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.

Captive in Iran by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, with John R. Perry ~ Review

My Review:

The incredible true story of God's providence and the faith of Marziyeh and Maryam, two Christian young women in Iran imprisoned for their faith and sharing the Gospel.

Maryam and Marziyeh's lives are upturned when they are arrested on vague charges and held unlawfully for months in Evin prison. The friends and sisters in Christ take turns telling their sides of their remarkable imprisonment and how God used them to bring light to a dark place. In prison they find themselves more free to share the Gospel than on the streets of Iran, as they share their faith and pray for the other women in prison with them.

A truly inspiring story of faith under the pressure of persecution, and how God used them to spread the Gospel in a dark and almost unreachable place, giving them hope, and perseverance to hold to their faith. This book was a good reminder of how God can use evil things for His glory, and of the harsh persecution of Christians in many countries today. Maryam and Marziyeh also shed light on many of the unethical practices that are considered commonplace in a predominately Islamic country, and the corruption in the legal system, as well as the plights that many women face in such cultural situations face.

Overall, a must read book right up there with If I Perish by Esther Ahn Kim (if you haven't read that book either, you need too). I inspired and challenged by their faith, compassion, and passion for sharing the Gospel. I also learned so much about the Iranian culture and how Islam is very much intertwined with it. Highly recommend this unforgettable read!


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

Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Cassie Kendrick takes her life into her own hands, escaping and arranged marriage and her abusive, alcoholic father, by dressing as a man, taking the name Thomas Turner and joining the Union Army. But her disguise becomes more difficult when she meets the handsome photographer, Gabe.

Photographer Gabriel Avery, is anxious to make his mark on the world by documenting the war, under the mentorship of Matthew Brady. Raised in the city, he is unprepared for life on the frontlines. He befriends many of the men, including the quiet, dry humored, Thomas.

Cassie and Gabe fight for their country, as well as personal battles of darkness and guilt, while navigating their growing attraction for each other.

Where Dandelions Bloom offers a unique perspective on the Civil War, through the eyes of Cassie and Gabe. I felt like this book dealt with Army life realistically, from the lack of cleanliness, to the long periods of down time.

Cassie is a courageous taking on the role of a lifetime, fighting for her country and eventually serving as a Pinkerton. She is clever and strong, earning the respect of many of  her fellow soldiers.

Gabe is a strong young man who follows his dream of capturing images, he is haunted by guilt from his past, wondering if in hindsight he could have done more. Though a city boy, he can hold his own in a fight. He is a good friend, and admires Cassie's bravery and ingenuity.

Overall, an enjoyable read, with a different view of the Civil War. There were moments that were hard to read because of the subject matter, but also humor as well. I liked Jonas and his endearingly annoying talkative ways. Strong lead characters who must overcome challenges physical and emotional, brought together by the war.

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

The Nanny's Secret Baby by Lee Tobin McClain ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Arianna Schrader takes a job as a nanny for her late sister's veterinarian husband, Jack, caring for her nephew Sammy. She savors the chance to get to know the son that she gave up for adoption. Arianna works to connect with Sammy, and as she spends more and more time with the small family, she wonders if her secret could bring them together or tear them apart?

Arianna and her sister weren't close, pitted against each other by their mother as children, there was always a constant rivalry. As a result it pushed Chloe to anxiety, pushing for perfection, while Arianna is more of a free spirit. Arianna is an art therapist, she loves vibrant color, but behind her outward confidence she still has insecurities about her body.  I admired Arianna and her determination to help Sammy, as well as her patience with him when things were difficult.

Jack is a good man, who wants what is best for his son. He likes things to be orderly and expected, while Arianna goes with the flow. He likes to be in control, and finds Arianna to be an unwelcome whirlwind at first. He has a strong faith and is a great father.

There are many challenges to overcome for Arianna, Jack, and Sammy. Sammy is a sweet child. There is a lot going on in this book, from the relationships, faith, and secrets that are revealed. Arianna is a strong heroine, she loves Sammy and wants to have a relationship with him and is passionate about helping him grow and learn. A heartwarming story of family.

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

Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Artist Evelyn McTavish has been working to rebuild her life after the suicide of her fiance. One day she gets a call from the dog pound saying that they are going to put down her dog, the problem is that she doesn't even have a dog. She recognizes the dog as the belonging to a previous clients, so she decides to return the dog to its owner, but when she goes looking for him, she finds that the dog's owner has been murdered.

Tavish finds herself a target, after witnessing incriminating events. She has always struggled with anxiety, and now with everything being thrown at her at once, she doesn't know where to turn.

Her path crosses with FBI Agent Sawyer Price, and they must work together to unravel the increasingly dangerous plot at hand, before time runs out.

Fast-paced and complex, I couldn't put this book down. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger, kept the pages turning. I never knew what to expect, or who to trust, stunning plot twists, and suspenseful story telling, alongside compelling character development make this book an absolute, must read!

Tavish is a great heroine, instantly likable and easy to cheer for the whole way through. She grew up having everything, and knowing that something was missing, she's tried shrinks, pills, and crystals, but her mother has always warned her away from Christianity. She finds strength that she didn't know she had, and is quick thinking under pressure.

Sawyer is detail oriented and excellent at his job, he feels compelled to do everything he can to protect Tavish, while putting together all the pieces of the case.

A compelling, mind-bending, suspense, impossible to put down, with a multitude of shocking twists, and strong faith along the way. This is my first time reading Ms. Parks, but I'm definitely a fan now! Everything that you could dream of in a suspense novel, you won't want to miss it!

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

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson ~ Review

My Review:

Melanie Dickerson takes the classic legend of Mulan, transporting it to Lithuania and into the Hagenheim Universe. I was so excited when I heard that the next book in the Hagenheim Dynasty was Mulan. I love how Ms. Dickerson has been embracing more diverse heroes and heroines with the additions of Mulan and Aladdin. Mulan has always been one of my favorite stories because of her bravery, patriotism, and loyalty to her family, as well as her Asian ethnicity (I'm Asian-American).

Mulan bravely volunteers to serve her country in place of her deceased father in order to protect her mother from being thrown out of her home. Skilled with a bow, she is small and quick, with a wide streak of stubborn. I admired her faith and relationship with her mother, though there is not a lot between them in the book, it is clear that her mother is a kind, godly woman.

Wolfgang and his brother Steffan are sent to fight alongside the Lithuanians against the Teutonic Knights, but Steffan instead chooses to fight with the Teutonic Knights. Wolfgang stays true to his duty, determined to act honorably in his obligations and in battle. He is a fierce fighter, faithful friend, and noble to the core.

Overall, a riveting story, with a worthy heroine and hero who bravely stand up for what they believe in. I found some of the facets of the story interesting in how they seemed to be drawing a parallel between events of the story and modern day legalism and Christianity in politics. There are strong themes of family, faith, and second chances. Plenty of action keeps the story going, I liked how the book was realistic about Mulan's strengths and weaknesses. A must read for fans of Melanie Dickerson's Hagenheim Series!



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

The Mosaic Collection: Day 11 : Hannah R. Conway ~ Just Reads Tour, Spotlight and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory...  

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ's finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

...and our good

We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God's grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah R. Conway is a military wife, mother of two, middle school teacher, best-selling author, and popular speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My Book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee.

CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pnterest

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

            My cornerstone message is about freedom. Freedom from the past, from the messes, the mistakes, regrets, fears, and failures. As a military wife, freedom means so much to me, but as a Christian, I want to be as free on the inside as I am on the outside. This cornerstone message resonates with many believers. We say we’re free, but often we’re in that freedom.

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Get to Know Hannah R. Conway

Favorite place to read: 

            Curled up on my couch with a cup of coffee. A front porch is a pretty good place too.

Favorite book character from childhood: 

            Robin Hood. I love that story! 

Favorite movie: 

            Ever After, or the Harry Potter Series. I seriously could watch all of these movie on repeat.

Favorite quote or Bible verse: 

            John 15:17--”This is my command: Love one another.”

Favorite splurge/treat: 

            Movie theater popcorn! Melting chocolate chips with peanut butter and rice krispies! DELISH!

Favorite character you’ve created: 

            Audria Rylatt from my novella, “Christmas on a Mission”. She has this heart for helping others, and mexican food--we could totally be best friends. 

Last 3 great books you read:  

            The Line Between by Tosca Lee

            Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

            The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bishchof

Dream vacation: 

            A month long tour of Europe. I’m imagining it now...train rides, a sea breeze, castles, cobblestone roads...a little piece of heaven!

Hidden talent/little-known fact: 

            It’s a little strange, but I can pick up almost anything with my toes. It comes in handy when cleaning the house. Socks on the floor? No problem! My toes can pinch them up.

Plotter or pantser: 

            Definitely a plotter, but I do have moments of pantsing when my characters just take over and do what they want. Crazy characters!

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : 

            1: The way my kids come and find me in the morning...warm hugs and sleepy smiles

            2: The smell of coffee and toast in the morning...it reminds me of waking up to the smell of my mom making breakfast

            3: Dogs: I love animals in general...I adore our dog, Albus

            4: Cuddling: I can’t sit close enough to my husband; I’m a cuddle bug and thankfully he’s okay with that

            5: History: all things history; old buildings, old graveyards, any old historical site, antiques...I just adore anything that screams “history”

            6: The woods: the beach is wonderful, but there’s something about being amongst the trees, dirt path beneath my feet that resonates with me

            7: Bookstores: I have a serious book buying problem...but it’s a good problem

            8: Fall: hands down my favorite season; pumpkin-spiced everything, festivals, corn mazes, cool nights, campfires, big scarves--YES!

            9: Chocolate: Is there anything better than sweet chocolatey treats? I didn’t think so. Chocolate takes a good day and makes it great!

            10: Traveling: love, love, love to visit new places and meet new people. Walking the streets, taking in the sites and sounds...sampling the local cuisine--wonderful!

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates. 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Mosaic Collection: Day 10 : Regina Rudd Merrick ~ Just Read Tour, Spotlight, and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory...  

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ's finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

...and our good

We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God's grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Regina Rudd Merrick is a writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Having lived most of her life in Western Kentucky, she dreams of the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. Married to her husband of 35+ years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. She is the author of three books: Carolina Dream (Apr. 2017), Carolina Mercy (July 2018), and Carolina Grace (February 2019) in the Southern Breeze Series.

CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

Trust God and do the next right thing.

I want my readers to know that they are not alone, and that what they’re going through is not unique to them. Life isn’t a series of obstacles to overcome, but a series of events that point us to Jesus, who loves us more than we can imagine.

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Get to Know Regina Rudd Merrick

Favorite place to read: In my bed - okay to be honest, on a balcony overlooking the beach, but reality . . . 

Favorite book character from childhood: Laura Ingalls Wilder - I know, she was a real person, but she made me want to be a pioneer so badly!!

Favorite movie: Tough one. I have several: You’ve Got Mail, Sahara, How the West was Won, Notorious, Star Wars. How’s that for variety?

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Psalm 37:4. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Favorite splurge/treat: Anything with hot fudge on it. :) 

Favorite character you’ve created: Lucy Dixon. She was so much fun to write!

Last 3 great books you read:  “A Bound Heart” by Laura Frantz, “Justice Delivered” by Patricia Bradley, “Where Treasure Hides” by Johnnie Alexander

Dream vacation: A month on an island off the coast of SC, GA, or FL, doing nothing but soaking up the sun, eating, walking, and reading.

Hidden talent/little-known fact: 

Plotter or pantser: Plantser

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : The ocean, chocolate chip cookies, a new computer, shopping for shoes, planning a vacation, decorating a house, my instant pot, hugs from my girls, my new wedding band, walking on the beach

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

 

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates. 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.