Recipe for a Princess ~ Review

Recipe for a Princess

Heirs of Peverell #2

By Hannah Currie

Princess Isabella is sure she can help all her friends find love, help Zaria rise above the stigma of being the woman her brother didn't marry, and handle the fund raiser of the century (or whatever they want to call it). She thrilled with how she helped Bailey and Cameron find their love and get engaged. And when it comes to tasty treats she whips up, she's a kitchen wiz. So how hard could it be to take on raising funds for the children's hospital in Peverell? And she knows exactly which of her friends is perfect for who, if only they'll be a bit more receptive to her assistance.

But when things go wrong, they go very wrong. And Isabella makes one wrong decision on top of the other. And too late she realizes that she may have driven away the very man she didn't realize that she loves. Worse everyone in Peverell knows exactly what she did.

Isabella discovers being a princess is more than wearing a crown, ordering people around, and taking credit when things go right. Sometimes it is accepting responsibility for you do wrong, humbling yourself, asking for help, and always seeking God's guidance in all things.

This is a story of forgiveness, of admitting the truth, and accepting God's gift of mercy.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Princess Isabella of Peverell couldn’t be more thrilled for her brother’s new romance. Nothing could make her happier, not even a perfectly baked dark chocolate cheesecake drizzled with fudge sauce and topped with strawberries cut into roses. With a few curls of toasted coconut tossed around for that extra flair. Because baking is all about the presentation. But life? Life is all about the romance.

Not that Izzy’s ever experienced romance herself. She knows enough about love to know one can’t force it. At least for oneself. For others? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t the rest of her friends want to be as blissfully happy as her brother? If she can take a few ingredients and turn them into the most beautiful high tea, surely she can find perfect matches for her friends. She’s the princess, after all, and what better legacy to leave as a royal than one of love and care for her people? If she just happens to find a man to love her along the way, even better. Only life doesn’t follow a recipe, and as decisions and their consequences start piling up around her, Isabella finds herself in over her head. And the one man who’s always been there for her just walked away.

The Princess List ~ Review

The Princess List

Heirs of Peverell #1

By Hannah Currie

There's nothing like getting an unexpected marriage proposal just as you are taking your first steps to find who you are. No, I have not personally experienced a marriage proposal, but this is what happens to Bayley Lorbera just as she's about to board her first airplane to a country that isn't Peverell. And, of course, it has to come from her childhood best friend, who is also the prince of  Peverell. Nope, not happening ever - she knows she is most definitely not princess material. Now she just needs to convince Cameron that there is someone better for him, somewhere.

But Cameron isn't about to take no for an answer, not when he knows that Bayley is the only woman her will ever love. But how is he to convince her of the truth he knows in his heart? But will his determination actually push Bayley away? And what if Bayley finds someone he could actually learn to love? Is he trying to force something that was never meant to be? 

 I loved how this book unfolded and how "the list" played such an important role. I think the underlying truth I got from this book was not the journey to find love or marriage, but learning to trust in God's timing and path. Worthiness is not determined by the opinions of others, who see only the outer appearance filtered through their own prejudices; no worthiness is a gift given by God. We have only to accept His gift.

This is a book I would recommend to teens and up. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She has a list. 
Being a princess isn’t on it.

Having grown up in the palace, the daughter of two senior staff members, Bayley Lorbera knows all about palace life. Like where the best leftovers are stored after hours, and which forks go with which courses, and the quickest way to make an escape from any room in the castle. And the fact that she’s definitely not princess material. Princesses are supposed to be elegant, outgoing, and effortlessly charming. Not shy, average-sized, glasses-wearing, purple-haired girls more comfortable in fictional worlds than the real one. Bayley is perfectly content playing backup in a ballgown to the royal family while she works her way through the list meant to turn her into the kind of person she wants to be.

Hence the laughter when her best friend, Prince Cameron of Peverell, proposes. He can’t possibly be serious, can he? Marriage? Love? No way. Because seriously—not princess material. But Cameron is determined to win her, and she’s just as determined to prove to him how unsuited she is to the role, and find him someone who is. Easy, right?

Available to purchase at WhiteCrown Publishing and WhiteFire’s READ.

Love in the Castle Library ~ Review

Love in the Castle Library

In the Castle Library #2

By Ann Swindell

This is the second book in the In the Castle Library series, in which a small European country attempts to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of its lost queen. Queen Alma disappeared in the night during World War 1, and no one knows just where she disappeared to. For more than 100 years, the people of Lethersby have felt her abandonment as a personal shame. But with word that she may have made her way to England, there is hope that the truth of her life may finally be known. 

In this search for the answers they seek, the Lethersby research team needs access to British records. But to access them, they need a British researcher on their team. In steps Castle Stewardess Delphine DuVert to find their perfect candidate. For the first time ever, Delphine makes a quick decision; she offers the position to Jack Worthington.

Something about Jack just feels right for this position, and she feels a connection she hasn't had with any of the previous candidates. 

This was a lovely story in which both Jack and Delphine delve into the past with it secrets both for the Lethersby people and their own pasts. I loved how the story unfolded with moments where the answers seemed just within reach and moments where failure seemed imminent. Of course, there has to be a villain, and Max is the perfect cringe-when-he walks-into-the-room character. Nasty doesn't do him justice. But through it all faith plays a vital role as Jack and Delphine navigate the complexities of life, love, and traditions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Purchase Links

READ | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Ann Swindell is the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses for women across the globe. She lives in West Michigan with her family and writes for many ministries, including Well-Watered Women, Risen Motherhood, and The Gospel Coalition. She has authored The Path to Peace and Still Waiting, and her first novel, Christmas in the Castle Library, released with WhiteCrown in 2024.

You can connect with her at AnnSwindell.com.

Author Links

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Lion of Judah ~ Review

Lion of Judah
The Song of Prophets and Kings #5
By Henry O. Arnold

Lion of Judah is the fifth book in The Song of Prophets and Kings series. This is the first book in this series that I have read, and it can be read well as a standalone title. 

This book focuses on the life of David from the beginning of his reign over the Kingdom of Israel until his death. Along the way, David proved over and over that he was human. Yes, he had moments of triumph, but these were often mixed with low points. Some of which had lasting consequences on not only his life, but that of his family, and his kingdom.

David is often referred to as a man after God's heart. This wasn't because of his goodness, but because he repented. Though sometimes he had to be brought to a moment of reckoning by God before he could admit his failings to not only God but himself.

This book offers a glimpse into the heart and mind of David, drawing on the Bible and the author's skillful use of words. Overall, this is an interesting read. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Genre: Biblical/Historical Fiction

The new king is crowned in triumph…
But his pride proves to be a fatal flaw…
And from out of his own house calamity falls upon him

Once a shepherd, a captain, and a fugitive, David is now king. He left behind the dangers of life on the run and embraced the comforts of living in the palace. No longer known as the “giant-slayer,” but as the “lion of Judah,” King David enjoys the popularity and prosperity brought on by his victories.

But peace in the nation of Israel has a double-edged sword. David’s pride subverts his judgment, and his desires overwhelm his heart leading him down a dark pathway. The king will go to any lengths to cover up his crimes, but disaster falls upon the House of David bringing this broken and contrite king to cry out to Yahweh for mercy.

Lion of Judah continues the tale of triumph and tragedy, deepest love and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

Also available:

                                 

                                        

Heart of a Royal ~ Review

Heart of a Royal
Daughters of Peverell #1
By Hannah Currie

Heart of a Royal is a lovely book and perfect for Valentine's. For more than 17 years, Mackenna (Kenna) Sparrow has lived the life of a princess. When Princess Alina's mother died shortly after her birth, Kenna was raised alongside her when her mother stepped in to help care for the motherless baby. But though she has lived the life of a royal, Kenna knows that it will all end when Alina marries.

But what Kenna never knew was just how much certain people resented her, though most adored her. And with her final days living as a royal coming to an end, she is torn by her feelings. Her friendships with Princess Alina and Prince Thoraben are seemingly at an end. The fact of which is more painful than she had expected. What does a nearly 18-year-old former princess's companion do for the rest of her life? With questions and no answers in sight, she needs to untangle what she does and doesn't know about those closest to her before she can move forward into her new life as a commoner.

