English

9.04.2022

Entrusted ~ Review

Entrusted
Knights of Brethren #6
By Jody Hedlund

The race to save their country from their neighbor is coming to a close as time has run out. The enemy has crossed their border and has advanced deeper into Norvegia. Kristoffer Prestegard is the last Knight of Brethren with any hope of capturing the holy lamp from Swaine's troops. But what he doesn't realize is that there are other forces at work, forces that are bent on toppling King Ansgar and putting Kristoffer on the throne in his stead. 

But Kristoffer's loyalty is to Norvegia and King Ansgar. And he is determined to stop the Dark Warriors, who are aiding King Canute's efforts in taking Norvegia. When he and his squires come face to face with these formidable warriors in the dark of night, Kristoffer never imagined he might come away from the battle with something that could aid him in his quest. Princess Birgitta of Swaine was leading the warriors, holding their blood thirst in check. At least, she was before she became a prisoner.
What follows is a battle of wits and intellect as Kristoffer seeks to prevent his prisoner's escape and Brigitta attempts to lull him into complacency. What neither expected was the spark of attraction to grow between them. Falling in love with the enemy can't happen.

Entrusted is the sixth and final book in the Knights of Brethren series, and it is the definite climax as everything comes together. Will Norvegia withstand the threats, or will she fall as forces within and without conspire against her? As the final book, I can only say, "WOW!" This book was excellent and draws the series to a conclusion that can't be missed. Treachery, betrayal, a kingdom teetering on the brink, and a thoroughly impossible attraction. Yes, Jody Hedlund knows how to weave words so that one enters a world and becomes thoroughly engaged so that when the end comes, one is disappointed that the end has come. 

I do recommend reading all the books in the series as they build upon one another. But the immediate predecessor, Enflamed, is an absolute must, as it too deals with the third quest - the search for the holy lamp and focuses on Kristoffer's family, providing needed background for Entrusted. Now I know this series is over, but I would love a companion series that would touch on some of the other characters and what happens to them. That, in my opinion, is the best endorsement of any book or series when you want more from this world.

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:
During a time when legends were born . . .

ENTRUSTED

The feisty enemy princess, 
the cunning knight holding her captive, 
and the ultimate battle that will determine their fate.

Hoping to minimize the death and destruction of the coming war, Princess Birgitta of Swaine leads the Dark Warriors as part of her brother King Canute’s efforts to take the throne of Norvegia. As she engages in a skirmish with a band of elite Knights of Brethren, she’s kidnapped by Kristoffer Prestegard, a cunning warrior.

While searching for the holy lamp that can help defeat the Dark Warriors, Kristoffer realizes that Swaine has already seized the ancient relic. Since King Canute is fiercely protective of his sister, Kristoffer offers to return Princess Birgitta in exchange for the coveted holy lamp.

While trying to keep his feisty prisoner from escaping, Kristoffer learns that his father and uncle have set in motion a scheme that would give him the kingship of Norvegia. Where will Kristoffer’s loyalties lie, and how will he choose sides without losing everything, including the princess he’s grown to love?

The real story of the Holy Lamp continues . . .

9.03.2022

An Advent Carols Countdown ~ Review

An Advent Carols Countdown
Stories Behind the Most Beloved Music of Christmas
By Michael D. Young

An Advent Carols Countdown is a new way to enjoy Christmas carols, some that are familiar and others not much. Each day from December 1-24 explores a different carol. The first page is the lyrics of the carol, while the following page or pages explain the history of the carol. Each day is a chance to discover something new.

I love how this "advent" book is just for the days of December leading up to Christmas Day. Often advent books are for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, which can vary in entries and not work from year to year. While this book uses a date - December 1 as its start date - a date, that will allow this book to become a part of your family traditions to celebrate the Christmas season.

There is an included QR code with each and every song so that you can experience each song yourself. I love this as there were a couple songs I was unfamiliar with. At approximately 120 pages, one is able to get a good understanding of each carol and its song without getting bogged down with too much info. So this would make a great family time activity for those eight years and up, in my opinion. Those younger might get bored or distracted but should, at least, enjoy the chance to, at least, watch and/or listen to the songs.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. 


About the Book:
Get in the Christmas spirit with this unique collection of the most beloved Christmas carols, from the warmly nostalgic to the majestically solemn and uplifting. The book features one carol for each day from December first to Christmas Eve, and presents both the lyrics and the fascinating stories and interesting facts behind the creation of the songs. Each entry deepens our understanding of the music and enhances our appreciation of why these songs are culturally important and dearly treasured.

From popular, familiar carols to lesser-known but cherished hymns, author Michael D. Young combines his musical expertise with information specific to each song.

An Advent Carols Countdown is a beautiful gift book for the whole family to enjoy along with the music of the holidays. Each entry also features a QR code that will link to an audio or video performance of the carol performed by the choir most associated with Christmas, the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir.


8.31.2022

Escape Route ~ Review with Giveaway

Escape Route JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape Route by Tanya Stowe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Escape Route

Escape Route 
By Tanya Stowe

When TJ Baskins stumbles upon tracks while flying for the border patrol, she didn't expect the agents she was helping to wind up dead. Worse, the killer saw her, and she now has a target on her back. When border patrol assigns an agent to "babysit" her, they couldn't have picked a worse agent, in her opinion - Trace Layton has earned her ire, and she's not about to let him forget it.

Trace made mistakes when he was a teen, and not standing up to his brother and his bully friend was one of the worst. He never meant for Tara Jean to get hurt, but she did, and she may never forgive him. But he is determined to keep her safe even if she's determined to bring the man responsible for everything to justice.

Escape Route is a standalone title that is a Love Inspired Suspense offering, so you are assured of clean-reading suspense. Now the suspense isn't over the top, but you are left with several scenes where you wonder if everyone will make it out alive. TJ is an interesting character - she has an obvious chip on her shoulder and has problems exhibiting forgiveness. The few scenes that include her mother make for an interesting contrast. There are some interesting family and personal dynamics in play when it comes to both TJ and Trace.

The past has decided to pay a visit, and it is seeking what it feels is its due - and the price is too high. Can they stop it before it extracts its price?

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Escape Route 
Author: Tanya Stowe 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: August 23, 2022 
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

 
Exposing a gang’s leader… 
                   is the only way out of danger

While flying above the Texas border, helicopter pilot Tara Jean “TJ” Baskins witnesses a brutal murder. Now a deadly arms-smuggling gang wants her out of the way. To stay alive, TJ must work with border patrol officer Trace Leyton—her old friend and the man who once betrayed her—to catch the ringleader. But when the search leads to Trace’s family, can TJ trust him to save her? 


  From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound | BookBub


Tanya Stowe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author who fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a train down a mountain or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyastowe.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.



TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Escape Route and $25 Amazon gift card. (2) additional winners will receive a print copy of Escape Route.

Escape Route JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 29, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 5, 2022. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

8.30.2022

You'll Be Mine ~ Review

You'll Be Mine
Hearts Bend Collection #2
By Mandy Boerma and Rachel Hauck

She never thought she'd return to Hearts Bend after losing her mother there. But God has other plans for Cami Jackson when the local inn comes on the market. Cami needs to connect with her past and the happy memories she once held. She just didn't expect to reconnect with her first love - Ben Carter.

Ben hadn't planned on spending his summer in Hearts Bend, but to move on in his life, he needs to settle his grandmother's estate, and that means unloading the inn that's his family's legacy.

Hearts Bend is about to work its magic on two people carrying scars from the past. But will they listen or continue on the lonely paths that they've mapped out for themselves? This is a delightful story of second chances, forgiveness, and family. Hearts Bend is the perfect place to get away from the hustle of modern life and its stresses. And the Hearts Bend Inn is the perfect place to have a happily ever after-along with a few bumps.

I received a complimentary copy of the book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

He just wants to leave the past behind him…

International hotel manager Ben Carter is not sticking around Hearts Bend. He’s just home to sell the inn he inherited from his grandparents. The place holds all his best memories—especially the ones that include regular summer guest Cami Jackson. But she’s been out of his life for years, and she’s not coming back.

She is headed for a glorious future…

Real estate developer Cami Jackson is ready to take over as VP of her father’s company, Akron Development. When the Hearts Bend Inn comes on the market, she wants to swoop it up, if only because of the sweet memories of her favorite summers. The last thing she expects to find is her first love back to sign on the dotted line.

But a first love won’t let them go…

The more time Cami and Ben spend together, the more they realize they have unfinished business. Suddenly, an impulsive decision could turn into a lost-but-found dream. But for Cami’s father, the inn holds memories of a terrible tragedy, and he wants to kill the deal.

Will their lost dreams survive another betrayal?

A heart-healing story second chances set in the charming town of Hearts Bend!

Be sure to check-out my Instagram post to enter the giveaway!




8.27.2022

When the Day Comes ~ Review

When the Day Comes
Timeless #1
By Gabrielle Meyer

Libby is a woman in two worlds, and she must decide which life she will sacrifice. All her life, Libby spends her days in one world and her nights in another because sleep allows her to cross time. And her two worlds couldn't be more different. In 1774, Williamsburg, she is living on the edge of revolution, while in 1914, New York, she is living on the cusp of change. She knows the decision she plans to make - in one life, her family needs her, and her heart belongs to another. But Libby can't make her decision, leaving one of her lives behind until her 21 birthday. 

In 1774, her family works as a public printer. The work is hard and takes much of her day, but she is living through history - seeing and hearing moments that will change not only her life and those around her but also the world. 

In 1914, Libby lives a life of wealth and privilege, and to her mother's consternation she takes an active interest in the cause of suffrage rather than pursuing a marriage to English aristocracy. What Libby doesn't know is that the rumors of war are about to change the world yet again.

When the Day Comes is an intriguing story. What life would one choose if you could only live one? Which family would you give up? What would decide for you the path that you would take? I have to admit I don't know if I could make such a choice. In one life, she is known as a time-crosser, but in the other, she is just a daughter. I understand why Libby chose the path that she did, but still, it was heartbreaking for her as she said her goodbyes silently, unable to share all that was on her heart. This is the first book in a new series, and though this book is complete, there was most definitely an opening made for what could come next (or before, depending on the time and the time-crosser). 

Who would you leave behind, dying to the life and family you willingly gave up?

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:
How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

8.23.2022

Finding Her Voice ~ Review with Giveaway

Finding Her Voice JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Finding Her Voice by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


Finding Her Voice

Finding Her Voice 
By Donna Gartshore 

Bridget Connelly has a dream of owning her own business - one that involves helping dogs and people. There is just one problem - she needs to come up with the money to make it a reality. And she needs to overcome the doubts her ex-boyfriend has planted in her mind. When her boss Dr. B as everyone refers to the local veterinarian, decides to put her business up for sale, Bridget can see her dream beginning to crumble before her very eyes. And when the auditor, Dr. Burgess hired, takes an interest in the same property, Bridget sees it slipping even farther away.


But Sawyer Blume has his own reasons for this trip away from his home. The sudden loss of his wife and his daughter's traumatic experience has left him seeking something new. Delilah isn't the young girl she was before her mother died, and Sawyer will do anything to bring back the rambunctious young girl she was - even if it means staying in Green Valley. Just leaving his former life behind isn't as easy as it sounds, especially as he works for his family's business. But the connection Delilah makes with Bridget's dog Sophie. Could Green Valley help him find what he's lost? Or is it merely a wishful dream?


When both Sawyer and Bridget's plans for the clinic are threatened, can they work together to come up with a plan to help them both? Or will Bridget's past keep her from accepting help from anyone?


