Testament: 30 Days of Remembrance by Darlene Zschech Book Review

About the Book:

This immersive journey into worship and reflection pairs daily devotions from Darlene Zschech with her iconic songs, offering a powerful combination of Scripture, music, and personal insights to deepen your faith.
 
Song and Scripture come together in this beautiful interweaving of worship, faith, and spiritual growth. Testament is a unique devotional experience that provides:
 

• Thirty devotions that expand on themes in Darlene’s songs such as “Shout to the Lord,” “In Jesus’ Name,” and “Here I Am, Send Me”
• Biblical insights into why God calls us to worship individually and communally
• Daily spiritual nourishment and application through stories and reflections from Darlene
• QR codes that lead to a multi-sensory devotional time incorporating Darlene’s songs and additional content

 
With her years of experience and passion for worship, Darlene brings a rich perspective to every devotion in Testament as she connects the messages of her songs with the truths of Scripture.

My Review:

This is a great collection of devotions. Most of them revolve around songs Zschech had a part in writing, either by herself or with others. The devotions may include personal stories behind the songs or her feelings on recently recording a new version of the song. She has included other songs that are particularly meaningful to her, such as “There is a Redeemer” by Melody Green. Some of the devotions include questions for personal reflection.

Her devotions are full of insights. She tells readers that God does not give us to to-do list. He creates a to-be list. (70) She has a very good devotion on lament and grieving. My favorite was from day 7, on giving God glory alone. The song inspiring that devotion is “Soli Deo Gloria.” You can listen to Zschech's recording here. Each devotion has a QR code so you can listen to every song in this devotional collection.

I really like this collection of devotions. It is a testament to Zschech's desire to live in response to God's love and His unwavering faithfulness. I highly recommend it. The book releases later in February 2025 but you can preview the songs here. 

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author:

Internationally acclaimed songwriter and worship leader Darlene Zschech, author of several books including The Golden Thread and Revealing Jesus, has penned many iconic worship anthems, such as “Shout to the Lord.” With over 30 million albums sold, Darlene is a multiple Dove Award nominee whose songs are sung each week by more than 30 million people in churches globally. Darlene and her husband, Mark, pastor Hope Unlimited Church in New South Wales, Australia. She is also a devoted mother and grandmother.

David C Cook, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Battle of Lion Rock by D J Williams Book Review

About the Book:

Ladened with guilt over the innocent lives lost in the war, Jack Reynolds is more determined than ever to honor his sister’s promise. He must fulfill a quest to unite supernatural artifacts missing for centuries and hunted by the Cherub, followers of Elyon, and the Merikh, an evil group seeking world domination. With Eden’s Star as their guide, Jack and Emma journey from this world into other realms to uncover ancient secrets buried in a legendary battle. What they discover could alter the course of history.

Back at Beacon Hill, tensions are rising among the Cherub. Friendships and alliances are tested as great loss divides the followers of Elyon. While the thief of Dragon Soul seeks greater power, a dark force from centuries ago has awakened in a realm untouchable since the Mercy Covenant. Revenge rooted in the past collides with the present, forcing Jack to fight against his greatest fear as a legendary warrior’s unrelenting power threatens the destruction of everything and everyone he loves.

Battle of Lion Rock is the third novel in the Beacon Hill series, an epic young adult supernatural fantasy that launches you on an action-packed quest for ancient artifacts, secret realms, and true allies. This book is for readers who love fantasy, incredible world building, adventure, found family, loyal friendships, a taste of romance, and the ultimate gift: forgiveness.

My Review:

This is the third in a series but the action in this novel is very similar to that in the earlier ones. In that sense, the plot is repetitive so I think it could be read and appreciated without having read the first two. If each volume had had distinct adventures this would not be the case.

My interest in this series began to really wane with this book. There are just so many characters, so many realms, so many enemies, so many similar adventures. It was hard for this septuagenarian to keep them all straight. The plot in this novel seemed a bit unfocused to me. The action bounced around to many different realms and situations. Sometimes the characters struggle to get where they were going while at other times immediately jumped to the new location. New dangers arose each time. There is much explanation as a new truth is uncovered or a new character enters the action. I read adventure after adventure without seeming to get closer to the prize, so to speak. I did not feel the spiritual allegory was clear until near the end.

Lovers of fantasy will appreciate all the unusual attack animals and fight scenes with powerful weapons and good descriptions. This is a series for readers who are ready to invest a great deal of time in this series as it ends up at just under 1,500 pages.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: Hunt for Eden's Star and Secrets of the Highlands.

About the Author:

D. J. Williams was born and raised in Hong Kong, igniting an adventurous spirit as he ventured into the jungles of the Amazon, the bush of Africa, and the ancient cities of the Far East. His global travels submerged him in a myriad of cultures, providing a unique perspective that fuels his creativity. Providing a fresh voice in mystery and suspense, his novels have climbed the charts on Amazon Hot New Releases and his latest book, The Auctioneer, received a stellar review from Kirkus Reviews. Williams has also been an executive producer and director on over 500 episodes of broadcast television.

Tyndale House Publishers, 512 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh Book Review

About the Book:

Morwenna Mutton should be living the quiet life of a librarian and grandmother in Cornwall’s beautiful Seal Bay – if only dead bodies would stop turning up…

After the excitement of her last investigation, amateur sleuth Morwenna is looking forward to things getting back to normal. When local DJ Irina asks to meet however, desperate to share information she has discovered regarding nefarious goings-on, Morwenna can’t resist.

But Irina never arrives for their drink – instead her body is washed up on the beach, an apparent victim of an accidental drowning. At once keen wild bather Morwenna knows something is amiss as Irina was a strong swimmer who knew the local conditions well. What had Irina uncovered and who would want her dead?

When the local news dubs Irina’s murderer The Cream Tea Killer in honor of Cornwall’s famous delicacy, the clock starts ticking. Now the murderer knows Morwenna is on their trail, no one in her family is safe. She must get to the truth before the killer gets to her…

My Review:

I enjoyed this cozy mystery with an older woman amateur sleuth. It is the third in a series but the first I have read. While there are some references to previous adventures, I feel it reads well on its own. The setting of a coastal fishing village is done well. Characters are developed well. I like amateur sleuth Morwenna, one of the Sunday morning swim group, braving the cold ocean water. And she thinks chamomile tea smells like cat pee. Her granddaughter, Elowen, is something else. Six going on fifteen, she says what she thinks, often to the dismay of adults in the room. The plot is good. There is a twist at the end, just when I thought everything had been settled. What fun.

This is a good cozy mystery that will release January 4.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

I'm Judy Leigh. I've lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently I live in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, I completed an MA in Professional Writing. Since then, I have been writing novels and having the time of my life doing it.

When I'm not writing, I'm often on the beach or on the moors, walking, doing yoga or travelling in the camper van. I'm a Reiki healer, a vegan, an interpreter of dreams and an animal lover. I have two black cats and I enjoy sunshine, conversation, laughter, travelling, live music, theatre and football.

Boldwood Books, 310 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead by Elle Cosimano Book Review

About the Book:

Finlay Donovan is―once again―struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it...

My Review:

This second novel featuring Finlay has a totally different plot focus than the first. Rather than being hired to assassinate someone, she is trying to keep her ex-husband from being assassinated. She and her sidekick Vero have the same kinds of adventures, getting into dangerous situations trying to do good. Finlay juggles her relationships with two fellows, similar to another popular humorous series. There is some humor included.

The plot takes a while to get going but then there is consistent action. Finlay had previously grazed a confrontation with the mob and this time she gets in a little deeper. Now she not only has to figure out how to write her next novel and raise her kids, she also has to prevent the mob boss from running her life. We readers are left hanging at the end of this novel so we will she how Finlay fares in the next one.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Writers Award winner, and an Edgar Award nominee. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a People magazine pick and was named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021. The third book in the series, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, was an instant New York Times bestseller. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in HuffPost and Time. Cosimano lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia. Photo credit: Holly Virginia Photography

Minotaur Books, 384 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano Book Review

About the Book:

Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation.

My Review:

I liked this sort of mystery where Finlay, our heroine, becomes an accidental assassin and succeeds in her tasks without actually killing anyone. The character development is good as we get a real idea of a single mother on the brink of bankruptcy receiving an unexpected way to get out of debt. That's the foundation but it is the framework that is so entertaining. There are many unexpected events that move the plot forward. There are some impediments to Finlay that make us hold our breath. But somehow it all works out. The plot moves forward at a good pace, combining Finlay's role as an author, single mom, amateur potential assassin, and perhaps a participant in a romance or two.

I am a fan of humorous novels such as those by Evanovich. Cosimano's novel is not quite at that level but as her debut novel for adults, it shows great promise. I admire how Cosimano managed to twist situations so that each one works out in the end with credibility. This novel ends with a serious hook for a sequel. I'll be reading it.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Writers Award winner, and an Edgar Award nominee. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a People magazine pick and was named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021. The third book in the series, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, was an instant New York Times bestseller. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in HuffPost and Time. Cosimano lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia. Photo credit: Holly Virginia Photography

Minotaur Books, 384 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble with Rick Acker Book Review

About the Book:

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted, and, as the company's legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason's email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has "talked" to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn't really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it's slowing her grief recovery, but she can't stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don't know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the Northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed.

My Review:

Besides a good romantic suspense, this novel explores some interesting technology issues. Katrina “talks” to her husband, and he answers, through a sophisticated AI program. While the program has accumulated everything about him, it begs the question as to just how much can be known about a person from media posts, texts, etc. A related issue is the current tendency to text rather than call or even speak face to face. There was lots of other technological concepts included in the book, like Bitcoins and keys, clarified by A Note From The Authors.

The plot is suspenseful and starts with a bang and a deadly automobile accident, and Katrina's husband is killed. The plot pace cools a bit as we are taken into the restaurant world, especially of Norwegian flavor. The pace picks up again when there is a good possibility the deadly card event was not an accident but murder. There is a surprising twist near the end I was not expecting.

There is a good faith message included, centering on forgiveness. Suspense, a subtle romance and lots of technological issues makes for an entertaining novel.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Authors:

Colleen Coble is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than seventy-five books and is best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels. Connect with her online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: @colleencoble; Facebook: @colleencoblebooks; X: @colleencoble.

Rick Acker writes during breaks from his "real job" as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice. He is the author of eight acclaimed suspense novels, including the #1 Kindle bestseller, When the Devil Whistles. He is also a contributing author on two legal treatises published by the American Bar Association. You can visit him online at rickacker.com; Instagram: @rick_acker; X: @authorrickacker

Thomas Nelson, 352 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Blue Collar Christianity by Richard Exley Book Review

About the Book:

What is Blue Collar Christianity? It doesn’t have any fancy words, no doctrine, or dogma—just love with it’s sleeves rolled up, caring enough to get involved. It has ears to hear humanity’s desperate but unspoken cries, and a heart to respond in love. It knows what hurts people and has hands to help others—to see their misery and want. Richard Exley shares how his own parents demonstrated this kind of Christianity and how he followed their example in ministry. He explains that Christianity is not a sermon or song—but kindness. Sometimes, it’s shown in a moment of tragedy or crisis and, at other times, it’s a celebration. It’s just doing what we can to let our light shine. It’s called church, but he calls it “blue-collar Christianity.”

My Review:

Jesus was a blue collar man and Exley encourages us to follow His example. He encourages Christians to love with sleeves rolled up by caring for hurting and unlovable people. He has insights from his own and others' experiences. He shares some of his own journal entries in the form of verse.

This book contains much wisdom from Exley's years of being a pastor. He has wonderful section on supporting those ill, both the patent and the family. He gives a number of practical suggestions compiled from other authors. He helps us understand the stages one goes through when hearing a diagnosis of terminal illness and how to support them, being a safe person, a present person.

His section on love can be summarized by a quote. “Most of the people we'll be required to love won't be very lovable, but that shouldn't really surprise us because we weren't very lovable either until we let Him love us.” (201)

Exley gives good encouragement and practical ideas for Christians to roll up their sleeves and be examples of the love of Jesus to hurting people. 

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Richard Exley is the author of more than thirty-five books and has served as a pastor for decades. He enjoys quiet talks with old friends, kerosene lamps, good books, a warm fire when the weather turns cold, and a good cup of coffee any time. Whether it's through his novels or his books on marriage, men, or ministry, his spiritual insights always provide encouragement.

Word and Spirit Publishing, 208 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Way of the Shepherd by Danny Davis Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: The Way of The Shepherd. From Anxiety to Assurance: Embracing the Timeless Wisdom of Psalm 23

Author: Danny Davis

Genre: Christian Living

Release date: September 24, 2024

Through Psalm 23’s timeless wisdom, we uncover the path to unshakable peace in a chaotic world.

In the grip of anxiety, when hope seems distant, the Shepherd’s Psalm reveals a life-changing journey that leads us from fear into a serene landscape of trust and tranquility, where our lives are filled with peace that surpasses understanding.

Key benefits of reading The Way of The Shepherd:

• Explore the transformative power of Psalm 23 and how to apply its wisdom to your life
• Identify and overcome the roadblocks that have been hindering your peace
• Learn practical, Scripture-based strategies to surrender to the leading of the Good Shepherd
• Find refuge from fear, worry, and anxiety through inspiring real-life stories of those who have found peace

Don’t let fear and anxiety dictate your life. Unlock the power of Psalm 23 and reclaim your peace today.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Davis explores the peace of God, starting out with Psalm 23. He reminds us of the Holy Spirit's presence. He explores obstacles to peace, such as forgiveness, reconciliation, and comparison. He is very honest about his own issues, such as desiring to be in control. I like his insights into rest, that deep trust and reliance on the Shepherd made possible because of our reconciliation with God. Davis includes thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter for reflection and taking action.

This is a good book for Christians who desire to put themselves in place for living in God's supernatural peace. It can be read alone or used in a group study.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Dr. Danny Davis is an author and global Christian missionary who has devoted his life to empowering individuals and communities. Drawing from over thirty years of ministry experience, he equips leaders and plants churches in East Africa alongside his wife, Sherry. Through his powerful and insightful writing, Davis encourages and motivates readers to strengthen their faith and live purposeful lives.

More from Danny

From Chaos to Calm: A Shepherd’s Journey Through Modern Storms

It was a Tuesday morning when my world seemed to collapse. The incessant buzz of notifications, the weight of impending deadlines, and the echoes of global crises all merged into a deafening symphony of anxiety. As a pastor and global missionary, I was expected to be a pillar of peace for others. Yet, I found myself engulfed in a sea of overwhelm, struggling to breathe.

Sound familiar?

This scene plays out in countless lives daily in our hyper-connected, always-on world. We’re all searching for an anchor in the storm, a moment of respite from the relentless pace of modern life. It was in my moment of desperation that I rediscovered an ancient wellspring of peace: Psalm 23.

”The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…”

These words, penned by David, shepherd-turned-king, thousands of years ago began to work their way into the cracks of my fractured spirit. As I meditated on this psalm day after day, I realized it wasn’t just a poetic artifact—it was a roadmap for navigating the complexities of our 21st-century existence.

This personal transformation became the seed for ”The Way of The Shepherd.” In writing this book, I set out on a quest to unpack how this timeless wisdom speaks directly to our most pressing contemporary challenges:

1. Finding Peace in a World of Conflict:

Conflict seems unavoidable, from my experience of stress anxiety to the global tensions that flood our newsfeeds. But through the lens of the Good Shepherd, I discovered a peace that transcends circumstances—a calm place in the eye of the storm.

1. Discovering Purpose in an Age of Distraction:

How do we discern our true calling with a thousand voices vying for our attention? The shepherd’s guidance offers a clarity I never thought possible, helping me navigate the noise and stay true to my life’s purpose.

1. Achieving Wholeness in a Culture of Fragmentation:

Juggling roles as a pastor, writer, global missionary, and family member often left me feeling scattered. The shepherd’s path led me to a deep sense of wholeness, where every aspect of life finds its proper place.

1. Embracing Rest in a 24/7 World:

Proper rest can seem like an unattainable luxury in a society that never sleeps. Yet, as I learned to “lie down in green pastures,” I found a rejuvenation beyond mere physical relaxation.

1. Seeking Guidance in Uncertain Times:

When the future seems more unpredictable than ever, where do we turn? The shepherd’s staff became my compass, offering direction when the path ahead was unclear.

The Way of The Shepherd offers practical solutions to finding peace through personal stories, actionable advice, and deep scriptural contemplation.

As we journey through The Way of The Shepherd together, you’ll discover:

• How to cultivate a strong inner peace, regardless of external chaos
• Practical steps to align your life with God’s purpose, even when the world pulls you in a thousand directions
• Ways to foster genuine reconciliation in your relationships, healing the divisions that plague our society
• Techniques to find proper rest and recharge, even in your busiest seasons

Whether you’re feeling lost in life’s shadows or simply seeking richer pastures, this journey offers more than temporary relief—it provides a proven path to lasting peace and purpose.

Are you ready to exchange anxiety for assurance, chaos for calm, and confusion for clarity?

Let’s rediscover The Shepherd’s path to peace together. After all, who wouldn’t benefit from some peace in a world that often feels like a raging storm?

Welcome to the journey. The still waters await.

Danny Davis, Ed.D.

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, December 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 19 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, December 20

Guild Master, December 21 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 22

She Lives To Read, December 23

A Reader’s Brain , December 24 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, December 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 28

Fiction Book Lover, December 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Danny is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54122

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Mabel and the Unholy Night by Susan Kimmel Wright Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: Mabel and the Unholy Night (Mysteries of Medicine Spring Book Four)

Author: Susan Kimmel Wright

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release date: November 5, 2024

Faithful dog Barnacle has run off into a snowstorm, disrupting Mabel’s fun outing at the Christmas tree farm. Things don’t improve much when he reappears…with a human skull.

Since Mabel moved into her late grandma’s house, the sleepy village of Medicine Spring has provided clean air, a close-knit community, and charming small-town shops. To her surprise, it’s also offered up several murders—and romance with a handsome private investigator. Now, Barnacle’s discovery plunges Mabel into the mystery surrounding a decades-old unsolved murder and the disappearance of her friend Nita’s great uncle.

Before Mabel, boyfriend John, and her friends can find answers and bring justice for Nita and her family, more complications develop. Incredibly, a sixty-year-old Christmas card arrives, bearing Mabel’s name and address and containing a plea for help. Are the mysteries related?

While Mabel tries to get to the bottom of these strange events, a second suspicious death casts suspicion on Nita. Can Mabel find the real killer in time? Or will her Christmas season end on an unholy night?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is a fun Christmas cozy mystery. Mabel seems to stumble upon murder mysteries but this time it his her dog who finds an old human skull. Mabel and her friends are hot on solving the mystery. I like how the sleuthing ladies get themselves into dangerous situations. As Mabel says, “This was the worst mess she'd ever been in.” (4028/4357) Wright adds to Mabel's distress as she is asked to sing a Christmas solo at church. The novel has light moments as there is some humor from time to time.

The characters are fun, especially the older ladies, friends of Mabel's grandmother. Mabel herself is a good main amateur sleuth, working hard to figure out the old mystery even as a new one rears its head. The plot is fun and I was surprised at the villain. Wright cleverly brought in a surprising romantic twist provided by a 60 year old Christmas card and a current one.

This is a fun cozy mystery to read at Christmas time.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of two of the earlier books in this series: Mabel Goes to the Dogs and Mabel and the Little Green Men.

About the Author

Susan Kimmel Wright began her life of mystery in childhood, with reading. That led to writing kids’ mysteries and eventually to Medicine Spring with Mabel. A longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Susan’s also a prolific writer of personal experience stories, many for Chicken Soup for the Soul. She shares an 1875 farmhouse in southwestern PA with her husband, several dogs and cats, and an allegedly excessive stockpile of coffee and tea mugs.

More from Susan

Does Christmas make you nostalgic? In Mabel & the Unholy Night, fifty-year-old Mabel is observing her first Christmas in her late grandma’s house. As she sets out each fragile, vintage ornament, she feels that same familiar lump in her throat.

What we treasure may have to do with when we grew up. I love mid-century glass tree ornaments from Woolworth’s, ceramic elves stamped “Made in Japan,” and Gurley candles shaped like carolers, some still bearing 29¢ stickers on the base.

Ever since childhood, I’ve loved the tiny cardboard village under our tree. Houses and churches sparkled with glitter in their landscape of cotton-batting snow and bushes of dried moss. A sheet of glass atop light-blue construction paper made a perfect pond for tiny skaters. As someone once pointed out, accuracy of scale is of no concern in the cardboard village. Reindeer may loom over the houses like the mutant product of scientific experimentation gone wrong in a “B” horror movie.

Cardboard villages, properly called “putz houses,” originated with Moravian immigrants. Once handmade, houses were later imported from Germany and Japan. While nowadays we’re more likely to buy a ceramic village we can light up, I’ll take the primitive charm of a putz village any day.

Maybe best of all, we can build our own putz villages to suit ourselves. A new tradition for child and parent or grandparent might be building a new house each year, to add to the tiny community. While kits are available, you can also find plans online, such as this free resource: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/make-traditional-glitter-houses-2365171

Perhaps our yearning for the things of the past is rooted in a longing for a more carefree time, when beloved faces, now gone, were still around us as we enjoyed the season together. When our slower-paced celebration centered on Christ’s birth, and family closeness. Building a putz house or church with loved ones might let us recapture just a bit of that old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 21

A Reader’s Brain, December 22 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, December 25 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 26

Texas Book-aholic, December 27

Back Porch Reads, December 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 30 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 31

Lily’s Corner, January 1

Vicky Sluiter, January 2 (Author Interview)

 

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)