Review of Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book ~

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up.

Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent - and Willow's ex-flame - Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget - and put Willow's tender heart at risk.

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

My Thoughts ~ 

Make sure you clear your calendar now because Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard will not let go of you until you've finished!!

The mystery, the action, and the unfolding of events in Never Let Go is just how I love it in romantic suspense - fast!!! I thought the author did an excellent job at layering the plot twists and answering all those burning questions! I didn't see the twists coming, and they felt perfectly unexpected while also working perfectly within the story!

The "Former Flames" trope is one of my favorites, so I enjoyed the chemistry and tension between Austin and Willow! But I must confess that on multiple occasions I wanted to shake them while growling, "JUST TALK AND BE HONEST!" LOL! But this angst was necessary to the story because the author was able to show that relationships take vulnerability. I also loved how the author used this to more thoroughly illustrate another pitfall to relationships: the past. Austin needed to work through the pain, regrets, and lies of his past. He needed to confront those things and let them go. He needed to share these wounds with Willow before he could fully give his heart to her. This is a powerful truth for readers to absorb for all types of relationships, romantic or otherwise!

Four Stars ~ A thrilling adventure that lives up to its name! Never Let Go is the first book in Elizabeth Goddard's new Uncommon Justice Series from Revell! I'm looking forward to the next book!

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!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Release Day and GIVEAWAY!

Guys!!!!

IT'S RELEASE DAY!!!!!

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to he mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for hep, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Available NOW!!!

Yes, that's right! Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is available now! Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is an inspirational romantic comedy and written from a Christian worldview. It is the second novel in my contemporary romance series from WhiteFire Publishing and the sequel to Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations. However, it functions as a standalone, so you do NOT need to read my first book to enjoy this one. However, there are some jokes and things that will make you grin if you have! ;-)

Guys, I have been thinking about what to say for days... Something that conveys the epicness I'm feeling. Something new, something that I haven't already said. Something with WOW! factor. Something from my heart to yours.

For the last couple weeks, I have been so focused on my huge To-Do List and my nervousness - oh, the nervousness! - instead of resting in how happy and blessed I am that you want to read my stories!

Because I am so happy and so blessed!

And I'm going to rest in that joy now.

It's here! It's really here! This beautiful story of my heart is ready to travel through the world and find a home in readers' hearts. I poured so much heartache, hope, and love from my journey into Apryl and Chance's story. Through their story, Abba opened my heart to rediscovering my worth in Him, to Him. And while this story won't resonate with everyone, I know it will touch some. It's in God's hands now, and there's something beautifully freeing about that.

I hope you guys swoon at all my favorite parts. I hope you laugh and grin from ear to ear. I hope my pop culture references will make you think I'm the new (and shorter) Lorelai Gilmore. But most importantly, I hope you close the story with no doubt in your heart about your worth to our loving Father. <3

And now it's time for a giveaway!

Giveaway Rules, Info, and Such ~

There will be a US Giveaway and an International Giveaway with separate Rafflecopter sign-ups!

US Giveaway - A signed print copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, a custom Roaring Twenties Art Deco theme book sleeve from The Cozy Life on Etsy, and a hand-carved Reading Willow Tree Figurine!

International Giveaway - A digital copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations!

Both giveaways will close on March 1st, 2019, at 12:00 A.M. for all the night owls.

The winners will be drawn within four days after the closing of the giveaway. If the winner(s) does not respond to my e-mail(s) within one week of notification, then a new winner(s) will be drawn in their place.

And may the odds be ever in your favor. ;-)

Enter the US Giveaway here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter the International Giveaway here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you guys so much! I am so honored that you follow me and read my stories. I am blessed!

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 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!

Changes, Updates, and Fun Info

Hello, friends!

There are some big changes happening in the online world...

Google announced that they are shutting down Google Plus, their version of Facebook. In fact, this shutdown has already started - talk about speedy! This will probably affect traffic to my blog for a little while, so I've started making some changes to my blog and platform.

My Blog ~

If you enjoy my blog, please follow it! There are three ways:

1. The "Follow by E-mail" option is still available, and my blog posts go straight to the e-mail you've signed up with!

2. The "Subscribe To" option is still available, and this allows you to subscribe to my blog and/or the comments of a specific post.

3. On February 4th, 2019, I added the "Blog Followers" option, allowing you to follow my blog directly on Google! And since I've only recently added this option, I really need followers, LOL!

Also, I share ALL of my blog posts on Facebook and Twitter, and I share all of my blog reviews on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads. I'll be posting at lot more in Facebook groups, too!

My Newsletter ~ 

Yes, that's right! I'm finally taking the plunge. *takes deep breath* Barring some sort of virtual disaster, my newsletter will be ready for sign-ups within the week! ;-)

You'll be able to sign up on my blog or at my website!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Reviewer and Influencer Sign-Up Form ~

Also, Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is just days away from releasing, and I'm assembling an elite team! If you're interested in applying to be a reviewer/influencer, sign up here! Sign-ups will close at 11:59 PM EST on February 14th, 2019.

Also, if you're looking for me on a certain platform, check out my Social Media Page for the links to all my public platforms!

And that's it! LOL! Thank you guys so much for sticking with me! I look forward to connecting with you! <3

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, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author 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!

Happy Hearts Valentine's Day Book Bundle Giveaway!

Hello, my bookish friends!!!

Are you ready for a giveaway!?!!

Some author friends and I have teamed up to bring you the Happy Hearts Book Bundle Giveaway!

You could win two ebooks, four paperbacks, and chocolate!! Dream come true, right? ;-)

The giveaway will run until Valentine's Day. All you have to do to enter is check the box that you're consenting to signing up for our individual newsletters. And you don't have to run to each website to sign up! Woohoo! :-) After that there are two bonus entries. You can leave a comment on one of the blog posts that talks about this giveaway (like this one, or Brandy's, or any of the other author's), or you can tweet about the giveaway!

This is also the first giveaway for my upcoming novel, Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations!!! *breaks out into an awkward, happy dance*

Excited? Good!!! Enter using the handy Rafflecopter here ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you guys so much!! And may the odds be ever in your favor... ;-)

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!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to he mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for hep, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Available February 14th, 2019!

Pre-order Now from Amazon!

Guys, I am just so excited for this story of my heart to release! SOOO EXCITED!!! So yeah, I had to share it again. :-D 

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!