Review of Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

About the Book ~

Two sisters. One mystery. A family changed forever.

At the turn of the twentieth century, sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life when their well-ordered Alabama household gets turned upside down by the arrival of Lily McGee. Arrestingly beautiful, Lily quickly--and innocently--draws the wrong kind of attention.

After Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something she was never meant to see--or did she? Her memory is a haze, just an image in her mind of Emmy standing on a darkened riverbank and cradling Lily's baby girl. Only when the sisters are separated does the truth slowly come to light--including a revelation that will shape the rest of Callie's life.

For more information about Valerie Fraser Luesse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

Bring your own sweet tea for this one because Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse is southern fiction at its finest!

I liked Callie from the moment I read her opening words in Letters from My Sister! Her humor and whimsy captured my bookish friendship. Plus, Callie and Solomon's romance deserves all the heart eyes! The setting and the author's ability to capture the era blossomed in my imagination, and the pacing was laced with intrigue, mystery, confusion, and swoons in all the right places.

Letters from My Sister delves into triggering subjects such as death, grief, racism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking from a sexual predator. Despite these challenging facets, I found that I could NOT stop reading this engrossing story! Furthermore, I loved the author's gentle exploration of privilege, showing how one can erase personhood and consent even with the best of intentions, and the bumpy road where trauma and trust collide. The cloudy effects of trauma as it waged war with what Callie knew to be truth will transcend the particulars of this heart-wrenching family saga and touch many hearts with an aching relatability. Through it all, the author continued to highlight that God works in mysterious and awesome ways that cannot be defined by human boxes of understanding. Very well done!

Four Stars ~ Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse was a captivating family drama! Letters from My Sister is a standalone novel, 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 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller

About the Book ~

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's deathbed request for them to return a special set of beads to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels West. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came West to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return East or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn? 

For more information about Misty M. Beller and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

Looking to rendezvous with a historical romance that touches on obscure history? Then check out Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller!

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous whisked me to an unfamiliar part of history! I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the life of a trapper in 1837 as well as the culture of the Piegan Blackfoot tribe. While I didn't fall in love with the characters and the gendered subtext dampened my overall enjoyment, I did find myself curious to know what would and will continue to happen next in the quest to find Steps Right. Ultimately, I wasn't surprised by the plot twists, but I did find the ending twists quite satisfying.

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous' spiritual journey, though not as physically arduous, certainly had its own rocky moments that the characters needed to navigate! Family honor played a huge part in shaping the characters -- for their good and even their detriment. It was endearing to watch the different ways steadfast love broke down the lies and healed deep wounds, a lovely reflection of God's love!

Three Stars ~ Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller is a sweet story! Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is the first book in the author's new series, Sisters of the Rockies. The author also 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 In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

 

About the Book ~

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

For more information about Gabrielle Meyer and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The book hangover that awaits you upon completing In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is worth every moment spent in this timeless tale! 

I have been waiting for In This Moment since I read the ending of When the Day Comes -- over and over, might I add! I could not be more enraptured with the next installment of the Timeless series! While Maggie's story is all the richer for reading the previous book, her story truly stood on its own. The author did a great job of refreshing the rules of time-crossing while also throwing in new twists and surprises. Maggie's three time periods gripped me from their opening chapters. I had such a hard time putting the book down. I loved each of Maggie's trips to the White House, and it was such a fun way to highlight the differences in each era. Maggie's 2001 path impacted me in such a personal way because of my memories from what is now a moment in history. In this path, I was the one with knowledge of the future that I ached to share with Maggie. This genius move put me as the reader in the shoes of the time-crosser and allowed me to relate to Maggie in such a special way. In the end, I could not be happier with the path -- or the fella -- that Maggie chose! 

I loved the spiritual journey in In This Moment! Despite Maggie having to choose one of three lives, there was such a kinship in the struggle of determining what choice to make and what was God's will for her life. Seriously, what's more relatable than that? In such a beautiful and unique way, the author answers this by showing how God cares about the desires of our heart.

Five Stars ~ In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is absolutely captivating! In This Moment is the second book in the author's Timeless Series. I might have an emotional breakdown while waiting for the third book because THAT TWIST WILL HAUNT ME! I can't wait to see if any of my guesses are right! 

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 Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

 

About the Book ~

Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

For more information about Nicole Deese and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a beautiful book that will take your breath away in equal parts oh-so-relatable agony and all the hearts of starry-eyed romance! 

There's little I could say that would do justice to The Words We Lost and the beauty of this story! The setting came alive in my mind's eye. The bookish angle filled me with delight. The romance embodied everything I love about romance. While navigating grief was a central piece of the plot, The Words We Lost never felt depressing. A beautiful story of hope, life, and second chances emerged and moved me to tears on more than one page! What made me both love and hate the author was how I fell in love Cece in the past tense, especially because The Words We Lost was one of those stories where the characters felt like your best friends. Because of that, I didn't just experience Ingrid, Joel, and everyone else's grief; I grieved the loss of Cece as a character, knowing that the only piece of her I would ever have would forever stay in the brilliantly framed flashbacks.

Holding onto God and finding yourself after devastating loss frames the spiritual journey in The Words We Lost. Every piece was thoughtfully and uniquely layered into each character, compiling into an overarching message that God is a good God who truly sees us and draws near to us, always faithful to be exactly what we need. This message was so eloquently conveyed that I closed the book thinking, "Now that's my God!"

Five Stars ~ The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is breathtaking! The Words We Lost is the first book in the author's new series, A Fog Harbor Romance. I might implode with excitement waiting for the next book! 

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 Blind Trust by Natalie Walters

About the Book ~

She's risking her life. He's risking his heart. It's unclear which is more dangerous.

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for being impulsive, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

For more information about Natalie Walters and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

Love is potentially (maybe? definitely!) a dangerous thing! Throw in some crazy bad guys, conspiracy theories, and an extra dose of snark, and you'll get Blind Trust by Natalie Walters!

Blind Trust was a fun ride! I enjoyed the suspense, the pacing, and even some twists I didn't see coming. A particularly suspenseful scene had me looking over my shoulder and jumping while reading! But most importantly, I had a great time with these characters! The SNAP team was so fun, and I loved their comradery and all the snarky comments. While there was some frustration towards Nic and Lyla at points, it was a good balance of tension. The way they moved from mutually frustrating to working through their issues to the va-va-vooms made for a satisfying story. Also, the rage room equaled epicness!

Speaking of working through their issues, I really liked how the author concluded Nic and Lyla's trust issues in Blind Trust! My heart ached for Lyla's hurt and fear that her value was fleeting, but I especially enjoyed how Nic's spiritual journey required him to own the different ways he was wounding Lyla due to his fear. The author's unique approach to their trust issues not only brought Lyla and Nic closer together but also to a place of loving people for who God created them to be instead of changing them or pushing them away. 

Four Stars ~ Blind Trust by Natalie Walters was a satisfying conclusion! Blind Trust could be read as a standalone, but the character dynamics will pack more punch if you've read the previous books. Blind Trust is the final book in the author's The SNAP Agency series, and I'm sad to see it end -- but hopeful for future books! 

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!