The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels review

 Title: The Lady with the Dark Hair

Author: Erin Bartels

Pg: 352

Genre: Christian Fiction dual time 

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell 

 

 

While I didn't love The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels. I did enjoy reading the dual time story. I'm a sucker for a good dual time novel.  Normally I find myself loving one time period more than the other. And that held true for this one. I loved the 1879 story a little more than the present day one. Though the present-day story with Esther kept me turning pages, because I do indeed love a good family secret story.  I love reading and seeing the character growth that comes with learning that their family might not be as perfect as they think. As well as seeing their emotions and thoughts run the gambit till, they get to the point they solve the mystery and expect it.  And end up better for it. 

 

This book gave me three things I love in a novel. Good historical fiction, romance and a mystery. I think that's one of the reasons that I love dual-time novels, it gives me both a contemporary story and a historical fiction. As well as the chance for a mystery and romance.  I look forward to more by the author.  

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe reivew

 Title:  Under the Magnolias

Author:  T.I. Lowe

Ch: 16 Plus epilogue

Pg:  363

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Tyndall

 

I'm not going to lie Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe was a hard read not because of the writing but simply because it dealt with a tough subject. That the author handled with grace. 

 

Though I also lost my mom at a younger age suddenly I couldn't imagine it happening at 13 and having six younger siblings to care for as well as a father. At twenty something and having a nineteenth year sister when it happened but unlike Austin I only had to deal with a dad who zoned out for a only a few months so I don't know if I would have been able to hang on as long as Austin did. 

 

I get that Austin's family didn't want people to know but I still can't believe that the only person who noticed was another teenager. But Austin's childhood and teenage years made her who she was. 

 

I do recommend that you read this book but have tissues handy. 

Daugther of Cana by Angela Elwell Hunt

Title:  Daughter of Cana 

Author: Angela Elwell Hunt 

Series: Jeruslam Road  book 1

Chapters: 45 plus epilogue 

Pages: 384

Genre: Bibical fiction 

Rating: 4 stars 

Publisher: Bethany House Publisher 

Daughter of Cana by Angela Elwell Hunt is the first book in Jerusalem Road series, this is the second Biblical fiction book that I've this year and it's my first book by Angela Elwell Hunt that I've read.  This book covers aspects of the Gospels starting with the wedding in which Jesus turned water into wine. Tasmin is a fictional character who is Thomas's twin sister. I did enjoy this one and even though I didn't love this one as much as previous Biblical fiction  I've read it was still a good read, and I am willing to read more of Angela's books in the future. 

Star of Persia Review

Title:  Star of Persia: Esther's story 

Author: Jill Eileen Smith 

Chapters: 42 plus prologue and epilogue 

Pages:368

Genre: Christian fiction, Biblical fiction 

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Revell

     One of my favorite books of the Bible is the book of Esther, so when I saw that Jill Eileen Smith had written a Biblical fiction book on Esther called the Star of Persia: Ester's Story I knew that I had to read it.  Jill Eileen Smith is one of only two authors I go to for, for Biblical fiction. 

Star of Persia: Esther's Story is different than Jill's previous books but is just as good as the other books of hers that I've read.  In this one, she balanced the Biblical account of the book of Esther with that of the historical account of Xerxes rein. Both the Biblical and historical accounts were woven together to bring this awesome book to live.

Star of Persia brings the story of Esther to life an after reading this book I went back and read the book of Esther from my Bible. 

This book is perfect for fans of Biblical fiction and Tessa Afhsar. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Dating Charade Review

Title:  The Dating Charade

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Pages: 336

Genre: Christian Fiction, Rom Com

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson  

     I’m not going to lie the first thing that drew me to this book was the Brady Bunch feels.  Cassie and Jett have an awesome first date but when they each end up with three kids each they hide the kids from each other. Thinking that the other didn’t want kids.  

     They go through the charade pretending that nothing’s  changed. But like any rom com chaos happens. I didn’t know how would feel about this book because Rom Com’s in book form have been a miss for me here lately. But after reading this one I’m willing to get back into reading them. The Gatlinburg setting was neat and not something that I remember reading in books before, and it was neat to read a book set in the place that we went on family vacations when I was child. I also look forward to reading future books by Melissa Ferguson.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Painted Castle review

Title:  The Painted Castle

Author: Kristy Cambron

Series: Lost Castle Book 3

Pages: 381

Genre: Christian Fiction/dual time

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

The Painted Castle is third and final book in the Lost Castle series by Kristy Camron. This is a multiple time period novel. We have Kiera Foley in the modern day, sister to the heroes in the first two books in the series.  Amelia Woods during WWII and Lady Elizabeth in Victorian England.

