Review of Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson

 

About the Book ~

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

For more information about Melanie Dickerson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is the Ugly Duckling retelling your bookish heart has been longing to discover! 

In Castle of Refuge, the author pulls you into the setting and era, writing about it with such ease that one has to wonder if the author travels to the Medieval Era on a regular basis... Alas and alack, the only way I can travel to the Medieval Era is through wonderful books such as Castle of Refuge. Additionally, the writing style is smooth, flowing without a plethora of unfamiliar phrases and words that have bemused my contemporary sensibilities from time to time.

Through Edwin and Audrey's scars -- both literally and figuratively -- the author explores themes like being "ugly" on the outside versus on the inside, living an unforgettable life of value, and what it means to love and be loved. While Edwin and Audrey certainly experience a number of harrowing experiences, the gentle exploration of these spiritual themes is like a soothing balm -- beautifully portraying exactly what God's love and truths do for a battered heart! 

Four Stars ~ Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is a lovely and romantic Ugly Duckling retelling that will soothe your heart! Castle of Refuge is the second book in the author's Dericott Tales, but it can be read as a standalone.

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 Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan

About the Book ~

Hamish DeLuca and Regina "Reggie" Van Buren have a new case -- and this one could demand a price they're not willing to pay.

Determined to make a life for herself, Reggie Van Buren bid goodbye to fine china and the man her parents expected her to marry and escaped to Boston. What she never expected to discover was that an unknown talent for sleuthing would develop into a business partnership with the handsome, yet shy, Hamish DeLuca.

Their latest case arrives when Errol Parker, the leading base stealer in the Boston farm leagues, hires Hamish and Reggie to investigate what the Boston police shove off as a series of harmless pranks. Errol believes these are hate crimes linked to the outbreak of war in Europe, and he's afraid for his life. Hamish and Reggie quickly find themselves in the midst of an escalating series of crimes.

When Hamish has his carefully constructed life disrupted by a figure from his past, he is driven to a decision that may sever him from Reggie forever...even more than her engagement to wealthy architect Vaughan Vanderlaan.

For more information about Rachel McMillan and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan is an enthralling conclusion for the dynamic duo of Van Buren and DeLuca!

The author has certainly proven that she can write a cozy mystery coupled with a sweeping romance (and a few end-of-the-world kisses!), but I think the author's greatest strength is her attention to the ginormous and minuscule details that transport the reader back in history! The author clearly gave writing style, references, characterization, architecture, and social/political climate careful consideration while crafting this intriguing story! While reading, I felt like I was watching a new installment in The Thin Man franchise that had been lost to a time-traveling vortex unfold in my mind's eye!

Three years have passed since the events in book one, Murder at the Flamingo. While I did wish that there had been another book between these two stories and am still pinning for another book to follow this one, I very much enjoyed the established and angsty relationship between Hamish and Reggie in this volume. Hamish is an endearing character who struggles with an anxiety disorder, and Reggie is the strong, independent, and headstrong heroine. While both Hamish and Reggie make some foolish mistakes with dire consequences as a result of immaturity, this not only made them more relatable but also showed their steps of growth in their journey. Threads of racism, justice, empathy, and forgiveness are woven into their journeys in a lasting way, like a bell that rings of truth for all of Hamish and Reggie's readers!

Three Stars ~ Murder in the City of Liberty is a gripping mystery and romance that sweeps readers to days gone by! Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan is the second Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery, and to prevent confusion, I would recommend reading the first book, Murder at the Flamingo, because there's some crucial information there!

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!

Love and Other Mistakes Blog Tour and Review!

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Love and Other Mistakes 

Author: Jessica Kate  

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: July 30, 2019 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

There’s a fine line between love and hate . . . And for the last seven years, Natalie Groves has hated Jeremy Walters.

Natalie Groves was meant for great things. But soon after her fiancé left, Natalie’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly her grand plans evaporated . . . and God felt very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and an internship presents Natalie a chance at her destiny—but she needs a job to work around it. And the only offer available is worse than a life sentence. Her ex Jeremy, now back in town, is desperate for help with his infant son and troubled teenage niece, Lili. And Natalie may be just the one to help Jeremy . . . provided they don’t kill each other in the process.

When Jeremy and Natalie join forces, sparks fly. But will either of them get burned along the way?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Australian Jessica Kate is a sassy romance author and addict.

