Review of At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book ~

He's fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. But with her, he's tempted to surrender.

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

For more information about Karen Witemeyer and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're a fan of action-packed westerns, romance, and soul-stirring faith, then pick up a copy of At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer! From setting, pace, and character development, the author certainly delivered a commanding story that readers will love!

My favorite aspect of At Love's Command was definitely the characters! I really loved each of the men in Hanger's Horsemen! I loved their sense of loyalty, chivalry, and duty. Their brotherly bond brought a huge smile to my heart. While I adored Matthew Hanger -- leader of Hanger's Horsemen -- I'm really hoping for a story from each of the Horsemen's perspectives.

The book blurb wasn't kidding when it said Matthew Hanger was haunted by the horrors of war! From the heartbreaking start at the Wounded Knee Massacre to his devastating childhood, the death and devastation Matthew witnessed twisted my gut. However, the author did a superb job at not dwelling on graphic atrocities, instead using these to shape Matthew and his vow to remain unattached. Enter Josephine, the kind of strong heroine who makes me grin! With her "ten-dollar words," her spunky bucking of convention, and her steadfast faith as she forged her way in a profession largely dominated by men in that era, how could I not love her?

In the midst of a plethora of life-and-death situations raging around them, Josephine and Matthew's faith journeys were -- blessedly! -- gentler. The way their individual relationships with God were strengthened was like a gentle rain on a sun-scorched desert. From the way Josephine had to relinquish her control of painful, scary situations to the beautiful way the author used God's divine provision to help free Matthew from the fear of losing those he loved, readers will be convicted by the grace and love of God.

Four Stars ~ At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer is an action-packed western filled with romance and faith! At Love's Command is the first book in the author's new Hanger's Horsemen Series, and I am eager to see what's next for Hanger's Horsemen!

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 Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

About the Book ~

Jessamine Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought long dead just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to help solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to set history right lead to a future together?

For more information about Kristi Ann Hunter and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter is a masterpiece of romance, adventure, and witty bickering! These vivid brushstrokes of story have guaranteed that A Pursuit of Home will forever and always be one of my favorite Kristi Ann Hunter books!

So in case you didn't catch it from my terminology above, there's a lot of art in this story! Some of the art mentioned is real, and some of it's not. Regardless of it's "realness," I loved the way the author pulled these vivid images into the story in a way that didn't slow down the adventure! And that adventure!! No spoilers, but it was like a fairy tale and a treasure hunt come to life in Regency England! Absolutely amazing!

I've loved Jess since I first met her! She's snarky, loving, and intriguing. And I loved the journey that she took on a personal level while traipsing around England! Watching her finally step out of  the shadows and into the light, finally believing that she was worthy of sacrificial love, will squeeze your heart into a pile of happy goo. And Derek! Derek was quirky, quick-witted, and steadfast. You gotta love a guy that knits! He didn't let Jess' prickly demeanor push him away, but instead remained a steady presence for her, lovingly drawing her away from her chamber of secrets. Their rocky, bickering relationship slowly gave way to perfectly-timed love! I'm still swooning from their romance!

Five Stars ~ A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter is a work of art! A Pursuit of Home is the third book in the author's Haven Manor Series from Bethany House. While some details and setup would make more sense if you've read the previous books in the series and/or A Noble Masquerade (where Jess first appeared on the scene!) from the Hawthorne House Series, A Pursuit of Home 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 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 Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

About the Book ~

It's 1933 and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal shines like a light against the dark despair of the Great Depression. The government gives unemployed young men an opportunity of a lifetime, but it will man leaving the cities to brave the untamed West.

Nate Webber takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Although he hides a shameful secret, Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious to see if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well.

Elsie Brookes was proud to have grown up as a ranger's daughter but longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park's hotels, she still hasn't saved enough for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer. Elsie is drawn to the beautiful spark within Nate, but she knows the scars she carries are far too ugly for any man to love.

When tragedy strikes the park, threatening to undo all she's done to leave her past behind, can Nate and Elsie uncover the truth before all their dreams go up in smoke?

For more information about Karen Barnett and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett was fun, sweet, intriguing, a little mysterious, and altogether romantic! It was "ever faithful" in delivering a fantastic story!

One of the things I loved most about Ever Faithful was the setting! It was so much fun to visit Yellowstone National Park through the eyes of the 1930s, and I always love learning more about the Civilian Conservation Corps! The author did a wonderful job of bringing that time in history to life. And the lingo for not only that fascinating era but also the special language of the park employees was a hoot!

There's a lot of layers to Ever Faithful! Not in a complicated way, but in a real-life way. I was delighted to discover each new facet of this story, including learning disabilities, mental illness, and a little mystery! The story is so much more than the fun, sweet read that it appears!

Nate and Elsie's romance was adorable! While there were definitely some sparks when they met, it wasn't insta-love. Their personal wounds and scares brought out the subtle spiritual storyline because both Nate and Elsie had to overcome the lies they believed about themselves in addition to trusting that God had a plan for their future. I also loved how the author showed that the secret to a lasting love is found in Matthew 7:12!

Four Stars ~ Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett was such a fun and intriguing read! This is the third book in the Vintage National Parks Series by Karen Barnett, but you can definitely read it as a standalone!

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 Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green

About the Book ~ 

She has always moved between worlds, but now she must choose a side.

The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years' War against her wishes when her British ex-fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.

Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.

For more information about Jocelyn Green and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green is a surprising and compelling tale!

The author brought this period in history to life! I confess that I knew very little about the Seven Years' War, but the research and attention to detail that went into Between Two Shores is astounding. The author skillfully handled each side of the conflict, showing the ugly truth and heartache of ALL the people with sensitivity and understanding.Sensitive readers, please be aware that there are some disturbing brutalities and deaths described. But given the time period and nature of the story, these things were not out of place. Additionally, abusive relationships are also woven into the novel. I applaud the author's sensitive handling of the lies that may keep someone in this situation, but I know that this may be a painful trigger to some readers.

Catherine was a unique and complex character! Her struggle with her personal identity between her warring heritages in addition to loving people who were labeled as "the enemy" was captured so well. The push and pull of where she should go, who she should help, how she should act, and who she was leaped off the page and landed in my heart! Each nugget of truth as Catherine finds herself is truly empowering! There wasn't a traditional romance in store for Catherine; rather, the author chose to go with an angle that illustrates loving someone and letting them go. While this made the story beautiful in its own way, it was still heartbreaking. Nevertheless, this also helped reinforce that this story was truly Catherine's journey from emotional chains to freedom as a unique child of God.

Three Stars ~ While the story wasn't really for me, Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green was a beautifully written and expertly crafted emotional journey with compelling truths! I look forward to trying some of the author's earlier stories.

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 A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book ~

Welcome to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England.

Tressa Harlowe's father kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Now Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it.

It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.

For more information about Joanna Davidson Politano and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Guys.

AMAZING!!!

A Rumored Fortune is a treasure trove of powerful truths just waiting to be discovered so they can enrich your soul! This gorgeous book is everything I could have hoped for and more! Joanna Davidson Politano's sophomore novel did not disappoint!!!

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

One of the things I love most about Joanna Davidson Politano's writing is that her characters are so relatable. They aren't perfect. They make mistakes. Then they make even bigger mistakes. But they so reflect the world around us, those who are searching, those who are loving, and those who hurting. Tressa had this rare quality that made you love her as a heroine - that although she was broken, she had an astounding capacity to love. And she chose to love. And Donegan Vance, well, fetch me some smelling salts because this hero - *falls over*

What was I saying? Oh, right. Our hero has an unimpeachable moral code, a selfless love, a blunt delivery, and a desire to serve God. He was the perfect complement to Tressa and showed readers how important it is that your "oddities" be cherished, not tolerated.

I loved the setting: a vineyard carved out of the English countryside in the Victorian Era! Vineyard's have become a popular setting in novels, but it felt fresh in A Rumored Fortune. I think this was because the author chose to weave in so many important truths that God desires to teach us through the beauty and complexity of vineyards. The love of money is also lovingly addressed in this treasure hunt of a novel (You know, as we the readers are trying to figure out where the money was! LOL!). But perhaps my favorite message was God being so vividly painted as our dear Father - a message I always cherish hearing, er, reading. But whatever your takeaway, the spiritual journey that the characters travel is so organic and natural, they could be you and me.

Five Stars ~ A Rumored Fortune is a true treasure! A must-read for fans of historical, romance, mystery, and truths so deep you could swim in them! A Rumored Fortune is a standalone novel, and I am sooo looking forward to Joanna Davidson Politano's next novel!

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 Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

 

 

Description ~

 

After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know.

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.

 

For more information about Jen Turano and her books, check out her website here!

 

My Thoughts ~

 

You had me at wallflower. ; ) Who doesn't love a good wallflower story? I think many readers will be able to relate to Miss Permilia Griswold, Mr. Asher Rutherford, and company!

 

I loved that the first third of the story took place at the Vanderbilt ball! It was enchanting, thrilling, and beautifully detailed. Amusing and quirky characters make this a light read despite the murder attempts. ; ) The final scenes brought happy tears to my eyes. What a wonderful resolution!

 

This struck me as a novel of acceptance. Asher learned to accept help from Permilla as well as accepting himself for who he really was. Permilla had to come to terms that her plan was not necessarily God's plan for her life. The poignant truths of this novel are sure to touch many hearts!

 

 Four Stars - A funny and charming story! Behind the Scenes is the first book in Jen Turano's new Apart from the Crowd Series. The next book, Out of the Ordinary, will release on November 7th, 2017. I'm looking forward to Miss Gertrude Cadwalader and Mr. Harrison Sinclair's story!

 



I received a copy of Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

God bless you guys! See you next time!

 Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer