Friday, June 30, 2023

This Is Where It Ends By Cindy K. Sproles

This Is Where It Ends
by Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800740795

Having read, and loved, What Mama Left Behind, I was excited to learn Cindy's next book was going to be available for review. I'm guessing I was one of the first to sign up for a book. Revell sent me the book for review!

Summary:

How long is a body expected to keep a secret?

When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just fourteen years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her held gold. And when he died fifty years later, he made her promise to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contained.

Now at ninety-four, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she's kept her promise. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story.

As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. But the truth of what's really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.

My Review:

What a heartfelt read. If you're looking for a story that feels like a warm blanket, then you will enjoy This Is Where It Ends.

While it feels like it started off slowly, what was happening was the characters were burrowing themselves into my heart. We meet Minerva right when her husband passes away and then immediately again when she's now 94 years old. She's spent her whole life up on the mountain her husband brought her to as a young bride - alone. As her story unfolds, I felt quite a few emotions towards her dead husband and for all she missed out on. Thankfully, we get to share in her emotions as she learns more than she ever wanted to. Minerva is full sass and isn't to be trifled with. She also loves her Lord and does her best to follow in His ways.

Then, there's Delano. He plants himself into Minerva's life and she doesn't know what to think of this nosy reporter. She doesn't have much cause to trust him, especially since he's come asking about gold. Without giving too much away, we get to see him grow and to know him better throughout this story.

How long do we keep a promise? As Del learned from Minerva, all the way to the grave. Sometimes we hold on to things (a lie, a belief, a hurt, etc) for so long our lives go in a direction we never expected. Sometimes people are put into our lives, unexpectedly, and they become family. We learn all of that and so much more in this story. 

DID I need tissue for this story? Yes I did! The way God provides for Minerva is tender and beautiful. A reminder of how He is faithful.

I did feel like some parts of the story were retold a couple of times and didn't understand the point of it. If you enjoy feeling life you've traveled to the mountains of Kentucky then you'll get that in spades with this story. I could completely picture Minerva's mountain and the people around her.

About the Author:

Cindy K. Sproles is the author of What Momma Left Behind and the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. A popular speaker, Cindy teaches at writers conferences across the country and directs the Asheville Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. She is the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and freelance editor for Iron Stream Media. Cindy has a BA in business and journalism and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her family.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Estuary By Lisa T. Bergen

Estuary
by Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: Enclave
Series: Oceans of Time
ISBN: 9798886050462

If you're going to judge a book by it's cover, you'd do well choosing that option with this book! I definitely wanted to read it, but when the author shockingly reached out to me offering her book for review, I was floored. I definitely didn't say, "No," so she sent me her book!

Summary:

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace…or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Dom’s theory that their lost Bettarini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

My Review:

Estuary is actually a quick read, but I was on full time grandma duty which lent very little time to reading for the whole week.

Having only read the author's contemporary stories, I wasn't sure what the transition to fantasy would be like. I know she's written in this genre in the past, I just hadn't read it. Turns out, the author is one of those people who can smoothly transition from one genre to another.

While this would probably be considered general fantasy, I think it fits well with ya fantasy. Really, anyone who enjoys the genre and time travel will want to pick it up.

In present time we meet Nico and Luci, college age siblings, who are in Tuscany for the summer. They know about some family members who disappeared, but none of the family knows what happened. Their search leads them to some crazy times ahead!

Then we're immediately thrust into 1372 Toscana where we meet Lady Tiliani Forelli and her family. It was impressive to see this time and place come alive through the author's writing! You could feel the tight bond the family had even though they were a mishmash of members. I really loved seeing them through Luci's eyes. It's that tightness one dreams of when they've never had it.

SO many things happen along the way through the story. The family and those who live at the castle are on the brink of war. Events keep popping up to throw the Forelli into a bad light to the cities around them. People being held for ransom, forbidden love, new love, the wisdom and strength of the She-Wolves, and hard choices come up for each of the characters. There's also a pretty fascinating twist with some of the family members.

Thankful that there's a good thread of faith in the story and the wisdom shared by Gabi and Lia with Tiliani and Luci.

