, August 7

Pause for Tales, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Abbey is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54258

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

Book Description:

Welcome to the Sunshine Inn, a picturesque coastal inn with sweeping views and two new owners who couldn’t be more opposite. From bestselling author Amy Clipston comes a no spice, grumpy/sunshine romance perfect for fans of Anne-Marie Meyer and RaeAnne Thayne.

Two polar opposites, one cozy inn--and one sweet and surprising chance at unlikely love.

When Everleigh Hartnett, a cheerful traveling NICU nurse who can’t sit still, inherits half of her godmother’s beloved seaside bed-and-breakfast, she dreams of selling the place to fund the nonprofit she and her godmother always envisioned. But there’s one tiny problem: her new co-owner. Rugged, grumpy, and fiercely loyal to the inn, Cade Witherspoon isn’t about to let his peaceful life--and his new start--be sold off so easily.

Everleigh and Cade are opposites in every way. She’s sunshine and laughter, while he’s all rough edges and quiet brooding. Their clash of wills over the inn soon has them wondering what on earth Everleigh’s godmother was thinking when she left them both in charge.

As Everleigh gets to know Cade’s softer side--and Cade finds himself drawn to Everleigh’s optimism and kindness--their disagreement over the inn becomes something sweeter. But with the arrival of Cade’s long-lost brother and the looming threat of a developer sniffing around the property, they’ll have to make some hard choices--together.

Can Everleigh and Cade let go of their expectations and build something lasting together? Or will the Sunshine Inn be the place they both leave behind?

My Review: 

Everleigh Hartnett and Cade Witherspoon inherit a B&B known as Sunshine Inn, but the catch is they are co-owners. Both wanting two different things for the property, they will need to find a compromise so that both can see their wishes fulfilled. Getting there is the beautiful plot of this story.

Cade had been very hurt by his ex-fiance and he put up such walls that it was heard to see beyond his scowls and grumbles at first. He had a tender heart and really did what he could to help Everleigh overcome a fear she had since she was a young girl. By having her trust him he in turn could begin to trust Everleigh. 

Things to look forward to:

dual POV

opposites attract

NICU nurse

motorcycle ride

beachside 

small town

“Promise me you’ll find your sunshine. Don’t keep your heart forever.”

If you enjoy enemies to more and slow and steady paced romance, you should consider this story. Readers of all ages will want to grab a favorite drink and a cozy place to read Everleigh and Cade’s story. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Uplit and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Roads of Resistance

1940

After her father is murdered, fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang flees her home in Austria only to become separated from her siblings and stranded in the Dutch city of Arnhem with a pair of broken legs. Her future would be bleak if not for the kindness of a local doctor and his daughter Anita van der Veen. But before Ingrid can finish her healing and continue her journey to find her brother and sister, the forces of Nazi Germany overrun the Netherlands, leaving her trapped in an enemy occupation.

Four years later, Gerrit Hendriks, wanted by the Gestapo for his work with the underground, flees to his grandfather’s home in Arnhem, where he finds Ingrid and the van der Veens deeply ensconced in the local resistance. But suspicion, prejudice, and conflicting beliefs soon leave Ingrid and Gerrit at odds with each other.

As Ingrid and Gerrit gather intelligence for the Allies, smuggle airmen and other refugees to safety, and plan acts of defiance against the Nazis, irritations soften and teamwork blossoms. They soon realize that if they want to have any hope of outsmarting a German intelligence officer with a tie to Ingrid’s past, they’ll have to work together. As the two begin to recognize just how much they mean to each other, they find themselves in the middle of an enormous airborne operation, and the battles that follow will change everything—for Ingrid, for Gerrit, and for the Netherlands.

My Review:

Ingrid Lang and her siblings must flee their home in Austria at the beginning of WWII. Ingrid amazed me time and again with her resilience. She faces loss so many times, but she always continues to hold onto hope. Ingrid is a young lady whom I admired with her determination to help defeat the enemy of her new homeland and take on several roles in the Dutch resistance. 

While Gerrit Hendricks may not be enlisted as a soldier in the war, he does everything he possibly can to hinder the Germans. His fearlessness and willingness in order to do whatever no matter the cost was admirable. I found myself holding my breath every time Gerrit would leave  on his covert missions to stop the enemy. I didn’t really want to read what was going to happen next, but I just had to find out how things were going to work out for him and for Ingrid.

Things to look forward to:

historical details 

secrets

courage

forced proximity

the closet

found family

hope

fighting injustice

self sacrifice

If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will love this book and the way that Ms. Sowards weaves facts of WWII and Ingrid and Gerrit’s story together. You’ll be amazed how history will come alive as you become engaged with them and the network of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to fight evil. 

“Maybe when everything else is so dark, we need love more than ever.” 

This is part of the Falcon Point series, and I would read Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before reading this. It is written by multiple authors, but don’t let that stop you. The authors have done an excellent job in creating an amazing story of the Lang family that you’ll want to read. 

I received a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Perilous Tides

About the Book:

Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target.

More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her--none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.

As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed.

My Review: 

Riding on a ferry was never so scary as it was when Jo Catrell witnessed a murder while riding on one. She was already concerned about possible danger, but now this has kicked it up to a higher level. My heart was racing as her ex-boyfriend, Green Beret Cole Mercer, comes to Jo’s rescue in an unexpected way.

Ms.Goddard weaves a tale of murder, suspense, and plot twists that I was kept guessing until the end. Everyone was a suspect in my mind, even those who were trying to help. I always enjoy reading the author’s books and this was another great one that I’d highly recommend reading.

A favorite quote: “The smallest details can have the biggest impact.”

This is the second book in the Hidden Bay series. It can be read as a standalone, but there are characters from the first book that I was glad to see in this book. I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.

I received a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Flight of Fate

 

About the Book

Book: Flight of Fate (The Clockwork Chronicles Book Two)

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction with a Steampunk Twist

Release Date: June 10, 2025

When destined for destruction, fate must be challenged.

Curator Dante Ramono must remove the priceless Farnese Cup from its hidden vault in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli to protect it from Allied bombing. A swift betrayal places the cup in Nazi hands, but not before it reveals its mystical powers. To recover the cup, Dante must join forces with cunning Theodora. Can he trust her, or will he be deceived once more?

In Prague, Kateřina Dubová works to care for the Jews she’s hidden. In her hour of greatest need, her trusted friend, Josef, has seemingly vanished. Danger closes in, yet an unseen protector steps in again and again. Could it be Josef, hidden in the shadows?

The clock is ticking. Is the future set in stone, or can courage and faith change history? Together, these four unlikely guardians must defy the odds to stop the Germans’ dark ambitions or risk their very souls.

Betrayal, sacrifice, and destiny collide as unlikely heroes race to save a world at war from the power of a mystical relic.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is a celebrated writer, speaker, and co-host of the Daily Bible Podcast. Author of 80 books, Tricia has won four Golden Scrolls, two Carols, and a Christian Book Award. In addition to Christy and Gold Medallion nominations, her book sales exceed 4 million copies. Tricia is a highly sought-after conference speaker, sharing on writing, parenting, and purposeful living. Tricia’s most recent work, The Clockwork Chronicles, is a historical steampunk fantasy trilogy co-authored with her son, Nathan Goyer.

Nathan Goyer is an upstart designer and science fiction author who has been writing since he was young. He has written the novel Bask: City of Shadows and solo-developed the mobile RPG game Heedless, which has surpassed 30,000 downloads. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he is now pushing forward with new endeavors, starting with his latest series, The Clockwork Chronicles, co-authored with his mother, Tricia Goyer.

More from Tricia and Nathan

Mafia in World War II? This One Fact Changed the Plot of Our Book

By Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer

Some discoveries in research are expected. You dig, and you find what you’re looking for. Others? Well, they blindside you. Sort of like a speeding Vespa on a crowded Italian street.

That’s what happened when Nathan and I were deep in research for Flight of Fate. I was already thrilled about weaving real history into our novel—especially the story of the Naples Museum during World War II and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. (Yes, the very volcano that buried Pompeii in AD 79.) Turns out, this volcano wasn’t done causing trouble.) But what I didn’t expect was how one innocent question would change our entire book.

The Question That Changed Everything

I had been gathering all sorts of juicy details from my online friend Raffael Romano. Raffaele is an expert on Naples history, and he runs his own tour company. (If you ever want to explore Italy without leaving your couch, check out Naples Grand Tour—you won’t regret it!)

After an information-packed interview, I asked, “So, is there anything we didn’t ask about that we should?”

Raffaele paused. Then, as casually as if he were offering me an extra scoop of gelato, he said:

“You haven’t asked about the mafia.”

Excuse me, what?!

Yes, the Mafia Had a Secret Role in WWII

Up until that moment, I had been focused on mystical artifacts, Nazi theft, stolen artwork, and volcanic chaos. But suddenly, my brain was spinning in a whole new direction.

Because, yes—while American and British forces were battling the Axis in Italy, there was another power at play in the shadows.

The Sicilian Mafia (known as Cosa Nostra) had been suppressed under Mussolini’s fascist rule in the 1920s and ’30s. However, when Allied forces invaded Sicily in 1943, something surprising happened: the Mafia made a comeback. And not just any comeback—a strategic, calculated one.

The U.S. military, scrambling for allies on the ground, reportedly turned to some rather unusual sources for help. Enter Mafia boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano—yes, the American Mafia kingpin, who was conveniently in a New York prison at the time. In exchange for some leniency, he allegedly used his underworld connections to help Allied intelligence secure Sicily.

Meanwhile, in Naples—where part of our story takes place—the Mafia was alive and well. And they weren’t just smuggling black-market goods or running gambling rings—they were also influencing who had control of their country. (Hint: the Germans may got the boot outta the Boot!)

And Just Like That, A Different Story Emerged!

With this new information, our fictional world suddenly cracked wide open. How could we tie the Mafia into the world of ancient legends and steampunk warfare? Are they good? Evil? Somewhere in-between? We could twist those scenarios into tales of sacrifice and duty we had already explored in Breath of Bones. There were lots of directions we could go, and boy did we go!

This is Why We Love History

This is what we love about writing historical fiction. It’s like stepping into a time machine and realizing that real history is so much bigger than we imagined. Stories we think we know—like the Allied liberation of Italy—have so many hidden layers. Layers of ordinary people making impossible choices. Layers of forgotten heroes … and unexpected villains.

And, sometimes, layers of the Mafia.

So, the next time you watch a WWII movie and wonder, could the Mafia really have played a role in this?—the answer might just be yes. (And don’t worry. We’re not giving away too much of the plot by sharing this!)

Now, I’m curious—have you ever learned a historical fact that completely surprised you? Drop a comment, and let’s chat! And if you love history as much as I do, be sure to check out Naples Grand Tour for a deep dive into Italy’s incredible past! Tell Raffelo that Nathan and I send you and said, “Chao!” Also, be sure to check out Book One, Breath of Bones!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 30

Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 4 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, July 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6

The Lofty Pages, July 7

Blossoms and Blessings, July 8

Book Looks by Lisa, July 9

Artistic Nobody, July 10 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, July 10

Lily’s Corner, July 11

Bizwings Book Blog, July 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 13

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Nathan and Tricia are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of Breath of Bones and Flight of Fate!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54251