Review of A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 

About the Book ~ 

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school, and she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.

What? No. That's the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Still, curiosity gets the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament, and the chance at a real-life fairy tale romance.

For more information about Melody Carlson and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a cozy, Hallmark-ish story to kick off your Christmas reading!

A Royal Christmas has one of the most heartwarming settings in fiction! Whether fiction or real life, Montovia is the place where we all want to live. I really enjoyed being told about Montovia with its charming traditions and fairytale vibes. I liked that Adelaide was a strong woman who didn't let others push her around and recognized discrimination, and King Max stole my heart from the moment he met his daughter. And who doesn't love a dash of Christmas romance added to a story? However, I did feel like the conflict and ending was a little rushed; I would have liked for those elements to be more fully fleshed out. Ultimately, it is a fun, light, quick read that doesn't get too heavy, which is great for the busy holiday season.

Adelaide and several other characters in A Royal Christmas have a strong faith. While the faith element is less overt throughout the novel, Adelaide's relationship with God is very much the guiding hand through the twists and turns.

Three Stars ~ A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a festive addition to your holiday TBR! A Royal Christmas is a standalone story, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy, including additional Christmas stories.

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!

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 Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~ 

As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. After an enemy attack strikes close to home, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan refuses to leave him behind.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

United during their journeys and battling to survive the dangers that surround them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As challenges pile up, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but also learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a story that brings the eras of the Bible to life, then Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette will grab you with high-stakes battles, tender romance, and governmental strife from the first page!

Voice of the Ancient captured me with a nuanced look as Israel embarked on becoming the nation they wanted to be, a nation divided with contentious opinions and a new, flawed king who didn't always seek God's will for the kingdom. It was good to see the good, bad, and messy middle portrayed. Also, I'm a huge sucker for any sort of on-the-run storyline! The teamwork and urgency driving Avidan and Keziah made for excellent pacing, but it also meant that I read the last page way too soon!

I loved Keziah and Avidan's spiritual journeys! Keziah's journey to God was so beautiful, layered with tenderness and gentle love as she discovered God's heart for her. I especially appreciated how she wasn't judged and confronted about her idols, but she got to see the character of God reflected around her and interceding directly on her behalf. It was soft and steady, and it felt so genuine. My favorite part of Avidan's journey was how he came to accept that God did not make him a warrior, and then his subsequent realization that God had made him a storyteller and that was an act of worship. This message was so special to watch unfold via the power of story! 

Five stars ~ Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette is an evocative journey into Biblical times! Voice of the Ancient is the first book in the author's new series, The King's Men. I can't wait to read the next book! In the meantime, 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!

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 Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

About the Book ~

Two sisters. One mystery. A family changed forever.

At the turn of the twentieth century, sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life when their well-ordered Alabama household gets turned upside down by the arrival of Lily McGee. Arrestingly beautiful, Lily quickly--and innocently--draws the wrong kind of attention.

After Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something she was never meant to see--or did she? Her memory is a haze, just an image in her mind of Emmy standing on a darkened riverbank and cradling Lily's baby girl. Only when the sisters are separated does the truth slowly come to light--including a revelation that will shape the rest of Callie's life.

For more information about Valerie Fraser Luesse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

Bring your own sweet tea for this one because Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse is southern fiction at its finest!

I liked Callie from the moment I read her opening words in Letters from My Sister! Her humor and whimsy captured my bookish friendship. Plus, Callie and Solomon's romance deserves all the heart eyes! The setting and the author's ability to capture the era blossomed in my imagination, and the pacing was laced with intrigue, mystery, confusion, and swoons in all the right places.

Letters from My Sister delves into triggering subjects such as death, grief, racism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking from a sexual predator. Despite these challenging facets, I found that I could NOT stop reading this engrossing story! Furthermore, I loved the author's gentle exploration of privilege, showing how one can erase personhood and consent even with the best of intentions, and the bumpy road where trauma and trust collide. The cloudy effects of trauma as it waged war with what Callie knew to be truth will transcend the particulars of this heart-wrenching family saga and touch many hearts with an aching relatability. Through it all, the author continued to highlight that God works in mysterious and awesome ways that cannot be defined by human boxes of understanding. Very well done!

Four Stars ~ Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse was a captivating family drama! Letters from My Sister is a standalone novel, 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!

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 Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

About the Book ~ 

This summer is a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance.

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it's not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a drama teacher is too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. Levi has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there's more to the quiet man than meets the eye.

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can't seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up--or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.

For more information about Liz Johnson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson is a lovely read to wrap up the season! 

Summer in the Spotlight had all the charming, unrequited love, small town, family connection, squishy-heart vibes you could want! The setting made me determined to book a trip to Prince Edward Island yet again. The characters, whether it be family, community, or even villain, were every bit endearing and entertaining. I, much to my chagrin, have never read The Importance of Being Ernest, but I purchased a copy while reading Summer in the Spotlight because Kelsey, Levi, and company brought that classic to life within their tale -- and such is the power of story! 

Levi and Kelsey each overcame heartbreaking lies. I liked how the author didn't hide from the truth of Kelsey's dark moment, but instead showed how that failure didn't define the truth about her or her relationships. It was a joy to watch Levi find his voice, and his journey brought such a satisfying closure to the family drama as well! Through their sweet romance, the author showed the power of love, including its ability to destroy when wielded with evil intent...and its ability to heal and restore!

Four Stars ~ Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson was like a Hallmark hug via paper and ink! Summer in the Spotlight is the final book in the author's Prince Edward Island series, and it was a sweet and satisfying conclusion. Additionally, 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!

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!