Of Fossils and Follies ~ Release Day Review!

It's Release Day!
Of Fossils and Follies

Victorians on the Beach #2

By Sienna Peake

Opal Martin is excited for the opportunity to explore the Lyme Regis region under Gideon Buckston, a geologist who is friends with her father. Opal's presence annoys Mr. Buckston's assistant, Nigel Harris, who assumes she's a spoiled rich girl out for a lark.

But Opal is more than a pretty face, she lives for discoveries and her mind flourishes amidst the Lyme coast. What she never expected was to discover an attraction. No, Opal's scientific interests have kept interest in her to nothing of significance. She spends more time on the outer edges of polite society than deep in its fold.

As Opal works alongside him and his team, Nigel is more than a little surprise that her interest is genuine and not a passing fancy. What's more she seems to understand him, which is unusual in his experience. Nigel's geological pursuits take precedence in his life and he's never considered romance, but there is something about Miss Martin that sparks an interest.

I love how this story was woven together. This was a sweet beach read that gave a lovely nod to history and geology. Opal and Nigel were just so perfect for one another with their shared interests and lack of interest in societal expectations. This was a perfect afternoon read (well, two afternoons) that left me with a feeling of satisfaction. 

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

About the Book:

Will an unexpected summer yield more than one discovery?

Ever since she was a young girl studying geology with her father, Opal Martin has longed for the chance to visit Lyme Regis and dig for discoveries of her own. When a high-stakes contest partners her with the stiff and grumpy Mr. Harris, Opal hardly expects to find love along her quest for fossils.

Nigel Harris has had to work his way up from humble origins to become an assistant to the famous geologist, Gideon Buckston. The last thing he needs is a pampered lady tagging along on his summer explorations. But when his chance to join a prestigious expedition is on the line, he finds the ever-enthusiastic Miss Martin to be just the partner he needs.

Of Fossils and Follies is a standalone novella in the sweet, closed-door romance series Victorians at the Beach, where seaside summers meet Victorian romance.

An Unforeseen Attachment ~ Release Day and a Review

~ It's Release Day ~ 
An Unforeseen Attachment

Hearts of Somerset #6

By Miranda D. Nelson

I really enjoyed reading this newest offering from Miranda Nelson.

An Unforeseen Attachment had some fun moments, like an attack mallard named Lord Duckworth, which led to a most unconventional meeting between main characters Simon Wayford and Julianna Bartlett. Let's just say a book and Simon get damaged in the encounter.

Simon is in Bath pursuing Miss Fairfax. Unfortunately, Miss Fairfax has not given him any encouragement in that department. But Simon is determined to win her hand. His Granny Bea is equally determined to see her grandson happy and married.

Julianna is a widow of two years with a six-year-old daughter. She has no choice but to live with her parents. Her mother is bent on controlling her granddaughter's upbringing and finding Julianna a new husband.    

With a dog named Charles Bingley, a matchmaking Granny, and a mother with an iron thumb, you know something will happen when Simon and Julianna get a chance to know one another. This was a cute Regency read with clean romance (AAA+ in my book). 

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:

Simon Wayford has one objective in mind when he travels to Bath–gain the affection of the woman he’s chased for months. When his efforts prove fruitless, Simon only agrees to stay at his grandmother’s request, anticipating an uneventful summer. What he does not expect is a young widow and her daughter to capture so much of his attention or his heart.

Julianna Bartlett never thought she would be living under her mother’s thumb once more. But after the passing of her husband, she and her daughter have little choice. While her mother is pushing for another marriage, Julianna is certain a loveless match will do nothing to repair what’s been broken.

Between a chance encounter and a meddlesome grandmother, two injured hearts might just find unexpected love.

Interview with Author Connilyn Cossette

 Enjoy this short Q and A with Connilyn Cossette author of the upcoming Splendor of the Land.

1) As a biblical fiction author, how do you approach filling in historical gaps while staying true to Scripture? 

 My goal is always to lay down a foundation of the biblical narrative before I begin my plotting and then to weave my stories around that skeleton in a way that keeps the historical facts at the center while using the “blank spaces” in the Word to imagine “what if . . . ?” when it comes to what the witnesses of the stories in the Bible might have experienced. There are a lot of gaps in the historical record, especially when it comes to the everyday lives of those who lived during the biblical period, since so much of the organic evidence has disappeared over time. But I do my best to dig deep into the archeological record, align that with what I know about the Late Bronze/Early Iron ages with Scripture, and then let my imagination fill in the missing pieces. 

