Reign Breaker Review

About the Book

 In a world of shape-shifting monsters, who can be trusted?

Despite the prophecy that changed her life forever, former gravedigger Rigan North has found love with the man of her dreams. But a peaceful future isn’t yet within reach. Hunted by two rival kings and sought by Jardians and Calidorians alike as the symbol of a new rebellion, Rigan struggles to find her place, increasingly drawn to the Shro Khan’s siren song. How will her child save the world if Rigan cannot resist the monsters’ call?

Leagues away, Isel has grown up in a sheltered monastery as the daughter of a monk. All she desires is to live an ordinary life with her books, but her uncanny resemblance to the so-called Reign Breaker and her unusual ability to detect the Shro Khan’s presence tears her from her home and thrusts her into a world of intrigue, power struggles, and deadly secrets. Kept captive by Jardia’s king, her only true ally is melancholy, wheelchair-bound Crown Prince Soren, the Reign Breaker’s brother-in-law and a brilliant, dangerous man. But Soren’s destiny is not his own, either, and with ambiguous prophecies linking his name to hers, the path to save the Twin Kingdoms may forever diverge from the path that sets Isel free.(Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

Wow, this book continues the epic adventure of the Painted Wind series! You have to read the first book (in my opinion) to have any idea what is fully happening. This story gives us more perspectives from the lead characters. I LOVE that the author is continuing to dive into the lives of Rigan and Corcoran and setting up the plot to continue with Soren. Isel is my favorite out of every single person in this series so far. She is like a breath of fresh air and light to a pretty dark kingdom. There is swoony romance and humor, battles and new relationship issues, and of course the darkness of the Khan that is seeping further into the kingdom. I simply couldn't put this story down and even with the extra plot lines and perspectives it flowed wonderfully. The ending leaves you on one heck of a cliffhanger and now we have to wait for book three! I love this series and I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy fiction!

Five Stars. 

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

What Is Left of the Night Review

About the Book

 Based on a true story

The Nazi regime's bloody wake in Europe persists as they brutally send "undesirables" to their deaths in concentration camps. As a young Jew, Hannah leaves behind her mother and sister as she flees certain death, arriving in Le Chambon in search of refuge.

Driven by their deeply rooted faith in God, Protestant pastor André Trocmé and his formidable wife, Magda, have turned the unassuming community in the foothills of the French Alps into a quiet resistance—a haven where they shelter escapees from Hitler's ever-tightening fist. It’s here that an author pens his Nobel Prize-winning novel and finds answers to his questions about God; and just outside the village borders, a one-legged female American spy sets up an operation to organize the French Resistance.

But a sadistic crew is on the rise. Under the supervision of the Butcher of Lyon, Gestapo officer Herr Lauer pursues the Jewish girl. Hannah was in his sights, but when she evaded him, his explosive rage and thirst for revenge set him on a spiraling mission to track her down—leading him straight to Le Chambon.

With lyrical prose and historical accuracy, Mark Buchanan weaves together a thrilling narrative from the real-life stories of a pastor, refugee, spy, and author, tangled together in a plot against the Reich. (Goodreads)


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My Thoughts

Oh my goodness this story. It is one that (for me) needs read slowly so as not to miss the pieces of wisdom thrown in. I loved reading from the standpoint of a pacifist but also just the view of a pastor. There are multiple perspectives that go back and forth throughout the novel and Hannah and the pastor's storylines are my favorite. This book will really make you think and it is different from other WWII books that I have read. There is some humor sprinkled in and also details of a terrible war. This book has a lot of grit and some of it portrays the darkness. It isn't gory and explicit but still tough to read at times. There is family and fear and joy and life and death. The marriage between André and Magda is so well written. The people in this story are not written to be perfect and that made me love it all the more. This is based on a true story and I really appreciated the author explaining details based on what is fact and fiction. This is a fiction read but incredibly based on a true story. I had no idea Le Chambon existed or that this village saved thousands of Jewish refugees! It is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it! 

Five Stars. 

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

Daughters of the Wreckage Review

 

About the Book

Two women. One shipwreck. And four centuries of secrets.

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, Tess McCarthy, after years as a hard-working English teacher who never did anything out of the ordinary, flies to Western Australia's remote Abrolhos Islands. She is in search of answers--both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and her personal family crises.

In 1628, Saskia, an orphaned young Dutchwoman, boards Batavia with relatives, bound for a new and potentially dangerous life in the East Indies--only for her world to first collide with Aris Jansz, the ship's taciturn under surgeon.

Tess, Saskia, and Aris--their lives linked by secrets that span generations--carry the baggage of past losses and the uncertainty of their futures. And, in the most unlikely circumstances, they may find qualities that echo through faith, acceptance, and love.

A woman searching for answers in her own life finds them--and much more--in the wreckage and haunting stories of the Batavia shipwreck.

Previously published in Australia as Daughters of Batavia. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I picked this book to read because I knew absolutely nothing of this history of Batavia. The first few chapters had me totally interested and the set up of the characters was good. The back and forth between them was clear and well written. I just really struggled to get into the story after the first few chapters. For me, it read as a very dry plot and I found that I didn't care much about what was happening with the people in the story. It didn't captivate me and I struggled to finish reading it. The ending picks up just a bit and that was helpful. The history is interesting and it made me want to research some of it myself. If this is something that interests you with history then you will probably enjoy it. I know many others have loved this book, it simply was not for me. 

Three Stars. 

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

Three Queens Review

About the Book

 Abigail Adams, Queen Charlotte, and Marie-Antoinette—three women form an unlikely sisterhood, navigating revolutions, royal pressures, and personal losses as they shape their own legacies.

After the end of the American Revolutionary War, Abigail Adams crosses the Atlantic to reunite with her husband, John, after five long years apart. But she is unprepared for the glittering courts of England and France that are so different from her experience in the newly established United States. Undeterred, Abigail sets her sights on befriending the queens of Europe, believing their support is key to her nation’s future.

In England, Queen Charlotte carries the weight of an empire on her shoulders. Her husband, King George III, battles a private madness, while political tensions rise and her eldest son schemes for power. Charlotte struggles to maintain order and propriety—while clinging to the solace she finds in her correspondence with her friend Marie Antoinette in France.

Revolution has gripped France, and Marie Antoinette must watch as her world crumbles. Vilified by the public and neglected by a king who refuses to see the storm coming, she faces growing unrest with dwindling allies. As tragedy strikes her family, she reaches out to her friends—Charlotte and Abigail—in a last attempt to find a path forward, possibly even escape.

The paths of these three women cross in unexpected ways in public, in private, and through letters. They forge a quiet sisterhood across borders and upheaval, each one facing love and loss, sweetness and strife, revolution and regrets.(Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I had no idea that these three women were tied together in history or even came in contact with one another. This book is fascinating! I LOVED getting a unique perspective of each woman, though Marie and Charlotte were my favorite to read. This is a work of fiction but the historical research that went into this novel is astounding. I had to do further research myself after reading to find out more because I was so intrigued. The author unites these women with a few common themes but one of them is being a mother. They all had children and they all lost children. I truly can't imagine being in their positions and raising children let alone having one pass away. The book was easy to read, even with the different perspectives. The chapters are organized in a way that made it not feel like a history book and I always knew whose perspective I was reading. I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction. 

Four Stars. 

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

Love Is In The Air

 Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

I enjoy closed door romance and so I came up with a mixture of romance books that I have enjoyed. Do you have any recommendations? There are so many good books and not enough time. :) 

Rocky Road by Becky Wade
This is a fun series. 

Until I Met You by Tari Faris
Another wonderful series!

A Noble Masquerade by Krisi Ann Hunter
Regency Romance

The Heart of the King by J. J. Fischer
A romantasy I was not expecting! 

A Love Most Daring by Joanna Barker
Releases in March and it is SO good. 

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon
Super cute read. 

An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd
A mysterious historical romance that surprised me in a good way!

To Love A Lady by Gabrielle Meyer
A spin on My Fair Lady and it doesn't disappoint. 

The Parlor Game by Ashtyn Newbold
I LOVE this series. It is fun and swoony and I hope to read it again this year. 

Echoes of the Sea by Sarah M. Eden
Unique time travel romance. 

A Love Most Daring

 

About the Book

From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper romance meets page-turning mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.

Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.

With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all. (Goodreads)

Releases March 3rd!

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

Oh ,what a joy it was to read this novel! This has been such a fun series continuing on with the Bow Street officers and their lives. This story took a turn I was not expecting and Beatrice is a character that took me by surprise. The first few chapters I wasn't sure if I liked Bea or not but I warmed up to her quickly and found myself giggling and smiling at her antics. There is an excellent mystery within the pages but also a delightful country estate where we really get to know Bea and Alexander. The romance is sweet and so well written. I loved getting a peek into the lives of the previous characters from the first two books in the series. I simply could not put this book down. I stayed up way too late to discover the ending and I have no regrets. If you enjoy swoony historical romance this is the book for you! 

Five Stars. 

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

He Calls Me Daughter Trailer

About He Calls Me Daughter

HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth—and who long for love that feels safe. This honest exploration of father-daughter relationships reveals the lasting impact they can have on a woman’s life. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. 

Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. At the heart of the movie is an encounter with Jesus—a perfect heavenly Father who sees, stops, and calls His daughters by name. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

__________________________________________________________

Tickets are on sale NOW for HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER, a documentary for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound.

Experience the love of a perfect Father who offers peace, belonging, and restoration March 17 & 18 ONLY.

Watch the Trailer now: hecallsmedaughter.org/

#HeCallsMeDaughter #HeCallsMeDaughterMIN 

He Calls Me Daughter is releasing in theaters March 17 & 18 only.

I am excited to watch this!

Authors I Discovered in 2025

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

 While going through the list of books I read last year, I was pretty surprised at how many new to me authors I read! Part of it had to do with me reading more fantasy novels which opened up a new world of books for me. 

So here are some new to me authors that I really enjoy! I will post pictures of their most recent or upcoming novel. 

Christine Hill Suntz 

Christina Baehr

C. C. Warrens 

Emerson Ford 

Heather Camacho

J. J. Fischer

Jenelle Hovde

Morgan L. Busse

Rachelle Nelson

Beth Brower

An Appearance of Impropriety

About the Book

 As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.

Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.

Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.

A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I have not read a legal drama in quite a while and sometimes it is nice to read something different! I really love Mahalia's character. She shines throughout this entire novel and we need more female characters like her! The legal stuff at times goes over my head but I felt like I was there in the thick of things. I love JD's backstory and how he grows throughout the pages. There are some tough topics brought up and the author handles them with grace but honesty. The romance is realistic and shows how flawed we are and how we can change and grow. Overall I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the next books this author writes. 

Four stars. 

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

Beyond the Clouds

About the Book

 They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together--until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. Little does he know that this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir--until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them--or the possibility of falling in love again? (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

I was not quite sure what to expect with this book or where it would take the reader. All of the books that are in this series are very unique. Delia is a spunky heroine that I needed to warm up to a bit before really appreciating her character. Finn is a loyal and caring person who will do most anything to protect innocent people. I really loved reading his war back story and I thought it added a lot to the plot. The first part of the book is more lighthearted. The war seems far away and Delia and Finn do NOT see eye to eye, yet there is some banter. Delia is a pacifist and Finn is clearly not since he is war hero. It was intriguing to read from the view of a pacifist and I was glad to read that perspective. About half way through the book I was a little perplexed at how certain things suddenly were resolved. It felt very sudden and it took me out of the story a little bit. I can't go into detail without spoilers. But then the second part of the book read much differently with added drama and Finn wanting to be the hero. It has a satisfying ending and it was a little bittersweet to say farewell to these characters. So overall I did enjoy this story but I have to give it four stars because it was a little choppy in the middle and I struggled with that. I am eager to read Camden's next book and I do recommend this series. 

Four Stars. 

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

Classic Book Goals

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

With it being the start of a new year everyone is setting goals. I really haven't thought about it much this year. So sitting down to write this there is one thing that comes to mind that I really would like to do, though it might not all happen this year! I have not read very many books considered classics. I am starting The Count of Monte Cristo but here are a few others that I need to read. 

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

White Fang by Jack London

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Dracula by Bram Stoker