V. Joy Palmer: June 2022

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Review of Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

About the Book ~

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. And with danger closing in on all sides, Elinor will have to trust the man who has been spying on her to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands--and she stays alive.

For more information about Natalie Walters and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a sweet romance, an intense suspense, and some hilariously bad puns all in one place, then look no further because Fatal Code by Natalie Walters has arrived!

Fatal Code was a wildly fun ride, and I thoroughly enjoyed every twist! One of the things I loved most about Fatal Code was how the author made the characters come alive. Kekoa and Elinor were not flat, two-dimensional characters, but memorable, unique people! They had hopes, fears, wounds, strengths, failures, and hilarious quirks. Seriously, Elinor's puns were some of my favorite parts of the story! I also loved Kekoa's Hawaiian culture and the authentic way the author incorporated that into the story. It made them feel so real. Additionally, the action and drama moved at a good pace. I was trying to figure out how everything would fit together, and I was very satisfied with how the author concluded the suspense.

The spiritual journeys that Kekoa and Elinor took were just so beautiful! From the loving memory of Elinor's grandfather urging her towards freedom to Kekoa's struggle to give God his all -- complete and utter trust. While packaged in a fun story, the messages were just so achingly relatable.

Five Stars ~ Fatal Code by Natalie Walters was an entertaining ride! Fatal Code is the second book in the author's SNAP Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

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!

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Review of When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

About the Book ~

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

For more information about Gabrielle Meyer and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer will haunt you long after the last page — in the best way possible!

When the Day Comes was a fresh, unique, and utterly romantic tale! I read the ending over and over again, savoring each word because I didn’t want the story to end, but also because it was — simply put — perfect. The time-traveling premise was unique and unlike anything I’ve seen in historical fiction. Additionally, I loved the two eras in which Libby lived, and I savored the history as it came alive. I also enjoyed the yin-yang twist to Libby’s conflict, fighting for freedom from the British in one life only to be forced back into British society in the other. The conflict and angst built with each page, and while I could go on and on about all the little facets and nuances that made When the Day Comes an exemplary read, you’ll be better off taking the journey yourself! Trust me!

Libby’s story is a well of spiritual truths that’s just waiting for the reader to drink deeply! Themes such as trusting that God has a good plan for you, sacrificial love, and pursuing God’s will for your life. All of these and more are beautifully and at times heart wrenchingly played out in Libby’s memorable life. I should note that there were two off-page scenes of marital sexual assault that could be potentially triggering. However, I thought that the author handled this painful subject gracefully and in a way that didn’t destroy the story or the beautiful messages woven throughout it.

Five Stars ~ When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer was utterly enchanting! When the Day Comes is the first book in the author’s Timeless series, and I can’t wait to read the next book!