Review of At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book ~

He's fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. But with her, he's tempted to surrender.

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

For more information about Karen Witemeyer and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're a fan of action-packed westerns, romance, and soul-stirring faith, then pick up a copy of At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer! From setting, pace, and character development, the author certainly delivered a commanding story that readers will love!

My favorite aspect of At Love's Command was definitely the characters! I really loved each of the men in Hanger's Horsemen! I loved their sense of loyalty, chivalry, and duty. Their brotherly bond brought a huge smile to my heart. While I adored Matthew Hanger -- leader of Hanger's Horsemen -- I'm really hoping for a story from each of the Horsemen's perspectives.

The book blurb wasn't kidding when it said Matthew Hanger was haunted by the horrors of war! From the heartbreaking start at the Wounded Knee Massacre to his devastating childhood, the death and devastation Matthew witnessed twisted my gut. However, the author did a superb job at not dwelling on graphic atrocities, instead using these to shape Matthew and his vow to remain unattached. Enter Josephine, the kind of strong heroine who makes me grin! With her "ten-dollar words," her spunky bucking of convention, and her steadfast faith as she forged her way in a profession largely dominated by men in that era, how could I not love her?

In the midst of a plethora of life-and-death situations raging around them, Josephine and Matthew's faith journeys were -- blessedly! -- gentler. The way their individual relationships with God were strengthened was like a gentle rain on a sun-scorched desert. From the way Josephine had to relinquish her control of painful, scary situations to the beautiful way the author used God's divine provision to help free Matthew from the fear of losing those he loved, readers will be convicted by the grace and love of God.

Four Stars ~ At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer is an action-packed western filled with romance and faith! At Love's Command is the first book in the author's new Hanger's Horsemen Series, and I am eager to see what's next for Hanger's Horsemen!

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 girl. 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!

Book Three Cover Reveal!!!

That's right! It's time for the COVER REVEAL of Kaylee's story!!!

If you participated in the cover survey in my last newsletter, thank you again! I am so incredibly thankful for each vote and comment! You guys rock!

You'll remember from that newsletter that I was on the cusp of a Vizzini breakdown over this particular detail, so the awesome team at WhiteFire Publishing proposed the idea of a survey. You know, to put me out of my misery. LOL!

Based on the votes and comments, you guys were just as split as we were! However, a majority vote eventually took shape, and almost twice as many votes to this dramatic, gorgeous redirection.

To all my fellow OCD people, I know. Really. I know. But trust me when I say that this cover is perfect on every. single. level. for Kaylee's long-awaited story.

Are you ready?
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How about now?
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Am I annoying you yet?
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TA-DAH!!!

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she’s lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited as packing material.

Then Kaylee’s ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he’s been brought back to the area for the unforeseen future. And he’s in need of new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe’s offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them…and the hope that maybe God’s rewriting the conclusion to their story.

Available November 2020!

As you can see, the cover to Kaylee's story is STUNNINNG!!! While I love every single detail, I think my favorite part is the microphone.

Because that microphone is a piece of my heart.

I sing. I sang for a long time, and I've started singing again. While I'm definitely an amateur, those of you who've been with me since the beginning may recall that I started writing songs before I dove into stories. I plotted Kaylee and Gabe's story at a time in my life when I had closed the door on singing. For good, I thought.

God knew differently.

You guys...the journey MY life took while writing Kaylee and Gabe's story is incredible, and the journey Kaylee and Gabe's story took is incredible! I can't wait to share it with you this coming November! For now, I hope you enjoy the fun snippet below!

Sneak Peak ~

“I need a singer. For my band.”

            I blink. I would have expected some vague encouragement or referring me to a friend of a friend. But asking me to sing in his band? I at least expected something legit.

            “I’m not in high school anymore, Gabe. I’ve got nine years of wrinkles around my eyes to prove it. I need a real, grown-up job that can pay the bills and ensure that I don’t have to sell vital organs to keep a leaky roof over my head.”

            “This would pay the bills.”

            “A band?” I raise my eyebrows. “Do you have a record deal or something?”

            “We’re a wedding band called All Yours. Trust me, it pays the bills and then some.”

            “A wedding band?” I scoff. “Do you not see the irony in that?”

            “I didn’t until you pointed it out right then, no.” Gabe at least has the decency to look sheepish.

            I hate that his sheepish expression is still cute. It’s infuriating!

            I stand up, scooping my shoes by the straps and dumping them into my purse. “I wish you a lifetime of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler moments with your wedding band and some other gullible sap, someone who still believes in the power of love or recently had a head injury. But that person won’t be me. So goodbye, Gabe. I’m sure we’ll meet again at the next most inopportune moment of my life.”

Thank you for celebrating another cover reveal with me! What is YOUR favorite detail? I would love to know!

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 girl. 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 Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

About the Book ~

Nora Shipley has one goal--to carry on the legacy of her late father by taking over the scientific journal he started. To that end, she's fought to be taken seriously among her male classmates and graduate as valedictorian of Cornell's entomology program. When pressures to settle down rise to a fever pitch, she impulsively joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field and win a scholarship.

But India holds several surprises--she is impressed not only by the beauty of its natural wonders, but also by the gentle nature she discovers in the rival classmate who accompanied her, Owen Epps. Instead of exploring, however, she is forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her. During the many quiet days, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.

In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.

For more information about Kimberly Duffy and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy is an enchanting journey that's as lovely as the title suggests, but in the midst of that journey is a mosaic of beautiful truths and lessons that are just waiting for readers to notice their shimmering details.

A Mosaic of Wings is one of those stories where I didn't realize how invested I'd become in the characters and their stories until I reached the final page. And as I reflect on each colorful piece of this journey, I think the only words that truly exemplify how I feel are too simple. However, I'll say it anyways -- READ THIS!

The setting and the era are -- simply put -- stunning! From New York to India in 1885, from the halls of Cornell University to hidden waterfalls, to all the fascinating (and sometimes gross) parts of entomology, A Mosaic of Wings' fictional expedition will capture her readers from the start. Furthermore, the author crafted characters with such depth, successfully evoking feelings of empathy for even the dislikable, villainous characters. Wonderfully done!

The story is told from Nora's point of view, and I loved her character! Nora was everything I expected to find in a strong woman making a career in a field that was largely thought to belong to men in that era. Additionally, I loved that she had to confront some of her biases and soften the hard parts in her heart that had formed as a result of unfairly having to prove herself as a woman. However, the most profound part of Nora's journey was internal, a journey that took her into the heart of sacrificial love. As she explored each facet of sacrificial love, Nora came to see the little details she'd previously missed, the little yet powerful details that make up the great mosaic that is love.

Five Stars ~ A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy is a stunning debut! A Mosaic of Wings is a standalone, but I look forward to reading whatever the author pens next!

Possible Triggers ~ Death of a loved one, suicide, child prostitution.

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 girl. 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!