Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sheriff Heath Dalton stumbles upon two gunmen burying body, and the tables quickly turn leaving Heath without a weapon and killers on his tail. He tries to get help, but ends up stranded in the mountains with nurse, Kayla Eldridge, as they fight the odds together against man and the elements. 

Heath and Kayla have plenty of time to get to know each other while fighting for their lives in the wilderness. They bond over their shared situation and faith. They both have to use their wits and think on their feet. 

Intense and action packed, with killers always a step behind. It seemed like everything that could go wrong did for a while. 

Overall, a fast paced read with a lot going on and plenty of tension throughout. Great ending, and engaging romance!

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

Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Book: Illuminary (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book One)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy inspired by A Little Princess

Release date: April 8, 2025

Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.

Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists.

Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.

Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.

 My Review: 

A thrilling adventure, full of puzzles, competition, and friendship. 

Yosarai dreams of following in her mother's footsteps and becoming an illuminator at the Academy of the Seven Arts. I liked that she has a beautiful relationship with her father, and how she is always looking out for others. Xander is a prince in hiding, and quickly finds an ally in Yosarai and her father. 

There is fantastic world building in this riveting fantasy, set in a world that is believably Victorian Steampunk and Indian/Middle Eastern all at once! I loved the attention to detail and intentionality, in creating this original blend of cultures. 

The first in an exciting new series, we follow Yosarai and her friends as they work together to stand up to challenges and solve puzzle in a competition. I loved Rivka and Massard! Strong themes of faith and friendship are present throughout. 

Overall, an exiting adventure with strong themes of faith, justice, and friendship. I'm excited to see where this fantastic new series leads!

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working onone of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

 

 

 

More from Chawna

Why I Love “A Little Princess”

Illuminary begins a fantasy trilogy loosely inspired by A Little Princess. This classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a book I’ve read almost annually since I was a preteen, with some years containing two or more readings. It is a story that never fails to enchant me no matter how often I read it, and it carries for me the same magic that Anne of Green Gables has for many other girls.

Yet unlike Anne, who endears herself to almost all who meet her, the young heroine of A Little Princess, Sara Crewe, is known to be a somewhat divisive character—the kind you either adore or hate the moment you meet her, much like the characters within the story itself. So, what draws me back to this young protagonist again and again?

The reasons are many. I love her imagination, her intelligence, her ability for the perfect comeback, her courage in the face of horrifying circumstances, her uniqueness—all characteristics that I’ve tried to endow upon the heroine of Illuminary to some extent.

But I think the thing I hope my heroine in Illuminary emulates most is Sara’s unshakeable character. For Sara is a principled young lady, and no matter what is thrown at her, she holds onto those principles without wavering.

Often in literature, it seems like the good, principled characters, when they are faced with great difficulty, end up struggling with their principles, debating whether they are good or worthwhile. In some stories, those characters even outright reject those principles for a time.

While these are good and needed stories to tell, sometimes they are portrayed as the only accurate arcs for such characters—as if characters holding onto their principles and maintaining their integrity is somehow unrealistic. A charge originating, I suppose, from those too sweet, too perfect characters found in morality tales.

Yet while such characters of integrity and principle might be rare, Scripture shows us that hard times don’t have to shake one’s principles or undermine one’s integrity. Both Joseph in the book of Genesis and Daniel in the book bearing his name exemplify this kind of life. And we see this same principled integrity in Sara Crewe.

It is not that she is some perfectly sweet heroine. Sara has a temper, struggles with some uncharitable thoughts toward others, and even misjudges another character terribly. Nor does she fail to grow. The Sara at the end of the story is definitely a more mature, thoughtful, and understanding girl than the one who began the tale.

But the core essence of her character—her politeness, generosity, and compassion as summarized by her wish to act like a princess—does not change in the story. The core characteristics that make Sara Crewe, Sara Crewe, are unshaken. They may grow and expand with the character, but these essential attributes characterize her throughout the entire story. Even in her darkest moments she holds fast to them.

That is both hopeful and encouraging. For we all will face hard and difficult times. A Little Princess doesn’t deny that reality. Rather, it says that those hard times don’t have to destroy us and that holding onto one’s integrity, one’s faith, is possible.

For me, that is what makes Sara Crewe and A Little Princess truly magical—and what I hope will make Illuminary magical for its readers.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 29

Artistic Nobody, April 30 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 30

The Lofty Pages, May 1

Wishful Endings, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 3 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4

Guild Master, May 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 8

Inklings and Notions, May 9

Fiction Book Lover, May 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 11

Labor Not in Vain, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a 2.5” x 9.5” poster of Psalm 46:5 and 10-11 illuminated by artist and calligrapher Timothy Botts, a signed copy of the book, a $25 Amazon gift card, a glass stylus, and 5 bookish stickers!!

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/00adcf54208

Standing Watch by Terri Reed // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A fast-paced suspense set in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota. 

Zach Kelsey and his K-9 Amber answer a call to an assault to find that the victim is his estranged wife, Eden, who has also witnessed a deadly attack. Can he keep her safe? 

Suspenseful and action-packed with a lot going on, as a South Dakota resident it was fun seeing a lot of familiar places, but some of the names were also changed as well. Zach and Eden are forced to face the things that pushed them apart, and I liked that all the things going on gave them a chance to talk things out. They make a good team and are both great at thinking on their feet!

There is a lot going on, as the killer continue to stalk them, and I kept wondering what would happen next. Great tension throughout, suspense and relationship-wise. I liked the strong themes of faith and forgiveness. Definitely well worth reading!

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

Ambush by Colleen Coble // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Paradise Alden returns to her hometown after 15 years to work on a wildlife sanctuary, but ghosts from her troubled upbringing keep coming back to haunt her. Can she trust the one man who unknowingly betrayed her so long ago? 

There is a lot going on in this high-tension read, as one thing after another happens and another secret from the past is revealed, it all culminates in a suspenseful story that had me eagerly turning each page. There is good interaction and relationship building between Paradise and Blake. Blake is a great guy, he is a man of faith, and I admired how he stands by his mother to help her through hard times. 

A fast paced read, with a lot going on in this suspenseful read that kept me guessing. Engaging and well written, I liked that it also happens in the same universe as a previous book by this author. A lot happening and a lot to discover, definitely worth the read!

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

Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Book: Two Seconds Too Late (Jeopardy Falls Series: Book Two)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 29, 2025

A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review:

Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and PI Greyson Chadwick find themselves working on a missing person's case, when the case takes a turn and they find themselves being pursued. Can they unravel the case before they become victims as well? 

A riveting read, with great romantic tension, and a plot that kept me on my toes! Heart-stopping suspense, great interaction, with strong character arcs, and themes of faith. I liked seeing familiar faces again, as they work together to discover the truth in this high stakes chase. 

I enjoyed the emotionally rich plot, that doesn't skimp on suspense, with a plot that made it impossible to put down. There are a lot of moving parts, but it never felt like info dumping or ever dragged. Riley and Greyson make a great team, and it was fun to see them grow in their friendship towards more. 

Overall, a satisfying suspense, with strong faith, great characters that you can cheer for throughout, great interaction and plenty of action. Highly engaging, with a lot going on to keep your brain engaged. Definitely worth the read! Can't wait for Declan's story!

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

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband.

More from Dani

Hi friends! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to stop by and say hi. I deeply appreciated. I have loved writing Riley and Greyson’s story. They are my favorite couple since Landon and Piper in my Alaskan Courage series. She’s fiery and independent and he is smitten by her, but also fears for her safety and after you read Two Seconds Too Late, you’ll understand why. Taking them out of their regular environment and placing them as a couple at high-end spa and resort brings on the opportunity to test out their feelings for one another under the guise of playing along. It’s a close proximity, opposites attract, and fake relationship story that tugged at my heart and I hope it’ll dug at yours too.

Every time I release a new book, I get a bunch of questions, which I love. I love sharing more about the story and digging into my hope for it, so I’m sharing several of the questions I get asked most and I wanted to share the answers to them with you. Please feel free to ask any other questions in the comment section below and I’ll respond within a day. Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading Riley and Greyson’s adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

• What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That despite a strong, complexed and nuanced antagonist, that light can come from the darkest places and bring peace or, at the very least, closure to not only the families of the victims but to the hero and/or heroine as well. It might not be perfect, and it certainly doesn’t fix anything, but I still believe in the hero/heroine triumphing over the villain.

2) What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

So many. I would say my top three influencers were Sue Grafton and are Lisa Gardner and Dee Henderson. The three write very different style of stories. Sue perfect the mystery with some edgy suspense scenes. Lisa creates the best or worst, I suppose. They are a force to be reckoned with and I love her twists and surprises. And, Dee’s book are paced so well and laid out so methodically. I’ve learned something different, and continue to do so, from these three, excellent authors.

3) Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

To me it’s a combination of knowing the hero and heroine’s jobs. I like to think about what kind of person would do that job and how it will affect them and the story itself. I also know the setting as it’s a character its own right and adds to and affects the story overall. I also know the crime, but I don’t know who did it. I like to leave my options open to see the direction the story goes, and where the investigation leads.

4) What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

The balance between what was occurring on the surface in contrast to what was simmering beneath the surface and rising up in subtext. Creating that balance and keeping things on track was interesting, but It provided the perfect opportunity to delve into the deepest part of the characters. Overall, it was tricky to strike the right balance and have the subtly rise to the surface in a natural and authentic way.

Homemade Butterscotch Recipe:

Butterscotch is Riley’s favorite candy & the bane of Greyson’s existence (you’ll see why in the book J).Ingredients:

2 ½ cup sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1/3 tsp. salt

¾ cup water

½ cup molasses

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

And a little sea salt for an added touch.

Directions:

Put ingredients in pan. Cook mixture to 250 degrees.

Pour into a lined pan with parchment paper and leave it alone.

Sprinkle some sea salt if you’d like.

Let it sit overnight.

Cut it up into squares (a pizza cutter works great) and store in fridge.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 23

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 23

The Sacred Line, April 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 24

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 25

Wishful Endings, April 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Inklings and Notions, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 28

Maureen’s Musings, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Betti Mace, April 30

Bizwings Book Blog, April 30

Leslie’s Library Escape, May 1

Just Your Average reviews, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Inkwell Inspirations, May 2

Stories By Gina, May 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 3

Cover Lover Book Review, May 4

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 5

Lights in a Dark World, May 5

Pause for Tales, May 6

Roads to Everywhere, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book in winner’s choice of eBook or paperback, and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

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/00adcf54203

Meow Meow Milks the Cow by Allen Brokken // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me

Author: Allen Brokken, Illustrated by Reace Erbe

Genre: Christian Fable

Release date: March 15, 2025

When disaster strikes the family farm, Lauren gets a big job.  She has to milk their cow, Clarabelle, all by herself!  Her only help might come from her new feline friend Meow Meow, but how can such a little kitten help with such a big job?

This read-aloud will help you share the timeless truth from the Bible that God can use the least of us to solve big problems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Lauren and her new friend Meow Meow learn that with God big help can come in small packages in this illustrated picture book, great for young readers that can be read as a companion to Mr. Brokken's Towers of Light Series, or as a standalone, which I did. 

A fun book, great for younger readers, with a message of God's faithfulness, even in the small things! The pictures are cute and go well with the story. The illustrations are a good compliment, and at times do the telling through showing. 

Overall, this is a well-done story, with a good arc, simple yet it sticks with you, and is a great one to share with the little people in your life, with solid values and lessons. Great for about pre-school age to read with parents. 

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

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college, he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

 

 

More from Allen

Sometimes, a story just HAS to be told.  When I first wrote the book that became Light of Mine, book 1 of the Towers of Light series, there was a scene in which the main character, Lauren, and her newly found kitten are trying to milk the cow.  It was a sweet moment in a chaotic story, and I had fun writing it as an homage to my kitten squeaker, who made trying to work around home very challenging at times.  However, my editor was pretty clear that as cute as the story was, Meow Meow’s interlude with the milk cow Clarabelle just didn’t fit the story’s action.  So, unfortunately, that scene found its way to the cutting room floor.

After a few years, I started having mothers of children who loved the Towers of Light Series ask the same question over and over….” But what about my littles?”  Do you have a story for me to read to my younger children?  After thinking about it, I realized Meow Meow’s adventure might be a perfect read-aloud.  So, I reached out to a fellow Realm Maker, Pam Halter, who has a really fun series of books with Willougby the Dragon, to see if she could help me turn my 2500-word novel scene into an 800-word picture book…and she did a fantastic job! So now we have Meow Meow Milks the Cow.

Another fun fact is that the character Ethan in this book is all grown up now and engaged to be married to Reace Erbe, and this is her first illustrated work in print.  So, we all hope you enjoy this Tower of Light read to me.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

For the Love of Literature, April 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 10

By the Book, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 14

Hannahbandanarama, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 18

Labor Not in Vain , April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 20

Pause for Tales, April 21

A Reader’s Brain, April 22 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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/00adcf54199

Embergold by Rachelle Nelson // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast —truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

An captivating original fantasy novel, reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, with a plucky heroine, powerful dragon, and terrible truths.

Betrayed by her own kin, Gilde finds herself living in a mountain castle with a dragon her only constant in a mysterious and magical new reality. The dragon slowly gains her trust, opening up a whole new world to her, and challenging the things she knew before. Gilde is courageous, curious, with a strong moral compass, but not immune from anxieties, fears, and physical ailments. The dragon is kind, and fair, but he holds onto a dark secret. 

A riveting tale, with complex and well developed protagonists, that grab you by your heartstrings. The story explores themes of loyalty, truth, right and wrong, sacrifice, as terrible secrets are brought to light and impossible choices must be made. Emotionally gripping, bittersweet, with a powerful message. Highly recommend!

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

About the Author

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.

 

 

More from Rachelle

For the past decade or so, I have been a volunteer youth leader for teen groups. Some of my favorite memories have come from that position. Camp pranks, hilarious games involving edible mealworms, scavenger hunts, singing together at the top of our lungs, and speaking life into the lives of young women. When a girl sees herself through the eyes of Jesus, everything changes.

Some of my hardest moments have come from being a youth leader, too. There’s a kind of hurt that happens when we watch someone suffer, and we cannot take the suffering away. I have cried tears with teens who have been wounded by betrayal, carelessness, and abandonment. Those wounds go deeper when they come from a parent.

The truth is, God is the only perfect father, and we’re meant to be parented by Him. Learning to trust Him is a process, even if we had a pretty great (if imperfect) example of an earthly dad. But we live in a fatherless generation, when so many have experienced separation and pain in their family from divorce, or addiction, or generational cycles of pain. I’ve seen what that kind of pain can do to a heart, and how trusting others becomes almost impossible.

Almost.

Embergold is a story about betrayal and abandonment. It’s about two young people who never expected to find kindness in a harsh world. It’s about the healing of hearts.

I wrote it for myself, to remember what is possible. I wrote it for the young people I have loved. And for the parents who are still recovering from their childhoods.

Sin and brokenness happen in community. But, the amazing thing is, God designed the healing to happen in community too, among people. We need each other.

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, April 8 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

MinReads and Reviews, April 9

Wishful Endings, April 10

The Lofty Pages, April 11

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 15

Devoted Steps, April 16

Madi’s Musings, April 17

Labor Not in Vain, April 18

Guild Master, April 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20

Simple Harvest Reads, April 21 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book, and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!

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/00adcf54195

Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin // Review

My Review: 

In order to save her family during the German occupation of the Netherlands, Cilla van der Zee makes the only decision she can, agreeing to become a spy for Germany. She hopes to help the allies, but her plans are upended when she is discovered on the Scottish Shore by Lachlan Mackenzie a naval lieutenant who turns her over as a spy.  

It goes against every instinct that Lachlan has to use Cilla as a double agent, but as he sees her interact with grace to those around her, and her courage to risk it all, he can't help but be touched by this brave and gentle woman. Cilla loves her family dearly. I admired her courage to fight back, and to enjoy life even when others are hostile towards her. Cilla is genuine and warm, and I liked that her faith is very important to her. 

Engaging and well written, there is a lot going on and great tension throughout. I liked how they both challenged each other to think differently about what they would risk, as well as how they were both willing to sacrifice for those they loved. Great dialogue, filled with humor and wit. Strong themes of faith. Well researched, and gripping historical, highly recommend!

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

CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible // Review + Giveaway

Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible. This uniquely crafted Bible features large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type in a single-column setting with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread. Including filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture art alongside plenty of space for personal creativity and journaling, this Bible will inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh and exciting way. This beautiful Bible provides the per fect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey. ' Includes over 600 inspirational line-art illustrations, filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture art, with space for personal creativity and journaling. 

 Order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition today! 

  Learn more at Lifeway.com/CSB-illustrator-s-notetaking. 

  My Review: 

Beautiful CSB journaling Bible, great for study and meditation on God's word. 

Thoughtfully constructed with a beautiful cream LeatherTouch cover, and a Smythe sewn binding that helps it lay flat. The single column 9.5 size text is easy to read, and each page has a 2-inch margin for journaling, notetaking, sometimes it includes artwork that can be colored to go along with the Scripture. The artwork ranges from designs in nature, to verses, and other images. This is a great Bible for at home study, great for really taking your time and spending time in God's word with, as it is a little heavier, and with bigger dimensions than your average Bible, so admittedly not the easiest to have with you on the go or take with to church or study. 

It has all the basics and then some, with full-color maps, a one-year reading plan, Concordance, two ribbon markers, subject headings. This is a gorgeous Bible and would make an amazing gift for yourself or a loved one. I really enjoyed taking time to linger over the Word of God, while coloring the artwork in the margins, a quality set of colored pencils works the best in my experience.  It has so much room for recording answers to prayer, insights, and more, that are sure to make this an heirloom in the years to come! 

 #IllustratorsNotetakingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible @bhpub #illustratorsnotetaking #csb #holmanbibles 

 Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible Buy Link: Lifeway.com/CSB-illustrator-s-notetaking

 Giveaway: 1 copy of CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition (Note: This is limited to US winners only). a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon // JustRead

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Sunrise Reef 

Series: Hope Harbor #11 

Author: Irene Hannon 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: April 1, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to find the treasure within

After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life--except romance. But that's okay. Men are a complication she doesn't need. 

Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn't looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn't intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who's taken up residence in his father's guest cottage. 

But when Noah finds himself sucked into Bren's quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there's more to each other than meets the eye? 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Lucie's Review: 

A heartwarming opposites-attract romance, set in the haven that is Hope Harbor. 

Bren Ryan is free-spirited and newly settled in Hope Harbor, working as a barista. When the place she is renting suffers an electrical fire, she finds a place to stay in a church member's guest house. Noah Ward is a strait-laced CPA, surprised to find someone staying at his father's normally empty guest house. Despite their differences they find themselves drawn to each other, finding common ground. I liked how they kept running into each other, and how they helped each other see a different side of things, but that they shared a solid faith. 

I loved returning to Hope Harbor, seeing many colorful and familiar faces. Heartwarming read, with an engaging romance, great interaction, and solid faith. Life doesn't always go according to our plans, but we can have confidence that things will work out in God's. Highly recommend!

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

More Books from this Series:

---

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. IreneHannon.com

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print set of the entire Hope Harbor series!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 16, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 2025. Winner 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

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