Her novels feature wit, snark and grit, and her StoryNerds podcast gives her a chance to nerd out with others about these ingredients in books, movies and TV.

She has a passion for garlic bread, theme parks and Batman.

Sign up to her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com to hear first about her books, including her upcoming novels Love and Other Mistakes and A Girl’s Guide to the Outback.

The StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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REVIEW

My Thoughts ~ 

Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is one of those wonderful stories where you get so much more than you were expecting!

Based on the book blurb, I expected a sizzling romance with lots of tension. I got that, but I also found engaging subplots that could be their own story, family drama, exposed secrets, and profound messages of forgiveness, our worth in God, and the faithful love of God! And all of this was layered with an ongoing M&M addiction and some deliciously sassy remarks!

Right?!! You're hooked now, LOL!

The story is told through Jem, Lili (Jem's teenage niece), and Natalie's perspectives. I loved the authentic way the author portrayed the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the depth and complication Lili's storyline added to the mix! And there was never a dull moment as that tangled web of secrets, drama, and betrayal started to unravel!

I want to note that if cancer or marital affairs are painful to you, these subplots could be triggering. However, I also want to note that the author handled these heartbreaking subjects in a way that realistically shows the the range of emotions that someone personally affected by these things would feel. Through Natalie, Jem, and Lili, the author shows how forgiveness is needed so that you and I can move on from the trauma. The characters also confronted the misconceptions they've developed about God from their own relationships with their fathers, from betrayal to doubting their own worth and ability to achieve anything to feeling like they needed to be perfect.

Five Stars ~ Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate has a lot of surprises and messages of profound truth packed between the pages! Love and Other Mistakes is the author's debut and a standalone. However, the characters for the author's next book -- A Girl's Guide to the Outback -- are introduced in Love and Other Mistakes!

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!

Review of To Best The Boys by Mary Weber

About the Book ~

The task is simple:

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

For more information about Mary Weber and her books, check out her Goodreads' page here!

My Thoughts ~

OHMYGOODNESS, THIS WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!

I don't know where to start gushing...

Let's start with this fantasy world! The little village where Rhen lives is know for being green...and for all the different things that can kill you! The mythological creatures had the awesomeness of a Tolkien story, while still feeling fresh and new! And then there's a plague spreading and killing people, including Rhen's mother. On top of that, the deadly labyrinth had my heart racing from the moment they entered until the victor stepped out!

Despite all of this, I found myself laughing a lot at Rhen's dry wit and unique view of the world! I absolutely loved her character, and I'm going to pretend she's really real! I could emphasis with her because I've been there. Her heartache was genuine, and her anger at the broken system in her world is relevant. But I loved how the author didn't make this story a war on men or the family unit. It is truly a narrative that every woman knows and understands -- and it gives us a voice. I loved how the author made it clear that it's okay for a woman to have a career, it's okay for a woman to have a family, and it's okay to do both! That the choice of being a wife and mother is just as valid as being a scientist! While the hopes and dreams of one woman may not be the dreams of another woman, each path is beautiful because it. is. ours! Watching Rhen discover that it wasn't about fitting her life into a particular mold but rather staying true to who she was as a woman and a person was beautiful! The author portrayed this empowering truth so wonderfully!

The author wrapped the story up in a way that I had closure even though some things were not fully resolved. One thing that is resolved? Lute is also my new favorite sailor! And there's a twist that I did NOT see coming, but that is absolutely PERFECT!

Five Stars ~ Phenomenal! There should be more books like To Best The Boys, and I'm hoping Mary Weber will write them! To Best The Boys is a standalone YA fantasy written for the general market, but it holds subtle Biblical truths between its pages. It's like Lord of the Rings meets The Hunger Games!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/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!

Review of The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

About the Book ~

She knew a woman was expected to marry, cook, and have children, not go to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret?

When Mulan decides to take her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this moment her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, she has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.

In her disguise as a young man, Mulan meets Wolfgang, the German duke’s son who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the young soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing Wolfgang up in embarrassing ways.

From rivals to reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin to share secrets with one another. But war is an uncertain time and dreams can die as quickly as they are born. When Mulan receives word of danger back home, she must make the ultimate choice. Could she be the son her bitter father never had? Or would she become the strong young woman she has been created to be?

