Legends of Gold by Mary Connealy

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Golden State Treasure, Book 2

Tilda Muirhead came to the Two Harts Ranch in the first book in this series, when she followed the MacKenzie brothers. The teenagers had been in pursuit of their grandfather’s buried treasure and still had found only a portion of it. Tilda’s love of history lands her a job at the California ranch’s orphanage. She’s spent most of her childhood as an orphan, and her deepest desire is to help them. She has never dreamed of marriage—Josh Hart might change her mind.

Josh is part-owner of the large ranch. He took the reins to run it while his brother, Zane, was away. Now that Zane is back, Josh’s struggles to find his way are thwarted by his feelings for Tilda.

When someone claiming to be her family member comes to the ranch, Tilda is fearful. Can she trust Josh to protect her?

Unexpected danger escalates in this historical romance. The story is told through multiple viewpoints, including through characters in the first book with unresolved issues. The author leaves us with reasons to anticipate the next book.

Readers see characters they’ve learned to love in an earlier series.

The author does a good job summarizing what the reader needs to know from earlier stories. Even so, the story builds as a saga. I believe that readers of the earlier series will receive a deeper impact from the stories.

This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.

Amazon

Irish Beef Stew Recipe

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I’m happy to welcome fellow author and friend, Susan G. Mathis, back to Historical Nibbles! Today, she is sharing about her newest release and a stew recipe just in time for the fall/winter season. Welcome back, Susan!

by Susan G Mathis

For thousands of Irish immigrants, and for many children of those families, tragedy came early, from disease, accidents, or poverty, leaving the children alone in cities like New York that could be both cruel and full of compassion. Out of this struggle grew the orphanages, institutions that housed destitute and abandoned children—many of them Irish. The Irish community built its own faith-based orphan asylums, places where children could grow up within their faith and culture. Girls were trained in sewing, cooking, and housekeeping—skills that would prepare them for domestic service in upper-class homes.

For many Irish girls, this was their only path to survival and respectability. They entered the Gilded Age world as maids, governesses, or kitchen staff—serving the very families whose wealth defined the era. Yet within that service, they carried the quiet pride and resilience of their heritage.

In the third book of my upcoming series, Fiona King never meant to step into her mother’s shoes—let alone fill them. She arrives at the grand Westminster Park Hotel on Wells Island carrying nothing but her late mother’s tarnished legacy and a box of handwritten Irish recipes, including her Gran’s Irish Beef Stew (below).

She’s given command of the kitchen—a position for the seasoned chef, not an insecure orphan. Overwhelmed by expectations and haunted by whispers of inadequacy, Fiona is desperate to prove herself worthy. But self-doubt is a ruthless enemy, and the pressures of perfection threaten to consume her. Then a surprise ally enters her world.

Irish Beef Stew

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds well-marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

4 cups of beef stock  

2 cups water

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 minced garlic cloves

1 cup Guinness

1 cup hearty red wine

2 tablespoons tomato ketsup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon of black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 6 cups)

1 large onion, chopped

3 to 4 carrots cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)

  1. Brown the beef: Sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt over the beef pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat dry the beef with paper towels, add the beef and brown well on both sides
  3. Add garlic, beef stock, water, Guinness, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, then cover and cook at a bare simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. Sauté the onions and carrots in melted the butter
  6. Add the vegetables to the beef stew and simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are very tender, about 40 minutes.
  7. Discard the bay leaves. Remove fat if needed.
  8. Serve hot.

About Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas:

Get ready to fall in love with seven girls and their unforgettable stories! This heartwarming prequel sets the stage for the upcoming Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series, where seven spirited young women serve the islands’ elite!—author Donna Schlachter

Brooklyn, 1876
At the Irish Rose Orphan Asylum for Girls, seven young women are about to experience a Christmas that will change everything—their last one together before stepping into lives of service among strangers in the Gilded Age. United by trials and an unbreakable bond, they’ve pledged to remain “forever sisters.” But as the season of parting approaches, buried wounds rise to the surface.

Twin sisters Annie and Taryn remain divided by a silent rift. Fiona grapples with the ache of abandonment. Vivian hides her fear of being left behind beneath a cheerful façade. Cassie, ever the want-to-be teacher, tries to steady the group as Isabel and Gloria struggle with the agony of separation.

When Sister Rose invites the girls to prepare their hearts during Advent for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future. A final gift—tin lockets adorned with the Irish Rose—become tokens of hope, courage, and an everlasting sisterhood. This Christmas, seven orphans will discover that no matter where life leads them, love and faith will go with them.

Buy link: Amazon  

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has sixteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, Emma’s Engagement, Madison’s Mission, and Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas. She is also a winner of more than two dozen book awards, and she’s a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, a dozen stories in compilation books, and hundreds of published articles. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.

ACFW New Releases November 2025

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November 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:
A Daughter’s Choice by Kelly S. Irvin — Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Biblical:
Loss and Loyalty – Moabites by Christine Dillon — What makes someone family—blood, love, or something more? Arielle believed she was an Israelite—until her brother confessed the truth: she was found as an infant on their doorstep in Moab. After tragedy strikes and the men of her household are snatched away, Arielle must leave the only land she’s ever known and any hope of finding her birth family to follow her adopted family to Bethlehem. (Biblical Fiction, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:
Clean Sweep by Julie Arduini — Sometimes the messiest moments lead to the most miraculous grace. A tender story of grace, second chances, and the kind of love that only grows when hearts surrender. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Royal Runaway’s Holiday by Mandy Boerma — Can the princess and the reporter overcome the ancient laws and royal protocol standing between them, or is heartbreak the only outcome? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


A Christmas in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — Set in the heart of small-town Arkansas, A Christmas in Shady Springs is a sweet Christian romance about love that holds fast, plans that fall apart, and grace that shines even brighter when everything else goes wrong. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)


Clearing the Cowboy’s Name by Elle E. Kay — Accused of stealing her first edition Austen. Guilty of stealing her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Logan’s Legacy by Susan Anne Mason — He ran from commitment for years – until he met the one woman who made him want to stay. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


A Home for the Ranger by Audrey Wick — Texas park ranger Shane Hutton must choose his future: the opportunity he’s always wanted or the family he’s always needed. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller — A small-town adventure, unexpected romance, and Christmas cheer. He’s a nerdy tourist needing a vacation. She’s a bed and breakfast employee with a broken heart. Love is the last thing they expect to find this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Crime Mystery:
Eight Days Anxious by Luana Ehrlich — When ex-con Jason Brennan takes a senator hostage, Mylas Grey has eight days to find Brennan’s missing wife and daughter. If Mylas fails, the senator will lose his life. But things are much more complicated than that. As the clock ticks down, Mylas must navigate his way through a maze of political ambition, moral corruption, and judicial misconduct, challenging his investigative skills and newfound faith, but ultimately drawing him closer to Whitney. (Crime/Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:
Nearly Beloved by Kendra Broekhuis — Dylan Turner’s quiet life unravels on the day of her dad’s funeral—when she finds out he’s not her biological father. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a cross-country journey, confronting family secrets and her own identity. (General Contemporary from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])


Every Captive Freed by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, and Angela D. Shelton — Three Novellas about human trafficking. This collection is one of three dealing with “brave” topics Christians often face in the world today. (General Contemporary [Novella Collection], Independently Published)

General Historical:
Even If I Perish by Terrie Todd — Music teacher Mary Cornish volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain’s World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard the SS City of Benares until September 17, 1940. With a storm brewing in the North Atlantic, a German U-boat releases its torpedo and breaches the ship’s hull. Do the Nazis know ninety children are on board? Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds. (Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)

Historical Romance:
No Plan At All by Denise M. Colby — Two strangers. One journey. A love neither expected. Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned. A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)


To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher — When love feels reckless, faith can lead the way. A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:
On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley — Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)


Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay — Two federal agents with trust issues must infiltrate a charity masquerade ball to stop a human trafficking operation that funds terrorism. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Mac by Melanie D. Snitker — Fame has its price—and someone’s ready to collect. As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Mac must rely on every skill, instinct, and ounce of resolve he has to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
First Glow of Illumination by Demi Griffin — Every ending leads to a beginning. All hope seems lost when darkness pushes against the light and the Realms are in danger of being swallowed up by the Shadow Realm. Will the Realm Warriors and Realm Binders wake up from their cultural stupor to defend what has been given them? What will it take for them to recognize their King, trust in his plan, and crown him victorious in the end? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

Young Adult:
The One You See by Melissa Knight — Seventeen-year-old Miranda’s world involves wealth and Paris vacations while Zac comes with a past she will never understand, yet in a single lapse of judgement their worlds collide, leading Miranda to faith in the God who truly sees her. (Young Adult, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Christmas Rodeo Killer by Sami A. Abrams — To catch a murderer…he’ll make himself a target. (Romantic Suspense)

Wasted by Jerusha Agen — She always follows the rules. But what are the rules for murder? (Romantic Suspense)

A Riddle in the Lonesome October (A Rae Riley Mystery) by JPC Allen — How do you survive a season of fear? (Cozy Mystery)

Curveball on the Dance Floor by Karin Beery — Chris can handle a curveball at the diamond. Can she handle one on the dance floor? (Contemporary Romance)

The Accident by Kenneth Bliss — A psi EMT responds to an accident which he discovers an “impossible” psi child and the dark agent sent to recover him. (Speculative Fiction)

To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown — When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother. (General Contemporary)

Riches Beyond Measure by Mary Connealy — When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead? (Western Romance)

My Heart’s for You by Jan Rae Johnson — Kaitlyn Monroe is driven by two desires—find a job and find a soul mate. (Contemporary Romance)

That Was Me by Rick Tester — When you look back on your life, realize it was God… then suddenly discover why. (Mystery)

Pretzels & Pirouettes: The Baby is the Gift by Lynn U. Watson — Meet Clara’s great-great-great-granddaughter, motorcycle-riding, ballet-dancing Lyydi Jager. She’ll pirouette straight into your heart, and you’ll ride right into this Christmas pageant at Our Savior Church. (Contemporary Romance)

CelebrateLit’s Thankful for Our Readers Giveaway!

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I’m excited to announce a chance to win all these novels through Celebrate Lit’s Thankful for Our Readers Giveaway!

My book in the giveaway is A Not So Convenient Marriage, Second Chances, Book 1—and there are over 25 other books you could win!

We all wanted to take a minute to let you know how thankful we are for each one of you. To celebrate, I have partnered with Celebrate Lit for a giveaway just for you to build up your TBR pile.

Here is your chance to win over 25 ebooks and a $50 Amazon card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit’s giveaway.

Going on now through November 16.

Click on the link to enter. Good luck!

https://promosimple.com/ps/3cdf3/2025-thankful-for-our-readers

Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

As part of her grandfather’s dying wish, Amanda Cotton found a small Montana to hide away and write her mother’s life story. Her stepfather has raised her to trust no one. Still, she can’t understand why strangers are trying to kill her.

Boone McGregor witnesses an attack on Amanda and comes to her rescue. But he receives more danger than he bargained for when men start shooting at him too.

Danger escalates at every turn in this adventurous suspense. Wounded characters quickly drew me into their plight. I couldn’t put the book down.

This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.

 Amazon

2025 Angel Book Award Winners

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At their annual festival, the Faith & Fellowship Book Festival announced the Angel Book Award Winners for 2025!

Nonfiction

First place – Stitching Your Story Piece by Peace: A 13 Week Devotional Pursuing the Peace of God   by Naomi Fata

Second place – Reclaimed: A Course to Guide You Through Betrayal & Infidelity Trauma by Stephanie Broersma

Third place – 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus–A Devotional by Annie Yorty

Honorable Mention – A Trustworthy Anchor: God’s Hope & Encouragement in the Storms of Life     by Shirley Quiring Mozena

Children’s Ages 2 – 8

First place – When I Talk to God, I Talk about Feelings      

by Chrissy Metz & Bradley Collins, Illustrated by Lisa Fields

Second place – I Don’t Like Kindness (Picking the Fruit (of the Spirit)) Book #3  by Dawn Caldwell De Wulf, Illustrated by Jen Grafton

Third place – Phooey Kerflooey vs. The Fancy, Fancy Teacup: Phooey Tales, Spring #1  by Kristin Joy Wilks

Honorable Mention – Little Sprout Says Yes! by Jennifer E. Terrell, Illustrated by Lissette Blanco

Children’s Ages 8-12

First Place – Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, Illustrated by William H. Hinote

Second Place – Road Trip Redemption, Book 3 in Road Trip Rescue,   by Becca Wierwille    

Third Place – Disaster! Around the Bend by P. Lynn Halliday

Honorable Mention – Just a Piece of Stone    by Mary Ann Hake    

Young Adult  

First Place – The Revelation of Emery Audubon                                by Ann Roecker

Second Place – Ride a Summer Wind     by Ann Cavera

Third Place – The Painted Fairytale         by Lara d’Entremont, Illustrated by Ellie Tran       

Historical Fiction category

First place – What I Left For You, Echoes of the Past, Book 3

by Liz Tolsma

Second place – A Song of Deliverance, The Singing Silver Mine, Book 1       by Donna Wichelman

Third place – Whatever it Takes, A Split-Time Sisters in Arms Novel           by Sarah Hanks

Honorable Mention – Heidi’s Faith, Rugged Cross Ranch, Book 4                   by Jill Dewhurst

Mystery/Suspense

First place – Lethal Standoff       by DiAnn Mills

Second place – Death Under the Ice, Trouble in Pleasant Valley, Book 4                by Deborah Sprinkle

Third place – Waterfall, The Waterfall Mysteries                                                     by Linda K. Rodante

Honorable Mention – Inheritance, The Seekers Series, Book 2              by J.A. Webb

Contemporary

First place – New Creations                   by Sarah Hanks

Second place – Love’s True Measure, True Calling, Book 3

by Lori DeJong

Third place – Escape to Whispering Creek              

by Barbara M. Britton

Honorable Mention – Every Life Filled with Purpose, A Weldon Novel, Book 3       by Shelia Stovall

Honorable Mention – Take My Hand       by Ane Mulligan

Honorable Mention – Love’s True Home, True Calling, Book 2     by Lori DeJong

Speculative

First place – The Root of the Matter, The American Puritans, Book 1       by Lynne Basham Tagawa

Second place – Starry Starry Night, Time Passengers Novel             by D.K. Till

Third place – Bronze Circle         by Becky A. Little

Novella

First place – Jingle Bell Matchmakers, from A Match Made at Christmas       by Lori DeJong

Second place – Nazar’s Journey, Time Passengers Novel             by Paul T. Mascia

Third place – Heart of Honor, Hearts of the West, Book 3                         by Patience O’Brien

Congratulations to all!

Honor’s Mountain Promise by Misty Beller

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Hearts of Montana, Book 4

Aaron Long’s goal is to drive his freight wagon through Montana Territory before the first big snow of the season. He happens upon a terrible accident that left another freight driver dead and a pregnant widow too close to delivering her child for comfort. A two-week trip will get her to the nearest doctor. His newly-found faith will not allow him to leave her on the side of the road to wait for the next wagon, as Mrs. Barlowe suggests. Several days might pass before that happened.

Katie Barlowe figures she has another month before her baby is born. Her husband was buried on the ranch they’d tried to start. All she wants is to get to a doctor and then head back to Pennsylvania to raise her child alone. Should she trust Aaron to get her there? The handsome driver who walked with a limp seemed trustworthy enough, yet Katie has learned that few men deserved her trust.

The author whirled me right into the story from the first page. The pair face one challenge after another. Each difficulty threatens their journey.

Surprising twists kept me turning pages. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read. The author did a great job summarizing earlier important events that affected this story and then plunging back into the action.

Well-written romance. This is not the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last.

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances.

Amazon

Fudge Brownies Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I thought I’d share a few of my favorite recipes around the Christmas holidays. My sister shared this yummy recipe with me when we were teenagers. I’ve made these brownies for my family numerous times.

Ingredients

½ cup butter or margarine

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter and chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When melted, remove from heat and let it cool for at least two minutes.

Stir in sugar.

Beat eggs in a separate bowl and then combine them with the chocolate mixture. Stir well. Add pure vanilla extract and stir. Add flour and walnuts, if desired, and mix well.

Prepare an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes. Allow brownies to cool and then cut into 16 squares.

Since the entire recipe is made in one saucepan, the cleanup is minimal. It’s almost as quick to prepare as a boxed mix. My sister is a talented cook. I’m so happy that she shared this recipe with me!

I’d love to hear if you try this. Enjoy!

