Saturday, January 28, 2023

Review of All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes



About the Book ~

When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . .

1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.

1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.

For more information about Amanda Dykes and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a story that has the qualities of water -- life-giving, moving, and beautiful! -- then you must experience the whimsical journey that is All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes!

All the Lost Places was a magical journey! This bookish journey to Venice brought the legendary city to life in a way that highlights the restorative power of story. Also, I need a book boat! I absolutely LOVED the premise of a book within a book! As Daniel translated the mysterious text, I enjoyed how the story took over, showing in such a simple yet profound way how a reader becomes immersed within a book as the story takes on a life of its own. Some of the lyrical descriptions and jumping around was a bit jarring for me, leaving me a bit lost at times; however, there is no question that All the Lost Places was beautifully written! Although this was a story of found hope and life, there was also loss and death in the journey. Some things may be triggering for those who have experienced medical trauma and loss. 

The spiritual thread in All the Lost Places was every bit as intwined, deep, and moving as you'd expect from this lyrical journey. Through both circumstances beyond their control and of their own making, Sebastian and Daniel are plagued with the question, "Who am I?" Though as different as could be with reverse Cinderella vibes and a reformed thief, this question is answered through all the wondrous aspects of found family (including a dash of romance!) and the devotion of the only Man who could pay the price.

Three Stars ~ All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes is a work of art! All the Lost Places is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

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 girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Review of In Love's Time by Kate Breslin


About the Book ~

At the height of World War I, two sweethearts face impossible odds in this powerful tale of courage, duty, and heartbreak.

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. He's there to find the Romanov tsarina and her son and glean information about a plot to assassinate Lenin. As the danger intensifies, Marcus's sense of duty battles with his desire to return home to Clare, the woman he truly loves, before it's too late.

Military hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus's betrayal after learning he's engaged to another woman. Clare also fears losing her daughter, Daisy, to the heartless family who took her away once before. Only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save Daisy, but when an injury leaves him powerless to help, Clare's fate--and the fate of the top-secret mission--hangs in the balance.

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

My Thoughts ~

Looking to step back into time with a gripping story what would rival any told by Julian Fellowes? Then I insist you check out In Love's Time by Kate Breslin!

I loved how In Love's Time felt like 50 First Dates or Remember Sunday meets Downton Abbey! The amnesia twist was a lot of fun and added to the romantic angst. Also, if you're a fan of the show, the Downton Abbey vibes were EVERYTHING! Clare's experience with both downstairs service and upstairs life harkened to some of the best aspects of the fan favorite, yet In Love's Time was still completely its own story. I also loved the subplot with Marcus' sister, her love of horticulture, and a second love story. I felt the pressure, stress, and the race against the clock that the characters experienced, forcing me to happily devour the book in order to keep up with the plot. Additionally, I loved how the author included nuggets of history, including Britain's first all-female-run military hospital!

The spiritual plot of In Love's Time was less overt, but it was still very meaningful! Marcus and Clare each needed to learn how to truly trust, the kind of trust enduring love needs to grow and thrive. I greatly appreciated how the author highlighted that this was an issue for Marcus just as much as it was for Clare, as Marcus' traumatic childhood prevented him from fully trusting Clare -- or God -- with his future. Amnesia and wartime betrayal prevented Clare and Marcus from resolving their issues for quite some time -- an excellent plot device! -- but when they were finally able to communicate and work through their trust issues, my heart was very happy!

Four Stars ~ In Love's Time by Kate Breslin was a beautiful story about the endurance of love! In Love's Time was a standalone story, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

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 girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!