Updates and Changes

Heeeyy,

Just a quick update and some changes!

I’m no longer actively reviewing books.

That said, I will still be sharing books that I’m reading, have read, or am excited to read. Please know that I will continue to support other authors, accept endorsements as my schedule allows, and of course, partner with other authors for fun multi author projects.

I loved my time reviewing books, but I needed to make some changes. This is one of those changes. For all intents and purposes, this blog is shutting down. Thus, I’m no longer formally reviewing books on this blog, online retailers, review tours, etcetera.

The good news is -- wait for it -- I’ve launched a new blog on my website, and you can check that out HERE! It will include a lot of the same content that you’ll see in my newsletter. Ramblings, encouragement, book news, books I’m reading/read/excited to read, relationship with God, music, pop culture, and an abundant love of coffee. There will be exclusive content that’s only available to my newsletter subscribers, such as giveaways, influencer/review opportunities, early bookish news, etcetera. If that interests you, make sure you’ve signed up for my newsletter HERE! 

Thank you so, so much for being here! I hope to see you on my new blog and newsletter! 

Hugs!

~ Joy

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that reveal God’s deep love for us. Her books are closed door romcoms that are full of romantic tension, snark, and written from a Christian worldview. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid reader. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and create aesthetic content for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable children. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Review of Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman

About the Book ~ 

Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother's untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings--quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.

Ten years later, Martha's friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she's not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

For more information about Heather Kaufman and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is a timeless tale that is reflective of the joy, sorrow, and abundant life found in Jesus!

Up from Dust took a unique look at Martha, Lazarus, and Mary's potential lives! Instead of trying to replay the events seen in the Bible in a fictional narrative, the author explored Martha's story from places of curiosity, imagination, and wonder. I enjoyed this approach and the creativity it brought into a well-known story.

There were a lot of powerful moments in Up from Dust! I loved how Martha spoke truth to Lazarus -- and then Lazarus listened to her, allowing her words to act as iron sharpening iron. I loved how Mary was not perfect, and I especially loved when Martha realized that Mary felt unsafe around some of the men because she was viewed as either a threat or something to possess by those men. Most of all, I loved how the pure love of Jesus burst with life from the moment Jesus first smiled at Martha!

Up from Dust was not without its sorrow, death, and the honest portrayal of the brutal realities of the culture. There was hard stuff, and Martha was shaped by those experiences even as she tried to love those around her. The authenticity to the human experience made the freedom, love, and courage to hope all the more poignant as Martha was changed by Jesus' love! 

Four Stars ~ Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is a deeply resonating story! Up from Dust Martha's Story is the first book in the author's Women of the Way series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here! 

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 reader. 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 children. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

 

About the Book ~ 

Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is the past--one she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors, and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess and a healthy dollop of faith.

For more information about Sara Brunsvold and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

If you're looking for a story with heartfelt family drama, deep cultural roots, and a love of butter, consider checking out The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold.

The premise of The Divine Proverb of Streusel grabbed my attention. The forgotten family heirlooms trope has a magic all its own, so the character's journey to discover her family history and cultural roots was interesting. The recipe-turned-reflections book was an intriguing medium to drive that, and the recipes sounded delicious with their hearty embrace of butter.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel was not my bookish soulmate, but there is a nurturing heart of hope within its pages. While it's impossible to navigate all the complexities, nuances, or caveats of similar situations within a single story, the author conveys the truth that there is always hope with God. 

Three Stars ~ The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a moving family drama! The Divine Proverb of Streusel is the author's sophomore standalone, but the author's debut is also available 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 reader. 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 children. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

About the Book ~

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

For more information about Sarah Monzon and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is every bit as heartwarming as the title suggests!

All's Fair in Love and Christmas had the same vibes as watching a Christmas episode of The Office -- perfect no matter the season! And I am here. for. it! I loved the office environment and all those coworker dynamics. From Mackenzie and Jeremy's POVs all the way to characters we don't get to spend a lot of time with, each character was uniquely quirky, flawed, and endearing. The festive competition was a fresh take on a beloved trope, and the heart behind the different aspects of the competition made it all the more engaging.  

I enjoyed the spiritual themes explored in Mackenzie and Jeremy's story! From not strangling your life with your own plans all the way to dismantling the religious stigma around mental health, these struggles are oh-so-relatable and so very needed in fiction. Even the thoughtful balance of weight and humor aided the impact of their healing truths. 

Five Stars ~ All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a fun story to enjoy all year long! All's Fair in Love and Christmas 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 Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet

About the Book ~

Samuel was back. It seemed unfair to be blindsided. And in church no less. Shouldn't there be a commandment about that? Thou shalt not step foot inside thy ex's place of worship.

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and has high hopes for a fresh start after the last decade of her life abruptly left her a young widow and a single mom. With both her boys off to college, she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business. Julia is ready for new beginnings--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who shattered her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to avoid him if she wants any chance of preventing history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend keeps throwing them together. And now it seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist.

For more information about Rebekah Millet and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I love me some romcoms with fun twists, and Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet did not disappoint in the delivery of this!

Julia Monroe Begins Again was such a fun, unique story! I loved that the author wrote to a need in Christian fiction, specifically older heroes and heroines! I loved Julia's relatability from the snarky internal monologue to the stretch marks -- I'm looking at you, my dear children. I also really enjoyed the New Orleans setting. The author's familiarity with New Orleans danced across the page, never once hinting at info dumping or superiority. As a result, the author's love for the area made me feel at home in this little corner of the world.

Most of all, I loved that the author separated out Julia's forgiveness from whether or not Julia could trust Samuel again. I find that these are often conflated as the same thing, so it was refreshing to see these topics actually handled as the separate entities that they are and were. Truthfully, this approach made Julia's conclusion not to make decisions from a place of fear all the more organic and resonating!

Five Stars ~ Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet is a fun and fresh debut! It's the first book in the author's series, Beignets for Two. I'm really looking forward to reading 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 The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

About the Book ~

Two women -- a century apart -- embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

For more information about Carrie Turansky and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky sweeps readers to the enchanting Lake District in this historical tale of love and faith!

My favorite aspect of The Legacy of Longdale Manor was the magical setting! I enjoyed learning about the rich history of England's Lake District and the deep faith of the region that has abided for more than a century! Additionally, the various joys and hardships of raising sheep grabbed my attention. Also, I discovered one of the best recipes I have ever found in a novel! How did I survive without Coronation chicken salad in my life? This juicy recipe is just one of the many different ways the author incorporated research and culture into the pages of The Legacy of Longdale Manor.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor has a fair number of heart-wrenching moments too. I appreciated how the author called out that forgiveness was not excusing sin and highlighted how our relationship with God can't be built on someone else through Gwen and Charlotte's intertwined journeys. However, there were missteps and triggers for those who have been abused and betrayed by their partner, parent, and/or the church.

Three Stars ~ The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky is the author's first dual timeline novel, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

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

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

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

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 

About the Book ~ 

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school, and she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.

What? No. That's the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Still, curiosity gets the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament, and the chance at a real-life fairy tale romance.

For more information about Melody Carlson and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a cozy, Hallmark-ish story to kick off your Christmas reading!

A Royal Christmas has one of the most heartwarming settings in fiction! Whether fiction or real life, Montovia is the place where we all want to live. I really enjoyed being told about Montovia with its charming traditions and fairytale vibes. I liked that Adelaide was a strong woman who didn't let others push her around and recognized discrimination, and King Max stole my heart from the moment he met his daughter. And who doesn't love a dash of Christmas romance added to a story? However, I did feel like the conflict and ending was a little rushed; I would have liked for those elements to be more fully fleshed out. Ultimately, it is a fun, light, quick read that doesn't get too heavy, which is great for the busy holiday season.

Adelaide and several other characters in A Royal Christmas have a strong faith. While the faith element is less overt throughout the novel, Adelaide's relationship with God is very much the guiding hand through the twists and turns.

Three Stars ~ A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a festive addition to your holiday TBR! A Royal Christmas is a standalone story, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy, including additional Christmas stories.

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!