Within These Lines Blogger & Reviewer Tour and Giveaway!

Welcome to the Blog & Review Tour -and Giveaway -for Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Within These Lines 

Author: Stephanie Morrill 

Publisher: Blink YA 

Genre: Historical Young Adult Fiction 

Release Date: March 5, 2019

When Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki are torn apart by the events following the attack on Pearl Harbor, they must fight if they want any hope of returning to one another before World War II steals their future together. Within These Lines is one unflinching, haunting, historical novel you don’t want to miss; perfect for fans of Monica Hesse, Ruta Sepetys, and Elizabeth Wein.

Evalina Cassano’s life in an Italian-American family living in San Francisco in 1941 is quiet and ordinary until she falls in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Despite the scandal it would cause and that inter-racial marriage is illegal in California, Evalina and Taichi vow they will find away to be together. But anti-Japanese feelings erupt across the country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Taichi and his family are forced to give up their farm and move to a Japanese-American internment camp.

Degrading treatment makes life at Manzanar Relocation Center difficult. Taichi’s only connection to the outside world is treasured letters from Evalina. Feeling that the only action she can take to help Taichi is to speak out against injustice, Evalina becomes increasingly vocal at school and at home. Meanwhile, inside Manzanar, fighting between different Japanese-American factions arises. Taichi begins to doubt he will ever leave the camp alive.

With tensions running high and their freedom on the line, Evalina and Taichimust hold true to their ideals and believe in their love to make a way back to each other against unbelievable odds. 

Within These Lines:

• Is a young adult historical novel set in the World War II era
• Contains themes of love, separation, social justice, war, and diversity
• Perfect for junior high and high school students
• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as the 1920s mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street, and the WWII era romance, Within These Lines. Since 2010, Stephanie has been encouraging the next generation of writers at her website, GoTeenWriters.com. She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husband and three children. You can connect with Stephanie and learn more about her books at StephanieMorrill.com, Instagram, Facebook,and Twitter. 

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: website | facebook | twitter | instagram

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GIVEAWAY

(1) Grand Prize winner will win a release copy of Within These Lines & a special designed poster of Within These Lines from the publisher, Blink YA. Featured quote on poster: "Be Brave Enough to Care and Bold Enough to Act"

(5) First Prize winners will each with a special designed poster of Within These Lines from the publisher, Blink YA. Featured quote on poster: "Be Brave Enough to Care and Bold Enough to Act"

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REVIEW

My Thoughts ~

I have been a fan of Stephanie Morrill's books since her debut, so when the chance came to review Within These Lines, I jumped (virtually speaking, of course)!

And Within These Lines did not disappoint! Seriously, I can't recommend this enough!

The story starts well after Taichi and Evalina have met and fallen in love. This surprised me at first, but I quickly realized how perfect this was. Within These Lines is not a story of HOW Taichi and Evalina fell in love; it is about how they FOUGHT for their love while uncertainty and hatred surrounded them. They were so beautifully and realistically written! Their uncertainties, fears, anger, and passion was life on the pages! Their sacrifices show what it means to love in verb form!

Within These Lines is set in a sad period of American history that is -- frankly -- largely forgotten and mostly ignored today. The author's attention to detail and sensitivity regarding the horrors of the Japanese American incarceration is the kind of amazing that humbles readers as it speaks to the heart with its fiery truth!

At the core of the story is a call to action. To be brave. To care. To be bold. To act. Evalina's passion and Taichi's pain will inspire you to fight against prejudice in your everyday world! To speak. To love.

Five Stars ~ Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill is amazingly powerful and beautifully moving! This standalone, World War Two era, YA romance should be on your shelf. Period. It's one I will read again and again!

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!

Review of Pretty in Punxsutawney by Laurie Boyle Crompton

About the Book ~

A Groundhog Day meets Pretty in Pink mashup from author Laurie Boyle Crompton, Pretty in Punxsutawney tells the tale of a girl willing to look beneath the surface to see people for who they really are.

Andie is the type of girl who always comes up with the perfect thing to say...after it's too late to say it. She's addicted to romance movies - okay, all movies - but has yet to experience her first kiss. After a move to Punxsutawney, PA, for her senior year, she gets caught in an endless loop of her first day at her new school, reliving those 24 hours again and again.

