These Empty Places By Sarah Loudin Thomas-Historical Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most.

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression.

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

Sarah Loudin Thomas paints a rich Southern historical story of friendship, second-chance romance, and new beginnings set in small-town North Carolina on the eve of the Great Depression. This read is perfect for book clubs and fans of Patti Callahan and Lisa Wingate.

Book Details

• Publisher: ‎ Bethany House Publishers
• Publication date: ‎ May 5, 2026
• Genre: Southern Historical Fiction
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764245937

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas is such a beautiful story set in an equally beautiful setting. What truly anchors this book is the wonderful, unexpected friendship between Claire, in her 40s, and Lena, in her 20s. Despite their age gap, they find an essential place for each other in their lives. Widowed Claire's daughter is the same age as Lena and has left home, allowing Claire to become a much-needed mother figure for Lena, who grew up with a cold mother and never had a good relationship with her.

Both women face complex romantic hurdles. Claire is being pursued by a man ten years her junior while dealing with her unhappy daughter. Is she ready to finally have true love in her life? Meanwhile, Lena is struggling to adjust to living at a lower income level after quickly marrying Preston below her station. They first had plenty of money, then Preston lost it all. Their marriage starts to fracture as Lena questions whether she can trust him; he has a severe drinking problem and is always scheming to get rich.At times, I really disliked how Preston treated her. While I understand that the historical time period explains why he didn’t want her working outside the home, they desperately needed the money, and Lena had never been allowed to pursue anything for herself. It leaves you wondering: will she give him a second chance?

Woven beautifully through it all is the mystery of the “Toxaway Treasure.” It adds an intriguing layer to the plot without ever taking away from the deep, emotional journeys of these two incredible characters.

If you love a story that perfectly blends deep female friendship, sweet romance, and an intriguing historical mystery, this is an absolute must-read.

****Meet Author Sarah Loudin Thomas****

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her character-driven historical fiction is set in Appalachia, celebrating the region's people, land, and heritage.

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award, and the Christian Book of the Year Award.

Sarah’s career includes six years in the PR Department at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and she served as the inaugural director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She currently divides her time between ministry work serving foster and adoptive families and writing. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.

~*~*~*~*Purchase These Empty Places ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/07mJjCZy

Kindle-https://a.co/d/020afpbB

Don't Upstage the Body: A Mystery By Naomi Stephens-Mystery Suspense Review

 Book Synopsis

A Witty British Historical Whodunnit and Manor House Murder Mystery Set in the 1950s

Rules for professional mourners:

· Plan your aliases well--no improvising.

· Wear proper mourning attire.

· Maintain discretion at all costs.

· Don't upstage the body.

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family's services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she's tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker's body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation. 
 
Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be. 
 
Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls. 
 
With her Agatha Christie-inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem. 

Book Details

• Publisher: ‎ Bethany House Publishers
• Publication Date: ‎ June 23, 2026
• Genre:  Murder Mystery/Suspense
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764242482

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. ****

• 
  

My Review

From the moment you look at the cover of Don't Upstage the Body by Naomi Stephens and learn that "Professional Mourners" are at the heart of the story, you are drawn in from the very beginning. This cozy mystery takes place in 1957 England at Montfort Manor Estate, where the funeral of Lord Basil Montfort is underway. Little did the professional mourners know that what should have been a quick job would turn into a long, drawn-out stay. Another dead body shows up at the estate—and it is not the one that was just eulogized.

This novel is full of mystery, suspense, and suspicious characters around every corner, offering a whodunnit that will keep you guessing throughout. The many red herrings dropped along the way made me work hard to piece the clues together and guess the killer's identity.

A cast of colorful characters keeps you thoroughly entertained. These include the serious Hippolyta Halfpenny, who stumbles upon the body; the new Earl, Crispin Montfort, who takes a liking to Hippolyta and forms a connection with her; and the saucy American southerner, Aunt Tula. Witty banter is prominent throughout the story, keeping the humor high. While the grand reveal at the end is surprising, there are plenty of other fun secrets uncovered alongside the culprit. This book will keep you engaged from the very first page to the last.

 

****Meet Author Naomi Stephens****

Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, was an Inspy Award shortlister and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight. Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in New York with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Don't Upstage the Body ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/05l6Eufz

Kindle-https://a.co/d/049uf3f4

Nando: Best Friends Dog Tales #4 by McCall Hoyle-Middle Grade Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and Homeward Bound—a moving adventure full of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans.

Nando may have started life as the runt of the litter, but he’s grown into a loyal, hardworking border collie that takes his job—and his family—seriously. He believes that the only way to keep his place on the farm and in the heart of his human, Esperanza, is to maintain perfection in all his responsibilities—and nothing less.

But when a tropical storm turns the creek by the farm into a raging river and scatters Cloe, Nando's favorite young human; Stella, a friendly beagle; Oscar, the farm's annoying cat; and Nando himself, Nando learns the hard truth: He can’t control everything.

Stranded far from home, Nando is rescued by Levi, a boy with a brave heart and a gift for seeing good in others, who was also displaced by the storm. Nando and Levi are both trying to get back home, but when Levi leashes Nando, he leaves the independent herding dog with little choice but to stick with him. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love, teaching Nando that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved and accepted.

Book Details

• Publisher: ‎ Shadow Mountain
• Publication date: ‎ August 4, 2026
• Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
• Series: Best Friends Dog Tales #4
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 176 pages

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Having read all of the previous books in the "Best Friends Dog Tales" series, I knew what awaited me. My favorite thing about this series is that the stories are told from the dog's point of view. I love animals, so this series has a special place in my heart, and I had incredibly high expectations for this new book. Let me tell you, all expectations were met and exceeded! Nando is a dog I already knew from the previous books, and it was delightful to "hear" his story. He is Esperanza's serious and focused sheepdog. I loved getting to see another side of Nando alongside his familiar, responsible nature.

When a tropical storm hits, all of the people and animals on the nearby farms are affected. There were so many heart-stopping moments that had me close to tears. In fact, I was in tears near the end, unsure of the outcome for some of our beloved furry friends.

As a teacher, I absolutely loved the discussion questions at the end of the book. The author guides readers through:

• Identifying themes and deciding what the most important lesson is.
• Understanding what an epigraph is and how it is used.
• Making connections to the characters and analyzing how they change throughout the book.
• Discussing the various settings featured in the story.
• Predicting answers to any remaining unanswered questions.
• Imagining you are the author and outlining a sequel to Nando's story.
• Making connections between Nando and other familiar books or movies.

As I read each educational point, I was already formulating how I would use them with my own class once I read Nando aloud to them. Parents can also use these questions to spark great conversations with their children. Though each book in this series can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest reading them in publication order for the full emotional impact. (Book 1 "Stella" will always be incredibly special to me.) Nando is a book full of hope, change, and growth. It's another well-deserved 5 stars for a McCall Hoyle book!

****Meet Author McCall Hoyle****

{In Her Own Words}

In a nutshell: 

I’m a sixth-grade teacher, mom, and author who loves reading and dogs!

My hopeful, heart-warming middle grade books, Stella, Just Gus, Millie, and Forever Ripley are part of Shadow Mountain Publishing’s empathy-building line of books. They’re available everywhere books are sold. 

You can find my young adult novels. The Thing with Feathers and Meet the Sky, anywhere books are sold. 

A Little More Detailed: 

When I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably spending time with my family and our dogs, Apple and Edith. I would love to be a professional dog trainer when I grow up. 

I come from a long line of strong women. I’m named for my grandmother, “Pinkie,” who was the first female editor of an Associated Press newspaper. Her sister, my great-aunt, was a physics professor at Auburn University. They were women ahead of their times, which I think is pretty cool. My husband, daughter, son-in-law, and I are all middle and high school teachers. Education literally runs in the family. I secretly, although not-so-secretly since I’m sharing it here, hope my sixteen-year-old son will be a teacher someday too. School and library visits bring me great joy as does meeting readers in person! So I invite you to reach out to me on the Contact Me page, here on mccallhoyle.com. Maybe our paths will cross in person someday. 

~*~*~*~*Purchase Nando ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hard Copy-https://a.co/d/02rbd3oS

Kindle-https://a.co/d/0cSBeypp

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde- Historical Romance Book Review & A Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz 

for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde,

 hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Light of Stars 

Author: Jenelle Hovde 

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers 

Release Date: July 14, 2026 

Genre: Historical Romance

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets. 

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way. 

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit. 

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother. 

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure. 

My Review

Don't you love gorgeous covers that get you in the mood to read a story? I wasn't sure what to expect, but The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde honestly blew me away. Readers usually expect Regency romances to just be about fancy balls, tea parties, and finding a rich husband in London. But this book went so much deeper than that, and I loved every minute of it.

The story starts with Kitty, who is totally obsessed with astronomy and stars. She gets forced by her grandfather into an arranged marriage with Sebastian, a man whose family was connected to the East India Company. Kitty is devastated because that company basically ruined her family, but she agrees to the marriage because it’s her only ticket to India, where she hopes to find her missing mom.

I absolutely adored Sebastian's character. He’s a reformed rake, which already makes things interesting, but he is just so patient and humble throughout the whole book. Even though they are thrown into this messy, forced situation, he is always willing to step up and do what he should, no matter how hard it gets. Watching him fall first and patiently wait for Kitty to trust him was easily my favorite part of the story.

Once they finally sail off, my main critique is that I really wish more of the story had actually taken place in India instead of spending so much time in England. But when they do get to Calcutta, the author does an amazing job talking about the real, messy side of history—like the corruption of the opium trade and colonialism.

It was also incredibly cool to see real historical figures show up in the story, like William Carey and William Wilberforce. They were real-life British figures from the 18th and 19th centuries who are famous for their major roles in Christian missions and the abolition of the slave trade. Including them made the whole world feel so authentic.

As for the plot, I was so shocked at the ending! The secrets that unraveled kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the last page. There is also a beautiful faith element about learning to trust God when everything feels totally out of your control. If you love historical fiction with a lot of heart, a great hero, and a sweet slow-burn romance, you definitely need to pick this one up!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale | Amazon | 

Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor's wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Connect with Jenelle by visiting jenellehovdeauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!