Enamored by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review:

A thrilling new Medieval series from Jody Hedlund. 

Princess Elinor must choose a noble husband to rule alongside her, but the weeklong courtships have left her even more unsure of the choice she must make. When a friend from the past returns to the palace, she finds her heart torn between what it wants and her kingdom. 

Inspired by the legends of Excalibur, this adventurous romance is hard to put down. I liked that both Maxim and Elinor are reasonable and logical, challenging each other, and bringing out the best in each other. Maxim is analytical and in a constant game of wits with his scheming father, I liked that he thinks for himself and finds ways to rebel. 

A fast paced read, with admirable characters that you can cheer for all the way through, who have a strong sense of right and wrong.  I also liked that it sets up the second book well, leaving questions unanswered and introducing Lis and Ansgar. I especially loved Halvard! An adventurous romance set in a fantastical land loosely based on Arthurian legend, this series promises to be one of my favorite young adult series by Jody Hedlund yet!

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

Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels // Celebrate Lit, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: Behind Love’s Wall

Author: Carrie Fancett Pagels

Genre: FICTION/ Christian/Romance

Release date: November 1, 2021

Two successful women, a hundred-and-twenty-years apart, build walls to protect their hearts. 

Modern-day Willa, a successful interior decorator, is chosen to consult for the Grand Hotel’s possible redesign. She discovers a journal detailing the struggles of a young woman, Lily—which reveals dark secrets. The renowned singer wasn’t who she pretended to be. As Willa reaches out to Lily’s descendant, a charismatic and prominent landscape artist, she lets down her guard. Should she share the journal with him, or once again erect a wall as she struggles to redesign both the Grand and her life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Willa is a renowned interior decorator, who lands the job of redesigning the Grand Hotel. She acquires the journal of a young woman named Lily who previously worked at the Grand over 100 years ago, and reaches out to her descendent. As she and Michael begin to dig into Lily's past she begins to unravel the mysteries of her own past. 

A mysterious dual timeline novel that follows two women as they fight to make their way and find love 120 years apart on Mackinac Island. A little slower to start as I got accustomed to all the characters and how the stories would fit together. I especially liked Lily's story because of all that she had to overcome, as well as her kindness and strong faith. She is very strong despite everything going on around her, and I think I found her more relatable and down to earth. 

Overall, an intriguing read, bridging the past and present, as secrets are revealed and our heroines get a chance at love. I also liked how supportive and Lily and Willa's friends were through the obstacles they faced. A well researched read, as well as relatable in the contemporary not to distant 2020. 

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

About the Author

ECPA-bestselling author Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of over a dozen Christian historical romances. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper” in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! You can connect with her at www.CarrieFancettPagels.com.

 

More from Carrie

Why I Wrote This Novel

 

I got a chance to write another novel set on Mackinac Island!!!

 

I’m the author of over twenty published stories. I have many books, both novel and novella length, set at the Straits of Mackinac including Maggie Award winner and Romantic Times Top Pick My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island. In the summer, I go up to the area and I’m blessed to sign books at the Island Bookstore—sometimes hundreds of books which is such an amazing thing I can’t tell you! Now that MHBoMI is out of print, Barbour has been helping by doing limited print runs for while I am up there.

 

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island was originally part of a full series that I pitched but it didn’t get picked up for all three stories. MHBoMI got picked up as part of the My Heart Belongs series that Barbour put out a few years ago. The second book in my original Brides of Mackinac series was heroine Sadie’s story, which was published as a novella “His Anchor” in First Love Forever collection.  So I had two of my book babies delivered out into the world and Lily’s story sat there for a while.

 

In the Covid summer of 2020, I arrived in my home state of Michigan and over dinner with a close friend I learned that the folks at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island were having legal trouble with their previous long-time designed Carlton Varney suing them. I’d been disappointed that the Mussers, who’d owned the Grand for generations, had sold the hotel but this new development really bugged me.  While I was in the Upper Peninsula, I finished an Indy book, Dogwood Plantation, which only figures since I often write my Michigan stories while I am in Virginia and vice versa! I knew the only other book I wanted to work on was to complete my Brides of Mackinac trilogy (not exactly since they aren’t all in one series!) with Lily’s story. I also had a manuscript about 70% done that was my very first contemporary Women’s Fiction novel. When my agent encouraged me to submit a Mackinac Island story set at the Grand Hotel to Barbour’s Doors to the Past series, I knew immediately that the only story for historical I wanted to write was Lily’s. That meant that I needed, for this dual-timeline series, a contemporary story. That wasn’t just a chance sharing at dinner—I believe the info about the lawsuit was meant to be passed on to me one of those God-incidences. My modern-day heroine then became an established resort designer who had a trunkful of issues just like Lily did.

 

Was I ever glad that I had finally written my first contemporary Women’s Fiction (Butterfly Cottage) because that skill set came in very handy in writing the modern-day 2020 story of Willa in Behind Love’s Wall! This was the most difficult novel to write that I have done so far as I write in character and going back and forth between the 1895 and 2020 timelines could be draining. I tried to write each character and setting on separate days but that couldn’t always be managed.

 

I pray that this story will touch readers’ hearts. I pray that someone, like the young waitress I meant on Mackinac Island who had been spiritually moved by My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island (she read her grandmother’s copy after her grandma passed away!), will read this book and feel that connection to our Maker. That’s what Christian Fiction is all about!

Blog Stops

Life of Literature, November 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 19

Cats in the Cradle Blog, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

Inklings and notions, November 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20

For Him and My Family, November 21

Mary Hake, November 21

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

For the Love of Literature, November 22

deb’s Book Review, November 23

Betti Mace, November 23

Genesis 5020, November 23

Older & Smarter?, November 24

Remembrancy, November 24

Blossoms and Blessings, November 25

Stephanie’s life of determination, November 25

Connect in Fiction, November 25

Rebecca Tews, November 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 26

Through the fire blogs, November 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 27

Bigreadersite, November 28

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 28

Connie’s History Classroom, November 29

Bizwings Blog, November 29

Labor Not in Vain, November 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 30

To Everything There Is A Season, November 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 1

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, December 1

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/137e9/behind-love-s-wall-celebration-tour-giveaway

Their Yuletide Healing by Mindy Obenhaus // Review

Review:

A horrible tragedy turns to healing in this heartwarming Christmas romance.

Rae Girard is determined to give her foster children a perfect Christmas after everything that they have been through. She is surprised when Cole Heinsohn, Bliss's serious attorney offers to help. Together can they give the children a Christmas they will never forget?

Rae has a lot on her plate already, running a coffee shop and organizing the Mistletoe Ball, when she answers the call to give Max and Maggie a home. I loved Rae's big heart and how she wants to help the healing children. Cole doesn't want to step in, but he just can't say no to Aunt Tilly who ropes him into helping with the ball as well. I loved how he bonds with young Max, and how spending time with Rae and the kids helps to face convictions of the past. 

A heartwarming Christmas time read about love in the face of tragedy and loss, as well as taking chances on new beginnings. A Christmas romance that was everything I could have hoped for and more, filled with romance, faith and adorable children!

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

Come back December 2nd, 2021 for some more goodies including a giveaway of this book and a $20 Amazon gift card. 

How Should a Christian Date? It's Not as Complicated as You Think by Eric Demeter // Review

Review:

A straightforward conversational common sense book about Christian dating. 

I'll be honest I've read a lot of these type of books as a single person just under thirty, and while this book wasn't any new or groundbreaking information, it still managed to be refreshing. I liked that the author gives his advice from his perspective as a single guy not-still-in-his-early-twenties, who wants to be married be it just hasn't happened for. I fully agreed with much of his advice, which is like I mentioned pretty common sense, and over the years I have come to similar conclusions. 

Eric does a great job of taking a casual but intentional tone, centered on seeking first the kingdom of God. I liked that he wasn't pushy or had an exact method that should be followed to a T. Instead he doesn't so much tell you what to do, but gives really good advice on what you shouldn't do, all with a Christian mindset of treating others respectfully and fairly, while being honest. 

Overall, I know that this doesn't sound like the most glowing rave review, mostly because there wasn't a lot that was new or a breakthrough moment for me personally. But really this book is top notch, he gets so much right and more singles should have this book in their library, there were so many times when I was reading and thinking, "Exactly! He get's it!" He manages to take the pressure off, and as a whole I left the book feeling encouraged. A well thought out and reasonable approach to Christian dating, definitely recommend. 

