"THE PRINCE AND THE PRODIGAL" BY JILL EILEEN SMITH

"The Prince and the Prodigal" by Jill Eileen Smith

Book Blurb:

Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture--a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

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My Thoughts:

This author is new to me and so is the biblical fiction genre. This book brings the biblical stories of the prodigal son and of Joseph and Judah (sons of Jacob) to life! I highly recommend reading those stories in the bible just before reading this book to gain better understanding of them. 

After reading its beginning pages, this book seems written in a way that is easy to understand and captures the imagery of biblical times. I look forward to reading this book in full with friends in my book club and discussing how it compares to scripture, after which I will update this review.

Note: I received a free advance review copy of this book from its publisher, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR" BY JENNIFER DEIBEL

 

"The Lady of Galway Manor" by Jennifer Deibel

Book Blurb:

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the "lies" the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

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My Thoughts:

Although this isn't a genre I typically gravitate toward (historical romance fiction), I really enjoyed this book! Without spoiling anything, this is a beautifully told story of conflict, heartache, love, and redemption. I loved the Ireland setting, Anna's views of the world around her, and the growing relationships between Anna, Seamus, and Stephen. The characters are well developed and easy to become invested in. Seamus is definitely my favorite character—I’d love to have him as a father-in-law! I'm now interested in reading more books by this author.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from its publisher, for which I am extremely grateful, and these are my honest thoughts.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Credits: The book blurb and cover photo seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"A LADY IN ATTENDANCE" BY RACHEL FORDHAM

"A Lady in Attendance" by Rachel Fordham

🔍Book Blurb:

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

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🔍My Thoughts:

There is a quote at the beginning of this book by C. S. Lewis that says, "To love at all is to be vulnerable." This is so true. I have only read the first three chapters of this book so far and I can already tell this is going to be a touching story of friendship, vulnerability, love, and redemption. Rachel has clearly made some mistakes in her past that she regrets wholeheartedly, and while she has learned many lessons and has become such a good person, she fears being judged by the person she used to be. This is very relatable. I'm enjoying the writing style in this book and look forward to reading more about Rachel's story.

Thank you so much @RevellBooks for my gifted copy and allowing me to be a part of this book’s launch team!

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The cover photo and book blurb seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"ALONG A STORIED TRAIL" BY ANN H. GABHART

  

"Along a Storied Trail" by Ann H. Gabhart

🔍Book Blurb:

Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn’t mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it–or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she’s nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it’s easier to see what’s best for others than to see what’s best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

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🔍My Thoughts:

Set in the Appalachian mountains during the 1930s, with a librarian main character who delivers books to her rural community on horseback… I’m in! This is the first time I've heard of packhorse librarians and I now want to learn as much as I can about them.

Released this month (June, 2021), “Along a Storied Trail” by Ann H. Gabhart sounds like such an interesting book that I really look forward to reading!

Thank you so much @AnnHGabhart and @RevellBooks for my gifted copy and allowing me to be a part of this book’s launch team!

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The book blurb seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE INDEBTED EARL" BY ERICA VETSCH

"The Indebted Earl" by Erica Vetsch

Book Blurb:

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiancé and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love!

My Honest Toughts:

I am so grateful to be a part of the release tour for The Indebted Earl by @ericavetsch, thanks to @justreadtours and @audrajennings, from whom I received complimentary copies of this book.

This is the third and final book of the Serendipity and Secrets historical/regency fiction series. Although I personally recommend reading this series in order, The Indebted Earl can also be read as a stand-alone.

This book features Lady Sophia Haverly (the younger sister of Marcus Haverly from The Gentleman Spy) and Captain Charles Wyvern, and their marriage of convenience that gradually buds genuine feelings for one another.  These characters are very likable and well-matched, and I enjoyed reading their stories. I also really love the way faith is weaved into this book. The Indebted Earl is very well written and an excellent conclusion to its series!

Giveaway #1:

Erica Vetsch is celebrating the release of The Indebted Earl by giving away a Kindle Fire HD8. You can enter to win this giveaway here: https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html.

Giveaway #2:

1 winner will receive a print copy of both #TheLostLieutenant & #TheGentlemanSpy, as well as an original Mockingbird Art and Design Pemberley Drawing. You can enter to win this giveaway here: at https://justreadtours.com/2021/03/31/welcome-to-the-indebted-earl-takeover-tour-giveaway/.

About the Author:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

"THE LOVE NOTE" BY JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

"The Love Note" by Joanna Davidson Politano

🔍Book Blurb:

Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words. 

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight.

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🔍My Thoughts:

I am currently reading this book, which was highly recommended to me by a close friend. This is the first book I have ever read by Joanna Davidson Politano, and so far, I am really impressed with her writing.

With a setting of 1865 England, this book starts out with an aristocratic party scene, in which the main character, Willa Duvall is receiving her fourth unwanted marriage proposal. She is now at the age and in the time where women are expected to become primarily housewives, and having come from a wealthy and prestigious family, Willa is expected to marry an arranged suitor of similar status, however she has other hopes and dreams for her life that no one seems to acknowledge or understand. Willa has a heart for the broken and desperately needy and saving lives, working alongside her beloved father, the doctor. I love this about Willa, that she cares more about serving the less fortunate than her financial or societal status.

I very much look forward to reading more of this story and will update this post when I finish this book.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Credits: The book blurb and cover seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE RED RIBBON" BY PEPPER BASHAM

"The Red Ribbon" by Pepper Basham

I am so grateful to Barbour Publishing, @justreadtours, and NetGalley for sending me free physical and digital copies of “The Red Ribbon” by @PepperBasham to read and help promote! It has made me very happy to be a part of the launch team for this true crime mystery novel! 😊

Published October 1st, 2020, this is the eighth book in the amazing "True Color" Series -- a collection of historical stories that can each be read as a standalone, with themes of romance and true American crime.

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🔍 Book Blurb:

An Appalachian feud blows up in 1912...

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history.

Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned.

The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

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I very much look forward to reading this book, and will update this blog with my review when I do. 😊

"THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL" BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

"The House on Foster Hill" by Jaime Jo Wright

Synopsis:

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

My Review:

Wow! The House on Foster Hill is my favorite kind of escape! This is, without a doubt, one of the best mystery/suspense books I’ve ever read, largely due to the author's amazing writing style. This story is quite gripping from beginning to end, and one that will undoubtedly stay in my thoughts for some time. I really enjoyed its dual-time mysteries, interesting characters, and overall eerie atmosphere. Also, this book's cover is gorgeous and fits its story perfectly!

“Death had a way of creeping up on a soul, and Ivy Thorpe was determined that when it visited her, she would not be surprised…”

My heart really went out to Ivy — the main character in 1906 — with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, feeling so alone in and misunderstood by the world around her, and being stalked and preyed upon by a mysterious and evil man. Kaine — the main character in present day — is dealing with the same types of experiences. I love the ways in which these two women are connected over time, and how they both evolve throughout their stories.

The only problem I had with this book is that I have a difficult time reading about anything having to do with human sex trafficking and/or rape, which is in this book, however, I really appreciate that this is minimal with no real detail given of these criminal acts. Overall, the crime in this book is creepy, but clean.

As what I believe is Jaime Jo Wright’s debut novel, The House on Foster Hill proves she is a masterful storyteller, and I will gladly read any book she ever writes!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.75 stars (rounding up to 5 stars)

Note: I gratefully received a free digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Other Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE KEY TO EVERYTHING" BY VALERIE FRASER LUESSE

"The Key to Everything" by by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Synopsis:

"After WWII and a family tragedy, Peyton Cabot seeks connection with his troubled veteran father by retracing the trip he'd taken from Savannah to Key West at the same age. The adventure forces Peyton to come to terms with his identity and decide how much he's willing to risk for the girl he loves."

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this book so much more than I thought I would!

It is set in Georgia and Florida in the 1940s, with some backstories earlier than that. It follows the very wealthy Cabot family--“one of the richest clans in Georgia”-- in which most of its members are greedy, selfish, pretentious, and treat those outside of their family like total dirt.

The main character, a 15-year-old boy named Peyton Cabot, along with his parents and grandfather, are not at all like the rest of the Cabot family--they believe in working hard for an income, not having everything handed to you, and dedicate much of their lives to helping the needy.

These differences in personalities cause conflict in the family. I especially enjoyed the scenes where certain characters are put in their place for their unkind words and actions.

The story mostly follows Peyton. This is a wonderful young boy that I really loved getting to know, seeing how he handles different life situations, and following his adventurous travels from Georgia to the Key West, where he met some really fascinating and lovable characters along the way. Peyton's great Aunt Gert (not a Cabot) turned out to be one of my favorite characters in this book.

Overall, this is a beautiful story that I can see myself revisiting again in the future.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Note: I received a copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com, and the synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.com.

"THE GENTLEMAN SPY" BY ERICA VETSCH

 

"The Gentleman Spy" by Erica Vetsch

Synopsis:

"He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?"

My Review:

Not far into this book I realized how wonderful it is. Erica Vetsch is a brilliant storyteller that combines history, romance, and mystery beautifully. "The Gentleman Spy" is an enjoyable read set in Regency England, with quite intriguing characters. This book has gained a permanent place on my shelf and I look forward to revisiting it very soon.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from "Read with Audra" and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts, for which I am very grateful.

Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

To enter to win the special giveaway for this book (and extras) seen in the above photo, click here.

"THE LOST LIEUTENANT" BY ERICA VETCH

"The Lost Lieutenant" by Erica Vetsch

Synopsis:

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?
Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

My Review:

I've been quite sick recently and really enjoyed spending these last few days cozied up in bed reading this book. Wonderfully written and a great escape from reality, "The Lost Lieutenant" has a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, historical details, and romance, and I love the way faith has been woven throughout this story. This book is a definite keeper and one I will likely read again in the future.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.

To enter to win the special giveaway in the image seen above, click here.

THE "CANADIAN WEST" SERIES BY JANETTE OKE

The "Canadian West" series by Janette Oke

Synopsis of Book #1, "When Calls the Heart":

"Nothing in her cultured East Coast upbringing prepared Elizabeth for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. Yet, despite the constant hardships, she loves the children in her care. Determined to do the best job she can and fighting to survive the harsh land, Elizabeth is surprised to find her heart softening towards a certain member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading the entire "Canadian West" series by Janette Oke, which I read for the first time in 2019 and will definitely read again in the future—at which time I will add more of my thoughts on this series to my blog. For now I will say that this has become one of my favorite book series, and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy western historical fiction with a bit of romance.

The series order:
1. When Calls the Heart
2. When Comes the Spring
3. When Breaks the Dawn
4. When Hope Springs New
5. Beyond the Gathering Storm
6. When Tomorrow Comes

Note: As a devoted fan of the "When Calls the Heart" television series on the Hallmark channel, I must say that other than having one or two of the same names for characters, and being set the same time period in Canada, this book series shares very few similarities with Hallmark's series.

My ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Credits: The cover image and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"AGAINST THE TIDE" BY ELIZABETH CAMDEN

"Against the Tide" by Elizabeth Camden

Synopsis:

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

My Review:

As a beautiful work of historical Christian fiction, I consider Elizabeth Camden’s “Against the Tide” to be a great read for all—not just for Christian readers. This book is very well written with fascinating characters and an excellent blend of mystery, suspense, adventure, romance, and redemption.

The development of each character in this book is very well paced. Camden keeps you guessing as the history and motives of each character are slowly unveiled with brilliant timing. Most of the characters have visible flaws, which I really appreciate because this makes them much more realistic, more human.

Bane in particular is such a complex, mysterious, and intriguing character! The Bane you see in the beginning, middle, and end of this story, are all very different. This character is constantly evolving throughout this book and my opinion of him changed drastically from beginning to end, which I love. I believe he has more depth than any other character in this book.

There is also a character that is so inherently evil that reading about him/her made my skin crawl, however this character has an outward appearance to most of a well-educated and highly intelligent individual with a kind disposition, which makes this person even more creepy—a definite wolf in sheep’s clothing. I won’t spoil who this character is, but I will say that this person adds a lot of shock and suspense to this story!

The plot of “Against the Tide” is centered around an opium (a narcotic drug) addiction problem in the U.S. that had led to extreme crime and severe suffering in the late-1800s, and from what I could tell this book is historically accurate. The author really did her research. I found this story especially interesting because the U.S. is facing a very similar problem today with opium addictions.

Outside of some necessary terrors that keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat, this book is clean with no cursing or sexual situations in it, which I really admire the author for. I'm also impressed with how the author blended faith into this story without being overbearing or "preachy," making this book appealing to both believers and nonbelievers.

I finished this book not wanting it to end, and I will undoubtedly be reading it again multiple times in the future.

“Against the Tide” is a very enjoyable and exciting read that I highly recommend.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This book has one of my favorite book covers! You can find my Goodreads review of "Against the Tide" with my book highlights here. 

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Elizabeth Camden and her books, check out her website, ElizabethCamden.com.