In the Shadow of the River by Ann H.Gabhart

 Ms Gabhart has done it again.  In my opinion this is her best work yet.  Rich description of life on the river with details of a showboat career are just the setting.  But the real meat of the story is about chosen family.  While Jacci may have a lot of questions about her birth relatives she does not lack for the love of those who call her theirs.  As Jacci discovers a true sense of belonging there are other mysteries and dangers to unravel.  Step into 1881 on the Kingston FLoating Palace and experience Jacci's dilemmas and triumphs.

I received this book by the publishers but was not required to write a postive review.

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

 Ms McGee's book is fun to read without being trite or frivilous.  While the characters are delightful and endearing they also deal with some hard faith walk challenges.  Also if you've ever wondered how to know if you were following God's will and why sometimes things seem to get worse after deciding to follow God this book creates a meaningful exploration of those questions.  There's plenty of suspense in this book, which lasts to the end pages as one mystery after another confront Lillian as she tries to navigate honoring her mother and discovering God's path for her own life.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.