This is the first book I have read by Stephenia McGee and I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover this wonderful author of historical romaThis is the first book I have read by Stephenia McGee and I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover this wonderful author of historical romance! If you are a fan of historical romance and you haven't yet read her books, you absolutely must. The author combines fluid descriptive writing with deeply-layered characters, well-executed plot with twists and turns, and well-researched historical facts and background. Eternity Between Us focuses on the beginnings of Civil War and tells the story from both Federal and Secessionist side. The difference of opinions and passions misdirected into violence and injustice rages on both sides of the war and the author clearly knows how to pull these emotions to form the core of the storyline. There is plenty of intrigue and espionage in the story as Southern women band together for their war effort.
Samuel, the steady, determined, kind, loyal, compassionate medical student, is a Northerner who only wants to earn his degree and license so that he can heal and comfort, no matter the skin color or loyalty. Evelyn is a gently-bred Southern lady who has been taught that Northerners are evil and wrong. She is young and naive, though compassionate and passionate about what she believes is right. Samuel is the swoony hero in the story and easy to love. Evelyn, in her self-righteousness, is a little more difficult to connect with; however, she does mature in her ways and does indeed become a woman worthy of Samuel. The two children in the story are quite endearing and bring joy to the darkness that envelopes Samuel and Evelyn's world as war descends.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Merged review:
This is the first book I have read by Stephenia McGee and I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover this wonderful author of historical romance! If you are a fan of historical romance and you haven't yet read her books, you absolutely must. The author combines fluid descriptive writing with deeply-layered characters, well-executed plot with twists and turns, and well-researched historical facts and background. Eternity Between Us focuses on the beginnings of Civil War and tells the story from both Federal and Secessionist side. The difference of opinions and passions misdirected into violence and injustice rages on both sides of the war and the author clearly knows how to pull these emotions to form the core of the storyline. There is plenty of intrigue and espionage in the story as Southern women band together for their war effort.
Samuel, the steady, determined, kind, loyal, compassionate medical student, is a Northerner who only wants to earn his degree and license so that he can heal and comfort, no matter the skin color or loyalty. Evelyn is a gently-bred Southern lady who has been taught that Northerners are evil and wrong. She is young and naive, though compassionate and passionate about what she believes is right. Samuel is the swoony hero in the story and easy to love. Evelyn, in her self-righteousness, is a little more difficult to connect with; however, she does mature in her ways and does indeed become a woman worthy of Samuel. The two children in the story are quite endearing and bring joy to the darkness that envelopes Samuel and Evelyn's world as war descends.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
“I have this impossible idea that God wants all His children to realize that what makes them different isn’t nearly as important as what makes them th“I have this impossible idea that God wants all His children to realize that what makes them different isn’t nearly as important as what makes them the same. No matter what people look like, if they love Jesus and let Him lead their life, then they are a part of the body of Christ.”
What an amazing story of adventure, faith, and growth as two young women of 1887 Mississippi discover who they really are in a world steeped with hatred, evil, and bigotry. This is book 3 in the Ironwood Plantation Family Saga but can definitely be read as a stand alone. It isn’t a dual timeline or time slip novel; the story starts out in present day with Emily discovering an ancestor’s journal but Emily doesn’t come back into the story until the very end of the book to neatly tie up the story in the present day setting. The rest of the story takes place in 1887 Mississippi as Faith, the daughter of plantation owners Lydia and Charles, contemplates her future along with her best friend Mercy, the daughter of freed slaves who live and work on Ironwood Plantation. Faith and Mercy are both headstrong, stubborn, impulsive, delightfully intelligent but naive and get into trouble quite often together. With Faith’s strong opinions on women’s rights and Mercy’s strong belief that she will be treated as a journalist of equal standing in the North, they each set off on their own adventure only to realize that the world is bigger and scarier than they expected, sheltered as they were on Ironwood Plantation. Their faith and their views of themselves and others shift, change, and become molded into something more mature and tangible as they experience disappointment, heartache, disaster, comfort, and joy. Nolan and Jed are not your typical heroes but their faithful presence, patience, and steadfast devotion are truly admirable and noteworthy.
It’s well-written and the plot has plenty of surprises and twists along the way that build anticipation. The characters are lovely (though the girls really are spoiled and childish at the beginning of the book) and faith component is spot on with characters like Hezzie drilling in the difficult truths.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you will love this book! I received a copy of the book from the publisher/author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Merged review:
“I have this impossible idea that God wants all His children to realize that what makes them different isn’t nearly as important as what makes them the same. No matter what people look like, if they love Jesus and let Him lead their life, then they are a part of the body of Christ.”
What an amazing story of adventure, faith, and growth as two young women of 1887 Mississippi discover who they really are in a world steeped with hatred, evil, and bigotry. This is book 3 in the Ironwood Plantation Family Saga but can definitely be read as a stand alone. It isn’t a dual timeline or time slip novel; the story starts out in present day with Emily discovering an ancestor’s journal but Emily doesn’t come back into the story until the very end of the book to neatly tie up the story in the present day setting. The rest of the story takes place in 1887 Mississippi as Faith, the daughter of plantation owners Lydia and Charles, contemplates her future along with her best friend Mercy, the daughter of freed slaves who live and work on Ironwood Plantation. Faith and Mercy are both headstrong, stubborn, impulsive, delightfully intelligent but naive and get into trouble quite often together. With Faith’s strong opinions on women’s rights and Mercy’s strong belief that she will be treated as a journalist of equal standing in the North, they each set off on their own adventure only to realize that the world is bigger and scarier than they expected, sheltered as they were on Ironwood Plantation. Their faith and their views of themselves and others shift, change, and become molded into something more mature and tangible as they experience disappointment, heartache, disaster, comfort, and joy. Nolan and Jed are not your typical heroes but their faithful presence, patience, and steadfast devotion are truly admirable and noteworthy.
It’s well-written and the plot has plenty of surprises and twists along the way that build anticipation. The characters are lovely (though the girls really are spoiled and childish at the beginning of the book) and faith component is spot on with characters like Hezzie drilling in the difficult truths.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you will love this book! I received a copy of the book from the publisher/author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
“Redeemed mistakes can lead to something more beautiful than perfection.”
Cole and Fallon’s story hits all the right spots for lovely Christmas novel. “Redeemed mistakes can lead to something more beautiful than perfection.”
Cole and Fallon’s story hits all the right spots for lovely Christmas novel. Their high school crush and bitter falling out set the tone as they both tried to figure out how to handle the curveballs life has thrown at them, leaving them both stranded and broken. Their painful backstories after high school matured them so they're not the same people when they rekindle their friendship. Cole's struggle to do what he's passionate about and also be present for his kids was very real and tangible. Though his fix-it attitude got him into trouble with Fallon, I really enjoyed his strong, protective, can-do personality that also had a good layer of tenderness, compassion, and mercy. Fallon's faith crisis of trusting a good and loving God was also raw and real. Her sacrificial love for her parents and Cole's children was heart-warming. Cole and Fallon definitely go through a lot in this story and their troubles are overwhelming at times but how God redeems their broken stories is totally worth it.
It's a great Christmas story to curl up with on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"But want and need were two very different beasts, and only one could be mastered at a time."
Such an interesting historical fiction set in 1922 about "But want and need were two very different beasts, and only one could be mastered at a time."
Such an interesting historical fiction set in 1922 about two high-end thieves! I definitely enjoyed the backdrop of Europe as it was coming back to life after WWI. The parties held by the nobility were fun to get glimpses of. Esme and Jasper were a fascinating pair - both born into less-than circumstances but making the best of what they know. It was definitely an adventure following them as they chased the infamous winged tiara while they met resistance from foes known and unknown. Esme and Jasper had an unconventional romance and their banter was truly witty and delightful. Their moves as they tried to outsmart each other at first, then as they combined forces to outsmart others, were impressive and clever. The plot had plenty of surprises that made the story more complex. There wasn't much faith element in the book but it was a fun, adventurous ride through the black market of stolen art and jewelry to find trust and belonging.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"I sometimes think, when our dreams seem impossible to us, perhaps we just haven't seen yet how God will chase after our hearts with those very dreams"I sometimes think, when our dreams seem impossible to us, perhaps we just haven't seen yet how God will chase after our hearts with those very dreams, in the unlikeliest ways."
I was completely blown away by the musical quality of the author's voice. It was the first full-length novel by the author I read and I cannot believe I've waited this long to read this acclaimed author. And, yes, she deserves all the accolades and then some. It's a beautiful, heart-breaking, soul-aching, redemptive story of friendship, grief, loss, vulnerability, belonging, freedom, and hope. There is fantastic banter, raw emotions, and amazing treasure hunt wrapped in mystery to boot. The narrative uses flashbacks, letters, newspaper headlines, a play script, and research for a biography as well as traditional third person narrative to create wonderful depth and breadth.
I loved that the book started out with four friends making a pact and ended with two friends staying loyal and true. I loved their faithful, eccentric, and loving mountain community and their beloved train with nostalgic memories. A dash of Hollywood thrown into the story was fun but also eye-opening. There was even some tender steadfast romantic love in the plot which was so sweet and satisfying.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's one of the best reads of 2024. It will make you cry, laugh, swoon, think, and pray. It will make you contemplate "how extravagant a kindness this world is".
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"Some of us just see the light more clearly than others. She needs you to find it again, and then, in time, to show it to her."
This is my first full-l"Some of us just see the light more clearly than others. She needs you to find it again, and then, in time, to show it to her."
This is my first full-length novel by Janyre Tromp and I was impressed with her research of Burma during WWII and how she made the setting and characters come alive. It was not the easiest of novels to read because war is atrocious and the people of Burma faced unspeakable horrors. It also did have some violence as villagers engaged in guerilla-like tactics to get ahead of the Japanese invaders. But underneath all the trauma and horrors of warfare, there is a gentle but persistent theme of forgiveness and receiving and offering grace. We are reminded that salvation is not earned but freely given to be freely received. Kailyn's metamorphosis into a "tiger", driven by anger, fear, and regret, was heart-breaking. Her first person voice was pure anguish and despair. But even in the midst of her darkness, God's grace, Ryan's tenderness, and her father's repentance reached her to bring her back into the light. Ryan's third person voice portrayed so much of the helplessness but also determination of the people to fight back.
If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, this book will hit you hard. Among the heartache, suffering, and loss, there is hope that is extended to all which surpasses this world. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel Publication and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
I love Lynn H Blackburn's writing and have been waiting anxiously for this new series to begin. Gossa"Secrets bring despair. Surprises bring delight."
I love Lynn H Blackburn's writing and have been waiting anxiously for this new series to begin. Gossamer Falls is my kind of town - small, tightly-knit, and absolutely gorgeous. Cal's family is my kind of family, too - large but tightly-knit, a little crazy but fiercely loyal and loving. This first book of the series introduces many characters and lays the groundwork for the series. Though there are a lot of Quinn family members, it's not difficult at all to keep them straight because they're all so unique. I loved Cal and his steadfast protectiveness and his soft, tender heart. His interactions with little Eliza totally stole the show. Landry was easy to love and understand, especially her mama's heart. There was less suspense and action in the book than I expected but I really enjoyed the character-building and world-building in the book. I can envision myself in one of the tiny houses on the river, hanging out with Cal and his cousins. Gossamer Falls and its people have completely captivated me and I can't wait to go back.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
“Wishing about the past is wasted emotion if it doesn’t lead to transformation in your present.”
What a stunning dual timeline novel! I’ve enjoyed Susa“Wishing about the past is wasted emotion if it doesn’t lead to transformation in your present.”
What a stunning dual timeline novel! I’ve enjoyed Susan Tuttle’s books in the past but this one had me completely mesmerized and captivated. I am partial to dual timeline novels and the author has created a beautifully intricate plot with an Austrian dynasty in early 1900s woven into present day royal heirloom treasure hunt. I loved the Charlie’s Angels-like team of three women as the treasure-hunting trio and am looking forward to the next two books in the series as we get to know them better one by one.
Everleigh was a complex character - aloof, brilliant, and ready to step out of her shell yet so broken, hurt, and confused. Niles was a great character to balance out Everleigh and I adored his sarcasm and hard-won loyalty. Their banter was phenomenal. Aunt Gertie was my favorite; though weighed down by a medical condition, she was sharp, witty, wise, and not afraid to speak her mind. The faith lessons sprinkled throughout the book were spot on and relevant. I loved traveling through Europe and the US with the team as they followed the clues to the heirloom; it was definitely a memorable adventure.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel Publications and via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
Lynette Eason knows how to craft romantic suspense. The story starts out with a bang and keeps up the intensity and fast pace until the very end. JameLynette Eason knows how to craft romantic suspense. The story starts out with a bang and keeps up the intensity and fast pace until the very end. James and Lainie are super cute together and I quite enjoyed the big brother of best friend trope. Both James and Lainie have dealt with major trauma in the past and this commonality brings them together, among many other things. I liked the villain's voice that pops up in the storyline, which added a different dimension to the plot. The thread of true forgiveness and unconditional love weaves throughout the interactions James and Lainie have with their respective families. The adrenaline-filled race to find the dangerous stalker had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. I loved the secondary characters and am totally invested in finding out what happens between Cole and Kenzie in the next book.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
Deep Haven is always a warm place to return - a small town full of caring people where forgiveness and redemption are just around the corner. The peopDeep Haven is always a warm place to return - a small town full of caring people where forgiveness and redemption are just around the corner. The people and their stories will wrap around your heart like a soft fuzzy blanket on a blustery day. Oliver and Lena's story is no different. Oliver has a dark past steeped in addiction and bad decisions. Though he's trying hard to start fresh, even he has doubts at times that he can really pull through. Lena is a straight-laced vet who's been hurt by life and has a hard time trusting. Their journey to true freedom, acceptance, and trust is raw, real, and so relatable. I've really enjoyed getting to know the Fox siblings. If you love contemporary romance with a redemptive thread, you will love this book and the series.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the publisher and via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
Oh, this was such a fun Christmas novel! It had less suspense and action than the author’s previous books but had as much romance and witty banter. ThOh, this was such a fun Christmas novel! It had less suspense and action than the author’s previous books but had as much romance and witty banter. There were hilarious moments in the story that made me cry tears of mirth and swoony scenes that stole my breath. All the holiday tourist attractions that Frannie and Andrew visited were the proverbial icing on the cake. I live close to NYC but have only done a couple of the things on Frannie’s bucket list; after reading about the Christmas magic at these places, I definitely need to experience them. Frannie was a lovable, bubbly, compassionate sweetheart and Andrew was a tender yet formidable protector. I loved their easy camaraderie and how they complemented each other. Fans of the author’s previous Harbored Secrets series will appreciate Ryan and Vivian’s roles in the story.
If you love Christmas novels, you will definitely love this one. It’s full of fun, magic, romance, and all things Christmas-y. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"He couldn't shake his past, but he could shape his future."
Bravo to Joy Crain for this excellent debut novel. I love royalty books and this one had i"He couldn't shake his past, but he could shape his future."
Bravo to Joy Crain for this excellent debut novel. I love royalty books and this one had it all - grandeur and opulence tied with royalty but also the need for balance between tradition and progress. Missy and Aiden were such lovable characters. Their common bond of mixed heritage and not really feeling like they fit in anywhere was heartbreakingly raw and real. Faith thread and the theme of forgiveness were strong throughout the story and Missy's spiritual growth was satisfying, even as she struggled against sense of abandonment. Aiden's backstory made me cry and his journey to finding his true self while battling nightmares, insecurities, perceived failures, and expectations made him a valiant hero and prince.
I really enjoyed the fictional Asian island country of Andelar in the South Pacific. The island was beautiful and the culture, food, language, and political layout were intriguing and captivating. The author addressed some issues within the Asian culture like stigma of adoption and neglect of the homeless, poor, and orphaned, which broke my heart.
It's a book that will leave your heart filled and happy at the end. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
It's a win for Rebekah Millet and her debut novel. Julia Monroe and her first person voice is honest, relatable, and funny. Her mama's heart is so tenIt's a win for Rebekah Millet and her debut novel. Julia Monroe and her first person voice is honest, relatable, and funny. Her mama's heart is so tender and I was right there with her as she learned to adjust to being an empty nester. Though Julia is a bit younger than I am, her woes and delights were on point. There is great banter between Julia and Samuel and I really enjoyed their second chance and the themes of true forgiveness, living boldly, and leaving fear behind. The quirky supporting cast of Julia's and Samuel's family and friends made the story quite lively. It wasn't exactly a rom-com, though Julia's inner voice was funny in a self-deprecating way. It was more of a women's fiction with a good measure of romance and faith. I loved learning about New Orleans and the culture surrounding that great city. One day I will make it there to visit.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House and via JustRead Tours was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own....more
Elizabeth Camden writes fascinating historical fiction that blossoms from an obscure fact or event in history. This new series focuses on women workinElizabeth Camden writes fascinating historical fiction that blossoms from an obscure fact or event in history. This new series focuses on women working in Midtown Manhattan and I absolutely loved visiting 1913 NYC. Walking in Katherine's shoes was particularly eye-opening, given that she is a woman dentist in the heart of NYC during the Gilded Age. Her tenacity, optimism, struggles, and triumphs made her a memorable heroine. Jonathan, with his shadowed past and commitment to justice, was a remarkable hero; he made me believe in our law enforcement and its dedication all over again. There was a nice bit of mystery and intrigue underneath the history and romance and the plot blended these components well. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will definitely love this book. Elizabeth Camden will sweep you into the bustling metropolis of NYC and keep you glued there until the very end of the book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
Laura Frantz skillfully and thoughtfully highlights the plight of the French Acadians in 1755 as British and French battle for this area. I had not knLaura Frantz skillfully and thoughtfully highlights the plight of the French Acadians in 1755 as British and French battle for this area. I had not known the history of this area so it was a fascinating, but also sad and thought-provoking, lesson. I loved the beauty, vastness, and accepting community of Acadie which seemed so different from the crowded and fear-riddled Williamsburg. Sylvie was a lovable character, full of grit despite heavy losses, grief, and anger. She grew tremendously in faith and maturity. Will was a gallant hero with a noble, loyal, and humble spirit. Their enemies to lovers romance was tender and endured time, distance, and a bit of adventure and danger.
If you enjoy historical romance, you will definitely enjoy this well-written novel by Laura Frantz. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"Love is much stronger than any feeling. It's a choice you make over and over again. Choosing her and what's best for her every day."
Ah, Luke's story "Love is much stronger than any feeling. It's a choice you make over and over again. Choosing her and what's best for her every day."
Ah, Luke's story was so worth the wait. His delightfully witty and unassumingly charming voice was like candy. Ellie was sweet, generous, and vulnerable - the perfect pairing for "Legendary Luke", even if completely unexpected. Getting to experience Luke's thoughts in his head was incredibly fun. Though they come from very different backgrounds, their shared heart for children, service, and righting injustice bound their souls together that even impossible circumstances could not break apart. I felt like I was watching my favorite episodes of This Old House while Luke worked to renovate the old but beautiful buildings in Skymar (with a twist of romance, of course). I loved reconnecting with Izzy and Penelope and their respective love interests through the interwoven text threads in the story. This is not a epistolary romcom like Izzy's and Penelope's stories were (I can't imagine Luke as the main character in an epistolary romcom anyway given his brevity with spoken and written words) but nonetheless super fun to see "opposites" attract. Luke's quite, solid faith leading Ellie to examine her own was a highlight in their relationship. Luke and Ellie may be my favorite Edgewood couple yet (sorry, Izzy and Penelope)!
I'm so looking forward to the next adventure involving their cousin Charlie. And there are so many secondary characters in this series whom I would love stories about.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson and author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"But instead of a Hallmark Channel marathon of festive magic, Sofiya is taking something good and joyous and making it into her own production of Chri"But instead of a Hallmark Channel marathon of festive magic, Sofiya is taking something good and joyous and making it into her own production of Christmas Wars: Office Edition."
Mackenzie and Jeremy do put on an excellent production of Christmas Wars: Office Edition. But instead of a cutthroat competition for promotion and raise, this rivalry becomes something incredibly sweet that helps the entire office remember wonderful family traditions and count the joys in their lives. The characters are delightful, the plot is fun, the faith thread and struggle are real, and the romance is swoony. The author does address some heavy topics like anxiety and dementia care with sensitivity, tenderness, and expertise. Throw in some really funny laugh-out-loud scenes and some totally heart-warming scenes and you have a perfect Christmas novel to cozy up with.
Mackenzie's first person voice was creative and compassionate and my heart ached for her as she battled social anxiety. How her one-sided infatuation became something more was so gratifying (one of my favorite tropes). Jeremy's driven and determined third person voice was easy to empathize with but I loved his kind, considerate, and thoughtful side that peeked out from under all that planning and need for control. I also loved the supporting characters in Mackenzie and Jeremy's friends and colleagues circle who made the story extra special.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of author and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
It's always so much fun to return to Deep Haven and this introduction to the Fox family was indeed a ton of fun. Robin was an easy heroine to relate tIt's always so much fun to return to Deep Haven and this introduction to the Fox family was indeed a ton of fun. Robin was an easy heroine to relate to and her pursuit of her dream of becoming a renowned baker in Paris was quite an adventure. Sammy, in his steadfast, faithful, and tender way, was a wonderful hero who needed to overcome guilt and shame of his past and open his eyes to purpose God has for him. Sammy's interactions with the youth of Deep Haven were truly endearing and Robin's confectionery creations were mouth-watering. Their easy friendship from high school that blooms into something more was delightful and the strong faith thread was relevant. I also enjoyed all the cameo appearances of characters from previous books (Seth, Peter, Ronie, Megan, Colleen and Vivien among others).
If you enjoy small town contemporary romance, this book will be perfect for you. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more
"Never mind her heart. She had her dignity. Sometimes that was all a lady did have when everything else was gone."
This was just the book I needed to b"Never mind her heart. She had her dignity. Sometimes that was all a lady did have when everything else was gone."
This was just the book I needed to bring back the fun in historical romance. I haven't read the first three books in the series but did not feel that I missed anything (I will go back and read the others soon). Though the book doesn't lean heavily on historical facts, the atmosphere and culture of Victorian society was delightfully portrayed. Meg was absolutely adorable and lovable - her stutter, self-deprecating humor, keen intelligence, and peace-loving heart made her an excellent heroine. It was easy to see why Ivo would fall in love with her. Ivo - the gallant, worldly, and future-minded gentleman - was fun to get to know. The star-crossed lovers theme was well-played in the plot and seeing Meg and Ivo mature was gratifying.
If you enjoy tender Victorian romance, this book is definitely for you. I received the book from the publisher/author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own....more