Across the Star-Kissed Sea Review

About the Book

 When May becomes a lady’s maid at sea, she’s hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love.

Mediterranean Sea, 1811

May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle’s tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother’s pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady’s maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she’s going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship’s clergyman makes her feel far from welcome.

Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn’t the escape he’d hoped for—until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady’s maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn’t expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives—and their love. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I started this book having no clue that it was tied to Georgana's Secret which is the book Hawks wrote previously with a similar setting. I LOVED that book so I was even more excited to dig into this one! While you don't have to read the previous book, I do recommend it because this story means so much more if you do! 

I just love stories that are set on a ship and this book holds quite the adventure. The characters are well developed and so fun to read. The only thing is that I I really struggled to like May's character. By the end I did like her but I didn't see a lot of character development by the last page. Elias is such a unique individual and I applaud the author for creating a hero that isn't perfect. I so enjoyed getting to see the life of Dominic and Georgana again and I think that was the highlight for me while reading. This isn't my favorite by this author but still a good read. 

This is a good book for an escape to the high seas!

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."  

Fall Reading List

 Top Ten Tuesday

Books on my fall reading list! There are so many! 

Meddling with Mistletoe Review

About the Book

 Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return. The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match. Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line. (Goodreads)

PURCHASE HERE

My Thoughts

My goodness what a fun and cozy read! I absolutely love PEI so when I found out this book had that wonderful setting I was excited! If you haven't read the previous books by this author, specifically The Red Door Inn, I highly recommend you do! It was pure delight to go back to the inn for the holidays and I really enjoyed the new characters. Whitney is very real and probably will remind a lot of readers of themselves. Daniel is a surprising character that I just love! He is so serious and seems rather drab at the start but my goodness keep reading! Aretha is wonderful as always even if she drives you a bit crazy. Is it a bit "Hallmark" and predictable? Of course. Is it worth reading? Yes! There is humor and so much heart in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

Five Stars. 

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

A Thieving at Carlton House Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Thieving at Carlton House 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #1 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: September 17, 2024 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

Unlikely alliances form when a killer is on the loose... but who can be trusted?

The Home Office has asked Sir Bertrand Thorndike to head an investigation into stolen royal jewels. And as with everything concerning the Prince Regent, discretion is paramount. 

It's the perfect chance for Bertie to step out of his brother's long shadow. Unfortunately, his superior, The Duke of Haverly, has a plan that makes him balk: in order to sell his cover, Bertie must play the part of a man looking for love, ready to reform his rakish ways. The duke is willing to let Bertie name his own investigative team, but his recommendation that the team include 

Philippa Cashel has Bertie on his guard. Does the duke--known for his behind-the-scenes machinations--have an ulterior motive? Philippa Cashel escaped her life as one of society's best-known courtesans, devoting her life to helping other women in dire straits. So when Sir Bertrand Thorndike approaches her about joining his team as an agent of the Crown, she is skeptical. Why her? She's focused on getting her school for underprivileged women up and running, not in cloak-and-dagger skullduggery. Her hope is that if she labors hard enough at her charity work, she might begin to feel worthy of God's forgiveness of her past. 

When one of Philippa's rescued girls is arrested for stealing the royal jewels and another is murdered, Philippa will risk partnering with Bertie to find the loot and stop the killer. 

Two brilliant minds--with two wary hearts--and one cunning deceiver are on a collision course in Regency England. 

Beloved Regency author Erica Vetsch begins this new series with all the elements that keep her readers coming back. From historical accuracy to rousing mystery to deep character faith journeys, A Thieving at Carlton House will please Regency lovers--and anyone else who loves a great story.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available:

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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.

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 signed copy of A Thieving at Carlton House and a $25 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 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 23, 2024. 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. International prize ebook and egift card. 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

I am so excited about this new series! While there are ties to the authors previous books (and a really awesome family tree in this book!) you can read this one as a stand alone. BUT it is fun to tie all of the people together from her previous books if you want to read those at some point. This story is really great and I love Philippa Cashel's character. As a previous courtesan (prostitute), Philippa has quite a story of redemption and forgiveness that carries over into her desire to help others. There is terrific mystery and intrigue throughout this novel that I found to be well written. Personally I thought it was a bit obvious about half way through who the "bad guy" was but the details and the "why" didn't fully make sense until the end. There is a lot going on in this book and the reader really has to pay attention to fully grasp the story lines and different characters. I bet I could read it again and find things I missed the first time around! All that to say this is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend to those who enjoy a little mystery set during the Regency time period in England!

