Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

Shadows at Dusk

by Leave a Comment

I used to often read Christian romantic suspense novels, but it’s been a while since I have. There are so many books out there! But there are so many truly scary or offensive books to choose from. I needed to read this page-turner with suspense and hope. I also am a sucker for a book set in Alaska!

“Shadows at Dusk” is the second in a series by Elizabeth Goddard. Of course, I didn’t know this until after I started reading, but it seems that the different books in the series focus on different characters in the same setting. Perhaps I will backtrack. 

I thought the plot of this one got a little convoluted and became hard to follow, but I liked Trevor and Carrie as main characters – both for the suspense and romance parts of the story. 

About the book

Detective Trevor West is determined to find the sister who went missing in Alaska over a year ago. Bush pilot Carrie James is determined to track down the person who murdered her closest friend. When the two join forces and skill sets to solve these mysteries, they’ll discover they are connected in ways they never imagined.

This 352-page paperback was published by Revell (Oct. 17, 2023).

About the author

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 novels. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

*****

I received access to an electronic copy of this book from Revell Reads in exchange for a review. These opinions are my own. 

He Should Have Told The Bees

by Leave a Comment

August was a slow reading month for me, but I give all the stars to “He Should Have Told The Bees” by Amanda Cox. She’s a Christian writer who adds bits of faith and scripture to her well-developed characters with complex emotional stories. I like that it isn’t cheesy Christian fiction, but storytelling that gets right to the heart of matters while the plot unfolds with some secrecy. Her website says she writes “poignant stories of hope, healing, and home,” which is a perfect description of this book as well as her others. 

In this particular story, I also liked the beekeeping aspect. That creates an enjoyable set of circumstances and analogies.

About the book

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business—one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her in the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she’s never heard of, she’s not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie’s financial situation rather precarious. She’s sure she has no right to someone else’s farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she’s always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets—and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

“He Should Have Told The Bees” by Amanda Cox is a 336-page paperback book and is available now in various formats from Revell. 

About the author

Amanda Cox is the author of “The Edge of Belonging” and “The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery,” both of which I recommend and were the Christy Award Book of the Year in 2021 and 2022, respectively. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and a master’s degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their three children. Learn more at AmandaCoxWrites.com.

***** 

I received a free, advanced copy of this book from Revell Reads in exchange for a review, but these opinions are mine and I genuinely recommend this book. 

A welcomed return to Britfield

by 1 Comment

Cate, a high school sophomore, was ready for the newest installment in the Britfield series, “Britfield & the Return of the Prince.” The following is her review of the novel that’s geared toward middle and high school students. 

This new addition to the Britfield series does not disappoint as it keeps up the fast-paced, action-packed saga of Tom and Sarah’s quest to find Tom’s parents. With many old and new friends to aid them in their journey, Tom and Sarah inch closer and closer to that goal. 

I love all of the action, and the plot is amazing, however, I would love to see some more depth into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. Aside from that, Britfield is a book that I would recommend. 

Readers can tell that Stewart really knows his European facts due to all of the mini history lessons and architecture in this series – which I love. There are constant chases and close calls, so if you like on-the-edge-of-your-seat tales (but not scary), then this is your kind of book. While a lot of the time it’s hard to relate to the characters, the story leaves a lot of freedom for the readers to interpret, which personally I don’t like but some may. 

Overall, this is a great book and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

One year later, the Committee struck back with a vengeance, crippling the Resistance now scattered throughout Europe. When Devonbury Academy in Switzerland is attacked, Tom and Sarah’s only hope is to make it to a safe house in northern Italy by relying on their own experience and covert training. Overpowered and outnumbered, they are ruthlessly hunted throughout Italy by the Black Nobility and a team of assassins. 

Henry and Oliver discover a devastating truth, Detective Gowerstone is confronted by a secret from his past, and Inspector Fontaine is pushed to her limits. Will Tom and Sarah ever find the Britfields? Relationships will be challenged, new friendships forged, and an unparalleled finale of sacrifice, romance, revenge, and loss.

This is the third book in a series that’s expected to include a few others. It’s a 592-page paperback book that’s also available as part of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. Learn more about The World of Britfield.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Newport Beach, California, C.R. Stewart has 20 years of experience writing fiction, nonfiction, and movie screenplays. His expertise also includes film and media production, global strategy, and international marketing.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature and European History from Brown University; did post-graduate work at Harvard University; earned an MBA from Boston College; and is pursuing a Master of Science in Advanced Management and a Ph.D. in Strategy.

Now based in San Diego, Stewart is a strong supporter of education and the arts. He enjoys world travel, reading, riding, swimming, sailing, and tennis, and is passionate about fostering creativity in students of all ages.

*****

You can read her other reviews of the books in this series here:

The author sent us a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but Cate was genuinely excited when this latest installment in the Britfield series arrived in our mailbox. These opinions belong to Cate. Now her seventh-grade brother is into the series as well.