Spotlight for Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig

About the Book ~

There's a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the brand on her arm.

Tertian Space Coalition has blessed every planet in the quadrants with high technology, save one: Drosero. But in spite of their tenuous treaty with the ruling clans, TSC has plans for the backward planet. And they're not alone.

After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she's borne since childhood burns mysteriously, but the pain is nothing to that when she learns her family is dead and she is accursed of their murders.

Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order -- not to join them, but to seek a bounty. Gifted -- or cursed -- with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts Based on a Four Chapter Sampler ~

Goodness!

Those first four chapters have left me feeling a little crazed because I have to wait until DECEMBER to finish the story!

Excuse me while I wail...

If you only know Ronie Kendig for her military fiction, you won't be disappointed! The author takes that same talent for surging action, layered characters, and realistic blackops and combines it with a story that screams Firefly and Stargate and every medieval movie that you've ever loved! Between the varied action and the skillful combination of space opera and medieval kingdom, those first four chapters have me hooked!

Bottom Line ~ I cannot wait to read the full, epic story! Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig is the first book in the Dorseran Saga! This thrilling story will release on December 3rd, 2019!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a four chapter sampler 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 King's Shadow by Angela Hunt

About the Book ~

Their lives couldn't be more different,
but their goal is the same:
survive King Herod's rule.

Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless -- both women struggle to reach their goals and survive each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

My Thoughts ~

Angela Hunt's Biblical Fiction stories never cease to fascinate me, and King's Shadow is no different! What a spellbinding fictionalization of King Herod's court! Political drama and historical fact are coupled with fictional characters and realistic perceptions of historical figures in King's Shadow. The result is a story that feels fresh while also staying true to history! 

In an author interview that is included in the book, the author explains that she has learned no one is completely good or evil and that perspective changes everything! This shaped the characters -- both fictional and historical -- into some of the most realistic characters that I have ever encountered! Salome felt bound by family duty to protect her brother and his kingdom, so her scheming was born out of love for Herod. But as she encountered God's heart in Zara and other people in her life, Salome had to confront her misconceptions. We meet Zara when she's a little girl and follow her well into adulthood. I really liked seeing how she transformed from someone who followed the rules of the law because that's what was taught to her to someone who loved God with a personal faith! And the end of Zara's story made my soul leap for joy! Even Herod was fascinating and layered! His progression from ambitious man to bloodthirsty killer was intense! There were times my heart broke for Herod because the author aptly showed how his fear and desire to be loved drove his actions. Unfortunately, instead of looking for security and love in God, Herod looked for man's approval. Truly, all the spiritual lesson packed into King's Shadow are too great for one review!

Four Stars ~ King's Shadow by Angela Hunt is full of intrigue, suspense, betrayal, and triumph! King's Shadow is the fourth and final book in The Silent Years Series from Angela Hunt. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Egypt's Sister before reading King's Shadow for greater enjoyment and understanding.

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 Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason

About the Book ~

Playing dead might just get her killed.

FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes himself to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder."

As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time -- this time for good.

For more information on Lynette Eason and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Lynette Eason's stories achieve the perfect balance of wholesome romance and jaw-dropping suspense, but I think the author raised her own bar with Vow of Justice! Wow!

The ride Vow of Justice takes you on is nothing short of intense and startling! From the wide array of bad guys to the plethora of complications, I don't think that "twists and turns" even begins to describe the intensity of the storyline. I'd describe it as Indiana Jones running from that boulder that's going to crush him, but then add a Sith Lord about twenty feet ahead of him...While there was a complication I anticipated, the direction this complication went completely shocked me! What a brilliant and well-written angle!

The characters in Vow of Justice were wonderful! I saw Linc as very steadfast. He was steadfast in his faith when he had to forgive Allie for her deception, when he counseled Allie through some difficult moments, and when he was worried for Allie's life -- and that last one happened a lot! He was a rock of support and love for Allie as she opened her heart to him, and a hero like that is most definitely swoony! Additionally, I think Allie's emotional and spiritual journey will impact readers in a powerful way! Not surprising given the title, justice plays an important role in the story. When Allie finally confronted the ghosts of her past, she had to confront the difference between justice and revenge in her heart! And when the circumstances of the present reached a horrific climax, I read in awe as Allie chose to fight back instead of collapsing under the victim mentality that had defined every action of her life for so long! It was -- simply put -- empowering!

Four Stars ~ Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason is a thrilling, romantic ride! Vow of Justice is the fourth book in the author's Blue Justice Series from Revell. While I think readers will get the most enjoyment from reading the previous books in the series, Vow of Justice can definitely 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 The String by Caleb Breakey

My Thoughts ~

Rule #1: Participation is mandatory.
Rule #2: If any one person refuses to play, the threats to all players will come to pass.

Since this is my game, allow me to introduce myself. I am the conductor. Just as musicians in a symphony must follow the conductor's direction, the selected students and staff of Trenton University must submit to my commands...or risk massive chaos and deadly consequences. Even that pesky university cop, Markus Haas, who thinks he'll find a way out of the impossible dilemma in which I've trapped him. Oh, the surprises I have for him.

Ready to play?

For more information about Caleb Breakey and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

Ted Dekker fans will want to purchase The String by Caleb Breakey immediately! In fact, just add this author to your auto-buy list. Don't think. Just do it.

And then sleep with all the lights on...LOL!

I love a well-written story with overflowing buckets of suspense, mystery, and thrilling content... The String more than lived up to what I had hoped to discover between the pages! It's hard to find a story that truly gives an adrenaline rush, but The String did! Man, it really did! The events kept building and building until the explosive climax! Twists, turns, subtle clues, and jaw-dropping reveals are only some of what make up the story! I could easily see this becoming a movie one day!

I loved all the different perspectives in The String! Given the nature of the story, I felt like the abundance of perspectives added a unique realism to the story as you watched the different characters reveal their motivations and secrets. The villain reminded me of a cross between Batman's Joker and Ted Dekker's Marsuvees Black from The Paradise Trilogy! He was the type of villain where you (eventually) understand what lead him to this dark place, and the author did an amazing job of shocking me with the villain's identity! And Markus Haas, well, he was a hero in every sense of the word! While definitely not perfect, he had an honorable code and a growing hunger for God!

Understandably, there are some dark elements to this story what with the villain's twisted past and disturbing life-or-death games, but it was awesome to see some of the characters not only cry out to God but also embrace the truth that the villain's evil could not harm them in the way that matters!

Five Stars - The String by Caleb Breakey is thrilling! The String ends on a cliffhanger -- and from what I understand -- it is the first book in the author's Deadly Games Series from Revell. Despite the cliffhanger, I felt like the big question of the book was answered, and the cliffhanger leaves readers with burning questions for the next book! I can't wait to read it!

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!

Love and Other Mistakes Blog Tour and Review!

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Love and Other Mistakes 

Author: Jessica Kate  

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: July 30, 2019 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

There’s a fine line between love and hate . . . And for the last seven years, Natalie Groves has hated Jeremy Walters.

Natalie Groves was meant for great things. But soon after her fiancé left, Natalie’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly her grand plans evaporated . . . and God felt very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and an internship presents Natalie a chance at her destiny—but she needs a job to work around it. And the only offer available is worse than a life sentence. Her ex Jeremy, now back in town, is desperate for help with his infant son and troubled teenage niece, Lili. And Natalie may be just the one to help Jeremy . . . provided they don’t kill each other in the process.

When Jeremy and Natalie join forces, sparks fly. But will either of them get burned along the way?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Australian Jessica Kate is a sassy romance author and addict.

Her novels feature wit, snark and grit, and her StoryNerds podcast gives her a chance to nerd out with others about these ingredients in books, movies and TV.

She has a passion for garlic bread, theme parks and Batman.

Sign up to her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com to hear first about her books, including her upcoming novels Love and Other Mistakes and A Girl’s Guide to the Outback.

The StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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REVIEW

My Thoughts ~ 

Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is one of those wonderful stories where you get so much more than you were expecting!

Based on the book blurb, I expected a sizzling romance with lots of tension. I got that, but I also found engaging subplots that could be their own story, family drama, exposed secrets, and profound messages of forgiveness, our worth in God, and the faithful love of God! And all of this was layered with an ongoing M&M addiction and some deliciously sassy remarks!

Right?!! You're hooked now, LOL!

The story is told through Jem, Lili (Jem's teenage niece), and Natalie's perspectives. I loved the authentic way the author portrayed the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the depth and complication Lili's storyline added to the mix! And there was never a dull moment as that tangled web of secrets, drama, and betrayal started to unravel!

I want to note that if cancer or marital affairs are painful to you, these subplots could be triggering. However, I also want to note that the author handled these heartbreaking subjects in a way that realistically shows the the range of emotions that someone personally affected by these things would feel. Through Natalie, Jem, and Lili, the author shows how forgiveness is needed so that you and I can move on from the trauma. The characters also confronted the misconceptions they've developed about God from their own relationships with their fathers, from betrayal to doubting their own worth and ability to achieve anything to feeling like they needed to be perfect.

Five Stars ~ Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate has a lot of surprises and messages of profound truth packed between the pages! Love and Other Mistakes is the author's debut and a standalone. However, the characters for the author's next book -- A Girl's Guide to the Outback -- are introduced in Love and Other Mistakes!

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 Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

About the Book ~

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail.

Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the dead letter office, and she dreams of something more -- a bit of intrigue, perhaps a taste of romance. When she comes across a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love, it becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

But when Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter, and yet...she finds herself caring -- perhaps too much -- for the one who wrote it.

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If I had to use one word to describe Rachel Fordham's writing style, characters, and stories, I would say that all those elements are absolutely charming!

I guess that's two words, LOL!

But it's true! Yours Truly, Thomas is a charming read! It's the kind of story that makes your heart smile as you watch the characters fall in love, be spontaneous, end up in some mishaps, and fight for life. In addition to all those endearing facets of the story, I thought the storyline was unique for the era! I loved learning about the dead letter office! And Penny's spontaneous decision to travel to Azure Springs, meet Thomas, and figure out her own life was surrounded by some fun complications -- but I don't want to give away any spoilers!

Grief, regret, and guilt play a big roll in the story as both Penny and Thomas learn how to move forward after tragic loss, fighting to live for the hope of the future. Despite these heavy themes, I felt like the author did a good job balancing them with a sweet romance, heartfelt faith, and an intriguing storyline! Thomas and Penny's respective relationships with God are genuine, coming from a place of where the characters have been and where they want to go with Him.

Four Stars ~ Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is -- at the risk of sounding repetitive -- absolutely charming! Yours Truly, Thomas is a standalone, but it is the second book set in the author's charming town of Azure Springs, introduced to us in the author's debut, The Hope of Azure Springs!

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 Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Connilyn Cossette truly outdid herself with Until the Mountains Fall! This riveting story is one of the author's most intricate and layered stories to date!

Connilyn Cossette has become known for her unique Old Testament stories that open up aspects of the Bible that are often overlooked. But in Until the Mountains Fall, the author also manages to layer New Testament truth into the story with some gender-swap, Prodigal Son inspiration in Rivkah's story! Additionally, some of the events that transpire left me stunned and desperately awaiting the next book! The result is a story you won't soon forget!

Malakhi and Rivkah were amazing characters! They were multi-faceted, unique, and genuine! I loved getting to see Malakhi and Rivkah before and then after Rivkah's desertion. The changes and spiritual prisons that they had each built around themselves were so realistic. Their anger, betrayal, feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame were masterfully portrayed on the pages, and I think I can safely say that I am not the only reader that will be able to relate to these heart-wrenching themes on a personal level! And the ways that Malakhi and Rivkah continued to grow and confront their misconceptions will make you want to break out in cheers of joy!

Spiritually speaking, there are just so many amazing gems of truth in Until the Mountains Fall, but my personal favorite was the Prodigal Son aspect. It left me with red and puffy eyes from ugly crying at the beautiful parallels between Rivkah's father and our Heavenly Father Who never stops waiting for us to run to Him so that He can crush us in His arms of love!

Five Stars ~ Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette should be another addition to your "Keep Forever and Ever and Ever" shelf! Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge Series. While it could be read as a standalone, there would probably be some confusion with the subplot, and since the previous stories are also AMAZING, I strongly encourage readers to read the series in order.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer 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!