Every Voice Heard Novella Collection

Every Voice Heard

by N.Y. Dunlap, D.T. Powell, and Sarah Hanks

Publisher: Brave Author Books

ASIN: ‎B0FKHRWP3L

Thanks to the publisher for sending me the ebook ARC for this collection! I don't have a lot of experience or know many people personally who have experienced being hurt by the church (leaders/body) so this is an important collection for those who have experienced it.

Summary:

Praise Through the Pain by N. Y. Dunlap

She walked away from the church. He’s finding his way back. One year after tragedy, their paths cross, and God’s not finished with either of them. A poignant Christian romance about rediscovering faith, and the kind of love that gently leads you home.

My Review:

It took me a little while to learn why the main character had been hurt by the church, but after we dove into Alexis's story, it began to surface. I think I was surprised that what Alexis and her nephew experienced because it's hard to believe that we're in 2025 and this kind of hurt is still around! I think there are probably a lot of families who actually experience this and it breaks my heart. An element that I loved about this story was the praise dance aspect since we never read about it in fiction!

Summary:

Rapha by D.T. Powell

After leaving her home church several months ago due to malicious rumors, Rebecca is tired of searching for a new congregation. When she settles on a church to visit through the holiday months, she discovers that her newest supervisee at work is the pastor. And not everyone is eager to have him behind the pulpit.

My Review:

This was such an interesting story! First, it's a good reminder that pastors (especially of smaller congregations) often need to get a second job to supplement their pastoral income. Also, when someone is hurt in a previous/current church, it's no surprise that they want to lay low and stay away from any hint of conflict. So, when the new pastor of the church she visits is confronted by church members, it's the last thing she wants to deal with. The story will resonate with those who have dealt with church gossip.

Summary:

For the Love of Truth by Sarah Hanks 

Candi loves her role as personal assistant to megachurch pastor Richard Blake. But when she meets Justice, he exposes the flaws of her "perfect" church family and she discovers her pastor isn't who he seems to be. Freedom lies on the other side of truth, if only she'll allow Justice and the Lord to lead her there.

My Review:

This story really got my blood roiling, same as it did for Justice (yes, that's his name)! With his first visit to a new church, he sees Candi and is instantly attracted to her. Thankfully, his main goal is to find a church that teaches Truth and to worship the Lord. It's not long after he's there when he goes on a date with Candi and things go downhill from there. To say that the pastor is disgusting and manipulative is putting it mildly. But, the story definitely shows how someone how is charismatic and narcissistic can easily pull the wool over people's eyes! I think the author did a fantastic job of shining a light on such a hard topic.

10% of all proceeds go to beEmboldened, a non-profit that exists for the prevention of and healing from spiritual abuse.

About the Authors:

Sarah Hanks is a multi-award-winning author of split-time Christian fiction. Her background in teaching and children’s ministry prepared her for exercising her creativity as a writer, now her full-time job. She and her husband have ten children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives jammed together in beautiful chaos near St. Louis, Missouri. She buys earplugs in bulk. You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram @authorsarahhanks

N. Y. Dunlap is an emerging Christian romance novelist who loves to string together words in a creative, poignant way. God called, and she listened. You can expect to read romantic stories that abide by faith, hope, and love. Nicole graduated with a Masters in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, where the motto, "God first," encouraged her to work with inner-city youth and their families. Nicole lives in Sunny California with her husband and three children.

D. T. Powell grew up in a Christian home, loving books and reading. Her daily habits include: reading dozens of pages, picking which book to read next, and archiving and listening to sacred music. When she was nine, God sent a fictional character into her life who changed the way she looked at the world—and herself. From then on, she wanted to show everyone what God had done for her, so she pursued an art degree… and was summarily kicked out of the program due to general lack of artistic talent. Only after she graduated with a degree in business did she pick up the one utensil she had never thought to use, a pen. And she hasn’t put it down since. To fill her writing day, she works on original stories, extensive fanfiction endeavors, and learning more about the craft of writing. Her hobbies include hanging out with her husband and their three kitties, reading, playing pickleball, listening to music, and imagining scenes to use in future books. She loves Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” You can find her at dtpowellwrites dot com, on IG - dtill359, or FB - D. T. Powell, Author.

Love On The Run By Mandi Blake

Love on the Run

by Mandi Blake

Publisher: Independent

Series: Love in Blackwater

ISBN: 978-1953372581

I was so great receiving Love on the Run from Mandi in the midst of the craziness of my life last June. Unfortunately, the book ended up on her shelf and I forgot about it until recently when I was going through my books! I was glad I found it because it was such a fun read!

Summary:

When a runaway bride hitches a ride from her best friend’s grumpy brother, their lives will never be the same.

Anna Harris needs a getaway car after her wedding day ends in disaster. She may be a hopeless romantic, but she knows there's no Prince Charming coming to her rescue. There's only Beau, and right now, he's her only chance at freedom.

Beau Lawrence planned to sit through the ceremony and slip out before the reception. Helping the bride disappear wasn't on his to-do list. But now here he is, walking her to his motorcycle, trying to ignore the way her trust in him stirs something long buried.

Beau avoids relationships, and he is the last person Anna expected to give her hope as her life falls apart. And yet, what started as a desperate escape plan has quickly turned into the adventure of a lifetime—and maybe, just maybe, the answer to prayers she never knew to pray.

But when they return to the real world after a life-changing week completing her honeymoon bucket list, will their differences destroy their happily ever after?

If you loved the Blackwater Ranch series and the Wolf Creek Ranch series, get ready to fall in love all over again in Blackwater, Wyoming.

My Review:

I was so excited for Beau's story! He's been such a great character in the rest of the stories that I needed him to get his HEA! That's where Love on the Run comes in!

Anna is ready to walk down the aisle to icky Dean, when her plans are undone by the woman he's been having an affair with. Let me just say, meeting Dean in other stories, I'm not sad that Anna took off! Thankfully, she found Beau just showing up to the church - on his motorcycle no less! I was actually thrilled he was able to whisk her away from her overbearing mother and cheating fiancé!

I love that her friends rally around her and convince Beau that he needs to take Anna on her honeymoon trip anyhow so she can get her mind off of everything that's happened. He agrees, but has no idea what he's in for. What's wonderful about this time is that Beau and Anna are finally able to really get to know one another and make memories that would fill anyone's heart!

Sadly, the real world is waiting for them when they come back, but thankfully, Beau isn't going to play around. Anna can see the difference between how Dean treated her and how Beau does. It's easy to see how beaten down she'd become by both Dean and her mother. Beau is absolutely a night in shining armor. He helps her to see her value again!

There were some funny moments and I appreciated the faith that was woven through it. I loved how Anna stayed true to her beliefs even when her family belittled her for them. 

About the Author:

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.

Visit her website where you can sign up for her newsletter and get the free novella, South of Skye, and the free full-length book, A Thousand Words.

Mistletoe And Malice By Lori DeJong

Mistletoe and Malice

by Lori DeJong

Publisher: Scrivenings  Press LLC

ISBN: 978-1649175359

I'm always a bit hesitant to try a new-to-me author. I don't know why. I must have high expectations. Well, I had no reason to worry with Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong. She sent me her book for review and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you!

Summary:

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father’s demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper … and far more perilous.

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can’t outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again … before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.

My Review:

I have high expectations when it comes to suspense. I really want to be on the edge of my seat with a story. I can assure you that Mistletoe and Malice did the trick!

It starts out with so much promise for Cait and Riley, friends from two wealthy families, until Cait is murdered! When Riley determines to get the man out of prison who was convicted for Cait's murder, someone starts to come after her and leave threatening notes.

The last thing Riley wants is a bodyguard, but with all that's happened, she reluctantly agrees... but only for 2 weeks! I will tell you that it feels like a lot longer than two weeks as she and Colton get to know each other as he's protecting her. She realizes maybe a bodyguard like Colton isn't such a bad thing and Colton learns that Riley has substance and isn't just a flighty heiress.

I love that while Riley is from a wealthy family, they are rooted in faith and give back generously! Their kindness and thoughtfulness shines throughout the story. Riley is a fixer and a helper. If she sees a need, she finds a way to fix it if she can. Colton has struggled with this faith since his painful loss a few years earlier. 

Riley and Colton have some near misses with the threat to her life! She's got a great team of people protecting her, but the man they're after is a master of disguise. He keeps showing up places and they're completely unaware of it! The suspense gripped me from start to finish.

I also appreciated the faith thread that was woven throughout the story! Prayer was an important facet of the story! Riley clearly spent time in prayer, her family went to church, and their faith was evident throughout the story. 

By the end of the book, I was champing at the bit for book two! I can't wait.

About the Author:

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. 

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. 

Lori loves to write about love and romance and all that fun stuff, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori's debut novel, Love's True Calling, released in 2023, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, released in June 2024, was also a Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure, released in June 2025, won second place in the Angel Awards, and Lori's Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist and placed first in the Angel Awards."

Through Each Tomorrow By Gabrielle Meyer

Through Each Tomorrow

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 978-0764243028

This series has been an incredible journey! I can't even begin to put into words how much I have loved it. It will be a lifetime favorite, of that I have no doubt! Thankful to have been on the author's launch team for the book. The publisher sent me the paperback for review.

Summary:

Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny.

My Review:

I'm pretty positive it will be impossible to write a review that will convey all that I thought and loved about Through Each Tomorrow. Honestly, nearly anything I say could give away spoilers. My mind is still reeling from all of the twists and turns this story took.

The author's writing and creativity shine through on this story, just like she did with the previous five! There were a lot of emotions throughout the story. From the characters AND from me! Charles made me want to throw hands. He drove me absolutely nuts! Drew, on the other hand, gave me all of the heart eyes! Is it sad I would've preferred him to have been the MMC? lol Charles wormed his way into my good graces thankfully.

Cecily was a wonderful character with a sad history. My heart went out to her throughout the story! I could say the same about Drew's sister, Evelyn. She's prickly at first, ask Charles, but like him, she softens my heart after a bit. Both Cecily and Evelyn tugged at my heart strings!

I'm struggling here because I want to talk about this and that, and oh my goodness, can you believe this happened, but it's impossible. All of the side characters factor strongly into both time periods. I do have to say, I felt like I needed to start taking notes to keep everyone straight. And I don't mean that in a bad way. If you've read the rest of the series, you know how it is.

The faith aspect was wonderful. We make our plans, but God directs our steps, which the characters really had to come to grips with. The faith thread was a natural part of the story which made it flow as part of it.

I know this is a lot of vague information! Read the story and we can talk. You'll completely understand why I couldn't breathe a word of what was between the pages!

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer, Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle, Goodreads, and her Website at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Every Captive Freed Novella Collection

Every Captive Freed

by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, Angela Shelton

Publisher: Brave Author Books

ISBN: 979-8999132413

I'm one of those readers who appreciates authors who write stories about hard topics. That certainly applies to this novella collection! Every Captive Freed covers the topic of human trafficking. Yes, a hard, but realistic topic with a strong faith thread. Thanks to the publisher for sending me the ebook ARC for review.

Summary:

Sara's Story by B.D. Lawrence

Once a nameless girl surviving the brutality of strip clubs and street corners, Sara Hanley has been snatched from the darkness and given a second chance. Now eighteen, she’s using her hard-earned strength to reach and rescue others caught in the same trap. Sara’s Story is a raw and redemptive look at one young woman’s journey from exploited victim to fierce advocate.

My Review:

The reality of knowing life for kids in foster care can be awful, it's show just how bad in Sara's Story. Boys and girls are looking for love and unfortunately, it often comes at a price. It certainly did for Sara. From one bad situation to another, life unravels for her piece by piece until she's finally snatched from the streets thanks to Calvin Rockport and his "team." If a story will pierce your heart and make you want to get involved in the dangerous business of rescuing people from these types of situations, this one will do it! Being part of Sara's journey did my heart in! Knowing that there are people in this world who thrive on evil makes me want to beg for Jesus to come soon. And the Lord is in this story, even from the start. He's with her, but she has to claim Him as her own. Thankfully, through her physical rescue there is also spiritual rescue! There is hope!

Streams of the Heart by Shannon McNear

During the winter of 1804-05, a young Native woman stepped onto the stage of American history and helped shape the course of an equally young nation. Sacagawea proved an invaluable asset to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, not just as an interpreter but also with her knowledge of the land, a cool head in times of crisis, and as a sign of peace to the peoples of the West by her mere presence. Her strength and resilience are legendary. Though her name is well known, some are unaware that she was a survivor of slavery, twice over.

My Review:

I hadn't expected a story about Sacagawea (Streams of the Heart), someone we all think we know in one way or another. I knew the very basics, that she was a teen who helped Lewis and Clark. What I didn't know was that her people were killed and she, along with a few others, were taken captive. From there, she was given to a man who already had a Native American woman who was his wife. Just the thought of a grown man with a young girl makes my blood boil. Needless to say, reading this story gave me a new appreciation for all that Sacagawea did in the time she was with Lewis & Clark. Before this story, I never realized she had been a victim in human trafficking. All that she endured at such a young age made my heart so sad. Her sacrifice at the end of the story still has me baffled! I appreciate stories like this that give us new insight to historical people!

Unbroken by Angela Shelton

Seventeen-year-old Nova Stone thought she knew how her story would go—faith,
volleyball, and finding where she belongs. Then Damien Blackwell walked into her life,
charming and protective, making her feel seen. Special. Loved.
When Nova’s world shatters, her dream date evaporates, and she finds herself imprisoned in a nightmare, far from home and hope. As Nova fights to reclaim her life—and her voice—she must face a terrifying Can she risk everything to escape, even if it means leaving someone behind?

My Review:

The last story, Unbroken, shows just how easy it is for a young person to have the wool pulled over their eyes with smooth talk.  Young people (and frankly even older people) can be easy prey for someone with ulterior motives, especially when someone is desperate to be seen and loved. Somehow evil people are able to sniff that out, and is exactly what happened to Nova. Just your average teen falling for a handsome "older" guy. Those older people isolate their victims and pounce! It was just so awful to travel that path with Nova. And where there are more victims along the way, I get so riled up. Just waiting for these evil people to get what's coming to them. Here on earth and when they meet the Creator! I loved how God worked in the midst of the evil in an unexpected way and how He gave her the opportunity to hear the Truth being preached in a way that you wouldn't expect in Nova's situation.

10% of all proceeds go to the anti-human trafficking arm of the Tim Tebow foundation.

About the Authors:

B.D. Lawrence has always loved reading fiction. Ironically, though, his worst subject in high school was English. One night, sitting in a master's level computer programming class, daydreaming about vigilantes, he decided to give writing a try. Out of that came his first novel, which went nowhere. That was many years ago. 

During his writing journey he’s dabbled in several genres, including mystery, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. He currently is focusing on crime stories of justice, vengeance, and redemption. He hopes his Lefty Bruder private detective series will not only entertain lovers of P.I. fiction but will also help fight the scourge of human trafficking, as B.D. Lawrence is going to donate half of all his profits from that series to organizations helping to fight human trafficking.

Learn more about B.D. Lawrence and his work at https://www.bdlawrence.com

Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. A Midwestern farm girl who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, for more than two decades before being transplanted to North Dakota, she's a military wife, mother of 8, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

Angela Shelton: Rancher by Day, Bestselling Dreamer by Night 🌾📚

She’s the faith-filled force behind heart-pounding romantic suspense and thought-provoking dystopian tales. With one foot planted firmly in Georgia cattle country and the other chasing publishing dreams, Angela blends hope, grit, and grace into every story she tells. Whether she's decoding healthcare billing like a pro or plotting her next YA twist under starlight with Carly (her loyal black lab) curled at her feet, Angela’s always crafting something meaningful — something that connects.

Champion of clean reads. Master of subtle faith threads. And on a ten-year mission to land among the bestsellers.