Review of All That It Takes by Nicole Deese

 

About the Book ~

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord. 

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future. 

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

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

My Thoughts ~

From cover to cover, All That It Takes by Nicole Deese is a gorgeous story!

All That It Takes was the beautiful completion of a story that was merely hinted at in the author’s previous novel — and oh, was Miles and Val’s romance worth every second of the wait! Additionally, I really enjoyed getting to see previous characters in a way that didn’t overshadow Miles and Val’s journey. I loved the documentary angle, but the main setting of All That It Takes gripped my heart from the moment that Miles and Val stepped foot into the dilapidated and depleted facility. The voices, emotion, and realistic portrayal of single motherhood had me crying more than once as I cuddled my own newborn. There was a beautiful simplicity to All That It Takes, and it added a dash of everyday magic that I absolutely adored!

I loved how Val navigated her story within the stories of others via her documentary! I loved the way this showed how our stories are each unique despite any similarities and hold value, while also showing how sometimes all that it takes (wink, wink) to change someone’s story is for someone else to be vulnerable with theirs. I also really loved how the author didn't shy away from portraying someone in leadership who messed up and then had to face the natural consequences for that — including how that affected other people, like Miles. This deftly transitioned to Miles’ own issues, reaching a level of reality that packed a spiritual wallop!

Five Stars ~ All That It Takes by Nicole Deese is a beautiful yet equally powerful romance! All That It Takes can be read as a standalone, but there are some characters from the author's previous book, All That Really Matters, who appear in All That It Takes.

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 Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart

 

About the Book ~

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

For more information about Kelli Stuart and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you enjoy dual-time stories, mysteries, and a treasure hunt to boot, then The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart is the book to check all those boxes!

The Master Craftsman is a captivating hunt for an unknown Fabergé Egg! I loved this premise, and the treasure hunt itself was my favorite part of the story! It gave me a lot of Uncharted/Nathan Drake (the video game) vibes. Additionally, I'm fascinated by Russian history, so the immersive quality of the historical storyline as well as all the gleaned history in the modern storyline immediately drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages. The author also incorporated a plot twist full of betrayal and a whole lot of danger at just the right moment. 

While I didn't connect with the characters in a soulmate way, I did enjoy their journeys. However, there is ongoing mention of an affair in an almost justifiable way that could be potentially triggering. Though bittersweet at times, The Master Craftsman subtly points to our inherent value being given by the ultimate Master Craftsman as well as love being the greatest treasure of all.

Three Stars ~ The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart is a treasure of a story! The Master Craftsman 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 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 In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

 About the Book ~

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

For more information about Toni Shiloh and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I still remember my delight as I sat in the theaters for the first Princess Diaries movie, utterly captivated as I watched all the romance, angst, humor, and joy unfold... In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh brought back all those feelings while whisking me to a topical kingdom in this contemporary world! 

In Search of a Prince was filled with whimsey, charm, romance, and girl power from cover to cover! Largely set in the fictional kingdom of Oloro Ilé, I loved how the author created this gorgeous setting through researching islands off the coast of western Africa, tribes of Nigeria, and the language of Yoruba. It made this fictional story wonderfully authentic. The story moved at a good pace, and it even included a mysterious element with a twist I didn't completely expect. I loved the romance between Brielle and her prince, and I was delighted with her choice of prince in this twist reminiscent of The Bachelor.

Brielle's journey took quite a ride, exploring many different facets and avenues for fear. Fear of failure, fear of our identity, fear of God's calling, fear of making the wrong choice, fear of physical harm -- just to name a few! I thought the author handled these different things well, incorporating them into Brielle's story in a realistic way while also pointing readers towards our loving God whose strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Five Stars ~ In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh is an absolutely charming princess story! In Search of a Prince can be read as a standalone, and I am looking forward to reading the author's next book set in Ọlọrọ Ilé! 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 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 Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without the trappings and finery of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than make a career in his family's jewelry shop. The past has taught him to no longer believe in love and the "lies" the Claddagh ring supposedly promises. How can he peddle what he now finds offensive?

The war for Irish independence gains strength, and the De Lacy family is caught in the crossfire. As events take a life-threatening turn, Annabeth and Stephen will discover that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty can only be made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel reminds me of Leap Year with its snarky, bitter hero clashing with the highborn heroine meets Downton Abbey with Lady Sybil and Tom Branson's romance. Sprinkle in the history, culture, and the war for Irish independence, and you've got a vibrant romance waiting in The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel!

The Lady of Galway Manor was thoroughly engrossing! The author painted a lush and vivid description of Ireland. Despite the fact that this story is set in the 1920s -- another thing I loved! -- I felt like I could envision every detail in my mind's eye. Additionally, the culture and history were fascinating and immersive. I also really enjoyed how some of the secondary characters were challenged and grew throughout the story in addition to Anna and Stephen. 

I loved Anna and Stephen! I loved the way they reminded me of some of my favorite romances while still being their own characters. But most importantly, I loved the deep themes of love that the author explored in their romance. Not only did the author beautifully illustrate sacrificial, Christ-like love through the Claddagh ring while navigating the trenches of disbelief in love, but the author also challenged prejudices and hate that can burrow into the heart when one has declared everyone on the other side to be the enemy. Wonderfully done!

Five Stars ~ The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel was a vibrant, romantic, and cultured read! The Lady of Galway Manor is a standalone, and I look forward to reading other books by the author!

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 To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

 

About the Book ~

When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

For more information about Jen Turano and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano has loads of rollicking fun tucked between its pages!

To Disguise the Truth was absolutely delightful, witty, and romantic! Additionally, I loved the family drama that unfolded like an extended murder mystery party throughout the second half of the story. The characters were layered, and I appreciate how Eunice and her friends break the forced image of what it means to be a woman. I adored the banter -- the dialogue was probably my favorite part! The setting and pacing were different and surprising, and it kept the story moving at a good pace. I also really appreciated how one of those twists led to an asylum, showing some of the horrors of the day. This twist gave representation to a vulnerable portion of our population who continue to need love and support.

Eunice and Arthur had quite the compelling spiritual journey as well! Arthur had to let go of his plans, his pride, and even his well-hidden desire for revenge to discover what he really wanted in life. Meanwhile, Eunice had been battling fear for a long time. When she began to walk in the truth, the heart of freedom God has for us is beautifully on display!

Four Stars ~ To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano is a delightful, witty romance with an engaging family drama! To Disguise the Truth is the third book in The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Series, but it can be read out of order or 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 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 Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

 

About the Book ~

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick--magistrate, widower, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something...

For more information about Julie Klassen and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is like a game of Clue set in Regency England with lots of fun literary references to boot! 

Set against the backdrop of an old abbey renovated into a ritzy hotel that is rumored to be haunted, Shadows of Swanford Abbey opens with lots of hints that allude to the mystery to come! While this immediately pulled me into the story, the pacing does slow down as the author sets up the possible suspects for the first half of the novel. However, I did enjoy the sheer number of suspects and possible motives, and it was a good nod to Agatha Christie's mysteries. In fact, I loved all the inspiration that the author pulled from beloved classics, especially the ones from Jane Austen's stories! Additionally, as someone who has had personal and professional ties to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, I loved a certain doctor and the representation he brought to the story.

Frederick had some guilt and unforgiveness towards his deceased wife while Rebecca navigated tremendous family guilt and pressure to provide. It was interesting to see the different ways that these struggles and their shared faith impacted their reactions to and navigation surrounding the puzzling murder. While Frederick and Rebecca didn't end up being soulmate characters for me, Shadows of Swanford Abbey was still a fun whodunit with a happy ending!

Three Stars ~ Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen was an intriguing mystery set in Regency England! Shadows of Swanford Abbey 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 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 A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

 

About the Book ~

A Virginia chocolatier and a privateering sea captain collide once more after a failed love affair a decade before. Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart? Or will a new shared vision reunite them?

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story.

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

My Thoughts ~

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a lovely voyage through the Tidewater of colonial Virginia! 

The vivacious setting of A Heart Adrift was truly a star in and of itself in this historical tale! From the immersive descriptions to charming locations such as a chocolate shop, a lighthouse, and even the deck of a mighty sea vessel, the beauty and vividness of the era shines. However, the pacing moved a little slower. While Esmee and Henri didn't end up being soulmate characters for my bookish heart, I loved how the author crafted Esmee's character, specifically that she didn't conform to gender norms and restrictions of the time. 

Esmee and Henri's long and tumultuous relationship certainly faced some ups and down before they were both ready for marriage. Ultimately, they needed to put each other first before they were able to embark on matrimony. Additionally, their respective relationships with God as well as those around them were put to the test as they and their immediate community navigated various trials. It's an apt portrayal of the painful struggle and the misguided reasonings used to make sense of God and the world when your reality has shattered around you, but one that encourages readers to draw closer to God.

Three Stars ~ A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a lovely and romantic voyage through history! A Heart Adrift 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 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!