I love novels that take place in multiple time periods especially when the stories intertwine with each other like they do in this one. I also like that this book wrapped up the series as a whole at the end of the book. Even though each book focuses on different characters it is still best to read the books in order otherwise you will be spoiled for previous books.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Unscripted Review

Title:  Unscripted 

Author: Davis Bunn

  

Pages:368

Genre: Christian fiction 

Rating: 3 stars 

Publisher:  Revell 

Unscripted is my first book by Davis Bunn and while it was a well-written story the author's writing style just wasn't for me.  Danny is accused of a crime he didn't commit.  Megan is the lawyer that first hears about his case and while she can't take the case she finds a lawyer who can. 

I do have to say that Unscripted is a story about second chances as well as learning to trust God.  Both the main characters don't realize it but they both have a chance and second chance.  Though with Megan it doesn't seem like it. 

Even though I didn't really like this one. I am willing to give another book by this author a try. I'd recommend this book to fans of the author as well as for fans of Christian fiction.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Castle on the Rise review

Title:  Castle on the Rise

Author: Kristy Cambron

Series:  Lost Castle Series book 2

Chapters: 35 plus Epilogue

Pages: 372

Genre: Christian Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction, Dual Time period

Rating: 5 stars

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambroon Is a book set in Ireland through two years ago. Told from the point of view of three different women. Maeve in the 1790s. Isabel during the Easter Rising and Laine in the present day. I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would because I ended up DNFing the first book in the series but I may end going back and reading the first book.  I didn't stop reading because of anything wrong with the book, it was just some of the family stuff the heroine was going through hit too close to home. 

I enjoyed the three different time periods from the point of view of three very different heroines, whom of which are shaped by Ireland and her struggles.  Maeve in the 1790s finds herself becoming more Irish and English as she understands and begins to see their cause as her own.  Isabel during the Easter Rising who sides with the Irish over her own English family.  I think many American's reading a fiction book about a country fighting for Independence view it though rose colored glasses, because of our own war for Independence. But the Easter Rising was more violent and bloody on both sides than was ours with fighting in the streets and bombs.  Innocent people being killed it wasn't as clear cut to who was right or wrong as most might think.  

Being in Ireland finally allows Laine to start finding her footing again. And maybe a fresh start.  Most of the present day story takes place between a castle and an Irish pub.  Which some may find offensive or take issue with that. Especially since a character and her daughter are staying about a pub. But in Ireland pubs are a way of life.  From dinner with friend and family to a place to go and enjoy music.  Pubs are pretty much the Irish equivalent to a family restaurant everyone's welcome. 

After enjoying this one I plan on going back and reading the first book in the series, the one set in France.  And the upcoming novel set in England.  I know want to go back and read the rest of Kristy's books. 

I would recommend this book to the readers who enjoy dual time period novels and history. As well as books set in Ireland. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Cover Reveal: A Match for Emma by Pepper D. Basham

About the Book

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.  

When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. You can connect with Pepper over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.

Review of Who I am with you

Title: Who I am with you

Author:   Robin Lee Hatcher

Pg: 320

Series: Legacy of Faith book 1

Genre: Christian fiction

Rating:  3 stars

 Who I am with you by Robin Lee Hatcher is the first book in a new series. The Legacy of Faith series. I love that many of her newer titles are also the same as song titles.  Which may bring in a new audience.

Jessica Mason doesn’t want to find love. She’s dealing with the loss of her daughter and husband in a car crash as well as a Pregnancy she wasn’t expecting. Ridley Chesterfield is looking for a place to hide from mistakes that were made. 

These two won’t planning on falling in love least of all with each other.

This was a fairly quick sweet read. But then I do tend to enjoy Robin’s books this one wasn’t my favorite but it was still good.  I look forward to the next one in this series. As well as any new books by Robin.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Catching Christmas

Title:  Catching Christmas

Author: Terri Blackstock

 

Chapters: 32

Pages: 304

Genre: Christmas

Rating: 3.5

As Far as I know Catching Christmas is Terri Blackstock’s First Christmas book.  Sydney Batson is a first year Law associate who isn't really doing a good job of balancing her career as a lawyer and taking care of her grandmother.  Finn Parrish is a cab driver who finds himself becoming a personal cab driver to Miss Callie a wheelchair-bound elderly lady with Dementia who happens to be Sydney's grandmother. Because Sydney keeps calling cabs to take her grandmother to the doctor.  

However, there’s more to the story Callie is determined to play match maker. Rather it's with Sydney and Finn or Sydney and some other guy. Miss Callie doesn't want Sydney to be alone.  Miss Callie was a sweet elderly lady who reminded me of my own grandmother. Maybe a little too much.  I could relate to some of the story Sydney was going through not the whole first year associate stuff but the stuff that happened towards the end as some of that happened to me around Christmas one year when I was 16 and the other stuff happened to me back in May.  

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock for the most part is a sweet Christmas story, but for me it hit to close to home. But I do feel like others who enjoy this read. But have tissues handy. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Review of A Christmas by the Sea

Title:  A Christmas by the Sea

Author: Melody Carlson

Chapters: 14

Pages: 169

Genre: Christmas

Rating: 3.5 stars

A Christmas by the Sea is the new Christmas Story by Melody Carlson.  Widowed single mom Wendy Harper finds out that she has inherited a beach cottage in Maine. Her plan is to move to Maine temporarily with her son Jackson in order to get the house ready to be sold. Jackson has other plans he wants to make Maine their new home.   He starts by in rolling himself in the local school.  And in some ways he gets help from Caleb Colton in trying to get his mom to stay.   

What's a single mom and a local craftsman supposed to do when you’re dealing with a 12-year-old matchmaker? Well what follows is a sweet Christmas story about finding where you belong and that sometimes the plans you made aren't the ones that end up following.  That sometimes you go looking for something, but end up finding something so much better.    

Melody Carlson's Christmas stories tend to be lite on the romance, but heavy on the sweet. And more often than not there's always some kind of pet.  And in this book it was a loveable stray dog. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Thief of Corinth

Title: Thief of Corinth 

Author: Tessa Afshar 

Chapters: 33

Pages: 400

Genre: Christian Fiction/ Biblical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

     Thief of Corinth is the newest book by Tessa Asfhar. The Second book set in Corinth with the missionary Paul as an important character though not the main character. This time the heroine is fictional rather than a Biblical person. This story features not one but two honorable thieves. It gives it a bit of a Robin Hood feel. Ariadne flees Athens, but she’s not running away in her mind she’s running home to Corinth and her father Galenos. Once back she discovers her father’s secret the secret that tore her and her brothers away from their father. He’s a thief but an honorable one. Ariadne is left with three choices turn her father in or join him, or lie to protect them both. When they both are almost at the end of their ropes they meet a man named Paul, who will introduce them to Someone far greater.

I have to say that Thief of Corinth is one of my favorite books by Tessa Asfhar.  Her books just keep getting better and better. She is my go to author for Biblical fiction. Ariadne is my favorite heroine since Ariadne is truly fictional Tessa had more creative licenses with her story she didn’t have to stick with what was already written about her.  To me Ariadne is the most relatable of Tessa’s heroines.  

One of my favorite quotes from the book can form chapter 3, “In the shelter of my father’s love, tears came freely.” While this scene is dealing with an earthly father, it is a reminder that our Heavenly Father’s love allows us to express our tears and other emotions just as freely.  Another favorite quote came from chapter 23 “That is what father’s do, Ariadne they see how far you have come and cheer you, so you will learn to go the rest of the way.  Father’s lead you so far but then you have to learn to go the rest of the way on your own.

All I can say is that if you've read Tessa's previous novels you need to pick this one up. Or if you like Biblical fiction this one is a winning. Every time I read one of Tessa's books it like a part of the story is something that I am going through at that time and it encourages me in that season as well as reminding me to pick up my Bible more.   I wasn’t a fan of Biblical fiction till I discovered Tessa’s first novel Pearl in the Sand and I was hooked Tessa’s writes Biblical fiction in a way that makes you want to pick up your Bible and dive into that as well. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author  through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Bread of Angels

Title: Bread of Angels

Author: Tessa Afshar

Chapters: 63

Pages: 398

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

In Bread of Angels Lydia is pretty much left with no other options other than to flee her homeland and go to Philippi. She takes her father's secret formulas for making purple dye. Along with a friend she made along the way. She struggles to set up her own business. But a female run business isn't heard of in Philippi but she is determined to make a go of it. She ends up with a wealthy female patron who gives her a loan, that Lydia ends up paying back in less than a year. 
But becoming a successful business woman isn't the only thing that happens to Lydia in Philippi, she meets the apostle Paul and becomes his first European convert. Lydia holds to message of hope she gets because the days of hardships and not knowing what is going to happen is far from over.
Bread of Angels is Tessa Afshar's second trip into the New Testament with her Biblical fiction novels. Her first being Land of Silence. I recommend reading Land of Silence because characters from that first book make their way into Bread of Angels.  I enjoyed Bread of Angels just like I have all of Tessa's previous novels and I look forward to the next one

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Land of Silence

Title: Land of Silence

Author: Tessa Asfhar

Chapters: 31 plus epilogue

Pages: 390

Genre: Christian Biblical fiction

Rating: 5 stars

     Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar is a retelling of Biblical story of the woman with the bleeding condition. Not only did I read this book at the right time. To get out of my reading slump, but it also helped me deal with losing my   mother. 

     Tessa's books always seem to come to life for me. The characters seem so real. Land of Silence was no different. Eilanna has faced hardships in life; she's almost given up hope. When she hears of the messiah someone who can heal her. So she searches him out. In the end she doesn't just find physical healing she finds so much more.  

     I was having a hard time dealing with losing my mom, but after reading Land of Silence and the recount of the bleeding woman in the Gospels; I was reminded that I am still a daughter. But more importantly as a believer I am a daughter of the King of kinds, and Lord of lords. 

     So thanks Tessa for writing this book. It was truly a God moment that the publisher chose to release it when they did. It was released the right moment as I was reminded me of Who's I am. 


I received a complimentary copy of Land of Silence from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Review of When Mercy Rains

Title: When Mercy Rains

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Series: The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy book 1

 

Chapters: 40

Pages: 329

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 4 stars

When Mercy Rains is basically about a Mennonite family but more importantly it is a novel about God’s mercy and how even though we don’t deserve it He  gives it to us.  

Review of The Girl In the Glass

Title: The Girl in the Glass

Author: Susan Meissner

Series: no

 

Chapters: 33

Pages: 334

Genre: Christian Romance, Christian Fiction

Rating: 4 ½

     The Girl in the Glass is the first book that I read by Susan Meissner but it will not be the last.  From the first page I was lost in the story. When Meg went to Italy I felt like I was there.

     Meg has always wanted to go to Italy since she was a little and when she gets the chance she jumps at it. Like Meg I have also wanted to go to Italy since I was young. So I was able to relate to the book on a personal level.

     After reading The Girl in the Glass Susan Meissner is now one of my go to authors.  

 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review." All thoughts are my own.

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Review of Twang

Title: Twang

Author: Julie L. Cannon

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Publisher: Abingdon Press 

     As a country music fan I was excited to read Twang. I was not disappointed; Julie L. Cannon brought music city (Nashville Tennessee) to life for me. I could image walking down the same streets that Jennifer walked down. Jennifer Clodfelter comes to Nashville to become a country music star; however she is shocked to learn that it does not happen overnight.

     Jennifer becomes a loveable character that you can’t help but root for. I love that the book also focus on the character’s development of faith. To Me Twang seems like a book that could be almost based on a real story. I got lost in the story, and didn’t want the story to end.  I look forward to reading more of Julie L. Cannon’s books in the future.

I received a copy of Twang from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts in this review are my own. Twang releases from Abingdon Press on September 1, 2012 

Review of My Stubborn Heart

 Title: My Stubborn Heart

Author: Becky Wade

Series: no

 

Chapters: 23 plus Epilogue

Pages: 343

Genre: Christian Fiction, Christian romance

Rating: 4 ½ stars

                Kate Donovan has come with her grandmother to restore the family home. She needs a break from her job as a social worker after losing a client. The handy man that her grandmother hired Matt Jarreau a former Hockey player who has given up hockey after losing his wife to cancer.

     I enjoyed My Stubborn Heart the story line was different. Both Matt and Kate were believeable character’s and true to life. There were words used that I wasn’t use to seeing in Christian fiction.  I would have to say that My Stubborn Heart is a book for older reads. But still a good read.