Convinced the curse will be broken when she meets her true love, Andie embarks on a mission: infiltrating the various cliques to find the one boy who can break the spell. What she discovers along the way is that people who seem completely different can often share the very same hopes, dreams, and hang-ups. And that even a day that has been lived over and over can be filled with unexpected connections and plenty of happy endings.

For more information about Laurie Boyle Crompton and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

SOOO MUCH FUN!!!

I loved Pretty in Punxsutawney! From the first page, I knew this was my kind of book. The humor and Andie's voice immediately drew me into the story. Despite the same day recurring over and over, the author kept the story light and fresh, moving at an excellent pace. If you took all the things you loved about 80's teen movies and threw them into a literary blender (this device sounds horrifying, but just go with it!), this is the book you would get! And it is adorable and hilarious and romantic!

It's possible that not all readers will understand all the movie references... I even stumbled over a couple *hangs head in shame* However, I think the story would still be enjoyable for those readers who don't know who John Hughes is. (And there's no shame in this...but you should binge watch a lot of movies ASAP!)

I loved the hilarious escapades Andie brought on herself as she infiltrated each high school clique, discovering how to look past labels and see the person for who they really were in the process. Despite all her (in my opinion) brilliant ideas, it was actually the truth that would set her free from her blessing/curse, putting her right where she belonged. Andie's tale shows the importance of speaking the truth and loving the people around you instead of blindly sticking to dividing misconceptions. These powerful messages can be enjoyed at any age, but the fun delivery makes it all the sweeter!

Five Stars ~ Pretty in Punxsutawney will LIVE on my keeper shelf! This is a standalone YA romance. Pretty in Punxsutawney is a sweet, clean read; however, please note that Blink YA Books are not overtly Christian, making their books excellent for both the general market and CBA. I would definitely read more books like this from the author!

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 The Crescent Stone by Matt Mikalatos

About the Book ~

A girl with a deadly lung disease . . .

A boy with a tragic past . . .

A land where the sun never sets but darkness still creeps in . . .

Madeline Oliver has never wanted for anything, but now she would give anything just to breathe. Jason Wu skates through life on jokes, but when a tragedy leaves him guilt-stricken, he promises to tell only the truth, no matter the price. When a mysterious stranger named Hanali appears to Madeline and offers to heal her in exchange for one year of service to his people, Madeline and Jason are swept into a strange land where they don’t know the rules and where their decisions carry consequences that reach farther than they could ever guess.

For more information about Matt Mikalatos and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Crescent Stone is one of those books where all the awesome things you hear about it is totally and completely true.

SOOO GOOD!!!

The Crescent Stone had such a Narnia vibe while still professing its own unique identity. There's even extra content that will make the bookish giddy - at least I was giddy! New worlds. New magic. New races.

But circumstances that are achingly relevant to life today.

Madeline and Jason/Wu Song are more than just relatable, they are you and me and everyone around us. They represent the mix of millions of people who don't know, who are being pushed down, who are searching for truth, who are fighting for justice. Madeline's  journey of discovery was both enlightening and empowering. While her tale seems to have a hefty dose of heartbreak, I love this character for the way she looked at the truth she didn't want to be real and fought for a change of heart. Jason/Wu Song might be my favorite part of this story! His blunt snark had me laughing through each page, but his story was just as eye-opening. And his romance with Baileya will be one of my very favorites, I know this to be true!

Racial, class, and justice issues are the big themes of this novel, and God's loving heart shines on these issues through The Peasant King, the representation of God in the story. I loved this!I can't even tell you how much I loved this! So powerful!

Five Stars ~ The Crescent Stone is fantastical journey with a relevance that will pierce hearts! The Crescent Stone is the first book in The Sunlit Lands Series. The next book, The Heartwood Crown, releases Summer 2019, and I am so excited to continue this journey!!!

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 Unbreakable by Sara Ella

About the Book ~

Eliyana Ember is a reluctant queen. As vessel of the Verity—the purest of souls—only she can lead the fight against the wicked magnetism of the Void. If she fails, the paths between Reflections will cease to exist, and those she loves will remain plagued by darkness.

After falling through a draining Threshold and suffering near-death, Eliyana awakens to a Shadowalker-ridden Venice, Italy. From there, she must learn to navigate mysteries of time and space. Traveling across the seven Reflections, Eliyana seeks one thing: the demise of the Void.

But something else is at stake—the fate of her heart. Kyaphus Rhyen and Joshua David, brothers in arms, duel to win her hand. Ky remains ensnared and tortured by the Void. Joshua, though well-meaning, harbors dark secrets. Meanwhile, Eliyana finds herself torn, her mind and memories leading her in one direction, but her heart pulling her toward a man she knows she shouldn’t trust.

How can she discern whom to believe when she cannot even depend on her own fragmented memories?

Traversing the realms of fantasy and reality through a labyrinth of plot twists, Unbreakable delivers a thrilling conclusion to Sara Ella’s Unblemished Trilogy

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

My Thoughts ~

So many words could be used to describe Unbreakable. Stunning. Amazing. Devastating. Healing. Big, beautiful words that don't even begin to describe this epic tale.

So go read the book and we can stutter like fools together. ;-)

Unbreakable almost broke me, guys. Like I cried for hours and I couldn't write this review for several days because I just couldn't process all the awesome in this final *wails* book. The places... The discovers... The devastation... You should have a little recording of Janice from Friends to add a little background vocal to the shocking reveals. The characters, the story, the subplots, everything comes so full circle, even the circles have circle. Am I rambling? Well, go read the book and you'll understand why I ramble!

My heart ached for Eliyana, Ky, and Joshua. I kept wanting to tell Eliyana what was true and false, but alas she couldn't hear me. *sigh* I longed for El and Ky to be reunited, and when that sweet moment finally arrived, all. the. feels. I also loved the additional perspective of Ebony! A character I originally hated became one of my favorites.

And I'm still #TeamKy for Eliyana, but I'm also for a #happyendingforjoshua. Always. <3 So I'm #TeamJoshua, too. I love both boys. LOL! My heart ached doubly for Joshua. However, I understand why Sara Ella took the direction she did, and I applaud her for it. I would not have been strong enough to do it.

Five Stars ~ Unbreakable was nothing like I expected and more that I ever could have hoped for this final *moans* book. Unbreakable is a powerful story about the triumphant power of love and the choice within all of us to choose the good or the bad. If you haven't read Unblemished and Unraveling respectively, then you MUST read them before diving into Unbreakable. I can't stress this enough. (Also, why haven't you read them??? Go! Binge read!)

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 Disclaimers 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.

Review of The Delusion by Laura Gallier

About the Book ~

By March of Owen Edmonds’s senior year, eleven students at Masonville High School have committed suicide. Amid the media frenzy and chaos, Owen tries to remain levelheaded―until he endures his own near-death experience and wakes to a distressing new reality.

The people around him suddenly appear to be shackled and enslaved.

Owen frantically seeks a cure for what he thinks are crazed hallucinations, but his delusions become even more sinister. An army of hideous, towering beings, unseen by anyone but Owen, are preying on his girlfriend and classmates, provoking them to self-destruction.

Owen eventually arrives at a mind-bending conclusion: he’s not imagining the evil―everyone else is blind to its reality. He must warn and rescue those he loves . . . but this proves to be no simple mission. Will he be able to convince anyone to believe him before it’s too late?

Owen’s heart-pounding journey through truth and delusion will force him to reconsider everything he believes. He both longs for and fears the answers to questions that are quickly becoming too dangerous to ignore.

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

My Thoughts ~

If you let it, this story will change your life. Read. This. Book. I really can't emphasis this enough to you. To spare you an insanely long review, just imagine that I wrote those three words three hundred times.

The Delusion is a fast-paced, supernatural, paranormal, Christian thriller. And no, that is not an oxymoron.

The story starts with Owen, a high school senior, and eleven of the students in his school have committed suicide. WHY? Turns out there's a battle - a battle of good versus evil, light versus dark, Creepers versus Watchman, a battle for souls.

A battle that's all too real.

