3.28.2024

Kinfolk by Sean Dietrich // Review

My Review:

A gritty and heartwarming southern tale of family from Sean Dietrich. 

An engaging feel-good tale of friendship and family, in 1970's Alabama. Nub Taylor is the last person anyone would have figured on befriending the six foot five fifteen year old pregnant Minnie, with his history of letting people down and run-ins with the law. But though they may seem an odd duo, Minnie and Nub are just what the other needs in this heartwarming Southern read. 

A riveting read with a full cast of colorful characters, strong themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness. I loved seeing how Nub and Minnie changed each other for the better, helping each other reconnect with family, and finding the confidence to blaze new trails.  

Mr. Deitrich richly captures honest characters, in a way that feels larger than life, yet realistic and gritty at the same time. His books have an excellent sense of time and place, and each one has been better than the last. Definitely, recommend. 

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

3.27.2024

Bargaining for the Barrister by Anneka R. Walker // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Louisa Cox jumps at the chance to meet a man not after her fortune, so she agrees to let Lady Kellen find her a match in this matchmaking historical romance. 

Paul Sheldon believes his mother's matchmaking scheme is a bunch of nonsense, and does everything in his power to stay away. He is pleasantly surprised when he meets Louisa, but can he open his heart to love when he holds onto secrets that tether him to the past? 

A entertaining read with a promising premise, and likable characters. Louisa is instantly likable, with a bright personality and a determination to see it through. Paul is more hesitant, with reservations about his past. 

Overall, it was a fun start to a new series, though the pace was slower in the middle bits. There was a full cast of likable characters, and a great setting. A likable clean historical romance. 

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

3.26.2024

Baby Protection Mission by Laura Scott // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Officer Ashley Hansen and her K-9, Ozzy,  are assigned to protect rancher Cade and his baby nephew after kidnapping of the child's mother. 

Meanwhile ranchers are being murdered, can Ashley and Cade keep Danny safe, while putting a stop to the threat. A suspenseful read, filled with action, great characters and good interaction. Ozzy is a very well trained dog, skilled in his specialty of search and rescue. 

Overall, a great introduction to a new series, wonderful as a stand alone or as the entry point for the overarching larger plot. I admired Cade's strong and steady faith throughout. A highly enjoyable and entertaining read!


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

3.25.2024

The Shopkeeper's Widow by Izzy James // Review

Lucie's Review: 

When a former flame comes to her with a whole stockpile of smuggled fire arms, Delany Fleet does what she must to protect her family and property in Colonial Virginia during the Revolutionary War.

Delany is a strong heroine, willing to stand up for herself and others. I liked how she inspires Field to think of things in a new light, as well as her strong faith and how it informs her actions. 

A well done historical read, that brings to life the Revolutionary war in a believable way, with great pacing and a compelling storyline. 

Overall, an engaging read with likable characters in a riveting plot. 

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

3.20.2024

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell // Review

My Review: 

A delightfully whimsical adventure, with a full cast of endearingly original characters, that you won't want to put down!

Set in the Victorian Era tinged with steampunk, this imaginative novel has it all, strong protagonists that you can cheer for all the way through, quirky but endearing characters, along with strong themes of faith, forgiveness, and family. Clara is a spunky and adventurous heroine, who loves her unorthodox family dearly, and is very protective of them. Theodore is a man with a secret that haunts him, looking for acceptance, he is a man true to his word who takes his duties seriously. I admired his never give up attitude, when Clara kept trying to run him off. 

I think one of my favorite characters was Clara's mother, a woman unashamed of her convictions with a heart for all of God's creatures, who despite her eccentric tendencies is actually quite wise. 

There is so much to love about this whimsically delightful novel, full of humor, faith, lively dialogue, and adventure. Highly enjoyable read that I won't soon forget!

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

3.19.2024

His Unexpected Grandchild by Myra Johnson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

An enjoyable and heartwarming fresh twist on the secret baby trope!

When Lane's daughter shows up with the grandson he never knew he had, his is turned upside down as little Tate steals his heart and brings Veterinarian Julia Frasier into his life. 

Heartwarming and well written, I loved how this book takes a trope and turns it on its head with more mature romantic leads, and a multigenerational plot. Great relationship building dialogue, strong faith, and a all around great plot.

Such a sweet read, I loved how Tate opened up Lane's life to so many new things, and helped him reconnect with his daughter. Tate is so sweet and his friendship with Rowena is precious!

Overall, a stand out read with excellent characters and handling of the relationships, with great interaction, strong faith, and themes of family. Highly recommend!



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

3.18.2024

The Secrets Beneath by Kimberly Woodhouse // Review


Lucie's Review: 

A historical romance set against the tumultuous race for paleontological discoveries in the American West. 

An enjoyable novel set in Wyoming Territory, that brought to life the Bone Wars, in an exciting time when terrific remnants were being discovered deep in the ground. Anna is a talented young woman, thrust into a bigger role in the dig when her father falls ill. The return of a former flame, further tests her as they find themselves swept into a web of intrigue. 

A little bit of a slower read for me, I felt like the story lacked a spark of banter or humor, and a lot of the beginning of Anna and Joshua's relationship was in the past. I liked the there were strong themes of faith throughout, and how the author brought the setting to life. A solid historical read.


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

3.13.2024

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin // Review

My Review: 

Aleida's young son is wrenched from her care while her family is fleeing the German occupation of the Netherlands. She makes it her mission to be reunited with her son, Theo, befriending BBC correspondent Hugh Collingsworth as they unravel a string of murders. 

Riveting and historically rich, this story brought to life the plights of many separated from their children during the war. Aleida is a devoted mother, I admired her selflessness and care for her son. Hugh is a dedicated correspondent, with a passion to help others with the stories that he reports on. 

A compelling story of faith, determination, and new beginnings in the midst of chaos. Hard to put down, with memorable characters that will steal your heart away. Highly recommend!


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

3.10.2024

What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma // Celebrate Lit





About the Book

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942
Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Noemie finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022
Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Lucie's Review: 

A poignant and inspiring story of courage and faith in the face of persecution.

An incredible and moving story divided into three parts, it had a slower start since it took a little while to orient myself in each timeline, but the slower set up paid off as the pieces started to come together. A well written read that brings to life the realities faced by many in the midst of WWII, inspiring and full of faith, with great depth, and relationship building. I liked how it quietly wove together the past and the present in this emotional and inspiring story. Helene endures the unknown with courage, and I admired the people who helped her along the way. 

Overall, an amazing story, well written with captivating characters, and strong themes of faith and light in the midst if darkness. Highly recommend!

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

About the Author

 


Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

 

 

 

 

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print 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/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway




3.08.2024

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Carly's life was upended when her husband was shot and she had to move herself and her young son to Beaufort to run a bed and breakfast. But old secrets come to light, putting Carley and Noah in danger, and she must fight to find the answers to keep her family safe. 

A high stakes suspense, with a full cast of characters, mystery, danger, and earth shattering secrets revealed it's a hard book to put down. I  loved the strong themes of faith and family, in the midst of a tension packed adventure. 

A fast paced read, that I didn't want to put down. Well balanced read with great pacing, characters, and relationship building with a great focus on faith and family. Suspenseful read that kept me guessing throughout, with plenty of twists along the way. Another solid read from Colleen Coble. 

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

3.05.2024

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Landry Hutton has spent the last three years in Gossamer Falls building a safe place for her young daughter who is just starting Kindergarten, and working as a resident artist. When suddenly everything is upended she must depend on Marine Callum Shaw to help unearth the secrets that threaten her safe haven. 

A engaging read, with a riveting plot, and excellent characters. I loved how it had a good balance of faith, romance, relationship building, suspense, and mystery. I loved the building suspense, and natural progression of their relationship, along with heartwarming aspects mixed in. 

An amazing start to a new series, with captivating characters that you can cheer for throughout, strong themes of faith, and a plot that kept me guessing. Highly recommend!

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

3.03.2024

While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden // Review

My Review: 

Dentist Katherine Schneider stumbles upon a dangerous bomb plot while working the night shift, can she and Policeman Jonathan Birch get to the bottom of the plot before more people get hurt?

A riveting adventure with a strong heroine, and an admirable hero with a secret past. I loved the ladies at the Martha Washington and the friendship between the group of working women. Katherine is a capable woman, who also longs for more than friendship with the kind and considerate Jonathan. Jonathan is very thoughtful, caring, and intentional with his choices and actions. I could understand and respect why he made the choices that he did, and I admired his determination to make the bomb squad. 

Rich with history, I loved how Ms. Camden brought the nighttime of New York to life, showing the hardworking men and women laboring while everyone else sleeps. As well as how she showed the solid relationship between Katherine's parents. 

Overall, a well written adventure, with a full cast of characters, mystery, relationship building and themes of family and faith. Highly enjoyable!

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