To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilynn Cossette // Review

Review:

Philistine siblings Eliora and Natan follow the golden box stolen from the Hebrews, leaving behind their past. Eight years later there is dissention among the clans about the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, musician Ronen is sent ahead to discover its location for his clan. 

Overcoming betrayal and heartache, Eliora and Ronen must fight for truth.

Set in the years that the Ark came to rest in Kiryat-Yearim, the author vividly brings to life the culture and landscape of those years. Eliora is drawn to the Ark when it is taken by her people, she sees firsthand the power that it represents. I admired her deep love for her brother and adoptive family, she has a heart for service, but it is also more than that. Eliora is a strong relatable heroine, she carries a heavy burden. 

A well written book that brings to life the years of judges, imagining what life might have been for Israelites during those years before they had a king. I loved how Ronen is a musician, and how he and Eliora find a listening ear and a understanding heart in each other. This is a gripping read, that I was loathe to put down. I loved the characters and how it sets up the next book fantastically. I loved the strong themes of grace, adoption and redemption that ran throughout. A richly woven story, with great character development and beautiful descriptions that bring the setting to life. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

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

Hooked on You by Kathleen Fuller // Review

Review:

When her grandmother breaks her leg playing for the church baseball team, Riley reluctantly returns to Maple Falls to help run her grandmother's yarn shop on main street.

Being an avid knitter and crocheter I was instantly intrigued by the cover and title of this book, and the fact that it was written by Kathleen Fuller and author who I have enjoyed in the past was the icing on top. The first in what is sure to be a wonderful series, Maple Falls comes to life through its welcoming small town charm and larger-than-life characters. Irma and her Bosom Buddies were an absolute riot, and I hope to see them prominently featured throughout the series because they added so much heart and humor to this heartwarming small town romance. 

Riley is a more reserved heroine, she is organized and talented, but likes to keep her cards close to her chest so she won't get hurt. I liked the relationship between her and her grandmother, and the BB's, and I loved how Anita and Harper welcomed her into their circle.

Overall, a heartwarming read with a full cast of characters, Hayden is an amazing guy, patient with and respectful of Riley throughout. There are strong themes of faith and forgiveness, with great character development. Irma had to be my favorite character, with all of her schemes, and love for Riley. A great weekend read with plenty of heart and a cozy small town setting. 

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

Finding His Family by Christina Miller // JustRead Tour, Review & Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Finding His Family by Christina Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finding His Family
Author: Christina Miller
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Can he be the man she needs him to be?

Now that he’s found them, he can’t let them go. 

The last person Abe Armstrong thought would walk through the door of his gym is Rosemary Williams, the woman he secretly married as a teen. Even more surprising is the little girl at her side—his daughter. It’s been four years since Abe and Rosemary broke each other’s hearts…and he hopes this time will be different. But first Abe must prove he’s father and husband material. 

Review: A heartwarming second chance romance, with a full cast of fantastic characters. 

Engaging from the start, it drew me right in. I absolutely loved the idea of Rock Steady Boxing, as Parkinson's is something that my family knows well, and admired Abe's passion for helping others, as well as how he has worked hard to get to where he is. Rosemary is a wonderful mother, with a gift for organization, marketing, and working with children, I admired how hard she worked bother for her father and to help Abe with his gym. 

My two favorite characters though, had to be adorable little Georgia and punky ad scheming Grannie. Georgia is a cuteness overload, with the ability to worm her way into the hardest of hearts, I loved her enthusiasm and innocent honesty. Grannie is a hoot with her passion for healthy living, as well as a little meddling on the side. 

Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read with well developed characters, parts that made me laugh, cry, and smile. I really liked both Abe and Rosemary's strong commitment to their faith, and their daughter. Will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future!

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

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Editor and author Christina Miller’s idea of a perfect day involves a white-sand beach, a stack of books, and a glass of sweet tea. Ten years ago, she decided to leave her job as an RN and become a writer and editor so she could read for a living—and sometimes even work on the beach.

Christina is a Bethany Global University graduate, pastor’s wife, worship leader, and author for Love Inspired, the Christian imprint of Harlequin. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her toes in the sand, you might catch her visiting an antebellum mansion, exploring a museum, or teaching at a women’s conference. Christina lives on her family farm with her husband of thirty years.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA: Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Finding His Family and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 9, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 16, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick // JustRead Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rebuilding Joy
Series: RenoVations #2
Author: Regina Rudd Merrick
Publisher: Bellville Street Books
Release Date: June 2, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

A waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café … 

Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children are in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene. 

Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it. 

Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding. 

Just another day in Clementville. 

Review:

A wonderful blend of small romance and suspense, which happen to be two of my favorite genres.

There is a lot going on in this book, between the amazing characters, as well as the mystery of big time crime in a small town. Even though I hadn't read the first book in the series it wasn't hard to jump in, and I loved their close knit family. Del is a great guy, I admired his thoughtfulness and strong faith, and how he is there for Darcy when she and her kids need him.

Darcy is a strong woman used to doing things on her own and has struggled since the loss of her late husband. She has a wonderful supportive family and I like how they keep reminding her of the blessings in her life.

Overall this was an engaging and entertaining read with great characters and a heartwarming, yet suspenseful plot, with strong elements of faith. A great read for people like me who love both heartwarming romance and suspense!

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

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | IndieBound

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus 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. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com

CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winner will receive their choice of ebook or signed print copy of Rebuilding Joy!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 7, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 14, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review:

Marian Creighton and her father have worked for years to cure the rare form of cancer that took Marian's mother and threatens to life of her sister, Ellen. When her father suddenly falls into a coma on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery, Marian rushes to his side, and is thrust into the 1300's in her fight to sure her sister and keep her father's research out of the wrong hands.

A thrillingly romantic time slip novel that catapults Marian into the Medieval times during the dangerous peasant uprising of 1381, where she falls under the protection of the noble warrior, Will Durham. I loved how Ms. Hedlund had Marian navigate the culture shock of time travel, acknowledging the everyday details that would definitely come as an unpleasant surprise. I really though that the author did a great job of navigating the strengths and weaknesses of a different time period that to some would possibly feel oppressive especially in regards to women, how they lived and were treated. 

I loved the supporting characters, I'm excited to see more of Harrison in the next book, as well as Marian's sister, Ellen. I liked Harrison from the beginning so I was thrilled when I found out that the next book would feature him. 

Overall, this was an exciting read, with engaging characters and a fresh imaginative plot. A strong start to a new series, with wonderful characters, exciting twists, and amazing chemistry between Will and Marian! I can't wait to see what will happen next!

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

Written Off by Barbara Cornthwaite // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Written Off

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release date: May 2021

”Break a leg?”  They’ll be lucky if they don’t all break their necks!

After years of waiting, Katrina finally has her happily ever after. All is right with her world . . . until hate crimes begin happening in the charming college town of Wilkester. Even more disturbing is the fact that the perpetrator seems to be connected with the writing class Katrina teaches. How can she prevent her rosy visions of the future from turning into broken dreams?

Find out in this third book of the Wilkester Mysteries.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

When a string of disturbing crimes crop up seemingly tied to Katrina's writing class, Katrina and Todd must get to the bottom of this while preparing for their upcoming nuptials. 

A bit slower to start, this book has a little less mystery and focuses more on Katrina and Todd building their life together, as well as their friend Becky who is fostering a young girl. It has strong themes of faith, marriage, friendship, and as well as dealing with timely social issues in a well thought out way. I loved revisiting Wilkester and all of Todd and Katrina's friends, it had a lot going on with good subplots.

An enjoyable read with great characters, this is a wonderful addition to the series and I have loved seeing Todd and Katrina grow and get to know each other as they work together and prepare for marriage. A wonderful and enjoyable read!

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

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

 

More from Barbara

What Kind of Lessons Could a Mystery Possibly Teach Me?

It’s been a couple decades since I taught a college English class, and writing the Wilkester Mysteries with Professor Katrina Peters as the main character brought back happy memories of teaching. Not enough to want to go back to it—homeschooling my own kids is much more rewarding—but enough that I had to stop myself from writing much longer lectures into the stories! These are my first contemporary novels, and it was nice to write a story without the hours and hours of historical research I usually have to do. But whatever time period stories are set in, people feel the same emotions and have to learn the same spiritual lessons.

Katrina loves literature and can’t help seeing her own life as a story. The only problem is that she keeps thinking she knows what the Author is doing, and she has definite ideas about what the plot should be. She is not unlike myself: over and over I’ve thought I knew what God was doing in my life. And if He was short on ideas, I had quite a few that He was free to use! But He has rarely been doing what I thought He was, and for some reason He never seems to use my ideas about what could happen in my story.  Both Katrina and I need to learn the lesson that God’s wisdom is beyond ours, His storytelling is much deeper and richer than ours, and His plots are never predictable!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 31

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

April Hayman, Author, June 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 2

Losing the Busyness, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

CarpeDiem, June 3

Remembrancy, June 4

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

She Lives To Read, June 5

For Him and My Family, June 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 7

Inklings and notions, June 7

Labor Not in Vain, June 8

Genesis 5020, June 8

Aryn The Libraryan , June 9

Blogging With Carol, June 9

For the Love of Literature, June 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 11

Joanne Markey, June 11

Through the Fire blogs, June 12

Mary Hake, June 12

deb's Book Review, June 13

Daysong Reflections, June 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away  the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/10ca5/written-off-celebration-tour-giveaway

Emeline - A Journey w/ the My Journey Companion Journal by Kathy J. Perry // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review & Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Emeline – A Journey with the My Journey companion Journal

Author: Kathy J. Perry

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction Adventure

Release date: November 1, 2020

Emeline:

I can’t ask Pa; I must decide for myself.

What do I really want?

Set in 1890, a period of no phones or refrigerators, thirteen-year-old Emeline has lost both parents and must travel through ten states to reconnect with family in Boston.

On the way, she encounters many people and trials. Some characters are unsavory, ruthless, and violet, wanting only her money and possessions, caring nothing for her life. But all is not bleak: good folks make her trip memorable, giving her help as they are able.

Will she make it, and if she does, will she stay?

Will the events of her journey redefine her life?

This Christian historical fiction adventure will educate, entertain, and inspire young readers.

My Review:

After suddenly losing her father, Emeline decides to follow her late father's wishes and travel to Boston where her grandfather lives. The trip is not easy, with perils, friends and foes along the way.

Emeline is an intelligent thirteen year old girl, tackling each challenge laid before her with courage and wisdom. I liked how she shares her devotions everyday, and works hard to reach her goals even when things don't go as planned.  This was a fast read, would be great for middle grade readers, it is engaging and there is plenty going on. 

I loved that she had a strong support system of friends both back home and along the way, and I admired her strong faith and resilience. 

Overall, an enjoyable read, great for middle grade girls and would even be great for reading aloud to younger ages. An engaging wholesome adventure, with a wonderful cast of characters. 

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

My Journey:

 

You Are Unique

What do you believe?

What motivates you?

What are your thoughts, hopes, and dreams?

Find a quiet place and contemplate the questions inside. Journaling is a great way to understand yourself and work through emotions.

Who knows? You might surprise yourself!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

After the passing of my parents, I evaluated at what I was doing with my life and my contribution to others. I’ve always had a heart for teaching kids. I’ve been a classroom teacher, a homeschool mom, a tutor, and a substitute for many years. I’ve written, illustrated, and published the Bandana Acres series of Early Reader Chapter Books with solid moral lessons that fill a genre gap between picture and chapter books. Fellow teachers say, “Great! Keep it up. We need more of these.”

As a twelve-year-old, I identified with a fictional orphaned girl and was so impressed with her cleverness and honesty that I wanted to be like her. It was this story that inspired me to write Emeline – A Journey — a story that will educate, encourage, and inspire your tween or teen to find their way as a confident young adult.

A companion book, a consumable guided journal entitled My Journey, will challenge your young adult to important questions and give them lots of room to process their thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

 

More from Kathy

Research for Emeline’s story gave me such joy. It amazed me how much I learned about life in 1890 from internet searches, YouTube videos, and library books. Some topics, however, were more difficult than others. I purchased a book about 1800s printing for lithography details. I later gifted this beautiful book to my printer brother-in-law.

 

With new technology bursting at the seams of the fabric of our lives, could your young adult have an interest in such a time as 1890? Fantasies and futuristic books claim attention and provide an escape from our time and place. But the 1890s was a fascinating time, too, with inventions that would change how we live forever — inventions that we take for granted today. Regardless of the external factors, people then had the same personal issues. People remain people, no matter when or where they live.

 

I hope that from reading or listening to this book, your tweens and teens will internalize the important character qualities vital for confident, successful adulthood. The companion book, My Journey, follows the same values shown in Emeline’s book and provides a place for personal evaluation and self-discovery.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 7

Labor Not in Vain, June 7

Inklings and notions, June 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 9

Connie's History Classroom, June 10

Library Lady's Kid lit, June 10

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 11

Texas Book-aholic, June 12

For Him and My Family, June 13

Mary Hake, June 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 15

Lots of Helpers, June 16

deb's Book Review, June 17

She Lives To Read, June 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 19

Splashes of Joy, June 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a hardcover copy of Emeline, a softcover copy of The Journey, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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/10d09/emeline-a-journey-and-my-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe // Review

Review:

A powerful Southern coming of age tale that follows Austin Foster a teenager in the 1980's fighting to keep her family together in the shadow of her father's darkness. 

Told in the first person perspective we follow Austin and her family through the years as they struggle to keep everything afloat. The darker moments are well balanced with humor that shines even through the heartache. A full cast of colorful characters add heart and depth, I think that the author did an excellent job of showing the different ways that each of the siblings coped with their constant state of crisis. 

Vance is a bright spot in Austin's life, always trying to be a constant in her tumultuous surroundings. 

This is a well written book that deals with the toll that mental illness takes not only on the person who is ill, but also the family suffering alongside.  I enjoyed the characters of Foxy, Jinx, Waylynn, Morty, Mrs. Wise, and so many more! A beautiful yet heartbreaking, raw and tender coming of age story of loss, love, and living in the shadow of darkness. 

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

When Stars Rain Down by Angela Jackson-Brown // Review

Review:

Growing up in the small town of Parsons, Georgia, Opal Pruitt is content to work alongside her grandmother as a housekeeper. But the Ku Klux Klan's activity awakens racial tensions that force both sides to acknowledge what has been simmering under the surface in the aftermath of reconstruction. 

A coming of age read, set in the summer of 1936. This is a well written read that explores themes of religion, family, growing up and race relations in the South. Poignant and heartbreaking, this book deals with difficult things, and features strong feminine characters. Opal is a compelling character who finds her strength over the course of the book, and I loved her close knit family, and Granny, who is always looking out for her. 

But while this book does so many things right there were some details that gave me a serious pause. There is a "hoodoo" woman, Miss Lovenia, who helps with natural remedies that some people fear, she states that she is a non-practicing practicing Catholic. Granny, a devout Christian, doesn't approve of her and Lovenia sets Opal ill at ease at times. Her practices come off as New Age, and Omnist, denying of Jesus being eternal from the beginning, she states in one instance, "The Creator answers by many names. Allah, Yaweh, Elohim, El Roi....So many names...Then of course there are the other deities. Those who ruled the heavens and earth long before Jesus was a glimmer in the Creator's eye." Though Granny and Opal are both dubious of her, it is implied throughout the book that she does possess "the sight" and that she states her works are of God. She makes potions, though denying it being her power working through them. Though a little strange she is cast in a positive light overall, being only what she is nothing more. Another time she says, "I listen to the spirits and I listen to God, and, to be honest the are one and the same." Also, when Opal is recalling the teachings of Reverend Perkins, "What if, like Reverend Perkins said, God was everything and everything was God?" Which is a statement that is in line with pathesism. 

Overall, I wanted so much to highly recommend this book, but the serious erroneous teachings make it hard for me to recommend this book as it is being marketed as a Christian book, while espousing New Age, panthesistic, and Omnistic beliefs. The story is compelling as are the characters, in a turbulent time in history when many horrific crimes occurred over color and race. If you are still interested in reading this book, I would recommend it more as general market historical fiction, and say to beware of more mainstream handling of religion. 

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

*Note: I wrote this review the way that I did because I know that a majority of the people reading my reviews are looking for recommendations of Christian fiction. 

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin // Review

Review:

A tension fraught, fast paced read, former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle is in hiding from her past and the people who would have her use her sharp eye for evil. After rescuing Lyndon Vaile from the people after him and his research that proves biological warfare, they find themselves fighting for their lives and to stay one step ahead of those who would stop them at any cost. 

A fantastic action filled read which is all too timely in a post pandemic world. Lyndon is an analytical wonder with a photographic memory, I admired him for his strong faith, and loved his slight eccentricity. He has a brilliant mind with a slew of masters degrees to prove it, he could do anything with his amazing mind, but he remains humble with a genuine thirst for finding the answers to his questions. 

Kadance get's by with her sharpshooting skills, she is good at playing a variety of roles, but lets very few see the real her. I loved her adorable cat, Mac, who adds plenty of cute moments and humor to the story. 

Overall, this was an amazing debut, with a suspense read that manages to stay away from feeling stereotypical I loved the unique but engaging characters, as well as the twisting plot that had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read whatever Ms. Koslin writes next!

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