Four Stars. 

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

I Think I Was Murdered Review

About the Book

 A grieving young widow. The AI program that allows her to continue to "talk" to him. And a message she never expected: "I think I was murdered."

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted and, as the company's legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason's email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has "talked" to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn't really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it's slowing her grief recovery, but she can't stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don't know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed. (Goodreads)

PRE-ORDER HERE

My Thoughts

The title of this book captured my attention and when I saw the authors I knew this was a book I had to read! This is a story that I have thought about often after reading because it is so unique and also terrifying what is possible in our world today! As typical murder mysteries go there is a tragedy BUT the twist- no one thinks it is murder until technology says otherwise. As a reader I was totally fascinated with how this could work and how the AI program (made up of course) worked in figuring out the truth of what happened. I have never thought about technology in this way and I think the the authors did a great job at creating this chatbot. This was a thinking outside of the box plot line and it held my attention until the end. The characters I didn't fully connect with and honestly I didn't love Katrina but the full story as a whole I really enjoyed. I recommend if you are looking for a unique mystery read!

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."

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

 

Amid political and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill steps up to run for
Congress after an incumbent's sudden death. Battling against Peter Kane, who aims
to erase religion from policy, David's fight becomes a beacon of hope and optimism
for people seeking moral leadership in a divided world.

 

Buy tickets today to see God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust in theaters starting
September 12th!

 

Watch the interview with female lead, Samaire Armstrong.

 

 

 

The film is engaging with a captivating story and has a renowned cast that keeps the
whole family entertained allowing families and friends to discuss how to engage in
this current political climate with courage. Most importantly, this film that demonstrates Christians should be optimistic, excited, and hopeful about the future.

 

 The film stars David A. R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD, Evening Shade), Isaiah Washing-
ton (Grey’s Anatomy) Dean Cain (Lois & Clark), Samaire Armstrong, (The O.C.), Ray
Wise (ROBO COP), Scott Baio (Happy Days), Charlene Tilton (Dallas), with guest appearances by Governor Mike Huckabee and Newsboys.

 

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon gift card

This is limited to US winners only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts

I have watched the other God's Not Dead movies and enjoyed them. This one is all about politics and for some that might make you think "oh no I don't want to watch a movie about such things". BUT I encourage you to see it! It went a different direction I wasn't expecting and I thought the acting good and the final and main point was made clear. It held my interest the entire time and I am not someone who is really into anything political aside from reading, listening, and voting. Regardless of opinion I would watch this movie with an open mind. It doesn't claim to portray a specific political person and it is mainly making a statement that your vote matters. Apparently 40 million Christians don't vote and 15 million aren't even registered to vote. That is astonishing to me. I know people who don't vote because they don't think it matters (the film even has a scene portraying this) but reality is that if so many people "don't think it matters" it turns into millions of people not voting! THAT does have an impact!

I enjoyed the movie and I found it worth the watch!

#InGodWeTrustMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Provide a Much-Needed Escape

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Provide a Much Needed Escape!

Well I would say most all fiction is an escape of some sort. These are some books that I thought about off the top of my head that felt like a good escape into another place. 

 

This story is set in a delightful small town that I wouldn't mind living in.

I loved the fall vibes and humor from this story. I also just enjoyed being taken to another town that has a hockey team. Very fun!

I am not a "sea" person but this book is a delightful journey that takes you to the English seaside.

This story is SO different from what I typically read and it was good to be in a totally different fantasy world.

Prince Edward Island---need I say more?!

This is a cozy creepy escape that would be perfect to read on a rainy or chilly fall day.

I have read this book multiple times and it makes me smile every single time.

This whole series is a fun escape to Scotland.

1750s frontier adventure and it is a perfect fall read!

A chilly suspense kind of escape.

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.