The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz // Review

My Review: 

Juliet Catesby is a capable woman, she has poured herself into her father's indigo business, as well as freeing slaves. In order to cancel a debt, her father arranges for one of his daughters to marry a Scots lord, Juliet is surprise when he chooses her instead of her younger and more marriage minded sister. I admired how she made the best of her new life, and made an effort to welcome Leith's children and get to know them. She is a clever and capable woman, strong in her convictions and kindness. I also liked her close relationship with her sister Loveday, who is different in many ways but they have a mutual love and respect for each other. 

A slow burn romance, with a marriage of convenience. I liked that Leith notices Juliet for her management skills, as well as her intelligence. He is touched by her care for his children, but wary of making the mistakes he made with his first wife. 

An engaging read, with likable characters, and an interesting premise with and American heiress travelling to Scotland instead of the other way around. An enjoyable story full of love and sacrifice, that had me hanging on to the very end. Highly recommend!

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

Montana Christmas Target by Terri Reed // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sculptor Fiona Halvorson finds herself caught up in a dangerous crime operation, when she finds her ex-fiancé dead and her art gallery implicated in illegal dealings. She's saved from an attempted abduction by FBI agent Bryce Springs, and together they must stay one step ahead of the killers while figuring out how to disentangle her from the criminal scheme. 

A fast paced, and action packed read, with likable characters and a thrilling plot. Fiona is quick thinking with good survival instinct, she is the kind of woman who can take care of herself but also knows when to stand back and be supportive. Together she and Bryce make a great team. 

Overall, a fantastic Christmas suspense with strong faith, great characters and a lot going on! Highly entertaining and enjoyable read!

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

We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A sweet smalltown romance, with dysfunctional family dynamics, humor and heart. 

Olivia is dating her former neighbor, Malcolm McEntire. She knows that her mother doesn't care much for their neighbors, so she enlists her father to help her break the news to her mother. 

A quick heartwarming read, about family, faith and learning to accept change, in a smalltown holiday setting. Quirky and humorous, I liked that Jane had to think about how her comments and behavior could impact her family in the future. though for her faults she is a caring and good mother. Olivia's dad is a wonderful, loving and understanding man. 

Overall, a fun read, cozy and with strong themes of faith to get you ready for the holiday season!

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

Nothing But Air by Susan May Warren and Tari Farris // Review

Lucie's Review: 

An action-packed treasure hunt full of suspense, and death-defying climbs. 

When Teague finds out about Eden's past as a champion level climber, he urges her to join his team in the race for the treasure. Teague really likes Eden and hopes they can be more than friends, but she sees him as a daredevil who takes unnecessary risks. I liked how they both challenged each other to think of things differently and to grow in their faith. 

Great interaction and a great mix of action and suspense. I liked catching up with the couples from the previous books as well. Great conclusion to a series, with an original plot and stunning Grand Canyon setting. Gripping read, with excellent character development and relationship building. Highly recommend!

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

Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle // Review

My Review: 

A historically rich story of love, faith and sacrifice in the days of the early church in ancient Rome. 

Adelgard has fought for her survival since being captured and forced to fight in the arena, gaining a strong reputation as a skilled fighter. Felix doesn't like the Roman pastime of consuming violence for entertainment, but he takes a job applying his skills in healing at the gladiator school and quickly becomes invested in trying to help the enslaved gladiators. 

A little slow to start but picks up speed as we get to know the characters and their plights. Adel fights to survive, dreaming of glory in the arenas, while carrying a secret shame. A well written read, rich in history that brings to life the horror of living as a gladiator in ancient Rome, as well as the life of Telemechus. 

A compelling and gripping read, with thrilling suspense, and rich in history. I enjoyed learning about Telemechus and his life. An entertaining read, with a strong message of faith and trusting God. 

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

Winter's Dawn by Morgan L. Busse // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Winter’s Dawn (The Nordic Wars Book 3)

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Genre: Viking fantasy (adult)

Fearless. Defender. Shield Maiden.

Brighid returns to the Nordic forces. But she is not alone. Her newfound companion accompanies her, along with Kaeden, the Eldaran Truthsayer. Together, they approach the battlefield, powered by a unique bond forged since their first encounter.

Yet a dark and menacing presence grows within Brighid’s mind. Her connection to death has returned, and this time, there is no oath to numb the terror. Will she be able to fight and protect her people while sensing the reaper of life?

Kaeden’s recent conflict with one of the Shadonae has left scars across both his body and soul. Still, he is determined to finish what he has started and free both the Nordic people and the world of this great evil. To do so, he may have to sacrifice everything to reach the one who has bound the Nordic people to this deadly war.

Kaeden will need Brighid’s help. But when he reveals the truth behind the dreams they have shared, Brighid must make a choice that could change not only her future but the fate of her people: accept the bond between them or let it fade―and lose him along with it.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Picking up where the previous book left off, the beginning is a bit slower to start as they bring others up to speed and face the realities of the events of the previous book. 

I liked how Kaeden sees the responsibility behind his gift and the power it has to encourage and bring people together. Brigid is becoming accustomed to her clan and no longer being a clanless warrior, while learning more of the Word that Kaeden follows. There is good character growth, and Kaeden has come a long way towards accepting his calling and becoming a revered leader. 

Overall, a well fought for conclusion that brings all of the threads together, with strong themes of light and darkness, death and life, as well as faith. An action filled and fascinating Nordic fantasy world, excellently brought to life, with a stirring plot and characters that you can cheer for throughout. 

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

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the FOLLOWER OF THE WORD series, THE SOUL CHRONICLES, and THE RAVENWOOD SAGA. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and winner of both the INSPY and the Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

 

 

 

 

More from Morgan

What we do today will determine the ending to our story.” -Gurmund, Winter’s Dawn

 

Legacy. I don’t think many people think about legacy. At least not until they start facing the end of their lives. So, what is legacy? One definition I found is something handed down from one generation to the next. I like this definition because it can be so many things. It can be wisdom, stewardship, an example of a life lived with integrity, leaving the world a better place, peace, and even hope. Perhaps another way to say it is legacy is living with the future of the next generation in mind.

The quote up above is from the last book in my Viking-inspired fantasy series, The Nordic Wars. In Winter’s Dawn, the leaders of the Nordic people are facing two impossible choices, both that will most likely cost their nation everything. Then the end comes. Discouraged, Brighid feels all hope is lost. But Gurmund reminds her that even if they lose everything, and their people cease to be no more, it still mattered how they finished.

They would leave hope and light for the next generation.

This is how I want to live. I once told my husband that I don’t think we will ever know the legacy we leave behind, because it will be spoken about after we are gone. But the choices I make today and the life I live, will determine the ending I leave behind for others to read. I want that ending to be full of hope and light so that when the next generation faces darkness, they will remember they are not alone and those who went before them.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, August 27

To Everything There Is A Season, August 28

Artistic Nobody, August 29 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, August 30 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Fiction Book Lover, September 2 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, September 3 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 4

Wishful Endings, September 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

For the Love of Literature, September 6 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, September 7

Labor Not in Vain, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/P2Wse/winters-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Hunting an Arsonist by Jessica R. Patch // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Helena Rutherford is investigating a string of fires, when she becomes a target. K-9 officer Trevor Slate and his dog Lark comes her rescue, together they team up to find answers before it all goes up in flames. 

An intense read, with two mysteries that have them racing for answers. I liked how Trevor comes beside Helena to help her out, and is supportive of her throughout, as they come to trust and depend on each other. I liked that they also bonded over their pasts and shared faith. 

An engaging story with well developed characters. Plenty of action, good interaction and a clever dog. This story is more intense, and tad more dark than other Love Inspired Suspenses. It kept on my toes for sure! A twisting thriller with great characters and a dramatic climactic ending!

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

Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: 

The matchmaker meets his match. 

One part fake engagement, one part marriage of convenience, and another enemies to lovers. This mash up of tropes centers on Zaira the middle of the Shanahan clan and Bellamy McKenna the wily matchmaker who has found a match for each of her elder siblings. 

Zaira has a passion fo writing and wants to experience more in life so that she can write about it in her books. Meanwhile Bellamy's father is pushing him to find a match for himself. When a lapse in judgement ends up binding the two together in what they believe to be a temporary arrangement, they learn more about each others, their secrets and hearts for others. I liked how they worked together to help a pair of lost children. 

Overall, a quick read, with plenty of banter and chemistry between the characters. A fun addition to the series, and I liked seeing the couples from the previous books and getting an update on how they are doing. An enjoyable read. 

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

Taking Back Truth by Douglas Groothuis // Review

My Review: 

In our fast paced world full of podcasting, AI, and reletivism, truth can feel hard to find. In this book Mr. Groothuis takes us back to the source of all truth, encouraging us to think through the current issues critically and from a Christian worldview. 

Engaging and conversational, it is an easy to read book. And I liked how the authors starts by making sure we have a proper theology of who God is and who we are not. The author is very well read and he traces current issues to their historical roots. 

A quick read, that is encouraging for readers in this present age. It doesn't go super into depth on any of the single one issues, but it is a great knowledgeable introduction to a large swath of them.

Overall, a well written response to today's issues, pointing back to the timeless truth of Scripture. 

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

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming and uplighting Christmas tale of hope and new beginnings. 

Maggie Oliver is given no small order when tasked with pulling together a Christmas USO show with little time to spare. I admired her sunny positive attitude and how she met every roadblock with bright determination. Duke Prescott is a former Hollywood actor, burned in a terrible accident while serving his country, scarred and without options in Hollywood, his life feels like a dead end. But an invitation to join Maggie's USO production unexpectedly changes his life. 

A compelling and hopeful read, with likable protagonists and an engaging plot. Maggie has a sunny can-do attitude, and I loved her close relationship and comraderie with her grandfather. I like how Prescott is down to earth and ready to jump right in and help wherever he can. 

A fun fast paced read, with a full cast of wonderful characters and plenty of heart. I loved the creative ways that the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Twelfth Night played into the story. An uplifting and inspiring story of faith and purpose. Highly recommend!

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