Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: 

Everything is coming into place for Jonah and Lauren, until a traumatic fall takes Lauren's memory, and she can't remember their relationship at all. 

A heartwarming romance, in a cozy small town setting, that deals with the different paths of life, and how you never forget true love. Jonah is a good man and does his best to support Lauren throughout, no matter what she chooses, giving her space and time as well as being ready in the wings when she needs him. Lauren struggles choosing between her dreams, and new one that is slowly unfolding. I liked how Lauren and Jonah have good friends to lean on, and how they trust God to see them through. 

Overall, this was a heart bending, and heartwarming read, with endearing characters in a sweet small town!

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

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Book: A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

 

Click here to get your copy!

  Review: 

Two women centuries apart search for truth, and find love while looking for answers to questions raised by the Foundling Hospital. 

Janelle Spencer lives in the present day, running the Foundling Museum. While working with a filmmaker Jonas Conrad, she discovers a shocking secret from the past that threatens her future. While in 1885, Lillian Freemont is determined to be reunited with her niece, and the winding trail leads to a sobering conclusion, as she works with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to bring the girl home. 

A compelling dual-timeline story, with two equally engaging parallel stories about women fighting for truth, and living out their faith. I appreciated the strong timeless themes of faith, forgiveness, justice woven throughout. 

A well written novel, with excellent characters, great developing relationships, compelling and compassionate. I was drawn in equally to Janelle and Lillian's stories, in this riveting novel, full of faith, gripping storyline, and strong protagonists. Highly recommend!

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

About the Author

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal.

 

 

More from Carrie

Come with me to London!

My latest novel, A Token of Love, is a dual-time story set in London during the late Victorian Era and present day. That prompted my husband and I to take a trip to London earlier this year. We were especially delighted to visit the Foundling Museum which tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity home in England. The Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum tie the historical and contemporary plots together in A Token of Love.

Thousands of children were taken in by the Foundling Hospital when their mothers could no longer care for them. Some of the mothers left small items such as coins, thimbles, and pieces of jewelry with their infants as identifiers in the hope that if their situation changed, they might be able to return and reclaim their child. Those items were called tokens, and we saw several of them on display at the Foundling Museum.

Each token is unique and represents a mother’s love and desire to be reunited with her child. It was very moving to view them on display and think of all the heartache and hope behind each token.

More than two years ago, I saw an image of the tokens on Pinterest. That sparked my curiosity, and I followed the research trail to learn more about them. That led to the Foundling Museum’s website, which offers a treasure trove of information and personal stories about the mothers and children connected by those tokens. What I discovered helped me develop the characters and plot for A Token of Love. The story highlights one mother who gave her daughter into their care, then eight years later tries to reclaim her. But her daughter is missing, and that sets off a series of events that stirs all of London. Family drama, romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery will make the story meaningful for readers.

If you like stories based on true events in history that will touch your heart and lift your spirit, then I think you will enjoy reading A Token of Love!

If you’d like to see more photos from my research trip to London and the Foundling Museum, I hope you’ll visit my website photo page!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Connie’s History Classroom, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Devoted To Hope, October 10

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Live.Love.Read., October 11

Stories By Gina, October 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 13

lakesidelivingsite, October 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 14

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 17

Inspired by Fiction, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 18

Labor Not in Vain, October 19

To Everything There is A Season, October 20

Romances of the Cross, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of A Token of Love!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5461/

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason // Review

Lucie's Review:

Kenzie King has fought her way into a prime spot  on a SWAT team, as a tactical medical, and everyday proving time and again that she has earned her spot. 

A high stakes game of cat and mouse, as the SWAT team is continually drawn out and hunted, by a mysterious antagonist who manages to stay just out of their reach. Cole has been interested in Kenzie for awhile, but he's also never had trouble finding a date. But as their team is in danger, they find themselves closer together as the stakes raise and the dangerous plot unfolds. 

An action packed read, with secrets from the present and past, strong protagonists with a slowly building romance. A highly entertaining read, with an edge of your seat plot, strong faith, plenty of suspense and romance!

An excellent addition to a fantastic series, but also great as a standalone. Great character development and interaction, I loved seeing familiar faces from the previous book as well. Great for fans of action and suspense!

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

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano // Review

My Review:

Vivienne's search for answers quickly becomes a nightmare as she discovers the terrible secrets that threaten to hold her captive. 

A haunting, emotional suspense, that will have you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything. A well written read with, complex characters and multiple twists along the way. I liked how despite the impossible situation, Vivienne held tight to her faith, and did her best to shine a light into a dark place. 

A emotional roller coaster, filled with secrets and suspense. A wonderful companion novel to A Midnight Dance, but also a stunning stand alone. 

Overall, a brilliant and evocative novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. Definitely worth checking out!

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

Average Joe // Movie Review and Giveaway

Be inspired by the true story of Coach Joe Kennedy and his fight for freedom in the new movie, Average Joe, in theaters October 11! 

 High school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11. 

 Buy your tickets today!

My Review: 

An inspiring story for the whole family!

I loved the conversational tone of the film, as Joe and his wife tell their story from the beginning, through their tumultuous upbringings, going down separate paths and eventually finding each other again. Joe had a tough time trusting God, because the challenges he faced growing up and in his adult life, but when he gave his life to Christ, he gave everything. 

This is a well-done film, feel-good and inspiring, but it doesn't shy away from the harder parts of Joe's life and marriage, and how the events portrayed in the film took a toll on that, but also strengthened him and inspired others. It isn't easy to go against the grain and stand up alone for what you believe in face of career damaging implications, but I admired him for standing firm and keeping his promise to praise God win or lose. 

Overall, an enjoyable film, with a little bit of love story, sports underdog story, faith, and legal battle.  This movie has it all! A great movie for the whole family, with humor, and themes of faith and integrity. I loved the moments of breaking the fourth wall storytelling, as well as his life story, which is ordinary, but also incredible, culminating towards the title of the film, Average Joe. Highly recommend this entertaining Christian film, that has something for everyone!

 #AverageJoeMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 Buy tickets today to see Average Joe in theaters starting October 11th! 

Average Joe - Fathom Events

 Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card (Note: This is limited to US winners only). 

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Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews // Review

My Review:

A compelling and intriguing look at David's life while on the run from Saul, and that of the first wife he took in Hebron. 

A compelling and intriguing look at a time in David's life not often focused on in fiction, I liked how the author imagined that time on the run from Saul, and the possible reasoning behind him taking multiple wives, as well as the cultural landscape. Ahinoam is strong and stubborn, raised by a father abandoned by his wife, she learned to wield the weapons of her father's trade. She is a young woman finding her path, she struggles with doubts and questions of worthiness in the face of her marriage to David, and his taking on another wife. The story is told from broth David and Ahinoam's point of views, has good interactions, and character development.

The author did a great job navigating the difficult subject of David's multiple marriages, and while it was a little odd in my contemporary frame of mind of a Christian marriage, it did happen and he did have multiple wives, and there were consequences later on. 

I liked seeing David as a young man fighting for his throne and becoming a revered leader among his men and his people. I also enjoyed seeing his deep friendship with Jonathan, and deep desire to please God.

Overall, an excellent read full of intensity, faith, suspense, as well as parts that challenged me. The author did an amazing job, pulling from the text to create a compelling portrayal of Ahinoam and David during that time. A compelling read from beginning to end!

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

The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming, feel-good story about community, faith, and family. 

The ladies of Alexandertol, Kansas, decide to form a benevolence group, to help those in need in their communities. Widowed schoolteacher Augusta Dyck, sees the need of Konrad Rempel, an independent widower with two energetic twin boys. While Martina Krahn the group's founder, hopes to find meaning and a child to fill the hole in her unhappy home through the group's work. 

This heartwarming and faith filled story is told from the multiple perspectives of Konrad, Augusta, and Martina. Augusta has a big heart for others, and is raising a young daughter of her own, but is always looking for ways to lift others up. Everyone adores Konrad's boys, who are full of energy, but are eager to please. Konrad does the best  he can for his sons, and that is what drives him throughout. 

My heart went out to Martina, at first it is easy to dislike her, until you see what lies beyond her somewhat abrasive attitude, is actually a lot of heartbreak and hurt. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable story with likable characters, adorable children, plenty of heart, and a solid foundation of faith, set in a small prairie community. 

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

White Bird // Movie Review and Giveaway

Be Brave. Choose Kind. You forget many things in life. But you never forget kindness. WHITE BIRD is a deeply moving coming of-age story and testament to the courage it takes to extend kindness and love during the harshest of times.

 From the world of Wonder, which sparked a movement to "choose kind," comes the inspirational next chapter: WHITE BIRD. Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. From the director of Finding Neverland, WHITE BIRD reminds us to be brave and choose kind. 

 Buy your tickets now to WHITE BIRD, in theaters October 4! 

https://tickets.whitebird.movie/

My Review: 

A compelling coming of age story that resonates with the whole family. 

Captivating, heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time, this is is a well done and thought provoking film that is the inspirational sequel to Wonder the film based on the novel by R.J. Palacio, but stands well on it's own even if you have never read or seen Wonder. Julian is starting at a new school, and he wants to blend in and not stand out in one way or another when someone is being hurt, but his grandmother pays him a visit and tells him about growing up as a Jew in Nazi occupied France.

A beautifully told story, full of heart, with strong themes of hope, and choosing kindness by taking a stand against evil. I thought that this film did a great job of showing the horrors of what humans can inflict on each other, not shying away from the harsh realities faced by those living in France during the war, but also not overly explicit. I thought that the gravity of the events where tastefully depicted, and this film has a powerful message. There are thematic elements, and violence, I would recommend parents do their research to decide if their children are old enough to see this film, as young children should probably wait a few years, but the message is so timely and important. 

Sara Blum is amazed at the kindness of a classmate often scorned because of his disability, she comes to admire his bravery and that of his family to stand up to the status quo. I was very impressed with the solid message for all ages, that the only thing that can stand up to darkness is light, and that it takes bravery to choose kindness. A compelling film with masterful storytelling with a timeless and powerful message. You'll want to share this film with everyone you know!

  #WhiteBirdMIN #WhiteBirdMovie #BeBraveChooseKind

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only).

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The Emmeline Series: Finding Strength by Kathy J. Perry // JustRead Tour and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Emeline series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: A Journey
Series: Emeline #1
Author: Kathy J Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date: November 1, 2023
Genre: Christian Young Adult 19th Century American Historical Fiction

A promise made to her dying father; a struggle that tests her faith; a journey that pushes her resilience and resourcefulness to their limits 

Emeline, a thirteen-year-old Missouri orphan, must set off on a quest across frontier America to fulfil her father’s last to find her grandfather in Boston. 

Crossing this dangerous and unforgiving land alone, she must face challenges without losing her faith, rising to every test ahead if she’s to survive and find a home at the end of her adventure. 

Will Emeline’s journey bring her the family she longs for? 

Readers of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Louisa May Alcott will delight in this fast-paced adventure.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Kathy J Perry | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Title: Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893
Series: Emeline #2
Author: Kathy J Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Genre: Christian Young Adult Historical Fiction 

When the world around you is falling apart, you must find strength within yourself. 

Three years after her father’s death, Emeline has settled into life in Indianapolis. 

Then an urgent visit to her childhood farm in Missouri changes everything. Her manager dies, the economy is in recession, and the caretakers are moving back to Wisconsin. Emeline is suddenly responsible for the farm… and she’s out of her depth. 

With the help of her closest allies, Emeline sets out to turn the farm around until disaster strikes and she must start again. Emeline faces her biggest challenge finding the courage to have confidence in herself. 

Can Emeline’s faith and resourcefulness bring her the joy and security she’s worked so hard to find? 

This coming-of-age tale is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Kathy J Perry | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Review: 

Emeline again must rise to the occasion, stepping up to the tasks laid before her. 

Emeline has enjoyed the last few years working for the Witherspoons, until her life changes again with the coming of a letter bringing her back to the farm after the death of the manager. Emeline must again make a solo journey in this coming of age tale, she reconnects with old friends and takes up the mantle of running the dairy farm with the help of the former manager's son, Andrew. 

Emeline learns valuable lessons, growing in her faith, while taking on new challenges, making new friends, and connecting with old ones. An enjoyable historical fiction with strong characters, and solid themes of faith in this coming of age story great for teen girls, and also enjoyable for adults. 

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

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About the Author

Of the many jobs she’s held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for Kathy J. Perry because investing in kids is so important. To this end, she continues to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact. Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. When not writing, you’ll find her painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. Is this retirement? Apparently so! She loves every minute of it with her husband of 43 years.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed print copies of A Journey and Finding Strength, companion journal, bookmarks, and a $25 Amazon gift card plus a code for free audiobooks for both titles!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 8, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White // Review

My Review:

An enchanting Christmastime Edwardian romance, inspired by The Nutcracker, about the true light of Christmas. 

 Lady Mariah Lyons delights in bringing the joy of Christmas to those around her, making sweets, writing plays, and devising special surprises for the local children to enjoy. But this year is different with the visitation of a Danish nobleman, and a childhood friend, over the festive season. 

A captivating and heartwarming story of family, faith, and finding love at Christmas time. I loved Mariah's sense of joy, how she uses her gifts to create things for others to enjoy and share her wonder. This is such a fun feel-good read, with wonderful characters, and an engaging plot with ties to the classic Christmastime tale. I really liked Mariah's friendship with Cyril, as well as how she is so kind and thoughtful towards the staff, treating them like family. 

Overall, a well written read that I didn't want to end, with likable characters, and a compelling story, filled with a sense of wonder and faith. Great interaction between the characters, as well as a strong theme of the true meaning of Christmas. A highly entertaining, heartwarming read, that you will love to re-read year after year!

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

Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop
 

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannamwhite.com

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