The Sea Captain's Wife: a true story on the high seas

The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World by Tilar J. Mazzeo. It is the true story of the first female captain of a merchant ship and her treacherous navigation through the deadly waters of Antarctica. In the summer of 1856, nineteen year old Mary Ann Patten sailed with her husband, Joshua. Both from seafaring New England families, they plan to win the race to San Francisco in order to fulfill their dream of building a farm and starting a family. However, the voyage is dangerous through the most treacherous waters. Their ship, Neptune’s Car, leaves New York Harbor and heads south down the coast of South America, and soon disaster strikes. Joshua becomes ill, the first mate is confined to the brig and begins to agitate for mutiny. Mary Ann sees no other options but to step up and captain the ship. Can she convince the crew to support her? 

With the California Gold Rush in full swing, there was big money for ships who made the journey quickly and it was an opportunity many attempted and few surviving. The Sea Captain’s Wife is Mary Ann Patten’s story. The first woman to command a merchant vessel and the fight she endured during and even after when the journey was complete. Through archival research as well as her own experience, sailing Mary Ann’s route, Ms. Mazzeo writes a tale that is thrilling, harrowing and heroic. Mary Ann is a woman who does what is necessary to survive for love. As I read, I kept reminding myself that Mary Ann was 19 years old during these events. Nineteen! I know it is a different time but I am not sure I would be able to do the same at 19. While the journey was nailbiting, Mary Ann’s life after the journey was equally thrilling. If you enjoy detailed, historical nonfiction, I highly recommend The Sea Captain’s Wife. 

The Sea Captain’s Wife: 

A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World 

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

OMG Christmas Tree: a country boy-city girl Christmas romance

OMG Christmas Tree is the first book in the Holidays in Crystal Cove series by Stephanie J. Scott. Three nights before Christmas, Megan reluctantly comes home to their small town of Crystal Cove to spend the holidays with her mom and her new husband. On her way in, her mom asked Megan to pick up a Christmas tree and she did. Nick Bennington heads to the Christmas tree farm to pick up the tree on hold for the charity event at the mayor’s historical mansion. However, he learns that the tree was sold to someone else. He is determined to get the tree back and luck may be on his side as he helps Megan out of a snowy ditch. As they fight over the tree, what Megan and Nick don’t account for is their instant attraction. Can the city girl and the country boy find love during the magic of the Christmas season? 

OMG Christmas Tree is described as a “sweet, slow burn, holiday romantic comedy.” However, I did not find it sweet, romantic or comedic. However, as a novella, there is no time for a full development of the characters or a slow burn story. From the very beginning I did not like Megan. She does not know what she wants in life, which is fine as many struggle with future decisions, and has an attitude about it when others talk about her choices. Then suddenly, at the end, she knows exactly what she wants. I also did not like Nick as he constantly degrades Megan because she knows how to live life in the country. And then, suddenly, he decides she is everything he didn’t know he needed. I could see this story as a Hallmark Christmas movie; however, it is one I would not watch. I do not recommend OMG Christmas Tree.  

OMG Christmas Tree is available in paperback and eBook

 

Christmas in Snow Valley: a second chance romance novella

Christmas in Snow Valley is the first book in the Hometown Christmas series by Tammy L. Grace. After leaving Snow Valley for college and building a life in New York City, Emily Bishop is returning to her hometown for Thanksgiving. When her sister and her husband have to leave town, Emily reluctantly extends her stay and helps fill her sister’s shoes for the upcoming Christmas festivities. She hopes she doesn’t run into Nick Morgan, the boy who broke her heart fifteen years ago. That is until he walks in. She is shocked and prepared to give him a piece of her mind. When a massive snowstorm hits, leaving them snowed in, it is the perfect opportunity to clear the air. Could they even have a second chance at love? 

Christmas in Snow Valley is a quick novella filled with second chance romance and the magic of Christmas. Of course, there are two adorable, lovable dogs. It wouldn’t be a Tammy L Grace book if there wasn’t. The way she writes about dogs almost makes me want one, almost. I enjoyed Emily and Nick’s reconciliation and the snowy atmosphere definitely gives it a romantic feel. I loved the small town feel as they threw themselves into the holiday season. Overall, I enjoyed this novella and I am looking forward to other books in this series. If you are looking for a Christmas romance for an afternoon of reading, I highly recommend Christmas in Snow Valley. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and bundle up to enjoy this Christmas romance. 

Christmas in Snow Valley is available in eBook

Christmas at Yuletide Farm: a grumpy-sunshine romance with the magic of Christmas

Christmas at Yuletide Farm by Megan Squires is a story of two very different people falling in love at Christmas time. For her news section, On the Job, Kate Carmichael follows a local business, works in the field and learns the trade. The newest assignment is learning how to run a Christmas tree farm. However, Deacon Winters, the farm’s owner, thinks she is there simply as a hired seasonal farmhand and doesn’t want the cameras around and certainly doesn't want to be interviewed. He is too gruff to be a man whose livelihood revolves around Christmas. Little does she know that Deacon carries the weight of his family’s legacy and he reluctantly agrees to allow Kate to work the farm; hoping the publicity generates new customers. Kate’s joyful attitude chips away the icy around his heart that he finds himself hoping for a merry-ever after. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is a sweet, clean, grumpy-sunshine romance. I loved the fun banter and the feel of the Christmas season. I enjoyed Deacon who hides a painful broken heart and Kate’s willingness to try any task, the growth in their relationship was fun to read. I also enjoyed his commitment to his family’s farm and his determination to see it thrive. Kate’s sunshine attitude certainly melts Deacon’s grumpy demeanor. Of course, the reason behind his broken heart is revealed and causes plenty of drama. I loved all the aspects of Christmas, the snow, the gingerbread houses and hot cocoa. I swear I could smell the pine scent of the trees. There’s even fun moments with a lovable puppy. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were smiles, laughs and great romantic moments. If you enjoy Christmas romances, I highly, highly recommend Christmas at Yuletide Farm. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is available in paperback and eBook

The Unfinished Gift: a war time Christmas story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles

The Unfinished Gift is the first book in the Homefront series by Dan Walsh. December 1943, Ian Collins is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and is estranged from his only son. Patrick Collins recently lost his mother in a horrible accident and his father is a bomber pilot fighting in Europe. Grandfather and grandson are put together as the only family each other has. Ian isn't prepared to care for the seven year old and Patrick only has three Christmas wishes: he wants his father to come home, he wants to leave his grandfather’s house and he wants the dusty wooden soldier he found in the attic, the one he has been forbidden to touch. As Christmas Day approaches, and with the help of Miss Katherine Townsend, the kindhearted social worker and Mrs Fortini, Ian’s formidable Italian neighbor, can grandfather and grandson come together and find the magic in hope and faith of Christmas? 

Dan Walsh is a retired pastor and now full time writer with The Unfinished Gift is his first novel. The Unfinished Gift is a story of a family in need of forgiveness and hope. The story is an engaging story that the small things can lead to powerful change in our hearts. It is an emotional and heartwarming story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles. Ian is a gruff man who hides a grieving heart. Patrick is a little boy who prays for his father’s return. I also loved Katherine Townsend and Mrs Fortini who fall in love with the little boy and want Ian to love him too. There were many emotional moments where my heart broke and I cried tears of sadness and joy. Overall, I could not put this story down as I wanted to see if Patrick gets his Christmas wishes. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I highly, highly recommend The Unfinished Gift. 

The Unfinished Gift is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Simon the Zealot: militant rebel or devoted follower?

Simon the Zealot is the disciple I studied this month. I can say that I had preconceived ideas of who Simon was and I went into this study thinking I knew what I wanted to discuss and highlight. However, I was wrong and I loved it. There is very little information in the gospels about who Simon was. His occupation is unknown. His hometown is unknown. It isn’t recorded if Jesus said anything about him. His name only appears in the lists of the disciples in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts. However, there are assumptions made about him. With a title like “the Zealot,” The Chosen portray him as a member of the Zealots. Who were the Zealots? Was Simon a Zealot? If he wasn’t, why would have that title? What does it mean to have zeal for God? 

The Zealots were one of the four Jewish philosophies of the time. Philosophies which blended politics and religious denomination. The other three are the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Essenes. I plan to study each one in the future; but for this post, I will focus briefly on the Zealots. They were the Rebels. They were a radical political party working for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel. The Roman-Jewish historian, Jospehus, wrote about the Zealots in Antiquities of the Jews, written in about 93/94 AD. The Zealots were responsible for the first Roman-Jewish War (AD 66-70) about 35 years after Jesus, which led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Zealots were hyperfocused on freedom and liberty and viewed God as their only ruler. They were willing to die and kill for their beliefs. According to Josephus, the Zealots were founded in AD 6. There is little evidence that the Zealots were officially organized prior to the war in AD 66 (Tate, 2021). 

Being called the Zealot is ambiguous. Matthew and Mark use the Greek word kananaios which is from the Aramaic word qan’an meaning zealous one (Nelson, 2019). There are three possibilities for Simon the Zealot. First, he was a member of the earliest corroboration of the Zealot party. Second, he belonged to a different Zealot party. Or third, Simon was simply zealous and was nicknamed the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter. The Chosen (2017) definitely takes the first two possibilities that Simon was a member of a Zealot party prior to becoming a disciple. Since the gospels are silent on any discussion between Jesus and Simon have led many, including myself, to believe that Simon was a zealous believer than a militant agent against an oppressor. Simon could have been simply a zealous believer. A passionate and dedicated believer about Jesus and his faith, although he may have been quiet in word and deed that the gospel writers didn’t feel the need to record them. 

Zeal is having an intense, passionate and unwavering commitment to God. Characterized by a deep devotion, spiritual enthusiasm and a strong desire to honor God, it is a wholehearted pursuit of a relationship with God, actively serving Him (Romans 12:11). What does zeal look like in practice? First, a life dedicated to prayer, study of God’s word and personal devotion. I must admit I struggle with this one. A busy life often pushes aside prayer and study to the back of my mind. I strive every day to do better. Second, enthusiastic commitment to living a life worthy of the Gospel and standing firm in faith. This is an everyday commitment. Jesus is a prime example of someone who had zeal for God. John 2:12-16 records Jesus clearing the temple of sellers and money exchangers who had turned the temple into a market. Seeing his passionate fervor, the disciples remembered the Psalm “for the zeal for your house consumes me” (John 2:17, Psalm 69:9). 

In conclusion, the Zealots were a militant group who sought to overthrow the Roman occupation. A group who saw only God as their ruler and was willing to kill and be killed in order to show their devotion to God. Simon the Zealot may not have been the militant rebel that I thought he was; although militant rebel to disciple is a highly possible extreme conversion. However, I believe he was a zealous believer who was passionate and committed to following Jesus. Having zeal for God is an enthusiastic, daily commitment to seek a relationship with Him. In prayer and study, a believer can be zealous for God as they seek to honor Him with their lives. Do you have a passion for God? Do you have an enthusiastic commitment to studying His Word and show His love to the world?

Reference

Nelson, Ryan (August 7, 2019). Who Was Simon the Zealot? The Beginner’s Guide. Overview Bible. https://overviewbible.com/simon-the-zealot/. Retrieved October 4, 2025

Tate, David (November 21, 2021). The Life of Simon the Zealot. Now Let’s be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GRGEhN7JwkY?si=knAJ3yyH71zisRRb. Retrieved October 4, 2025. 

Call of the Camino: a deeply emotional and moving story about the transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago

Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn is a deeply emotional and moving novel about the transformative journey along the legendary route of the Camino de Santiago. In 2024, twenty-five year old Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight, even seventeen years later, the grief is still heavy on her heart. When an opportunity comes up that would boost her budding journalism career, Reina finds herself on the ancient five-hundred-mile path, the same route that her father took many years ago.  Armed with his journal, Reina takes the journey with her father at her side, little does she know that she will learn much more about her father, their family and the past. In 1997, seventeen year old Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run, after she flees from her boarding school. Hearing that the Camino will provide, she heads for the Way of Saint James, and comes in the form of new friends and a handsome young American who brings the promise of a new life. 

I have loved Suzanne Redfearn’s books for years and I was excited to read Call of the Camino. It is a powerful story of faith, self-discovery that involves learning the past to help shape your future. It is a story of two women who find courage, strength and love on the hallowed trail. Ms. Redfearn’s description of the trail and the experiences of those who walk it reminds me of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), 2,650 miles from the US-Mexico border through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border. Although not as long as the Camino, I have heard the same types of life-changing, transformative journeys. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I was hooked on Reina’s and Isabelle’s story. I felt as if I was on the path with them and I could not put the book down. I read on the edge of my seat as Reina’s and Isabelle’s story intertwine. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly, highly recommend Call of the Camino. 

Call of the Camino is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Night Guests: a haunting gothic story which a young woman questions her own sanity

The Night Guests by Marina Scott is a haunting gothic story which has the one young woman questioning what is truly going on. It is 1903 in Omaha, Nebraska and Nina Wilson is drowning in debt and disgrace after the sudden death of her father. Once a part of Omaha’s high society, she struggles as her engagement has been broken off, the family’s estate is in desperate need of repair and her mother is consumed with grief. In an attempt to help her mother move on, Nina invites Leroy Marshall, a mysterious medium, into their home. However, Leroy leaves Nina deeply unsettled with his brand of charisma, both alluring and repellent. One he arrives, something seems to happen in the house. Something from another world and now refuses to leave. Now Nina is in a fight she doesn’t know how to fight or that she has a power no one expects.

The Night Guests was an option for Amazon’s First Reads in October and while I am not a gothic story fan, I was intrigued by the premises. Were there really unwanted guests in the house or is someone playing with Nina’s mental health? That is the question that hovers in the reader’s mind for most of the book until the final act. It is a slow burn that keeps readers guessing as the action heats up. There are plenty of shocking moments and jaw dropping events. The Night Guests reminded me of the films The Haunting (1999) and The House of Haunted Hill (1959 and 1999). It was spooky and the atmosphere descriptions were very vivid and I could see this book being made into a movie. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I closed the book with one single word “Wow!” If you enjoy haunting gothic stories, I highly recommend The Night Guests. 

The Night Guests is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tell Me Why: a tangled web of secrets, corruption and betrayal in the small town of Hart's Ridge

Tell Me Why is the fourteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Private investigator Taylor Gray is called to the scene of a charred vehicle, a vehicle registered to her family’s farm. Inside is a body too damaged to be identified; however, nothing prepares Taylor for the news that the victim might be someone who called family. She begins by digging deep into the victim’s ties to a shady local business, a business that seems to come out of nowhere. A business which leaves a trail of secret deliveries and someone pulling the strings. Fighting through grief and the swirling rumors, Taylor follows every lead of corruption, addiction and betrayal. She gets closer with each lead, there is someone who is desperate to keep her from discovering the truth. Her instincts tell her there is more to the case than just an unfortunate accident. However, she isn’t prepared to learn who is behind it all. 

The Hart’s Ridge series has been a wild ride of cases inspired by real life events and a family forming a new foundation. Tell Me Why opens as Taylor is racing to the scene of an accident which readers learned about in the previous book. When I learned who the victim was, I cried and I was just as determined as Taylor to find out the why and who. I did pick up on a clue about who the mastermind behind the shady business was and I hoped I was wrong. The story does end on a cliffhanger as someone who is finally ready to reveal all that they know. If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend Tell Me Why. If you haven’t started the series, I recommend starting with book 1, Hart’s Ridge. You will be pulled into the small town, the residents and the danger that lurks in the shadows. 

Tell Me Why is in paperback and eBook

The Hidden Prince: a young woman must lean on God during a period of political secrets and danger

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is a story of a young woman who finds herself leaning on God during a period of political secrets. In order to help her family, Keren is taken into Daniel’s household and soon becomes his most trusted scribe. She also finds herself taking lessons and swordsmanship training with Daniel’s sons and their best friend, Jared. After a tragic accident sends her far from home, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, tasked with teaching Artadates, a young shepherd boy, in secret on how to be a lord. When she overhears clues to the boy’s true identity, she realizes what could be at stake. Jared finds it difficult to forgive Keren for the accident; however, he finds himself traveling far and wide to bring her home. When he learns the boy’s identity, Jared knows that he and Keren must do what they can to protect him, trying to save the boy who could be the one foretold to deliver their people from captivity. 

Tessa Afshar has the amazing ability to bring to life the stories of the Bible that might seem dry and boring. I have loved her storytelling since I picked up Pearl in the Sand (2010) and I eagerly await her newest release. The Hidden Prince is a story set during the Babylon captivity as Daniel is an older man, well respected during Nebuchadnezzar's reign. Keren is a young woman who has talents and skills beyond her years. I found myself immersed in the story as I followed Keren from Babylon to the Medes Empire. I loved the recurring theme of enduring. Taking from 1 Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the Lord; for he is good; his faithful love endures forever,” Keren and Jared learn what it means to endure in God’s love. The political intrigue was suspenseful and interesting. I also enjoyed the love story between Keren and Jared. I also enjoyed the relationship between Keren and Artadates. I highly, highly recommend The Hidden Prince. 

The Hidden Prince is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Coming to Rosemont: a woman starts fresh in a small town and finds herself in a fight against political corruption

Coming to Rosemont is the first book in the Rosemont series by Barbara Hinske. After the sudden death of her husband, Maggie Martin uncovers his double life and is left to deal with the financial and emotional aftermath. She is surprised to learn she inherits the Rosemont estate in Westbury, a Midwestern town. Why did she know about this house? Maggie travels to Westbury with the intent of selling the Rosemont; however, when she arrives she immediately falls in love with the house. Throwing caution to the wind and ignoring the concerns of her grown children, she moves into the Rosemont for a fresh start. Maggie soon discovers political corruption complete with fraud, embezzlement and arson. Instead of the quiet life she was looking forward to, Maggie finds herself in a fight to rid this quaint town of the wrongdoers. 

I have heard great praise for the Rosemont series and I was looking forward to reading the first book. Described as a “fast-paced, smart novel that has enough twists and turns to make the reader want to buckle in!” The story had wonderful characters. I enjoyed Maggie as a woman dealing with the death of her husband, the betrayal she uncovers and yet still fights for her new town. There was a bit of lighthearted romance. The political aspect was overly drawn out and tedious at times. It dragged down the story for me. Overall, I enjoyed the story. A few things were left unresolved, probably for future books in the series. However, I wasn’t interested enough to continue the series. If you enjoy women’s fiction with fresh starts and a bit of mystery, I recommend Coming to Rosemont. 

Coming to Rosemont is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Chasing Stardust: one young woman's journey of self-discovery and love

Chasing Stardust by Erica Lucke Dean is a road trip adventure where a daughter learns who her mother was before her, finding your own strength and maybe even finding love. Even though she thought it was crazy, she made a promise to her dying mother. Zoey Jones is tasked to spread her mother’s ashes along the path her eccentric grandma, G-Lo followed in 1972, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust tour, the same path her own mother took later in life. Taking Go-Lo’s ancient Cutlass, with her mother’s journal and her mother’s ashes, Zoey hits the road. After breaking down in Nashville, Zoey meets Dash Hammond at an all-night diner. Dash is a recent college graduate who is spending his summer trying to escape his father’s expectations. He offers to drive Zoey to her destinations. What adventures and life lessons will they learn on the road? 

Chasing Stardust was a choice for October’s Amazon First Reads. Described as a “funny and heartfelt novel,” the beginning fell a little short for me and I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it. However, as Zoey and Dash head out on the road together, I found myself cheering for Zoey as she learns about the person who mother was before she became a mom. Zoey finds her own rebel spirit buried deep inside. I enjoyed Dash’s character too as he is fighting a different battle than Zoey; however, he is determined to make good on her promise to help her finish her trip. By the end of the book, I was very happy that I continued Zoey’s story and I enjoyed her growth and fighting spirit. It was also cool to learn about David Bowie’s tour and the icon himself. I highly recommend Chasing Stardust. 

Chasing Stardust is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Harbor: a hockey player, a single mom with great banter and romance

Broken Harbor is the third book in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. After leaving a dangerous situation involving her ex-husband, Sutton Holland came to Sparrow Falls with her young son and started rebuilding her life. She finds happiness in her business, The Mix Up cafe and seeing her son, happy, healthy and safe. She never thought they would find that safety in Copeland “Cope” Colson, a hockey player. She quickly learns there is so much more to Cope than the dominant hockey player. Sutton is surprised by the gentle way he is concerned for their safety, the playful way he plays with her son, and the way he seems to truly see her. As they spend time together, Sutton finds herself falling for him. Cope and Sutton both have secrets and when their pasts come roaring back, they now must fight for their newfound happiness. 

The Sparrow Falls series is an emotional roller coaster of romance, suspense and the fighting, resilient human spirit. There are a few spicy scenes. The suspense was great and took me by surprise with the reveal. I loved this story! Cope and Sutton are great together. They butted heads with great banter and when they fell, they fell hard. I loved the macho bravado of Cope which hid a very wounded heart and it was Sutton to help him heal. Sutton is a strong woman who wants to stand on her own two feet for her son. Her son is completely adorable and added to the humor in the story. I also loved the Colson family and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend it. I highly, highly recommend Broken Harbor. 

Broken Harbor is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Runaway: a grumpy-sunshine military romance

The Runaway is the fifth and final book of the Brides of Beaufort series by Jess Mastorakos. Nate Bristol is getting ready to travel cross-country to his new duty station in Beaufort, he has a tight schedule. He never expected to have travel companions. When Ms. Hattie asks Nate for a favor, no questions asked, he finds himself aiding in the escape of Nikki, a runaway bride, and her teenage daughter, Marigold. She is the ultimate sunshine and is determined to see the bright side of anything and make the most of the turn of events. Nate is the ultimate grump and as the miles tick by, Nikki and Marigold worm their way under his skin and he learns to roll with the punches. As they get closer to their destination, the slower he finds himself driving. Will they be able to say goodbye once they reach their destination? 

I have loved this series and it was sad to see it end. The Runaway is a grumpy-sunshine military romance. Nate and Nikki’s story was sweet with lots of laughs and drama. I loved how Nikki slowly chipped away at Nate’s gruff demeanor. There is a bit of suspense and a nail biting scene with Nate coming to the rescue. I even enjoyed Marigold’s character and as a mom of a teen myself, I appreciated that Ms. Mastorakos got the teenage slang accurate. I loved Nate’s reaction to the slang. It reminded me of my husband’s reaction to the slang when our teenager and her friends use it. When Nikki and Marigold are in danger, I loved how Nate and his fellow Marines jump into action. Overall, I enjoyed this story and the series. If you haven’t read the Brides of Beaufort, I highly recommend it. I highly recommend The Runaway. 

The Runaway is available in paperback and eBook

Gemini: the untold story of the program that helped bring us to the moon

Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon - the Untold Story by Jeffrey Kluger. Everyone knows the famous Apollo 11 moon landing of 1969 and even the disastrous Apollo 13 mission. However, without the pioneering Gemini program, there would be no Apollo and there would be no moon. It was no easy transition from low Earth orbits to moon landings, it was the Gemini program that was the extraordinary bridge. However, there are deaths and near-deaths and a blood feud with the Soviet Union, the Vietnam War and calls for budget cuts challenged the astronauts and scientists to persevere. Their perseverance paid off as the trial and error and the knowledge gained helped fuel the legendary Apollo program. As the Gemini program got lost in history in Apollo's shadow, Jeffrey Kluger set out to tell the true story and give the Gemini program its place in history. 

With in-depth research and interviews, Jeffrey Kluger tells the story of the Gemini program with cinematic, edge of your seat storytelling. While I knew of the Gemini story and its tragedies, I did not know the impact the program had on the Apollo program. I did not know the nitty gritty history of NASA and the space race. With recognizable names of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and Gene Kranz, readers will become engrossed in the story of this amazing program and learn of other men involved with the program. Mr. Kluger has an amazing ability to write the events in ways that the readers feel the drama and nail-biting missions. I enjoyed hearing the unsung heroes of the Gemini program. If you enjoy history or the history of the space program, I finally recommend Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon - the Untold Story. 

Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon - the Untold Story 

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Love from Afar: a short but sweet Christian romance

Love from Afar is the first book in the Love Letters from Ellis Creek by Penny Zeller. In the frontier town of Ellis Creek in 1880s Montana Territory, Meredith Waller has quite the reputation as a wedding dress seamstress. However, she is never the bride and with the low number of suitable bachelors, she is resigned that she never will. Gabe Kleeman has returned to town after three. However, his administration for Meredith never wavered. However, he is unsure how to let his feelings known. Tillie and Lula are best friends. Best friends who are tired of watching their older siblings admire each other from afar. So they hatch a plan to bring their siblings together. It’s all for a good cause. Can they bring these two lonely hearts together? 

Love from Afar is a short but sweet Christian romance. With faith, humor and two pint sized matchmakers, I quickly read this story. I smiled at Tillie and Lula’s antics and their plan to bring their siblings together and later their bargaining skills when someone finds out. I loved how Gabe found the words to say what was in his heart. I sympathized with Meredith as she tried to keep the faith that God had someone for her and yet couldn’t see how that would happen in their small town. I loved the two of them together. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more in this story. If you enjoy a quick story for a cozy afternoon of reading, I recommend Love from Afar. 

Love from Afar is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook