Review of Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman

About the Book ~ 

Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother's untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings--quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.

Ten years later, Martha's friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she's not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

For more information about Heather Kaufman and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is a timeless tale that is reflective of the joy, sorrow, and abundant life found in Jesus!

Up from Dust took a unique look at Martha, Lazarus, and Mary's potential lives! Instead of trying to replay the events seen in the Bible in a fictional narrative, the author explored Martha's story from places of curiosity, imagination, and wonder. I enjoyed this approach and the creativity it brought into a well-known story.

There were a lot of powerful moments in Up from Dust! I loved how Martha spoke truth to Lazarus -- and then Lazarus listened to her, allowing her words to act as iron sharpening iron. I loved how Mary was not perfect, and I especially loved when Martha realized that Mary felt unsafe around some of the men because she was viewed as either a threat or something to possess by those men. Most of all, I loved how the pure love of Jesus burst with life from the moment Jesus first smiled at Martha!

Up from Dust was not without its sorrow, death, and the honest portrayal of the brutal realities of the culture. There was hard stuff, and Martha was shaped by those experiences even as she tried to love those around her. The authenticity to the human experience made the freedom, love, and courage to hope all the more poignant as Martha was changed by Jesus' love! 

Four Stars ~ Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is a deeply resonating story! Up from Dust Martha's Story is the first book in the author's Women of the Way series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here! 

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 reader. 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 children. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

About the Book ~

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

For more information about Sarah Monzon and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is every bit as heartwarming as the title suggests!

All's Fair in Love and Christmas had the same vibes as watching a Christmas episode of The Office -- perfect no matter the season! And I am here. for. it! I loved the office environment and all those coworker dynamics. From Mackenzie and Jeremy's POVs all the way to characters we don't get to spend a lot of time with, each character was uniquely quirky, flawed, and endearing. The festive competition was a fresh take on a beloved trope, and the heart behind the different aspects of the competition made it all the more engaging.  

I enjoyed the spiritual themes explored in Mackenzie and Jeremy's story! From not strangling your life with your own plans all the way to dismantling the religious stigma around mental health, these struggles are oh-so-relatable and so very needed in fiction. Even the thoughtful balance of weight and humor aided the impact of their healing truths. 

Five Stars ~ All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a fun story to enjoy all year long! All's Fair in Love and Christmas 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!

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 Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet

About the Book ~

Samuel was back. It seemed unfair to be blindsided. And in church no less. Shouldn't there be a commandment about that? Thou shalt not step foot inside thy ex's place of worship.

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and has high hopes for a fresh start after the last decade of her life abruptly left her a young widow and a single mom. With both her boys off to college, she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business. Julia is ready for new beginnings--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who shattered her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to avoid him if she wants any chance of preventing history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend keeps throwing them together. And now it seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist.

For more information about Rebekah Millet and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I love me some romcoms with fun twists, and Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet did not disappoint in the delivery of this!

Julia Monroe Begins Again was such a fun, unique story! I loved that the author wrote to a need in Christian fiction, specifically older heroes and heroines! I loved Julia's relatability from the snarky internal monologue to the stretch marks -- I'm looking at you, my dear children. I also really enjoyed the New Orleans setting. The author's familiarity with New Orleans danced across the page, never once hinting at info dumping or superiority. As a result, the author's love for the area made me feel at home in this little corner of the world.

Most of all, I loved that the author separated out Julia's forgiveness from whether or not Julia could trust Samuel again. I find that these are often conflated as the same thing, so it was refreshing to see these topics actually handled as the separate entities that they are and were. Truthfully, this approach made Julia's conclusion not to make decisions from a place of fear all the more organic and resonating!

Five Stars ~ Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet is a fun and fresh debut! It's the first book in the author's series, Beignets for Two. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book!

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 The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

About the Book ~

Two women -- a century apart -- embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

For more information about Carrie Turansky and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky sweeps readers to the enchanting Lake District in this historical tale of love and faith!

My favorite aspect of The Legacy of Longdale Manor was the magical setting! I enjoyed learning about the rich history of England's Lake District and the deep faith of the region that has abided for more than a century! Additionally, the various joys and hardships of raising sheep grabbed my attention. Also, I discovered one of the best recipes I have ever found in a novel! How did I survive without Coronation chicken salad in my life? This juicy recipe is just one of the many different ways the author incorporated research and culture into the pages of The Legacy of Longdale Manor.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor has a fair number of heart-wrenching moments too. I appreciated how the author called out that forgiveness was not excusing sin and highlighted how our relationship with God can't be built on someone else through Gwen and Charlotte's intertwined journeys. However, there were missteps and triggers for those who have been abused and betrayed by their partner, parent, and/or the church.

Three Stars ~ The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky is the author's first dual timeline 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 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 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller

About the Book ~

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's deathbed request for them to return a special set of beads to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels West. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came West to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return East or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn? 

For more information about Misty M. Beller and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

Looking to rendezvous with a historical romance that touches on obscure history? Then check out Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller!

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous whisked me to an unfamiliar part of history! I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the life of a trapper in 1837 as well as the culture of the Piegan Blackfoot tribe. While I didn't fall in love with the characters and the gendered subtext dampened my overall enjoyment, I did find myself curious to know what would and will continue to happen next in the quest to find Steps Right. Ultimately, I wasn't surprised by the plot twists, but I did find the ending twists quite satisfying.

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous' spiritual journey, though not as physically arduous, certainly had its own rocky moments that the characters needed to navigate! Family honor played a huge part in shaping the characters -- for their good and even their detriment. It was endearing to watch the different ways steadfast love broke down the lies and healed deep wounds, a lovely reflection of God's love!

Three Stars ~ Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller is a sweet story! Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is the first book in the author's new series, Sisters of the Rockies. The author also 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 In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

 

About the Book ~

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

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

My Thoughts ~

The book hangover that awaits you upon completing In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is worth every moment spent in this timeless tale! 

I have been waiting for In This Moment since I read the ending of When the Day Comes -- over and over, might I add! I could not be more enraptured with the next installment of the Timeless series! While Maggie's story is all the richer for reading the previous book, her story truly stood on its own. The author did a great job of refreshing the rules of time-crossing while also throwing in new twists and surprises. Maggie's three time periods gripped me from their opening chapters. I had such a hard time putting the book down. I loved each of Maggie's trips to the White House, and it was such a fun way to highlight the differences in each era. Maggie's 2001 path impacted me in such a personal way because of my memories from what is now a moment in history. In this path, I was the one with knowledge of the future that I ached to share with Maggie. This genius move put me as the reader in the shoes of the time-crosser and allowed me to relate to Maggie in such a special way. In the end, I could not be happier with the path -- or the fella -- that Maggie chose! 

I loved the spiritual journey in In This Moment! Despite Maggie having to choose one of three lives, there was such a kinship in the struggle of determining what choice to make and what was God's will for her life. Seriously, what's more relatable than that? In such a beautiful and unique way, the author answers this by showing how God cares about the desires of our heart.

Five Stars ~ In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is absolutely captivating! In This Moment is the second book in the author's Timeless Series. I might have an emotional breakdown while waiting for the third book because THAT TWIST WILL HAUNT ME! I can't wait to see if any of my guesses are right! 

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!