Ambushed in Yosemite by Kellie VanHorn – Suspense, Mystery, Intrigue, and a Little Romance

 

After reading the description of Kellie VanHorn’s new novel, Ambushed in Yosemite, I wanted to read it. 

 

Skylar (Sky) Jansen invested nearly four years of her life with Chris and thought they would soon marry.  She was hoping for a proposal, but instead Chris announced that he wanted to end their relationship.  On the heels of their break-up Skylar wanted to get out of New York City, reset and figure out what she wanted to do with her life.

 

For the time being, Sky decided to work as a seasonal interpretive ranger in Yosemite over the summer, something her father had done during her childhood.  Eighteen years ago, her dad Andy Jansen disappeared and was never seen or heard from again.  It devastated his family, but in Yosemite Skylar had good memories of her father.  Perhaps, it was a good place to start over. 

 

Before starting her morning shift, Sky decided to take a walk on a trail, the last place her father was seen.  As she got further off the beaten path, she saw something strange.  A man in dark clothing with a shovel.  As a park ranger, she decided to let the man know that people are not allowed to dig in the national park.  But there was something about his response that seemed really off.  Sky decided it was time get out of there.  Right now, leave, go, run!  Sky hightailed it out of there with the man is in pursuit.  As she finally got to safety she slammed right into a climber.  Not just any climber, but Special Agent Bode Tucker, the right man, at the right place, at the right time. 

 

Ambushed in Yosemite by Kellie VanHorn is filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue starting on page one.  The characters are very likeable, decent, kind, and caring.  The kind of people who will do what it takes protect the innocent, get answers, and seek justice.  The setting in Yosemite is beautiful.

 

What I especially appreciated about the story and characters is their faith.  In their daily life and when their lives are in peril, they turn to God in faith, pray, and trust God.  Knowing that their salvation is secure no matter how the circumstances turn out.  I enjoyed the growing relationship between Sky and Bode, and his little girl Harper and his family.  I appreciated that the story was clean. 

 

If you like mystery, intrigue, suspense with a little romance, read Ambushed in Yosemite by Kellie VanHorn. 

 

I would like to thank the publisher Harlequin – Romance and NetGalley for an opportunity to read Ambushed in Yosemite by Kellie VanHorn.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach – Likeable Characters and Interesting Story

Wanda Brunstetter has become one of my favorite writers of Christian Amish fiction.  I was grateful for the opportunity to read her newest book, The Melody of Love, which is co-authored with her daughter Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach.  This story is a little different from Wanda’s other Amish fiction stories.

 

The Melody of Love tells the story of young Amish widow, Amelia Miller and her eight-year-old son Micah.  While Amelia was pregnant, her husband and parents died in a terrible buggy accident.  Eight years later, Amelia is trying to navigate the challenges of raising a son as a single parent.  Recently, Micah was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that diagnosis helped Amelia understand why her child’s behavior was different than other children.  Amelia desired to better equip herself and Micah, so she signed up for a support group for parents and children with ASD.  She hoped they could both learn new skills that would help them navigate ASD and its impact on their everyday life. 

 

As a young widow and parent, Amelia didn’t have any hope or expectations of remarrying.  But she was committed to parenting her son Micah well.  Even though she was in the middle of the summer support group classes, Amelia decided to attend a family member’s wedding with her sisters.  Her brother and sister-in-law would be caring for Micah while she was gone.

 

Amelia didn’t anticipate the changes that might come her way over the summer.  Developing a friendship with an English woman, or the chance to love again with a man who lived a state away.  How could this all work out?  Would it be worth the risk?  How would it impact her son?  Will Amelia be able to conquer her fear of loss?  Or will she settle for life as she’s known it without unnecessary risks?

 

My favorite thing about Wanda’s books are the characters and relationships she develops.  The Melody of Love was especially interesting with the autism spectrum disorder woven in to the story.  I had no idea that autism was something that effected the Amish community.  I appreciated learning about autism and how it impacts the children, families and their communities.  It was interesting learning about ways that ASD children and their parents can employ new skills or methods to help their children cope with the sensory overload they experience.

 

This book has likeable characters who are caring, loving and committed to one another.  There were a few times I was frustrated with Amelia and Christian and their fear of rejection and taking a risk.  I liked their friends Macie and Aaron and their willingness to lovingly speak truth to their friends.  Love the setting of the story, always seems peaceful and beautiful.

 

If you enjoy Amish Christian fiction, or romance, and seeing growing relationships with family and friends, you may want to read The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. 

 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal – Interesting and Compelling Fictional Account of End Times Events

 

Shattered, written by David Jeremiah along with Sam O’Neal, is the second book in the Vanished series.  I’m familiar with Dr. David Jeremiah as a pastor and teacher.  I’ve heard him preach and know about some of his theology books about the Bible.  The first book in the series was Vanished and is about the rapture of the church and the events before and after the rapture.

 

Shattered continues the story of doctor John “Haggs” Haggerty and his best friend’s daughter Abgail Hart.  Both John and Abigail had family and friends who were raptured, while they were left behind.  Readers are also introduced to an Israeli scientist Saul Katz who, with his friend Caleb, had developed super computer that evil forces would love to get their hands on.  Another interesting character was scientist Li Fan who was monitoring the increasing world-wide seismic activity that threatened to be deadly.  She was desperate to make sure world leaders pay attention to her warnings.  When millions of people suddenly vanished from sight there is bound to be a vacuum of government power and world leaders.  Filling that vacuum is Matthew Vilks, leader of the powerful company the Trident Group. 

 

In Shattered, the fictional characters who are experiencing the post-rapture and Tribulation events are woven together with events and people referenced Scripture.  Since this is a fictional account of the Tribulation post rapture, readers who have read the Bible will find a few people that are referenced in Scripture, like the Two Witnesses, the 144,000, the anti-Christ and the false prophet.  I found myself looking back a Scripture to see if things were lining up with what the Bible says about these End Time events.  Keeping in mind this is a fictionalized account and there are various views on the events and timing of things that will take place in the End Times.

 

I found the characters of John, Abigail, Li, and Saul interesting and what they were going through captivating.  I liked John and was hoping and rooting for his character to pick a side, hopefully the right one.  For Abigail to develop a well secured computer system that would enable new Christian believers to communicate with one another around the world, she would have to be a very intelligent person.  But her character didn’t come across that way.  I would have like to have seen Li more developed.  Saul didn’t match what I would have expected for someone who might be one of the 144,000.  Since the 144,000 are devoted to the Lord and will boldly proclaim the Gospel of Christ, I was expecting someone a little different.  Perhaps these characters will be further developed in the next book of the Vanished series. 

 

This is a fictionalized account of some what the Bible reveals will take place at the End Times.  Shattered ends with a cliff hanger and the story and characters will likely pick-up in the next novel in this series, when things will only go from bad to worse.

 

As a Christian, I found this fictional account of the post-rapture Tribulation times very weighty.  It’s hard to imagine what our loved ones who don’t know the Lord may experience after the rapture of the church.  It was interesting to see how various elements of the Tribulation were depicted and incorporated things we’ve seen in recent years.  Things like drones and pandemics. 

 

If you read the Bible and find End Time prophesy fascinating, you may find Shattered by David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal an interesting read. 

 

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Shattered by David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

Miriam’s Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne – Interesting Storyline, Likeable and Enjoyable Characters

 

When I saw that author, Anne Blackburne had released a new book Miriam’s Little Gentleman, I wanted to read it.  I’ve read a couple of her other books in The Heart of the Amish series and enjoyed them.

 

When David Miller left town six years ago, he did so without any explanation.  During the time he was gone he didn’t communicate with his family, except for his sister and a cousin.  He didn’t keep in touch with friends, nor the woman he loved, Miriam Zook.  No reason was given for his departure, nor a chance to properly say goodbye.  In the wake of David’s departure there was a lot of hurt.  Pain without understanding why.  Pain for Miriam, his brother Rudy, his parents and even David himself.  What would drive a young man to leave and break all ties?  After building a new life for himself and a successful career what would draw him back home again?

 

I very much enjoyed Miriam’s Little Gentleman.  This book has an interesting storyline with likeable characters.  The story delves into lies, accusations, hurt feelings, trust betrayed, truth revealed, forgiveness, faith to go on and rebuild your life.  What happens when the healing begins and relationship are threatened all over again?

 

I really liked the relationship with David and his family, with Miriam and her family and the community.  It was interesting to see the artistic side of Miriam.  I could almost imagine the scenes she painted as described in the book.  Miriam’s Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne is about faith and romance, it’s also about family relationships, friendship, and the faith community.  It was really well done.  It’s a clean novel.  Though the Amish community seems simple, life and relationships can still be challenging.

 

If you like Amish fiction, stories that includes faith, romance and family relationship, read Miriam’s Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne.  I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter – Enjoyable Read and Likeable Characters

I enjoy reading Wanda E Brunstetter’s Amish novels and looked forward to reading her newest book The Beginner’s Quilt.  This book is actually a prequel to the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club book.

 

Emma is an outdoorsy young lady and she hasn’t picked up abilities of cooking, sewing, and quilting that are valued in the Amish community that would make her a suitable wife.  Her parents decided to send Emma to live with her grandparents over the summer to learn those skills.  While staying with her grandparents she meets a young man, Ivan.  While Ivan works in his in his father’s business, his interests are working on clocks.  While many men might overlook Emma, Ivan appreciates their shared interests in the outdoors.  Will Emma be able learn to cook and sew under the guidance of her grandmother?  Will Ivan be able to pursue the work he longs to do? 

 

I really enjoyed reading The Beginner’s Quilt.  I liked both Emma and Ivan’s characters.  It took a little while to get used to the “inner thoughts” of the characters.  I appreciated how I could see the characters growth and change over time.  I especially appreciated the grandparents and their fondness for their granddaughter.  I enjoyed the growing relationship between Emma and Ivan and was thrown for a loop when an unexpected obstacle arose that might derail their future together. 

 

When reading how Ivan and his family responded to the accusations made against him, it made me realize how different the non-Amish would handle the situation, especially today.  Will the truth be revealed?  Or will Ivan do what is considered right, even when his heart lies elsewhere?

 

I enjoyed reading The Beginner’s Quilt, both the story and the characters.  I was challenged to think how I would have responded in their situation.  Makes me want to read the other books in Wanda E Brunstetter’s quilt series.  If you enjoy Amish fiction, I encourage you to read The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter. 

 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson – Mixed Emotions – Interesting but Challenging

After reading the synopsis of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson I wanted to read her newest book. 

The Lost Story of Via Belle has two timelines, 1940’s and 2006, and three heroines.  Olivia is a writer in the 1940’s.  Her pen name is Via Belle, and she is much beloved by her readers.  Izzy is a young college student at a university where Olivia was invited to speak about her writing.  Fast forward to 2006 and meet Harper who currently working as a housekeeper for a Hollywood producer.  Harper has ambitions to be a screenwriter and is hoping to get a break, if only someone will give her a chance.  But when her plan falls apart, she packs up and goes to Pennsylvania to stay at her aunt’s home.  Harper is hoping to find the right story that she can pore herself into and prove herself as a successful screenwriter.

The lives of these three women will intersect.  The lives of both Olivia, an older, wise and mature woman, and Izzy, a young and naïve woman, are impacted by Simon Farrow.  A man who may not be who he represents himself to be.  As Simon’s life starts to unravel and he loses control, their lives will be upended.  Sixty years later Harper starts digging into the mystery of what happened to Via Belle, hoping to find a story.  What she finds may be a whole lot closer to home than she could ever imagine.

When I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the characters and wondering how the story would turn out.  The dual timeline in this book took a little time to get used to.  My affinity for the various characters changed as the story progressed.  The character I struggled with the most was Harper, perhaps because of her immaturity and self-focus.  I was very surprised by the changes in Simon.  I struggled to understand why Oliva and Izzy were so slow to wake up to the truth that was staring them in the face. 

The story was interesting and there were some twists and turns I didn’t expect.  The book seemed to drag at the beginning and the end.  But in between I was drawn in by the story.

While there were aspects of faith in the story, it was not deep.  I found that surprising since Olivia had been married to a pastor.  At one point in the story, Oliva, “wanted to hear God’s whisper in the breeze.  Words that spoke to her heart.  Why had He stopped speaking to her?”  Reading that concerned me because doctrinally that is not sound theology.  Today, God has spoken to us through in the Bible, the word of God.  If Oliva wanted to hear God speak, she should have opened the Bible and read it out loud. 

There were aspects of the book that I liked and characters were interesting.  Yet, I didn’t fully understand the characters Olivia and Izzy and even Harper.  I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith better developed in the characters and storyline.

If you like mystery, intrigue, historical fiction, or are a fan of Melanie Dobson’s books, you may want to read The Lost Story of Via Belle.  This book will be published on April 14, 2026.

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart - Mixed Emotion – Action Packed, Suspenseful, But Struggled with the Moral Ambiguity

 

Riptide is the first book I’ve read by author Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  It’s the second book in the Silent Horizons series. 

 

Readers are introduced to Foster Quinn who is recruited by Texas billionaire Sterling Beaumont to investigate who killed his son.  What started out as an investigation becomes a quest for justice and revenge.  There may be many people who have benefitted financially by wars our Nation has engaged in.  There are some who have likely betrayed our Country and may have colluded with the enemy.

 

But where does defending our Nation and vowing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; cross over to one man’s revenge?  Someone who thinks he can render justice, but in reality, he is executing revenge.  That’s what I struggled with in this book.  That’s why we have a justice system.  Does it fail us?  Yes.  Will some escape justice this side of eternity?  Yes.  But when a person takes revenge based on their personal assessment of what’s right and wrong, that’s where we cross a line.

 

I found the character, Sterling Beaumont, very interesting and liked him as well as some of the other characters.  I struggled with Foster, mostly because of his moral ambiguity.  He turned his back on his family for reasons he justified.  The novel is marketed as a Christian book.  There not a lot that make me believe it was written from a Christian perspective.  Thankfully there was no profanity.

 

Mixed feelings on Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  It was a fast-paced novel with lots of twists and turns and suspense.  Some of the transitions in the storyline were abrupt.  The author was very detailed in his descriptions of scenes and actions, and it was a long book as a result.  Perhaps someone with a military background might like that aspect of this novel. 

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Edge of Truth – by Janice Cantore – Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense

 
If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, you may want to read Janice Cantore’s newest book Edge of Truth. 

 

Lainie Jensen works for the Long Beach Police Department.  She’s a hardworking detective and committed to her work.  In recent years, Lainie has pull back in her relationship with her sister Evie, mostly because of Evie’s husband Stan.  But when news comes from Hawaii that she sister may have been kill in a shark attack, Lainie is going to investigate for herself.  Something is off and Stan’s story doesn’t make sense.  FBI Agent Ben Isaacs is also investigating Stan about his involvement in a money laundering operation.  Lainie and Ben’s investigations will overlap.  Will they be able to combine forces and get to the truth?  Will justice be delivered?

When Lainie started with the police force fifteen years earlier she had a difficult case in which the person escaped justice.  While she had to move forward, that case left a scar and it took a toll on her faith.  With her sister still missing, Lainie realizes that she needs to return to God.  Ben Isaacs is in the right place at the right time.  Not only to help with their interconnected investigations, but also to encourage Lainie’s faith in this time of trouble.  Will Lainie take a closer look at Ben, a man who is determined, committed, kind and caring.

 

Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore is filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue and I especially enjoyed the setting in Long Beach.  I liked the growing relationship between Lainie and Ben and the professional relationships Lainie had with colleagues she had over the course of her career.  Also, Lainie’s love and care for her family.  Appreciated that this novel did not have profanity. 

 

Writer Janice Cantore is a former police officer from the Long Beach Police Department.  So, she brings realism to the story from a police perspective.  Edge of Truth will be released on February 17, 2026, and will be available online and at various retailers.  You can learn more about Janice and her books on her website: janicecantore.com. 

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin – Compelling and Fascinating

Sarah Sundin is one of the best historical fiction writers.  Was so excited to read her newest book Mists over the Channel Islands.  I had never read about the Channel Islands, nor knew about how they were impacted by the WWII battle again Nazi Germany. 

 

This book tells about the lives and experiences of people who lived on Jersey, one of the British Channel Islands, during WWII.  The story focuses on the Picots, and their family, friends, colleagues, and fellow islanders who had to endure living many years under the German occupation of their island.  It tells about those who left the island before the Germans invaded, those who stayed under the heavy hand of their oppressors and how every aspect of their lives was impacted.  What it was like when help seemed to be passing their island by, even as the war was winding down, and the Germans were facing certain defeat. 

 

Many of the characters were very likable and it was interesting to see how they responded, grew, and changed during the years of the occupation.  As weighty as the story was, it is not without hope.  In addition to the islanders, and German occupying forces, there are Dutch resistance members seeking to help the allies by sending information that will help bring the war to an end and defeat their enemy.  Who would cooperate and help the resistance in their fight?  Who would show compassion and give aid fellow countrymen and those whom the Germans were after, even when it meant risking their lives?  Would their relationships and friendships survive?  One can’t help but wonder how we would respond under those circumstances.

 

I highly recommend Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin.  Loved reading this book, the characters were interesting and relatable and the story was compelling. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Mists over the Channell Islands by Sarah Sundin.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Regenerative Gardener's Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch – Helpful, Informative and Enjoyable Gardening Resource

I recently discovered Briana Selstad Bosch’s gardening YouTube channel and have enjoyed learning some gardening tips and techniques from a flower farmer.  That’s why I wanted to read her first book The Regenerative Gardener's Handbook - Essential Techniques for Growing a Garden That Leaves the Land Healthier Than You Found It.

 

The focus of this book is about building up and supporting the foundation of your garden, the soil.  It was helpful to understand the difference between organic gardening and regenerative gardening and how various practices and techniques can help improve soil.  That in turn will help you grow healthy plants. 

 

Understanding the ecosystem of your garden can help you make choices that will benefit your garden.  Choices in fertilizers, to pest and disease control, and what plants you want to include can make a difference.  Whether you are a home gardener or farmer, taking good care of the soil is essential to being able to grow and care for healthy plants.  

 

Briana helps the reader to understand what we introduce into our garden can impact the health of our soil and plants.  From mulching to cover crops and weed management we can make choices strengthen our soil.  What we plant in our garden and how we manage it can impact the biodiversity.  I appreciated the simple charts and comparisons to help me make good choices for our garden. 

 

As a home gardener on a small lot, I may not be able to do all the recommendations a flower farmer can do.  But as I learn and implement good practices, use new techniques, introduce beneficial products into our garden, I can continue learn to grow and enjoy the plants and garden we are blessed to tend. 

 

I enjoyed reading The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch and look forward to continuing to learn about and implement practices that will benefit our garden.  If you are a home gardener or garden on a much bigger scale, you may enjoy and benefit on the information shared in this gardening resource. 

 

I would like to thank Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Still Waters by Patricia Johns – Lovely and Enjoyable Read

 

Author Patricia Johns, is relatively new to me.  I enjoy Amish fiction and was excited to read her current novel Still Waters, the second book in The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill series.

 

Beth Peachy came to help her aging paternal grandmother get ready to move in with her family.  Beth has visited her grandmother many times and has made friends over the years.  She is looking forward to seeing Danny Lapp again, it has been a while since they had seen each other and both are young adults now.  Beth has been struggling and is not sure if she wants to remain a part of the Amish community.  Her faith is strong, but she is not sure if she would be better able to pursue the thing she enjoys outside the community she was raised in. 

 

Beth is hopeful that she can find out more about her Dad who had recently died.  Questions that only her grandmother Mammi, who has dementia, can answer.  All families have secrets, but time is running out for Beth to get to her questions answered. 

 

Tabitha Schrock, first introduced in Green Pastures the first book in the series, has returned to her Amish roots.  She is still trying to be accepted by the community, but with patience and perseverance she is hopeful that she can rebuild her life among family and friends.  With her unique perspective Tabitha may be able to help Beth make the best choices for her life. 

 

Still Waters was a lovely read.  I enjoyed the characters and relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the community.  It was interesting to see the dynamics of the relationships and how the past has impacted the present.  Even those secrets long ago hidden.

 

This story is made rich and full because of the characters and the relationships they have within the Amish community.  The mystery that is unraveled makes the story even more interesting.  The story draws you in and it was a very satisfying read.  Faith is a part of the character’s lives and story.  I appreciate that this is a clean novel.  I loved reading this book, I didn’t want it to end.  I highly recommend Still Waters by Patricia Johns.  I look forward to reading many more of her books.

 

I would like to thank Patricia Johns and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Still Waters.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.