Review of Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman

About the Book ~ 

Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother's untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings--quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.

Ten years later, Martha's friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she's not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

For more information about Heather Kaufman and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is a timeless tale that is reflective of the joy, sorrow, and abundant life found in Jesus!

Up from Dust took a unique look at Martha, Lazarus, and Mary's potential lives! Instead of trying to replay the events seen in the Bible in a fictional narrative, the author explored Martha's story from places of curiosity, imagination, and wonder. I enjoyed this approach and the creativity it brought into a well-known story.

There were a lot of powerful moments in Up from Dust! I loved how Martha spoke truth to Lazarus -- and then Lazarus listened to her, allowing her words to act as iron sharpening iron. I loved how Mary was not perfect, and I especially loved when Martha realized that Mary felt unsafe around some of the men because she was viewed as either a threat or something to possess by those men. Most of all, I loved how the pure love of Jesus burst with life from the moment Jesus first smiled at Martha!

Up from Dust was not without its sorrow, death, and the honest portrayal of the brutal realities of the culture. There was hard stuff, and Martha was shaped by those experiences even as she tried to love those around her. The authenticity to the human experience made the freedom, love, and courage to hope all the more poignant as Martha was changed by Jesus' love! 

Four Stars ~ Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is a deeply resonating story! Up from Dust Martha's Story is the first book in the author's Women of the Way series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here! 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid reader. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable children. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~ 

As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. After an enemy attack strikes close to home, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan refuses to leave him behind.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

United during their journeys and battling to survive the dangers that surround them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As challenges pile up, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but also learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a story that brings the eras of the Bible to life, then Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette will grab you with high-stakes battles, tender romance, and governmental strife from the first page!

Voice of the Ancient captured me with a nuanced look as Israel embarked on becoming the nation they wanted to be, a nation divided with contentious opinions and a new, flawed king who didn't always seek God's will for the kingdom. It was good to see the good, bad, and messy middle portrayed. Also, I'm a huge sucker for any sort of on-the-run storyline! The teamwork and urgency driving Avidan and Keziah made for excellent pacing, but it also meant that I read the last page way too soon!

I loved Keziah and Avidan's spiritual journeys! Keziah's journey to God was so beautiful, layered with tenderness and gentle love as she discovered God's heart for her. I especially appreciated how she wasn't judged and confronted about her idols, but she got to see the character of God reflected around her and interceding directly on her behalf. It was soft and steady, and it felt so genuine. My favorite part of Avidan's journey was how he came to accept that God did not make him a warrior, and then his subsequent realization that God had made him a storyteller and that was an act of worship. This message was so special to watch unfold via the power of story! 

Five stars ~ Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette is an evocative journey into Biblical times! Voice of the Ancient is the first book in the author's new series, The King's Men. I can't wait to read the next book! In the meantime, the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~ 

Finding a Way to Freedom Might Cost Them Everything.

Lukio has spent the past decade as a famous Philistine fighter, achieving every material goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. He's also spent the time burying painful memories of betrayal that he associates with the Levite family that guards the Ark of the Covenant and once adopted him. Now, just as the champion of Ashdod is set to claim the biggest prize of all--the daughter of the king--his past collides with his present.

After a heartbreaking end to her friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought she'd never again see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to recognize the brutal fighter known as Demon Eyes.

When their renewed connection threatens to expose Shoshana's dangerous secrets, Lukio must decide how far he'll go to face his past and keep her protected.

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Question: what should live between the shelves of a bookcase dedicated to tomes that will be cherished until the end of time? Answer: Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette!

Between the Wild Branches was everything I hoped to discover AND MORE! Lukio and Shoshana's harrowing, romantic, and breathtaking tale is one that could live through generations as a legend rather than a work of fiction! Yes, it was and is THAT good. The Philistine setting for the majority of the story was evocative, adding to the high stakes, as well as a really refreshing and intriguing change to the traditional settings found in Biblical fiction. I was utterly impressed at how well developed the characters were, from main characters to side characters and children. The intricacies of the plot and how divinely those plot points connected left me feeling like I was reading a faith account from the Bible. Additionally -- and definitely one of my favorite aspects of this story! -- the slow yet intense burn to this second-chance romance made Lukio and Shoshana's happy ending that much more satisfying!

