The Unbroken Song By Jennifer Q. Hunt

The Unbroken Song

by Jennifer Q. Hunt

Publisher: Blue Spring Books

Series: Sorrow & Song

ISBN: 979-8839039650

I was so thankful when Jennifer asked me if I would review her book! I've read two in the series (I missed book 1) and was thrilled to read the prequel. She sent me the book for review!

Summary:

Coming from opposite worlds, what could possibly unite them?

Rejected, frustrated, and no longer confident about God's plan for his life, John Sweet takes a year-long assignment in Atlanta, Georgia. The city is bustling with preparations for the Cotton States and International Exposition to be held in the autumn of 1895. Sarah Fuller is also new to the city but trying desperately to make a home for her lonely father and motherless little sister. When a special assignment for the Exposition puts John and Sarah in close contact, they discover that while their pasts are completely different, their future dreams are much the same. As their families create obstacles and opposition, will they be able to find a way forward together?

At Christmas 1945, with her family still reeling from the changes brought by the Second World War, "Grandma Sarah" tells her teenage granddaughter about the year that changed her life. Can her simple story bring the healing and perspective they both need to embrace a different future than they had planned?

This standalone Christmas prequel to the Sorrow and Song Trilogy will transport you back to a Victorian Christmas, when the world was very different, yet the same longing for peace and purpose resounded in every heart.

My Review:

The Unbroken Song was absolutely wonderful!! If you've ever wanted a book cover to give off Christmas vibes, this one will do it for you! I can't stop looking at it. That being said, the story is much more than just at Christmas. It actually covers almost an entire year.

It was simply wonderful getting to know Sarah as a young girl and how she ended up meeting John Sweet. Sarah had such a hard life with her mama passing away while she was still a girl and having to become the "woman" of the home. Her little sister, Helen, drove me crazy! Her father, while he clearly loved her, seemed to barely function. Needless to say, their move to Atlanta was fortuitous.

And poor John. Here's a guy who only wants to serve the Lord and keeps getting knocked down at every turn. I felt terrible for him until he met Sarah. Then I couldn't wait to see how their story unfolded.

There are a couple of wretched characters in this story, so if you like authors who write characters you like to dislike, Jennifer does it well!! To say there were a few times my blood boiled would be putting it mildly. In both instances I appreciated John's responses.

The thread of faith poured into this story is absolutely wonderful. Both of the main characters struggle in different ways with their faith and trust in the Lord. Through those struggles we're able to see them grow as well as make an impact on those around them because of their faith! What could be better?!

While I have a couple of the books in this series on my shelves, they're ALL going to be must-haves for my shelves!

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.

About the Author:

For history tidbits, deleted scenes, and more "extras" as well as information about upcoming releases, visit jenniferqhunt.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook at Jennifer Q. Hunt, Author or Instagram @jennifer.q.hunt.author.

Jennifer Hunt has been writing her whole life, ever since she took crayons to tablet paper to write "The Princess is Saved" and brought it in to kindergarten Show and Tell! Throughout the years, Jennifer has written short stories, articles, and dramatic scripts. She has used her writing abilities to further the ministries of the churches and organizations where she has worked vocationally and/or volunteered.

Some Through the Fire was written over the course of many years and included meticulous research--even trips to the Atlanta History Center and the Library of Congress. The idea for the story first came out of a homeschool high school assignment and developed throughout the following many years. The sequel, Great Waters, was written in the midst of marriage and mothering, with a lot of the editing done on her iPhone late at night or with a kid sitting in her lap!

Jennifer's current projects include a series of novellas, the "Hawthorn Valley Tales," as well as developing a concluding book to the Sweet Family trilogy. She has a heart for the forgotten heroes of American history and bringing their stories to life for future generations to cherish. 

(Finally) married at almost 32 years of age to the love of her life, Jennifer is now a homeschool mom to four children under ten. "As the Apostle Paul said, they are my 'letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all,'" Jennifer explained. "My greatest goal in these years is to love these little ones to Christ and train them to follow Him all the days of their lives."

To Win A Prince By Toni Shiloh

To Win a Prince

by Toni Shiloh

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764238963

I was looking forward To Win a Prince after enjoying In Search of a Prince. When I had the opportunity to review it, I jumped at the chance. Bethany House sent the book to me.

Summary:

Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . . 

My Review:

To Win a Prince is a follow up to In Search of a Prince, but it's not a series. I would suggest reading ISoaP  first though to get the full affect of this book!

I was excited to head back to Ọlọrọ Ilé after getting to know Iris in In Search of a Prince. When she decided to stay in the country at the end of the other book, I was excited to see what was in store for her.

Ok, I'll admit the beginning of the story was a bit hard to get into. I think because Iris was gaga over Ekon like a school girl, I struggled with her. I just didn't understand how she was so crazy about a guy just because of a photo, meanwhile, he's gone against the queen and even SHE wasn't a fan of his. BUT, let me just say, the author did a great job of dealing with my issues through the characters' interactions. I was actually making notes because I was getting so frustrated. hahahaha They were all struck down as I kept reading.

Then I hit the sweet spot, where it wasn't just about how "hot" Ekon was. HA!

The faith in this story was beautiful! I actually welled up with emotion a couple of times it was so Spirit filled. And I mean, this was beginning to end! I say that in the BEST way. The characters were living their lives of faith in a way it couldn't be left out. It was a natural extension of them and it flowed SO naturally!

Speaking of faith, Iris has a lot to wrestle with when it comes to her new company, Aṣọ, as well as Ekon. Ekon not only has to deal with the consequences of his choices in regards to the Queen, he has to deal with it from his countrymen as well as his family. Needless to say, life isn't grand for him in this story. BUT, grace and redemption are overflowing in this story. Watching both of these characters grow was lovely! I appreciated Queen Bri asking Iris the hard questions and loving her through the struggles.

About the Author:

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince has been praised by OprahDaily.com, Popsugar, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and the Selah Award. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media.

Beneath The Bending Skies By Jane Kirkpatrick

Beneath the Bending Skies

by Jane Kirkpatrick

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800736125

This is the first Jane Kirkpatrick book I've read in years. And the cover, isn't it absolutely stunning? I received my book for review from Revell. 

Summary:

Bound by duty--loosed by destiny

Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father's wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But providing for her stepfamily during her father's long absences doesn't keep her from wishing for more. 

When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future--until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life--and that even the command to "honor thy father" has its limits.

My Review:

Initially when I started Beneath the Bending Skies, I didn't realize it was going to read like a diary. It actually took me a long time to get into it because I thought the author was setting us up for the story. I'm conflicted by my thoughts on the book. If I were able to separate out the "story" part from the "telling/info" part, I think I might've really enjoyed it more. I also think the separated chunks of writing in each chapter just didn't flow well for me.

The story is a very heavy, oftentimes depressing story. We initially meet Mollie who is a young girl, whose father is domineering and inconsiderate. He is constantly moving her around and springs a new mother & sibling on her after being separated from her for almost a year. His overbearing & controlling ways with Mollie is creepy and possessive. And I don't mean in the "doting father" kind of way. He never has a nice thing to say to her or his wife it seems. Kind of funny since he's never around, but demands they do as he says.

When she finally meets Peter, who is kind, loving, and her father's friend they fall in love, but because of her father's controlling ways, he forbids it and moves them away again. One of my issues with this story is how negatively Scripture is used to force Mollie to be obedient to her father. And it's not just from him, it's from their priest as well. I didn't get a faith message in this story other than it being wielded as a weapon.

Mollie moves so often we never really get a chance to know many of the secondary characters who pop up throughout the story. When Mollie and Peter finally settle in, we're able to get to know a handful of people. Mollie is a likable character who my heart goes out to from beginning to end. Peter is wonderful and patient. Together, they're a force to be reckoned with. Once Mollie has charted her course with her own family I feel a sense of rightness for her. I was certainly able to enjoy the story more once she was out from under her father's thumb.

This is based on a true story so for lovers of American history, specifically during those gold rush years, I think this will appeal to you. If you like first person, diary style writing, then this will be right up your alley! While this story wasn't for me, I have no doubt it will be enjoyed by other readers of this genre!

About the Author:

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award-winning author of forty books, including Something Worth Doing, One More River to Cross, Everything She Didn't Say, All Together in One Place, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, This Road We Traveled, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have won the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2016 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award. And been short-listed for the Christy, Spur, and Oregon Book Awards. Jane divides her time between Central Oregon and California with her husband, Jerry, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Caesar. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.

A Gem Of Truth By Kimberley Woodhouse

A Gem of Truth

by Kimberley Woodhouse

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Secrets of the Canyon

ISBN: 9780764238017

I'm grateful that Kimberley allowed me to be on her launch team for book two! I was glad to be able to follow up book one with Julia's story. I'm already looking forward to book three! She sent me her book for this book launch.

Summary:

Escaping her shattered past is much more difficult than she imagined.

Julia Schultz has a reputation for being a storyteller, or as others see it, a liar. But with her dark and painful past, stories are all that have kept her company throughout her life. Longing for a fresh start and a second chance to earn real trust, Julia takes a job as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel, where she's challenged to be her true self.

Learning the trade of a master jeweler is hard work, but Christopher Miller takes pride in running his family's small shop and earning the respect of the people around him. But when he discovers that he has six weeks to buy his building from his landlord before it is sold, he must find a way to save his grandfather's legacy.

United by the discovery of a legendary treasure, Chris and Julia find hope in each other. But when Julia's past catches up with her, doubt creeps into Chris's heart. Can he really trust her and her stories?

My Review:

I've become a big fan of Harvey Girl stories and A Gem of Truth carries on their tradition. Julia was such a sweet character, but it was easy to understand how her stories created a barrier between her and the other girls. We all have different ways of protecting ourselves, and Julia's stories did that for her. I really loved that the women who were in charge actually showed her love by speaking truth to her. 

I also liked that even in a new Harvey House, the head waitress, Ruth, played a big part in reaching Julia's heart. She was also a delightful character and I'm happy that she will get her own book. It was also fun to revisit with Emma and Ray, although more so Emma in the story. She's the catalyst for Julia's adventure.

Then, of course, there's Chris Miller, the jeweler. I could just imagine his workshop, his store (inherited from his grandpa), and his designs. It was fortuitous that he met Julia at just the right time. Let's just say, getting connected in El Tovar is more than he bargains for!

There was a sweet faith thread that ran through the whole story as several ladies try to show Christ to Julia. I appreciated that they extended grace and mercy, but also were just in how they handled things like Florence's behavior. Ooooo she's a stinker of a character.

Speaking of which, there were a couple of bad guys in the story, but they seemed more like the Two Stooges than very threatening. Seriously, nothing could go right for them, which was clearly a good thing!

I look forward to reading Ruth's story next!

About the Author:

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 25 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

Bring Her Home By Hannah Currie

Bring Her Home

by Hannah Currie

Publisher: WhiteCrown Publishing

Series: Crown of Promise

ASIN: B0B5Y24GZD

First of all, this cover is gorgeous. Second, the storyline grabbed my attention! And third, I received the ebook ARC for this review.

Summary:

Since the morning he woke to find his precious daughter gone with only the remains of their latest argument left behind, King Lior has been praying she’d come home. For four years now, he’s prayed and searched, sending his best knights to find Evangeline, only to hear nothing. Until the day their missive arrives with three words: we’ve found her. He sends one right back with orders to bring her home.

But that order isn’t easily achieved. Evangeline, now a lowly servant, has no plans to return. Though the knights claim her father still loves her, she knows the truth: he’d cast her aside as quickly as everyone else if he knew how far she’d truly fallen. She can’t go home. Not with her scars. Or her failures. Or her son.

Only, the knights won’t leave without her. And just as she starts to wonder if maybe they might be right, the choice is taken from her altogether.

Sir Darrek thought the hardest part of his quest would be finding Evangeline. He had no idea how difficult it would be to get her home.

My Review:

What an incredibly powerful story! I was very surprised at the depth that the author covered in this story and it spoke to my heart.

We meet Evangeline, who left home as an early teen in defiance of her father. Darrek, one of her father's knights has spent the past four years with other knights looking for her. When we meet them, Eva, as she goes by that now, is a servant for a tyrant of a ruler in his kingdom. Darrek and his fellow knights have found her, but have to figure out how to help her escape.

Eva has been broken over the years and the way the author explains it, is heart wrenching. I appreciate that the author understands what young adults are going through and does an incredible job of giving readers an insight to self-harm and the ramifications that can come from it that the person probably struggles with. Not an easy topic, but I'm thankful the author weaves it into her story.

Darrek is a man of faith, but we can see his struggles as well. He's lost a lot in his young life and while he's very hopeful to rescue Eva, he knows that God doesn't always answer the way we hope. His encouragement and caretaking of Eva is beautiful and tremendous example of how God loves us, oftentimes in spite of what we've done.

There's also a hint of the prodigal son in this story through Eva, but also through the sibling who stayed, which I already can't wait to read Rose's story! Whew! How is God going to work though that daughter of the king? 

About the Author:

Australian author, Hannah Currie, loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and writing. A book nerd from birth, she knows firsthand the difference a good book can make in a person’s life. Even, and especially, fiction. Her dream as a writer is to make people laugh, cry and maybe even swoon a little but mostly to remind them that no matter how dark life may get at times, because of God, there is always hope. 

She and her husband live with their three adorable kids in sunny Queensland, where it really is beautiful one day and perfect the next. Except, maybe, during heatwaves. They’re not so fun. 

She loves to connect with readers. Come visit her at www.hannahcurrie.com