Review of A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish--that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she's heard so much about.

After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends--and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced--as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

You'll want to dance a jig after reading A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel!

The most delightful part of A Dance in Donegal is how it was like classic Christian historical romance meets Leap Year -- one of my favorite romcoms! The initial conflict between the hero (a sarcastic yet charming Irishman) and the heroine (an American with little knowledge of the Irish way of life) tugged a smile to my lips. Additionally, the romantic word paintings of Irish culture, language, and landscape only hinted at the alluring depths of the author's knowledge of Ireland. Truly grand! Add in a dash of mystery and plenty of conflict, and your eyes will be dancing through the pages! 

A Dance in Donegal surprised me, taking unexpected turns in the storyline. However, I was touched by how the author blended these twists and turns into not only a concise plot but also a striking spiritual message! While I didn't end up in love with the characters, Moira's spiritual journey was as arresting as the descriptive landscape surrounding her. After confronting the worst in herself, Moira faces the consequences of following God's call for her life -- the good, bad, and the ugly. This proved to be a glorious stage for God's redemptive grace, a soul stirring reminder of how God works in our lives!

Four Stars ~ A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel is a sweeping romance with depth! A Dance in Donegal is a standalone story, but I'm looking forward to reading the author's next sweeping Irish romance. However, please be aware that there is sexual abuse and sexual harassment in A Dance in Donegal that could be triggering.

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!

Review of Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

About the Book ~

She's following her instincts. They're following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she's worked for: a transfer to San Antonio's Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

For more information about Tom Threadgill and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

Detective Amara Alvarez is back in Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill! You will be flipping the pages late into the night with this one!

As Amara adjusts to life as a bona fide homicide detective, she's essentially relearning key aspects of what it means to be a good cop. I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh approach to the typical cop story. Additionally, I think the author's writing style is what sets Network of Deceit apart in the suspense genre. The author doesn't skip every mundane detail in the investigation. The result is not boredom, rather total immersion into the building investigation, mystery, and action. Amara's mind is also always moving, processing, and thinking. Not only do I love this in fiction, I find it so refreshingly authentic in crafting a realistic character! 

Network of Deceit held many surprises! First and foremost, the suspenseful plot itself. While the answers to the homicide investigation broke my heart, the suspense and mystery were excellently crafted and included truly surprising twists!  Furthermore, the spiritual message is subtle, yet very thought provoking. The struggle of how we balance our time with our responsibilities -- and the guilt that often accompanies this struggle -- as well as the line of right and wrong in a world that needs justice will stick with readers long after that last page.

Four Stars ~ Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill is a thrilling, excellently crafted suspense! Network of Deceit is the second book featuring Detective Amara Alvarez, but the mystery can be read as a standalone. However, please be aware that there is a breast cancer thread that could be a possible trigger to readers.

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!

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

 

About the Book ~

She promised a dying father she would keep his daughter safe.
She can't fail now.

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she would never have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's life unravels.

With nowhere else to turn, Sylvie seeks help from her boarder and Rose's violin instructor, Kristof Bartok. Fluent in several languages, his skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant and international communities where their investigation leads.

From the glittering architecture of the Fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

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

My Thoughts ~

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is every bit evocative as it is romantic!

The World's Fair stunned as the backdrop to the mystery and romance that comprised Shadows of the White City! I haven't read enough fiction set in the midst of The World's Fair. The author's attention to the historical details -- from the whimsey to the fantastical to the innovative --  gave my imagination a delightful excursion!

I greatly enjoyed the depth that the author layered into the characters, especially the multiple lies and wounds that the characters had to overcome. I found this to be so true to the human experience! While I didn't end up in love with the characters, Sylvie and Kristof's respective journeys and personal growth as they individually accepted that they needed to let go and trust God was wonderful. However, the most striking spiritual truth (for me!) proved to be how families can be born or chosen, but they are no less family -- a deeply moving message!

Three Stars ~ Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green will sweep readers into another world! Shadows of the White City is the second book in The Windy City Saga. The story can be read as a standalone, but the details of the past and character connections will be richer if the first book has been read.

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!