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 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!

Review of The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

 

About the Book ~

Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

For more information about Nicole Deese and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a beautiful book that will take your breath away in equal parts oh-so-relatable agony and all the hearts of starry-eyed romance! 

There's little I could say that would do justice to The Words We Lost and the beauty of this story! The setting came alive in my mind's eye. The bookish angle filled me with delight. The romance embodied everything I love about romance. While navigating grief was a central piece of the plot, The Words We Lost never felt depressing. A beautiful story of hope, life, and second chances emerged and moved me to tears on more than one page! What made me both love and hate the author was how I fell in love Cece in the past tense, especially because The Words We Lost was one of those stories where the characters felt like your best friends. Because of that, I didn't just experience Ingrid, Joel, and everyone else's grief; I grieved the loss of Cece as a character, knowing that the only piece of her I would ever have would forever stay in the brilliantly framed flashbacks.

Holding onto God and finding yourself after devastating loss frames the spiritual journey in The Words We Lost. Every piece was thoughtfully and uniquely layered into each character, compiling into an overarching message that God is a good God who truly sees us and draws near to us, always faithful to be exactly what we need. This message was so eloquently conveyed that I closed the book thinking, "Now that's my God!"

Five Stars ~ The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is breathtaking! The Words We Lost is the first book in the author's new series, A Fog Harbor Romance. I might implode with excitement waiting for 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 To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh

About the Book ~

Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

For more information about Toni Shiloh and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a royal romance with a few unique twists, then check out To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh!

To Win a Prince was utterly delightful! I loved returning to the beautiful kingdom of Oloro Ile. It's one of those bookish worlds where it feels like coming home. I adored how To Win a Prince had a Project Runway meets Shark Tank vibe! Throw in a heaping dose of romantic tension of the forced proximity variety, and you get a story that's so. much. fun! Additionally, a twist in the second half completely caught me off guard and added a really beautiful dimension to the story.

Iris and Ekon had an interesting spiritual journey together and individually! Iris truly wanted to grow in all the big, little, and in-between ways in her relationship with God, and her struggles were realistic and heartfelt. However, my favorite aspect was found along the road of Ekon's salvation as the author dove deep into what it means to be royal without a title, royal because you're a child of the King. Ekon's prodigal son story -- with a twist! -- was a stunningly beautiful and fresh way to portray this eternal truth! 

Four Stars ~ To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh is a royally delightful story! To Win a Prince is a sequel to In Search of a Prince, but it can be read as a standalone. I'm hoping for more royal romances in this beautiful kingdom from the author!

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 Love and the Dream Come True by Tammy L. Gray

 

About the Book ~

Their faith will face its toughest test yet.

Four years after getting the biggest break of his life, Cameron Lee's music career has taken a nosedive, leaving him two options: become a sellout or give up on his lifelong dream. He reluctantly returns home for his sister's wedding, hoping to avoid his past and find his love for music again.

Single mom Lexie Walters has suffered her fair share of tragedies and setbacks, but she has finally scraped together the money to achieve her dream of going into business with her cousin as an interior designer. When Lexie's life is at an all-time high, she runs into her teenage crush, Cameron Lee.

Lost in the emotional turmoil of failure, Cameron is immediately drawn to Lexie and her infectious smile and optimistic spirit. Moreover, he adores her mouthy, no-holds-barred daughter. But fantasies only last so long, and soon Lexie and Cameron must face the real world, the one fraught with heartbreak, disappointment, and questions that sometimes can only be answered by a leap of faith.

For more information about Tammy L. Gray and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Here are my condensed feelings on Love and the Dream Come True by Tammy L. Gray: IT'S AMAZING! Get this book, bypass that teetering TBR tower, and settle into your favorite reading nook for a binge read!

Now come the rest of my gushing feelings about Love and the Dream Come True, LOL!

Love and the Dream Come True was so fun, so romantic, and so utterly, achingly relatable! One of my biggest pet peeves is perfect characters, and that was not an issue in this story! I loved Lexie and Morgan's relationship; they gave me all the Gilmore Girls vibes! While Lexie was sunshine, rainbows, and unicorn wishes with her unending optimism, I loved her imperfections. Furthermore, I have been waiting for Cameron's story, his voice, and -- most importantly -- his victory since I met him on the ink-stained pages. I have mourned for him, wanted to punch him, and cheered for him. Cameron's story was everything I had hoped for and more! Additionally, I loved how the author portrayed a realistic man, a man who not only has emotions but struggled with them as this is a universal struggle in humanity.

Lexie and Cameron's spiritual journey in Love and the Dream Come True was...ahem, timely. I enjoyed how the conflict was twisted and turned on its head, inviting Lexie to trust God and take a brave risk on love. However, Cameron's struggle with perfectionism was probably the most relatable part of the story for me. I cried not only with Cameron but also reading the author's note at the end because this message is one I'll come back to again and again when the struggle to be perfect suffocates the joy of co-creating with God. Read it and weep. Then be blessed.

Five Stars ~ Love and the Dream Come True by Tammy L. Gray was and is and will forever be AMAZING! Love and the Dream Come True is the third and final book in the author's State of Grace series. Love and the Dream Come True could be read as a standalone, but the events in the previous books directly contributed to the conflict in this instalment, so I recommend reading the series in order.

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 Sunburst by Susan May Warren

 

About the Book ~

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt from terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others. And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--which would bind Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, the trouble they're fleeing has found them--again. It's clear anyone around Noemi is bound to be caught in the crossfire. Including her potential new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

For more information about Susan May Warren and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Sunburst by Susan May Warren is the type of riveting, intriguing, on-the-run romantic adventure that I love to read! 

No one knows how to write an insta-love romance that's not only believable but also compelling quite like Susan May Warren! Seriously, the author has this trope down to a science, and Sunburst's romance blazed with the chemistry between Noemi and Ranger. Additionally, I really enjoyed how the author added in the fake marriage trope on top of that, and the traditional Nigerian wedding was fascinating! However, there was some messaging that could be potentially triggering to readers who've experienced betrayal trauma. The pacing was excellent! You couldn't get comfortable for long because the stakes kept rising, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The spiritual messages contained in Sunburst were heart-wrenchingly beautiful! Ranger struggled with a perfectionist mindset dominating his sense of duty, while Noemi struggled with abandonment and doubting that God even noticed her. At the heart of it, their struggles boiled down to the same root: are you worthy, are you even enough, for God to love you? To rescue you? To have a good and perfect plan for your future? Spoiler alert: YES! Ranger and Noemi's journey illustrates this truth quite wonderfully!

Four Stars ~ Sunburst by Susan May Warren was a thrilling, romantic adventure! Sunburst is the second book in the author's Sky King Ranch series. While the overarching mystery will make more sense if the series is read in order, I didn't feel lost reading the series out of order. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series! 

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 Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

 

About the Book ~

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. And with danger closing in on all sides, Elinor will have to trust the man who has been spying on her to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands--and she stays alive.

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

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a sweet romance, an intense suspense, and some hilariously bad puns all in one place, then look no further because Fatal Code by Natalie Walters has arrived! 

Fatal Code was a wildly fun ride, and I thoroughly enjoyed every twist! One of the things I loved most about Fatal Code was how the author made the characters come alive. Kekoa and Elinor were not flat, two-dimensional characters, but memorable, unique people! They had hopes, fears, wounds, strengths, failures, and hilarious quirks. Seriously, Elinor's puns were some of my favorite parts of the story! I also loved Kekoa's Hawaiian culture and the authentic way the author incorporated that into the story. It made them feel so real. Additionally, the action and drama moved at a good pace. I was trying to figure out how everything would fit together, and I was very satisfied with how the author concluded the suspense.

The spiritual journeys that Kekoa and Elinor took were just so beautiful! From the loving memory of Elinor's grandfather urging her towards freedom to Kekoa's struggle to give God his all -- complete and utter trust. While packaged in a fun story, the messages were just so achingly relatable. 

Five Stars ~ Fatal Code by Natalie Walters was an entertaining ride! Fatal Code is the second book in the author's SNAP Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

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!