This fresh reimagining of the classic tale takes us to fifteenth-century Lithuania where both love and war challenge the strongest of hearts.

For more information about Melanie Dickerson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Warrior Maiden is amazing! I know that's really simple, but it's the truth! The Warrior Maiden is one of Melanie Dickerson's best books - EVER!!!

Disney's Mulan holds a special place in my heart (it's the first movie I remember seeing in theater), so I had high expectations for this story. And it more than lived up to them! To start, I will always be in awe of how the author weaves the fairy tale we all know and love into the Medieval world she has created, and after nine books, we also know and love this world! The execution of this in The Warrior Maiden is flawless! I even felt breathless on more than one occasion because the author had raised the stakes so much that it didn't matter that I knew everything would work out in the end; all that mattered was what was happening right there!

Wolfgang was such an amazing hero! Handsome, brave, loving, and Godly! His pride got the best of him a couple times, but that only made me love him more. Through Wolfgang's past, the author shows that God's forgiveness has nothing to do with how good we are, but rather how great His grace is. This tender message warmed my heart so much!

Mulan earned a spot as one of my favorite heroines! It was so cool to see her embrace her differences as the unique woman God had created her to be! Her personality was so vivid! I could feel the sting of rejection that she faced from her father, and I could understand all way to my core why she was afraid to let herself love Wolfgang. Mulan is the type of heroine that will empower young and not-so-young women to not only fight for themselves, but to know that it's also okay to need someone to fight with you or for you. And to love with an open heart.

Five Stars ~ If I could, I would give a hundred stars to The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson! It is that good!!! The Warrior Maiden is the ninth book in the author's YA Hagenheim Series, but it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to the redemption of a certain character in the next book, The Piper's Pursuit, coming December 2019!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/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 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!

Review of The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

About the Book ~ 

From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes an inspired retelling of the beloved folk tale Aladdin.

Orphaned and alone, Aladdin travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange, faraway place. Growing up in an orphanage, he meets young Lady Kirstyn, whose father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn's favorite companion, and their childhood friendship grows into a bond that time and opposition cannot break.

Even as a child, Aladdin works hard, learning all he can from his teachers. Though his integrity, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, he earns a position serving as the duke's steward. But that isn't enough to erase the shame of being forced to steal as a small child - or the fact that he's an orphan with no status. If he ever wants to feel equal to his beautiful and generous friend Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune.

Yet once Aladdin departs, Lady Kirstyn becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Now, Aladdin and Kirstyn must rely on their bond to save her from unexpected danger. But will saving Kirstyn cost Aladdin his newfound status and everything he's worked so hard to obtain?

An enchanting new version of the well-known tale, The Orphan's Wish tells a story of courage and loyalty, friendship and love, and reminds us what "family" really means.

For more information about Melanie Dickerson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

I adore stories with childhood friends who fall in love! Those stories are full of sweet yearning and tender romance. The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson is no exception!

I thought the author did a wonderful job re-imagining the beloved tale of Aladdin! The core elements of the original fairy tale are all there, while still holding the unique feeling of the Medieval Era. It was really cool to see all the little details that hinted at the previous stories. The fangirl in me wished that the story was three times longer (I like big books) so that there wasn't so many large jumps in time. However, I do think the author did a good job at showing the history between Aladdin and Kirstyn while also unfolding the current story in a more reasonable word count.

The message of family is really strong, and Aladdin and Kirstyn each had to learn what this meant to them. The sorrow and shame that shaped Aladdin was so well done. I could understand his heart and hurts, why he strove for success and wealth. This made it all the sweeter when he realized that those things meant nothing if they were done at the expense of God-given love. Kirstyn's pain and trauma made my heart ache. She had always felt like the forgotten one, and her desire to love all the forgotten orphans brought tears to my eyes. The harrowing events in the story did help her to see all the ways her family loved her, while also nudging some of her family not to take her for granted. Most importantly, I felt like Kirstyn learned that she truly was special just as she was.

Four Stars ~ A beautiful retelling of one of my favorite tales! The Orphan's Wish is the eighth book in the Hagenheim Fairy Tale Romance Series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous books because the story itself and those special details from the previous stories will be a lot more fun!

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

With This Pledge Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review!

Welcome to the BlogTour & Giveaway for With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander, the first full novel of the Carnton series, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: With This Pledge
Series: Carnton, Book 1  
Author: Tamera Alexander  
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: January 8, 2019  
Genre: Historical Romance  

History takes on vivid life in the stunning first full-length installment of USA TODAY bestselling Tamera Alexander’s new series, The Carnton Novels.  

What can a woman—a mere governess—do against the scourge of slavery?

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston’s quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause—but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home where she is governess is converted into a Confederate field hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend.

As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens towardthe Confederate captain, she discovers that his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and promises made, she struggles to be true to her heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

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EXCERPT

Head HERE for an exclusive excerpt!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal's top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.  

CONNECT WITH THEAUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a release copy of With This Pledge + $10 Amazon Gift Card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm January 28, 2019. US only for a print copy of the book. International winners will receive an ebook. Gift card prize will be issued as an e-gift card. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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REVIEW

My Thoughts ~ 

Guys, I don't even know where to start! With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander is truly in a class of its own!

One of the reasons I love historical fiction is because I love learning about history in a fictional setting! With This Pledge was no exception! To be honest, the detail and the research that went into this novel was inspiring and a little humbling. Like the author noted at the start of the story, I also want to note that there are graphic descriptions of combat, wounds, death, and amputations for more sensitive readers. However, I personally feel the author needed to go as in-depth as she did in order to tell the story the way it needed to be told. This is not a light tale, but it is an inspiring message of hope.

The author captured the angst, heartache, and desperate hope for the future that filled the hearts of all whole lived through the Civil War. While Lizzie had come to the conclusion that slavery was heinous, she kept what she knew was the truth hidden from her southern friends, family, and employers. Watching Lizzie step out in bravery and repentance for her own fears truly moved my heart. I am still crying from the beauty of it! Roland's perspective was certainly harder for me, but I think it was supposed to be. Here's this God-fearing (though his relationship with God was a little strained after the deaths of his family), kind man who was so deceived about the sin of slavery. His perspective really shows that someone on the "other side" may not be as evil as we believe, that maybe they are deceived. I found that to be powerful, and as Roland came to terms with his own sin, I cried (again) from the pure grace of God that flowed from Himself to Roland. 

While the tender, swoon-worthy romance between Roland and Lizzie was one of my favorite parts, my favorite moment may be when Lizzie told Roland that no matter what side they had been on, everyone needed to get on the same side, or none of them would make it through this. This powerful truth is still so applicable today!

Four Stars ~ With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander is a powerful story of hope with the potential to move mountains of hate with love and grace. With This Pledge is (to my knowledge) a standalone, but the author has many books for readers to enjoy! 

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

Review of Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

About the Book ~

In a most improbable friendship, she found love. In a world where women were silenced, she found her voice.

From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman the woman C. S. Lews called "my whole world." When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis - known as Jack - she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn't holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn't destroy.

In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren't meant to have a voice - and yet her love for jack gave them both voice they didn't know they had.

At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer's life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story - a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.

For more information about Patti Callahan and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

While The Chronicles of Narnia is a beloved series to me, I didn't know a lot about the personal life of C. S. Lewis (Jack), and I knew virtually nothing about Joy Davidman, so I was really excited to read this fictional account of their love story!

Yeah, I'm a nerd.

Patti Callahan's writing style transports you into this fictional account of history! The sensory details were so vivid that I could almost feel the damp dirt by the lake, taste the fresh (or dirty, depending on the location!) air, and smell the tobacco and books in Jack's office. Becoming Mrs. Lewis has a wealth of information, literature, and history tucked between its pages, making it a grand place for history geeks!

While I didn't know the tragic turn the story would take, I appreciated the "warts and all" approach to the picture painted of C. S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. So often beloved figures like this are imagined as perfect, so I liked that the author choose to show us struggles, temptations, and failures in a very realistic way. Joy Davidman's spiritual journey was empowering as she fully embraces God as her True Love in every way.

Three Stars ~ Becoming Mrs. Lewis is romantic blend of true love, literature, and England. However, if abuse, physical affairs, emotional affairs, or breast cancer are painful subjects for you, then I would advise caution, dear reader. Becoming Mrs. Lewis is a standalone, but Patti Callahan has quite the backlist of titles for readers to peruse!

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!