2) Tell us about your research process for accurately depicting ancient metalworking and goldsmithing.

 

  Honestly, I am the least organized when it comes to my research. I really just love to follow my curiosity, and since I discovered that the Kenites in the Bible were known to be metalworkers, this led me to seek out where the majority of mining took place in the land of Israel and surrounding areas, which in turn led me to Punon, or what is now known as Wadi Feynan. There is evidence of copper mining for thousands of years in this place, so it was the perfect setting for Zahava’s family. I also learned about the ancient art of lost-wax casting, which is a complicated method of creating wax patterns for molding metal, and I watched lots of videos of how this method was achieved with simple tools. The internet is a wealth of information, so I usually just follow whatever rabbit trail pops up along the way and let my curiosity lead me along.

3) Your books often explore the intersection of faith and craft. How does this theme develop in Splendor of the Land?

 As a creative myself, I am drawn to stories that highlight the rich tapestry of ancient craftsmanship and how artisans find deeper purpose in their creative work, whether through developing perfumes, crafting stories, or molding and shaping metalwork. Since I believe that all creativity is a reflection of Yahweh’s own imagination in us, I enjoy exploring different ways my characters can learn about His nature through their own creative talents and experience His presence more fully. My hope is that readers will be inspired to value their own capacity for creativity in whatever avenue they’ve been gifted and use those talents to bless others and worship the Creator.

4) What are you working on next?

 I am juggling two projects at the moment. I am working on another prequel novella, The Hidden Warrior, which will be available for free for those who preorder Splendor of the Land. This novella will revisit the king’s men long before they run off to fight for King Saul. I am also just beginning work on book four of the KING’S MEN series. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I am excited to explore a different setting, meet new characters, and maybe give my faithful readers a few answers to the mystery surrounding a certain lost cousin.

About the Book:

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is releasing on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

It is currently available to preorder from Baker Book House at the following link: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618518

There is also a Goodreads giveaway of 10 paperback copies from July 5 to August 4, 2025, for U.S. readers. Enter here → https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/410214-splendor-of-the-land

Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

Happy 4th of July

 

Midnight Offensive ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Midnight Offensive 
Toxic Truths #1 
By Elle E. Kay 

When a deadly bioweapon is stolen, Craig Malone is tasked with providing security to the doctor working against the clock to develop an antidote. What Craig didn't anticipate was reconnecting with his best friend's little sister, Sadie Kline. Sadie is now an ER nurse and a possible target of the thief. 

As time runs down, Craig and Sadie find danger closer than they could have imagined. Is there time to discover who is pulling the strings before terrorists unleash the deadly toxin on the unsuspecting populace? Their opponent will stop at nothing to win.

This was my first book by Elle E. Kay, and I found the characters engaging. I have to shake my head at Sadie, who seemed intent on making ill-advised decisions when danger was so close, and she was obviously a target. The twists added to the tension and the whodunit feel throughout. Overall, I'd say this was a good read, and I'm interested in what comes next in the series.

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: Midnight Offensive 
Series: Toxic Truths #1 
Author: Elle E. Kay 
Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing 
Release Date: May 14, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line. 

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack. 

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

---

About the Author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. 

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

Connect with Elle by visiting elleekay.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle's most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on June 30, 2025, and 

will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2025. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the 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!

Awakened ~ Review

Awakened 

By Roseanna M. White 

Awakened, a detail rich fantasy world that drew me in from the opening page, was worth the exploration. There are mer-people, not mermaids, this is an important difference. The Royal family of those who dwell on the land have a connection to the mer-people which results in the royals having an extended lifespan. 

For generations mer-people and land-dwellers have had peace. But something has shifted and both groups are looking to tap into a new magic, one of the air. This story centers around King Seidon and sisters Jade and Arden. For some unknown reason Jade is stolen by the mer-people, threatening the fragile peace between the two groups. What has made Jade so special? And what of Arden? The answers to these may determine the future of their world. 

Everything appears to have a blood link. Blood calls to blood. Blood determines your fate. There are a lot of fantastical elements throughout with a subtle nod to The Little Mermaid. Overall a good read with a clean dash of romance. This is not the author's usual fare of historical romance but instead a lovely romantasy debut. The faith element was particularly appealing, in my opinion. This is one story world I would love to revisit and explore further. I would compare it to Gillian Bronte Adams' The Fireborn Epic series but without the horses. It is more grown up than Narnia but has some similar vibes.

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

About the Book:

Where sea and land meet, two worlds clash in a fury of wind and waves.

Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was destined for great things. In a world where beauty follows magic, she has no doubt that their upcoming Awakening ceremony will reveal that gorgeous, kind, compelling Jade is far more than a mere mortal. But when Jade is kidnapped by a mysterious sect of mer on the eve of the newly-returned king’s ball, Arden will do anything to save her sister. Even face down the man she’s always dreaded meeting because of the power he holds over her family, the man to whom her father swore loyalty long before she was born. The Sea King.

Seidon, the Sea King of Daryatla, has grown only more powerful as the centuries have gone by, but lifetime after lifetime have failed to give him what he most yearns for: a family. He knows that it will take a woman of extraordinary power to match him enough to create a child, and no such woman seems to exist…until he feels her magic calling to his one day in the water. And when Arden Bleu, daughter of his most trusted official, arrives to tell him about her missing stepsister, he knows this Jade, with a new magic so coveted that the mer would risk war with his kingdom to steal her away, may be the one he’s waited centuries for. But how can he and the determined Arden ever hope to find one young woman trapped beneath the waves? Perhaps the Great Golden Sea Hawk who has guarded the sisters all their lives holds the key.

In a world on the brink of war between the mer and the land-dwellers, friendship, faith, and love demand the ultimate sacrifice as both kingdoms seek to unlock the prophesied magic waiting to spring forth: the magic of wind and sky. To the mer, it would mean the freedom to return to the land. To Seidon’s court, it would mean safety from every storm. But how can any human hand wield the wind?

Fantastical Summer ~ Review

Fantastical Summer

By various authors

Fantastical Summer is a interesting collection of 15 short stories. In each story the main character or characters is faced with an obstacle in their life. For some it is a physical characteristic. For others it is a missing family member. But whatever the cause they feel vulnerable and isolated from those around them.   

My favorite was Alli Prince's Soul Marks in which a young woman is born without a mark that will help her identify the man she is suppose to spend the rest of her life with. She is understandably bummed out about the whole thing as her friends find their "soul marks." I especially loved how someone drove home the point that true lasting love is a choice, that happiness is not guaranteed by a sign or a feeling.

I was also intrigued by Summer Miracles and The Girl who Lived Under the Water. Both take seemingly impossible situations and yet make them feel not only possible but probable. Throughout all of these stories is a message of hope. Hope for the future is always a positive in my opinion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Book:

What would you do if you started growing a fluffy tail every time you felt embarrassed?

A mermaid outcast, a girl who can steal stars, and a high schooler suddenly affected by gravity in a gravity-free world—these are just a few of the fantastical premises you’ll find in this collection of short stories.

Weaving classic coming-of-age themes into magical versions of our world, fifteen Christian writers each bring a fresh perspective on childhood, loneliness, and identity.

Save a spot in your beach bag, because this collection of clean, fun summer stories is more than a fluff read. This beautifully brave anthology leads us to ask hard questions while staying grounded in the truth of the Bible. You'll want to revisit these thought-provoking stories throughout the year.

Presented by The Company and The Pearl, Fantastical Summer features these short stories:
“Alone,” by R.J. Catlin
“Leaving Lake June,” by Lucy Grecu
“Summer Miracles,” by K.Ann
“Closed Doors Don’t Open,” by Vella Karman
“Oh Deer,” by Adara King
“Gravitational Issues,” by Vannah Leblanc
“The Beast,” by Noah J. Matthews
“Circus of the Moon,” by Juli Ocean
“Sneakers of Joy,” by Gregory O'Donnell
“The Girl Who Lived Under the Water,” by Brad Pauquette
“Soul Marks,” by Alli Prince
“Beachcombing,” by Sarah Sax
“Goodbye to Yesterday,” by Hannah Stiff
“Turn to Face the Wind,” by Faith Tevy
“Confessions of a Mermaid Outcast,” by Thirzah