V. Joy Palmer: April 2019

Friday, April 26, 2019

Review of To Best The Boys by Mary Weber

About the Book ~

The task is simple:

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

For more information about Mary Weber and her books, check out her Goodreads' page here!

My Thoughts ~

OHMYGOODNESS, THIS WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!

I don't know where to start gushing...

Let's start with this fantasy world! The little village where Rhen lives is know for being green...and for all the different things that can kill you! The mythological creatures had the awesomeness of a Tolkien story, while still feeling fresh and new! And then there's a plague spreading and killing people, including Rhen's mother. On top of that, the deadly labyrinth had my heart racing from the moment they entered until the victor stepped out!

Despite all of this, I found myself laughing a lot at Rhen's dry wit and unique view of the world! I absolutely loved her character, and I'm going to pretend she's really real! I could emphasis with her because I've been there. Her heartache was genuine, and her anger at the broken system in her world is relevant. But I loved how the author didn't make this story a war on men or the family unit. It is truly a narrative that every woman knows and understands -- and it gives us a voice. I loved how the author made it clear that it's okay for a woman to have a career, it's okay for a woman to have a family, and it's okay to do both! That the choice of being a wife and mother is just as valid as being a scientist! While the hopes and dreams of one woman may not be the dreams of another woman, each path is beautiful because it. is. ours! Watching Rhen discover that it wasn't about fitting her life into a particular mold but rather staying true to who she was as a woman and a person was beautiful! The author portrayed this empowering truth so wonderfully!

The author wrapped the story up in a way that I had closure even though some things were not fully resolved. One thing that is resolved? Lute is also my new favorite sailor! And there's a twist that I did NOT see coming, but that is absolutely PERFECT!

Five Stars ~ Phenomenal! There should be more books like To Best The Boys, and I'm hoping Mary Weber will write them! To Best The Boys is a standalone YA fantasy written for the general market, but it holds subtle Biblical truths between its pages. It's like Lord of the Rings meets The Hunger Games!

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.

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 Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is 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, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Review of Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley

About the Book ~

Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. She's been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can't even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn't bring herself to report to the police is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.

When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has. But if that proves to be too little, too late -- she'll have to go after the perpetrators herself.

For more information about Patricia Bradley and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley is an exciting ride that lives up to its name!

While the story is exciting, romantic, and expertly written, I do need to put a trigger warning on it. The author does an awesome job raising awareness for sex trafficking, but the story may be painful to anyone who has been abused (especially sexually), has a loved one that has been abused, or has a loved one that has fought the chains of sexual addiction.

That said, Justice Delivered was an excellent story!

I enjoyed how the author laid out not only Carly and Logan's story but also David and Maggie's story. It felt like you got two unique stories and two sweet romances that merged into one suspenseful adventure! For the most part, you know who the bad guy(s) are, but that didn't bother me. The suspenseful part of the story was the thrill of the chase as the characters fight to save Carly's niece and catch the bad guy(s). Even though you know there's going to be a happy ending, the author did a wonderful job at keeping the stakes raised with tension that guaranteed the frantic turning of pages!

The spiritual side of the story really dived into forgiving others -- especially those who do NOT deserve forgiveness -- and living outside of the chains of fear after trauma. This is not an easy message to swallow, and I loved how the author approached this with tact, love, and kindness.

Four Stars ~ Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley is a thrilling, heartbreaking story with a happy ending! Justice Delivered is the fourth book in Patricia Bradley's Memphis Cold Case Series from Revell. It can be read as a standalone, but some of the characters/storyline are introduced in the first book of the series. For that reason, readers might find the story more satisfying if they read the books in order.

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.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Monday, April 8, 2019

The Unexpected Champion Tour, Review, and Giveaway!!!

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy with JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Unexpected Champion
Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 3
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance / Western

They’re as Different as Could Be.
But They’ll Need to Trust Each Other to Survive the Wilderness . . . and the Dangers Chasing Them.

City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons’ supposedly lost grandson. But now that he’s out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She’s not like any woman he’s ever met–comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.

When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don’t have, both realize they’ve stumbled into something dangerous. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.

When they emerge back into the real world, they discover their kidnapper just won’t stop. This city man and country woman must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, all while fighting a very inconvenient attraction to each other.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MaryConnealy by Ginger Murray Photography

Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

CONNECT WITH MARY: website, facebook, twitter, instagram

You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win

a complete set of all three High Sierra Sweethearts books (print, US only)
$20 Barnes & Noble gift card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 8, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 15, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

REVIEW

My Thoughts ~

The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy was loads of fun -- but I expected that!

Like what I did there? I'm punny.

With its quirky characters, sweet smooches, and conniving villains, The Unexpected Champion has everything readers have grown to love about Mary Connealy's stories! I believe fans of the series will be quite pleased with the resolution!

The action -- and danger -- grabs you right from the start, forcing the unlikely pair to rely on each other. Regardless of learning who the bad guy (or guys...) is early in the story, you discover all the interesting twists along with the characters! And the romance!! Thanks to a plot twist (no spoilers, hehe!), the author was able to raise the status quo in the romance department. I really enjoyed how the author gave readers those swoony smooches while still keeping the focus on John and Penny's developing love story.

I think one of the things that stood out to me the most in the story is the "Champion" theme. No, no one sang "We Are the Champions." That would have been weird... But I truly enjoyed how the characters championed each other. John and Penny each had unique skills, and even when they didn't like each other, they praised the other person for their skills and were willing to learn from the other person. They turned to God with their weaknesses and questions while continuing to support and encourage the other person.

Four Stars ~ The Unexpected Champion was a delightful tale full of mystery, danger, and romance that highlights Mary Connealy's unique style! The Unexpected Champion is the third book in Mary Connealy's High Sierra Sweethearts Series from Bethany House. A mystery arks over the three books, but The Unexpected Champion can be read as a standalone with minimal confusion.

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.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Saturday, April 6, 2019

We Were Beautiful Tour, Review, and Giveaway!!!

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: We Were Beautiful
Author: Heather Hepler
Publisher: Blink YA
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: April 2, 2019

It's been a year since fifteen-year-old Mia Hopkins was in the car crash that killed her older sister and left her terribly scarred. The doctors tell her she was lucky to survive. Her therapist says it will take time to heal. The police reports claim there were trace amounts of alcohol in her bloodstream. But no matter how much she tries to reconstruct the events of that fateful night, Mia's memory is spotty at best. She's left with accusations, rumors, and guilt so powerful it could consume her.

As the rest of Mia's family struggles with their own grief, Mia is sent to New York City to spend the summer with a grandmother she's never met. All Mia wants to do is hide from the world, but instead she's stuck with a summer job in the bustling kitchens of the cafe down the street. There she meets Fig--blue-haired, friendly, and vivacious--who takes Mia under her wing. As Mia gets to know Fig and her friends--including Cooper, the artistic boy who is always on Mia's mind--she realizes that she's not the only one with a painful past.

Over the summer, Mia begins to learn that redemption isn't as impossible as she once thought, but her scars inside run deep and aren't nearly so simple to heal ... especially when Mia finally pieces together her memories of the night Rachel died.

PURCHASE LINKS: goodreads | amazon | b&n | christian book | book depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Hepler is the author of several books for teens and tweens including the new release "We Were Beautiful".

She loves tomato soup, fat cats, and hiking. (Not necessarily in that order.) She's lived in East Texas, Alaska, and Death Valley. Currently she, her son, their two spoiled cats, and their ridiculously smart dog live in Downeast Maine.

She loves it when readers write to her, and she promises to write them back.

CONNECT WITH HEATHER: website | facebook | pinterest | instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will win:

a print copy of We Were Beautiful (US only)

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 2, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 9, 2019. US Mailing addresses only, due to shipping costs. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

REVIEW

My Thoughts ~

We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler was...well, BEAUTIFUL!!! I seriously loved this fun, sweet, and emotionally tugging YA romance! I laughed and cried, and now I am angry that this beautiful (I did it again, LOL!) story is over!

We meet Mia almost a year after her family falls apart when her sister died in a car accident that everyone says is her fault. And I don't want to give away any spoilers, but when Mia remembers what happens, it's clear that it was an impossible situation with mistakes that resulted in a horrible accident with terrible ramifications. I enjoyed how the author laid this out, allowing the discovery to feel natural while also maintaining that I-need-to-keep-reading suspense.

Mia was such an endearing character. When the story started, she was so closed off and broken, believing that she deserved to feel that way. The author wrote Mia's heart opening up to the world around her in such a poignant way that it felt like my heart was opening up, too! But in case you think this is strictly a sad and heavy tale, let me assure you that the eccentric secondary characters and their antics had me laughing out loud and smiling throughout the entire story! And the romance between Mia and Cooper will make you grin like everyone's favorite dwarf. (Not Grumpy!)

This coming-of-age story tugs on the heartstrings of loss, grief, injustice, abuse, and regret and gently steers the narrative towards hope, life, forgiveness, and love. Rather than losing oneself in the alluring beauty of life before trauma, We Were Beautiful shows readers that there IS beauty in life after heartache steals your breath away.

Five Stars ~ We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler is a must-read for anyone who loves a good YA romance with the perfect balance of lightheartedness and emotional depth! We Were Beautiful is a standalone, but I will definitely be checking out the author's previous books!

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.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

Monday, April 1, 2019

Review of Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

About the Book ~

In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for M18 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer -- a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead -- he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France.

But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.

That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.

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

My Thoughts ~

Every time I read a new book by Kate Breslin, it becomes my favorite of her books because each story is EVEN BETTER than the last brilliant story!!! Far Side of the Sea exceeded all of my expectations!!!

Set during World War 1, the author has a truly remarkable way of opening up this era of history for the reader. I always learn fascinating details (like military dovecotes and spy stuff from WW1) in addition to enjoying a riveting mystery! And the settings came alive for me! From the glitz and glam to the dirty and scary, each detail and location of this adventure was vivid in my mind's eye!

The author's fans will squeal (like I did) as they start Colin's journey! While we are first introduced to Colin in Not By Sight, readers will have no problem following this standalone adventure. (But if you have read Not By Sight, then you're going to be giddy with the cameos the author gave us!) At the start of the story, we find Colin worn down and weary after an injury at the front results in the loss of his hand. This trauma has colored how Colin views himself, and he believes he is less than everyone else. My heart also ached for Johanna as the extent of her desire to be loved and the mistakes of her past were revealed throughout the story.

Despite everything working to keep them apart, Colin and Johanna's romance is the kind of epic love story that reminds me of some of my favorite Cary Grant movies! While their chemistry will make your heart swoon, there's a deeper love story in the works for both of them through God's loving pursuit of their hearts. Colin is drawn out of his self-doubt as he embraces not only loving someone else despite their flaws but also himself, and Johanna discovers a deeper love that she's always needed in our loving God Who wants her for her. Truly, my words do not give the depth and emotion of these spiritual journeys justice, so you should trust me and read it for yourself!

Five Stars ~ Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin is a masterful adventure with the kind of romance that will make you swoon!!!

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.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer