Review of Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke

About the Book ~

For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the storylines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores, with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.

With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees . . . if Claire will stay to help. Though desperate to return to France and the man she loves, Claire has few options. But her tumultuous upbringing―spent in the refuge of novels with fictional friends―has ill-prepared her for the daily dramas of raising children, or for the way David Campbell, a fellow American boarder, challenges her notions of love. Nor could she foresee how the tentacles of war will invade their quiet haven, threatening all who have come to call Bluebell Wood home and risking the only family she’s ever known.

Set in England’s lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.

For more information about Cathy Cohlke and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Until We Find Home is such a deep, moving story that I would compare it to the ocean! There's depth and heartache and life explored within these pages. Racial prejudices, the meaning of home and family, and the fear of love are just some of the topics the author will gently use to touch and challenge the reader's heart.

The story starts in such a way that I was having serious Father Goose vibes. (If you don't know the movie to which I refer, then you must binge watch all Cary Grant movies immediately!) The majority of the novel is really the characters learning to navigate - and eventually love - each other. However, the end is packed with some eerie drama! Also, I so enjoyed the many references to beloved classics and the cameos appearances from Beatrix Potter and CS Lewis! But I won't spoil those for you! ;-)

There were at least seven points of view, making a way for the author to flesh out even more of the challenges that this eclectic group of characters must face. I didn't connect with the characters in the way that I had hoped, but I definitely think that they were well written. Claire's struggle with giving and receiving love was especially moving! She struggles with the very concept of love because she has never known true love, only rejection and betrayal. Aunt Miranda's journey deals very much with the way she has become frozen in her grief.

The romance was sweet, yet very, very subtle. Truly, this was not a romance novel, but rather the romance was like the creamy aftertaste of a delicious cup of coffee. Well, at least the way I make coffee. :-)

Three Stars ~ An enjoyable story about what - and who - home really means set to the backdrop of World War Two. Until We Find Home is a standalone novel, but Cathy Gohlke is an award-winning, multi-published author, so be sure to check out her other titles!

I received a copy of Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke published by Tyndale from the Tyndale Blog Network. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Review of Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren

About the Book ~

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.

For more information about Susan May Warren and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're like me and have been anxiously awaiting (translation: pacing, binge eating, and counting seconds) the arrival of Ian and Sierra's story, then you will not be disappointed.

If you don't have a clue what I'm talking about, then get thee to a bookstore! ;-)

Susan May Warren drops you into mystery and action on the first page, and it doesn't let up until the end. And I don't know if this is important to you or not, but I am never getting on a boat ever again! This edge-of-your-seat story is told mostly from Ian and Sierra's perspectives, but you will get some glimpses from a couple other people on the PEAK team.

But I can't tell you who. ;-)

Did someone say romance? Was that me? Well, since someone asked, the romance is sweet and clean, yet steamy and real in the way that only Susan May Warren can do it, and the end - OHMYGOODNES!!! Welcome to Swoon City, my friends! <3 <3 <3

Ian is one of my favorite dudes in the Montana Rescue Series, second only to Deputy Sam Brooks (#allthehearts). He's hardworking and charming and makes mistakes that make you want to slap him. And when he makes the choice to love, forgive, and trust, you will do a happy dance. Well, at least I did. :-) And Sierra's struggles are so relatable! Who among us hasn't felt like they have had to earn love, respect, or their place in life? Fear of being left behind... Fear of not being able to control the world around you... Forgiveness... Truly these beautifully flawed people, er, characters will reflect your heart in an alarming way.

Five Stars ~ Another thrilling installment in the Montana Rescue Series! Troubled Waters is book four. While you could probably read Troubled Waters by itself, you may be confused by some of the character dynamics and a building mystery if you read the series out of order. I recommend reading Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me (#allthehearts), and A Matter of Trust respectively before you dive into (minor pun intended) Troubled Waters.

I received a copy of Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Review of The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

About the Book ~

It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies.
But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?

Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothed is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence--or so she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé's cousin Noble Rynallt carries the flame of revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

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

My Thoughts ~

This was my first novel by Laura Frantz...

Please, don't aim for the face. ;-)

If I've shocked you, then you will at least be pleased to know that I found The Lacemaker to be thoroughly enchanting!

Set at the start of the American Revolutionary War, this story was filled with all kinds of historical details that would make you honestly believe that it was penned by someone who had lived through this tumultuous period if it wasn't for the copyright date. For me, The Lacemaker was the kind of story that started slowly, but built and built, until I realized that I was very much enamored with it. <3

Noble is, because he's very much REAL, honorable, brave, and worthy of a hearty swoon! He represents so many brave men who fought for their home and family. And Lady Elisabeth/Liberty proved to be made of sturdy stuff ( <--- understatement of the year)! Laura Frantz did a wonderful job describing the plight of a young woman from a notoriously British family trying to survive on American soil. The transformation of these beloved - anwylyd - characters blesses the heart in only the dearest of ways. <3

Four Stars ~ The Lacemaker proved to be a beautiful, delightful surprise! The Lacemaker is a standalone novel, but one you wish would go on and on. Lovely! You can be sure that I will be reading more stories by Laura Frantz. <3

I received a copy of The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Review of The House on Foster Hill by Jamie Jo Wright

 

About the Book ~

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious demise fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters, resurrecting painful memories and forcing a reunion with the man who broke her heart. Can Ivy unravel the mystery and find a renewed hope before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

For more information about Jamie Jo Wright and her books, check out her website!

My Thoughts ~

Warning: The House on Foster Hill is sure to steal your breath!

The House on Foster Hill is a timeslip novel. Part of the story is told through Ivy's perspective in 1906, while the other half takes place during present day with Kaine. Their mysterious stories weave together with such excellent pacing that you will need to be sure that you can devote the entire day to reading! Answers. You will NEED answers. ;-)

But do you get all of them?

I'll never tell... ;-)

Ivy's side of the story almost felt like a gothic novel, while Kaine's side had all the terror and angst of a girl-on-the-run movie. Ivy's journey proved especially intriguing to me. Even though I always have a hard time with widow/widower angles, I try not to let this stop me from reading excellent stories. So while this angle is difficult for me, it was understandably a huge part of Kaine's story and character development. Rest assured, when you close the cover on this chilling, twisting tale, you will find that the message of hope and living life despite, through, and in triumph over darkness resounds in your heart. I also appreciate and admire the author for tackling difficult topics like death and sex trafficking in such a candid way.

Four Stars ~ The House on Foster Hill is a thrilling romantic suspense rarely seen in Christian Fiction. I look forward to reading whatever Jamie Jo Wright pens - er, types - next!

I received a copy of The House on Foster Hill by Jamie Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Review of Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

About the Book ~

In this epic Biblical narrative, ideal for fans of The Bible miniseries, a young woman taken into the prophet Isaiah's household rises to capture the heart of the future king.

Isaiah adopts Ishma, giving her a new name--Zibah, delight of the Lord--thereby ensuring her royal pedigree. Ishma came to the prophet's home, devastated after watching her family destroyed and living as a captive. But as the years pass, Zibah's lively spirit wins Prince Hezekiah's favor, a boy determined to rebuild the kingdom his father has nearly destroyed. But loving this man will awake in her all the fears and pain of her past and she must turn to the only One who can give life, calm her fears, and deliver a nation.

For more information about Mesu Andrews and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you love stories that open the Bible to you in a whole new way, then Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews needs to be added to your mountainous - I'm assuming - TBR pile! ;-)

Do NOT miss this story!

Isaiah's Daughter starts while Ishma/Zibah and Hezekiah are young, giving us backstory and young love, and it ends in the last fifteen years of Hezekiah's life. These pages are filled with triumph, devastation, sickening sin, and beautiful revelations. The characters, their hearts, and God's loving truth will stay with you long after you shut the cover.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the prophecies and seeing how the characters applied them to their everyday lives, while also looking to the future. Isn't that what we do? We look at a verse that was written or prophesied to someone long ago a hundred different times, then BAM! Meaning and life flow from it like a spring. It is the Living Word of God, after all! <3

Bookish friends, remember that this story is Biblical Fiction. In her Author's Note, Mesu Andrews shares with readers some of her research, timeline frustrations, and areas where she took artistic license. She has stayed true to the Bible, but has pieced the information together in a way that we may not have considered before now. And it is truly breathtaking!

Five Stars ~ Isaiah's Daughter does not disappoint! While it's not necessary to read Love in a Broken Vessel first, I thoroughly enjoyed being reunited with beloved characters from that story! However, Isaiah's Daughter is an excellent stand-alone story!

I received a copy of Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews from WaterBrook & Multnomah. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.