Books I Picked Up This Summer

Today's TTT is about candles and I just am not a candle person. So I decided to create this post about the books I picked up at random book sales this year and a couple that were ebook sales.  I haven't read most of these so I don't know if they are good or not. Let me know if you have read them! Do you enjoy used book sales?

Winterset Review

 

About the Book

A hidden past. A house with secrets. And one chance for two wounded hearts to find love together.

Northern England, Late Fall, 1820

Katherine Lockwood is hiding for her life in the most unlikely of places: the forgotten priest holes in the abandoned Winterset Grange manor house. When Kate learns that Winterset’s long-absent owner, Mr. Oliver Jennings, is about to return, she is desperate to find a way to make him leave, even if it means “haunting” him from behind her protective walls.

After a grand tour of the Continent, Oliver returns home to England determined to make the most of his inheritance. But from the moment he arrives, nothing is as he expected. His manor is in disrepair, the steward hired to care for his estate is a thief, and to top it all off, Winterset is haunted. Undeterred, Oliver resolves to reclaim his life, piece by piece.

When Oliver discovers the hidden rooms, he’s shocked and pleased that his “ghost” is actually a beautiful young woman. Captivated by Kate and her story, he invites her to stay at Winterset under his protection.

Yet, danger persists as the man who threatens Kate’s safety learns of her ruse and attempts to exact his revenge. Kate and Oliver find themselves ensnared in a perilous game of cat and mouse against a powerful opponent while also trying to untangle their blossoming feelings in this enthralling gothic Regency romance. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

Having read Summerhaven, I was really excited to pick up this book. To my complete delight I realized that Oliver is the brother from the book Summerhaven! There are so many tie ins and that aspect of this story is a excellent. The concept of the priest holes is fascinating. The history surrounding the hidden places within the house makes me want to do more research. I had heard of them before but this book definitely makes it more intriguing. The first few chapters in and I was eager to see how Kate hiding would play out. This makes it tricky as the main characters don't actually meet each other for awhile. So with that being said, the character development and romance in this story fell a little flat for me. The second half of the book seems a bit thrown together and the instant love really didn't work for me. There are some funny moments but I struggled with the added drama and the dialogue between Oliver and Kate. The ending has a nice conclusion and of course the setting is lovely. Overall, I enjoyed it for the history and getting to see our friends from the previous book. 

Three and a half stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

My First 100 Bible Words Board Book

About the Book

 A way for toddlers to learn their first words through beloved Bible stories

My First 100 Bible Words introduces children to Bible stories and language at the same time. Little ones will learn words for colors, animals, objects, shapes, numbers, emotions, and more!

Toddlers will discover language and faith through memorable Bible scenes like Noah's ark, Moses and the burning bush, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions, and more, all the way to Jesus's birth.

The bright colors and simple stories will capture a toddler's attention and guide them from creation to Jesus.

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

This is such a great board book! My toddler instantly was interested in this because of the bright colors and pictures. It takes you through the main Bible stories and some pages have counting words (Daniel and the Lions), colors (Genesis), food (the Last Supper), etc. Each topic includes the Bible verses and references so you can look it up in the Bible to go along with the book if you wanted. It is a sturdy board book that can withstand care of a toddler. It states that it is good for ages 0-2 but I would say even older. This would make a great gift or addition to your board book library. I highly recommend! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from Kregel. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Books with Memorable Bad Guys

Top Ten Tuesday-Villains Edition 

I don't read a ton of books that necessarily have what you first think of as villains. I immediately think of Disney villains and most of these are not that. BUT I did come up with some books that have some villain types that are memorable. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Snake alert! 

A Scheming in Parliament Review + Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

 Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More in this Series:

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 My Thoughts

This is the second book of this series and I recommend you read book one first. I was eager to see where we would find Philippa and Bertie and I was delighted to find them amidst mystery once again! Many things are afoot and there is an interesting blackmail situation that carries through. There is also a delightful goat scene that made me giggle, along with a very subtle and light romance thread. I am very curious on what happens in the next book with how things are left in the last chapter..no spoilers here but eek!! Truly the best part of this story is not only Philippa's redemption from her past, but how it carries forward in how she helps others. She shines such a light on how God makes us new, even after we have lived in such darkness. He is the only One who can do this and it is so evident in Philippa's own life. I love how God's grace is portrayed in these novels and it really adds to the storyline. 

I enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next!

Four Stars.

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own."

Occupations in Book Titles

Here are some stories that include an occupation as part of the title. 

Thanks for stopping by for today's Top Ten Tuesday!

The Short Game Movie Review + Gift Card Giveaway!

About the Movie

 Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures and having to take care of his younger autistic brother, Ethan. These challenges, along with the pressure of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, leads Jeremy on a journey of discovery both internal and of his brother’s savant-like gifts, that if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision, finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother.

GET TICKETS HERE

Total Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes

Rating: PG

Genre(s): Drama

In Theaters August 29th, 2025

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I am not much into golf and I haven't ever actually played BUT this movie still grabbed my attention. I love stories and this film does a great job at portraying the lives of these young men and boys. I was invested from the start and about half way in there is a curve ball thrown that I wasn't expecting. There are a lot of hard things dealt with but in a tactful way. The ending even has a twist you won't expect! I really love how Ethan's character makes this movie what it is. Overall, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie and I recommend if you are looking for something that has a lot of heart mixed in with the drama. 

Many thanks to Collide Media Group for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#TheShortGame #TheShortGameMovie #TSG #TheShortGameMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Top TV Shows

Top Ten Tuesday (Freebie!) 

Well since it is gearing up to be fall (the best time of year), I am going with some of my favorite TV shows. I rarely watch TV and so most of these are old. I have no clue what is up and coming these days but I enjoy re-watching all of these! What is a new show I need to watch?

Team Jess all the way! :) 

Victim #8 Review

 

About the Book

A taut, electrifying thriller." —Brad Thor, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Edge of Honor

Military aide Luke Steele and FBI Special Agent Amberlyn Reiner go undercover once again to unravel a string of murders that may be tied to a nuclear threat capable of igniting a war.

Military aide Luke Steele grapples with self-doubt after a tragic loss during his last mission. But when a trusted American journalist is killed in Istanbul, Luke must push past his grief to prepare for a new assignment.

The Turkish police report the journalist as the eighth victim of a serial killer. But US intelligence considers the suspicious death a murder at the hands of an international threat and fear that the journalist could have had top-secret information that is now in the hands of an enemy of the United States.

The president tasks Luke to join with FBI Special Agent Amberlyn Reiner to investigate. As the two delve into the cause of the journalist’s death, they unravel a conspiracy that reveals a chilling plan for the assassination of the president and a potential nuclear strike on the United States.

Going undercover as a couple, Luke and Amberlyn travel to Istanbul to connect with a Russian source who holds key information to the case—if they can find him in time.

In the crucible of danger, Luke must rediscover his confidence and trust the bond he has forged with Amberlyn as they fight to save the president of the United States and stop a perilous nuclear plot poised to kill millions. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

The first book in this series got me so hyped up for book two! I went in with really high expectations. This story took a very different turn than I was expecting. It isn't quite as suspenseful, and it seemed to be more of the details behind the scenes on taking down the bad guy. It was interesting to read about Luke and Amberlyn working more in their specific jobs. It was also fun to peek into life at the White House. Of course there is a tiny sliver of romance that is so well written and it really adds to the overarching story.  The end of the book rushes quickly and holds most of the drama, which is to be expected. While I enjoyed this novel, it moved a tad slower overall than the first. BUT I am eager to read the next book! Luke and Amberlyn adventures have got me hooked!  

Four Stars. 

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