Phyllis R

Christian Women’s Fiction at Its Best!

Reviewed: 05-29-25

The past slowly catches up to present day in this poignant, dual time story of a southern family of three women caught up in the secrets, unvoiced dreams and bottled up feelings that are a part of the Old Depot Grocery.

Glory Ann is the grandma who has fought for her life in many ways so she wants everything to stay the way it is.

Rosemary is her daughter. I have to admit that I didn’t like her at first. But having read the whole story, I now understand why she is stubborn and closed off.

Sara, the granddaughter, is trying to keep from totally falling apart, seeking the next thing while attempting to stall the future.

These three women each display the resilience to fight for their place in the world. They learn a lot about God, each other and themselves along the way.

Stephanie Cozart provides an excellent narration of this southern story, giving voice to believable accents that befit these characters.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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An Epic Story-

Reviewed: 05-16-25

The King’s Mercy is a story of miniseries proportion. It has all of the necessary elements-sweeping setting, three dimensional characters, engaging storyline. And…with spiritual wisdom far above even most Christian fiction, this book is a tale of good against evil and their precarious meeting.

I also enjoyed this story in audiobook. Liz Pearce is a striking narrator. Her voice is as strong as this story, yet soothing to the listen. Her character portrayal is consistent and believable. She remains a favorite.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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I love Alex’s Story!

Reviewed: 04-18-25

Having survived his life so far alone (other than his time at the orphanage), Alex Archer is not sure what real love is and doesn’t really care. However, when Alex, a true fortune hunter, comes to Surrey to be introduced to the heiress of Edgington Park, he finds himself drawn to her friend, Laura Hayes, instead.

Another Mimi Matthews story that I just love. Another original storyline with a dashing hero who pursues the object of his affection. I didn’t think I would like Alex based upon the previous books…but, oh, I was so wrong.

Alex Wyndham continues to provide a stellar performance in audiobook format. His portrayal of a multitude of characters proves to capture the story and bring it to life. I also enjoy the consistency of having the same narrator throughout a series.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and the use of “d—-“ a couple of times within the dialogue.

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A Resilient Journey-

Reviewed: 04-18-25

What an engaging and emotional portrayal of five unique characters in war-torn France during the Great War. Amanda Dykes is such a master of multiple, first person POVs. I loved reading into each character’s distinct perspective, fears and doubts, courage and pain. A story to savor…a story to revisit.

The audiobook narration is as exceptional as the story itself. This is the first audiobook I have listened to with five narrators. It was brilliant! I strongly recommend this format and believe that it is perfect for all readers.

This book is suitable for mature teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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Everyone Has a Story to Tell-

Reviewed: 04-06-25

“Everyone has a story to tell, and no one should be silenced.”

Just as the WPA worked to capture the stories of those enslaved before the Civil War, this novel will serve to remind us of the injustices of the time. Again, Michelle Shocklee creatively captures historical events and weaves them into an amazing story. The timeline is seamless as it is set within the framework of storytelling. Brilliant. Frankie and Rena are characters that display the love of God and forgiveness.

Sarah Zimmerman always delivers a stellar performance in audiobook. Her portrayal of Frankie is exceptional.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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1 person found this helpful

What a Heart-Wrenching Story-

Reviewed: 03-26-25

“We die once when the last breath leaves our bodies. We die a second time when the last person speaks our name. The first death is beyond our control, but the second one we can strive to prevent.”

I finally read this book. An amazing journey in history, unveiling some of the many horrific secrets families kept, covering up sin for the sake of pride and the power to do the unthinkable. This story takes place in 1875 and 1987…a decade after the Civil War, when civil unrest and struggle still gripped the south and the late 80s when speaking the truth of our history, no matter how ugly it is, began to shed light in the darkness. A story of finding and defining family. Thank you, Lisa Wingate, for writing such an illuminating story.

This story in audiobook is brilliant. With seven narrators, the presentation rivals that of the finest audio productions. I especially love Robin Miles. Her portrayal of southern characters, like Hannie, is always exceptional.

This book is suitable for mature teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. Horrific events perpetrated upon women and violence to runaways is spoken of but not explicitly described.

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I Love This Story!

Reviewed: 03-26-25

Can I just say again that I loved this story. This is a love story to read again and again.

Cassandra Campbell delivers another striking performance in audiobook format.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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This Story Has the Best Ending!

Reviewed: 03-20-25

A hundred years apart, this dualtime story of betrayal, forgiveness and love is woven through the hearts of its endearing characters. Two determined heroines seek to understand the truth behind their father’s past decisions and gain the spiritual wisdom to navigate their futures. Amidst the romantic storyline (there are swoony heroes as well) are glimpses of life in the Lake District, including the vast Longdale Manor estate and a quaint sheep farm mixed with the culture and the customs of the day. I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Amy Scanlon. Her accent and diction added an authentic flair to the story.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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I Will Definitely Reread This One!

Reviewed: 03-13-25

Seventeenth century Virginia, tobacco farms, tobacco brides (who knew?), an evil Frenchman, and a Powhatan tribe. This book has it all. Add in the strength of character the MCs possess, the spiritual foundation they rely upon and the unveiling of their love story and you have a wonderfully written Laura Frantz book. This story will definitely be a reread for me.

Barbara McCulloh’s portrayal of this vast array of characters is so well done. She completely captures the story and brings it to life.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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Thank You for Another Amazing Story!

Reviewed: 03-09-25

Only Katie Powner can take a garbage worker, a wise Native American, and a regretful widow and create an unforgettable, award winning story that will stay in your heart for a long while. Oh. I can’t forget another primary character - a potbellied pig named Pearl. She is pretty much in charge of the whole group and they know it….but certainly wouldn’t admit it.

I firmly believe that God weaves people and circumstances in and out of our lives. So, the culmination of this band of misfits in Sleeping Grass at this particular time is endearing to me. Each are sitting in their present because of past decisions. Some they had control of, some were made for them and some are just part of life. Love, care and forgiveness can be hard teachers. They each include a relationship and relationships cost us something.

Christina Moore nailed this story in audiobook. The voices were unique and easy to follow. Well done.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.
Topics-foster care, spousal abuse, fighting, drinking (not graphic-each handled with spiritual wisdom).

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