Calor By J.J. Fischer

Calor

by J.J. Fischer

Publisher: Enclave

Series: The Nightingale Trilogy

ASIN: B0B48QKM26

I wasn't actually planning on reading this ARC I received from Enclave publishing, but when I decided to do a reading challenge, I figured this one would be a good fit. As part of the street team, they sent me the paperback ARC for review.

Summary:

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

The world-that-was is gone, lost to everything except living memory . . . but remembering comes at a terrible price. Sixty-two years after the apocalypse, a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old world where highly valued memories are traded and nostalgia is worth dying—and even killing—for.

Enslaved by a cruel master, Sephone Winter is forced to use her rare ability to manipulate memories to numb the darkest secrets of the ruling aristocracy.

Then Lord Adamo appears, speaking of a powerful relic capable of permanently erasing memories and recovering Sephone’s own lost childhood. But not everything about the young lord is as it seems, and soon Sephone must choose between helping Lord Adamo forget his past or journeying deep into the land of Lethe, where the truth about who she really is might finally be revealed . . . and a long desired future restored.

The Nightingale Trilogy is a fantasy transformation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved 1843 tale The Nightingale, with echoes of the myths of Hades and Persephone.

My Review:

Calor was such a spectacular story! I went into it without having a clue as to what it was about simply because the cover drew me in.

We learn from the prologue that Sephone and Dorian (Lord Adamo) meet when she's a wee girl drowning in a canal and he saves her. Then we meet her again when she's older and ready to escape being held by Cutter. 

Sephone can see & experience things from other people's minds. It was such a fascinating idea to be able to do that, but then immediately realized how awful it would be. As we get to know Sephone more and the world in which she lives, this apocalyptic world comes to life through the author. 

We meet Dorian again when he arrives at Cutter's tavern. We also meet one of my favorite characters Lady Jewel. He is man devastated from his past and is trying to get away from the pain. Sephone begins to have feelings for him and is willing to help ease the hurt in his mind, but he refuses. They end up setting out to find the relic that can help them both, but it's nowhere close to easy.

We also meet Cass, who, on the surface is superficial and only cares about one thing, the next woman who he can conquer. I think this may have been the one piece to this story I wasn't a fan of because it alludes to his one night stands and womanizing. His story unfolds at the same time as we learn more about Dorian and Sephone. He actually endears himself to me as time went on.

And for real, let's talk about Bear and Bas. These two fellas might be the bodyguards, but I just loved them. Brooding, protective, and loyal. How could anyone not love them as characters?

This world that the author creates came alive for me as the story progressed and with the cliffhanger of an ending, I was kicking myself for reading it before book two was already out. This is the type of book that will have you clamoring for more immediately!!

About the Author:

J. J. Fischer

J. J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five, to rather limited acclaim. Thankfully, her writing (but not her drawing) has improved since then. She is a clinically-trained psychologist but no, she cannot read your mind. When she isn’t killing defenseless house plants, pretending she can play the piano, eating peanut butter out of the jar, or memorizing funny film quotes, she and her husband David are attempting to prevent their warring pet chickens from forming factions and re-enacting Divergent. Honestly, it’s a miracle she finds the time to write any books.

The Maid Of Ballymacool By Jennifer Deibel

The Maid of Ballymacool

by Jennifer Deibel

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780800741747

Having read both of Jennifer's first two books, I knew that this one wouldn't be missed. And I mean, look at that cover? Isn't it stunning? I am part of her launch team and was sent the book for review.

Summary:

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. 

When Brianna unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

My Review:

I never know how fast I'm going to get involved with a book's story, and it turns out The Maid of Ballymacool didn't take long at all. The opening line gives the reader a jolt and gives an immediate vibe as to what's to come.

I'm going to start out with an interesting tidbit about this story. Aside from when we meet Michael Wray, it never leaves the grounds or surrounding forest. It all takes place either in Ballymacool House and Boarding school or around the property. And you know what, it didn't phase me one bit. In fact, it gave me the keen sense of being there. While it's set in 1935, the whole story gave me the sense of being in the late 1800s. Because they seemed so far removed from the world progressing around them is what did it for me.

It was pretty easy to guess where the story was going to end up and I was ok with that because HOW it was going to get there is what kept me hooked!

I immediately loved Brianna. She has overcome so much anger and animosity thrown at her by the head mistress, but she still has a kind and gentle soul. She loves to visit the forest around the boarding school. It's an incredible reminder of when Scripture says in Psalm 96:12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. You sense that when Brianna is in the forest. We also meet Finnuala there, who is basically like a grandmotherly figure to her. 

When Michael shows up on the scene he does what every reader wants the hero to do. He doesn't put up with ANY nonsense. Not only that, the author doesn't put us through him not seeing the injustice put on Brianna. And not just her, but all of the students. He may be young, but he has wisdom and a strong sense of right & wrong. I wanted to cheer every time he stood up to Magee.

Do you like a good (meaning awful) villain? Maureen Magee will get your blood boiling on day one and will have you fighting mad the whole way through. She a prime example of what can happen when we let bitterness take root and fester without forgiving and moving on.

I certainly enjoyed the faith element throughout the story. While I don't believe Brianna knows about Jesus, she knows of the Creator through Finnuala and being in nature. It doesn't seem that any type of faith is taught at the school and certainly no church visits for the boarders. But, faith is spoken of plainly and the characters are reminded of God and His plan.

Once again, I've thoroughly enjoyed another story by this author and I eagerly anticipate the next one!

Author:

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

A Match In The Making By Jen Turano

A Match in the Making

by Jen Turano

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: The Matchmakers

ISBN: 9780764240201

As an avid fan of Jen Turano, there was NO way I was missing out on the first book of her new series, The Matchmaker. Jen's books are ones where I don't even have to know what they're about to know I need them the moment they release. Being on the launch team, I was sent the book for review.

Summary:

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

My Review:

If you enjoy laughing then you don't want to miss out on 358 pages worth of it! Literally, I don't know if there was a single page where I didn't at least give a little chuckle. This was one of my most anticipated stories this year and it didn't disappoint.

First we meet Gwendolyn, who was employed as a companion, but in a strange turn of events became an assistant matchmaker. Watching her throughout the story trying to give up the position is a hoot. The more she tries to ditch the role, the more she becomes ensconced it... against her will. Of course, stepping into the role, trying to do her best leaves the women and men of the Season scrambling to make sense of what's going on! To say she upturns the entire Season in Newport is putting it mildly.

Then there's Walter, the catch of the season. He's utterly clueless as to how to find a suitable woman to be a mother to his children and how to find the "right" woman. Let's just say, his bar wasn't set very high. When Gwendolyn appears in his life on the heels of a social faux pas they begin a tug of war of finding that woman. The two of them together reminds me of Miss Scarlet and the Duke. They drive each other nuts and it endears us to them!

There are definitely some good lessons in the story. Walter's kids have grandmas who spoil the children to keep them in line, which has only made them terrors. Walter is an absent father and we see the impact that makes. How we treat other people who aren't in the same "league" as us matters! 

The end of the story had me in a fit of giggles! I don't know how to say that "what happens" is probably one of the funniest and most memorable EVER. Of course, finishing this story has me in restless anticipation for book two! I can't WAIT to see how that one unfolds.

About the Author:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, 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. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

The Sound Of Light By Sarah Sundin

the Sound of Light

by Sarah Sundin

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800736385

If there's one thing I can't resist is a Sarah Sundin story. She excels at stories set in WWII! When I saw it come up for review with Revell, I jumped at the chance. You HAVE to get The Sound of Light if you love this genre like I do. Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.

My Review:

The Sound of Light... Once again, Sarah Sundin has written an incredible novel set in Denmark. We met Henrik Ahlefeldt in When Twilight Breaks and even more in Until Leaves Fall in Paris. I didn't realize he was getting his own story, so when the story starts off with him rowing across the straight I "felt" like as a reader I'd been there before. It was so great to get to read his story.

We also meet wonderful Else! She's smart, American, and a physicist who is treated horribly by one of the men in her department. Trust me, this fellow will make everyone's blood boil! Don't you love when an author can create a character who you easily loathe? Same with Fru Riber is awful, too! Just you wait.

This story had me riveted from the start. Cheering for the resistance while knowing anything could go wrong had me biting my nails the entire time. Neither Else or Henrik knows the other is working for the resistance in their own way. When their paths cross we're able to see the character of each of them and it's easy to grow to love them both. He helps her to stand up to her colleague and she helps him to see he's not the man he used to be.

There are some very poignant moments that will cause your heart to melt as well as break. There are definitely some surprises in the story. One of my favorite parts of Sarah's stories are the side characters who play a role in helping the main character grow. I really enjoyed Laila. She was a sweet friend to Else. And we're all taught a lesson on silence.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Counterfeit Hope By Crystal Caudill

Counterfeit Hope

by Crystal Caudill

Publisher: Kregel

Series: Hidden Hearts of the Golden Age

ISBN: 9780825447419

I was so thrilled to be able to read Counterfeit Hope after reading book one, Counterfeit Love, last year! And seriously, LOOK at the cover! It's so gorgeous. I'm thankful to be on Crystal's launch team. She sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Trapped by their pasts, is there hope for a future?

When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it's simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high--and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn't ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.

Widow "Lightning Lu" Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes' clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.

Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team--unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they're not even sure God can be trusted--much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past--and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?

My Review:

Can I please have more books just like Counterfeit Hope?

Historical? CHECK

Great characters? CHECK

Full of faith? CHECK

We meet Lu who has been through a life of hardship being sold from one person to another. It makes one want to wring the necks of all the people who have treated her so terribly. Her sole focus is her son, Oscar, who is also under the thumb of the family, and escaping with him.

Then along comes Doc Andrew and Josiah (aka Pretty Boy). They're in town to take down the Thornes. Their initial contact with Lu is humorous and sets the tone for most of their interactions.

To say that the Thornes are the epitome of scum of the earth and filled with evil is putting it mildly. What Ma Frances does time and time again to her family members will make you cringe. What the whole family does to each other and those in the town makes the readers cry for justice. Thank goodness the lawmen are in town, but they have their work cut out for them.

Lu has so much to learn after all she's been through. Thankfully the pastor and his wife have slowly loved on her over time. She's doing her best to understand God in the midst of all of her bad choices and the life forced upon her. And Andrew struggles to see her through the eyes of the Lord when he knows her to only be a pickpocket and a woman who sidles up to men when given the chance.

Readers, let me tell you, this story is so filled with faith and the Gospel, that I was constantly smiling in my heart. The author doesn't shy away from it at all. In fact, she uses faith at every chance given. It's not done in a way that's over the top or doesn't fit, but it comes up at all of the right times!! I loved it!

About the Author:

Crystal Caudill is the author of "dangerously good historical romance," with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.