When The Stars Light the Sky Review

About the Book

 Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience between them may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

In this entrancing Gilded Age romance, Inga and Benedict will be swept into a dangerous world on the brink of war, where two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty when stars light the sky. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I am always eager to read the new Camden book and was intrigued by the premise of this story. I know very little of WWI and I haven't read too many books set amid that war. I absolutely love the historical aspect of this book. This author does a tremendous job at explaining history without it being confusing or boring. There are so many details about the American Embassy and the setting of Berlin and I loved reading every bit of it! The secondary characters are delightful and so well written. The reader experiences many years between the pages and is able to really get to know the characters. Inga and Benedict are unique and very much a grumpy sunshine trope. The last few chapters disappointed me a little bit on the romance side of things. Relationships require a lot of selfless love and I have mixed feelings on how all of that plays out in the end. Regardless, I could not put down this book and having read all of Camden's novels I would say this one is one of the most intriguing! 

Four and a half stars. 

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

Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2025

 There are so many wonderful books coming out this year. Here are the top ten that I hope to read that are releasing the first part of 2025.

Top Ten Tuesday

Rune Review

About the Book

 Rune wants only one thing from the gods: the heart of a boy who already claims to love her. She wants it enough that she’s willing to make a deal with a god to keep it.

The deal is simple: the heart of the boy, and in return, Rune will make this god revered among the clan.

Then, out of nowhere, the boy proposes to Rune’s sister instead.

In her anger, she renounces the gods. But the gods have plans of their own. They snatch Rune from earth and throw her in Asgard, claiming her as their lost goddess and drowning her in a world of dangerous power. It’s clear a god is pulling the strings here, but Rune can’t guess who, or what her role is in their games. Desperate, she strikes a second deal with a god—one who might be as broken and twisted as she, and quite possibly more capable of breaking her heart than anyone. As her Viking past finds a way into Asgard, it’s clear that someone’s heart will be slaughtered. She can only hope to be long gone before it all crashes down.

A standalone fantasy for lovers of the fake engagement trope, shields and axes, or poison in teacups. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order HERE

My Thoughts

I have really been enjoying books by this new-to-me author. I have been looking for clean fantasty and McCombs delivers just that!! This story was a lot different than I was expecting but I ended up really enjoying it! The characters are strong and while Rune sometimes got on my nerves I also had to think of life from her perspective. There is a lot of physical fighting (with axes etc.) and while those scenes were important I wanted more story and less fighting by the final chapters. BUT the ending came together in a very Hunger Games type of way and it left me a satisfied reader. I wanted there to be more actually and I wouldn't mind another book in this world. The romance is sweet and clean and fit in perfectly with the rest of the story. 

I couldn't put this book down and I really enjoyed it! I recommend if you are wanting something new in the fantasy genre! 

Four Stars. 

"I received and ARC from the author. I am not required to write a positive review."

Best Books of 2024

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about the best books of the year. It is impossible to narrow down to just ten but I will do my best. This was a pretty decent reading year for me. I read a lot more books than I anticipated. Since I was pregnant and had a baby this year, I figured I wouldn't get much reading time in. Thankfully I was able to read quite a few books amidst all of the life changes. I also wanted to read more stories that were out of my "norm", specifically more fantasy, non-fiction, and sci-fi. I think I did okay with that goal but I do hope to continue to read more of a variety in 2025. 

In no particular order, here are my top ten reads for 2024.

Top Ten Bookish Wishes

 Top Ten Bookish Wishes This December! 

In no particular order these are some titles that I have had on my wish list the last few months!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Read During a Storm

Top Ten Tuesday! 

Books to read during a storm. I just picked the books that came to mind. They are all different but I leaned more towards atmospheric of dark and gothic or mysterious. A few are just cozy reads. Enjoy! 

 

This is a fun time travel read. 

One of my favorite's by this author. Mysterious. 

Delightful mystery with a fun setting. 

I love this book and it is perfect for a stormy day! 

Gothic and unexpected love story. 

One of my very favorite novels by this author. 

A story that sticks with you long after the last page. 

One of my favorites. 

This book is creepily delightful. 

Cozy winter read. Short read but so good.


 

Abide from Guideposts: Be Still + Know Gift Set

 Abide from Guideposts has faith inspired gifts curated to bring joy.

From beautifully designed mugs and inspiring journals to jewelry and candles, find the perfect item to uplift and encourage you!

Use code SOCIAL20 for 20% off your entire order!

Be Still and Know Soy Candle: Indulge in a moment of tranquility with our "Be Still + Know" Soy Candle. Expertly crafted in the USA, this candle offers a serene blend of sea salt, jasmine, wood, and cream, creating a soothing ambiance for any space.

