Book Review of 'A Slight Change of Plans' by Denise M. Colby

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a novel by an author and series that I recently discovered, and I’m so grateful I did! No one likes it when their life’s plans are drastically altered, but sometimes the biggest derailments can end up being the greatest blessings.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on Christian Historical Fiction, and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing three-winner giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Slight Change of Plans by Denise M. Colby, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Slight Change of Plans
Series: Best-Laid Plans #2
Author: Denise M. Colby
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

She believes she doesn’t matter.

Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes, and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home uncertain of her next step.

His scars have made him an unlovable outcast.

Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance, and even more so at his eagerness to assist her.

As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk.

Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

My Review

“Why aren’t more people sharing each other’s loads?” Lately, this is a question I’ve been pondering, and it’s a subject beautifully explored in A Slight Change of Plans.

I genuinely enjoy clean historical fictions set in the mid-1800s. They evoke a sense of tranquility and simplicity, yet they also show the imperfections of life and the enduring nature of problems and conflicts that transcend time.

I identified with Ren and his experiences in his past so much. I’ve had a skin deformity my entire life, and I was teased and ridiculed about it when I was a child, not only from my peers but even by their parents. The weight of being shunned and feeling like a pariah is an insurmountable burden, especially when it comes to trust. This is exactly what we see happening with Ren. How can someone care and see beyond the scars when no one else does? Fortunately, Ren found solace and acceptance in Jenny. That moment of complete understanding was so heartwarming. There is nothing better than seeing a happily ever after when it’s between two people that are so deserving.

Though there is conflict and a side story that ties into the first novel of this series, I did feel like it could’ve used a bit more pizzazz, but overall it’s a calming, sweet read with flawed characters that are easy to get behind and a great message, reminding you that A Slight Change of Plans could turn out to be exactly what you need.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

Passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels—Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800s.

An avid journal writer, Denise usually can be found with a pen and notepad whenever she’s reading God’s word. Each year, Denise chooses a word to focus on. She shares her learnings about that word throughout the year on the two blogs she writes for.

A wife for thirty years and mother to three boys and a daughter-in-love, Denise loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80s and musical songs, dance, and spend date nights with her husband.

Writing Historical Christian Romance novels combines her love of learning about history and reading.

Visit Denise’s website to sign up for her newsletter or connect with her on her social media.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card, fun swag (Bert the rooster keychain, stickers, bookmark), and a signed copy of book 1, When Plans Go Awry (now an ACFW Carol Award finalist)!

(1) winner will receive a Bert the Rooster pack including a Rooster Squishmellow, keychain, and stickers!

(1) winner will receive a bundle of book-related swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 9, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 16, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!