A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner // Review

My Review: 

Three women find themselves bond together by their secrets in this old Hollywood novel of intrigue, mystery, friendship, and resilience. 

Eva is a German who immigrated to America under false pretenses, working as a housekeeper for the up and coming actress Melodie Cole who has been blacklisted under suspicion of communist ties. They meet their neighbor June, who is the sister-in-law and caretaker of a reclusive Hollywood writer. As their lives become more intertwined, they must make decisions, and in the process find an unlikely sisterhood bonded by their secrets. 

All of the women have secrets and are doing their best to lie low. The story is compelling in that each of the women have good intentions, or simply ones that are not in and of themselves anything with harmful intention, but things don't always go as planned. We get to know each of their women and what brought them to where they are though their pasts. 

This was a gripping read, with building tensions. I loved the humanity and complex imperfect characters set in 1958 Malibu, with old Hollywood vibes. 

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

*General fiction-not Christian. Swear words. And a sinful affair, though this is shown not explicitly and is shown in a negative light. 

Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klaassen // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Anne Loveday returns to the place that haunts her memories, determined to avoid her stepmother's matchmaking schemes, she finds herself attending the sickly Lady Celia and finds herself in the  midst of a murder plot. 

A full cast of characters with hidden intentions, and a stream of increasing incidents has everyone asking questions, with no clear idea of who to trust and where to turn. There is a lot going on in this regency era adventure, full of mystery, intrigue and romance, as secrets comes to light. Anne must navigate this new but familiar path, as she looks for the truth. 

I liked the full cast of well developed characters, there is a lot going on, and I liked how Lady Celia encourages Anne in her faith. An engaging read, with a likable protagonist and a page-turning plot. Regency era mystery, with gothic touches, and well done character arcs. Highly enjoyable and satisfying read. 

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

To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Katherine Cartwright has suffered two failed seasons, and now must marry the highest bidder for her hand out of convenience to pay her father's mounting gambling debts. 

An engaging regency romance with fascinating plot, as Katherine navigates her engagement not knowing who the man in question truly is. I liked Katherine, and how she reconnects with her childhood friend, while trying to work out her future. James is a good man, who has gone through a lot in the past few years. 

This was an enjoyable read, with a sweet clean romance in a lovely regency era setting and situation. Good humor and dialogue. Heartwarming and sweet. 

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

The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese // Review

My Review: 

A family road trip that brings revelations that test the bonds of family, that explores legacy, faith, and strength for the next generation. 

Raegan Farrow the youngest daughter of country music legend Luella, has been working for her mother's business for as long as she can remember, but she wants to strike out on her own not dependent on her family name for success. But when she learns a secret that threatens her family's reputation right before heading on tour with her mother and sisters, she is faced with a predicament. Micah Davenport's world is rocked by the news that his biological dad is a mystery, so he signs on as the bus driver for the only living woman who might have answers to his question, Luella Farrow. 

A heartwarming family drama, with a compelling and complex characters, with a storied plotline, strong themes of faith, and plenty of heart. Raegan cares deeply for her family, and I admired her for how she wants to prove herself past her last name. Micah is looking for answers, but somehow he is just the person that the Farrow need on their adventure, he bonds with Raegan and encourages her in her endeavors, while also providing a listening ear. 

Overall, a completely captivating read that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the end. I liked Luella's strong faith, and how she wants that to be at the forefront, amongst the glitz and glamour. An engaging read that draws you in, and makes you feel at home. A heartwarming, faith-filled story of family, legacy and finding your own strengths. 

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

Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Narcoleptic widow Amelia Pembroke is shocked to learn that her doctor has named her the sole beneficiary to his estate. Upon Dr. Cluett's untimely death, she discovers his strange conditions that require her to marry one of two specific men in order to inherit.

A tad slow to start, but once things started rolling there was a lot going on. Full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and forbidden love. Amelia is a clever heroine, and I liked how she and Mr. Hawkins have a unique friendship, working well together. There is great interaction, with great dialogue, and a lot going on. 

An intriguing plot, with great reveals, and suspense. Well-developed characters, and a riveting plot. Highly enjoyable read, that kept me on my toes and guessing till the end. Engaging clean read, that delivers mystery, suspense, and regency romance!

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

Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Pregnant widow Holly Myer finds protection with Deputy Sheriff Clive Cantrell, after witnessing a double murder. 

