Review of The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

 

About the Book ~ 

Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is the past--one she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors, and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess and a healthy dollop of faith.

For more information about Sara Brunsvold and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

If you're looking for a story with heartfelt family drama, deep cultural roots, and a love of butter, consider checking out The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold.

The premise of The Divine Proverb of Streusel grabbed my attention. The forgotten family heirlooms trope has a magic all its own, so the character's journey to discover her family history and cultural roots was interesting. The recipe-turned-reflections book was an intriguing medium to drive that, and the recipes sounded delicious with their hearty embrace of butter.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel was not my bookish soulmate, but there is a nurturing heart of hope within its pages. While it's impossible to navigate all the complexities, nuances, or caveats of similar situations within a single story, the author conveys the truth that there is always hope with God. 

Three Stars ~ The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a moving family drama! The Divine Proverb of Streusel is the author's sophomore standalone, but the author's debut is also available 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 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 All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

About the Book ~

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

For more information about Sarah Monzon and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is every bit as heartwarming as the title suggests!

All's Fair in Love and Christmas had the same vibes as watching a Christmas episode of The Office -- perfect no matter the season! And I am here. for. it! I loved the office environment and all those coworker dynamics. From Mackenzie and Jeremy's POVs all the way to characters we don't get to spend a lot of time with, each character was uniquely quirky, flawed, and endearing. The festive competition was a fresh take on a beloved trope, and the heart behind the different aspects of the competition made it all the more engaging.  

I enjoyed the spiritual themes explored in Mackenzie and Jeremy's story! From not strangling your life with your own plans all the way to dismantling the religious stigma around mental health, these struggles are oh-so-relatable and so very needed in fiction. Even the thoughtful balance of weight and humor aided the impact of their healing truths. 

Five Stars ~ All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a fun story to enjoy all year long! All's Fair in Love and Christmas 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 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 Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

About the Book ~ 

This summer is a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance.

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it's not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a drama teacher is too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. Levi has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there's more to the quiet man than meets the eye.

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can't seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up--or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.

For more information about Liz Johnson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson is a lovely read to wrap up the season! 

Summer in the Spotlight had all the charming, unrequited love, small town, family connection, squishy-heart vibes you could want! The setting made me determined to book a trip to Prince Edward Island yet again. The characters, whether it be family, community, or even villain, were every bit endearing and entertaining. I, much to my chagrin, have never read The Importance of Being Ernest, but I purchased a copy while reading Summer in the Spotlight because Kelsey, Levi, and company brought that classic to life within their tale -- and such is the power of story! 

Levi and Kelsey each overcame heartbreaking lies. I liked how the author didn't hide from the truth of Kelsey's dark moment, but instead showed how that failure didn't define the truth about her or her relationships. It was a joy to watch Levi find his voice, and his journey brought such a satisfying closure to the family drama as well! Through their sweet romance, the author showed the power of love, including its ability to destroy when wielded with evil intent...and its ability to heal and restore!

Four Stars ~ Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson was like a Hallmark hug via paper and ink! Summer in the Spotlight is the final book in the author's Prince Edward Island series, and it was a sweet and satisfying conclusion. Additionally, 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 With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

About the Book ~

Is the life she can't remember one she'd rather forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her, leaving the life she has returned to unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust, and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

If Lori wants to reconnect with her family, she'll have to uncover the information her brain is trying to keep secret. As her memories return and past secrets resurface, it will take the whole family to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

For more information about Janine Rosche and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for an engaging, deep, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny story, then I highly recommend With Every Memory by Janine Rosche!

First things first, With Every Memory starts with a trigger warning -- and rightly so! As someone who has personally experienced some of the traumatic themes explored in this novel, I was very hesitant about what I'd encounter. However, I greatly appreciated how the author handled the trigger warning as well as including a list of resources for readers. This approach allowed me as the reader to decide if I was in a safe mental place for a story like this instead of being blindsided by the content. The care and empathy the author displayed in the trigger warning was thoughtfully layered into each and every page! Furthermore, the first person POV (my bread and butter!) pulled me into Lori and Avery's heads and kept me engaged with their stories. And for a story that dealt with such heavy themes, I didn't expect it to feel so light and... funny! I even laughed out loud while reading! 

The spiritual journey in With Every Memory was akin to a wildflower growing in the charred remains of a forest fire. The messages are subtle...yet impactful! Questions that we can't help but ask after tragedy and heartbreak are explored through Lori and Avery. In that exploration, there is hope found between these pages.

Four Stars ~ With Every Memory by Janine Rosche was truly an engrossing and surprising read! With Every Memory 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 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 By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser

 

About the Book ~

Two courageous young women, tied together by blood and shared passion, will risk everything to save what they love most.

For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents' ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy--a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother's will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer.

Decades earlier, headstrong Dale Butler's driving passion is to bring home the prized filly her family lost to the Great Depression, but with World War II looming, she's called upon in ways she never could have imagined. And while her world expands to include new friends and new love, tragedy strikes close to home one fateful night during the Battle of the Atlantic, changing her life forever.

As Nana Dale's past comes to light in Allie's search for answers, Dale's courage and persistence may be just what Allie needs to carry on her grandmother's legacy and keep her own dreams alive.

For more information about Elizabeth Musser and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If your sixth sense has anything to do with horses, then By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser is an evocative read for the horse lover in you!

By Way of the Moonlight was an interesting story! I really loved the Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken vibes that it gave me! Additionally, the various roles equine therapy played in the story deeply moved me. However, the characters weren't soulmate characters for me, and I did feel that the pacing was a little slow. 

The spiritual plot revolves around Dale and Allie's struggle with obsession. I really liked this angle because it's something I don't normally see in Christian fiction. I appreciated their struggles and victories as they let go of obsession and chose contentment. However, while the author very beautifully portrayed how God can bring life and joy out of heartbreaking situations, I have a hard time seeing past a premise that sets up keeping secrets as a good thing. 

Three Stars ~ By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser definitely grabs the heart! By Way of the Moonlight is a standalone, but the author has other titles in her backlist 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 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 Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

 

About the Book ~

A deadly attack.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction.
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

For more information about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Having a craving for romantic suspense? Then check out The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey!

The Deadly Shallows had an interesting premise and an almost nostalgic feel to it as it reminded me of an episode of NCIS or JAG -- and who doesn't enjoy a good episode punctuated with a race against the bad guys and the kind of character chemistry that's built through time and countless hours of binge watching? While the pacing felt slow from time to time, it did keep me asking questions. Also, there were two romances for the price of one!

The Deadly Shallows shows a faith journey that overcomes some of the worst offenses wrought by humanity. While not soulmate characters for me, I appreciated how the characters sought an authentic relationship with God. The way they each continued looking to God and His goodness in a world filled with such repugnant evil was and is always a compelling, gripping message.

Three Stars ~ The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey is a solid addition to the romantic suspense genre! The Deadly Shallows is the third book in the author's Coastal Guardians series. I was able to read The Deadly Shallows as a standalone, but I think the character dynamics would be clearer if the series had been read in order. 

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 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!