3.19.2024

His Unexpected Grandchild by Myra Johnson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

An enjoyable and heartwarming fresh twist on the secret baby trope!

When Lane's daughter shows up with the grandson he never knew he had, his is turned upside down as little Tate steals his heart and brings Veterinarian Julia Frasier into his life. 

Heartwarming and well written, I loved how this book takes a trope and turns it on its head with more mature romantic leads, and a multigenerational plot. Great relationship building dialogue, strong faith, and a all around great plot.

Such a sweet read, I loved how Tate opened up Lane's life to so many new things, and helped him reconnect with his daughter. Tate is so sweet and his friendship with Rowena is precious!

Overall, a stand out read with excellent characters and handling of the relationships, with great interaction, strong faith, and themes of family. Highly recommend!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.18.2024

The Secrets Beneath by Kimberly Woodhouse // Review


Lucie's Review: 

A historical romance set against the tumultuous race for paleontological discoveries in the American West. 

An enjoyable novel set in Wyoming Territory, that brought to life the Bone Wars, in an exciting time when terrific remnants were being discovered deep in the ground. Anna is a talented young woman, thrust into a bigger role in the dig when her father falls ill. The return of a former flame, further tests her as they find themselves swept into a web of intrigue. 

A little bit of a slower read for me, I felt like the story lacked a spark of banter or humor, and a lot of the beginning of Anna and Joshua's relationship was in the past. I liked the there were strong themes of faith throughout, and how the author brought the setting to life. A solid historical read.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.13.2024

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin // Review

My Review: 

Aleida's young son is wrenched from her care while her family is fleeing the German occupation of the Netherlands. She makes it her mission to be reunited with her son, Theo, befriending BBC correspondent Hugh Collingsworth as they unravel a string of murders. 

Riveting and historically rich, this story brought to life the plights of many separated from their children during the war. Aleida is a devoted mother, I admired her selflessness and care for her son. Hugh is a dedicated correspondent, with a passion to help others with the stories that he reports on. 

A compelling story of faith, determination, and new beginnings in the midst of chaos. Hard to put down, with memorable characters that will steal your heart away. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.10.2024

What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma // Celebrate Lit





About the Book

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942
NoƩmie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Noemie finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022
Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review: 

A poignant and inspiring story of courage and faith in the face of persecution.

An incredible and moving story divided into three parts, it had a slower start since it took a little while to orient myself in each timeline, but the slower set up paid off as the pieces started to come together. A well written read that brings to life the realities faced by many in the midst of WWII, inspiring and full of faith, with great depth, and relationship building. I liked how it quietly wove together the past and the present in this emotional and inspiring story. Helene endures the unknown with courage, and I admired the people who helped her along the way. 

Overall, an amazing story, well written with captivating characters, and strong themes of faith and light in the midst if darkness. Highly recommend!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

About the Author

 


Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

 

 

 

 

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway




3.08.2024

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Carly's life was upended when her husband was shot and she had to move herself and her young son to Beaufort to run a bed and breakfast. But old secrets come to light, putting Carley and Noah in danger, and she must fight to find the answers to keep her family safe. 

A high stakes suspense, with a full cast of characters, mystery, danger, and earth shattering secrets revealed it's a hard book to put down. I  loved the strong themes of faith and family, in the midst of a tension packed adventure. 

A fast paced read, that I didn't want to put down. Well balanced read with great pacing, characters, and relationship building with a great focus on faith and family. Suspenseful read that kept me guessing throughout, with plenty of twists along the way. Another solid read from Colleen Coble. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.05.2024

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Landry Hutton has spent the last three years in Gossamer Falls building a safe place for her young daughter who is just starting Kindergarten, and working as a resident artist. When suddenly everything is upended she must depend on Marine Callum Shaw to help unearth the secrets that threaten her safe haven. 

A engaging read, with a riveting plot, and excellent characters. I loved how it had a good balance of faith, romance, relationship building, suspense, and mystery. I loved the building suspense, and natural progression of their relationship, along with heartwarming aspects mixed in. 

An amazing start to a new series, with captivating characters that you can cheer for throughout, strong themes of faith, and a plot that kept me guessing. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.03.2024

While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden // Review

My Review: 

Dentist Katherine Schneider stumbles upon a dangerous bomb plot while working the night shift, can she and Policeman Jonathan Birch get to the bottom of the plot before more people get hurt?

A riveting adventure with a strong heroine, and an admirable hero with a secret past. I loved the ladies at the Martha Washington and the friendship between the group of working women. Katherine is a capable woman, who also longs for more than friendship with the kind and considerate Jonathan. Jonathan is very thoughtful, caring, and intentional with his choices and actions. I could understand and respect why he made the choices that he did, and I admired his determination to make the bomb squad. 

Rich with history, I loved how Ms. Camden brought the nighttime of New York to life, showing the hardworking men and women laboring while everyone else sleeps. As well as how she showed the solid relationship between Katherine's parents. 

Overall, a well written adventure, with a full cast of characters, mystery, relationship building and themes of family and faith. Highly enjoyable!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

2.29.2024

A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander // Review

My Review: 

Still on shaky footing after an affair rocked their marriage, Claire Powell finds herself following her husband to Atlanta for a job, leaving behind her own dream job, and getting saddled with a mansion she never wanted. Will this move push them to their breaking point? 

A gripping and gritty read, that pulled me in with it's flawed characters and raw emotions. Claire is a woman trying to do the best with what she's been given, trying to act in faith when a deep trust has been broken. I was drawn in by her unreliable narrative, her humanity, and I could feel her every heartbreak. I loved the new friends that she makes in Atlanta, especially Beatrice. 

A powerful read that had me in a strangle-hold reading until the early hours, and this isn't even my preferred genre! I loved how the author dealt with a difficult and painful topic realistically, with faith showing that restoration is a painful process, weaving in a rich history as well. Highly recommend this powerful read!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3OS3Jii   *As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

2.28.2024

The Rancher's Sanctuary by Linda Goodnight // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming romance of hope and healing.

Nathan Garrison comes to town for a fresh start, and to lay claim to his inheritance, which will need more than a little elbow grease to fix up. He enlists the help of Monroe Matheson, a reclusive young woman who hides behind her scars. As they fix up his house, they get to know each other and untangle the secrets of his past. 

An engaging and compelling read with characters that draw you in and have you rooting for them from the very first chapter. I liked how Nathan saw past Monroe's physical scars, and she saw past his emotional ones, to help each other heal. There is a lot of good interaction and relationship building, as well as themes of faith. 

Overall, a well rounded and robust read, that surpassed my expectations and tugged at my heartstrings. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/4bHBugd *As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

2.27.2024

Just Once by Karen Kingsbury // Review

My Review: 
 A heartfelt tale of  young, enduring love through the terrors of war. 

Hank and Irvel have loved each other since they were children, but their timing was never quite right for a relationship and Irvel ends up dating Hank's brother, Sam. Then the war comes, and Irvel is recruited by the OSS because of her remarkable math skills, and the brothers are drawn into the war as well. 

A compelling story of love and timing amidst an earth shattering war. Engaging tale with well developed characters, Irvel is a strong and committed young woman. I liked that she was willing to take on the job with the OSS despite the risks. 

Overall, it was a well written and well paced read with likable characters. I liked how Hank was always looking out for Irvel, and his courage in the face of danger. A quick read, satisfying and full of heart. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3OXqX6H   *As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases