About the Book
Book: Midnight's Budding Morrow
Author: Carolyn Miller
Series: Regency Wallflowers, Book 2
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: May 31, 2022
Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?
Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.
When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.
Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?
When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this story and despite it being the second in the series it read like a stand alone story. This story definitely is filled with a lot of emotions. It is a story that is filled with redemption, forgiveness and finding love in the right place. The theme of belonging and finding ones identity is also very big throughout the storyline.
The setting is spectacular and the perfect place for all that is going on. The descriptions make you feel like you are right at Langley castle and smelling the ocean air. The characters were very well written and their emotions jumped out as you were reading. The storyline is one of marriage of convenience with a mixture of bad boy turned good.
I really enjoyed Sarah at the very beginning. She seems to have it all together and right away you can tell that she wants a place where she belongs. She wants an identity. She wants to be loved and needed. I loved her tenacity and boldness towards the servants of the house. She was not afraid to back down to them and I loved her for that. But once she had to marry James she changed. She still had a bit of that backbone but she felt alone and without the respect from those around her who could blame her. It took me a bit to like James. He was not very nice at all but he did redeem himself and boy did he really make you fall in love with him. It took him a bit but it's amazing what God's grace does for us.
I can't tell you too much because I would give it away and I would hate to ruin the story for you. But I will tell you that this is a beautiful story of redemption and finding your identity in Christ. It shows you what happens when you waver on your faith and when you hold on tight to it. I will warn you that there are some heavier topics in this story such as alcoholism and depression but Carolyn Miller approaches it in a very hope-filled manner but she also doesn't shy away from being realistic on what happens when we are at our lowest when battling depression.
Overall I thought the story was excellent. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next. If you enjoy Christian Historical Romance stories you would definitely enjoy this one or any books by this author!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!
I received a copy of this book from Read with Audra. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Giveaway
About the Author
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.
Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.
Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor).
.png)
.png)
Do you still carry your Bible to church? It seems like nowadays when you look down the pew or chairs you see more and more people reach for their phones and pull up the Bible app instead. I myself have done this so no judging here. But there’s something amazing about turning the pages of a Bible. I know I have multiples in our house and different versions as well.
This one is the Lifeway Womens Bible. Ya’ll the leather cover is SO soft! I have the mint green/aqua one because I just love that color! I love to do my Bible study from my actual Bible and I love having different versions because sometimes looking at it from a different way just makes it all make sense in my head.
If you are looking for a new study Bible this may be fit your needs! Here’s what I love about it: #
📖 Bible Genre introductions
📖 Plenty of space to journal of you enjoy doing so!
📖 Concordance!!
📖 Reflection questions
📖 Timelines at the beginning of each Book.
📖 Plans to read the Bible in 90 days or 3 years
📖 Devotionals by different Christian women!
There is a ton more that I could tell you but check out the pics! You can grab your very own copy here 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/3LHM3lY
The only thing that I will say that this truly is a Study Bible so it’s a bit thick. So, even though you could definitely take this to church, for me personally this would be a bit too cumbersome to carry around.
Thank you @christianstandardbible and @lifewaywomen for the copy of this beautiful Bible.
.png)
.png)
My Thoughts
Who does subscription boxes for their kiddos? We’ll have I got good news for you! Check out the Kids Faith Krate.
When I was sent this for review I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I mean I’ve seen other types of subscription boxes but never one that helps parents disciple their children into God’s faith. The best way I can describe it is like having VBS in a box all ready for you with everything laid out so you can just do it! Everything is included. Lessons + crafts = timesaver!!!
As you scroll through the photos you’ll see there’s an:
✅ Overview for Parents
✅ 4 Weekly Bible Lessons
✅ 4 crafts to go along with the lessons
📦 Boxes are delivered at the beginning of the month so that you have all 4 weeks to walk through the material!
Have multiple kids? No problem! They have subscription boxes for up to 3 kids! And this is for ages 4-10.
We are planning to use our June box for our Bible Time during the summer since we take a lighter workload for the summertime! But this would be an awesome tool for Bible time during homeschool time!
Want to grab one?! Go to the link on my bio and use code “campinabox” to save $10 off your subscription! Let’s keep the kids busy, have fun and strengthen their faith in the process this year!!
@kidsfaithkrate
When I was sent this for review I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I mean I’ve seen other types of subscription boxes but never one that helps parents disciple their children into God’s faith. The best way I can describe it is like having VBS in a box all ready for you with everything laid out so you can just do it! Everything is included. Lessons + crafts = timesaver!!!
As you scroll through the photos you’ll see there’s an:
✅ Overview for Parents
✅ 4 Weekly Bible Lessons
✅ 4 crafts to go along with the lessons
📦 Boxes are delivered at the beginning of the month so that you have all 4 weeks to walk through the material!
Have multiple kids? No problem! They have subscription boxes for up to 3 kids! And this is for ages 4-10.
We are planning to use our June box for our Bible Time during the summer since we take a lighter workload for the summertime! But this would be an awesome tool for Bible time during homeschool time!
Want to grab one?! Go to the link on my bio and use code “campinabox” to save $10 off your subscription! Let’s keep the kids busy, have fun and strengthen their faith in the process this year!!
@kidsfaithkrate
.png)
.png)
About the Book
Book: The Souls of Lost Lake
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Genre: Christian Mystery Suspense & Romance
Release Date: April 5, 2022
Publisher: Bethany House
Wren Blythe has long enjoyed being among the Northwoods, helping her father with programming at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess, who still roams the woods. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coons cabin ruins and a rotting porcelain doll. But even more terrifying is seeing her name etched on the doll's foot like a sinister omen.
In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last ten years carrying the mantle of mystery since she emerged from the forest as an eight-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger's axe. She has accepted she'll never remember what happened to her family. When a member of the town of Tempter's Creek is murdered, rumors spread that Ava's secret is more malicious than previously imagined.
Both women discover that to save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil.
In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last ten years carrying the mantle of mystery since she emerged from the forest as an eight-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger's axe. She has accepted she'll never remember what happened to her family. When a member of the town of Tempter's Creek is murdered, rumors spread that Ava's secret is more malicious than previously imagined.
Both women discover that to save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil.
My Thoughts
Wow, wow, wow!! I love Jaime Jo Wright books and I have read quite a few of them but I think this was the best one. I don't want to divulge too much because I don't want to ruin it for you so let's see what I can tell you. You know I have mentioned before that there are authors that master the craft of dual time writing and some that do not. Well, Jaime Jo Wright definitely does. She transports you to two different timelines and does it with complete ease.
In this story you are transported back to the 1930's in a small town in which a horrible murder has occurred and the only living survivor is Ava Coons. A young girl whom everyone blames for this tragic occurrence but no one can truly prove. We also get transported to present time in a youth camp with Wren Blythe and her very interesting family.
There is SO much to this story. I mean the twists and turns that I did not expect at all were mesmerizing. There was also a tender moment which I had to reach for the tissues. There is tons of mystery that captures you from the very beginning and has so staying up way too late to see what happens (with the light on of course!) There is romance and it is quite delightful! The best part of this story is the thread of faith that Mrs. Wright puts into this story. While all that is happening there is a story of forgiveness and redemption that is flawless and builds up in this story and I absolutely loved it.
If you enjoy the kind of suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat then this is definitely the book for you it is so good and you'll need to block some time off because you won't want to put it down.
My Rating: 5 Stars/LOVED IT!!!
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review All views expressed are only my honest review.
About the Author
.png)
.png)
About the Book
Book: To Disguise the Truth
Author: Jen Turano
Series: The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, Book 3
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 18, 2022
When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.
Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family—but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.
Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life—and the lives of those she loves—in jeopardy.
Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family—but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.
Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life—and the lives of those she loves—in jeopardy.
My Thoughts
Ever since the first book I have been wanting to know more about Eunice and I finally got to read all about her and it was so much fun! If you have read the series so far you will know that the character of Eunice was unique and a bit mysterious. I mean the gal wore all black and a gigantic veil to cover herself. She was constantly in mourning clothes but at the same time she started the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to help others. So she has an adventurous streak to her and boy do we see everything revealed about her when Arthur Livingston shows up!
Goodness I loved their banter and tension they had. It made this story so entertaining and just kept you reading to see what was going to happen. But it's not all comedy, there is also a mystery surrounding this story and some twists I did not expect. I'm not going to reveal much of the story because it was so good and you should really read it for yourself. I will say that Jen really did a fantastic job with the characters. They were engaging and relatable. Although at first I did not know what to think of Arthur I absolutely loved him. He was the perfect leading gentleman.
I will say that the ending felt a bit rushed but I think its just me and my greedy reading self. I wanted to know more about the other characters and feel like some could have their own stories. Despite my greediness the ending was good and it closed up the series well. I can't wait to see what her next book will be all about. I highly recommend you grab this one and although technically you could read this as a stand alone but I recommend you grab the first book so you get to know these characters better and get well acquainted with them.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it
I received this book from the publisher Bethany House. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano.
About the Book
Book: Potiphar's Wife
Author: Mesu Andrews
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Waterbrook
Release Date: May 24, 2022
The drama of the Old Testament comes to life as one of the Bible's most infamous women longs for Joseph, her husband's servant, in this riveting novel from the award-winning author of Isaiah's Legacy.
Before she is Potiphar's wife, Zuleika is a king's daughter on the isle of Crete, where the sisterhood of women rules in the absence of their seafaring husbands. Now that she's come of age, Zuleika knows she will soon be betrothed. Her father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh's obligation to marry his daughter.
But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards--a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.
Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar's indifference, Zuleika years for affection. But when her obsession with Joseph, the Hebrew chamberlain with the face and body of the gods, goes terribly wrong, she discovers the truth: Only the God of Joseph can heal her wounded heart.
Before she is Potiphar's wife, Zuleika is a king's daughter on the isle of Crete, where the sisterhood of women rules in the absence of their seafaring husbands. Now that she's come of age, Zuleika knows she will soon be betrothed. Her father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh's obligation to marry his daughter.
But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards--a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.
Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar's indifference, Zuleika years for affection. But when her obsession with Joseph, the Hebrew chamberlain with the face and body of the gods, goes terribly wrong, she discovers the truth: Only the God of Joseph can heal her wounded heart.
My Thoughts
Typically Biblical Fiction is not the type of genre that I gravitate towards but when I read it by someone that truly knows how to capture it I am completely hooked. This is my first book by Mesu Andrews and it will definitely not be my last. We all know the story of Joseph but she managed to place my in Egypt and into a world that I could've never have imagined by myself. Now, let me re-state this is Biblical fiction so obviously she has taken liberties with the story however you can also tell that she has done extensive research and she even has author's notes at the end of the story where she tells you where information has come from and where she added her fiction flare to the story.
It does however give you a "perhaps" or "what-if" thoughts regarding Potiphar's wife, Zuleika or Zully as she is known throughout the story. When reading the Bible story of Joseph we see her as this bad girl but really we don't even know anything about her. This story makes you see her in a new light and although we can't excuse her behavior the fact remains that we all fall short of God's grace. Lucky for us he is a forgiving God.
I mean while reading you have to feel compassion for her. She is a princess who has just lost both her husband and mother in an earthquake. She sacrifices herself and is willing to go to Egypt and marry Pharaoh in order to rebuild her city which she loves. She gets to Egypt and instead of Pharaoh he gives her to Potiphar and although he is kind to her he doesn't know what it is to be a husband. His main job is to keep Pharaoh alive and although he is kind to Zully he leaves her to tend to his responsibilities. In the midst of all this her best friend Gaios betrays her and she becomes a shell of a woman. There is so much more that happens that I am not going to divulge because you should really read it but all I could see was a broken woman, searching for something that would take her out of the situation she was in.
I want to believe that there was someone like Ahira and Joseph that may have shown her who Elohim truly was and that she repented and learned to serve Him but we will never know until perhaps our time in Heaven with out Creator where we can ask all the questions of the people in the Bible we have been reading about all this time.
If you enjoy Biblical Fiction I definitely recommend this one. It will take you on a journey of forgiveness, redemption, mercy and faith.
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it, could not put it down
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
About the Book
Author: Kelli Stuart
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: April 5, 2022
In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in The House of Faberge, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Faberge Egg that Peter Karl Faberge secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial Czar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family.
Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.
This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.
Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.
This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.
My Thoughts
This is my first book by this author and when presented to me the summary sounded amazing and it is a dual timeline which is a favorite type of read for me. Definitely a story that I could get lost in but sadly that wasn't the case for me. There is a lot to be said for this book but I will keep my thoughts brief. Let's start with the positives. I absolutely loved the historical part of this story. The timeline that takes place in Russia was definitely my favorite part of the book. You can tell that the author did extensive research on the Faberge eggs and Faberge himself which I found quite interesting. If she wrote a book solely on that time period I may take a chance on it.
I know a lot of authors are trying this concept of writing dual timelines and I must say that after reading and reviewing quite a few of them some are more successful than others. I just felt like it was disjointed. The contemporary storyline was a bit slow and hard to get into. The characters were not relatable and I must admit that Ava just grated on my nerves. Oh, and the almost uses of mild cussing was just not necessary I also felt like the ending left some things unresolved which left me in a more blah mood about this book.
This book had no faith element whatsoever. It had no mentions of anything relating to God whatsoever. I am no prude. I am no "holier than thou" person nor do I pretend to be. I do prefer to read Christian fiction or Clean Fiction that perhaps has nothing to do with religion. So I definitely don't expect every single book that I read to have some type of faith element. However, if a book is published by a Christian publisher I do expect to be some type of mention of God or anything relating to faith. Sadly, that was not the case here.
Had it not been for her impeccable historical research this book would've been a 2 star for me but that alone brought it up to an almost 3. Obviously don't go by my thoughts, this is just my review of what I feel about the book. You may completely enjoy it so if you enjoy adventure, treasure hunt type books then give it a try and let me know what you think!
My Rating: 3 Stars/Very weak 3 stars...
I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian language, Kelli has honed her skills in the written word through editing, ghostwriting, blogging, and traveling the world.
Kelli is the bestselling author of the novels Like a River From Its Course (2017 Carol Award winner for Best Historical Fiction), A Silver Willow by the Shore (2020 recipient of the IPPY Award for Literary Fiction and an NIEA winner), and The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont. Kelli co-authored It's a Wonderful Christmas, a collection of holiday novellas inspired by favorite Christmas films. In 2022, Kelli's fourth novel, The Master Craftsman releases.
Kelli is also co-author of the nonfiction book Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake.
Kelli currently lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband and five children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons