This fairytale retelling is delightful. I loved the nods to Cinderella throughout the book. They are subtle, providing the perfect touch to the overalThis fairytale retelling is delightful. I loved the nods to Cinderella throughout the book. They are subtle, providing the perfect touch to the overall story, and I really enjoyed it.
Rolland and Theresia were a good pair. I liked that Rolland was gentle and thoughtful, even despite all the terrible things he saw and experienced in the navy during the war with Napoleon. Theresia was so kind to people, but I also loved that she had a fiery side. Her treatment of Helena was especially admirable. I liked how Rolland dealt with the whole issue regarding Theresia’s step-mother and her background. The way they slowly began to fall for each other was so sweet. I always love a slower burn, and while this one isn’t what I’d call super slow, I loved the depth that developed in their relationship over the course of the book. The little tidbits about glass blowing and Bohemia were really cool. I’m super intrigued now, and want to look up glass products from the era, particularly the crystal. I also really liked the mystery sub-plot. I don’t know what we call this genre (Romantic mystery? Romystery?) but I am totally here for it! Beautiful book, Anneka! I loved it and can’t wait to recommend it to all my friends.
4.5 stars
**Many thanks to AustenProse, Covenant Communications, and the author for the copy. A positive review was neither requested nor required. All thoughts are my own....more
This book deserves all the heart eyes, all the love, all the hype! It was SO. DANG. GOOD. The mystery! The swoon! The kisses (you can writDear Jentry,
This book deserves all the heart eyes, all the love, all the hype! It was SO. DANG. GOOD. The mystery! The swoon! The kisses (you can write kissing scenes any time; I’ll read allllll of them)! The relationships and dynamics and these incredibly deep characters! The witty banter, the lighthearted, fun moments, paired with the pain and guilt of mental illness and family problems. Just all of it. You stuck me in a book hangover, and I’m still scrambling to find my way out.
I will start with how much I love Henry. I adore Henry. Every single thing about this man was utter perfection. He was so good and tender hearted, and it was painful to watch people take advantage of him and hurt him, sometimes on purpose. The treatment of mental illness has had a long, sordid history, and the way you added that into this book was masterful.
I must also say that I loved Dr. Stratford and Nurse Maggie. I am so glad there were some people who were willing to look beyond the fear and unknown and see humans underneath the mental illnesses. (Also dear sweet Sarah. Adore here and I want her story!)
Arabella is so sweet. I loved her desire to find a “spark,” her fun game with Shakespeare’s plays, and her desire to help people. I thought her propensity to try outlandish things under the guise of “I wanted to see if I could,” was brilliant. She may have been a bit reckless, but she was so fun. And her heart is genuinely good. What she did at the end was especially brave and incredible! Also, can we just talk about how amazing the build-up to the first kiss was? And then that first kiss? Whew! Swoony and delectable.
Henry’s relationship with Bradbury was absolutely the best thing. I love deep friendships in books, and Bradbury’s nicknames of Beasty and Goosey, and especially what he said about why he had given Henry those nicknames, was fantastic. I am so excited for Bradbury’s book!
This book surprised me in the best possible ways! I went in completely blind (my favorite way), and I think that’s the best way with this book. You kept me guessing, and delivered on something I didn’t know I needed. This book is reread material, and I will gladly do so.
Your fan, Jessica
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Mary Jane Wells — This narrator did a phenomenal job! Her voices were perfect and emotion/inflections were spot on. I may have a new favorite narrator, and would listen to her narrate anything.
**many thanks to the author and publisher for the book; a positive review was not required; all thoughts are my own....more
Review: Ah, this story was simply delightful and charming. It made me smile. I finishAbsolutely delightful.
Title: A Match Gone Awry Author: Arlem Hawks
Review: Ah, this story was simply delightful and charming. It made me smile. I finished happy. It was a lovely bite of something sweet and I adored every single minute. I’ve long been a fan of Arlem Hawks’ ability to tell story, and it was fun to see how she chose to spin a sweet book, rather than a full-fledged wartime book. To say I was pleased, though not surprised, would describe my feelings perfectly. The setting came alive for me in this book, and though I rarely find myself interested in visiting big cities, I can’t deny I now have a keen interest in visiting Paris. Too bad I can’t visit Paris as it stood two hundred fifty years ago. I also very much want to try the pastries mentioned in this book from a French Patisserie. Anyone living in France want to hook me up? I think Harvey and Gabrielle were both so cute. I loved Gabrielle’s quirky personality and her outlandish plan to save herself from her overbearing and deplorable step-mother. Harvey’s need to rescue Gabrielle and his bumbling way of sometimes going about doing that was simply charming. They felt so real. They had problems, they quarreled, they struggled, they figured things out. And I loved so much that the ending didn’t magically come together with everyone getting what they originally dreamed of. Sometimes a new dream ends up being better overall, even if that wasn’t the original plan. Now we just need Harvey to open a pastry shop, and all will be right in this little world. Long story short: I loved this book so much and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a delightfully written, unique, quick book.
*many thanks to the author for the e-copy. All thoughts about this delightful book are my own....more
These books always astound me! I will admit that I am a fan of time travel stories, so I was intrigued by the premise of these books right away. The pThese books always astound me! I will admit that I am a fan of time travel stories, so I was intrigued by the premise of these books right away. The protagonists always have a special “time crossing” gift: born with a special mark indicating a person as a “time crosser,” the marked person lives a double life, each in a different time period, but only until a specific birthday, on which day the character must choose only one time period to live in for the rest of their lives. See? The premise alone is fascinating and exciting. And every single book is masterfully done and woven together in such a way as to allow the characters to learn and grow, for maximum adventure and intrigue, and for the tug of each timeline to become incredibly taut.
And this book followed the pattern incredibly! For a Lifetime is a little different in that there are twin girls who each bear the time crossing mark. Having twins with a deep connection really raised the stakes and the intensity on this one. There a good number of twists and turns and a couple of surprises. I thought I had figured out where things would go, but every single one of my guesses ended up being wrong. Every. Single. One. I only sort of figured out one thing. This one will kept me guessing and wondering from page one.
Grace and Hope are as different as two sisters can be, but their bonds is indelible. I loved Hope’s tenacity and fire for life, and Grace’s quiet confidence and fierce loyalty. I loved their sister bond and the integral role that played in the story. I loved their relationships with their 1912 parents, and how much they valued family. Hope was a bit impetuous, and Grace a little over-cautious. But they both learned important things and became better people because of their willingness to learn from their trials.
I really loved the heavier Christian themes in this one. The previous two books contained faith themes as well, but I feel like this one went a little deeper, and I loved that. I loved that both Grace and Hope had to learn to trust God in different ways, and the emphasis on God’s plan being better than our own was beautiful. But I also thought Gabrielle did a wonderful job in illustrating how sometimes God’s plan is a harder in the beginning, and that mourning the loss of our own plans is normal and okay. It’s very well done.
I was completely hooked on this one from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. The settings vary from opposite coasts of the United States to parts of Europe. The cast of secondary characters is broad, but not confusingly so. They all round out the story so well, particularly a couple of love interests whose names I will not mention.
If you enjoy Christian fiction, time travel, dual timeline, or historical fiction, I’d recommend picking up these books. They just get better and better and this book is proof of that. It’s my favorite of the series by far. Give them a try! They do not disappoint.
**TW/CW (contains some spoilers): This book covers the Salem witch trials, so there are some difficult subjects, including accusing others (sometimes falsely) of witchcraft and mention of hangings; death; aero plane stunts and accident; postpartum mother death; unmarried pregnancy; spouse abandonment; parental apathy and dismissal
**Thanks to Bethany House and Austen Prose for the copy. All thoughts are my own....more
I am so completely enthralled by this book and your writing, that I don’t feel I have adequate words to express my feelings. It is bDear Mrs. Sowards,
I am so completely enthralled by this book and your writing, that I don’t feel I have adequate words to express my feelings. It is beautiful, it is gut wrenching, it is deep, it is written remarkably well. I am in awe of your writing, completely amazed at this story you created.
To say I adored both Konstantin and Suzana would be an understatement. They are both so good, rising above their circumstances to be the best people they can. I loved how Konstantin showed gentle love to Suzana, and helped her find her confidence. I loved how Suzana pushed Konstantin to trust her more, and helped him in his duties as Zupan. Their love story is so tender and sweet and I was hooked from the ver beginning.
The amount of intrigue and mystery you wove into this story kept me on my toes throughout the entire book! I did not expect what came next any time something happened. It was a wild ride that I would absolutely ride again because it was so good!
I loved the lineup of side characters, and the epilogue was so sweet. And the masterful way you weave history into a story always astounds me. Every single time I read one of your books, I come away feeling like I just learned something new, while simultaneously being entertained. I appreciate your talent and your hard work, and that you apply both so diligently to write such stellar books.
I’ve been a fan for awhile now, but if I wasn’t already, this book would land your name on my favorites list immediately. It’s so good! Just so good. Count me in for reading every single thing you write. I want it all!
Yours, Jessica
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: This narrator is incredible. Her voices for all the different characters were top notch, and her reading was engaging and interesting. I would absolutely listen to her narrations any time.
**Many thanks to the author/publisher for the copy. A positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own....more
This book has all the intensity and depth you’d expect from a full-length novel, though it’s significantly shorter. I love how A.L. Sowards’ books canThis book has all the intensity and depth you’d expect from a full-length novel, though it’s significantly shorter. I love how A.L. Sowards’ books can give me the feel of a full battle scene, without making it dark or gory. I don’t finish her books feeling depressed, and I always finish feeling enlightened about a part of history I didn’t know as well before. A.L. Sowards doesn’t miss a single important thing in this one. If you enjoy wartime fiction at all, this is a must-read. This book is full of battle scenes, heartache, character depth and development, intrigue, spies, deception, hand-to-hand combat, and romance.
Miladin is everything you’d want in a hero. He’s thoughtful and kind, and loyal and determined. Magdalena, while a woman, has the heart of a warrior. What she went through with her husband made me seethe! But she did it all with grace and calm, and I was inspired by her ability to move forward despite tragedy and heart break. And I adored Svetlana. When I tell you think book made me feel allll the feels, I mean it. I was on the edge of my seat, I chuckled, I feared, I cried. I felt it all.
This prequel novella is the absolute perfect step into the waters of this series. You more than whet your appetite—you’ll be hooked, and desperate for more from this world. Thankfully, A.L. Sowards will be giving it to us with book one of this series coming June. Right now is the perfect time to start on the series!
**Many thanks to the publisher and author for the copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Do you want to know what is one of the most delightful experiences in the reading world? When one is pleasantly surprised by how much they love a new Do you want to know what is one of the most delightful experiences in the reading world? When one is pleasantly surprised by how much they love a new book. That is me with this one. I knew the barest of information about this book before picking it up, so I didn’t entirely know what to expect. And I was so pleased around every turn and bend and page. I finished on a sigh of happiness, with a desire for it to keep going.
Belle is a wonderful character. She clearly has her struggles, but she refuses to be hemmed in by them, to be shackled by the weight of her fears and insecurities. And I loved that about her. Her mountain background had given her a firm resolve and level head, and she was able to face life’s challenges with determination and grit, as well as the learned poise and grace she gained later.
The way she dealt with the people she interacted with was beautiful. I loved the underlying themes that everyone has something of value to offer the world, and that when we look for them, we can find things about others to learn from and admire. I thought she was especially kind to Marie Austin, even though I didn’t think she deserved it (she is so bothersome!). I also loved Belle’s natural writing ability, and how one person seeing her own goodness opened doors for her.
I was so confused about Worth for awhile, even though I liked him a great deal. He is incredibly swoony. One thing I loved about their relationship was how they tackled their problems head on, not letting them fester for days on end. It was refreshing and I loved how their communications with each other helped to reinforce their relationship.
My very favorite scenes happen near the end. Papa Newbold is just so good and I love him. And I loved how much Belle (and, by extension, Worth) grow in the short time they are on this Vagabond camping trip. Also, the kissing scenes (and almost kissing scenes—swoon!) were so, so good. So good!
I also found the history absolutely fascinating. Every single piece, from the hotel, to the consumption, to the fancy “camping” (the historical version of glamping!), was a lot of fun to read.
I am hooked on Joy Calloway’s writing now, and I’m off to locate another of her books to listen to. This one was just so well done, with incredible themes, a sweet, slow burn romance, and immersive writing (I could have sworn I smelled wood smoke at one point and felt the chill of the mountain air—and being a mountain lover, I cannot express enough just how much I loved all the mountain settings). I highly recommend for all fans of historical fiction and romance.
**CW/TW: parent deaths (occurred before book) by accident and fire; other deaths by disease; mention of affairs; starvation and extreme poverty; hunting and fishing, and preparing freshly caught fish; deception and lying; tongue mentioned during kissing
**many thanks to Austen Prose and Harper Muse for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own....more
Dear Lady Eden, It is perhaps a cliché, but please allow me to tell you how ardently I love and admire your work. My soul didn’t know how much I neededDear Lady Eden, It is perhaps a cliché, but please allow me to tell you how ardently I love and admire your work. My soul didn’t know how much I needed this book. This book is truly marvelous, a beacon for all swoony friendship romances. I found myself captivated from the very first page, and wished to read faster, while simultaneously aching for the book to lengthen. It is stunning writing, a beautiful story, and delicious romance, and I loved every moment of it. The friendship between Daria and Toss was delightful. I greatly enjoyed their ability to converse honestly with one another, and their genuine desire to make each other’s experience for the season a better one. The premise was so much fun! I was grateful that there wasn’t anything scandalous in nature, but merely small actions to assert independence. Their point system was quite clever—and then to involve so many beloved characters from other books! My heart could hardly stand the joy at seeing the Gents and Mater so frequently. And including the Huntresses and Rose, as well as Charlie’s group of friends, was the icing on the cake. But then the Great Duke of Kielder made an appearance, and I could barely contain my excitement! I adored seeing so many well-loved friends from previous books. It was a joyful, delightful experience! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how deeply I enjoyed the romantic tension between Toss and Daria. And the kissing! Oh my swoon, you could knock me over with a feather! I’m so grateful for Mater’s foresight, and Toss’s bravery. And to you, lovely author, for writing such fabulous romance! Oh! Oh! And I absolutely love having a musician protagonist! I don’t think I’ve really seen that before in a Regency, especially a male protagonist. Being a musician myself, I adored seeing one in your book! I could truly go on and on about my love for this book. It was a joy to read, and will be included in my rereads list of your books I adore most. It is wonderful. Ever Yours, Jessica
***
Thanks to the publisher for the e-copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Dear Rachel, I am soo in love with this incredible book! I was hooked from page one and could not put it down. I completely reverted back to my old wayDear Rachel, I am soo in love with this incredible book! I was hooked from page one and could not put it down. I completely reverted back to my old ways, reading books while doing all the things. Or just putting off the things in favor of the book. I couldn’t get enough. The pages are filled with tabs marking passages I loved. There are so many! I am a huge fan of married romance. There is a level of depth we get from it that we don’t always get from other romances. And this one did not disappoint! It was gripping and evocative and stirring and swoony. Could you write ten more? Because I finished this book, but haven’t gotten my fill. I’ll just reread this one in the meantime. I was a willing captive on every single page. Have I mentioned I loved it? I absolutely loved Geneva’s character. She is a spit fire, but really intelligent about it. She instinctively knows how to hit the right buttons, when to push back, and when it would be wise to hold off. She goes through so much and develops a ton throughout this story, and I couldn’t have loved her any more than I do. Also, the wing walking and barn storming were such a fun historical touch! Warren is mysterious, but all the flashbacks made me love him. That’s all I want to say in favor of not giving spoilers. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Every time I would think I knew where things were going, I would get thrown a plot twist I did not see coming. Going into this book mostly blind made for the best surprises. Gasps, no ways!, and nail biting were the background noises of my reading and I would do it exactly the same way again. And if I thought the mystery was good, the romance was even better. And the way you wrapped everything up at the end made me so happy. So, so happy. Your side characters kept things so interesting. Brisbane, Terence, Lilith, Mother and Father, and Ms. Cartwright all kept me guessing. I have feelings about every single one, but it would take too long to share everything. Suffice it to say there is ample room for doubt every theory, characters you love to hate, you hate to love, and ones that will surprise you. At least, that’s how it was for me. You have written a sleep stealing, heart stopping, nail biting, reread, hangover kind of book. It is beautiful, emotional, powerful, poignant. I love it! Thank you for writing such beautiful stories. Happy reader of your books, Jessica
TW/CW: death and murder; political maneuvering; poisoning; parental manipulation; distant/cold parents; elopement; extramarital affairs; arsenic complexion wafers (ohmygosh!!); prohibition; wing walking and aerial stunts; mentions of marital intimacy; kissing
**thanks to the author for the copy of this book I loved so much! All thoughts are my own....more
Dear Sian, You win me over again and again with every new book of yours that I read. And I am not mad about it. Not mad at all. This book completely astDear Sian, You win me over again and again with every new book of yours that I read. And I am not mad about it. Not mad at all. This book completely astounded me! The tapestry you wove and how it all came together was masterful. Aisley has got to be one of the most incredible heroines I’ve ever read. Her fortitude and resilience in the face of tragedy and difficulty was amazing! I loved how she grew and developed, and how she used her strengths to fight against what she viewed as injustice and unfairness. And Brecc is just as good as Aisley. His loyalty and care for people makes him a fabulous guy. Their growing romance was so tender and sweet, and you nailed the kissing scenes in this one! This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I don’t say that lightly. It felt like there was just one thing after another, and always wondering what would happen and how things would work out kept me engrossed well past my bedtime. And if you know me, you know I value my sleep, so that is very meaningful! Ha! Now let’s talk history. Your astounding attention to detail combined with your gift for story is breathtaking. I know to expect such from you, and yet it blows me away every time. I come from your books feeling educated and entertained and it’s glorious. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world and with me. I always feel so lucky to read another of your books, because they are solid winners every single time. Continually amazed, Jessica
**thanks to the author and publisher for the copy. A positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own....more
Holy. Coo. This book has left me utterly paralyzed for any other. I haven’t any desire to read anything, or even think of another love stDear Nichole,
Holy. Coo. This book has left me utterly paralyzed for any other. I haven’t any desire to read anything, or even think of another love story, because I am wholly obsessed with this one. My feelings about this book are akin to Tristan with his unholy obsessions—I want only to talk about and think about and read again this book and only this book.
You know what isn’t cool? Having this book on my ARC list in the middle of half a dozen other ARCs I must also read. It’s almost a cruel injustice to all other books, because Tristan and Isolde shine so brightly as to outshine all others.
I’ll get over it.
Perhaps.
Though perhaps I don’t want to get over it.
Because riding the high of Isolde and Tristan is a euphoric, delightsome experience.
I love Isolde. I love Tristan. I love how Allie pushes Tristan. I love how Isolde pushes Tristan. I love how his conscience pushes him. I love how life circumstances force him to rethink everything he was sure of. I love how bright and loving Isolde is. I love how fiercely and deeply Tristan feels. I love the family relationships Isolde has (and seeing a couple of the Brothers from the Black Tartan books is so good for my soul). I love how Tristan learns to see the family relationships he has. I love the ice house scene. I love the ballroom scene. I love the scene in the library, Isolde on Tristan’s favorite chair. I love the carriage ride (good for you, Isolde!). I love the island. Oh my heavens, do I love the island! I love love love Isolde’s choice in the inn.
Essentially: I. Love. Everything. About. This. Book.
And I feel somewhat bereft that the book is over and my life must somehow go on. Even weeks later, I still find myself yearning for the tug and pull that is the relationship between Tristan and Isolde. I suppose it is a good thing books do not have to be singular experiences, for I know I will need these characters for a lifetime.
I was already a devoted, forever fan. But somehow that devotion has deepened, strengthened, with Tristan and Isolde. This book is sunshine and wind, the full moon and smallest star, the largest ocean and every single drop of rain. The oxygen I need and the sweet air I want.
I love it with all my soul.
All my love, Jessica
**many thanks to the author for the copy. A positive review was neither requested nor required. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I think I’ve decided that I really enjoy cowboy historicals, and I need to read more of them. There is just something about the grit and perseverance I think I’ve decided that I really enjoy cowboy historicals, and I need to read more of them. There is just something about the grit and perseverance that is essential to mere survival that provides for some great growth and tension. I love it! (And also, cowboys in books are amazingly swoony.) And this book provides some of that.
Beth is remarkably resilient and resourceful. I love how she went to work to learn the skills she knew she would need to survive the wilds of the West, after having lived a privileged life among the wealthy elite of Chicago. She put in so much effort and time, and was incredibly dedicated. Helping her mother escape from her wrongful commitment to an insane asylum and hiding on a wagon train, Beth proved her determination and love for her family. She went to work, and didn’t give up getting her mother safely away from her ruthless, conniving father, Thaddeus Rutledge.
It’s easy to admire Jake, who didn’t allow his curiosity and suspicions to cloud his ability to see goodness in others. Naturally, his treatment of Beth and her entourage was sweet, and I loved watching him gradually grow in his esteem for Beth. Their romance was sweet, though it felt a tad sudden for me, without a lot hinting toward it. But, again, the dedication they showed to each other, especially on Jake’s side, was really sweet.
I adored Oscar and his brothers, who helped Beth plan and train and prepare, and saw them all to safety. And the valley they found to settle sounds amazing! I want to live there in real life.
The rest of the cast of side characters really rounded out the book, and I grew to love all of them. My heart really went out to Ginnie and Kat. It is disgusting that men could have their wives committed to insane asylums just because they didn’t want them around. And the treatment of the women in those places was deplorable. Both Ginnie and Kat have to deal with PTSD because of the conditions of their lives in the asylum, and my heart ached for them—and knowing that those were stories patterned after real women. Sebastian is extremely mysterious, and I’m still trying to decide how much I trust him. I’m looking forward to reading his story.
There are some sections from the perspective of Thaddeus Rutledge, Ginnie’s husband and Beth’s father. He is sinister and vicious. Thank heavens for the Pinkerton agents who could tell the truth from the lies.
This was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the second book in the series.
**Many thanks to the publisher, through @austenprose, for the copy. This honest review was voluntarily provided. ...more
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