Review of A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague

About the Book ~

A Promise. A High School Reunion. And a pact that proves harder to keep.

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.

Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?

For more information about Melony Teague and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is the kind of contemporary romance that will stay with its readers for a long time!

One of my favorite parts of A Promise to Keep was the adventure Savannah and Michael took! The author did an amazing job bringing these settings to life. Additionally, I loved how even when the road trip adventure was over, the adventure of the story surprised and delighted me! Getting to see Michael in his hero environment added a level of surprising intensity to the story that reminded me of a Susan May Warren novel!

Michael is such a wonderful hero! He's got that unrequited swoony factor in abundance, and his love for Savannah is so steadfast. And Savannah -- well, not even Savannah's grief could stop this fun and quirky character from leaping off the page! While the author tackles potentially triggering topics like cancer, death, and grief, the author does this with skill, tact, and realness. I greatly appreciated how the characters were so real in their emotions and struggles as they navigated these heartaches. I liked that it took work and courage to overcome their fears. And I loved how God's love shined through these perfectly imperfect characters!

Five Stars ~ A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is a charming and heart-tugging romance! I look forward to reading whatever story the author pens next!

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 Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached -- strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyan to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

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

My Thoughts ~

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is a wholly, completely, and inexpressibly satisfying conclusion to an equally satisfying series! Oh, how I adored this story!

One of my favorite parts of Like Flames in the Night is the way it continues Moriyah's story and her legacy in a way I didn't know I needed until I started reading Tirzah and Liyam's story! Moriyah (Tirzah's mother) was first introduced to readers in Wings of the Wind, and the continuation of this connection from Wings of the Wind and Moriyah's story in A Light on the Hill in Tirzah's story in Like Flames in the Night is so skillful and beautiful! Additionally, Tirzah becomes a spy like her father and brothers! And goodness, this was epic! Like Flames in the Night is an empowering story on every level, but perhaps my favorite part of this story is how Like Flames in the Night will empower women in such a Godly way!

The author has the ability to bring the Bible to life in a unique way, and Tirzah and Liyam's undercover efforts to stir the hearts of their people can't help but have the same effect on their readers! In the midst of a era and conflict I could almost see when I opened my eyes, my heart connected to the characters in a profound way. From Tirzah's need to prove herself worthy and finally finding rest in God's promises to Liyam's heart wrenching journey and acceptance of both justice and mercy, my heart was wrecked and rebuilt in the best possible way!

Five Stars ~ Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette is -- simply put -- amazing! While you can certainly read Like Flames in the Night with little to zero confusion, this is the fourth book in the Cities of Refuge Series. The historical and family dynamics will be clearer and sooo much more fulfilling if you read the previous books in the Cities of Refuge Series and Wings of the Wind from the author's Out from Egypt 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 More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson

About the Book ~

One night changes everything...

When Addison Kilbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. After a traumatic brain injury, her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She once thrived as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

For more information about Christina Suzann Nelson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson is a search for hope in a complex, heartbreaking world! 

More Than We Remember is an intricately woven story, one that allows readers to see into the unique life of each main character while they unravel the mystery of that fateful night. The author does a great job maintaining the pace of the overall story, and little, significant details are disclosed at just the right moments.

More Than We Remember is a heavier book. It delves into potentially triggering topics like traumatic injuries, suicide, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. While not soulmate characters for me, I greatly appreciated the author's honest portrayal of emotions in the difficult and dark places Addison, Emilia, and Brianne have to navigate. More Than We Remember highlights the need for hope; regardless of the harder topics, readers will turn the pages and find God's hope in the characters' search for exactly that! 

Three Stars ~ More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson is a story of hope in the darkness! More Than We Remember is a standalone from Bethany House, but the author has more novels 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 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!

Review of Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

About the Book ~

The case was tragic. But it was an accident. Right?

Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie. 

With time running out, Amara must convince others -- and herself -- that despite all the evidence to the contrary, the boy is alive. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.

For more information about Tom Threadgill and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

I almost didn't read this book.

I'm serious. The horrific deaths of innocent children made my mama heart burst into tears at the thought of something so tragic!

But I decided to give this new-to-me author a chance, and I'm so very glad I did! Because OHMYGOODNESS! I highly recommend Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill!

I really enjoyed entering Amara's story when she's trying to work her way out of Property Crimes. The daily grind, the smaller cases, and the subtle weaving of Amara's backstory, hopes, and dreams helped me feel connected to her as a character despite the fact that this is a more plot-driven story. Watching all these clues come out on a smaller scale before Amara was ushered into the multi-agency investigation also helped make this story feel more realistic. There's also, possibly, maybe a subtle romance in the works. Maybe. Regardless, I'm pining for it to happen, LOL!

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill has an intensity to the storyline that gave me all the Taken vibes, yet the plot surprised me with the twists in the mystery. The story felt very realistic and contained doses of much-needed humor that ensured I didn't feel sad for too long! Though I recommend you have tissues for that ending! In the end, this bittersweet search for truth delivers exactly what you're looking for -- truth. 

And btdubs, I am NEVER letting my daughter ride a school bus!

Four Stars ~ Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill is an intense suspense that's realistic, funny, and filled with the search for truth! This is the author's first book in a series featuring Detective Amara Alvarez, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!

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!