Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island - Chilling, romantic, unforgettable

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Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island by Grace Hitchcock is a historical romance with a haunting twist. Set in 1887 New York, the story follows heiress Edyth Blaire, who refuses to live by society’s rules. While other young women lace themselves into corsets and search for husbands, Edyth rides her velocipede boldly through the city (corset-free). She takes fencing lessons with the man she has secretly loved for nearly a decade. When he finally notices her in a new light, sparks fly, and their friendship begins to deepen into something more.

But just weeks before her twenty-fifth birthday, Edyth’s uncle finds a way to seize control of her inheritance: he declares her insane and has her committed to Blackwell’s Island asylum. To tighten his hold, her name is never recorded, and the staff mockingly call her “Duchess,” stripping away her identity along with her freedom.

Inside the asylum, Edyth meets Nellie Bly, the undercover journalist determined to expose the truth about the institution. Their friendship brings strength and hope, while Edyth’s slow-burn romance with her longtime friend offers a tender counterpoint to the suspense. Meanwhile, her beau does everything in his power to rescue her, but he’s up against immense wealth and influence, forces that make escape nearly impossible.

 

BookHookup Book Review: Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island 

The novel shines in its mix of fact and fiction. Real history enriches the fictionalized narrative without ever weighing it down. The asylum scenes are vivid and unsettling, yet the emotional core remains tender, reminding us that love and hope can bloom even in the darkest places.

With twists, danger, and a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance, Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island is engrossing, emotional, and ultimately uplifting—a perfect read for romance fans who also enjoy a touch of mystery and historical intrigue.

Jacob’s Well by Urcelia Teixeira delivers a five-star page-turner

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Jacob’s Well easily ranks as one of my favorite reads this year. From the very first page, it pulled me in with suspense, strong characters, and a storyline that kept me guessing until the end.

 

BookHookup Review: Jacob's Well

Sheriff Angus Reid is a character I immediately cared about, determined, flawed, and deeply human. His fight to step into the shoes of the "new sheriff" and bring justice to his community felt real and raw. I could also relate to Mary-Jean Foley’s desperate choices as a mother, the kind of gut-wrenching “how far would you go?” decisions that make you stop and think about what you’d do for your own family. Her struggles added another layer of tension and heartache that made the story even more powerful. The people in Weyport aren’t cardboard cutouts; they feel like neighbors, friends, and sometimes, enemies.

What I loved most is how seamlessly faith is woven into the story. It’s present and powerful, but never forced or preachy. Instead, it shows faith in action; how people wrestle with doubt, fear, and hope when life unravels.

This is not just a thriller; it’s a gripping exploration of family, community, and redemption. With every chapter, the suspense builds, the secrets deepen, and the stakes rise. I found myself unable to put it down. One of those books you read when you should be doing something else.

If you enjoy clean but compelling thrillers that balance mystery, faith, and authentic characters, Jacob’s Well is a must-read. Urcelia Teixeira delivers a five-star page-turner that lingers long after the last chapter.

 

About the author: Urcelia Teixeira

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Award winning author of faith-filled Christian Suspense Thrillers that won't let you go!™

Urcelia Teixeira, writes gripping Christian mystery, thriller and suspense novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Firm in her Christian faith, all her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.

She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as 'Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.'

But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual re-awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book. Her statement of faith. And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what honors her Creator: Christian Mystery and Suspense fiction.

The first book in her newly discovered genre went on to win the 2021 Illumination Awards Silver medal in the Christian Fiction category and the series reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists!

While this success is a great honor and blessing, all glory goes to God alone who breathed every word through her!

A committed Christian for over twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:

"I used to be a writer. Now I am a writer with a purpose!"

For more on Urcelia and her books, visit www.urcelia.com

To walk alongside her as she deepens her writing journey and walks with God, sign up to her Newsletter - https://newsletter.urcelia.com/signup

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Dandelion Serenade by Lori Soard - Enchanting tale of second chances

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Lori Soard’s Dandelion Serenade, the second novella in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, is a quietly enchanting story that blooms with emotional depth and nostalgic charm.

About the Book: Dandelion Serenade 

Perfect pacing guides the reader through a tale of second chances and rekindled romance, as childhood friends Lauren Juniper and Nathan Brickner are reunited by the fate of a beloved landmark: an old stone bridge. Nathan, now a bridge engineer, returns with plans to replace the structure; to Lauren, that bridge is woven into her family’s history and the fabric of the town itself.

 

But the bridge isn’t the only thing in need of repair. Years earlier, Nathan broke Lauren’s heart when he left Dogwood Creek after high school, chasing a future that didn’t include her. Lauren carries a quiet unforgiveness, her heart still bruised from his departure. Nathan, on the other hand, has spent years believing he must achieve and prove himself worthy, to his family, his community, and perhaps most of all, to Lauren. These personal battles make their reunion bittersweet and layered, turning a simple homecoming into a journey of grace and healing.

 

BookHookup Book Review: Dandelion Serenade 

What makes this novella truly memorable are its likable, flawed, and relatable characters. In just a short span, Soard gives readers people who feel real, woven with longing, regrets, and a yearning for belonging. Lauren’s tension between preserving memory and embracing the future, and Nathan’s pull toward progress and self-worth, echo conflicted hearts we all understand.

Underlying it all is a delicate, symbolic thread of the dandelion, woven through the plot and imagery like a whispered wish. From childhood “dandelion wishes” to a statue in the garden at the end, of a figure holding a dandelion gone to seed—this motif resonates. Is the statue holding on to the past, or reaching for the future? That ambiguity lingers beautifully, as if every seed could land somewhere hopeful.

 

 Dandelion Serenade is part of the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, a multi-author collection set in the charming small town of Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. Lori Soard launched the series with Chasing Snowflakes, and new novellas are planned for release every other month over the next two years — promising plenty more heartwarming tales for fans of small-town romance.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet romance and Christian fiction.

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Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

 

About the Author: Lori Soard

Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and Creative Writing, but she's hardly the stuffy professor type. She loves nothing better than a good romantic comedy and thinks the good guy should always win and the ending should always be happy.

From an early age, Lori started honing her story telling skills. As a kid she was rarely seen without a book in her hand, even walking and reading at the same time. Her first stories were about the world around her. At twenty she wrote her first novel, which she admits was horrible. At twenty-one, she sold her first article to a local newspaper. Once she got that taste of having others read her work and realizing that she could reach others and touch their hearts, there was no turning back for this natural born writer.

"If I can make someone's day just a tiny bit better," Lori says, "if I can make them smile even though they are sad, make them think things could be better, make them understand how much God loves them, then I have accomplished something. I write my stories, articles and books with that one person in mind who really needs the message. If I can change one person's perspective, then I've succeeded."

Lori is a life-long Hoosier and lives in southern Indiana with her high school sweetheart turned husband. They have two grown daughters and two granddaughters. She always has a her critters surrounding her, including a couple of miniature dachshunds and several rescue cats. "During the extreme low points in life, it has been my animals that have seen me through. There is nothing like the deep devotion of a dog or the unconditional love of a cat." Lori adores animals and while some of her dear friends have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge she will always stand by her belief that animals make the world a better place.

She loves to hear from her readers and blogs regularly.

 

Faith driven compelling love story

In Calming the Storm, author Melanie D. Snitker weaves a poignant tale of love, resilience, and faith. The story centers on Rachel Peters, a determined young woman whose difficult start growing up in the foster care system has finally given way to a semblance of stability. Just as she begins to build her life, a devastating accident takes her sister and leaves her with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for her young niece, Kendra.

 

Faced with the dual challenges of financial strain and emotional turmoil, Rachel struggles to provide for Kendra while contending with the real threat of losing custody. She trusts no one. Desperate to keep her niece, her only living family, Rachel considers drastic measures until Brandon Barlow, a compassionate former college professor, steps in with an unconventional solution.

Brandon, who has admired Rachel from a distance, is moved by her plight and proposes his proposition to secure her and Kendra’s futures. His offer involves marrying Rachel to ensure Kendra's custody, then annul the marriage once the legal issues are resolved. Yet, as Brandon becomes more involved in their lives, he falls in love with Rachel, complicating their pragmatic arrangement.

The novel’s gentle pace draws readers into a comforting world where personal growth and love take center stage. Characters are vividly portrayed. Their flaws and strengths make them both relatable and endearing. Rachel’s journey, marked by her troubled past and her struggle to create a stable future for Kendra, is depicted with a depth that evokes empathy and admiration. Brandon’s gradual romance with Rachel is portrayed with patience and authenticity, allowing their relationship to develop naturally amid the challenges.

Snitker’s faith-driven narrative is a central theme reflecting the belief that divine guidance and support are ever-present, even during life’s storms. This message of enduring faith offers solace and encouragement that resonates throughout the plot. I recommend this book to readers who appreciate clean faith-based romance.

Calming the Storm is a heartwarming exploration of love’s transformative power and the vital role of faith in challenging times. Its deliberate pacing adds to the story’s charm, providing a soothing and immersive reading experience. I thought the storytelling could use a little more showing and less telling but for those who appreciate a romance with emotional depth and a message of unwavering support, this thoughtful novel is a compelling and moving read. I’m happy to give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Unpredictable, emotional historical fiction anchored in faith hope and love

Nellie’s Gold is an inspirational coming-of-age story that follows tomboy Nellie Ward from childhood to adulthood as the youngest child of four. Author Danie Marie’s captivating storytelling, gives the reader a fly-on the wall experience back to the late 1940s, into the 1950s, in historic Folsom, California, where red-haired, freckle-faced Nellie Ward loves to read books while sitting in her favorite tree near the river. But homelife for this Ward family is not picture perfect like the Leave It to Beaver Ward family of 1950s Americana TV. In this Ward home, Nellie shares a room with her three older brothers, with only a linen curtain hanging between them for privacy. Her Papa is an abusive drunk and her mother is a Christian woman who prays for them all while making home life the best she can.

 

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Book review: Nellie's Gold

Danie Marie’s fly-on-the-wall writing style lets you feel what the characters feel, and her flawed, but lovable characters are easy to care about. The plot read like real life drama. An unpredictable emotional roller coaster, sometimes surprising, other times disappointing and even heartbreaking. It draws you in with the small things that seem big to a kid, as well as life-changing heartaches and loss that changes the course of life. This is a moving story anchored in faith, hope, and love. I highly recommend Nellie’s Gold to those who enjoy Christian fiction, inspirational fiction, those praying for loved ones struggling with alcoholism or abuse, and for baby boomers who enjoy reading about the good old days even though everything wasn’t always good. I’m happy to give this easy read 5 stars.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from BookTasters and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Captivating Christian fantasy for all ages

The Seventh Dimension: The Door by Lorilyn Roberts is book one in a Young Adult Christian fantasy series of four. This imaginative story portrays a strong female protagonist in Shale Snyder, a young teen struggling with guilt, unforgiveness, abandonment, and being bullied. She does her best to deal with her circumstances and negative feelings on her own, but when overwhelmed she runs off and follows a dog she has befriended into the woods. An accident leads through a portal that transports her to the city of Jerusalem at the time of Christ.

About the book: The Seventh Dimension: The Door

While Shale navigates life in ancient Jerusalem the author weaves in threads that haunt her from the life she left behind, including the burden of a secret guilt. Some characters she meets look like people from her own time, including her absentee father and a boy who is her nemesis. She also meets a boy she doesn’t know and learns he too is from the future. Life in the ancient past has its own issues, including a wicked stepmother, shadowy underlings, and bothersome Worldly Crow. 

She also has a new ability that allows her to hear animals talk, but the one person who really intrigues her is a mysterious man her animal friends refer to as the King.

Book Review: Seventh Dimension: The Door

The Seventh Dimension is a magical story with a biblical message of new life, forgiveness, and love. It introduces the message of the King through biblical characters, the witnessing of miracles, and the message of the New Testament. I especially enjoyed Shale’s realistic transformation from unbelief to belief. 

This is the first book I’ve read from Lorilyn Roberts and hope to finish the rest of this series. I think fans of Christian fantasy like the Chronicles of Narnia will enjoy this story of redemption. And while this book is categorized as Young Adult, I think this captivating story will be loved by young and old, and am happy to give it 4 stars.

About the author: Lorilyn Roberts

Lorilyn Roberts is a Christian author of fourteen books, including the award-winning YA Seventh Dimension Series.

Lorilyn graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama in 1991. Her studies included spending two weeks in Israel at the start of the Gulf War and touring England, Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in Europe. She later attended the Institute of Children's Literature and earned her Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Perelandra College.

Lorilyn has rescued many orphaned dogs and cats, and when she isn’t writing books, she provides broadcast captioning for television. In her spare time, Lorilyn is a ham radio operator. KO4LBS.