Though reading The Delusion may result in the rustle of chains scarring you half to death for the rest of your life, this eye-opening story is worth the sacrifice. While the author has used her imagination to paint a more complete picture of the world we cannot see, she definitely relies on the Bible and what is revealed to us there. Even though this is a fiction story, you know because you know because you know that this is real and happening right now. Imagine spiritual warfare presented in a fiction format. While entertaining and enthralling, this story will change how you view life, death, God, evil, suicide, prayer - the list goes on! I'll say it again: if you let it, this story will change your life.

Five Stars ~ I have a lot of favorite books, but The Delusion is one of the best books I've ever read. No joke. Fans of Toward a Secret Sky by Heather Maclean, The Gifting Series by K. E. Ganshert, or Ted Dekker will love this novel! The Delusion is the first book in The Delusion Series. Book Two can't release fast enough!!!

I received a copy of The Delusion by Laura Gallier published by Tyndale from the Tyndale Blog Network. 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.

Review of Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

About the Book ~

From award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander, with Mary Rand Hess, comes Solo, a YA novel written in poetic verse. Solo tells the story of seventeen-year-old Blade Morrison, who knows the life of a rock star isn’t really about the glitz and glamour. All the new cars and money in the world can’t make up for the scathing tabloid covers or the fact that his father is struggling with just about every addiction under the sun—including a desperate desire to make a comeback and regain his former fame. Haunted by memories of his mother—who died when Blade was nine—and the ruin his father’s washed-up legacy and life have brought to the family, Blade is left to figure out life on his own. But, he’s not all alone: He’s got the friendship of a jazz-musician mentor, Robert; the secret love of a girlfriend, Chapel; and his music. All may not be well in the Morrison home, but things are looking up for Blade, until he discovers a deeply protected family secret—one that further threatens his relationship with his family and has him questioning his own identity. Thrown into a tailspin, Blade decides the only way he will understand his past and begin his future is to find out the truth behind the music and himself. He soon sets out on a journey that will change everything he thought to be true. His quest lands him in Ghana, stuck in a village just shy of where answers to the secret can be found. There, Blade discovers a friendship he couldn’t have imagined, a people founded in family and community, and a reconciliation he never expected.

With his signature intricacy, intimacy, and poetic style, Kwame Alexander explores what it means to finally come home.

For more information about Kwame Alexander and his books, check out his website here!

For more information about Mary Rand Hess and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

WOW!

When I first heard about Solo, I thought it looked really interesting. But when I found out that the entire story was written in poetic verse, I knew I NEEDED to read this book! Pretty much amazing. The poetry wasn't "uptight" like high school English students might fear. ;) It was moving and fluid. There were times where I focused on the beauty of the poetry, but there were just as many, if not more, times where I was just so caught up in the story being told! The poetry did not detract from that story. In fact, because the story is so rock-and-roll centered, I think the lyric quality added to the story.

This is definitely a story music lovers will cherish! Each hidden and brazen mention of the rock-and-roll greats will just make you smile. Read Solo. You won't be disappointed. And if you're not into music at all *gasp*, then I think you will still enjoy the story and the message.

Readers should be aware that Solo is not an overtly Christian book. There are Christian overtones, but the story is written for the general market. However, it packs a powerful punch!!! The authors explore what home and family really mean, as well as forgiveness, redemption, life, love, fear (face the spider!), and death. I can't recommend Solo enough, and it would be a powerful book for adults and teens alike who are new to God and/or don't really know God yet.

Five Stars - this is a great book! Now excuse me while I get my hands on more Kwame Alexander books!

I received a copy of Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess published by Blink from the Solo Launch Team. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. She is a youth leader at her church, and loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens. 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.

Review of Unraveling by Sara Ella

About the Book ~

What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?

Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After defeating her grandfather and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.

Now that the Verity is intertwined with her soul and Joshua’s finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something—or someone—is missing?

When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her link to Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections—and keep herself from falling for him in the process?

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

My Thoughts ~

Oh. My. Gosh.

I'll say it again. Oh. My. Gosh.

Utterly amazing can't begin to describe Unraveling, Book Two in the Unblemished Trilogy! From swoony romance to horrendous betrayals to unicorn jousts to mythological places, this story literally has it all. READ IT!!!

Okay, I need to get this out in the open. When it comes to who El should be with, I'm #teamky all the way. But I love Joshua. Joshua. So in a way, I'm #teamjoshua, or rather #happyendingforjoshua. I'm hoping my sneaking suspicion about his Happily Ever After is right. I love to be right. ;-)

Speaking of sneaking suspicions! Once again,  Sara Ella taunts us with wonderfully delicious twists and turns. Although, I was very proud of myself for deciphering a few hidden clues. 'Twas not easy! Unraveling contains the superb world building we were introduced to in Unblemished - a world that never ceases to amaze me!

In the midst of this enchanting world, Sara Ella touches on topics like redemption, determining true love, and the power of good versus evil. The result leaves readers breathless since this incredible story is just a beautiful reflection (Like what I did there?) of the True Story.

Five Stars ~ Utterly, brilliantly amazing! Since Unraveling is the second book in an intricately complex series, you totally need to read the first book, Unblemished, before you slink between the pages of Unraveling. The third book, Unbreakable, releases May 1st, 2018!!! *wails* *makes tea from her own tears* *gags* *eats brownie instead*

I received a copy of Unraveling by Sara Ella published by Thomas Nelson from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. She is a youth leader at her church, and loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens. 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.

Review of For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

Description:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

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

My Thoughts:

I should inform you that Lady Sabine happens to be my long lost ancestor. Don't be intimidated. ; )

Ok, while I'm regretfully not really related to Lady Sabine, I found her to be a lot of fun! She's witty and has a bit of a smart mouth. Also, I found her to be genuine. Sabine has this terrible, purple birth mark on her arm, one that she has struggled with all her life. People have feared her, rejected her, and treated her with disdain - all for something God used to make her unique! I liked the back and forth battle Sabine endured as she learned to accept herself.

And Sir Bennet is such a knight. "Honor" is his middle name. (I mean, I assume it is. I don't think we actually learn his middle name, so it must be "Honor." That's logical.) However, this handsome knight still has a lot to learn when it comes to God, mercy, and yes, honor.

It still had its fluffy moments, but a bit of fluff never hurt anyone. It can be rather nice. All things considered, this was such an enjoyable story and an easy read! Anyone who loves knights and fairytales should definitely read this book. Right. Now. This may be my favorite story in the series!!

Five Stars. I very much enjoyed the conclusion to this sweet series! For Love and Honor is the third and final book in Jody Hedlund's young adult, medieval series. If you enjoyed An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice, then you will want to meet Sir Bennet and Lady Sabine. Fans of Melanie Dickerson would probably enjoy these books, also!

I received For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund published by Zondervan from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

God bless you guys, and I'll see you next time!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Review of Unfolding by Jonathan Friesen

Description:

Jonah wishes he could get the girl, but he’s an outcast and she’s the most perfect girl he knows.

And their futures seemed destined to fork apart: Jonah’s physical condition is debilitating, and epileptic seizures fill his life with frustration. Whereas Stormi is seemingly carefree, and navigates life by sensing things before they happen. And her most recent premonition is urging her to leave town.

When Stormi begs Jonah for help, he finds himself swept into a dark mystery his small town has been keeping for years. And the answers Stormi needs about her own past could possibly destroy everything Jonah has ever known—including his growing relationship with Stormi herself.

My thoughts:

Wow. Just wow.

This book kept me up very, very late. And I have a baby. Staying up all night reading is not a luxury I can afford to take. However, I could not stop reading Unfolding!

Ok, so this is not a light, easy-breezy story. This is an intense, edge of your seat, flinching due to every small noise kind of story. But what do you expect with a small town riddled with secrets and a secret society and...I'd better not say that part. ;) The writing voice is different, yet so unique. And I absolutely adored Jonah! His perspective and voice would have been make or break it to the story. Jonah sounded like a real dude. ;) Also, speaking as someone who's had a lot of involvement with disable adults, I found his feelings regarding his disabilities to be realistic based on what I've seen. However, I am by no means an expert.

Fans of paranormal, mysterious, secret society YA and/or of Ted Dekker will love Unfolding by Jonathan Friesen. Seriously. You will want to buy this book immediately.

What are you waiting for?

I received a copy of Unfolding by Jonathan Friesen published by Blink from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

God bless you guys, and I'll see you next time!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer