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!

Review of The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

 

About the Book ~

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

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

My Thoughts ~

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is the cat's pajamas and other fun slang from the Roaring Twenties!

The Roaring Twenties is the cream in my coffee, so The Metropolitan Affair caught my attention right away! I enjoyed how the author portrayed some of the glitz and glam of the era through different avenues such as Lauren's work though the museum, while also showing the seedy underbelly via Joe's work as a detective. I also loved how the author addressed some of the sexism and misogyny against women in the workplace. I thoroughly enjoyed learning different facets of Egyptian culture in a historical setting -- so fun!

The spiritual journey in The Metropolitan Affair made me cry! Though Joe had some profound moments of choosing to trust, Lauren's spiritual journey took center stage! Lauren's abusive father horrifically colored her view of her worth and God. However, it was the way the author showed the complete, sacrificial love of God wholly though Lauren's mother that undid me. I loved how the author depicted this profound truth that is often missing from the broader conversation.

Four Stars ~ The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is the bee's knees! The Metropolitan Affair is the first book in the author's new series, On Central Park. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of 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 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 Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar.

When Brianna unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

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

My Thoughts ~

Escape to Ireland! If you're looking for a captivating story that could be an Irish fairytale, then check out The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel!

The Maid of Ballymacool was so sweet and enchanting! Seriously, I just cannot emphasize the sweetness enough. This Irish Cinderella was like A Little Princess meets Downton Abbey. Additionally, the setting came alive with the vibrant energy that is all things Ireland, and I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of history and fiction. Michael's sense of justice and defense of those abused was one of my favorite parts of the story! However, there were some secondary characters whose motivations felt unclear, so their attitudes and actions felt jarring at times. 

Brianna's character explored rebuilding trust in people and God after abuse and betrayal. While there's no way in a fictional story to truly portray all the nuances and trauma triggers surrounding rebuilding trust, I thought the author did a good job for the scope of the story itself. Ultimately, Brianna and the reader are pointed back to God's faithful nature to bring life from death. 

Three Stars ~ The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a charming story with a beautiful message! The Maid of Ballymacool 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 The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

About the Book ~

Two women--bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance--find together that true strength comes in many forms.

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When he dies unexpectedly, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham in hope of finding the mother she thought was dead.

Isabella Moreau, America's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. Then her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, and she is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

As Mabel and Isabella's lives become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden, their resiliency and resolve are tested as they learn the truth of what it means to be strong.

For more information about Kimberly Duffy and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

Who loves an exceptionally written circus story? If so, then check out The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy! It's the perfect tale for running away to the circus!

From beginning to end, The Weight of Air resembled a circus -- in the best of ways! Enthralling, beautiful, terrifying, and breathtaking moments are laced throughout each act of the story. The circus world came alive for me! Though these were fictitious circuses, the author's note at the end explained which parts were inspired by the famous circuses of the day. One of my favorite parts was the way Mabel and Isabella's careers in the circus highlighted the objectification and double standards forced on women. Though very different, their experiences proved to be a very thought-provoking way to explore how women are expected or even forced to use their bodies, supposed feminine perfection as determined by others, and how women are often required to ignore or minimize their mental health. Very well done!  

The Weight of Air deals with some very heavy things that may be triggering to some readers, such as depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, death, grief, and suicide. However, I never felt like the story was weighed down by these topics. Instead, these common and relatable struggles were brought into the open and illuminated with shame-free light. I greatly appreciated how the author handled these complex subjects and infused love, love, and more love into the conversation. It was a beautiful journey with characters who were neither villain nor hero, but broken people faced with the reviving love of God.

Five Stars ~ The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy is a truly gripping and whimsical tale that will stay with its readers! The Weight of Air 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 All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes

About the Book ~

When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . .

1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.

1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.

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

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a story that has the qualities of water -- life-giving, moving, and beautiful! -- then you must experience the whimsical journey that is All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes!

All the Lost Places was a magical journey! This bookish journey to Venice brought the legendary city to life in a way that highlights the restorative power of story. Also, I need a book boat! I absolutely LOVED the premise of a book within a book! As Daniel translated the mysterious text, I enjoyed how the story took over, showing in such a simple yet profound way how a reader becomes immersed within a book as the story takes on a life of its own. Some of the lyrical descriptions and jumping around was a bit jarring for me, leaving me a bit lost at times; however, there is no question that All the Lost Places was beautifully written! Although this was a story of found hope and life, there was also loss and death in the journey. Some things may be triggering for those who have experienced medical trauma and loss. 

The spiritual thread in All the Lost Places was every bit as intwined, deep, and moving as you'd expect from this lyrical journey. Through both circumstances beyond their control and of their own making, Sebastian and Daniel are plagued with the question, "Who am I?" Though as different as could be with reverse Cinderella vibes and a reformed thief, this question is answered through all the wondrous aspects of found family (including a dash of romance!) and the devotion of the only Man who could pay the price.

Three Stars ~ All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes is a work of art! All the Lost Places 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!