Review of Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris

About the Book ~

With her vision and his know-how, this thing just might work . . .

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, but he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

In order to avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's building, Jon will have to strike a compromise. Can the two of them work together? Or will their troubled past set the tone for their future?

For more information about Tari Faris and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris is the kind of book I love to curl up with, disappear in, and make into my fictional home!

The Restoring Heritage Series comes full circle in Since You've Been Gone, and I loved every minute of it! Leah returns to Heritage to battle Jon for the WIFI, but Madison also returns! And WOW! The way the author brought the story back to the beginning but also brought love and redemption to these ladies was deeply moving to me. Leah and Jon's romance was touched with some unrequited love AND some love-to-hate vibes, which made it great fun. Colby and Madison's romance brought an incredible redemption arch to Madison's character as well as making my heart happy with their music-laced romance. Additionally, the town of Heritage is just one I want to move to and call my own.

I loved the spiritual themes in Since You've Been Gone! Powerful themes like not compromising on the dreams and direction God has given to you, breaking down the walls we build around our hearts, and not letting the fear of failure hold us back while still recognizing that we will fail and love knows that and continues to love in spite of that. These themes were so beautifully woven into Jon, Leah, Colby, and Madison's stories, and I cheered for their victories until the sweet end!

Five Stars ~ Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series! Since You've Been Gone is the final book in the author's Restoring Heritage Series. While it can be read by itself, I recommend reading the series in order for the character development.

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

 

About the Book ~

Present Day. Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home, determined to finally follow her dream of running the family business alongside her mother and grandmother. So when her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that Old Depot Grocery is closing, Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a plan to save the store. But Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons--but she'll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she's pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve her family's reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-time story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth.

For more information about Amanda Cox and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox will sweep readers into a family drama that is layered with intricate secrets!

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery will charm readers with its small, quaint town as simpler days beckon! Truly, even the steadfast Old Depot Grocery proves to be its own character in this story. Even though the characters were not at a soulmate level for me, I did appreciate how the author dug into family dynamics that often influence many, particularly siblings. While I did not connect with some of the plot points and twists, this is definitely a story that should be high on the TBR list for those who love complex family drama!

It's a good guess that the spiritual thread of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery revolves around secrets with a title like that. However, that's only the beginning! The cost of secrets, the long-term effects of secrets, and assumptions heavily influenced by secrets are all examined very thoughtfully by the author. This thoughtful exploration paves the way for the freeing and healing power of truth to shine in the lives of the characters.

Three Stars ~ The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox is an intriguing look into family dynamics. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a standalone, but this is the author's second novel.

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green

 

About the Book ~

A WWII novel of courage and conviction, based on the true experience of the men who fought fires as conscientious objectors and the women who fought prejudice to serve in the Women's Army Corps.

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have stuck to their values as conscientious objectors. Much to their families' and country's chagrin, they volunteer as smokejumpers rather than enlisting, parachuting into and extinguishing raging wildfires in Oregon. But the number of winter blazes they're called to seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don't add up.

A member of the Women's Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother's pacifism, but she's shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report . . . and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it's wrong to lie; she's willing to do whatever it takes for justice to be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the troubling secrets they discover.

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

My Thoughts ~

Love WWII fiction, but you're looking for something a little...different? If that's you, then check out The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green!

The Lines Between Us was mainly set in the mountainous forests of Oregon, exploring often unknown and unexplored secrets from WWII! The setting was a lush, vibrant backdrop to the unfolding mystery. Speaking of that mystery...I loved how Dorie's personality added some humor and culture to their search for the truth. Furthermore, the mystery itself was a fascinating piece of history! 

While the spiritual themes in The Lines Between Us are more subtle, the author crafted complex characters with a vast array of emotions, pasts, and quirks. Additionally, the author explored a lot of gray areas with difficult questions and painful circumstances quite thoughtfully. Through Dorie, Gordon, Jack, and the rest of these engaging characters, we are shown that those black and white lines are not always what they seem while humanizing the people we view as our political enemies, people who are just like us. More importantly, we are given heart-tugging examples that no matter the situation, the truth will set us free.

Four Stars ~ The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green is equal parts intriguing, mysterious, and thoughtful. The Lines Between Us is a standalone, and I'm interested to see what the author writes next!

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

 

About the Book ~

When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross in charge. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

For more information about Liz Johnson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson is a sweet romance set on the gentle shores of Prince Edward Island!

The setting of Beyond the Tides was quite fun! It was enjoyable to be swept onto a lobster boat for a season; it was made even better by not having to experience the constant seasickness, the fishy smells, and the stinging pinch of the lobsters for myself, making it another win for living vicariously through fiction! Additionally, the culture and unwritten rules surrounding lobster fishing in a small town was thoroughly charming and tinged with mystery and sabotage at times. The relationship dynamics -- from romantic to family to friends -- were sweet, raw, and tugged on the heart. There was some focus on losing a parent, but it didn't make the story unbearably heavy. Instead, the focus was shifted to making memories with those people instead of hiding from the grief, which still has me teary-eyed.

Oliver and Meg's romance started off with a bit of Pride and Prejudice disdain to boot! Always great fun in my book! While the spiritual themes were gentler, struggles with forgiveness, pride, and identity added some rocky waves to the couple's relationship. Ultimately, their journey led them to the conclusion that love didn't always look like moonlight dances, a box of chocolates, and a dozen roses, and that love also includes caring, shared grief, and sacrifice. And it made an already sweet story even sweeter!

Four Stars ~ Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson is romantic and sweet! Beyond the Tides is the first book in the author's Prince Edward Island Shores Series, and it seems to set up the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to reading that next seaside story!

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson

 

About the Book ~

As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he's a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.

In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter--the sole proof his actions were legal--has mysteriously vanished.

Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.

For more information about Todd M. Johnson and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson will sweep you into the past for a thrilling legal mystery! 

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque was such a unique story! It's like Sherlock Holmes meets Downton Abbey meets Law and Order meets Regency England. William Snopes, after rejecting his father's title, worked as a barrister for the people among the lower classes, the downtrodden, and the "downstairs" workers, which gave a broader view of the era than usually found in fiction. The hint of romance culminating in the lovely promise of someday reduced my heart to quite the gooey state. Additionally, the legal mystery was unique and complicated, driving the story forward; however, the pacing felt a little slow at times. The plethora of characters were intriguing, but I would have loved to have gotten to know them a little more. 

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque held other interesting, thoughtful layers. Truth, honor, and the shady lines we are willing to cross in the name of justice are woven throughout this mystery. As the characters reconcile these themes with their faith, one can't help but view their personal circumstances through this fictional lens, one that elicits conviction and insight in such a subtle manner.

Three Stars ~ The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson takes legal fiction to a new level! The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is a standalone, but the ending gives hope for more.

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray

 

About the Book ~

This disaster may be just what she needed.

Darcy Malone's dreams of mission work are dashed on the eve of fulfilling them: The Guatemalan school she was going to teach at has closed, and she's already quit her job and given up her apartment. Stuck in her worst-case scenario, Darcy accepts an unexpected offer to move in with Bryson Katsaros's little sister, despite the years of distrust between her and Bryson, the lead singer in her best friend Cameron's band. But as she meets those close to Bryson, Darcy quickly discovers there is more to him than just his bad-boy persona.

Needing to find a purpose for all her sudden free time, Darcy jumps at the chance to care for and train a group of unruly dogs, with the aim of finding each a home before their bereaved owner returns them to animal control. But it's Darcy herself who will encounter a surprising rescue in the form of love, forgiveness, and learning to let go.

For more information about Tammy L. Gray and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If there's one thing I know about romances, the moody musician is always deeper and sweeter than he appears. It's a trope for a reason -- it's often true, and we love that! Add a bunch of loveable dogs and a girl who's questioning everything in her relationship with God -- what's not to love about Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray?

Love and the Silver Lining was a fun, romantic, and deep story! The setting and furry, four-legged friends were an excellent heartwarming factor. I also love and applaud how the author plunged to unexpected depths in both the character development and the plot (especially surrounding Darcy's broken family). Additionally, the unrequited love story and some fiery arguments have me desperately waiting for information about the next book because I got to know what happens next!

I adored Darcy and Bryson's story in Love and the Silver Lining! It was real and relatable. Okay, so maybe you're not a dog training guru falling in love with a local rocker who's sitting on the edge of fame, but who hasn't gone through a period where they're struggling and questioning their relationship with God? Let's be real here...all of us have done that, which makes Darcy one of those real, genuine characters you want to share a pint of ice cream with as you commiserate over current circumstances on your way to a deeper, stronger faith. Darcy and Bryson's story gave a sometimes funny and at other times heartbreaking glimpse at what it's like to be stuck in life, relationships, and purpose -- and the joys that await when you let go of the past and embrace God's beautiful future!

Five Stars ~ Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray is an absolutely golden book! Love and the Silver Lining is the second book in the author's A State of Grace Series. While the main characters were introduced in the first book, Love and the Silver Lining can be read as a standalone. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! 

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~ 

Finding a Way to Freedom Might Cost Them Everything.

Lukio has spent the past decade as a famous Philistine fighter, achieving every material goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. He's also spent the time burying painful memories of betrayal that he associates with the Levite family that guards the Ark of the Covenant and once adopted him. Now, just as the champion of Ashdod is set to claim the biggest prize of all--the daughter of the king--his past collides with his present.

After a heartbreaking end to her friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought she'd never again see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to recognize the brutal fighter known as Demon Eyes.

When their renewed connection threatens to expose Shoshana's dangerous secrets, Lukio must decide how far he'll go to face his past and keep her protected.

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

My Thoughts ~

Question: what should live between the shelves of a bookcase dedicated to tomes that will be cherished until the end of time? Answer: Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette!

Between the Wild Branches was everything I hoped to discover AND MORE! Lukio and Shoshana's harrowing, romantic, and breathtaking tale is one that could live through generations as a legend rather than a work of fiction! Yes, it was and is THAT good. The Philistine setting for the majority of the story was evocative, adding to the high stakes, as well as a really refreshing and intriguing change to the traditional settings found in Biblical fiction. I was utterly impressed at how well developed the characters were, from main characters to side characters and children. The intricacies of the plot and how divinely those plot points connected left me feeling like I was reading a faith account from the Bible. Additionally -- and definitely one of my favorite aspects of this story! -- the slow yet intense burn to this second-chance romance made Lukio and Shoshana's happy ending that much more satisfying!

I cried a lot while reading Between the Wild Branches...there were so many tears! Woven throughout this incredible story was a prominent and beautiful message about God's love for His children. Regardless of a rebellious past or a steadfast walk, Between the Wild Branches will grasp hearts with the its root truth that we are a child of God because we've been adopted into God's family. His Abba Father heart for family and adoption -- literally and spiritually -- will challenge, change, and convict readers.

Five Stars ~ Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette is a thrilling, breathtaking, romantic, and deeply moving adventure set in Biblical times! Between the Wild Branches is the second and final book of the Covenant House Series. While it could be read as a standalone, some plot points and the rich character development would be better appreciated if the first book is read prior to reading Between the Wild Branches.

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!