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

Recorder by Cathy McCrumb // Celebrate Lit, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

 

Book: Recorder

Author: Cathy McCrumb

Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction

Release date: November 8, 2021

The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.

Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.

Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.

With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder’s time is running out.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

A riveting Sci-fi adventure with excellent world building and compelling character growth.

A well written, engaging debut, with realistic and convincing world building, I liked how the author used a dual timeline to show not tell the past events, utilizing functions of the plot. I had a hard time putting this one down and I liked the growing relationships between the characters that we got to see in the past and the present. 

Overall, a must read for fans of sci-fi, the author artfully constructs a mysterious futuristic world, terrifying and intriguing, compelling and consistent, this book did a fantastic job of reeling me in and keeping me invested as the story unfolded, while also bringing up deeper questions of what it means to be human. I am excited to see where this series will go!

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

About the Author

Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.

 

More from Cathy

When I was about three, my first imaginary friend, Sally from Clap-Hands-Land, threw a man’s hat in the air. At the time, I found her action uproariously funny, though I no longer remember why. As I grew older, speculative fiction—almost any variety of fantasy or science fiction—became my favorite stories to tell and read.

Once I had children, however, all I managed were practical lists on scraps of paper. I shoved down that desire to create until after my youngest was born, when a friend challenged me to write again. That first short story began a landslide of words and ideas about grace, worth, and the sometimes-bittersweet reality of daily life. Soon afterward, a story was born from a vivid dream set on a stark moonscape. As I wrote it down, the Recorder herself sprang into being, and Recorder became inextricably bound to her point of view.

For me, stories are fundamentally about possibilities. The tension between catastrophe and eucatastrophe plays out with relative safety on the page. I believe that when ideas and themes intersect, however, stories can reach deep within authors and readers. Indeed, if they do not touch the author, they are unlikely to impact anyone else. When failure, grief, and evil are contrasted with faith, hope, and love, the narratives inspire deeper connections with our own emotions, others, and God. Tales of light and dark challenge us with the opportunity to think through truths and lies without leaving home.

And yet, transformation itself isn’t safe, and therefore fiction can’t be, either. The risks inherent in change open the possibilities of growth and failure. Stories provide an exploration of becoming. They can open a divide through which we can glimpse something greater or worse than our own worlds. Fiction allows us a place where we can practice and triumph.

And maybe, perhaps, even throw our hats into the air.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20

Texas Book-aholic, November 21

Mary Hake, November 21

Inklings and notions, November 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 24

Blogging With Carol, November 25

Labor Not in Vain, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 26

deb’s Book Review, November 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 30

Through the fire blogs, November 30

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 1

Wishful Endings, December 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize of a personalized, signed hardcover copy!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/137ec/recorder-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch // I read with Audra Tour, Review and Giveaway!

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series
 
Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.
 
Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.
 
Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission?
 
Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.
 
Click here to read an excerpt.

Review:

Bow Street runner Daniel Swann and Debutante Juliette Thorndike keep running into each other in unconventional ways as their missions intersect they are in a race against the clock.

A wonderful introduction to the characters of a brand new series by Erica Vetsch, and if you've read her last series you may even recognize some familiar faces along the way. Filled with intrigue and mystery, I liked how this book has the characters circling each other as they work on their separate but connected missions. This book is unique in that you get to know the characters more as individuals as they aren't working together, but do keep running into each other through out the book. 

Overall, a fun fast paced adventure with intriguing characters and fun interactions. A twisting plot with great reveals long the way. I can't wait to see where this dynamic duo will go next!

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

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.
 
Vetsch is the author of many novellas and novels, including the popular Serendipity & Secrets Regency series and the new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery series
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Enter here: https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/11/enter-erica-vetschs-cozy-up-with-good.html
https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html

God Is Coming: An Advent Journey by Maggie Philpot, illustrated by Michael Livesay-Wright // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: God Is Coming

Author: Maggie Philpot

Genre: Children’s books, Christian books

Release date: October 15, 2021

In a search for a book that presented the beauty and mystery of the advent season with elegance and simplicity meant to be enjoyed by the entire family, God Is Coming was born. This Advent Journey traces the story of God’s relentless pursuit of His children and all of the anticipation of the holiday season in simple, rhyme and meter. Children and adults alike will be touched by the reminders of the profound truths of the gospel and families will return to these stories and these iconic images year after year.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

A beautiful book that traces the reason for Advent through the Bible in rhyming meter and verse, expertly pulling out themes and promises that God fulfilled through Jesus' birth. 

A stunning book that can be enjoyed by the whole family, written in a powerful and melodic style showing God's promises and our need for a Savior. I loved how it starts in Genesis with creation, then goes as a sort of overview through the Bible showing major themes, and how God's promise will bridge the chasm between us and God. This book is honestly the most poignant and powerful, yet at the same time written in a way that makes it easy to explain difficult themes and why Jesus was the only answer to meet our great need. 

Such a powerful book, perfect for sharing with your family the hope we have in Jesus. Perfect for Advent or for all year round. I highly recommend this book for every family!

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

About the Author

Maggie Philpot wrote her first children’s story when she was in middle school (a story about an egg named Eggbert) and she has been dreaming up stories ever since. She lives in Fort Worth with her spectacular husband (whom she calls Husband), her two precocious children, and a rather ridiculous dog, Tucker. She is passionate about anything and anyone who attempts to make beauty, order, and meaning in this crazy world. The simple act of writing is one way to do just that.

 

More from Maggie

In a search for a book that presented the beauty and mystery of the Advent season with elegance and simplicity, God Is Coming was born. This book traces the story of God’s pursuit of His children and all of the anticipation of the Christmas season in simple, rhyme and meter. This year available in a deluxe hardback edition with full-color illustrations, offering you the opportunity to bring home a truly heirloom-quality book to be a part of your holiday traditions!

Blog Stops

Lighthouse-Academy, November 17

Vicky Sluiter, November 17

Simple Harvest Reads, November 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 19

Inklings and notions, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21

deb’s Book Review, November 22

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 23

For Him and My Family, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24

Labor Not in Vain, November 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 26

Mary Hake, November 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 29

Maureen’s Musings, November 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Maggie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of God Is Coming and a hand-crafted wooden advent spiral!!

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

 https://promosimple.com/ps/13cf9/god-is-coming-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman // Review

Review:

A heartwarming read of new romance and faithful friends. 

Lizzie and Esther have all they can handle, matchmaking for their new employee while trying to get to the bottom of who could be Esther's secret admirer/stalker. A heartwarming read, filled with charm, humor, and plenty of heart. 

I think this was my favorite book in the series, Rose and Benjamin are so adorable together, a sweet story of opposites who attract. I loved revisiting Lizzie and Esther, as they get up to their usual mischief, bring heart and hilarity in equal measures. I especially loved the way that Gus has grown so much as a character over the course of the series with a kind heart under all his gruffness, and I loved his friendship with the sisters. 

Overall, this was a satisfying read, filled with sweet moments, as well as others that tugged at my heartstrings. A heartwarming novel of romance, friendship, faith and community.

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

The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio, Tama Fortner, illustrated by Nicola Anderson // Review and Giveaway

Well-known for his powerful messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and be in awe of God's creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God's creativity with 100 devotions that explore: Animals--from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos Space--from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts People--from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems Earth--from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers And much, much more! 

• With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10.
• Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer. 
• With a brightly embossed cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation: Is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith. 
• Continues a well-loved devotional series that has sold more than half a million copies. 
• Makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine. As kids dive into this awe-inspiring devotional, they'll be amazed at the many wonders God has made! 
• Download the free Parent Discussion Guide HERE 

The Wonder of Creation available now! https://www.indescribablekids.com/

My Review:

A delightful devotional for children that explores the wonders in the world that God made. 

Containing 100 devotionals, each one starts with a Scripture and a feature of a unique animal or phenomena, closing with a word of encouragement, fun fact and prayer. I enjoyed learning fun facts from a Christian perspective worshipping God for his magnificent creation, in a way geared to young children and stoking their curiosity. This is would be a great book to read together with the young person in your life, making a great gift as well. 

I loved how this book affirms how God created the world and each of us, and this book has great potential to spark curiosity in growing minds. Accompanied by fun an fitting illustrations, this book is very well done and would be a great addition to a homeschool curriculum. A wonder inspiring reminder of how great our Creator is!  

#WonderOfCreationMIN #thewonderofcreation

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 Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Giveaway

1 physical copy of The Wonder of Creation use the rafflecopter below:

Note: This giveaway is limited to the US only.

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