Darkfell

Reading Fiction through the Eyes of Faith:

Darkfell (Book #1) by Amanda Wright

Genre: YA high fantasy

The Story: A librarian-mapmaker is sent to find and close the door between the human realm and a realm of evil.

Content Notes: War violence, gorier violence perpetuated by the villain; romance is sweet and clean; strong supernatural elements with minimal explanation of type/source.

Why I loved this book: Likeable characters with fun brother banter, engaging plot, beautiful spiritual threads and allegory, the perfect soul-satisfying climax.

Pair with John 15:12-14.

Ponder where your priorities lie.

Pray for a heart that loves God with obedient submission.

Gelato at the Villa

Reading Fiction with the Eyes of Faith: 

Gelato at the Villa (Suitcase Sisters #2) by Robin Jones Gunn

Genre: Adult Contemporary Women's Fiction

The Story: Best friends travel to Italy looking adventure and find a pilgrimage.

Content Notes: Reference to past sexual assault (off the page, no explicit details)

Why I loved this book: The sense of travel, the quiet beauty of wandering and wonder and discovery on every level, with bubbles of humor and times of quiet reflection, free from life's chaos. Quote, "The bride of Christ is not beautiful. But, you see...today is not her day."

Pair with John 15:1-17.

Ponder where you might need to trust God more.

Pray for the ability to trust Him in that area.

Book Recommendation: Sons of Day & Night

 

Sons of Day & Night (Chronicles of Twinsbane #1) by Mariposa Aristeo

Genre: Young adult fantasy

The Story: Inspired by The Prince and the Pauper, an orphan switches places with a king in order to find a potion to separate life-bonded doppelgangers. 

Content Notes: Moderate fantasy violence (no gore), high supernatural rooted in the "natural" laws of this world. 

Why I loved this book: The sarcastic humor and sassy character voices (very Mark Twain-ish, and the orphan reminds me of Huckleberry Finn). The Australian-inspired setting. The character reversals that leave you wondering who are really the good guys and the bad guys.   

Pair with Romans 14. 

Ponder how you might walk in another shoes or see another's point of view better.

Pray for insight into someone different than yourself.  

Book Recommendation: Protector

 Reading Fiction through the Eyes of Faith

Protector (The Susan Chronicles #1) by Megan Schaulis

Genre: Adult Dystopian

The Story: A religious outcast competes with biologically enhanced women to become bodyguard to the king.

Content Notes: Strong but clean romance (some kissing and sexually suggestive language). Moderate violence, no gore. Most supernatural elements tied to God. 

Why I loved this book: The ninjas-meet-Esther premise. The protagonist's complex relationship with the other characters. Her conversations with Alpha (her name for God).

Pair with Esther 1-2.

Ponder what complete dependence on God might look like.

Pray for a heart that trusts God more fully, even if the path doesn't make sense.

Book Recommendation: RoboTales

 Reading Fiction Through the Eyes of Faith:

RoboTales (Tinker, Mardok and the Seven Exiles, and The Tiny Cyborg) by Jill Williamson & Luke Williamson

Genre: Early Chapter Book, Science Fiction

The Story: A robot dog needs help delivering an important message to a solar system's president.

Content Notes: A few scary situations 

Why I loved this book: The upside-down twist on fairy tales with a male protagonist. Fun technology. The humor. The adventure. And there's a cool robot dog! What else is there to say?

Pair with 1 Corinthians 12:4-26. 

Ponder the unique gifts you've been given and how you can serve where you are at. 

Pray for willingness to do whatever God places before you.

Book Recommendation: The Chaos Grid Duology

 Reading fiction through the eyes of faith: 

The Chaos Grid / The Crier Stone (The Chaos Grid Duology) by Lyndsey Lewellen

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopian

The Story: The teen tries to escape from a saving a city she despises.

Content Notes: A fair amount of violence, but no gory descriptions. A light clean & sweet romance. Drug use. A few supernatural elements, mostly attributed to God's intervention. 

Why I loved this duology: The fresh look at the Jonah story in a way that makes Jonah very relatable. The world is complex and engaging. The fantastical creatures and the porting game are extremely imagination. The plot is fast paced and very engaging.

Pair with Jonah (Chapters 1-2 for Chaos Grid; Chapters 3-4 for Crier Stone).

Ponder God's mercy upon the undeserving--and how undeserving we are of God's mercy.

Pray for God to deal with any area of bitterness and anger in your heart toward others and to replace it with willing, whole-hearted obedience of Him.

Book Recommendation: Secrets in the Attic

Secrets in the Attic (Mysteries, Mischief & Marshmallows #2) by C.C. Warrens

Genre: Midgrade mystery

The Story: Two kids try to banish the “ghosts” from a neighbor’s attic.

Content Notes: Light violence (dealing with bullies) and questions raised (though addressed) about ghosts

Why I loved this book: This book has all the vibes of the old Boxcar Children series, which I adored as a kid. There’s a mystery without getting overly scary. There’s heart and humor and quirky characters. There are also some good discussions of hard topics (grief, friendship/marriage, ghosts) at age-appropriate levels.

Pair with Deuteronomy 22:1-4.

Ponder the value of doing the little thing in front of you.

Pray for ideas of how to help a neighbor.

Some Anticipated Reads of 2026

So many books, so little time—yet I can’t help get excited for some of the books arriving this year. Here are ten books I’m eagerly anticipating the release of, in no particular order:

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham (contemporary rom-com)

Deadly Currents (Hidden Bay #3) by Elizabeth Goddard (contemporary romantic suspense)

Of Dawn and Embers (Fireborn #3) by Gillian Adams (YA epic fantasy)

The Restitching of Camille Dulaine (The Rivenlea Sphere #2) by Lindsay A. Frankling (YA fantasy)

Firebreak (Firebird Interlude #1) by Kathy Tyers (adult science fiction)

Crossbones (A Holly novel) by C.C. Warrens (adult suspense)

The Bachelor Spy (Freddie & Grace Mysteries #5) by Pepper Basham (adult historical mystery)

The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep (adult historical romantic suspense)

A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets & Guile by Angela Bell (adult whimsical historical romance)

Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus #2) by Chawna Schroeder (YA fantasy)

What books are you looking forward to seeing this year? Leave a comment and let me know! Because you might just introduce me to my favorite book of the year.

Book Recommendation: The Unraveling of Emlyn Dulaine

 

The Unraveling of Emlyn Dulaine (The Rivenlea Sphere #1) by Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: YA Portal Fantasy

The Story: A teen searches for her missing sister in a world she once though imaginary.

Content Notes: Moderate fantasy violence (no gore), light and clean romance subplot, extensive unexplained supernatural elements.

Why I loved this book: I loved the whole premise of magical libraries and the ability to jump into storybook worlds. This whimsical foundation was then coupled to a world that felt vibrant and fresh, offbeat characters, great dialogue, a strong narrator voice, a dizzying plot that kept me guessing, and some great humor. What is not to like?

Pair with 1 Corinthians 12-13.

Ponder what gifts God has given you and how to use that for others’ benefit.

Pray for affirmation for a current area of service or clarity for a new direction of service.

My Favorite Reads of 2025

In 2025 I read seventy-three books. So while I’m hardly a super-reader, obviously books remain something I love and regularly indulge in. 

This year I enjoyed a bumper crop of good stories. Most of them earned a four- or five-star rating for me. What does that mean?

For me, a four-star read is one I enjoyed and would be quick to recommend. The book is well-crafted and contains clean to edifying content. A five-star usually means a book clicked with me personally in some way or is truly extraordinary in craft and content.

This makes picking out my favorites from this past year unusually difficult, because I have so many I want to recommend. But that would make this newsletter unwieldy. So, doing my best to pare it down, here are seven of my top reads of 2025.

Favorite Picture Book

Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren

Genre: Contemporary

The Story: How a little girl becomes inspired to become a composer-conductor.

Content Notes: This is a secularly published book.

Why I loved this book: This was truly a right story and the right time. I needed very much the reminder that small actions are important and that our actions can have an unseen impact.

Honorable Mentions:

Do Great Things for God series (nonfiction biography)

Pippa and the Singing Tree by Kristyn Getty (rhyming)

 

Favorite Midgrade (8-12 years) Novel

Secrets in the Attic (Mysteries, Mischief & Marshmallows #2) by C.C. Warrens

Genre: Midgrade mystery

The Story: Two kids try to banish the “ghosts” from a neighbor’s attic.

