If you read my books, you know I write romantic suspense with strong thriller elements. But sometimes I need a break from all the murderous plots, and when that happens, I look for something a touch lighter.
How do you feel about Christian fiction with a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and light mystery? Personally, I love that kind of book and when I’m looking for one, I read Pepper Basham. If you haven’t read her books, you’re missing out. Her characters feel so genuine and authentic, you might even find yourself praying for them.
I was privileged to receive an early copy of Some Like it Scot from the publisher through NetGalley, and was enthralled with the grumpy hero and accident-prone heroine. These two main characters, Graeme and Katie, were a perfect fit, and when you add in Graeme’s lovable family, including a precocious young boy, you have a fabulous story full of wit and wonder. I’m really hoping Graeme’s brothers are going to get stories of their own. Oh! The knitting circle at his mother’s bookstore is fabulous, too. These characters jump off the page—they’re so lifelike.
I’ll be honest, I was initially a little put-off by the Edwardian era adventure Katie attends at Craighill House. With the book being set in my ancestral Scotland, I would’ve preferred something with a Scottish theme, but somehow Pepper Basham pulled it off. Hilarious comical moments abounded thanks to Katie’s klutsy but lovable nature and a parrot named Merlin.
So far, I’ve read The Mistletoe Countess, The Cairo Curse, The Juliet Code in her Freddie and Grace Mysteries series. Authentically Izzy, Positively Penelope, and Loyally Luke in her Skymar series. I also read Just the Way You Are and Jane by the Book. As long as Pepper Basham keeps writing books, I’ll keep reading them. I’ll paste in some of my other reviews below.
Authentically Izzy offers a refreshing narrative twist, blending epistolary style with deep point-of-view. It is told in emails and texts up until the 60% mark before deviating from it.
Brimming with humor, family dynamics, romantic tension, and a touch of divine love, this novel stands out as a delightful read. Highly recommended for those seeking a blend of heartfelt and humorous storytelling.
I adored Authentically Izzy, but Positively Penelope outdid it. This book kept me engaged from the first page to the last. Loved the musical theater references! It was positively perfect in every way.
I’ve never been a fan of epistolary novels, but this series is incredible.
The texts between the siblings (and cousin) are adorable and feel so real. I cannot wait for Luke’s story.
Highly recommend! All the stars!
Loyally Luke was another winner for me. Despite knowing a happily-ever-after was coming, I couldn’t help but cry. Pepper Basham’s ability to create deeply emotional connections with her characters is amazing.
Pepper’s vivid storytelling transported me to Skymar, making me fall in love with the setting and the characters.
Luke’s kindness, forgiveness, and heart for the Lord make him truly exceptional which made him the best book boyfriend ever. Well, at least until I read Some Like it Scot and fell for Graeme… you cannea beat a man in a kilt when it comes to attractiveness. Ya ken?
The Mistletoe Countess was every bit the delightful read I was hoping for. This novel offers a unique blend of romance (after marriage) and mystery that kept me engaged throughout.
The protagonist of the story stands out with her sharp wit and love for reading, especially her knack for unraveling mysteries. Basham skillfully balances the budding romance with intrigue, creating a plot that’s both engaging and entertaining. The writing style is smooth and captivating, making the reader feel at home in the world Basham has crafted. While there were no huge twists or surprises in the plot, I loved watching the hero and heroine figure things out for themselves.
This book would be an excellent choice for a cozy reading session any time of the year.
First, let me say that while The Cairo Curse is a standalone novel, you should definitely read The Mistletoe Countess before diving into this one.
This one had a slower start than the first book in the series and it was midway before the action really started rolling along.
When I first started reading it, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the story. There were moments when it seemed to almost imply that all religions held value, and that, quite possibly, they could all be true. Though it never outright stated that thought, it was implied.
However, as I got further into the story and the one true God and His grace were brought to light, I truly enjoyed the story and all the characters involved.
Unfortunately, I did have most of the plot (and twists) figured out, but I realize that is one of the drawbacks of being a suspense writer myself. Nonetheless, the story was excellent and well worth the read. I recommend it.
The Juliet Code has cozy mystery vibes similar to the previous book in this series. In this one, the focus is on the disappearance of a series of paintings known as the Juliets and the mysterious deaths surrounding them.
Grace has a fun personality, and Frederick is a patient, loving man with swoon-worthy qualities.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“The way your eyes light up when you talk about people being dispatched is rather frightening.”
“…wise men recognize the treasures they already possess and do not go in search of more.”
“It may be less about the power of your faith and more about the consequences of someone else’s sin paired with your humanity.”
So, if you’re looking for a great kissing book with all the feels that keeps it clean and honors God, pick up something by Pepper Basham and find out what you’ve been missing.
However, if you’re craving something a bit more intense, sprinkled with heart-pounding suspense and a touch of faith, I invite you to check out another article on my blog, Faith in Writing: Discover the Best in Christian Romantic Suspense: Heart-pounding Tales with a Touch of Faith. You might just find your next favorite read there. Happy reading, and as always, thanks for sharing this journey with me!