Finding Her Voice is an appropriate title for this book as it has meaning for both Bridget and Sawyer's daughter Delilah. This is a contemporary romance that deals with the aftermath of abusive relationships, traumatic experiences, loss, and PTSD. Yes, there is a whole hodge-podge of issues dealt with in this book by various characters, but that isn't the focus of the story, so that it gets weighed down and depressed. No, it deals with these issues but in a way that provides hope of healing. 


This author is one that is new to me, so I went into the book with no expectations of any kind other than what the book description provided. Donna Gartshore's writing is well executed. She gives her characters depth and provides a detailed setting. The subject matter was well presented. This is a Love Inspired publication, so there isn't any detailing that should be triggering to readers. Overall a good story that I would recommend.


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


ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finding Her Voice 
Author: Donna Gartshore 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: August 23, 2022 
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian
 
Overcoming their differences  
Could be the answer to all their problems 

Bridget Connelly dreams of buying her boss’s veterinary clinic and starting her own business—but so does auditor Sawyer Blume. Despite her trust issues toward men, it’s hard to stay rivals when Sawyer’s traumatized daughter bonds with Bridget’s adorable pup. And when another buyer tries to outbid them both, working together might give them everything they want…including each other. 

Donna Gartshore
  PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna now has three books published with Love Inspired and is working on three more. She has also published several short stories and poems with various literary publications and writes devotions. Donna loves family time, walks, coffee and movies with friends, serving in various capacities at the church she attends and talking about books and writing with her friends and the writing community.

Connect with Donna by following her on Instagram or Twitter.


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive print copy of Finding Her Voice, an adult inspirational coloring book, and a small devotion!

Finding Her Voice JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 22, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 29, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

8.21.2022

The Sweet Life ~ Review

The Sweet Life
Cape Cod Creamery #1
By Susanne Woods Fisher

Dawn Dixon's life is blowing up in her face - her wedding is off, her mom doesn't have cancer (at least not anymore), and she is tied to her work closer than two peas in a pod. She was in shock after Kevin, her long-time boyfriend/fiancee, calls off their wedding. The honeymoon is nonrefundable, so Dawn takes her mom, Marnie, on her non-honeymoon trip to Cape Cod. 

There, life takes another unexpected turn when her mom decides to drop everything into a run-down ice cream shop that is anything but successful. Determined to keep her mom from making the absolute worst mistake of her life Dawn does everything she can to stop the sale and when that fails to make the shop a quick success so they can do a quick sale to keep her mom from financial ruin.

But Marnie has plans of her own, and she's not about to let Dawn decide what is what. Nope, she's going to do everything she can to ensure that she succeeds, even if it means going behind her daughter's back ad reaching out to the one man she knows will give her an honest answer. But just because Kevin is willing to reach out to help Marnie doesn't mean he and Dawn can get a do-over, right?

The Sweet Life is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Cape Cod Creamery series. This book and series offer a chance at getting it right and making a fresh start. This is a contemporary setting that portrays a life ruled by work. Dawn is driven, and was encouraged to do so by her late father. But work can only offer so much, and when there is no life beyond it, it is a sad and lonely existence. Is it possible to discover what one has sacrificed in the pursuit of career and position and make a life-changing about-face? I think that is the true underlying feeling in this story - what do we value in life, and how can we rediscover it if we have gotten off track?

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

About the Book:

Dawn Dixon can hardly believe she’s on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. Sure, Marnie Dixon is good company, but Dawn was supposed to be here with Kevin, the love of her life (or so she thought).

Marnie Dixon needs some time away from the absolute realness of life as much as her jilted daughter does, and she’s not about to let her only child suffer alone–even if Marnie herself had been doing precisely that for the past month.

Given the circumstances, maybe it was inevitable that Marnie would do something as rash as buy a run-down ice-cream shop in the town’s tightly regulated historic district. After all, everything’s better with ice cream.

Her exasperated daughter knows that she’s the one who will have to clean up this mess. Even when her mother’s impulsive real estate purchase brings Kevin back into her life, Dawn doesn’t get her hopes up. Everyone knows that broken romances stay broken . . . don’t they?

Welcome to a summer of sweet surprises on Cape Cod–a place where dreams just might come true.