REST Beaded Stretch Bracelet: Embrace the comforting words of Matthew 11:28-30 with this elegant bracelet. Featuring a gold tag engraved with the verse reference, it serves as a daily reminder of Christ's promise to provide rest to the weary. Designed to fit most wrist sizes at 6.75 inches, this stylish accessory is a meaningful Christian gift for women and girls.

GIVEAWAY 

$10 Amazon gift card

ENTER TO WIN HERE!

 US entries only please!

My Thoughts

This really is a very nice gift set! It comes in a sturdy box that is well packaged in a gift box. While there are many gift sets that you can choose from I was excited to smell this candle! Typically I am not a candle person but since this one is soy and so simple yet pretty I wanted to check it out. It is an interesting combination of scents so I wasn't sure if I would like it but I actually REALLY love how this candle smells! It is so pretty that I really hate to burn it which is also why it makes a great gift! The bracelet is pretty but not as high of quality in my opinion. The gold tag makes it worth wearing and adds a little something to an otherwise pretty basic bracelet. 

All that to say I had no idea Abide from Guideposts sold gift sets and I am pleasantly surprised! It can be challenging to come up with a good gift like this for birthdays, holidays, etc. but you could order one of these and it is pre-wrapped and ready to go! Thoughtful and convenient! 

Check out their online store for all items and don't forget to use the code SOCIAL20 for 20% off your entire order! 

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

#GuidepostsMIN #AbideShop #AbideFromGuideposts #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Lady Anna's Favor Review

About the Book

 Lady Anna Clifton will stop at nothing to find her missing brother—even if it means working alongside the dashingly handsome but sometimes infuriating Mr. Jennings, who just might steal her heart.

Lady Anna Clifton has arrived in London with a purpose known only to a few. Her soldier brother has been reported wounded and missing in France, and if he is dead, his title and their family’s estate will go to a horrible distant cousin, and Lady Anna will be homeless. Desperate to find her brother alive, she contacts old family friends, the Bledsoes, who vow to help her in any way they can. However, Lord Bledsoe’s efforts come up empty, except from the Duke of Aylesham, who offers his yacht to carry her to France when Anna decides she must look for her brother there herself.

James cannot board the Duke of Aylesham’s yacht to take him to France fast enough. After his sister’s rushed marriage to the duke himself, James wants nothing more than to enjoy a relaxing journey back to Paris before rejoining England’s diplomatic war efforts against Napoleon. When he boards the ship, he cannot deny his instant attraction to the strikingly beautiful young woman who will be joining him across the sea. But when he receives only a cold reception from her, James dismisses her outright—until he learns the tragic reason she has set out on such a perilous journey. As infuriating as Lady Anna’s brash behavior and indifference to him is, her search seems much too dangerous for a young lady of the ton to undertake alone, so James reluctantly offers to assist her in her quest.

Together, they embark on a search that will take them across the sea and through France to uncover the truth all while trying to reconcile their differences and the preconceived notions they have about each other. With every step, they come closer to solving the mystery surrounding Lady Anna’s brother’s disappearance—but each step also pushes their hearts closer together. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really like the idea of this story. Anna going in search of her missing brother and the adventures and romance possibilities posed as an exciting premise. Unfortunately I really struggled with this novel. It moved dreadfully slow for me and even after getting to know the characters a few chapters in I just didn't love them. I wanted Anna to find her brother or at least find out the truth with him of course but the plot just didn't capture my attention like I had hoped. The romance didn't really feel romantic but rushed. The last few chapters were okay and the ending interesting but I didn't love this book. Nonetheless I think there are many who will find this to be a pleasant and fun read.

Three 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."

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

About the Book

 1956: In the quiet village of Wilbeth Green, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of being the arsonist. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames. Knowing no one will believe her, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the skepticism of her neighbors and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, is torn between his duty and a lingering loyalty to Paul and warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core. Award-winning author Naomi Stephens presents a gripping whodunnit--reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales--of love and redemption set in a quaint British village. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this story! I had pretty high expectations going into reading this and I think they were exceeded. The characters are an absolute delight all the way around. The setting is fantastic and the author added so many things for the reader to understand what decade this book is set. It is really fun to read a novel in this time period! The mystery had me questioning until the end and I really enjoyed the small romance plot line that isn't the main focus but truly just fun. It does give you Agatha Christie feels but is set apart with its own unique style. This is such a refreshing read for the Christian fiction market and I can't wait for more by this author. I highly recommend!! 

Five 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."

TTT: Oldest (aka Earliest Published) Books On My TBR

 This is a fun idea for Top Ten Tuesday as I have quite a mix of newly published books on my list but also much older novels! I will never reach the end......so here are just a few! 

Published in 1937

Published in 2008

Published in 1922

Published in 2017

Published in 2019

Published in 2019

Published in 1910

Published in 2021

Published in 1931

Published in 2015