Review of With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

About the Book ~

Is the life she can't remember one she'd rather forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her, leaving the life she has returned to unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn't sure she can trust, and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

If Lori wants to reconnect with her family, she'll have to uncover the information her brain is trying to keep secret. As her memories return and past secrets resurface, it will take the whole family to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

For more information about Janine Rosche and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for an engaging, deep, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny story, then I highly recommend With Every Memory by Janine Rosche!

First things first, With Every Memory starts with a trigger warning -- and rightly so! As someone who has personally experienced some of the traumatic themes explored in this novel, I was very hesitant about what I'd encounter. However, I greatly appreciated how the author handled the trigger warning as well as including a list of resources for readers. This approach allowed me as the reader to decide if I was in a safe mental place for a story like this instead of being blindsided by the content. The care and empathy the author displayed in the trigger warning was thoughtfully layered into each and every page! Furthermore, the first person POV (my bread and butter!) pulled me into Lori and Avery's heads and kept me engaged with their stories. And for a story that dealt with such heavy themes, I didn't expect it to feel so light and... funny! I even laughed out loud while reading! 

The spiritual journey in With Every Memory was akin to a wildflower growing in the charred remains of a forest fire. The messages are subtle...yet impactful! Questions that we can't help but ask after tragedy and heartbreak are explored through Lori and Avery. In that exploration, there is hope found between these pages.

Four Stars ~ With Every Memory by Janine Rosche was truly an engrossing and surprising read! With Every Memory 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 Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book ~

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.
Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .

For more information about Elizabeth Goddard and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Ready for a mystery that will have you shifting the story's sands for that one and only clue that will tie everything together? If so, then Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard is for you!

In addition to an intricate mystery -- no spoilers! -- there was several key aspects that I really loved in Don't Keep Silent! I loved the setting! The author does a wonderful job bringing this town in Wyoming to life, and the wildness of the land reminds me of my own backyard. Additionally, one of the things I was delightfully surprised to find in Don't Keep Silent was the representation for the Autism Community. As a mom to a young child with Autism, I love seeing Autism represented in stories! While this wasn't a huge focus in Don't Keep Silent, the fact that it was represented there at all blessed my heart!

The spiritual dynamic in Don't Keep Silent was more subtle. Due to Liam and Rae's history, they're struggling to forgive each other -- or are they? In reality, this was a convenient façade they each donned in order to keep them from dealing with the real issue -- that they are both uniquely called to protect those can't cry out for help. They are individually struggling with the painful realities of that calling and the traumatic ways it has impacted their lives. Because of this, they are afraid to open their hearts -- and each other -- up to the pain that love can bring. I loved that once they stripped that façade away and looked this fear in the face, they bravely choose one of the scariest gifts God gives us: love.

Three Stars ~ Don't Keep Silent by Elizabeth Goddard is an intricate mystery that will keep you asking questions! Don't Keep Silent is the third book in the author's Uncommon Justice Series. The overall mystery can be read as a standalone, but readers will understand the family dynamics better if the series is read in order.

Possible triggers ~ Death, abduction, human trafficking.

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 Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book ~

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up.

Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent - and Willow's ex-flame - Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget - and put Willow's tender heart at risk.

For more information about Elizabeth Goddard and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

Make sure you clear your calendar now because Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard will not let go of you until you've finished!!

The mystery, the action, and the unfolding of events in Never Let Go is just how I love it in romantic suspense - fast!!! I thought the author did an excellent job at layering the plot twists and answering all those burning questions! I didn't see the twists coming, and they felt perfectly unexpected while also working perfectly within the story!

The "Former Flames" trope is one of my favorites, so I enjoyed the chemistry and tension between Austin and Willow! But I must confess that on multiple occasions I wanted to shake them while growling, "JUST TALK AND BE HONEST!" LOL! But this angst was necessary to the story because the author was able to show that relationships take vulnerability. I also loved how the author used this to more thoroughly illustrate another pitfall to relationships: the past. Austin needed to work through the pain, regrets, and lies of his past. He needed to confront those things and let them go. He needed to share these wounds with Willow before he could fully give his heart to her. This is a powerful truth for readers to absorb for all types of relationships, romantic or otherwise!

Four Stars ~ A thrilling adventure that lives up to its name! Never Let Go is the first book in Elizabeth Goddard's new Uncommon Justice Series from Revell! I'm looking forward to the next book!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/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 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!

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to he mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for hep, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Available February 14th, 2019!

Pre-order Now from Amazon!

Guys, I am just so excited for this story of my heart to release! SOOO EXCITED!!! So yeah, I had to share it again. :-D 

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh Release Day Feature!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Things Left Unsaid

Author: Courtney Walsh

Publisher: Waterfall Press

Release Date: October 30, 2018 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Links*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BAM! | Christian Book | Barnes & Noble

An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl.

Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on.

But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets.

Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other.

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon | Book Depository | Books-a-Million! | Christian Book | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Courtney Walsh is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist as well as an artist, theater director and playwright. She is the author of the Sweethaven series—including A Sweethaven Summer, which was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category—as well as the small-town romances Paper Hearts, Change of Heart, Just Look Up and the forthcoming Just Let Go. Things Left Unsaid is her ninth novel. She lives in Illinois, where she and her husband own a performing-arts studio and youth theater. They have three children.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

  Website | Facebook | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

Review of A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris

About the Book ~

Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret - and a target on her back.

When one of her clients is murdered, Grace quickly realizes that computer security specialist Stephen Shaw wasn't suffering from paranoia. What she doesn't know is that someone believes Shaw gave her a vital piece of information before he died - and they are ready to silence her at any cost. Her only hope may be an old friend, Detective Nate Quinn, who has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed his partner and left him dealing with PTSD.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, bestselling author Lisa Harris takes you deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.

For more information about Lisa Harris and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Question: Do you know what I can always count on with a Lisa Harris novel?

Answer: A thrilling story that flies!

Seriously, I read A Secret to Die For in less than twelve hours, and when you've got a toddler, that's a miraculous feat! Lisa Harris has this ability to weave a thrilling, suspenseful story that always results in me frantically turning the pages to figure out the whodunit! And the who always surprises me!

Don't worry - this is a spoiler free zone! ;-)

The true, not-so-secret gem of this story is the spiritual journey that the characters take. This spiritual plot will strengthen many who are downtrodden and heartbroken. Grace and Nate have tragic pasts that will make you want to weep. (Don't judge me...) While the questions of grief surround them, their journey is filled with hope! They ask the same questions that we ask about death, disaster, sickness, grief, and living with God's joy despite those traumas. And I loved how Grace was actually the guiding light for Nate, drawing him back to God's loving embrace! Their sweet romance felt natural, realistically building over the duration of the story.

Three Stars ~ A Secret to Die For is a thrilling tale that will keep you guessing while strengthening your spirit! As far as I know, this is a standalone novel, but Lisa Harris' next chilling novel, releases Autumn 2019!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

Review of Loving Grace by April Smith

About the Book ~

Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door. As the newly crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly. Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident. Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.

For more information about April Smith and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Loving Grace by April Smith is a "melon load" of sweet! So stinking cute!

Seriously, if you're looking for a sweet read, then Loving Grace should be added to you TBR, like, now. The story flows, reading easy and fast. While it may seem to scream "SUMMER READ," I think it's perfect for any season. Spring... Summer... Autumn... When you wish Summer was here (#goawaywinter)... I also found the watermelon farm and pageant to be a fun, fresh setting! I actually felt like learned some stuff, too. No joke! I might even try to grill some watermelon...

Grace is such a teen! I loved that about her! She's hardworking and sweet, but she could be sarcastic and pop an attitude like no one's business! She's just a girl who loves God and is trying to navigate the ups and downs of life after a family tragedy. The aforementioned family tragedy didn't overshadow the book, and the story still felt fun and sweet despite the heartbreaking heaviness of those scenes. Grace's relationship with God just flowed through the story, but her mistakes and emotions will have readers young and old alike empathizing with her. This coming-of-age story is filled with so many examples of true love that my romantic heart could just burst from happiness! And for me, that's the best part!

Four Stars ~ Loving Grace is sure to sweeten any reader's day with a gooey heart smile! To my knowledge, Loving Grace is a standalone novel, but the author has already made a fan out of me! I'll be looking forward to whatever April Smith writes next!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!
 

Review of Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh

About the Book ~

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help.

Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out―and the best way to avoid more negative press.

Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town―and Quinn’s life―possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

For more information about Courtney Walsh and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Just Let Go is the perfect book to read when you need a really good excuse to avoid all those outside chores this summer! And maybe by the time you're done, you'll have a whole "wild and untamable" vision for your flower garden.

For me, that means another excuse to let it overgrown this summer and read! Hehe! ;-)

Revisit the adorable town of Harbor Pointe, spot a couple of your favorite characters, and fall in love with some new ones in Just Let Go! There's so much to love in this story that's sweeter than a bouquet of roses!

Quinn Collins is snarky, dedicated, and stuck. I love flowers, so I adored the fact that she's a florist. It all felt so whimsical and beautiful! Grady is snarky, talented, and rebellious. I love to ski, and while I'm much more cautious than Grady, relating to him in that way made this swoony character even more endearing. And did you notice that Quinn and Grady have something huge in common? Snarky! So I obviously loved, loved, LOVED the witty dialogue between Quinn and Grady! I could not stop grinning! Their progression towards being a couple felt natural, and the push and pull of I'm not good enough for you! coupled with But I want to be good enough for you! felt totally relatable.

In the midst of all those snappy one-liners, there lies a powerful truth that reflects the title of this sweet tale. The power of letting go of all the hurt, the lies, the unforgiveness, the past, the future, the questions, the anger, the everything! And only once you let go are you free to grow "wild and untamable" in God's love.

Four Stars ~ A witty and sweet romance filled with God's "wild and untamable" truth! Just Let Go is a standalone novel, but if you've read Just Look Up, you will be delighted to return to one of most adorable small towns in the fictional world!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

Review of Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt

About the Book ~

It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine―as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

For more information about Beth K. Vogt and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Do you have tissues?

Well, you're going to need them...

Things I Never Told You is an intense read in women's fiction with some serious Little Women vibes - only everything goes horribly, horribly wrong... And I'm not exaggerating.

Have. Tissues.

Things I Never Told You is very well written and will be a powerful book for many, many people; however, since the grief and breast cancer storylines may hit too close to home, prepare yourself for the upheaval of emotions this novel will unleash within you.

The grief storyline is told mostly through Payton's first-person point of view as she finally starts to deal with the grief she's never acknowledged over the death of her twin sister. With a little help from an unconventional friendship with Zach Gains - another wonderful perspective - and the God she doesn't realize has been there all along, Payton finally starts to live her life again. The breast cancer storyline is told through Jillian's perspective, and while tactfully written, readers will ache with her on this journey.

A tale of estranged sisters who are desperately trying to find their way back to each other as they navigate decades of grief, fear, and secrets, this story really touches on what it means to be a family. Since the living Thatchers are not Christians, the spiritual angle is light, but I enjoyed how organic all the God moments and subtle nudges felt. Living in God's freedom regardless of present circumstances or mistakes from the past reverberates within these pages with a beautiful clarity.

Three Stars ~ Things I Never Told You is a heartachingly, intense, beautiful tale that will speak to the hearts of many readers. Things I Never Told You is the first book in Beth K. Vogt's new Thatcher Sister Series.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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 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, and Instagram!

Review of The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

About the Book ~

Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.

When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.

For more information about Lindsey Harrel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

When it comes to The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel, all the happy heart feelings abound. <3

First off, I loved the traveling! Thanks to Megan and Crystal's adventure, I was able to vicariously travel the globe from the safety of my couch while wearing my cozy slippers. #win

The author wrote the story in such a fun, unique way with not only Megan and Crystal's perspectives, but also with journal entries, blog posts, and flashbacks. Swoony romance popped up in the most perfect way, and the pages flew by me as we jetted from one destination to the next, from one poignant juncture to the next soul-inspiring moment. It's one of those books that I am kicking myself for not having a notebook handy. Oh, well. I'll save that for the reread. ;-)

Megan and Crystal are the literary sisters of my heart. I love them. I hear them. I understand them. While the gorgeous cover and heartfelt premise of this story made me anxious to read it, at the same time I was hesitant because I knew I would relate to this story in a real and literal way. I am so thankful that I didn't let my fear and personal trauma stop me!! Reading this story made me feel like I had finally found that story that articulated the emotions from the hidden, dusty corner of my heart. However, you don't need to have a family rife with heart problems to relate. We all have trauma. We all have pain and fear and doubts. Between these pages, you will find a story filled with hope, love, and joy. Something we all need so very much. <3

Five Stars ~ A story I will forever cherish! I look forward to reading more books by Lindsay Harrel very soon!

I received a copy of The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel published by Thomas Nelson from BookLook Bloggers. 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 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.

Review of The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

About the Book ~

Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman begins speaking. Of a secret past and castle ruins forgotten by time. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . .

Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too—where she came from and who she is becoming. But her grandmother is quickly disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer’s and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley in hopes that she can unearth its secrets before time silences them forever.

Bridging the past to the present in three time periods—the French Revolution, World War II, and present day—The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged in the hearts of men, and of an enchanted castle that stood witness to it all, inspiring a legacy of faith through the generations.

For more information about Kristy Cambron and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Kristy Cambron has written a fairy tale that should go down in history! Who cares that this particular story is fiction? History books, you've been warned. *deadpan stare*

The Lost Castle weaves together a present day search into the past, all the drama of a girl-on-the-run World War Two story, and the angst of the French Revolution. The modern storyline built more off of the World War Two storyline, but you see beautiful hints of the French Revolution storyline peppered throughout them, too. The heroines are spunky and endearing. While I especially loved Quinn, each of the heroes are dashing and worthy of a good swoon in their own unique ways. The gorgeous romance takes your breath away, and you may find yourself tearing up before you've reach the end of the novel.

As a fan of all things vintage, I've thoroughly enjoyed Kristy Cambron's novels and her vintage writing flare! The Lost Castle was no exception! The end result of these equally enchanting stories will have you blotting your eyes with the soul-deep knowing that something powerful, beautiful, and strong can stand the test of time. That God was, is, and always will be the Master Builder of our walls. <3

Four Stars ~ The Lost Castle is breathtaking, bittersweet, and beautiful! The Lost Castle is a timeslip novel, and make note (grab some paper!) that you will want to devour the author's other vintage novels immediately! Check out my review for her pervious novel, The Illusionist's Apprentice, if you don't believe me. Amazing!

I received a copy of The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron published by Thomas Nelson from BookLook Bloggers. 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 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.