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!

Review of In Love's Time by Kate Breslin

About the Book ~

At the height of World War I, two sweethearts face impossible odds in this powerful tale of courage, duty, and heartbreak.

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. He's there to find the Romanov tsarina and her son and glean information about a plot to assassinate Lenin. As the danger intensifies, Marcus's sense of duty battles with his desire to return home to Clare, the woman he truly loves, before it's too late.

Military hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus's betrayal after learning he's engaged to another woman. Clare also fears losing her daughter, Daisy, to the heartless family who took her away once before. Only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save Daisy, but when an injury leaves him powerless to help, Clare's fate--and the fate of the top-secret mission--hangs in the balance.

For more information about Kate Breslin and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Looking to step back into time with a gripping story what would rival any told by Julian Fellowes? Then I insist you check out In Love's Time by Kate Breslin!

I loved how In Love's Time felt like 50 First Dates or Remember Sunday meets Downton Abbey! The amnesia twist was a lot of fun and added to the romantic angst. Also, if you're a fan of the show, the Downton Abbey vibes were EVERYTHING! Clare's experience with both downstairs service and upstairs life harkened to some of the best aspects of the fan favorite, yet In Love's Time was still completely its own story. I also loved the subplot with Marcus' sister, her love of horticulture, and a second love story. I felt the pressure, stress, and the race against the clock that the characters experienced, forcing me to happily devour the book in order to keep up with the plot. Additionally, I loved how the author included nuggets of history, including Britain's first all-female-run military hospital!

The spiritual plot of In Love's Time was less overt, but it was still very meaningful! Marcus and Clare each needed to learn how to truly trust, the kind of trust enduring love needs to grow and thrive. I greatly appreciated how the author highlighted that this was an issue for Marcus just as much as it was for Clare, as Marcus' traumatic childhood prevented him from fully trusting Clare -- or God -- with his future. Amnesia and wartime betrayal prevented Clare and Marcus from resolving their issues for quite some time -- an excellent plot device! -- but when they were finally able to communicate and work through their trust issues, my heart was very happy!

Four Stars ~ In Love's Time by Kate Breslin was a beautiful story about the endurance of love! In Love's Time was a standalone story, 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 Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

 

About the Book ~

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

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

My Thoughts ~

Looking for a book that could take care of all the book club selections you could want for the next year? The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green is THE book for book clubs, and one that features an unlikely book club to boot!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green! Seriously, a book club would have a BLAST reading all the novels mentioned as they read The Blackout Book Club! The setting was invigorating, the forgotten history was delightful, and the characters were fun and quippy! It gave me vintage meets Gilmore Girls vibes. There was even a twist I didn't see coming. In hindsight, I could see the crafty breadcrumb trail, but it was just subtle enough that the twist still took me by surprise and had me flipping back the pages as I exclaimed, "Wait -- what?!" It was very well done, and I tip my pen to the author. I did feel like the trauma that comes from intimate betrayal wasn't adequately addressed in one character's storyline; however, the fears confronted, and the resulting personal growth still proved to be deeply moving while not wrapping things up in an unrealistic, everything-is-perfect bow. Best of all, the power of a good story was on full display as it united, convicted, soothed, and healed the characters. 'Twas a love letter to every story that's ever been a bookish balm to a reader's soul!

While not overt, each faith journey was different and unique. You saw the way each woman related to God as they navigated their respective struggles. Instead of an overarching spiritual theme, the author gave four different relationships with a God who called each of them by name. I liked this approach, and it worked well with the story. 

Four Stars ~ The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green was a fun and fresh read that pays homage to one of life's greatest joys -- the power of story! The Blackout Book Club is a standalone story, 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 Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book ~

When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne had no idea the woman existed, and yet her portrait is shockingly familiar. When the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know.

But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.

For more information about Joanna Davidson Politano and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano is a hauntingly beautiful symphony of literary genius!

The Lost Melody struck many chords in my heart! As someone who has struggled with mental health and has been an advocate for individuals with various disabilities, the need for books that highlight similar life experiences are desperately needed in the market. I love that The Lost Melody is one such book that represents so many individuals! Additionally, I loved how music was woven into the story, moving and breathing like its own character. The evocative writing, eerie circumstances, and vivid setting only continued to make an already glorious melody all the sweeter. For all those reasons, The Lost Melody will permanently sit on the bookshelf of my heart.

The spiritual theme of The Lost Melody ebbed and flowed, pulsing as the primary rhythm of this beautiful story! The worthwhile, nay, Godly calling of bringing the light into the darkness as well as being the light was thoughtfully redefined in Vivienne's life. Through each twist and jaw-clenching injustice, this truth echoed on every page as a challenge, conviction, and encouragement to all who share in Vivienne's story! 

Five Stars ~ The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano is an atmospheric masterpiece! The Lost Melody is a standalone, but the author has other titles 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 Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman

About the Book ~

You can't override the heart

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

For more information about Hallee Bridgeman and her books, check out her website here!

About the Book ~

If you're looking for a story that's equal parts romance and suspense, then add Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman to that mountainous TBR!

Military life and special ops had a big focus in Honor Bound! The author portrayed the ins and outs of military life and its procedures very well, and I didn't feel bogged down by those details. The setting in the first half of the book was very vivid -- so vivid that my fear of snakes has multiplied threefold! There was also a lot of action in the first half of the book, and the focus shifted mainly to Rick and Cynthia's relationship in the second half. I liked the idea of this style of pacing; however, I didn't connect to Rick and Cynthia the way I'd hoped.

Rick and Cynthia's faith played a big role in Honor Bound! I appreciated how the author showed that they could have different convictions regarding violence and differing callings about how to approach that, but that it didn't make either of them wrong. I also greatly appreciated how the author highlighted the need to see a professional who is trained in PTSD. However, I struggled with some abusive actions that were painted as honorable. Ultimately, you'll find a heartfelt message about loving people the way God has made them in Rick and Cynthia's journey.

Three Stars ~ Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman was a solid addition to the romantic suspense genre with a military focus to boot! Honor Bound is the first book in the author's Love and Honor series, but it could be read as a standalone. 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 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!