I cried a lot while reading Between the Wild Branches...there were so many tears! Woven throughout this incredible story was a prominent and beautiful message about God's love for His children. Regardless of a rebellious past or a steadfast walk, Between the Wild Branches will grasp hearts with the its root truth that we are a child of God because we've been adopted into God's family. His Abba Father heart for family and adoption -- literally and spiritually -- will challenge, change, and convict readers.

Five Stars ~ Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette is a thrilling, breathtaking, romantic, and deeply moving adventure set in Biblical times! Between the Wild Branches is the second and final book of the Covenant House Series. While it could be read as a standalone, some plot points and the rich character development would be better appreciated if the first book is read prior to reading Between the Wild Branches.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

About the Book ~  

She has prayed for deliverance from Egypt.

But perhaps the greatest liberation happens within the heart.

From the very beginning, Miriam has lived in her younger brother's shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family's secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation.

In her mind, she knows that she is serving both her God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privileges Moses has--to talk with God face-to-face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic novel to fill in the gaps in Miriam's story, following her from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises He provides--in His own perfect timing.

For more information about Jill Eileen Smith and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

If you've been craving a story driven, fictional account of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and the lives of Aaron, Moses and Miriam, then check out Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith!

The story covers Miriam's life from the time she is five years old to her death. While she is the central character, other points of view are also included in the story. The end result was the story of Moses largely told through the eyes of those around him. I appreciated the author's desire to be true to the Biblical account in this fictional account. However, the time jumps made it difficult for me to be enveloped by the story.

While the characters weren't soul mates for my bookish heart, I also appreciated how the author tried to give us flawed characters because many of these characters are based on real, flawed people. This takes our heroes of faith off of a pedestal of perfection that they were never meant to occupy, helping to shift focus off of religious law and onto our relationship with God. This is illustrated throughout the story in subtle but impactful ways.

Three Stars ~ Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith is an imaginative look at the lives of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. Miriam's Song is a standalone story, but the author has a backlist of other titles for readers to peruse.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of To Dwell among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~

As they fight for the soul of Israel, will they find healing for their own?

Eight years ago, after the Philistines surrendered the stolen Ark of the Covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora and her brother left their Philistine homeland to follow it to the community of Kiryat-Yearim. Though they both were lovingly enfolded into a Levite family that guards the Ark, Eliora can't stop feeling like she doesn't belong.

Meanwhile, a faction of discontent Hebrews finds Kiryat-Yearim to be an unfit resting place and believes that the sacred vessel should be in the hands of the priests who mean to restore the Holy of Holies in a new location. Under the guise of gathering Hebrews to worship together for the festivals, Levite musician Ronen has been sent by his uncle to find where the Ark has been hidden and steal it back. But Ronen never expected that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he's tasked to deceive.

Ronen's attempts to charm Eliora into revealing the location of the Ark lead them in unexpected directions, as they must battle betrayal and fear to help establish Israel's leadership for a better future.

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

My feelings on To Dwell among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette can be summed up with a verse:

"It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out." Proverbs 25:2

In reading To Dwell among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette, I felt like I was not only privy to the glory that had been searched out for this fascinating blend of fact and fiction but also felt like a king as I searched through the pages of this exemplary journey for myself! Truly wonderful! 

First, let's talk about the stunning setting in To Dwell among Cedars! Not only was it lush and descriptive with nods to earlier eras, the author opened up this particular era of the Bible in ways I had never experienced! I could see the conflict, doubts, factures within the nation of Israel. I could feel the religious, political, and spiritual struggles -- everything that had led the nation to this point. I felt like a scholar as I learned through this fictional tale. I was so deeply immersed!

However good the setting, the characters and their respective yet intermingling spiritual journeys are what shined the brightest in To Dwell among Cedars! Eliora and Ronen's struggles and triumphs are so deeply, heart-wrenchingly relatable that I felt personal freedom through their story. The adoptive covenant with God was so beautifully reflected that I felt renewed in my spirit as a cherished child of God. And their love story -- though rift with betrayal and pain -- was a testament to God's forgiveness, grace, and redemption! I don't have enough words to describe how amazing this was! 

Five Stars ~ To Dwell among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette is an exemplary story in the Biblical Fiction genre! To Dwell among Cedars is the first book of the Covenant House Series. I can't wait to read the next book of this duology, Between the Wild Branches!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached -- strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyan to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is a wholly, completely, and inexpressibly satisfying conclusion to an equally satisfying series! Oh, how I adored this story!

One of my favorite parts of Like Flames in the Night is the way it continues Moriyah's story and her legacy in a way I didn't know I needed until I started reading Tirzah and Liyam's story! Moriyah (Tirzah's mother) was first introduced to readers in Wings of the Wind, and the continuation of this connection from Wings of the Wind and Moriyah's story in A Light on the Hill in Tirzah's story in Like Flames in the Night is so skillful and beautiful! Additionally, Tirzah becomes a spy like her father and brothers! And goodness, this was epic! Like Flames in the Night is an empowering story on every level, but perhaps my favorite part of this story is how Like Flames in the Night will empower women in such a Godly way!

The author has the ability to bring the Bible to life in a unique way, and Tirzah and Liyam's undercover efforts to stir the hearts of their people can't help but have the same effect on their readers! In the midst of a era and conflict I could almost see when I opened my eyes, my heart connected to the characters in a profound way. From Tirzah's need to prove herself worthy and finally finding rest in God's promises to Liyam's heart wrenching journey and acceptance of both justice and mercy, my heart was wrecked and rebuilt in the best possible way!

Five Stars ~ Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is -- simply put -- amazing! While you can certainly read Like Flames in the Night with little to zero confusion, this is the fourth book in the Cities of Refuge Series. The historical and family dynamics will be clearer and sooo much more fulfilling if you read the previous books in the Cities of Refuge Series and Wings of the Wind from the author's Out from Egypt Series.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr

About the Book ~

Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem, a prophecy sets a young magus on his path...

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.

For more information about Patrick W. Carr and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr is the PERFECT book to read this Christmas season if you're looking for a story that literally doesn't mention mistletoe even once! LOL! So what will you get in The End of the Magi? A perilous journey made by an imperfect, broken man and his unlikely companions as they search for the Most Holy One!

I've been a fan of Patrick W. Carr's fantasy stories for awhile, but when I discovered that he'd written a Biblical Fiction novel (a genre I adore), I was ecstatic! I'm pleased to report that the elements I loved about the author's previous novels fluidly translated into this Biblical Fiction tale. Through Myrad's journey, the author was able to tell a story we know so well in a way that feels like we were experiencing it for the first time as Myrad experienced it for the first time. The wonder and majesty just leapt from the pages!

There were three distinct parts to The End of the Magi: Daniel's prophecy; Myrad's trek and discovery of baby Jesus; Myrad and company's presence at Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, His death, His resurrection, His ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. While Myrad's trek and discovery of baby Jesus is the bulk of the story, the other parts are impactful and flow smoothly with the main storyline. I also loved learning more about the magi as well as the additional layers of political strife that wreaked havoc on Myrad's journey!

The End of the Magi is a beautiful story that shows how God likes to use the most unlikely people to accomplish His glorious means! Myrad struggled with being different and handicap, causing him to seek God's will for him in a way that will both encourage and convict. His growing faith will nudge, redirect, and reignite readers with a passion to pursue God in their own perilous journeys through life!

Four Stars ~ The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr is a wonderful story to read this Christmas season (or even for a little Christmas in July!)! As far as I'm aware, The End of the Magi is a standalone, but the author has a backlist of stories for new readers to discover!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!