Wherever You Go by Tracie Peterson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Mary Reichert rejoins the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza in hopes of bringing the man who killed her brother to justice. Will Mary finally find what she needs to bring her brother's murderer to justice?

Christopher Williams is a journalist documenting their experiences in the wild west show, he is smitten by the enchanting sharpshooter who is his main feature in the article he is writing. But he has secrets of his own that could damage their budding relationship.

Mary is very forthright and doesn't hold back, or beat around the bush. She is very confident and knows her craft well. A natural showwoman she knows how to draw in, and dazzle the crowd. She was very close to her brother and struggles to find closure with the killer still at large. I admired her strength and faith during everything that she faced.

Christopher is inquisitive and loves to learn, he isn't intimidated by Mary's talent, and he doesn't shy away from trying to answer the tough questions. He is a natural people person, and is very good at his job.

The books also continues to follow Wesley and Lizzie from the previous book, as they navigate their engagement and grow in their relationship. I loved getting to know Wesley better, as well as get to know another side of him with arrival of his brother.

Overall, an excellent installment in the series. This series is best enjoyed in order, as many past relationships are pick up, and continued as well as the mysteries and main plot lines throughout. Great character development, and I loved how we continued to follow Wesley, Lizzie, and Ella. Great pacing, adventure and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end!

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

The Women Who Met Jesus by Dorothy Valcarcel ~ Review

My Review:

Using 18 stories from the New Testament this book shows how Jesus understands and restores our brokenness. Dorothy Valcarcel uses stories from her own life and experiences along with women from the Bible to show how Jesus fulfills our needs, transforming lives.

20 chapters introduce us to the women of the New Testament, using various translations and paraphrases of the Bible as well as drawing from personal experience each chapter reads like a devotional. Each chapter is divided into multiple parts, with times for reflection, questions, affirmations, and inspirational quotes.

I liked the author's dedication and study of scripture, with the premise of showing the transformation of lives truly touched by Jesus Christ. I didn't always connect well with some of the introductory stories by the author right away, and it was kind of a slower read for me. It was an encouraging read, and I liked how even though for some of the women featured their encounter with Jesus was brief, it changed everything. 


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

Character Spotlight : Margot from A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White ~ Just Read Tour + Rafflecopter

Character Spotlight

Name: Margot De Wilde

Age: 14 (in A Song Unheard)

Margot De Wilde is brilliant with numbers, they are a way for her to explain and understand the world around her, she thinks, learns, and prays in numbers. Her father recognized her gift early on and encouraged her talent by leaving increasingly challenging puzzles for her to solve. She applies algorithms to her everyday live, cleverly helping her brother with codes of her own, as well as outsmarting the Germans.

Margot is resourceful and courageous, with an intelligence and maturity beyond her years. She doesn't have the most patience with the activities of the average young woman her age, but because of the spies who are looking for the secret to her father's codebreaking success.

Margot shares a strong bond with each of her family members, but most of all she was close to her late father. Her mother and brother love her dearly, accepting her as she is, and protecting her.

Margot was one of my very favorite character from A Song Unheard and I was absolutely thrilled when I heard about Mrs. White's brand new Codebreakers Series and that the first book The Number of Love is about Margot.

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White with JustRead Publicity Tours! Follow along with the tour for a special inside peek at how The Number of Love is connected to the author's previous book from another series, A Song Unheard.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Number of Love  
Series: Codebreakers #1  
Author: Roseanna M. White  
Publisher: Bethany House  
Release Date: June 4, 2019  
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

Title: A Song Unheard
Series: Shadows Over England #2 
Author: Roseanna M. White  
Publisher: Bethany House  
Release Date: January 2, 2018  
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books...to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize: Shadows Over England series, The Number of Love, and the Decrypto board game, plus "Mi Alma" necklace (Necklace is 24" chain with a 1" pendant that says "Mi Alma" Spanish for "My Soul". A term of endearment used throughout the book. Handmade by Bookworm Mama)

(3) additional winners of The Number of Love.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 3, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 17, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse ~ Review ~ Book Tour ~ Rafflecopter Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Flight of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #2)

By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. 

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: embrace the Dark Lady's offer, or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other offers freedom. But time is running out, and soon her choice will be made for her.

My Review:

Picking up right where the last book left off, Selene is adjusting to her new life with her new husband, and continuing her quest to to find the reason behind her dreamwalking gift. With tensions mounting between the great houses and possible war on the horizon, she must choose if she will serve the Dark or the Light.

Selene is courageous and brave leaving everything that she knew to blaze a new path for her and House Ravenwood. She faces the challenges of a new marriage, her growing unknown powers, and the conflict within for her soul. I admired her heart for others, and how even though she plays her cards close to her chest, she cares very deeply.

I think my very favorite thing about this book was the relationship between Damien and Selene. It isn't easy, but Morgan Busse does an excellent job of shining a light on their ups and downs amongst the growing tensions and unknowns on the horizons.

Damien is amazing, he deeply respects Selene and supports her even when he doesn't know if he can trust her or not, he bravely puts himself out there again and again. I loved how even though it would have been so easy to make him some perfect white knight in shining armor, he has his doubts and darks days too. I admired how his faith is a way of life for him and affects everything he does.

Overall, a thrilling follow up to Mark of the Raven, it's rare that I like the middle book in a trilogy, as they often carry the "filler book stigma," but not this one, in in fact I like it more than the first book. In this book the stakes are raised, great risks are taken, there are satisfying beginnings as we see Damien and Selene come to trust each other, as well as a deeper more vulnerable side of Selene that she used to keep hidden. The characters are complex, and you know it's done right when you can sympathize with the villain. I had a very busy week when I read this book, yet I couldn't put it down and often read late into the night, the time and the pages just flew by and sometimes I forgot I was reading. I haven't read a fantasy series this amazing in a long time and it truly checks all of the boxes for me, fantastic plot, compelling balanced characters, great interaction, tension, secrets, actions, mounting stakes, explosive climax and strong faith imagery. You won't want to miss it!

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

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Other Books in the Series

Mark of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #1)

By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

November 6th 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path
chosen?

You can read my review here: https://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/2019/01/mark-of-raven-by-morgan-l-busse-review.html

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series and the steampunk series The Soul Chronicles. She is a Christy and INSPY Award finalist and won the Carol Award in 2018 for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Pinterest│BookBub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive print copies of Mark of the Raven, Flight of the Raven, and a $20 Amazon gift card
- 2 winner winners will receive print copies of Mark of the Raven and Flight of the Raven
- US only

- Ends June 7, 2019

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More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Abby took over the running of the family bakery after the death of her father, but due to an archaic law she has until the end of the month to get a man's name on the deed. She devises a marriage of convenience to keep her business, but will she lose her heart in the process?

Zach is a man of few words, but also a man of his word. Getting married was never part of his plan, he never considered himself marriage material. Strong and silent he doesn't crack under pressure either. He admires Abby for her faith and determination.

Abby has never been popular with the young men, she likes to keep the background, convinced that men don't find her attractive. Abby loves her family and has great business sense. She looks to the faith of her family to encourage her during difficult times.

One of my very favorite Karen Witemeyer books of all time, great romantic tension and interaction between Abby and Zach. I didn't want to put this book down, yet at the same time I didn't want it to end.  I loved the close bond that the sisters share, as well as Abby's friendship with Lydia.

Though part of a series, it reads as a stand alone, set in a different town and a whole new cast of characters. I loved how relatable Abby was with her insecurities about her looks, and how she learns to move past that and see herself as others do. Neither Zach or Abby are perfect people and their marriage might not have been the perfect situation, but they make the best of it, keeping their heads, treating each other with respect and supporting each other through the hard times. A memorable read, full of romance, faith, and family.

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

When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin ~ Review

My Review:

Quintessa Beaumont is tired of being beautiful, with the war on she wants to be useful. So she joins the WAVES in hopes of changing people's perception of her. But when she stumbles upon a plot to sell military secrets to the enemy, will the FBI take her seriously or see just another pretty face and empty head?

Daniel Avery puts his career first, on track for reaching his dream of becoming an admiral. He doesn't have time for rest or fun, if he's going to reach his goals. But when an assignment puts him under a officer who has a personal vendetta against him, he wonders if he will ever get to prove himself or if this assignment could derail his entire career.

Tess has grown a lot over the course of the last few books, she wants to be respected for her brains and sensibility. She is a good friend, and goes out of her way to make others feel welcomed. Tess is eager to serve her country no matter the challenge, and encourages her fellow WAVES. Tess is capable, intelligent and the perfect encourager.

Dan can't believe that a woman like Quintessa Beaumont has turned his head after a woman nearly ended his military career years ago. But Tess surpasses Dan's expectations, even cracking through his business only, no-nonsense exterior, encouraging him to take time for himself as well as work hard. Dan struggles to give control to God, in trusting him in rest as well as work. I admired his dedication to his job, integrity, and willingness to examine himself and do the right thing no matter what.

A fantastic read from beginning to end, I love how Ms. Sundin puts so much work into the details and research behind making these books come to life. I enjoyed learning more about warfare at sea, as well as seeing so many familiar faces from the previous books in the series crop up in this book. One of my very favorite things about about this book was Dan's journey of faith to relying on God to rest and trust Him rather than to take it all on his shoulders. Filled with action, mystery and intrigue, with strong, complex characters to cheer for the whole way through. I especially liked Tess's friend Nora. High recommend this entire series!


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

Between Before and After by Maureen Doyle McQuerry ~ Review

My Review:

This poignant tale of family, coming of age, and miracles, follows fourteen year old Elaine and her brother Stephen as they fight to survive after the death of their mother, with their absent alcoholic father. Elaine finds a job with a wealthy family to support her family.

Thirty years later Elaine's fourteen year old daughter Molly gets the idea to find out more about her troubled mother's past, drawing inspiration from her mother's career as a biography author. As the pieces begin to fall together, their life is disrupted by a real life miracle. 

A multi-layered story with complex characters, about secrets and the choices we make for the people we love. Elaine is a clever young woman forced to grow up too soon, she is book smart as well as street smart, taking charge of her small household at fourteen. Thirty years later she has become a classically troubled and depressed writer, her marriage is suffering, and her children walk on eggshells around her. Her brother Stephen has held to his childhood faith, and works as a high school teacher at the Catholic school. He is one of the few bright spots in Molly and Angus's lives taking them on adventures doing the everyday things that their mother can't be bothered with. 

The parallel storytelling entwined with the tale of Hansel and Gretel lends insight into the secrets of Elaine and Stephen's past and how their upbringing shaped the people they became. Molly is more like her mother than she realizes, she struggles to maneuver growing up while her family is falling apart, caring for her brother, and trying to figure out her life in the aftermath of the miracle.

An intriguing read that kept me guessing despite how it had me thinking that I knew how some things would turn out. Stephen is one of my favorite characters, he loves his sister despite everything and always sees the best in her and remains humble in the spotlight. I enjoyed the rich storytelling and how Molly and Elaine's stories intertwined revealing Elaine's secrets with even more questions cropping up along the way, making it an ever increasingly hard book to put down. Stephen was one of my favorite characters, and it was interesting to see how he was when he was a boy and how Elaine sacrificed to care for him. A tale of family, secrets that bring us together and tear us apart, and miracles. A well written and engrossing read!

Books reviewed are checked out from my local library or purchased with my own money, unless otherwise noted. 

Cameo Courtships: 4 Stories of Women Whose Lives are Touched by an Legendary Gift by Susanne Dietze, Debra E. Marvin, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y'Barbo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Leticia receives a cameo from Queen Victoria, who tells her that it is not a gift to keep but one to pass on. Shortly after pinning it on she meets the love of her life.

The cameo passes through generations, statelines, and even through the hands of thieves, as brave women follow their dreams and talents, finding love along the way. The cameo travels across the country and even to the World's Fair. Clara, Petra, Elizabeth, and Bertie are all ambitious women who think for themselves.

Petra and Elizabeth's stories were some of my favorites as they had a lot of action. Petra is comfortable in her own skin and doesn't want to be someone else to impress others, Reverend Dustin Owens admires her high standards and her practical sensibilities and offers his help in regaining the family heirloom.

Clara and Elizabeth's stories are filled with mystery, as they seek to expose the truth. I liked the interaction between Elizabeth and Ethan throughout. Clara is very clever and uses her wits to get the next big story.

Bertie is passionate about books, and applies to work as an overseer of the Carnegie Library's children's department. But mistaken identity due to her first name, puts her at odds with the self-made, hardworking Russell Smart. Differences in social class are shown as they figure out how to work together to make the library a success.

Overall, a wonderful collection of novellas all orbiting around the Victoria Cameo  as these woman chase their dreams, follow their faith, and find love in these four short stories. 

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

Her Oklahoma Rancher by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Paralyzed veteran Eve Vincent has found a new life of independence at a ranch that serves wounded soldiers like herself. She left her ex-fiance abruptly, because she didn't want Ethan to feel held back by her disability. But when after the death of their mutual friends, Ethan and Eve find themselves the guardians of a sweet baby girl, Tori. Could this second chance at love turn into forever?

Eve is independent with a stubborn streak, she likes to do things for herself and doesn't want to be treated any differently than before the accident.

Ethan is surprised to see Eve again after she suddenly cut him out of her life without explanation. He never stopped loving her and does everything he can to draw her out and show her that he doesn't see her as anything less since the accident. He is very clever and finds ways to make caring for Tori easier for Eve, and that she can do even more than she thinks. He is thoughtful and has a gentle stubbornness that can stand up to Eve's self-defense tactics.

Overall, a terrific read from beginning to end with characters that you can cheer for all the way. Eve and Ethan have great chemistry, and I loved their interaction and how Ethan shows his love for Eve without smothering her. Great storyline, faith, and heartwarming romance with challenges along the way. Engaging and entertaining, not a book that I wanted to put down!

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

God's Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Diane Le Feyer ~ Review

My Review:

Vibrant with color and beautiful watercolor ombres, sturdy hardcover binding, accented with glitter, this book definitely catches the eye.

Written especially for reading aloud at bed time, each story is based in scripture with a bible verse that captures the theme, as well as a sleepy time prayer and blessing. The stories are written in a way that is easy to understand and explain for young minds. Each chapter is concise, typically consisting of 3-4 pages.

I loved the beautiful illustrations covering every single page, even the dedication page is not left untouched. The pictures are charming and detailed, bursting with colors blended with soft textures.

Overall, this would make a wonderful book to read with the young people in your life before bedtime, and would make an excellent gift for a young child. The stories are short and engaging, and accompanied by stunning illustrations.

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