Review of Blind Trust by Natalie Walters

About the Book ~

She's risking her life. He's risking his heart. It's unclear which is more dangerous.

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for being impulsive, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

For more information about Natalie Walters and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

Love is potentially (maybe? definitely!) a dangerous thing! Throw in some crazy bad guys, conspiracy theories, and an extra dose of snark, and you'll get Blind Trust by Natalie Walters!

Blind Trust was a fun ride! I enjoyed the suspense, the pacing, and even some twists I didn't see coming. A particularly suspenseful scene had me looking over my shoulder and jumping while reading! But most importantly, I had a great time with these characters! The SNAP team was so fun, and I loved their comradery and all the snarky comments. While there was some frustration towards Nic and Lyla at points, it was a good balance of tension. The way they moved from mutually frustrating to working through their issues to the va-va-vooms made for a satisfying story. Also, the rage room equaled epicness!

Speaking of working through their issues, I really liked how the author concluded Nic and Lyla's trust issues in Blind Trust! My heart ached for Lyla's hurt and fear that her value was fleeting, but I especially enjoyed how Nic's spiritual journey required him to own the different ways he was wounding Lyla due to his fear. The author's unique approach to their trust issues not only brought Lyla and Nic closer together but also to a place of loving people for who God created them to be instead of changing them or pushing them away. 

Four Stars ~ Blind Trust by Natalie Walters was a satisfying conclusion! Blind Trust could be read as a standalone, but the character dynamics will pack more punch if you've read the previous books. Blind Trust is the final book in the author's The SNAP Agency series, and I'm sad to see it end -- but hopeful for future books! 

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 The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart

 

About the Book ~

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

For more information about Kelli Stuart and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you enjoy dual-time stories, mysteries, and a treasure hunt to boot, then The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart is the book to check all those boxes!

The Master Craftsman is a captivating hunt for an unknown Fabergé Egg! I loved this premise, and the treasure hunt itself was my favorite part of the story! It gave me a lot of Uncharted/Nathan Drake (the video game) vibes. Additionally, I'm fascinated by Russian history, so the immersive quality of the historical storyline as well as all the gleaned history in the modern storyline immediately drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages. The author also incorporated a plot twist full of betrayal and a whole lot of danger at just the right moment. 

While I didn't connect with the characters in a soulmate way, I did enjoy their journeys. However, there is ongoing mention of an affair in an almost justifiable way that could be potentially triggering. Though bittersweet at times, The Master Craftsman subtly points to our inherent value being given by the ultimate Master Craftsman as well as love being the greatest treasure of all.

Three Stars ~ The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart is a treasure of a story! The Master Craftsman is a standalone, but 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 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 A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

 

About the Book ~

A Virginia chocolatier and a privateering sea captain collide once more after a failed love affair a decade before. Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart? Or will a new shared vision reunite them?

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story.

For more information about Laura Frantz and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a lovely voyage through the Tidewater of colonial Virginia! 

The vivacious setting of A Heart Adrift was truly a star in and of itself in this historical tale! From the immersive descriptions to charming locations such as a chocolate shop, a lighthouse, and even the deck of a mighty sea vessel, the beauty and vividness of the era shines. However, the pacing moved a little slower. While Esmee and Henri didn't end up being soulmate characters for my bookish heart, I loved how the author crafted Esmee's character, specifically that she didn't conform to gender norms and restrictions of the time. 

Esmee and Henri's long and tumultuous relationship certainly faced some ups and down before they were both ready for marriage. Ultimately, they needed to put each other first before they were able to embark on matrimony. Additionally, their respective relationships with God as well as those around them were put to the test as they and their immediate community navigated various trials. It's an apt portrayal of the painful struggle and the misguided reasonings used to make sense of God and the world when your reality has shattered around you, but one that encourages readers to draw closer to God.

Three Stars ~ A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a lovely and romantic voyage through history! A Heart Adrift is a standalone, but 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 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 Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

 

About the Book ~

Facing death takes courage. Facing life takes even more.

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Though he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship due to his paralysis, Harrison cares deeply for Ellen and is desperately trying to save her life by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease--the same substance Ellen suspects is responsible for the deaths of her father and sister.

But Harrison is not the only one seeking the holy water. Dangerous criminals are mere steps behind, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to locate it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in this second breathtaking Waters of Time story.

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund is everything I could have hoped for in the next installment of the Waters of Time story! Never Leave Me is truly the clean time-traveling romance I've been waiting for, and I NEED MORE! PLEASE DON'T END THE SERIES YET!!!!

