Author: Julie Klassen

Book:  Ladies of Ivy Cottage

Publication Date: 12/5/2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author Summary: A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she’s inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.

Rachel’s hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what—or whom—has captured each man’s attention? The truth may surprise them all.

My Review: I usually love Julie Klassen's books but this was a difficult one to get into. I pushed myself to keep reading and I am so glad I did. There is a lot of growth within the characters. You see former friendships reuniting and new friendships forming. As they are figuring out their place and their roles within the community. The book leaves you hanging at the end, but fear not because there is a third book that hopefully ties it all together.

Until the Mountains Fall

Author: Connilyn Cossette 

Book: Until the Mountains Fall (Cities of Refuge)

Publication Date: 2019

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: In 1380 BC, Rivkah flees Kedesh, refusing to marry her late husband's brother, Malakhi. Malakhi has loved Rivkah for years, but after her disappearance, he throws himself into the war against the Canaanites and must confront both of their wounds--including the secret that has kept her from returning.

My Review: Another fantastic read by Cossette!  This one gave me all the feels!  There was so much emotion built into this story, as the reader I felt and connected with it all!  Loose ends from previous stories were completed in this book.  Can't wait for the next one!

Shelter of the Most High

Author: Connilyn Cossette 

Book:  Shelter of the Most High (Out of Egypt book 3)

Publication Date: 2018

Genre: Biblical Fiction 

Author Summary: The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?

My Review: The story follows Eitan, who has lived in Kedesh for the past 11 years, and Sofea, who sought shelter in Kedesh after being taken from her home in Sicily. While they do not speak the same language they learn to communicate. Secrets are revealed and fences are mended. If you have never read a Connilyn Cossette book, you need too! This is my favorite story so far! From page one, I was hooked. So many emotions from me and the characters. There was also an I did no see that coming, very rare for me as I can usually call it before it happens.

The Breakdown

Author: B.A Paris

Book:  The Breakdown

Publication Date: July 2017

Genre: Suspense

Author Summary: If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods. It was on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, and a woman was sitting inside—the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm, and she probably would have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. Not only that, her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing. Where she left the car; if she took her pills; even the alarm code.

The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.

And the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…

My Review: After reading Paris' first book "Behind Closed Doors" I knew I just had to read this one too.  It did not disappoint!  You are held in suspense throughout the book to figure out who did it!  After suspecting character after character clues starting adding up and I finished the book with I KNEW IT!  Once you begin reading it, it's hard to put down.  The book quickly becomes a quick read.  I am definitely hooked on Paris' writing and cannot wait for the release of her next book!  

A Light on the Hill

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Book:  A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge Book 1)

Publication Date: Feb. 2018

Genre: Inspirational, Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own.  Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears.  Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite Gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.  When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise.  But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life.  Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies - and unexpected allies - she will encounter on her way. 

My Review:  I am in love with this next series.  If you didn't read the Out of Egypt (3 books) you'll be fine to still read this one.  Cossette gives enough background to be able to follow along.  I still recommend you go back and read the Out of Egypt because it is amazing!!  Moriyah has covered her face with a veil for the last 7 years to hide the mark of the Canaanite gods that was burned into her face.  The veil also represents the sheild she has put up to keep others away.  Her father finds a widower to marry Moriyah.  Moriyah agrees to the marriage to appease her father.  A tragic accident forces Moriyah to seek refuge.  On her travels she befriends allies and faces enemies.  I cannot wait to read the next book! 

Wings of the Wind

Author: Connilyn Cossete 

Book:  Wings of the Wind (Out of Egypt book 3)

Publication Date: May 2017

Genre: Inspirational, Biblical Fiction

Author Summary: Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving. 

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can't ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.

Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage--for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she's found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah's fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she's come to love?

My Review:  Alanah is used to fending for herself.  She was taught to use her bow to protect herself.  She sets out to avenge her father and brothers.  She is injured and found by Tobiah, a Hebrew.  Tobiah brings Alanah back to his camp for healing.  To protect her he marries her.  Alanah doesn't feel she needs to be protected by Hebrews.  Her strength and commitment to Yaweh are tested when she finds herself in Jericho with a female Hebrew.  Will she stand with Yahweh and her newfound faith or will she return to the Canaanite life?  This is another fantastic read by Cossette.  It's brings the series to an end but you find yourself wanting more.  Never fear, Cossette is working on a second series that is sure to captivate you!  

Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Author: Julie Klassen
Book:  Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
Series: Tales from Ivy Hill (Book 1)
Publication Date: Dec. 6 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Author Summary: The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. 

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My Review:  Jane has inherited the Coaching Inn after her husbands untimely death.  She has no desire to run the Inn and can't figure out why he would leave it to her and not his brother.  It is discovered there is a large debt to be paid and soon with little money coming into the Inn.

   Enter, Thora (former Mistress of The Bell).  After her sister marries, Thora returns to The Bell to find her place in this world she no longer feels she belongs too.  
   Thora and Jane learn they must work together and trust one another to make The Bell a success.  Will they lose the Inn forever?