Vicksburg Didn’t Celebrate Independence Day for About a Century

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by Sandra Merville Hart

Learning that citizens of Vicksburg, Mississippi, didn’t celebrate our country’s Independence Day for about a century prompted me to dig into the city’s history during the Civil War.

What I discovered so touched me that I had to write about it—and it required three books to tell the story. The main characters are fictional…the historical backdrop is real.

Vicksburg’s strategic location on bluffs along the mighty Mississippi River during the war was often a topic among leaders of both sides. Confederate President Jefferson Davis sent troops early in the war to protect the city and keep Union ships from passing on the river. More troops were sent as the focus on Vicksburg increased from the Union army.

President Abraham Lincoln felt that “Vicksburg is the key” to winning the war. Union General Ulysses S. Grant was determined to capture the city.

That was easier said than done.

The Union Navy bombarded the city for sixty-seven days from May to July of 1862. Confederate soldiers fired cannons on the fleet while citizens hunkered in hastily dug cave shelters. One battered Confederate ship called the Arkansas possessed enough power to convince the Union fleet to head south on July 27th.

The defeat only whetted Grant’s desire to take Vicksburg by force. The following year, Union ships once again attacked the town for weeks from the Mississippi River—this time while the Union army battled the Confederate army surrounding Vicksburg.

The surprising discoveries found while digging into Vicksburg’s history inspired books four, five, and six in my Spies of the Civil War Series.

Streams of Courage, Book 4, begins before the war starts in early 1861 and goes to the fall of 1862.

River of Peril, Book 5, tells the story of Felicity and Luke. It begins in December of 1862.

Tides of Healing, the sixth and final book, tells the story of Vicksburg resident Savannah Adair and Union First Lieutenant Travis Lawson, who was among those who march into the city to seize control on July 4, 1863. Their first meeting begins with fireworks—and not the kind typically associated with an Independence Day celebration.

Beginning in 1861, three fictional heroine friends living in Vicksburg, Mississippi, at the start of the Civil War are each affected in different ways by the events of the Civil War as their city becomes a target for the Union Army.  

Streams of Courage, Book 4, Julia and Ash fall in love against her mother’s wishes. Townspeople accuse Ash of cowardice because he doesn’t become a soldier in the Confederate army. He begins spying for the North in his Mississippi city, a dangerous undertaking that puts his family and Julia’s family at risk. The story starts before the first battle in early 1861 and goes to the fall of 1862.

River of Peril, Book 5, tells the story of Felicity and Luke. They started courting before the war began. She volunteers as a nurse to distract her worry for her soldier—then her worst nightmare happens. Luke has been wounded in battle. Worse, he doesn’t remember her…or why he was fighting for the Confederacy when his loyalty is with the North. It begins in December of 1862.

Tragedy strikes one of the friends, Savannah, in Streams of Courage, Book 4 in my Spies of the Civil War Series. This feisty, spirited Southern belle has been chomping at the bit to tell her story. She gets her chance as our heroine in Tides of Healing, Book 6!

Here’s the back cover blurb for Tides of Healing:

A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? 

Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home. 

First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy. 

I hope that you enjoy the whole series!

Sources

Bearss, Edwin C. with Hills, J. Parker. Receding Tide: Vicksburg and Gettysburg, the Campaigns that Changed the Civil War, National Geographic, 2010.

“Vicksburg National Military Park,” National Park Service, 2025/02/09 https://www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm.

An Amish Baby in Her Arms by Patricia Johns

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

An Amish Chocolate Shop Brides Novel

Miriam Yoder, widow, is reminded of all she lost when a newborn baby is left outside the candy shop where she and Zaak, her brother-in-law, are closing for the day. A terrible storm prompts him to drive baby Ivy and Miriam to her grandfather’s.

The storm worsens. Zaak has no choice but to stay her grandfather’s home to wait it out. He has loved Miriam since before his brother, who hadn’t been good to her, married her. Zaak avoids her as much as possible because she doesn’t like him. Little Ivy brings them together.

This story wasn’t predictable for me. In fact, I wasn’t sure how they’d overcome the challenges between them. I fell in love with characters.

Sweet baby Ivy tugged at my heart. I was anxious to see what happened with her.

I enjoyed the story.

Amazon