Review of A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book ~

Welcome to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England.

Tressa Harlowe's father kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Now Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it.

It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.

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

My Thoughts ~

Guys.

AMAZING!!!

A Rumored Fortune is a treasure trove of powerful truths just waiting to be discovered so they can enrich your soul! This gorgeous book is everything I could have hoped for and more! Joanna Davidson Politano's sophomore novel did not disappoint!!!

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

One of the things I love most about Joanna Davidson Politano's writing is that her characters are so relatable. They aren't perfect. They make mistakes. Then they make even bigger mistakes. But they so reflect the world around us, those who are searching, those who are loving, and those who hurting. Tressa had this rare quality that made you love her as a heroine - that although she was broken, she had an astounding capacity to love. And she chose to love. And Donegan Vance, well, fetch me some smelling salts because this hero - *falls over*

What was I saying? Oh, right. Our hero has an unimpeachable moral code, a selfless love, a blunt delivery, and a desire to serve God. He was the perfect complement to Tressa and showed readers how important it is that your "oddities" be cherished, not tolerated.

I loved the setting: a vineyard carved out of the English countryside in the Victorian Era! Vineyard's have become a popular setting in novels, but it felt fresh in A Rumored Fortune. I think this was because the author chose to weave in so many important truths that God desires to teach us through the beauty and complexity of vineyards. The love of money is also lovingly addressed in this treasure hunt of a novel (You know, as we the readers are trying to figure out where the money was! LOL!). But perhaps my favorite message was God being so vividly painted as our dear Father - a message I always cherish hearing, er, reading. But whatever your takeaway, the spiritual journey that the characters travel is so organic and natural, they could be you and me.

Five Stars ~ A Rumored Fortune is a true treasure! A must-read for fans of historical, romance, mystery, and truths so deep you could swim in them! A Rumored Fortune is a standalone novel, and I am sooo looking forward to Joanna Davidson Politano's next novel!

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
 

Review of The Wounded Shadow by Patrick W. Carr

About the Book ~

The Final Battle over the Darkwater Has Begun. Will Anything Be Able to Stop the Evil Sweeping across the North?

The kings and queens of the northern continent lay siege to the Darkwater Forest, frantic to contain its evil. But rumors of gold and aurium have lured deserters and the reckless into its shadow, creating a growing army that can see in the dark and fight like the gifted. Desperate after the death and dissolution of their greatest ally, Willet and the rest of the Vigil seek the truth of what lies at the heart of the evil they face. They delve the mind of an ancient enemy and find an answer far worse and more unimaginable than they had feared.

But while they seek to understand their past and peril, danger stalks the cities of the north striking at the rulers of the kingdoms. As Willet and the rest of the Vigil search for answers, the Vigil is scattered with an ever-growing darkness around them. They must discover a path to keep their land safe or risk losing the world.
For more information about Patrick W. Carr and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Darkwater Saga is over. And I'm sad. Much sadder than I expected to be. Don't get me wrong, I've immensely enjoyed The Darkwater Saga! But these books rooted themselves into my heart in a way I never expected. These stories grab you.

And they don't let go.

And I mean that in the best, non-creepiest way possible. Haha! ;-)

The Wounded Shadow was probably my favorite book of the trilogy! The battle over the ancient evil in The Darkwater Forest reaches a climax that will dizzy your mind with it's fascinating complexities. Patrick W. Carr has a gift for throwing a multitude of seemingly unrelated conflicts in the way of the characters as they work towards saving their world, but when those big reveals come, you realize that random conflict has a HUGE impact on the outcome of the story. The story is told through multiple perspectives, but Willet Dura's (the title character) perspective continued to be my favorite. Probably because he's good at the sarcasm, and I love a hero who can wield his sarcasm like a sword!!

Despite the bloody battles, malicious villains, painful loses, and daring escapades, I found the root message of this story to be about believing in the power of love - that you are loved. And no weapon is mightier! The beautiful ending tore me to pieces, but drove that truth home ten times as much!

Four Stars ~ The wonderful conclusion to this epic fantasy series is both perfect and bittersweet! If you're a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, or Donita K. Paul, then you'll want to check out this series! The Wounded Shadow is the last book in The Darkwater Saga. Note: you must, must, must read The Shock of Night and The Shattered Vigil respectively before reading The Wounded Shadow. Trust me. As sad as I am that this series has come to an end, I look forward to whatever Patrick W. Carr writes next because I know it will be awesome.

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
 

Review of Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

 

About the Book ~

The Final Conflict Will Hinge on One of History's Most Dangerous Blades

Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies' blood. Cole "Tox" Russell wants only to put the dangers of his past behind him and begin his new life with Haven Cortes. First, though, he's called to complete a final mission: retrieve the sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order.

The AFO, however, is determined to reunite the sword. Threatening the life of Ram and Tzivia's father, they jeopardize Ram's long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the blade. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the artifact is tied to both Ram's secret and a string of unsolved serial murders.

Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to target the true enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must destroy the AFO . . . or join them in the flames.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I stayed up until two in the morning to finish reading Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig.

Two. In. The. Morning.

Worth. Every. Minute.

I can't believe this is the last book... I can't believe The Tox Files are over... What am I going to do now??? (If you're acquainted with Tox, then you know I'm NOT being dramatic. If you aren't...well, all three books are available now, so I'd say it's time to binge read!) I'm trying really hard to hold my emotions in check because I know if I open that door, there's no closing it. I won't be able to stop mourning the end of this series, these characters, those...events. Those...beautiful, devastating events that raised the impact level of this legendary tale, concluding this series in the best possible way while still shredding my soul.

Sorry, no spoilers. ;-) Hehe.

Guys, Thirst of Steel destroyed me and blessed me and blew my stinking mind! Ronie Kendig is a literary genius! The skill and complexity of this novel kept me glued to my reading perch, frantically turning the pages. Think military thriller, a hint of romance, and secret societies with a National Treasure feel, making for a enthralling story! The characters (I heart Tox and Ram) with their complexities, failures, and triumphs are imprinted on my heart. And I loved the new perspectives! But despite the serious nature of the story, Ronie Kendig was able to write humor and heart and truth into the story in an organic way!

But from reader to reader, what I hope you see the most is this series is how awesome God is! Through the supernatural events of this series, Ronie Kendig reminds readers how big and powerful our God is. That He operates in the supernatural. That we can't limit Him to what we "know" because He is so much more. This was the truth that encouraged and challenged me the most throughout the story. <3

Five Stars ~ An epic conclusion to a thrilling series! Trust me when I say that this is one series you don't want to miss!!! Thirst of Steel is the last book in The Tox Files by Ronie Kendig. You should definitely read Conspiracy of Silence and Crown of Souls respectively before reading Thirst of Steel because the information learned in those books are essential to Thirst of Steel's plot.

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Review of Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan

About the Book ~

“Maybe it was time to land straight in the middle of the adventure…”

Hamish DeLuca has spent most of his life trying to hide the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times -- including during his first real court case as a new lawyer. Determined to rise above his father’s expectations, Hamish runs away to Boston where his cousin, Luca Valari, is opening a fashionable nightclub in Scollay Square.  When he meets his cousin's “right hand man,” Reggie, Hamish wonders if his dreams for a more normal life might be at hand.

Regina “Reggie” Van Buren, heir to a New Haven fortune, has fled fine china, small talk, and the man her parents expect her to marry. Determined to make a life as the self-sufficient city girl she’s seen in her favorite Jean Arthur and Katharine Hepburn pictures, Reggie runs away to Boston, where she finds an easy secretarial job with the suave Luca Valari. But as she and Hamish work together in Luca’s glittering world, they discover a darker side to the smashing Flamingo nightclub.
When a corpse is discovered at the Flamingo, Reggie and Hamish quickly learn there is a vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots in 1937 Boston—and that there’s an underworld that feeds on them both. As Hamish is forced to choose between his conscience and loyalty to his beloved cousin, the unlikely sleuthing duo work to expose a murder before the darkness destroys everything they’ve worked to build.

For more information about Rachel McMillan and her books, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

My Thoughts ~

Next time I go to Boston, I'll see Hamish and Reggie. I'll see them everywhere. I'll see them at the Old North Church in the moonlight. I'll see them riding down the sidewalk on Hamish's bicycle, Reggie perched precariously on the handlebars. I'll see them blissfully savoring each bite of cannoli.

Oh, the cannoli!!! Was I the only one who closed this beautiful book (inside and out) desperately craving cannoli? No? Okay. :-)

Anyways, Murder at the Flamingo is like...cannoli. Delicious. A creamy romance stuffed into the crunchy shell of murder and mystery. Murder at the Flamingo is a clean read, and while none of the characters are overtly labeled as "Christian," the Christian themes are strong in the story. Much of the story sets up a grander mystery that I am eager discover, a mystery that arcs across the whole series! I also adored exploring one of my favorite cities through the lens of the 1930's! Rachel McMillan continues to be truly exemplary at immersing readers into former eras thanks to her keen eye for those special details that make a story come alive.

Reggie is a brave and clever woman, discovering who she really is away from the glitz and glam of her old life. I loved her spunk! Hamish is brilliant and endearing, discovering that his greatest weakness is actually his greatest strength. Rachel McMillan uses Murder at the Flamingo as a springboard to end the stigma against mental illness, using her own personal experiences as fodder for Hamish's journey. So many people, myself included, have fought against mental illnesses, such as panic attacks and anxiety disorders. This was truly an informative story that will fight for the good of many!

Four Stars ~ An excellent start to what is sure to be a positively radiant series! Murder at the Flamingo is the first book in Rachel McMillan's new Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery Series, which is a spin-off of Rachel McMillan's popular Herringford and Watts Mysteries Series. While you don't need to read the previous series to enjoy Murder at the Flamingo, there are a lot of fabulous Easter eggs (I need some more details about Maisie, please and thank you!) for those who have. I am sooo looking forward to the second book, Murder in the City of Liberty, releasing May 28th, 2019!

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

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!