Content Notes: Light violence (dealing with bullies) and questions raised (though addressed) about ghosts

Why I loved this book: This book has all the vibes of the old Boxcar Children series, which I adored as a kid. There’s a mystery without getting overly scary. There’s heart and humor and quirky characters. There are also some good discussions of hard topics (grief, friendship/marriage, ghosts) at age-appropriate levels.

Honorable Mentions:

Beneath the Swirling Sky (The Restorationists #1) by Carolyn Leiloglou (magical realism)

The Sapphire Sword (The Sapphire Saga #1) by Robert Fuller (science fiction)

The Tiny Cyborg (RoboTales #3) by Jill and Luke Williamson (science fiction)

 

Favorite Young Adult

The Unraveling of Emlyn Dulaine (The Rivenlea Sphere #1) by Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: YA Portal Fantasy

The Story: A teen searches for her missing sister in a world she once though imaginary.

Content Notes: Moderate fantasy violence (no gore), light and clean romance subplot, extensive unexplained supernatural elements.

Why I loved this book: I loved the whole premise of magical libraries and the ability to jump into storybook worlds. This whimsical foundation was then coupled to a world that felt vibrant and fresh, offbeat characters, great dialogue, a strong narrator voice, a dizzying plot that kept me guessing, and some great humor. What is not to like?

Honorable Mentions:

The Chaos Grid (Book #1) by Lyndsey Lewellen (dystopia)

Echo Nova by Clint Hall (dystopia)

Squire of Truth (Blood of Kings: Legends #1) by Jill Williamson (Romantasy + Mystery)

Darkfell (Book #1) by Amanda Wright (Fantasy)

 

Nonfiction

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

Genre: Adult psychology (secular)

The Story: A look at the impact of digital childhood on kids.

Content Notes: This book is written by a non-Christian.

Why I loved this book: This was a fascinating and thought-provoking read. The author communicates in a clear, easy-to-understand language and with a level-headed sensibility about the growing documentation concerning the impact of social media and the digital realm on our everyday lives. He primarily focuses on children and young adults, but much of what he says equally applies, in varying degrees, to adults as well.

Honorable Mentions:

Waiting On the Word by Malcolm Guite (Advent devotional/poetry)

An Annie Johnson Flint Compendium by Annie Johnson Flint/Roland V. Bingham (poetry/biography)

George Müller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans by Janet & Geoff Benge (biography)

 

Favorite Adult Novels (Tie)

Tea With Elephants (Suitcase Sisters #1) by Robin Jones Gunn

Genre: Adult women’s fiction

The Story: Two women struggling with the crossroads in their lives take a trip of lifetime to Africa.

Content Notes: Emotionally poignant and potentially tough topics

Why I loved this book: The gentle pacing and thoughtful spiritual content of this story is a soothing balm to the soul. Plus the joy of travelling to and being immersed in another place/culture.

To Love a Beast (Once Upon a Time in Texas, Book 1) by Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Adult historical romance

The Story: A western retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Content Notes: Sweet and clean romance, with some light violence (no gore)

Why I loved this book: Plain and simple, I’m a huge fan of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. So, all the Easter eggs and head nods to that movie kept me smirking throughout the book. And while this may not be the most original retelling, it was presented in a way that I found comforting rather than annoying, probably because there are enough unique aspects to make the story enjoyably its own, between the delightful characters, a sweet romance, and a beautifully integrated spiritual thread.

Honorable Mentions:

Protector (Susa Chronicles #1) by Megan Schaulis (dystopia)

26 Below (Alaskan Cyber Hunters #1) by Kimberley Woodhouse (suspense)

Injustice for All by C.C. Warrens (suspense)

 

Favorite Christmas Novella

Christmas on the Goblin Express by J.J. Fischer

Genre: Christmas magical realism novella

The Story: A burned-out medical student boards a magic train to escape Christmas

Content Notes: Sweet & clean romantic subplot, light fantasy violence, high supernatural (due to non-human characters or magical objects).

Why I loved this book: This story felt completely Christmas-y, hitting all the right feels, without feeling like a Hallmark rom-com or a knock-off of another famous Christmas story, like It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol. This book was its own unique story filled with great humor and sprinkled with poignant moments that added a beautiful emotional depth with weighing it down. Add in quirky but complex characters, some action-packed adventure, and a large dose of whimsy, and the result was Christmas-perfect.

Honorable Mentions:

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White (historical romance)

Holly Jolly Christmas by C.C. Warrens (contemporary/suspense)

 

What were some of your favorite reads of 2025 and why?

 

Book Recommendation: The Anxious Generation

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

Genre: Adult psychology (secular)

The Story: A look at the impact of digital childhood on kids.

Content Notes: This book is written by a non-Christian.

Why I loved this book: This was a fascinating and thought-provoking read. The author communicates in a clear, easy-to-understand language and with a level-headed sensibility about the growing documentation concerning the impact of social media and the digital realm on our everyday lives. He primarily focuses on children and young adults, but much of what he says equally applies, in varying degrees, to adults as well.

Pair with Romans 12.

Ponder how the digital world, and especially social media, is affecting your life, positively and negatively.

Pray for wisdom to use technology well.

Book Recommendation: Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

The Book: Tea With Elephants (Suitcase Sisters #1) by Robin Jones Gunn

Genre: Adult Women's Fiction

The Story: Two women at crossroads in their lives are given a once-of-a-lifetime trip to Africa.

Content Notes: Contains potentially tough emotional topics

Why I loved this book: The gentle pacing and thoughtful spiritual content of this story is a soothing balm to the soul. Plus the joy of travelling to and being immersed in another place/culture.

Reading with the Eyes of Faith:

Pair with Isaiah 43:16-21.

Ponder some of the choices that brought you to where you are today. Where might be God leading you next?

Pray for clarity for yourself or someone you know facing a major decision or life change.

Series Spotlight: Thorndike & Swann

 

The series: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries by Erica Vetsch (The Debutante’s Code, Millstone of Doubt, and Children of the Shadows)   What it is: Adult regency mystery trilogy with a very strong romantic subplot The story: A high-society debutante and a Bow Street runner work together to solve crimes in Regency London.   What I loved: Historically set mysteries, a single romance arching over three books, cameos by characters from earlier series, the touch of espionage, the happily-ever-after ending

Series Spotlight: Skyworld

The series: Skyworld by Morgan Busse (Secrets in the Mist, Blood Secrets)

What it is: A YA (14+ years) steampunk duology with a few zombies thrown in

The story: A high-class university student and a low-class diver search for a cure to a plague.

What I loved: The gadgets/steampunk elements, the likeable characters and their struggles with their positions in society, the mash up of steampunk with zombies, and the beautiful interwoven faith elements.

Series Spotlight: Song of Seare

The series: The Song of Seare by Carla Laureano

What is it: Adult fantasy trilogy with a strong Celtic vibe reminiscent of Stephen Lawhead’s style

The story: A harpist is forced to flee to a warrior brotherhood for refuge and become caught up in a war for his country.

What I loved about the series: The Celtic vibe, rich world building and complex characters, how the magic system (supernatural elements) is handled, the spiritual threads woven throughout, the reminder of the care needed when interpreting prophesy.

Series Spotlight: No Ordinary Fairy Tale

The series: No Ordinary Fairy Tale by R. J. Anderson (Knife, Rebel and Arrow)

What it is: Teen Magical Realism (fairies in the contemporary real world)

The story: Fairies looking to restore magic to their dying hollow end up igniting a magical war in modern England.

What I loved: The mixing of Tinkerbell-styled pixies with Tolkein-styled elves (Edmund Spenser fairies), seeing our world through other eyes, thought-provoking content

Learn more about No Ordinary Fairy Tale

Why I Love "A Little Princess"

If you haven’t already heard, my newest fantasy trilogy is loosely inspired by my favorite novel, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It is a book I’ve read almost annually since I was a preteen, with some years containing two or more readings. It is a story that never fails to enchant me no matter how often I read it, and it carries for me the same magic that Anne of Green Gables has for many other girls.

Yet unlike Anne, who endears herself to almost all who meet her, the young heroine of A Little Princess, Sara Crewe, is known to be a somewhat divisive character—the kind you either adore or hate the moment you meet her, much like the characters within the story itself. So what draws me back to this young protagonist again and again?