Never Leave Me was so, so good! The author gave just enough backstory that cleared up the fuzzy details I'd forgotten without recapping the entire first book, thus sparing me great annoyance! The pacing moved along a satisfying rate as Harrison and Ellen navigated a slew of unique problems, past and present. Additionally, the past and present settings were equally vibrant and captivating, filled with reunions, daring escapades, and romantic destinations. 

Truly, Never Leave Me was a breathtaking story of letting go of fear and embracing life and love! Harrison and Ellen were both afraid of living life. For Ellen, her illness made her not only afraid to love others and thus needing to protect her heart but also reckless with her own physical safety. For Harrison, his paralysis provided a convenient barrier to hide behind, and the excuses to avoid being brave and vulnerable in love continued after his healing. The heart-tugging events that tried and pushed them to open themselves to love captivated me on an emotional level!

Five Stars ~ Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund is a spellbinding sequel to the Waters of Time story! While Never Leave Me fully completes the Waters of Time story as a duology, I'm not ready to conclude this series. I am desperately hoping for another book!

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 Lights Out by Natalie Walters

 

About the Book ~

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

For more information about Natalie Walters and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a romantic suspense that will have you huddled around a lamp as you read late into the night, then check out Lights Out by Natalie Walters!

Lights Out is a fun, fast-paced read!  I really liked how the author paced the action and information to keep you guessing. Additionally, I liked how the author included short chapters not only from the villains but also from the pawns in their nefarious scheme. While private agencies such as SNAP have been explored in the genre before this, I liked the author's unique spin and the comradery of the team. Additionally, this was a really interesting approach to cyber terrorism.

Brynn and Jack's complicated history left them with a lot of trust issues. While Jack had to work through the fear of trusting Brynn and opening himself up to pain again, Brynn's trust issues ran deeper. The way terrorism had devastated her family had resulted in a life poured into service without any relationships to fight for...a lonely life with root causes that she had to confront. Ultimately, Brynn's heart-tugging spiritual journey took her to a place of complete trust and surrender in God no matter the storm.  

Four Stars ~ Lights Out by Natalie Walters is a thrilling romantic suspense! Lights Out is the first book in the author's new SNAP Agency Series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

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 Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris

About the Book ~

With her vision and his know-how, this thing just might work . . .

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, but he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

In order to avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's building, Jon will have to strike a compromise. Can the two of them work together? Or will their troubled past set the tone for their future?

For more information about Tari Faris and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris is the kind of book I love to curl up with, disappear in, and make into my fictional home!

The Restoring Heritage Series comes full circle in Since You've Been Gone, and I loved every minute of it! Leah returns to Heritage to battle Jon for the WIFI, but Madison also returns! And WOW! The way the author brought the story back to the beginning but also brought love and redemption to these ladies was deeply moving to me. Leah and Jon's romance was touched with some unrequited love AND some love-to-hate vibes, which made it great fun. Colby and Madison's romance brought an incredible redemption arch to Madison's character as well as making my heart happy with their music-laced romance. Additionally, the town of Heritage is just one I want to move to and call my own.

I loved the spiritual themes in Since You've Been Gone! Powerful themes like not compromising on the dreams and direction God has given to you, breaking down the walls we build around our hearts, and not letting the fear of failure hold us back while still recognizing that we will fail and love knows that and continues to love in spite of that. These themes were so beautifully woven into Jon, Leah, Colby, and Madison's stories, and I cheered for their victories until the sweet end!

Five Stars ~ Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series! Since You've Been Gone is the final book in the author's Restoring Heritage Series. While it can be read by itself, I recommend reading the series in order for the character development.

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 Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

 

About the Book ~

Present Day. Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home, determined to finally follow her dream of running the family business alongside her mother and grandmother. So when her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that Old Depot Grocery is closing, Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a plan to save the store. But Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons--but she'll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she's pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve her family's reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-time story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth.

For more information about Amanda Cox and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox will sweep readers into a family drama that is layered with intricate secrets!

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery will charm readers with its small, quaint town as simpler days beckon! Truly, even the steadfast Old Depot Grocery proves to be its own character in this story. Even though the characters were not at a soulmate level for me, I did appreciate how the author dug into family dynamics that often influence many, particularly siblings. While I did not connect with some of the plot points and twists, this is definitely a story that should be high on the TBR list for those who love complex family drama!

It's a good guess that the spiritual thread of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery revolves around secrets with a title like that. However, that's only the beginning! The cost of secrets, the long-term effects of secrets, and assumptions heavily influenced by secrets are all examined very thoughtfully by the author. This thoughtful exploration paves the way for the freeing and healing power of truth to shine in the lives of the characters.

Three Stars ~ The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox is an intriguing look into family dynamics. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a standalone, but this is the author's second novel.

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!