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Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries #3
Ten Minutes of Home
Book Three in the Heroes on the Home Front Mystery Series
Did someone say treasure? Life is great. Riley and Noah’s dad returns from Army deployment, and the reunited family is headed to his hometown in Nebraska for a Veteran’s Day parade. But the trip takes an unexpected turn when the kids meet an elderly woman named Miss Maisie who reveals that there’s a hidden treasure in the town. And when Grandma Suzie’s dog (and fellow detective), Ozzie, uncovers what the kids are convinced is a clue, they’re plunged into a real-life mystery and treasure hunt. The kids discover an abandoned railway depot that has connections to World War II, but soon they find themselves trapped and in danger. With the help of two new friends, Sam and Ava, they’re determined to unearth the valuables. Will they find the hidden treasure or a dead end of disappointment? The friends uncover the true treasures of kindness and generosity and learn the real-life lesson that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works.
Did someone say treasure? Life is great. Riley and Noah’s dad returns from Army deployment, and the reunited family is headed to his hometown in Nebraska for a Veteran’s Day parade. But the trip takes an unexpected turn when the kids meet an elderly woman named Miss Maisie who reveals that there’s a hidden treasure in the town. And when Grandma Suzie’s dog (and fellow detective), Ozzie, uncovers what the kids are convinced is a clue, they’re plunged into a real-life mystery and treasure hunt. The kids discover an abandoned railway depot that has connections to World War II, but soon they find themselves trapped and in danger. With the help of two new friends, Sam and Ava, they’re determined to unearth the valuables. Will they find the hidden treasure or a dead end of disappointment? The friends uncover the true treasures of kindness and generosity and learn the real-life lesson that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works.
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2026
About the author
Nell Carter Branum
10 books4 followersNELL BRANUM is a former editor and elementary school librarian who is the daughter of both a World War II paratrooper and a Rosie the Riveter and believes God still uses lessons from history. She was married for 43 amazing years to her minister husband, and now she writes from a small town near Birmingham, Alabama, where she keeps chickens in the backyard, likes to go on adventures with her grown kids and their families (including nine grandkids), and enjoys watching sunsets on her front porch while drinking blueberry-flavored coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 9, 2026
4 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Middle-Grade Mystery
About this book:
“Did someone say treasure?
Life is great. Riley and Noah’s dad returns from Army deployment, and the reunited family is headed to his hometown in Nebraska for a Veteran’s Day parade. But the trip takes an unexpected turn when the kids meet an elderly woman named Miss Maisie who reveals that there’s a hidden treasure in the town. And when Grandma Suzie’s dog (and fellow detective), Ozzie, uncovers what the kids are convinced is a clue, they’re plunged into a real-life mystery and treasure hunt. The kids discover an abandoned railway depot that has connections to World War II, but soon they find themselves trapped and in danger. With the help of two new friends, Sam and Ava, they’re determined to unearth the valuables. Will they find the hidden treasure or a dead end of disappointment? The friends uncover the true treasures of kindness and generosity and learn the real-life lesson that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
Series: Book #3 in the “Heroes on the Homefront Mysteries” series. Review of Book #1 Here and Book #2 Here!
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are quoted, discussed, & remembered; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, Jesus, & Him using us; ’H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of becoming a Christian; Mentions of churches, church going, & church events; A couple mentions of Bible reading; A mention of eternity with Jesus; A mention of revival services;
*Note: A couple mentions of an alien invasion; A mention of luck.
Negative Content- A bit of eye rolling & sibling teasing; Because of the treasure hunt, Riley and her brother trespass into a building with other kids & later Riley sneaks in again (despite her brother being concerned the second time, he joins her), *Spoilers* ; All about many mentions of World War II, battles, soldiers, & injuries; Mentions of deaths & grief (including during the war & a woman for her brother); A few mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths (of Riley’s father’s parents); A couple mentions of a man having a hard time after coming back from military service about what he experienced overseas & seeing a counselor about it later; A couple mentions of Riley being concerned about something bad happening to her father when stationed overseas;
*Note: Riley struggles with jealousy over her siblings getting one-on-one time with their dad and has a “dark cloud of unhappiness” come over her a few times (at one point, she has a grumpy thought about her sister; *Spoilers* ); Riley is concerned about her parents needing money after overhearing part of a conversation & tells her brother about it; A quote from Martin Luther King Jr.; Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a solider in World War II not being sure if his unit would be welcomed at a canteen because they were all black soldiers (they were treated the same as everyone else); A couple mentions of fictional characters (The Wizard of Oz).
Sexual Content- N/A.
-Riley Abercrombie, sixth grade
1st person P.O.V. of Riley
208 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
As someone who isn’t from a military family, I can only imagine the emotions from Riley and her family as their dad comes home from being stationed overseas. I was so happy for this fictional family and seeing them together!
With this change, though, Riley has some lessons to learn about sharing her dad with others and also about doing the right thing. Towards the end, Riley makes a not great decision and while it thankfully ends okay, it’s definitely a learning point for her and other young readers! I do think there should have been a bit more discussion about the consequences of her actions with her parents, but they were relieved that both Riley and her brother were all right.
I’m unsure if there will be more books in this series and while this would be a good ending for it, I can’t help but hope there will be another book because I’ve greatly enjoyed this series. The first book is by far my favorite of the three stories, but it was overall a great series.
As a note for parents, Riley and her brother (who is a grade younger) both have their own phones and runaround town without an adult at times.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“Did someone say treasure?
Life is great. Riley and Noah’s dad returns from Army deployment, and the reunited family is headed to his hometown in Nebraska for a Veteran’s Day parade. But the trip takes an unexpected turn when the kids meet an elderly woman named Miss Maisie who reveals that there’s a hidden treasure in the town. And when Grandma Suzie’s dog (and fellow detective), Ozzie, uncovers what the kids are convinced is a clue, they’re plunged into a real-life mystery and treasure hunt. The kids discover an abandoned railway depot that has connections to World War II, but soon they find themselves trapped and in danger. With the help of two new friends, Sam and Ava, they’re determined to unearth the valuables. Will they find the hidden treasure or a dead end of disappointment? The friends uncover the true treasures of kindness and generosity and learn the real-life lesson that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
Series: Book #3 in the “Heroes on the Homefront Mysteries” series. Review of Book #1 Here and Book #2 Here!
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are quoted, discussed, & remembered; Prayers & Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, Jesus, & Him using us; ’H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of becoming a Christian; Mentions of churches, church going, & church events; A couple mentions of Bible reading; A mention of eternity with Jesus; A mention of revival services;
*Note: A couple mentions of an alien invasion; A mention of luck.
Negative Content- A bit of eye rolling & sibling teasing; Because of the treasure hunt, Riley and her brother trespass into a building with other kids & later Riley sneaks in again (despite her brother being concerned the second time, he joins her), *Spoilers* ; All about many mentions of World War II, battles, soldiers, & injuries; Mentions of deaths & grief (including during the war & a woman for her brother); A few mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths (of Riley’s father’s parents); A couple mentions of a man having a hard time after coming back from military service about what he experienced overseas & seeing a counselor about it later; A couple mentions of Riley being concerned about something bad happening to her father when stationed overseas;
*Note: Riley struggles with jealousy over her siblings getting one-on-one time with their dad and has a “dark cloud of unhappiness” come over her a few times (at one point, she has a grumpy thought about her sister; *Spoilers* ); Riley is concerned about her parents needing money after overhearing part of a conversation & tells her brother about it; A quote from Martin Luther King Jr.; Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a solider in World War II not being sure if his unit would be welcomed at a canteen because they were all black soldiers (they were treated the same as everyone else); A couple mentions of fictional characters (The Wizard of Oz).
Sexual Content- N/A.
-Riley Abercrombie, sixth grade
1st person P.O.V. of Riley
208 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
As someone who isn’t from a military family, I can only imagine the emotions from Riley and her family as their dad comes home from being stationed overseas. I was so happy for this fictional family and seeing them together!
With this change, though, Riley has some lessons to learn about sharing her dad with others and also about doing the right thing. Towards the end, Riley makes a not great decision and while it thankfully ends okay, it’s definitely a learning point for her and other young readers! I do think there should have been a bit more discussion about the consequences of her actions with her parents, but they were relieved that both Riley and her brother were all right.
I’m unsure if there will be more books in this series and while this would be a good ending for it, I can’t help but hope there will be another book because I’ve greatly enjoyed this series. The first book is by far my favorite of the three stories, but it was overall a great series.
As a note for parents, Riley and her brother (who is a grade younger) both have their own phones and runaround town without an adult at times.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 21, 2026
The third installment of the Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries series follows Riley and Noah as they embark on an exciting adventure when their family visits their dad's hometown for a Veterans Day Parade. Thrilled to have their father home from deployment, the siblings soon stumble upon a thrilling treasure hunt that leads them through the town of Big Rock.
Along the way, they meet new friends and uncover an old railway depot with connections to WWII. Suddenly, they find themselves in the middle of a real-life mystery that might just lead them to some truly unexpected treasure.
This story is a delightful blend of adventure and history! The treasure hunt was so fun, and I love how it led Riley and Noah through the town’s WWII past—particularly the train depot and canteen that supplied soldiers with food, coffee, and encouragement. Plus, the back of the book offers fascinating facts about the true history behind the story, making it a fantastic way to inspire young readers’ interest in history!
The faith aspects are beautifully woven in—Riley learns lessons about doing the right thing, and discovers that she is God’s handiwork, created for a special purpose.
Ten Minutes of Home blends mystery, history, friendship, and faith into an engaging and heartwarming adventure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Along the way, they meet new friends and uncover an old railway depot with connections to WWII. Suddenly, they find themselves in the middle of a real-life mystery that might just lead them to some truly unexpected treasure.
This story is a delightful blend of adventure and history! The treasure hunt was so fun, and I love how it led Riley and Noah through the town’s WWII past—particularly the train depot and canteen that supplied soldiers with food, coffee, and encouragement. Plus, the back of the book offers fascinating facts about the true history behind the story, making it a fantastic way to inspire young readers’ interest in history!
The faith aspects are beautifully woven in—Riley learns lessons about doing the right thing, and discovers that she is God’s handiwork, created for a special purpose.
Ten Minutes of Home blends mystery, history, friendship, and faith into an engaging and heartwarming adventure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2026
Ten Minutes of Home continues Nell Branum’s engaging series with a wonderful blend of historical facts, faith-filled themes, and fun mystery. In this installment, young readers follow the characters as they uncover clues, wrestle with questions of truth and courage, and learn how God’s Word guides every situation. Biblical principles like trusting the Lord, seeking wisdom, and standing firm in what’s right are woven naturally into the story, making it both entertaining and spiritually encouraging.
I love how this series brings history to life while pointing kids back to Scripture, and the mystery elements keep pages turning. My favorite part is always the “Fact or Fiction” section in the back — it sparks great conversations in our home. My 9-year-old daughter is very inquisitive, and she often comes to share the different things she’s learned, which makes this series even more special for us. A great choice for families looking for faith-centered historical fiction that inspires curiosity and meaningful discussion.
I love how this series brings history to life while pointing kids back to Scripture, and the mystery elements keep pages turning. My favorite part is always the “Fact or Fiction” section in the back — it sparks great conversations in our home. My 9-year-old daughter is very inquisitive, and she often comes to share the different things she’s learned, which makes this series even more special for us. A great choice for families looking for faith-centered historical fiction that inspires curiosity and meaningful discussion.
April 16, 2026
This is good book series for late elementary to early middle schoolers. This is the third and last book in the series.
There's a girl named Riley whose Dad comes home and she has been waiting to visit with him. However there is a problem she can't find a way to spend time with him. While there's also a treasure hunt going!
I love how Nell Brannum connects this to Jesus Christ!
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 ( NIV)
There's a girl named Riley whose Dad comes home and she has been waiting to visit with him. However there is a problem she can't find a way to spend time with him. While there's also a treasure hunt going!
I love how Nell Brannum connects this to Jesus Christ!
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 ( NIV)
June 3, 2026
Easy read for upper elementary. Christian based.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews