Lady Flyer Review

  

 About the Book

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE!

My Thoughts

 

I was so excited to read this book because I didn't know anything about this history! Nancy Harkness Love led quite a life and this book is so well written that it captivates your attention. This is fiction but reads a lot like a biography. The author takes us from when Nancy was young up until her later years and then adds a TON of historical facts and tips at the end. I didn't know anything about the "lady flyers" or WAFS or WASP. Most books set during WWII are in Europe and not what was happening in the USA during that time. I really loved reading from Nancy's perspective on flying but also cultural events and historical accounts. There are SO many details and clearly is a well researched novel. I also really enjoyed the portrayal of Nancy and her husband. Their meeting and life together made me smile often. 

This is historical fiction at its finest! I highly recommend! 

Five Stars.

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Involving Food

 Top Ten Books Involving Food!

This one was pretty tricky and I had to think to books I read LONG ago! 

So True a Love Review

About the Book

 Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I have been anxious to read this story ever since I first heard it was written! Barker has such a way with writing characters and all of her books are just a delight to read. This story exceeded my expectations! I loved reading every page! Verity and Nathaniel are wonderful and written with depth and emotion that seems very real to life. There is humor that is sprinkled throughout that made me smile often. The romance is superb because it is sweet and true. Ohmygoodness there are some very well thought out scenes that might be my favorite ever! The author added certain touches that just made this book all the better. The mystery is well written and developed and reminded me a bit of Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Needless to say I was hooked after the first chapter and couldn't put this one down. If you enjoy regency historical fiction with some romance and mystery in the plot thread this is a must read! 

I highly recommend!

 

Five Stars!

"I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

White Bird Trailer

 This looks like a good story! 

#WhiteBirdMIN

Average Joe Trailer

 

This looks like it could be interesting!

Never Forgotten Review

 

 

 About the Book

 

 All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.   Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.   Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.   Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?  Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah His Silence When Tomorrow Came Garden of the Midnights The Girl from the Hidden Forest. (Goodreads)

PRE-ORDER HERE

My Thoughts

This is one of my favorite books by this author. She does a great job at portraying what was likely reality in this time period. The cover of this book makes it look like it will be a light and happy story  but it is very mysterious and heavy and gothic. Linder does not shy away from really hard things and this book is no exception. While it isn't graphic there is murder and references to rape along with a lot of anger and grief. There is a good redemption story line also that made this book have a lot more depth. I really love the characters and the mystery is well written. Overall I enjoyed this book and I recommend if you are up for a little mystery that spans continents! 

 

Four Stars. 

 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Cloverton Charade Review

 

 About the Book

 

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

(Amazon)

 

 BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts

I always enjoy a Sarah E. Ladd novel because I never know what to expect. There is usually a mystery and a hint of romance and this story brought both. The setting is a house party and Olivia is "undercover" so to speak to try and assess the value of items in the house while attending the party. I enjoyed the mystery side of things and Lucas is probably my favorite character. The first part of the book moved a tad slow for me since I was eager to get to the mystery and find hidden treasures. But once I got past the middle of the story things started to pick up and I enjoyed the rest. The ending isn't shocking as it wraps up the loose ends but enjoyable just the same. 

Fans of regency fiction should pick this one up!

 

 

 Three Stars.

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

Unshakable Moxie Bible Study Review

 

 Unshakable Moxie is an episodic video series that invites you to discover what it means to live a life of resilient faith. 

LEARN MORE  

Unshakable Moxie is a powerful Bible study and 6-episode video series from Our Daily Bread Ministries that explores tough topics including forgiveness, disillusionment, and hardship. When answers don’t come easy, these resources press in deeply to see what Scripture reveals to encourage women to grow in their faith amid challenging circumstances. Lina AbuJamra, who shares her heart in this Bible study, is a woman of moxie who draws inspiration from her life experiences and teaches women how to build their own resilient faith. Each chapter contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more. 

 

 GIVEAWAY

• ​​Prize: Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card

• Study Pack includes: 

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Bible Study w/QR code access to the video series.

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Prayer Journal

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Scripture & Encouragement Cards Pack

• Territory: Limited to US winners only.

• How to Enter: To enter for the chance to win the Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card, participants must do the following: 

• Follow Our Daily Bread Ministries and God Hears Her on Facebook or Instagram. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodHearsHer 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godhearsher/ 

   

  ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

   

• Repost/Share the giveaway with the hashtag “unshakablemoxie”. 

• For a bonus entry, subscribe for God Hears Her emails. 

• For a bonus entry, tag a female friend that lives life with “unshakable moxie”. 

 ORDER HERE

  #UnshakableMoxieMIN #UnshakableMoxie #ourdailybread #god-
hearsher #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 

My Thoughts 

I have led women's Bible study for the past few years so I am always on the lookout for something that we can do next. I was excited to look into this study because I saw that Joni Eareckson Tada was a part of it and her story is amazing. I had never heard of this author before reading this study.

The Bible study itself is a small book size which I love. The layout is really nice as it breaks everything down in an organized way and isn't too much information overload. There are questions, you watch the video, and then more questions and deeper study. There are multiple Bible references that you have to look up and that is wonderful! The only thing is that I can not fully back the people being interviewed and promoted in the videos. I recommend that you do your own research but I didn't realize who all was included as Biblical examples/testimonies. There is also a section on scripture meditation, which is fine, obviously we need to meditate on scripture daily. But many of the questions are in regards to our feelings which I don't think is helpful or necessary especially in a group setting. 

I recommend that you do your own research on this study and those involved before picking it up for yourself. I won't be using it for our group study. 

The prayer journal is a nice addition and it is like a hardback binder type journal that is a bit unique and not like a typical journal. The encouragement cards seem to be a popular thing these days. The ones in the kit are nice quality and have great verses on them. I don't really use the cards but I am sure many people will love them!

Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for
this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced my monetary compensation.

A Kingdom to Claim Review

About the Book

Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.

Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

Oh how I enjoyed this book! The history and the setting and the characters just jump off the page into your imagination. I love how much of this book is historical fact, most of which I had never knew until reading this. Aisley is a strong character and Brecc is a great hero. As the Vikings tear apart their world these two remain strong and remember the past. I really loved the tidbits about King Alfred the Great and the real history of his strong faith in Christianity and the Lord. I thought this book did a great job in showing that and I found it fascinating. There is sweet romance that is simple and true. There is great adventure in battling against the Vikings and protecting the fellow countrymen. I really couldn't put this book down and I highly recommend if you enjoy history and specifically this time period. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust Movie Trailer

 Coming September 12th!

 #InGodWeTrustMIN

Born of Gilded Mountains

About the Book

 When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

This author has such a way with words and creating a world where there is beauty and grand imagination. The cover of this book is also stunning and captures the setting beautifully. I will be honest in saying this story moved incredibly slow for me and I struggled at times to be fully engaged in what was happening. But I love the friendship that is written on the pages and it truly is what makes this book worth reading. Both Mercy and Rusty are very unique characters that are not at all what you might expect. There is also a mystery that flows through the chapters and takes the reader on a bit of a treasure hunt. This is not my favorite book by this author but it is still a worthwhile read. Be prepared for a much slower read but with a beautiful setting and characters that just might surprise you. 

Three and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Girl From the Hidden Forest Review

 

About the Book

Book: Girl from the Hidden Forest

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release date: May, 2024

The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.

That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

Everyone has been asking me for years: “Can you see yourself in any of your characters?” I guess I’m in everything, interwoven in all of the sentences. Pieces of me are scattered in the settings. Traits and quirks and secret thoughts are dispersed into the minds and souls of my characters.But I always felt the need to say no. I don’t see myself in my characters.

Perhaps because, in the past, so many of my heroines have been so different than me. Ella Pemberton (Beneath His Silence)—outlandish and stubborn and daring, apt to speak her mind, bold in her manner and flawless in her dance. Nan Duncan (When Tomorrow Came)—injured and worrisome, voice like an angel, childishly sweet, yet too eager to please. Isabella Gresham (Garden of the Midnights)—spoiled and excitable, with raven black hair and an art for entering social circles with impeccable grace and exquisiteness.

I love them, sweet characters of mine.

But I don’t understand them. We’re too different. Like sand and sea, we meet, we touch, we sweep back and forth together but we’re of different substance.

But Eliza Ellis—rather, Eliza Gillingham—is the first character I truly resonate with. Not on purpose. In no wise did I pen her with conscious hints back to myself. But as the story progressed, I found my heart reaching out to her, settling into her.

Because she was the same.

The way she thought, the things she imagined, her forest and her pet and her stories. I comprehended what made her hurt. I understood the dream world she lived in, because I live in a dream world too.

So, if anyone asks me, “Do you see yourself in any of your characters?”, I’ll pull The Girl from the Hidden Forest from the bookshelf and hand it to them. I’ll tell them Eliza and I are like kindred spirits, that we’ve bridged a friendship between reality and fiction.

Whether you’re a reader or a writer, I hope you stumble upon a character one day that feels like you. It’s a strange and special feeling indeed.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, May 30

Inspired by Fiction, May 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 31

Sylvan Musings, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

Mornings at Character Cafe, June 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

Blogging With Carol, June 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

For Him and My Family, June 5

Alena Mentink, June 6

Splashes of Joy, June 6

Stories By Gina, June 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 8

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9

Cover Lover Book Review, June 9

Book Looks by Lisa, June 10

The Lofty Pages, June 10

Holly’s Book Corner, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Lily’s Corner, June 12

To Everything There Is A Season, June 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts

I have read all of Hannah Linder's books and this one I enjoyed more than some. The plot holds a lot of twists and turns and I think the author did a great job at setting up a unique mystery thread. There is some darkness in this story but true to life and I think it added a lot. The characters are very believable thought I did struggle with Felton for a bit because I wasn't totally sure I trusted him. Eliza overcomes huge obstacles and I thought that growth was one of the best parts of the book. I do think the author could have gone even deeper and fleshed out her character even more. I also think the book could have used a few more chapters to add some depth but the ending was satisfying as a reader all the same. 

This is an enjoyable read for those that like historical fiction with a bit of mystery!

Four stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."