The only cruddy part of this book? Having to wait for the story to continue in the next one! The end is one heck of a cliffhanger. GAH!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 40 books, with over 3 million copies sold. Her time is split between managing home base, writing, and working at Rocky Mountain Rustic, a business she runs with her husband, Tim. Tim’s a worship leader and sculptor/artisan. They have three kids and make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Fairest Of Heart By Karen Witemeyer

Fairest of Heart
by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764240416

One of my all-time favorite authors is out with a new book and you're going to be enchanted by it. The cover and the story are both delightful. I was so excited to be on her launch team once again! She sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope's guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

My Review:

Fairest of Heart - what an incredibly adorable story! I loved the idea of it when I first heard about it, and then to read it was pure delight!

The way the author made the fairy tale part of Snow White come to life through her talented writing put a smile on my face. Penelope Snow was the epitome of sweetness, gentleness, and kindness - exactly how we'd picture her for this character. Because of her difficult childhood, it was so heartwarming to see Pen become well and fiercely loved by those around her. I couldn't help, but love her, too.

I'm not going to ruin the story for you, but how it unfolds is truly creative, but with the historical flair I've come to love from the author. It flowed smoothly from beginning to end. Nothing of it made the story feel forced to give a sense of the classic fairy tale. Imagine all of the characters classic to the story and it's brought to life in Fairest of Heart.

Getting to know Titus was fun, especially through Pen's eyes. He's felt the sting of loss and it's how he ends up being a Texas Ranger. The question is, will he believe Penelope is guilty or innocent of what she's being accused of. His journey to find out also leads him to seeking Truth.

Speaking of, the faith in the story is strong and true! It's a vital thread to how the characters, especially Penelope respond to a variety of situations. It just filled my heart so much to see it deeply rooted in the story.

I'm so excited for this whole series, even more so now that I've read the first one!

About the Author:

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at karenwitemeyer.com.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

With Every Memory By Janine Rosche

with every memory
by Janine Rosche
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800742959

Having recently (in the past 6 months or so) read all of Janine's books, when I saw she had a new book coming out I immediately applied to read it as part of her launch team. Whew, I'm so glad I did because the book was fantastic! She sent me the ebook ARC for review.

Summary:

Is the life she can't remember one she'd rather forget? 

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her, leaving the life she has returned to unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust, and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

If Lori wants to reconnect with her family, she'll have to uncover the information her brain is trying to keep secret. As her memories return and past secrets resurface, it will take the whole family to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

My Review:

I think I've found my favorite Janine Rosche story! I've had to backtrack on some of the things I've started to type realizing how easy it is to share something only to realize it might be a spoiler of sorts. Nothing outright, but too close. Let's see what I CAN say without giving anything away!

With Every Memory is a very emotional story. There's a backstory that is slowly revealed as you read the book. You get an idea of why Lori has a traumatic brain injury. We also get a glimpse into a fractured marriage and family. Let me just say, you'll have immediate feelings towards Lori and Michael. Janine does a great job of helping the reader feel empathy and annoyance.

Their daughter Avery plays a huge role in the story and my emotions were on a roller coaster ride with her. The author really does bring you as a fly on the wall into their lives. Xander, someone Avery has known for a long time is one of my favorite characters in the entire story. He's an incredible example of grace and kindness.

And can we talk about characters we loathe, which just shows off an author's skill at writing even more? Lori's mother is awful. Worse than awful, and she will make you feel some kind of way... probably want to knock her block off like I wanted to.

There were a few surprises that will have you 😳! Trust me... and they're worth the wait to find out as you read through the story.

I DO wish there had been a stronger faith thread in the story. The characters attend church and they talk about a character who prayed, but other than that, we don't really see any active faith in the characters lives. I think there were a couple of missed opportunities for them to show a personal faith, growth, or understanding of God working in their lives as they worked through their difficulties.

This was really a fantastic story that I would highly recommend!

About the Author:

Janine Rosche is the author of the Madison River Romance and Whisper Canyon series of novels. Prone to wander, she finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her stories. When she isn't traveling or writing novels, she teaches family life education courses, produces The Love Wander Read Journal, and takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs.

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Lone Star Sweetheart By Shannon Sue Dunlap

Lone Star Sweetheart
by Shannon Sue Dunlap
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Series: Sweetheart Series
ISBN: 978-1649172860

It was so fun to hear from the author asking if I would join her launch team for her debut novel. Reading what the story was about and seeing the cover, I couldn't resist. I was thrilled when she went me her book for this review.

Summary:

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?


My Review:

What a super cute story! It was so fun being introduced to this author's writing.

First of all, the cover is adorable! There's no denying that. We're introduced to lifelong Sweetheart resident, Katherine Bruno. She's just been let go from her job and has no idea what's just around the corner for her. I liked her immediately. I think, because I relate to her unfiltered temper, I could understand her struggles with her unruly mouth!

The storyline was pretty amusing, with a little mystery thrown in to keep it moving along. The mayor and his wife are running against each other for the next election and it has the town divided. The mayor's wife convinces Katherine to be her campaign manager, which is a great fit because of her tenacity. Along comes hotshot, NYC Ryan Park who has been hired by the mayor to manage his campaign.

This is definitely a forced-proximity type of romance. The way that part of the story plays out is hilarious. This story would be perfect for a GAC movie. Ryan and Katherine get underneath each other's skin, but it also draws them to each other. It was so fun watching them work (and fight) together.

I really liked the faith part of the story. It wasn't heavy handed, but it was an important thread in the story. That comes along towards the middle/closer to the end, but I appreciated how it all played out with the main characters.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!

About the Author:

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in hot and humid Houston, Texas where she writes stories with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. Shannon loves traveling, chocolate, Jane Austen, and Jesus. She's a big fan of happy endings and believes the heavenly Father has tailor-made one for each of us. You can find out more at www.shannonsuedunlap.com.

Friday, June 2, 2023

The Girl with Fire in Her Veins By Dawn Ford + GIVE AWAY

The Girl with Fire in Her Veins JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Girl with Fire in Her Veins by Dawn Ford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Girl With Fire in Her Veins

Title: The Girl with Fire in Her Veins
Series:
Firebird #2
Author:
Dawn Ford
Publisher:
Expanse Books
Release Date:
April 25, 2023
Genre:
YA Fantasy

Former servant girl Tambrynn struggles with her new firebird abilities, especially the internal fire she cannot control. So, she, along with her Watcher Lucas, and her grandfather Bennett journey to a hidden mountain keep to find the answers she seeks before she sets the kingdom aflame. 

But there’s a new dragon who’s targeting Tambrynn, a mergirl who wishes to manipulate her, and the froggen king, Siltworth, who hasn’t forgotten that Tambrynn destroyed his watery reign. When her father, the evil mage Thoron, attacks someone she loves, Tambrynn’s group is separated and she has to face another powerful foe alone. 

Is she strong enough to withstand the deluge? Or will she drown in the fire and the flood?

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

My Interview With Dawn Ford

1) What genre of books did you grow up reading?
I read mostly fantasy, though my mother and aunts shared Harlequin romances and so
when I became a teenager I read those as well. My favorites were always fantasy, though.

2) Is it hard to come up with names of characters or places in your fictional world?
I love finding names for characters. Take my froggen character, Siltworth. I wanted a
snobby slickish character you couldn’t trust any further than you could throw a car. I think it fit
him perfectly.

3) What are the challenges of integrating a faith thread into a fantasy novel?
My whole intent is to put out something that I would’ve read as a teenager—long before I
became a Christian. If it’s too in your face, I wouldn’t have read it. I want to imbue a sense of
hope and light while subtly pointing to God. The good thing about that is my books are also
something that Christians can read without fear of the content.

4) Where do you enjoy writing and where do you find inspiration?
Nature is a huge inspiration for me as there are still so many mysteries that have yet to be
revealed to us, and what is revealed is so incredible to think about. Everywhere I go, I picture the
stories that went with the setting, or an object, or a life. It’s really endless when it comes to
inspiration.

5) If you could cosplay any of your characters, which one would you be?
I would love to become my troll princess, Horra Fyd, from my Woodencloak series. She’s
such a tomboy, has an amazing head of curly, red hair, and her warts are magnificent. I think it
would be amazing and appealingly fierce to dress up as her.

More Books in this Series

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes


About the Author

Dawn Ford

Dawn Ford writes fantastical YA stories with a fairy tale flair. The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes, formerly Kingdom Come, won the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award for the Speculative genre. Dawn also has a middle-grade twisted fairytale Woodencloak, which is the first of four books in her Band of Unlikely Heroes series. Dawn lives in Iowa with her husband.

Connect with Dawn by visiting dawnfordauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will receive a signed paperback copy of The Girl with Fire in Her Veins plus a set of either star or flame themed Color Street nail strips chosen at random!

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes along with The Girl with Fire in Her Veins nail strips

The Girl With Fire in Her Veins JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 29, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 5, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

 
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Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.