This is the first book in the Daughters of Peverell series, and my goodness, it is filled with secrets and dangers. The land is under threat from rebels and has been to Kenna's knowledge all her life and even before. In fact, a former friend was even expelled from the kingdom because of her rebellious leanings and refusal to see the error of her beliefs! With danger so close, there are fears that Kenna could be a target because of her close association with the royals. 

But there is so much more to the story than what first appears, and it is interesting to see how everything unfolds. And believe me, there is a real doozie of a twist. There are actually a couple of twists that reveal some interesting facts about the various characters. It is also interesting how one decision can change the course of a life or even a kingdom. After reading this book, I really need to know what comes next. This book ends not on a cliffhanger, but it is obvious that there is so much more to the story. Overall this is a sweet read and one that explores family, responsibility, and truth. I feel that this is a clean read for teens looking for an alternative to the normal romance that is readily available today.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever.

With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna's presence as a companion is no longer required. And, like it or not, she must return to the birthright that should have been hers - that of a commoner. But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. 

When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

Guard Her Heart ~ Review

Guard Her Heart
Crown of Promise #2
By Hannah Currie
Published by WhiteCrown

Lady Mykah feels the call to aid those who are in need. She has never questioned that. But she has kept her identity secret as she moves through the night, leaving aid at the door of those whose needs she knows. But Mykah has made an enemy, an enemy who seeks her death.

Sir Finnigan has long sought his elder brother's approval. He's never questioned the orders he's been given until now. When Finnigan shoots and nearly kills the young woman who stole his heart years ago, he determines that his loyalty lies not with his brother but with the king and the young woman known as the Guardian of Raedonleith.  

Determined to make amends for his actions, Finnigan rides to give warning and to win the heart of the lady who captured his heart years ago.

I really enjoyed this book, which is set in the time of knights and chivalry. It was interesting watching events unfold and seeing how the various characters were woven together. Even more so when saw events from differing perspectives. Who do you trust, and who do you hold at arm's length. I liked Mykah, but I also felt her feelings about Finnigan were most interesting, considering her position on other matters.  And I felt Finnigan showed a strength of character in both his dealings with his brother and his later efforts in Raedonleith.  This is the second book in the Crown of Promise series but it can be read as a standalone title. I'm sure the first book provides information that would explain more about King Lior and Mykah's sister Evangeline, but it could easily be read later to answer any questions that arise while reading.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

To all bar a few, the Guardian of Raedonleith is a mystery. To Lady Mykah, the second daughter of King Lior, it’s her calling. For the past four years, the mask has given Mykah a way to care for her people in her father’s stead while she hides from them how distant their king has become. She has never questioned her mission or thought the cost too high—until the night an arrow finds her. Though she has the courage of a knight and the calling of the Almighty, Mykah admits she would have died if not for the man who carried her to safety. A man who is as determined to keep his identity hidden as she is.

 Six years ago, Sir Finnian lost his heart to a mysterious young archer. Though he searched, he never learned her name until the night he shot her…on his brother’s orders. Wracked with guilt, Finnian makes protecting Lady Mykah his new mission, never guessing how difficult it will prove to be. The Guardian has more enemies than she knows, and they’re closer than she realizes.

The longer Finnian stays, the clearer the price of his vow becomes. Because the only way to win Mykah’s heart will be to break his own. And the only way to keep hers beating will be to break it altogether.

Order at: https://bit.ly/490SmgE 

About the Author:

Hannah Currie has loved royals—both real and fictional—for as long as she can remember and has always been fascinated by their lives. They started making their way into her writing somewhere around first grade and never stopped.

While she never dreamed of being a princess for real (way too many expectations and people watching), she certainly wouldn’t say no to the gorgeous gowns, endless wardrobes, chefs, and cleaners that come with the job. A crown or two wouldn’t go astray either. Or Belle’s library. Where she’d just sit and stare at the books with a giddy smile on her face for hours.

Hannah lives with her husband and three kids in Australia, where they proudly claim Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family as their own. She is very honored to be one of the launching authors for the new WhiteCrown Publishing line with her Crown of Promise series full of faith, romance, and—of course—royals.

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