The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White // Review

My Review: 

A daring mother and talented musician fight for freedom from the Nazi regime in occupied France, in this gripping story of love and sacrifice. 

Zelie Bellrose is a young widow who is willing to fight for a future for her two children, suddenly finding herself the unlikely leader of an intelligence agency. Every chance they take could possibly put all that she holds dear at risk. I admired her courage, as well as her cool-headed common sense, humility, and fierce devotion to her children. She knows the cost, and doesn't let it defeat her, but push her forward instead. 

Marcel Laurent recently freed from a POW camp, takes a job with a travelling orchestra that comes with special privileges that he can use to help the fight for a free France. Marcel is a kind and discerning man, a quiet leader, who proves his mettle again and again. I loved how he showed his strength in trusting and being willing to follow, while being a source of support, and encouraging others to hope. 

A compelling story of ordinary people, willing to risk everything for their families and country, doing extraordinary things. I was inspired by the faith of Zelie and Marcel, trusting God when hope is hard to hold onto. A gripping story from beginning to end, emotional and full of adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another stand out novel from Roseanna M. White. Highly recommend!

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

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Protecting the Baby by Jodie Bailey // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Veterinarian Carly Mayor has recently become the guardian of young Ariel, but there are people with nefarious intentions towards the little girl, so she asks Eli Blackwood a rancher and K-9 officer to help her. 

Fast paced red, filled with mystery and suspense. I liked that Carly and Eli knew each other previously from church, and that they work together well as a team. There is a lot going on, and I liked that they bonded over their faith and little Ariel. I liked how Eli jumped in to help, offering support and a place to stay. He is determined not to fall in love, but God might just have other plans. 

Full of twists and turns, the story kept me on my toes. Ariel is a sweet little girl, and I admired Carly's devotion to keeping her safe. Great characters, good interactions, and strong faith.

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

Guarded by the Sheriff by Monique DeVere // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sienna witnesses a crime, which make her and her young son the target of a dangerous gunman, with nowhere to go she runs to the only person she can think of, her ex-fiancé Sheriff Ethan Callahan.

Ethan is surprised to see Sienna again, with a young boy in tow who in the spitting image of himself at that age. He immediately steps up to help protect Sienna and Nathan. I really liked how welcoming Ethan's family was to Nathan and Sienna, and how they are instantly supportive. 

I admired how Sienna has held onto to her faith through everything, and passed what she knows onto her son. She is strong and willing to speak up when things just don't add up. 

An action packed read, with tender relationship building and great interaction. Engaging and enjoyable read. Highly recommend! 

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

The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller // Review

My Review: 

A moving novel based on the true stories of Anna Cooper, Mary Church and Ida Gibbs three women of color who attended Oberlin College in 1884, breaking down barriers and fighting for a fair education. 

 The novel primarily follows Mary and Anna, two women from very different backgrounds, both determined to make a difference and receive a respected college education. The novel follows not just the challenges faced at the college, but also in their personal lives. I was initially drawn to the story knowing very little about the background of the story but found the premise interesting, and my grandmother attended Oberlin College in the 1950s. 

 Well written novel based on real events and people, my heart went out to Anna for her courage in pursuing college and a life away from where she grew up. Not letting the past stand in the way of a bright future. Mary had her own struggles too, away from where her family name carried more weight, I admired how she didn't give up and kept reaching for her goals. 

 Overall, an inspiring read, that brought to life the challenges faced by Ida, Anna, and Mary during their time at Oberlin College. I especially enjoyed the ending, learning more about their lives after college, and later returning for advanced degrees as well. Moving and inspiring historical read. 

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

Explosive Alliance by Susan Sleeman // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Krista Curry is attending a soccer game with her grandfather, and the last thing she expects to stumble upon is a bomb. Explosives expert Cash Dixon comes to the rescue, but there are still a lot of questions. Krista has secrets of her own, but her dodging of questions is making her look more and more suspicious. Can they find the true bomber before time runs out? 

An action packed read, with a compelling plot and plenty of tension. I liked Krista's close relationship with her grandfather, and how he talks openly about his faith. I liked how they worked together well, and that they bonded over their faith. 

Overall, an action packed read, full of suspense. There's a lot going on, and I liked how it kept you guessing. There are strong themes of faith, and forgiveness, and I liked how Krista stayed calm in a crazy situation. A highly engaging and enjoyable read, definitely recommend!

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

Ambushed in Yosemite by Kellie VanHorn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

 Park employee Skylar Jansen stumbles upon a man burying a body in the middle of the Yosemite wilderness and finds herself in a killer's crosshairs. 

A fast paced read, with a lot going on with ties to secrets from the past, as Skylar and Special Agent Bode Tucker try to stay ahead of the killer. I liked that they bonded over their shared faith. Bode is a devoted single dad, with a young daughter, and I liked that he has a supportive family around him. 

A gripping read, with likable characters, and good plot. There is good interaction and dialogue throughout in this action-packed cold case suspense. 

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

A Killer on Campus by Rhonda Starnes // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Forensic photographer Jane Mason finds herself in a killer's crosshairs when she starts digging into her aunt's homicide case. 

Now a teacher at the very college where her aunt was murdered, she spends her spare time trying to figure out what happened to her aunt. But when she is attacked on campus she knows that she is onto something. Her estranged childhood friend Ridge Snyder jumps in offering help and support. 

Full of tension, this book has a lot going on, and twists that kept me guessing. I liked that Ridge and Jane worked on repairing their relationship and coming to terms with what happened in the past. 

There is a lot going on, with great tension and a plot that kept me on my toes. Great characters and relationship building. Highly recommend!

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

Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review:

A cozy autumn read, with a small town meets big city romance. 

 Via Dalton owns a growing cat cafe and has dreams of expanding. But when her neighbor suddenly dies without leaving his wishes in writing, she and the town are surprised to find that he has a nephew, Leo , a big city hedge fund manager who has plans to sell and go back to L.A., but Earl's will has couple unique stipulations that have him sticking around and wondering if there is more to Pecan Corner than her thought. 

 A cute opposites attract romance, clean, but the characters do seem to dwell on the other's physical characteristics quite a bit mentally, which I personally didn't need to read about. I liked that Via has a close knit family, friends, and community, she has a big heart for others. Sir Meow is quite the character, and humorously takes a liking to Leo. It was also fun getting to see glimpses of who Earl was posthumously through his home, shop, and will, and imagine the life he lived. 

 Charming and sweet romance, with a Hallmark movie like setting and plot. Perfect for a light and cozy read. Enjoyable, humorous, sweet and quick read. 

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

The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 
A haunting dual-timeline novel of two women in different time periods uncovering the secrets of an elaborate mansion haunted by the memory of a terrible wrong. 

 Tris is excited to start a new job and leave her past behind but is dismayed to find that it has followed her. I admired her for walking away from all she'd ever known for her newfound faith, and acting on her convictions. She finds herself working alongside her old ghost hunting team, Beck and her brother, Casper, to uncover what is really going on at the mansion rumored to be haunted by Civil War ghosts, and an elusive 100th door. Full of gothic vibes, I appreciated the strong faith, and the honesty with which Tris wrestled between loyalty and hope for freedom from the past. 

 Minnie Tipton comes to mansion after her father uproots them, selling everything to move there. But upon moving there, her father is beset by illness and rages, and the housekeeper seems to be harboring secrets, treating her coldly and usurping her place as lady of the house. She meets the mysterious Dexter, a quaker man, with suspicions about the house. Minnie tries to find answers about the house's terrible past, while seeing strange things and not knowing who to trust. The housekeeper was chillingly creepy, hot and cold, and impossible to predict. I liked Minnie, that she stepped out of her comfort zone, daring to hope for more than the role she had silently committed herself to. 

 A gripping and ghostly read, set in a haunted mansion turned bookshop. It definitely kept me on my toes, with complex characters, and unknown loyalties that had me guessing. The dual timelines entwined well, and I liked how it talked about not dabbling in darkness. Masterfully written with a resounding message of faith. Highly recommend!

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

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz // Review

My Review: 

Maebel Bohannon's family is divided by their loyalties in the struggle for early America. 

Mae finds herself especially at odds with her sister Coralie, who is a devoted Loyalist, with a British officer as a beau. I admired Mae in her forbearance of her sister's selfish ways, and refusal to settle into complaining alongside her, while making the best of each situation. 

I loved the longing between Rhys and Mae as they fight for a future despite the uncertain future. General Rhys Harlow is devoted to the American cause and is a good friend to Mae's brother. I liked their connection and bond of faith. 

A captivating read that swept me into the struggles of a young America, as loyalties are divided and families torn apart. Full of heartache, betrayal and longing, this historically rich novel will have you hanging onto every word. Hopeful, romantic and gritty, with a love story you won't soon forget. 

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