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 The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar.

When Brianna unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

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

My Thoughts ~

Escape to Ireland! If you're looking for a captivating story that could be an Irish fairytale, then check out The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel!

The Maid of Ballymacool was so sweet and enchanting! Seriously, I just cannot emphasize the sweetness enough. This Irish Cinderella was like A Little Princess meets Downton Abbey. Additionally, the setting came alive with the vibrant energy that is all things Ireland, and I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of history and fiction. Michael's sense of justice and defense of those abused was one of my favorite parts of the story! However, there were some secondary characters whose motivations felt unclear, so their attitudes and actions felt jarring at times. 

Brianna's character explored rebuilding trust in people and God after abuse and betrayal. While there's no way in a fictional story to truly portray all the nuances and trauma triggers surrounding rebuilding trust, I thought the author did a good job for the scope of the story itself. Ultimately, Brianna and the reader are pointed back to God's faithful nature to bring life from death. 

Three Stars ~ The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a charming story with a beautiful message! The Maid of Ballymacool 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 Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig

About the Book ~

As the Race for the Book of the Wars Escalates
the World Teeters on the Brink

Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable warriors who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

The more Reaper tries to stop the prophesied warriors, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig should come with a warning label that should henceforth be referred to as the Kendig Effect. Symptoms of the Kendig Effect include huddling in a corner while eating your own hair, rocking back and forth, and unintelligible muttering because you are both eager and terrified to read another installment from this author!

And that pretty much sums up Kings Falling!

The plot of Kings Falling -- no spoilers! -- is like playing a championship chess match while skydiving. With people shooting at you. And explosions...somewhere. Not sure where. The plot is so intricate and layered with plot twists and key details. The author even manages to take the buildup of a plot twist you expect and still make it shocking! It's...incredible! Additionally, the author takes readers on a journey of covert operations around the globe with a supernatural twist to boot! It's like National Treasure meets Marvel's Bucky Barnes meets Armageddon. THAT'S RIGHT!

Let's talk about the characters. Not only do the supporting characters leap off the pages with a life of their own, the main characters -- Leif and Iskra -- are awesome! Leif is the type of hero I one hundred percent believe we need to see more of in fiction! He's not perfect. In fact, as he navigates past trauma and current struggles, he reacts far from perfect. But he's real, and I love that in a fictional hero! And Iskra is a strong heroine that is inspirational and empowering! Despite trauma, unspeakable abuse, and horrific betrayal, she does not let the past hold her captive. And as Leif, Iskra, and the rest of Reaper navigate the darkness surrounding them, their desperate fight for light will resonate on a soul level!

Five Stars ~ Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig is a thrilling and suspenseful chess match of a story! Kings Falling is the second book in The Book of the Wars Series, and the books should be read in order of release to understand the storyline and to prevent major spoilers.

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 Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

About the Book ~

Wife. Warrior. Lady of Two Worlds.

As war looms, will her power be enough to save the ones she loves?

Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker -- a power greater than any in history. She embraces her new role as Nightwatcher, able to intercede for her people in the dream world, but the dark shadow of war draws ever closer. 

Working together, the Great Houses come up with a plan to secure the borders from the approaching Dominia Empire. But dissension, conflict, and suspicion threaten to destroy their tenuous treaty, and as the empire burns a path across their lands, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire's attacks.

The only one who can keep the Great Houses unified and restore her husband's power is Selene. But it will require that she venture deep into the dream world to confront the enemies of her past who will do anything to stop her power. Will it be enough, or will both worlds fall under the empire's might?

For more information about Morgan L. Busse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The only thing that grieves me about this book -- this series -- is the fact that it's finished! Wow, guys! WOW!!! I cannot rave about this EPIC conclusion to this EPIC series ENOUGH! Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse is a captivating finale to The Ravenwood Saga!

The conflict with the Dominia Empire -- and amongst the Great Houses! -- comes to a chilling climax in Cry of the Raven! The breathtaking places we (Yes, we! I was with Selene and Damien. Don't fight me on this!) went and the heartbreaking battles we fought were spellbinding. The author's writing style is vivid without being unnecessarily flowery, allowing us to be thoroughly swept into the unfolding story. I also appreciated how the author didn't make everything perfect at the end. There was loss and pain and characters who are still (we pray!) coming to know the Light. It is raw, real, and right.

There are so many great messages in this book! Truly, it's like this story is the product of the House of Wisdom (in case you are wondering, it's House Vivek). For instance, as Selene embraces love and her calling as a Nightwatcher, she has to accept that using her gift means allowing herself to be vulnerable. Another nugget is Damien's struggle with letting go -- letting go of what he can and cannot control, letting go of grief, and letting go of his loved ones and committing them to the care of the Light. However, each nugget of wisdom works together to point to this truth:

Remember who, what, and -- most importantly -- for Whom we fight. Because He is always with us.

Five Stars ~ Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse is phenomenal in its entirety! Cry of the Raven is the third book of The Ravenwood Saga. The previous books need to be read in order to understand the series conflict and see the fantastic character development in each 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 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 Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

About the Book ~

Welcome back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name -- but no one knows your secret.

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason -- to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth -- and the next big story -- is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called the Watcher force Vivian to fight for answers -- and her life.

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

My Thoughts ~

Guys, Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters was sooo good!!!

Hmmm...I wonder how many times I can tell you that Deadly Deceit was "sooo good" before my paltry offering of words looses all meaning...

But really...Deadly Deceit was sooo good!!!

I was really pleased with Deadly Deceit! There was a uniqueness to the entire story, and I don't say that lightly! The small town gave the story a fun setting and allowed me to connect in a genuine way. The people and town events of Walton charmed me, and the overall mystery with its cyber angle felt realistic. I really loved that Vivian was a reporter because I don't see enough reporters in fiction anymore. I also enjoyed how the suspense flowed nicely with the personal struggles Vivian and Ryan were overcoming.

Speaking of which, Vivian and Ryan were sooo good! I loved the humor in the whole story, but their banter was the best! All the superhero references made my inner geek grin from ear to ear! Both of them had some daddy issues, and the realistic ways these wounds affected them in their lives was refreshing to read. I cheered all the more as they individually allowed God's love to shine into those dark places, illuminating the lies that said they needed to prove themselves or earn love!

Five Stars ~ Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is a romantic suspense you don't want to miss! It's -- last time -- sooo good! Deadly Deceit is the second book in the author's Harbored Secrets Series from Revell, but it can be read as a standalone without any issue. I will definitely be reading the third book, Silent Shadows!

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 is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

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!