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.

Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer // Review

My Review: 

If we knew what would happen in our lives, would we change the outcome? 

Ally is a time-crosser living one of her timelines in 1849 trying to make her family's fortune in the California gold rush, and the other timeline in 1929 as a breakout star on the silver screen. She finds that not all is as it appears and though she can't knowingly change her path, it isn't set in stone either. Ally is devoted to both her families not wanting to leave either of them, without securing them some hope for the future. In 1929 she finds herself in a fake relationship with a Hollywood bad boy for the publicity, and in 1849 she finds her family trusting a man with a questionable past. 

Engaging and compelling plot. Ally struggles with the temptation to take control, and learns to trust in God's perfect plan. I liked how there was more to both Spencer and Sam once she got to know them, though both still so different from each other. Hazel and Johnny's friendship was so cute! I liked that both of Ally's fathers were principled and wise men of faith. 

Overall, another fantastic addition to the series, but also a novel that stands well on its own. Plenty of twists and turns throughout, with likable characters, and strong themes of faith. I was very excited to hear that there are more books in this series down the pipeline, and can't wait to read them!

I checked this book out from my library. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Cassie Reed comes back to her hometown after a divorce to help her brothers and aunt reopen the beloved family summer camp. 

Cassie is surprised to see former high school bad boy Devon Spencer working alongside her brothers on the camp. But Devon has changed a lot in the years since school and now he is the single father to a little girl. 

Working alongside each other, they realize that they have both changed, and their children help draw them together. I admired Devon's drive to build a stable future for his daughter. 

A heartfelt and heartwarming romance, with cute children and strong faith. Great interaction in this inspirational romance, compelling and uplifting. Definitely recommend!

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

Fugitive Manhunt by Sharee Stover // Review

Lucie's Review: 

K-9 officer Lizzie Reynolds teams up with an old high school crush Deputy Marshal Walker McCane to recapture a group of escaped convicts. But one of the convicts is out for revenge. Can they stay one step ahead of who is after her? 

An engaging read, with plenty going on. Lizzie and Walker have known each other a while but haven't talk since high school. While working together they reconnect and bond over their jobs and shared faith. Walker is supportive and quick on his feet to help Lizzie. Lizzie is resilient and talented. 

A fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Great interaction and chemistry, with a plot that had me on the edge of my seat. Great addition to the series. Highly recommend!

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

The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof // Review

My Review: 

A reflective character driven split time novel of holding tight and letting go in the mining town of Kenworthy California.

Juniper has not heard from her husband in a long time, she struggles to hold on and keep hope while raising their young daughter in a slowly dying mining town. In the present day, Johnny is going through a difficult divorce and buys a historic house to restore. He stumbles upon information about the previous owners and the weight of their secrets. 

This book has a slower more reflective pace, as both of the main protagonists struggle with perseverance, forgiveness, and second chances. Juniper is strong and supportive of her friend Edie, but also struggles to come to term with her own husband's absence and what it means for their family. Johnny is learning to move on, and let go, even though he didn't want his marriage to end. I liked that he is determined to be the dad his kids need, and try to move forward with co-parenting with his ex. 

Overall, a more character driven and reflective read, the first split time novel I've read from this author. It takes a little more time, but you do feel like you get to know the characters well through their humanity, struggles in faith, and resilience. Beautifully written journey of faith, hope and accepting second chances. 

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