The Heart of a Vicar by Sarah M. Eden ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Harold Jonquil has thrown himself into pursuing a career as a vicar, it was what was expected of him, but once he achieves his goal he finds it and himself lacking. But then a face from the past returns, she challenges him to reclaim his fire.

Sarah Sarvol returns to visit her ailing uncle, who is bitter and has become more reclusive in progressing years. Sarah ends up bearing the brunt of her uncle's bitterness. She is hesitant to see Harrold again, and is shocked to see the uninspired dullness that he has fallen into.

Is it too late to give love a second chance?

A multi-layered read, that follows multiple characters, with a lot going on simultaneously. Firstly, this is a stand alone read, though the sixth in a series--though there are a few appearances by previous main characters. There always a lot going on, as well as strongly developed characters that kept me reading.

Sarah is a cheerful young woman who makes the best of a tough situation, she genuinely cares about people and challenges them to be their best selves. She is very insightful, and knows how to express things in the right way to get people to take notice but not be offended.

Harold feels very overwhelmed by his responsibilities as a vicar, he isn't inspired to encourage and comfort his congregation, and feels like they expect perfection from him. But with Sarah he can finally be himself, and she sees that he is still the man she fell in love with many summers ago.

The book also follows, Phillip and Scott, who are Harold and Sarah's brothers, as they assume their responsibilities as heads of their estates.

Overall, an engaging read, with many compelling characters. This is a story of family, as well as personal growth and letting go of presupposed expectations. An enjoyable rekindled romance read, with a strong heroine, intricate relationships, and the importance of family. Great humor also adds laughter to this well-rounded read.

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

This is a part of the Proper Romance collection, and is not considered Christian Fiction, though it is considered clean. 

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock ~ Review

My Review:

Eve Marryat is thrilled to be leaving crime laden St. Paul, Minnesota, when her father loses his job working for the Ford Motor Company during the Great Depression, and headed for her Uncle Cy's vacation resort in Ohio to work. She quickly makes friends among the people who work for her uncle or live on the island, unaware that her new home might now be the safe haven she believes it to be.

Eve considers herself a good and moral person, she likes to see things in black and white, she find herself challenged by what she sees and learns on the island. She has a strong sense of right and wrong, as well as a compassionate heart for her step-cousin Jones, and other newfound friends.

Eve's parents are people who live their faith, and have instilled their values in their daughter. Her father is dyslexic and has always struggled with feeling like a failure in comparison to his more successful brothers, he has strong convictions and makes choices that are good for him family.

Overall, a compelling coming-of-age tale set during the Great Depression and the height of Prohibition. I like how Eve is challenged by what she sees, and is forced to re-examine her beliefs. Link and Jones challenge her to see that things aren't always what they seem, and that "good people" do bad things. A well-written read, the desperation of the Depression, as well as the glamour of the gangster era, well worth the read.

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

Knox by Susan May Warren ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ex-bull rider and Montana rancher, Knox Marshall works hard raising champion bucking bulls for the NBR-X. His life is ordinary, stable, and expected, he has worked hard to bring the family ranch back into the black, but he wonders if he has settled for less than his potential.

Kelsey Jones is a rising star with the Country singing group, The Yankee Belles. She struggles with anxiety when not onstage, after an explosion at the expo, her nightmares come back in full force.

Can Knox and Kelsey get to the bottom of who is behind the costly explosion, and give love a try?

A fantastic new book from best-selling author Susan May Warren, I was thrilled to find her new series at my local library, and even more thrilled when I recognized many familiar faces from her previous novels. Strong new characters, great interaction, engaging plot, and strong faith, make this book near impossible to put down.

Multiple relationships are what drive this book, with the bond of brothers, new and old friends. I also like how this book follows Tate, Knox's younger brother who is a bodyguard charged with protecting singer, Glo. The interaction and dialogue are really well written in this book.

Overall, a highly enjoyable read, a great introduction to a new series, with a fantastic balance of faith, family, relationships, as well as a mystery. A must read for all Susan May Warren fans, and a great introduction if you've never read her books before.

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

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey has begun to suspect that someone is slowly picking off her team members, her hunch is solidified when she barely survives a hit and run. She goes with her suspicions to her late team member and friend's widow, Detective Josh Solomon.

Pressure builds as they get closer to the truth, tables turned and they find themselves fighting for their own innocence. Can Josh and Caitlyn work together to stop a weapon of biological warfare?

Josh has been widowed for over a year now, he jumps at the chance to go after his late wife's killers after Caitlyn comes to him with her suspicions. He quick thinking and cool under pressure, he is dedicated to his job to uphold justice. He is noble and brave, risking it all to keep Caitlyn safe.

Caitlyn had a tough childhood, and never really pursued having a relationship despite her friends trying to set her up. She came to faith through a friend inviting her to church, and has held fast to her beliefs through difficult times. She is very intelligent, with a gift for deductive reasoning.

A stand alone thriller from Lisa Harris, engaging and intense, easy to follow, and full of action, this book was one that I didn't want to put down. Josh and Caitlyn are strong Christians, and lean on their faith to get them through. Filled with twists, and surprising turns, this story did not disappoint. Edge of your seat drama, excellent plotting that had me wondering how they would ever make their way out. You won't want to miss this suspenseful, heart pounding read!

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

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette ~ Review

My Review:

Recently widowed Rivkah rebels against the Levitical marriage arranged by her father to her late husband's younger brother, Malakhi. Malakhi teased her tirelessly when they were children, and she cannot imagine a marriage to him, so she flees with her newfound friend away from Kedesh.

Malakhi has loved Rivkah since they were children, teasing her to get her attention, but when a marriage was arranged between her and his brother, Gidal, he stepped back. Malakhi is please to be betrothed to Rivkah, and hopes that she can see the man he has become, but when she runs away, and he is injured in battle not long after, he wonders if he should give up on the woman he had hoped to call his own.

Rivkah is headstrong and hurting, rash and quick tempered, a series of choices leave her shamed and destitute. At first I struggled to like her, but as she matured and the story progressed it was clear that she had become a courageous woman, willing to sacrifice everything for her family.

Malakhi is no longer a boy, playing childish games to get Rivkah's attention. He never stopped caring for her, despite her marriage to his brother. So when he gets the chance to honor his brother and marry the woman he loves, he accepts. He tries patiently to win her love, growing into a natural leader of men, carpenter and warrior. I admired his steadfast patience, throughout the entire story he is honorable and loves fiercely.

A powerful tale of forgiveness and unconditional love, set the days after the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land. I loved revisiting Kedesh and Moriyah's family. Connilyn Cossette expertly weaves a poignant prodigal love story against a realistic Biblical setting. She does an excellent job of showing the struggles that the Hebrews likely faced living among pagan neighbors in the Promised Land. A riveting read, with verdant descriptions, and lush adjectives. You won't want to miss this memorable story of love and God's grace.


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

The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy ~ Review

My Review:

Celia decides to make a fresh start by taking a job working for dear family friends, the Chestley's, at their book shop. While there, Celia makes a big impact on the small community, catching the eye of a young man training to be a lawyer, as well as the mysterious and reclusive, Edward Lyons.

Celia shares her love of literature with the community through a weekly book discussion, the community welcomes her readily, even Mr. Lyons who is drawn to her fresh beauty and insightful mind.

With multiple men vying for her hand, Celia has to decide whether to follow her heart or the One Who Made It.

A fascinating book that focuses on the beautiful harmony of art and religion, as well as the importance of Biblical doctrine rather than man made constructs that seek to eliminate God from our daily lives. I liked how this book explored importance of genuine faith, partially dissecting worldviews like deism and transcendentalism.

From the beginning there is warmth and familiarity about the community, especially from the Chestleys who are a very dear middle aged couple, who demonstrate a godly marriage and hospitality throughout. There are many interesting characters, who are all a mix of good and bad. I thought that the story dealt realistically for the time period with the various situations at hand.

Celia has an innate love for literature and art, with a firm shining faith that cannot help but attract all who cross her path. She has a firm foundation of faith from her family, and in many ways is mature for her age. I admired her faith and her willingness to let go of what she wanted because she knew it was right.

Overall, I applaud this book for its strong messages of faith and firm doctrine, and as a fellow booklover it was impossible not to be drawn to this book and its heroine. Mr. Lyons is an excellent brooding leading man, drawing comparisons to Mr. Rochester or Beast from Beauty and the Beast. I liked how the author strove to show how art and literature can be appreciated with a Christian worldview and insight, and how these things give a window to the soul of their authors and creators. This book had something of a gothic feel to it with a nod to Jane Eyre, though in the middle the pace lagged a bit. At times it felt predictable, but I liked how this book took a more in depth look at faith and the intellectual side of things than many other books of its contemporary. A book written for booklovers, it shines with appreciation for literature alongside a firm faith foundation.

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

5 Minutes in Church History by Stephen J. Nichols ~ Review

My Review:

Stephen J. Nichols is the host of the popular podcast of the same title. In this book we look at defining snapshots from church history, from early disciples to saints, architecture, kings, and moments in history. Easy to read, with each chapter written to take a mere 5 minutes to read, each concise chapter shows the event or person's modern day relevance.

This was an enjoyable read, an though many of the stories were familiar to me, I can't say that I thought much about the historic building and their relevance in church history before reading this book. It took me a while to read this book, only because I read about once chapter everyday. It was a very enjoyable read, and I really liked how it talks about guarding the "good deposit" by learning from our past.

The final chapter, which is an interview with R.C. Sproul is a great conclusion, and sums up the book well, in speaking on the importance of church history and the Gospel.

"in every generation, the gospel has to be understood anew; it has to be preached with vigor and urgency, because as quickly as we receive it and understand it, like the ancient Galatians, we are fast to move away from it and try to interject some additive that we give to secure our own justification. It is always faith plus something rather than faith alone."

Overall, a very good book that can be read in chapters at a time, or just in 5 minutes a day. I liked how it focuses on how God has preserved the Good News through many generations and empires, using unassuming people and places to show His divine plan for our salvation.


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

Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

FBI Agent Linc St. John and his partner, Allison Radcliffe, are pursuing a crime boss. Allie goes undercover and makes valuable connections, when something goes horribly wrong, and now Allie has a target on her back. Will they be able to bring down the kingpin before it's too late?

Suspenseful and fraught with unexpected twists and turns, non-stop action and a complex, but easy to follow plot. I love the St. John Clan and how they come together for one of their own.

Allie is personally invested in this case in particular, because it brings up secrets from her past, and the man they are after is the one who killed her father. Allie is intuitive and incredibly loyal, but bent on vengeance.

Linc has loved Allie for a long time, but she has made it clear that she wants to stay friends. He is dedicated to his job, and he has a strong faith and relationship with his family. I admired his courage and faith, living his beliefs is very important to him.

Overall, a pulsing, heart-pounding read, engaging with non-stop action throughout. I liked the themes of the difference between vengeance and justice, as well as revisiting the St. John family. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Eason, but this one is a stand out for sure! Suspenseful, romantic, full of faith, and impossible to put down, with heroes that you can cheer for from the start.

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

A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep ~ Review

My Review:

Mina Scott works at her father's inn, she has a big heart, and a love of Charles Dickens's stories. When one of their regular customers asks her to pose as his wife in order to make a good impression on his uncle who is choosing an heir, between himself and his conniving cousin, she agrees to help him out. But as their lie grows out of control, Percy's evil plans are revealed. Mina and William must work together to come clean and save William's beloved uncle from a terrible fate.

A heartwarming Christmas tale, written with a nod to Dickens' signature style. Mina is a hardworking young woman, with a big heart, and a love for novels by Charles Dickens. She works with her father at his inn. Mina's father is strict, but he ultimately loves her dearly.

William has worked hard to reform himself after losing everything due to past indiscretions. He wants to put his best foot forward, but in so doing he finds himself lying to the ones that he loves most.

An enjoyable read with likable characters, engaging plot, with a heartwarming Dickensian charm. I loved Uncle Barlow, he is a clever, sweet natured man, with an appreciation for literature and loyalty. Well written, charming, great tension, yet heartwarming, with characters that I could cheer for--overall a great Christmas story. A great feel-good read, definitely worth the read!


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

The White City by Grace Hitchcock ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Chicago, 1893. The city is bustling with activity with the coming of the World's Fair.

Winnifred Wylde sees something suspicious while on an outing with one of the suitors that her aunt set her up with, her father who is the precinct inspector, brushes it off, but sends one of his officers to follow her home just in case. Winnie knows what she saw, and is determined to follow her hunch.

Young women are going missing all over town. With the help of  Jude Thorpe, one her father's officers, Winnie goes undercover, taking a job working for Henry Holmes.

Will she be able to expose Holmes's dirty dealings before it's too late?

Winnie is a daring heroine, who stumbles into a case bigger and more terrifying than she could have ever imagined. Her father and aunt have high hopes for her to marry well, and her father has forbidden her from marrying a man on the force.

Slow to start at first, I was drawn to this book because of my interest in the Henry Holmes murders, and it did take time for small things to be uncovered and start to make sense. Part of the reason that it seemed slower to me was because I had some foreknowledge about Henry Holmes and kinda knew what she would be walking into. Her father is a good man, and loves his daughter, he wants the best for her.

Overall, an enjoyable read, though perhaps it would be best enjoyed by someone with less knowledge about the true story, mainly because I just didn't like knowing what she was walking into. Well written with good solid characters.

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