Entwined ~ Review

Entwined'

Knights of Brethren #2

By Jody Hedlund

Lis's true identity was revealed to her by Maxim just before he and Princess Elinor went into hiding. Not seeking to lay claim to her heritage Lis seeks to thwart the threat to King Ulrik and Norvegia. Sir Ansgar made an impression when they meet on the battlefield and is the Knight of Brethren she seeks out.

But the treachery that is seeking to destroy the kingdom from within has set its sights on the Brethren. And its first target is Sir Ansgar.

Entwined is the sequel to Enamored and continues the adventures of the Knights of Brethren as they fight to protect their kingdom and their king and maybe love along the way. This is a medieval romance that is written for the teen reader who wants something different from the standard YA fare available while written so that older readers are still able to enjoy and delve deep into the book. I really recommend reading the first book in the series as you will need the backstory to fully grasp and understand how we got to where we are. Treachery is afoot and only those most worthy can stand in its way.

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

About the Book:

During a time when legends were born . . .

A princess cursed from birth, a loyal knight worthy of being king,
 and a sword that can determine their destiny.

After growing up on a remote farm, Lis learns she is the rightful heir to the throne of Norvegia. Even as she does her part to thwart a dangerous plot against the king, she resists pursuing her new identity and resigns herself to a simple life helping her elderly father with their farm.

With the king losing his mind, Sir Ansgar, the highest knight in the land, is desperate to save the sovereign he's sworn to protect. But before Ansgar can uncover what is causing the king's demise, he finds himself falsely accused of treason and dismissed from court.

In danger of losing his life, Ansgar takes refuge on Lis's farm. Love soon blossoms between Ansgar and Lis, even as they realize a future together is impossible. Yet they must unite to save the kingdom from ever-growing forces of evil. Are their destinies entwined? Or will they be ripped apart forever?

The real story of Excalibur continues . . .

A Small-Town Christmas Challenge ~ Review

A Small-Town Christmas Challenge

Widow's Peak Creek #3
By Susanne Dietze

A holiday inheritance...

   with strings attached.

When Leah Dean is gifted half a house, she can't believe it isn't a mistake. But Rowena Hughes knows what she wants and she wants to give her house to Leah and Pastor Benton Hunt. There is just one little catch - they have to revive the Gingerbread Gala that used to be held in the old home. 

With full lives already busy with so many commitments pulling together a major Christmas event may be a bigger challenge than they were can handle. But Leah and Benton want to give Rowena one last Gala before she gives them her home. Rowena's gift could give her the means she needs for her grandmother's care. 

Working together the two form a friendship but something more isn't going to happen. Nope. Now they just have to make their hearts follow their heads.

This is a sweet read and perfect for getting you in a Christmas mood. Neither Leah nor Benton is looking for romance, much less marriage with their pasts and their current burdens, but sometimes life others you a path you hadn't planned on taking. I love the small-town setting and having lived in such a setting I can attest to the power of the small-town rumor mill and the care one needs to take in all your actions. But this was a delightful book and one can easily read it without having read the previous books set in Widow's Peak Creek. Looking for a sweet escape into a clean read you need to read A Small-Town Christmas Challenge. Happy endings, friendship, and romance what more could you hope for from a Love Inspired Romance.

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.

Publisher Love Inspired

Available to purchase at– https://amzn.to/3ozVDgv

Book Blurb

Will reviving an old tradition be the start of something new?

When she inherits a beautiful historic house, nurse Leah Dean knows selling it could solve all her problems. But there’s just one catch—she and co-owner Pastor Benton Hunt must cohost the Gingerbread Gala in the home first. As Christmas approaches, Leah and Benton grow closer, and parting with the house—and each other—is not as easy as they thought…

A Widow's Peak Creek Story

Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a print copy of the book and a $20 Starbucks gift card. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2021.)

To Enter,  go to my Instagram post and follow @susannedietze @justreadtours & Tag 2 friends in the same comment on that post or any other Instagram-hosted post of this tour. Enter up to 3x per post. 

The Wonder of Creation ~ Review

The Wonder of Creation

100 More Devotions About God and Science 

                   (Indescribable Kids) 

By Louie Giglio

With Tama Fortner

Illustrated by Nicola Anderson

Sharing devotions with one's children is an important part of life - it gives foundations to one's beliefs and The Wonder of Creation is just such a book. There are 100 devotions in this book so if you do it daily you have just over 3 months of dwelling on God and the science of His Creation. All too often the wonder of the world around us is lost to what we cram into our schedules. Making time for devotions is also an excellent time to view creation and God's world with all the awe it and He deserve. 

The Wonder of Creation presents the Creation from four different views - space, earth, animals, and people - each an opportunity to discover the special connections God wove throughout His Creation. Sometimes that which seems to be the least important of the whole is what is most needed to flourish just as time in, and with, God's Word is needed to sustain our soul. 

This would be an excellent choice for a family devotional time together or as a quiet time alone for older kids who are able to read on their own. This would be an excellent resource for homeschoolers and the perfect gift for a young family.

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.

In this captivating follow-up to the bestselling kids’ devotionals Indescribable and How Great Is Our God, founder of the Passion movement Louie Giglio offers more mind-blowing, faith-building scientific facts and biblical truths about the wonder of God’s creation.

Well-known for his powerful messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and be in awe of God’s creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God’s creativity with 100 devotions that explore:

• Animals–from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos
• Space–from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts
• People–from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems
• Earth–from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers
• And much, much more!

With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10. Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer. With a brightly embossed cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation:

• Is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith.
• Continues a well-loved devotional series that has sold more than half a million copies.
• Makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine.

As kids dive into this awe-inspiring devotional, they’ll be amazed at the many wonders God has made!

Check out these other books in the bestselling Indescribable Kids series:

• Indescribable
• Indescribable for Little Ones
• How Great Is Our God

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Monday, November 15th: @nissa_the.bookworm

Tuesday, November 16th: @lovemybooks2020

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Friday, November 19th: @bookshelfmomma

Saturday, November 20th: @iowaamberreads

Sunday, November 21st: @sarastrand9438

Reviews:

Monday, November 22nd: Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama and @musingsofasassybookishmama

Tuesday, November 23rd: @thelibrariandad

Wednesday, November 24th: The Bookish Dilettante

Sunday, November 28th: @theocbookgirl

Monday, November 29th: @oomilyreads

Wednesday, December 1st: @kristens.reading.nook

Thursday, December 2nd: Blooming with Books and @bloomingwbooks

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Wednesday, December 8th: @irishgirliereads

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Saturday, December 18th: Bookworm for Kids

Amish Christmas Escape ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Amish Christmas Escape by Dana R. Lynn, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Amish Christmas Escape
Amish Country Justice #12

By Dana R. Lynn

Christy O’Malley's life, and that of her daughter, is in danger. With nowhere to turn she reaches out to the husband that she left nearly seven years ago. Can Sam Burkholder and his simple Amish life keep them safe?

The people who want her dead are relentless and are just a step behind them but Sam is determined to keep both Christy and the daughter he never knew alive. But the more time he spends with Christy the greater his heartbreak will be when she walks out of his life again.

Amish Christmas Escape is the 12th book in the Amish Country Justice series by Dana R. Lynn. Though part of a series this book can be read as a standalone title though there are references to incidents in previous books. 

This is a clean-reading romantic suspense that is an easy read. No graphic violence or rough language to offend. There are a few twists to keep it interesting. Overall I'd recommend this as a perfect weekend getaway-read. Mystery, suspense, romance, and a satisfying ending what more could you want?

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

Title: Amish Christmas Escape
Series: Amish Country Justice #12
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: November 23, 2021
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

Hiding in Amish country may not be enough to save her… 

In a killer’s sights after she witnesses her sister’s murder, Christy O’Malley’s only option is to flee to Amish country—and the estranged husband she left behind. But there’s something Sam Burkholder doesn’t know—they have a daughter. With enemies closing in, Sam will do anything to protect Christy and their little girl…but can he forgive the past for a chance to be a family for Christmas? 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today Bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding and married him nineteen months later. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania with their three teenaged children and enough pets to open a petting zoo. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night.

Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. She is a Selah Award winner, a Holt Medallion Finalist, and a New England Reader’s Choice Award winner. In addition, her books have been on the Publisher’s Weekly Best Selling list multiple times. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She enjoys engaging with readers and can be found on social media or contacted via her website www.danarlynn.com.

CONNECT WITH DANA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of Amish Christmas Escape and a $10 Amazon gift card (US print, outside of US e-book)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 30, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US print, outside of US e-book. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Heart of Stone ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Heart of Stone by David James Warren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Heart of Stone 
The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #6
By David James Warren

Rembrandt Stone has one last chance to get it right or to fix what he broke. Eve is dead and has been for more than 20 years. His daughter Ashley has never been born. He murdered his best friend. He works for the Russian mob. And he no longer has the watch. Could it get any worse? He is about to find out.

This is the sixth and final book in The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone and the action and intensity don't fall off, and in fact, continues on to the very end. Just when you think you know the outcome time throws another wrench in the path that Rem has set before himself. Can he save the woman that he has loved through all the timelines? Or will he lose everything forever?

Heart of Stone is the perfect conclusion for fans of keep-you-in-suspense reading. Will the mistakes of the past destroy his future? Only time has the answers. And be sure to read the previous 5 books before tackling this one - if you don't read the books in order you will be more lost than Rem after a time shift.

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

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: Heart of Stone 
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #6
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: November 23, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

Rembrandt Stone has nothing left to lose…or does he? 

Detective Rembrandt Stone doesn’t recognize himself in the mirror. Doesn’t recognize the world he’s returned to. Doesn’t even know his own name. But he knows one thing…living in this world is impossible. 

Good thing he has an ally—an unexpected friend from the past. And together, they just might be able to unravel the entire mess. But first…Rembrandt will have to return to the past one final time and intercept himself before he makes a lethal mistake. 

Time has outwitted him. It’s time for him to outwit time. Can he reconstruct a past he just destroyed or is there nothing left of his world to save? 

The explosive ending to the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone!

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

 

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com. 

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive one The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone print copy (winner's choice) and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 29, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 6, 2021. Winner 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Curse of the Midnight King ~ Review

Curse of the Midnight King
By Yakira Goldsberry

A curse has hidden and trapped a kingdom underground and there is only way to free themselves from it. 
Years ago Faye made a mistake and she and her sisters have been living with the consequences of it ever since. Faye unlike her sisters isn't living in the underground realm of the Midnight King but she is forced to dance in it every full moon. 

Prince Leo lost the only woman who ever touched his heart - listening to his father he drove her away. But now he seeks to make amends and offer her his heart. Can he find the missing princesses or will they be lost forever?

Can I just say I love this book? It has so many layers that blend together for the perfect fairytale retelling mash-up. Magic, greed, and prejudice are at the heart of everything. I love how aspects of Cinderella and the Twelve Dancing Princesses are threaded throughout this unique tale. Can love conquer all? You'll just have to read the book for yourself to find out.

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.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage ~ Review

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage

Supposed Scandal #2

By Rebecca Connolly

Lady Alexandrina Lawson is someone that Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood cannot stand. Lady Lawson's cold manner, down in the mouth expressions, and general dour comments just do nothing for him. And he is sure she thinks as ill of him as he does of her. But as any gentleman of good breeding would do he comes to her aid when a situation arises that could destroy her reputation and force her into a most undesirable marriage.

Taft's solution proves a bit over-the-top, and a marriage to Lady Lawson is their only hope of saving both their reputations and Alexandrina's chance of gaining custody of her son. Taft had no plans to marry. He knew that someday he'd have to marry and so secure an heir for his title. But marriage to a woman he hardly knew was not something he had anticipated. But he is determined to be the best husband he can be.

Her first marriage had been a disaster and she had no intention of ever again tying herself to any man. But thanks to the Earl of Harwood's efforts she finds herself with little choice in the matter - not if she is to gain her heart's desire. But Taft is not what he seems to be and she may actually stop loathing him. 

This is a delightful story that finds two people caught in a bit of a to-do learning to get along and make a life together. Taft is a wonderful, complicated individual who is worthy of his story. I loved the effort he put into his marriage and how he was such an opposite to what Alexandrina was expecting and fearing. This story will have you cheering Taft's efforts as he offers a better life to the lady he has brought into it. And Alexandrina, ugh, her previous marriage let's just say good riddance to her first husband!

Fans of Rebecca Connolly's work will love this book that can be read as a stand-alone title. This is an entertaining and delightfully sweet romance set in the Regency era. A perfect me-time read or to give as a gift. 

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:

One good scandal deserves another...

Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.

Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.

Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.

And that he would do almost anything to claim it.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.

It is also part of the Supposed Scandal series.