The reasons are many. I love her imagination, her intelligence, her ability for the perfect comeback, her courage in the face of horrifying circumstances, her uniqueness among her fellow-pupils, which is portrayed as a positive thing.

But I think one of the things that draws me most to her is her unshakeable character. Sara Crewe is a principled young lady, and no matter what is thrown at her, she holds onto those principles without wavering.

Often in literature, it seems like the good, principled characters, when they are faced with great difficulty, end up struggling with their principles, debating whether they are good or worthwhile. In some stories, those characters even outright reject those principles for a time.

While these are good and needed stories to tell, sometimes they are portrayed as the only accurate arcs for such characters—as if characters holding onto their principles and maintaining their integrity is somehow unrealistic. A charge originating, I suppose, from those too sweet, too perfect characters found in morality tales.

Yet while such characters of integrity and principle might be rare, Scripture shows us that hard times don’t have to shake one’s principles or undermine one’s integrity. Both Joseph in the book of Genesis and Daniel in the book bearing his name exemplify this kind of life. And we see this same principled integrity in Sara Crewe.

It is not that she is some perfectly sweet heroine. Sara has a temper, struggles with some uncharitable thoughts toward others, and even misjudges another character terribly. Nor does she fail to grow—the Sara at the end of the story is definitely a more mature, thoughtful, and understanding girl than the one who began the tale.

But the core essence of her character—her politeness, generosity, compassion, etc. as summarized by her wish to act like a princess—does not change in the story. The core characteristics that make Sara Crewe, Sara Crewe, are unshaken. They may grow and expand with the character, but these essential attributes characterize her throughout the entire story. Even in her darkest moments she holds fast to them.

That is both hopeful and encouraging. For we all will face hard and difficult times. A Little Princess doesn’t deny that reality. Rather, it says that those hard times don’t have to destroy us and that holding onto one’s integrity—one’s faith—is possible.

And that, for me, is what makes Sara Crewe and A Little Princess truly magical.  

Book Spotlight: Waking Beauty

The book: Waking Beauty by Sarah Morin

What it is: YA (young adult) fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty, picking up the story with prince charming awakening the princess.

The story: After awakening Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming must convince her he’s real and not just another dream.

What I loved: The first line of the book (“His princess was dusty.”), the humor, the exploration of separating reality from fantasy, the many aspects of love portrayed (not just romantic infatuation), the unique approach to a familiar fairytale.

Learn more about Waking Beauty

August Book Spotlight: The Paris Betrayal

 The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal

(1-minute read) 

What is it: An adult thriller novel (espionage, standalone) which blends Jason Bourne or Burn Notice and the biblical book of Job.

The story: A spy is shut out by his own organization without explanation, sending him on the run from friend and foe alike while trying stop a terrorist’s deadly plan.

What I loved about the book: The high-octane, keep-the-pages-turning suspense, and though God is never mentioned in the story, the parallel to Job provides rich spiritual truth and challenging questions to mull long after you finish the story.

 Buy Now

My Favorite Reads of 2022

Okay, I admit that I’m a little behind this year. Usually these kinds of lists show up in late December or early January. Fortunately for me, a good book doesn’t cease to be good simply because I’m running late. Nor there’s really a bad time of year for a book recommendation, is there? If you aren’t looking for a book for over the holidays, then you might be seeking one for spring break. Or summer vacation. Or for back to school. In which case, I might not be late. I might be early or even right on time.

So whether late or early or on time, I now offer you some of my favorite reads that I read in 2022, listed in no particular order:

 

Title: Recorder and Aberration  

Series: Children of the Consortium #1 and #2

Author: Cathy McCrumb

Genre: Adult Science Fiction

Synopsis: A neurally-enhanced woman is sent to observe and record the investigation of an isolated science station gone dark.

What I Loved: The broad and complex character cast, the mix of hard and soft science fiction, and the multilayered plot.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/mccrumb-consortium.html 

Title: Wolf Soldier

Series: Lightraider Academy #1

Author: James Hannibal

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Synopsis: In this Prince Warriors meets Ranger’s Apprentice, a shepherd boy seeks to save his father from goblin poison and becomes an initiate in the dying Lightraider Order.

What I Loved: The interwoven spiritual allegory, cool world building, and fast-paced plotting.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/hannibal-lightraider.html

Title: The Debutante’s Code

Series: Thorndike & Swann #1

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Adult Historical Mystery

Synopsis: A debutante searches for clues concerning her missing parents while a Bow Street Runner suspects her of art theft.

What I Loved: Codes and secret passageways, ballrooms and beautiful dresses, great humor and an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing, the reappearance of favorite characters from past books.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/vetsch-thorndike-swann.html

Title: When Your Dragon Is Too Big for a Bath

Series: Standalone

Author: C. E. White

Genre: Picture Book, Magical Realism

Synopsis: A boy needs to wash his dragon who hates bathes.

What I Loved: The whimsy and the message about the sometimes unexpected ways God answers prayer.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/white-dragon-bath.html

Title: Between Stairs and Stardust

Series: Standalone

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Adult Historical Romance (Novella)

Synopsis: In this Cinderella retelling, a disgraced illustrator hides at the Biltmore and falls for a millionaire whom she mistakes for a gardener.

What I Loved: The whimsy, the humor, the fun take on the old fairytale, all the feels perfect for a sappy romantic.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/basham-stairs-stardust.html

Title: A Dragon By Any Other Name

Series: Standalone

Author: S.D. Grimm

Genre: YA Magical Realism/Dystopia

Synopsis: In this gender & creature swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast, a dragon hunter becomes life bonded to a dragon.

What I Loved: The completely unique reimagining of my favorite fairy tale, the incredible character arc of the heroine, and the fast-paced plotting.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/grimm-dragon-name.html

Title: The Lost Property Office

Series: Section 13 #1

Author: James Hannibal

Genre: Midgrade Supernatural Suspense

Synopsis: A thirteen-year-old American searches modern-day London for a magical object to exchange for his hostage father.

What I Loved: Intellectually intriguing plot (perfect for the geeky mind), the hero’s synethesia-like abilities, cool gadgets, the Sherlock Holmes head nods, and the hint of espionage.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/hannibal-section-13.html

 Title: When the Day Comes   

Series: Timeless #1

Author: Gabrielle Meyer

Genre: Adult Time Travel (with a Dual Time feel)

Synopsis: A time-traveller must decides whether she’ll remain in 1774 or 1914 before her twenty-first birthday

What I Loved: The surprise ending, the beautiful picture of God’s sovereignty, the beautifully drawn historical periods, the creative premise.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/meyer-timeless.html

Title: To Treasure an Heiress

Series: The Secrets of the Isles #2

Author: Roseanna M. White

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Synopsis: A lord with a passion for archeology and a treasure-seeking island lass search to find a buried treasure before harm comes to those they love

What I Loved: Sheridan (the hero). The laugh-aloud humor.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/white-secrets-of-isles.html

 Title: Man of Shadow and Mist

Series: Of Monsters and Men #2

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Synopsis: A rumored-vampire baron returns home to care for his dying mother, sparking gossip among the townsfolk and love with a progressive-thinking librarian.

What I Loved: The characters. Their journey. Their struggles. The echoes of Beauty and the Beast.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/griep-monster-men.html

 Title: The Bandit of Ashley Downs

Series: Trailblazers

Author: Dave and Neta Jackson

Genre: Midgrade Historical Fiction

Synopsis: A boy is sent to live at the same orphanage from which he stole money.

What I Loved: The wrestling of the protagonist; the faith of George Müller.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/jackson-trailblazers-3.html

Title: Hidden Current

Series: The Dancing Realms #1

Author: Sharon Hinck

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Synopsis: A dancer escapes a cult to seek the Maker of her world.

What I Loved: The beauty—the beauty of the prose, the beauty of the spiritual truth woven in, the beauty of the character’s growth, the beauty of God’s character. The way the story leads you to a place of worship.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/hinck-dancing-realms.html

Title: Drawn in Ash

Series: A Legacy of Ink #1

Author: John W. Otte

Genre: Adult Science Fantasy

Synopsis: An Esther in a Star-Wars world, a king makes queen a woman from a subjugated race suspected of possessing magical writing powers.

What I Loved: The slightly unpredictable characters, engaging plot, complex world-building, laugh-aloud moments.

More Information: https://www.chawnaschroeder.com/otte-legacy-of-ink.html