The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar ~ Book Review

November 20, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Queen's Cook

Author: Tessa Afshar

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: Queen Esther's Court, Book 1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: November 2024

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings, but instead he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother while settling the debt, Roxannah approaches Adin--the man whose kind eyes still haunt her--to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah strives to overcome prejudice and adversity as she ascends through the ranks in the royal kitchen. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther herself, a woman of grace and wisdom, who is navigating treacherous palace politics and whispers of her inability to produce an heir after six years of marriage. Amid this unfolding connection, Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Amestris and Esther's reign hang in the balance.

My Thoughts

This story immediately grabs you and doesn't let go. Tessa Afshar does such an incredible job at truly capturing the opulence of ancient Persia. I always say that Biblical Fiction gives us the "what-if's" of what we are already reading in the Word. The author takes a story from the Bible and with their extensive research comes up with a story that is not only interesting but also filled with faith and lets you wonder if these scenarios could've really happened.

In this story we meet Roxhanna, a Persian woman, who is a noblewoman is impoverished by actions her father has taken. She is caring and has learned cooking skills from her grandmother. She wants to help her Jewish friends as an edict has been served by the King. I won't tell you too much of the story but her transformation and growth in the story is amazing. We also meet Adin, the royal physician, who also helps not only Roxhanna with different things in her life, especially getting a position in the Queens kitchen. But let us not discount Adin so hastily, he may be considered the love interest for Roxhanna but he is so much more. He truly guides Roxhanna to see who God wants her to be and the path she should follow. He helps her be strong and rely on the one who gives strength.

Did I mention this book is also about Queen Esther ? She is one of my favorite women in the Bible so it was neat to see another side of her (again another what-if) We see her as more than a queen but also a sister in Christ. Although her scenes were brief, they were powerful. We continue to see Esther just like we see her in the Bible, fighting for her people and we continue seeing her trust in God deepen.

I really enjoyed the story and I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds. If you enjoy biblical fiction and stories that are filled with faith then you need to add this to your list.

I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Tessa Afshar’s books have been translated into 11 languages, and been on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists. Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Tessa’s novels have won a number of awards including the Christy and INSPY, and been finalists for the Carol and the ECPA Christian Book Awards. Land of Silence was chosen as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year by Library Journal. The Way Home, God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, is the winner of the Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category.

Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there the first fourteen years of her life before attending boarding school for girls in England. She fell in love with Jesus after moving to the United States. Tessa and her husband live in New England where they tend their mediocre garden.

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Sally's First Christmas ~ Spotlight

November 13, 2024

Personalized First Christmas Story Book JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the First Christmas Personalized Story Book by StoryBug, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: First Christmas Personalized Story Book
Publisher: Storybug
Release Date: August 1, 2024
Genre: Children's Christmas Gift Book

Immerse your little one in the joy of their first Christmas with the 'First Christmas Personalized Story Book,' where the magic of the holiday season comes alive through a story tailored just for them. Though they may not yet read, the sound of a loved one narrating a tale that features them will fill their world with wonder and make this personalized storybook a memorable part of their early Christmases.

PURCHASE LINKS: StoryBug

About the Publisher

StoryBug

Story Bug is inspiring kids to read more through the use of fully personalized children's storybooks.

Visit storybug.com to follow them on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will each receive a hardcover book from StoryBug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 20, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep ~ Book Review

November 12, 2024

About the Book

Book: Of Gold and Shadows

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Time's Lost Treasures, Book 1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 2024

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for rescuing black-market artifacts, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . . Award-winning author Michelle Griep weaves a tale of love, mystery, and intrigue set against the backdrop of the gaslit streets of Oxford, England.

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a Victorian mystery with Gothic elements then this is the book to add to those TBR lists! I really enjoyed the leading female character being an Egyptologist. Ami truly captures the quirkiness of the character and she is truly full of charm although utterly bright and extremely passionate in everything that she does. She just really wants to be seen for more than just a the daughter of an Egyptologist and professor and we see that develop throughout the story.

The male lead character is also quite charming. Edmund is not your typical socialite. He wants to sell these artifacts to help out a friend. He falls for Ami and their relationship blossoms throughout the story. I love how he is with her and truly sees her for who she is and dreams to be. He doesn't want to take away those dreams from her but rather see them to fruition.

Besides the romance which was super sweet and swoony at times, there is a bit of mystery that needs to be solved. Honestly I did not figure out the way the culprit came about until much later in the book. Which is good because it definitely kept the pages turning.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to see if we see these characters once more in the second book of this duology. If you enjoy romance, mystery and faith threads then this is the book for you!

I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.

About the Author

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?

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The Color of Home by Kit Cosello ~ Book Review

November 5, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Color of Home

Author: Kit Cosello

Genre: Contemporary Christian

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 2024

Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's. When Daisy enlists Audrey's help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago. Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain.Join award-winning writer and debut novelist Kit Tosello in this lyrical and often humorous exploration of how God redeems brokenness and draws us to the life we're meant to find.

My Thoughts

A good debut from Kit Tosello! This story was full of depth and definitely tugged at you heartstrings as you experience grief with Audrey who is still reeling from the death of his father and you also experience grief from aunt Daisy although hers is in the form of her husband having Alzheimer's and she is seeing the person she fell in love with disappear before her eyes. This is told in two different point of views as the story is of both Audrey and Daisy.

The story does start a bit slow so it took me a while to get into it but I am glad I stuck with it. I thought that the growth that Audrey experiences throughout the story was great and all the little details were needed to see her come full circle. The author did great at keeping the faith themes throughout the story and makes you really think what home truly is for you? It means something different for every one.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to see what else this author writes in the future!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All views expressed are my own.

About the Book

Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of contemporary fiction that feels like coming home. About her debut novel, The Color of Home (September 2024, Revell), bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn said, “Kit has a winsome way of using words to paint heart-touching images." Kit's inspirational essays and devotionals appear in a number of anthologies, including Publishers Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestseller So God Made a Mother. When not writing, Kit can be found in the loose-tea shop she operates with her husband, exploring the great PNW, or enjoying the "great indoors"—bookstores and libraries. Most likely with a matcha latte in hand. Learn more at KitTosello.com.

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Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton ~ Book Review

October 10, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Escape to Whispering Creek
Author: Barbara M. Britton
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Emma Uranova enjoys her office job until her boss disappears with the investors' money. To avoid the media storm and false accusations, Emma flees to Whispering Creek, Tennessee to live on her best friend' s secluded property. When a temporary position opens up in Nashville, Emma leaves small-town anonymity to pad her depleted bank account. With a handsome new boss and a steady income, Emma believes life is looking up... until she discovers she has transported the scandal in her backpack. Where is God when her life is falling apart?

Wade Donoven is recuperating from a crash that sidelined him from the family electrical business. Worse yet, his prodigal younger brother is getting the glory for Wade' s accomplishments. Desperation, and physical setbacks, have him agreeing to let Emma help him manage the business office. But when trouble follows her to his doorstep, Wade must make some difficult choices. Sending Emma back to Whispering Creek may unknowingly place the woman he's come to love in danger.

Also Available

My Thoughts

This is my second book from this author and I am so glad it was the second book from Whispering Creek, not only is this author great and infusing faith throughout her stories but I really enjoyed being back with these characters once more. This time we are returning to Whispering Creek with Emma as she is basically going into hiding with her friend until the scandal from her job dies down. Little does she know that she will encounter Wade, the perfect brooding male character who has some inner battles within himself in dealing not only with his brother but also the recovery of his car accident.

The way these two characters learned from each other and their walk with God was done so well and very realistic. I think having the side characters Samantha and Cole which just happens to be Emma's best friend and Wade's brother brought the story along together as you need those friends and family to walk with you in your hardest moments.

Overall I really enjoyed the story. There was suspense, a little bit of mystery and of course romance. If you enjoy these elements in a book then I encourage to grab both!!

About the Author

Barbara M. Britton

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian romantic adventures for teens and adults from Bible Times to present-day USA. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

Connect with Barbara by visiting barbarambritton.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an Escape to Whispering Creek prize bundle which includes: a print Copy of "Escape to Whispering Creek" and book swag, a CD of Pelican Book Group Editor's Choice novels including Barbara's "Lioness: Mahlah's Journey", a $10 Amazon gift card, a teacup and a box of Emma's favorite tea, a scented candle, a Scripture stone, and cactus stickers...just like Herbie!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 14, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Escape to Whispering Creek JustRead Blog Tour

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A Journey & Finding Strength by Kathy J. Perry ~ Blog Blitz

October 5, 2024

Emeline JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Emeline series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: A Journey
Series: Emeline #1
Author: Kathy J Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date: November 1, 2023
Genre: Christian Young Adult 19th Century American Historical Fiction

A promise made to her dying father; a struggle that tests her faith; a journey that pushes her resilience and resourcefulness to their limits

Emeline, a thirteen-year-old Missouri orphan, must set off on a quest across frontier America to fulfil her father’s last to find her grandfather in Boston.

Crossing this dangerous and unforgiving land alone, she must face challenges without losing her faith, rising to every test ahead if she’s to survive and find a home at the end of her adventure.

Will Emeline’s journey bring her the family she longs for?

Readers of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Louisa May Alcott will delight in this fast-paced adventure.

Title: Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893
Series: Emeline #2
Author: Kathy J Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Genre: Christian Young Adult Historical Fiction

When the world around you is falling apart, you must find strength within yourself.

Three years after her father’s death, Emeline has settled into life in Indianapolis.

Then an urgent visit to her childhood farm in Missouri changes everything. Her manager dies, the economy is in recession, and the caretakers are moving back to Wisconsin. Emeline is suddenly responsible for the farm… and she’s out of her depth.

With the help of her closest allies, Emeline sets out to turn the farm around until disaster strikes and she must start again. Emeline faces her biggest challenge finding the courage to have confidence in herself.

Can Emeline’s faith and resourcefulness bring her the joy and security she’s worked so hard to find?

This coming-of-age tale is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.

My Thoughts

A Journey – Excerpt 1
I threw on my robe and wanted to stoke the fire in the wood stove to warm the house.
But first, I checked on Pa. “Pa?” No answer. “Pa?” He couldn’t still be asleep, could he?
Drawing closer, I understood from his wincing face that he was in pain; it was hard for
him to even breathe.
“Oh no, Pa!” I sat on his bed and held his hand. “What’s wrong? Can I get a doctor for
you? Don’t leave me, Pa!”
“Em. No time. It’s my heart.” Tavis grimaced as he spoke with labored breaths. “Please.
Take my Bible. Stay with my dad in Boston. Your grandfather. Silas O’Connor.
Lithographer. Remember?”
My body shook uncontrollably, but I held in tears as I listened. “Yes, Pa. Anything else?”
“Promise me. Let him get to know you - love you as I do. Family is important.” He
stopped to gather what little strength remained. “Take the gun he gave to me. Initials on
the handle - his and mine. Proof of who you are. Tell him I love him.” His last words
were, “Have courage. Don’t forget, God will be with you. Love you, Em.” His breathing
stopped.
So did mine, for a moment. The life in Pa, once so strong, was gone. He would join Ma
with Jesus in heaven now. I had never felt so alone.

Finding Strength – Excerpt 1
He opened the box.
I gasped, startled by stacks of shiny gold coins inside, and
whispered, “Oh, my stars and garters! How many coins are here and what are they
worth?”
“Your pa deposited quite a lot before he passed and, thanks to Pa’s management of the
farm’s finances, and the Cooper’s caretaking, the value of your account has grown. This
currently holds $2,300.00, or sixty-five Liberty Double Eagle gold coins. Each coin is
worth $20.00.”
“Oh, goodness!” I covered my mouth with my shaking hand. “Pa always scrimped and
saved. As a child, I thought we were poor.” I collapsed on a nearby stool as I tried to
comprehend what this fortune meant. I faced him, agog. And I still hid $650.00 in my
linen pouch, too. “I’ve cash saved from my work in Indianapolis. Should I put it in here,
or deposit it at the bank?”
“It’s safe to leave it here, but you can deposit it, if you wish.”
I slipped the bag from underneath my waistband. “Here. I’d like to keep it all together.
Thank you.” I pulled most of the money out and set it inside the box, keeping a little on
me.

About the Author

Kathy J Perry

Of the many jobs she’s held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for Kathy J. Perry because investing in kids is so important. To this end, she continues to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact. Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. When not writing, you’ll find her painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. Is this retirement? Apparently so! She loves every minute of it with her husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed print copies of A Journey and Finding Strength, companion journal, bookmarks, and a $25 Amazon gift card plus a code for free audiobooks for both titles!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 8, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Paws-itive Inspirations ~ Book Review

September 17, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers
Authors: Michelle Medlock Adams, Wendy Hinote Lanier
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Juvenile Christian Non-Fiction/Devotional

Can Dogs Really Teach Us More About God?

Award-winning authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier say yes! That’s why they’ve teamed up to offer Paws-itive Inspirations—a great way to help dog lovers connect with God and learn more about their favorite breeds.

Paws-itive Inspirations will have kids and adults alike digging up treasures about their favorite pups, as well as discovering new breeds and learning important biblical truths in every devotion. Each Fido-themed entry encourages readers to dig deeper into God’s Word as they uncover fascinating facts about our canine friends. The 90 devotions cover different dog breeds and include:

Unleashing the Truth (key Bible verses)
Digging Deeper (self-reflection questions)
Fido 411 (interesting tidbits about the breed)
Weekly Tail-Waggers (activities to reinforce each lesson)

Paws-itive Inspirations blends faith, fun, and canine facts to give readers a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The interactive format makes for a meaningful and memorable faith journey!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness what an adorable devotional!! As soon as I received this I knew I would have two kids fighting over it. They have promised to share so we will see how this pans out. My second son and my daughter love dogs so it made sense to have them help me review this book. I had to agree with them in all of their points. Both my son (13) and daughter (9) loved the photos of the dogs and the information on each breed. The extra information on the Fido 411 was pretty neat and they kept trying to give me quizzes on the information to see if I already knew it.

I as a parent enjoyed that it kept them engaged and had them thinking about God as the authors do a great job at incorporating the love of dogs with the word of God. So each week the devotion has a key Bible verse, a digging deeper section that the kids can answer in their journals and a challenge where they can put to practice the lesson or to think deeper on the subject.

Overall I thought this was a good devotional and if you have a dog lover kiddo in your life this might be the perfect devotional for them!

About the Authors

Michelle Medlock Adams Wendy Hinote Lanier

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning author of over 100 books with close to four million books sold, including her best-selling What Is . . .? board book series. Michelle has written countless articles, helped pen a New York Times bestseller, hosted TBN’s Joy in Our Town TV program, and taught at more than one hundred writers conferences. Michelle is married to her high-school sweetheart, Jeff. They have two married daughters, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.

Connect with Michelle by visiting michellemedlockadams.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Wendy Hinote Lanier is a Texan, dog lover, and only child who always wanted a puppy rather than a brother or sister. She is a former elementary teacher who writes and speaks for children and adults on a variety of topics and is an award-winning author of more than 50 books for children.

Connect with Wendy by visiting wendyhinotelanier.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Paws-itive Inspirations and a $25 Visa gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Paws-itive Inspirations JustRead Blog Tour