There is a lot going on in this fast paced suspense, with Holly trying to  stay one step ahead of each danger. Clive is a hard working rancher who can't refuse helping a pregnant woman in need. I liked how he steps up to help keep her and her baby safe. This book's plot has a lot going on, with a lot of pieces to put together. Clive has a great family, and I liked how Holly is willing to do what is best for her baby.

An engaging plotline, great characters, and a lot going on. Makes for an enjoyable and fast read. 

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

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming rom-com, about stepping out of your comfort zone, taking chances, and finding yourself. 

Britt Branch is an internet star, known for her art tutorials. Her channel is bright and cheery, but secretly she struggles with social anxiety. Hunter is and Britt meet by chance, and a friendship quickly forms. I liked their meet cute and friends X and Maude. It also follows Britt's estranged parents as they navigate reconciling their differences and finding peace. 

Cute and heartwarming, this was a quick read with likable characters and an upbeat charm. A fun read, with strong themes of second chances, forgiveness and healing. I thought that the story did a good job of dealing with Hunter's past life, and showing how he has changed. 

Overall, a wonderful quick read, with a cute plot and multiple point-of-views. 

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

Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Sons of Day & Night

Author: Mariposa Aristeo

Genre: YA Fantasy – Retelling of The Prince and the Pauper

Release Date: November 18, 2025

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

A kingdom of night and day, where everyone has a twin who holds the other twin's life in their hands. 

A fresh fantasy reimagining of The Prince and the Pauper, full of adventure, wit, in this compelling coming of age re-telling. Excellent worldbuilding and strong character arcs, mixed with plenty of humor and sass. Waruu and Daccias could not be more different, but over the course of the story they grew and saw a different viewpoint. Well rounded complex characters, great supporting characters. There is a lot going on, with an engaging plot, and threads of faith woven throughout. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable adventure from beginning to end that puts a fresh spin on a familiar trope. 

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

About the Author

Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life. Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as an illustrator. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.

 

 

 

More from Mariposa

How could I refuse to write a retelling of The Prince & the Pauper?

(Kudos to all the zillennial girls who get that reference.)

Ever since I watched the Barbie rendition of this classic tale when I was just a little girl, this story has been on my heart. As I grew older, other more adventurous tales influenced me, such as Dreamwork’s How to Train Your Dragon, Jennifer Nielsen’s The False Prince, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and more recently, Star Wars’ The Bad Batch.

But no matter the story, one aspect stayed the same—finding people just like me in the unlikeliest of places.

Growing up, I had a different childhood than most. I was pretty isolated with little to no friends, and not much extended family. It wasn’t until my twenties that I met the people who would later become my true family. They weren’t blood relations, and we didn’t interact in person until years later (yay for internet friends!). We are different in all the best ways but the same in the ways that matter and weird in the way that makes life interesting.

The Prince & the Pauper is a story about many things. Empathy, compassion, and learning what it’s like to live in another person’s shoes. When I set out to write Sons of Day & Night, I wanted to pay homage to this underrated tale while deepening the bond between the two very different (but also very alike) heroes. It’s not just a story about switched identities, it’s a story about the family we find even when our world is falling apart.

When my mom passed away from cancer in 2022, I felt like my world truly was falling to pieces. Besides losing a parent, I also lost what little I had of a normal family. But my found family came together to be there for me and be the family I never had.

We don’t share the same genetics, but they are every bit as much my brothers and sisters. As Stitch once said, “This is my family. I found it all on my own.”

Fast forward a few years, and I now live within 60 miles of my found family and see them almost every week. It’s funny to think how a few internet strangers became such a huge part of my life, but sometimes God sends us family in the places we least expect it.

And my hope is that Sons of Day & Night will remind you that there’s always someone out there just like you.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Inspired by Fiction, November 21

The Lofty Pages, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, November 24

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 24

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mariposa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc7e/sons-of-day

On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sidelined FBI agent Scott Sinclair and crime podcaster Tori Mitchell team up to clear her nephew's name and thwart the killer who has a target on their backs. 

A fast paced adventure with a lot going on as they race against time to solve the mystery, putting their wits to the test. An engaging read with compelling characters and a lot going on. Great pacing and tension, with strong themes of faith and recovering from addiction. I liked that she has been helping her nephew, and is determined to find answers. Scott is a great guy with strong faith, and ready to help wherever he can. 

A highly enjoyable read, full of suspense and great relationship building. Action packed read, amazing characters, packed into a compelling story. 

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