Callahan, Patti. Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Thomas Nelson. Oct. 2018. 432p. ISBN 9780785224501. pap. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9780785218081. CF
Joy Davidman is an unhappily married woman in the early 1950s. Her rocky marriage leads her to rely on her faith to get through the days. She begins a correspondence with author C.S. “Jack” Lewis, which they both find uplifting and captures more than their minds. Through all the poverty, death, and hard times, the love between Jack and Joy grows until there is no room for anyone else in their world but each other. Callahan (Where the River Runs) crafts a masterpiece that details the friendship and ultimate romance between the real Davidman (1915–60) and Lewis (1898–1963). Readers may be familiar with Lewis’s “Narnia” books, but this historical novel of a love based on friendship and faith will not disappoint. The story cocoons readers in the world of the 1950s where women had almost no voice, but Davidman found hers, and romance besides.
VERDICT Fans of Karen White and Mary Alice Monroe will enjoy this book. Callahan’s writing is riveting and her characters spring to life to create a magical and literary experience that won’t be soon forgotten.—­Christine Sharbrough, Industry, TX

Irvin, Kelly. Tell Her No Lies. Thomas Nelson. Nov. 2018. 352p. ISBN 9780785223115. pap. $15.99; ebk. ISBN 9780785223122. CF
When her adopted father, Geoffrey, is found murdered at their home, Nina Fischer is immediately considered the prime suspect. With her mother’s incarceration for dealing drugs running through her head, Nina wonders if she is about to follow the same path. Boyfriend Rick Zavala is an attorney with high aspirations of running for political office. He offers support but Nina begins to worry that his help might be in his own interest, not hers. Aaron McClure is a reporter looking for his big break. Would he use Nina to advance his own career? As she tries to find out who murdered Geoffrey, Nina discovers some of his papers revealing long-hidden secrets that forever change her views of her past.
VERDICT Irvin (“Amish of Bee County” series) creates a complex web with enough twists and turns to keep even the most savvy romantic suspense readers guessing until the end. Known for her Amish novels, this two-time Christy Award finalist shows that her talents span subgenres from tranquil Amish stories to rapidly paced breathless suspense.—Christine Sharbrough, Industry, TX

Johnson, Liz. A Sparkle of Silver. Revell. Oct. 2018. 368p. ISBN 9780800729622. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781493415168. CF
Working as a tour guide as a 1920s guest at the famous Dawkins mansion leads Millie Sullivan on an adventure she never expected. Her great-grandmother, an actual guest at the mansion back in its heyday, tells of a secret diary and related treasure. It’s a story too good not to follow up on for Millie. Ben Thornton is a security guard at the mansion and does not look kindly on Millie’s snooping around. However, when he hears her great-grandmother’s tale, he cannot help but be captured by it, and by Millie herself. As the two try to outrun other treasure hunters, they find both the treasure and their hearts in danger of being lost.
VERDICT Johnson (“Prince Edward Island Dreams” series) pens an evocative tale of family intrigue and dashing romance sure to delight fans of Melody Carlson and Susan Anne Mason. The romance between Millie and Ben is on a constant simmer, creating a breathtaking dynamic that will satisfy romantic suspense fans. Johnson’s followers will be lining up for this new series.—Christine Sharbrough, Industry, TX