“A Lady in Attendance” by Rachel Fordham – Book Review

“A Lady in Attendance” by Rachel Fordham

Review copy from the publisher as apart of Revell Reads Blog Program

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.

My Thoughts:

This may only be my second read by this author, but I am quickly coming to find how truly sweet and wholesome her stories are! A Lady in Attendance was such a darling story, with strong and realistic characters. And I found it fun how the hero character had a unique occupation for fiction –  a dentist, with the heroine being his lady in attendance. I don’t think I’ve ever read a fiction title featuring this occupation in a historical setting, and I found that extremely interesting and enjoyable! Back to the characters, Hazel was such a strong character and all her trials only added to her strength. And her kindness. And Gilbert was such a gentleman, genuinely gentle, extremely kind, and a perfectý dashing hero. He was quiet (which I loved), and I loved seeing how both characters grew throughout the novel. There was mystery involved, sweet innocent romance, and such eloquent writing that it made for a delightful read. Definitely recommend!

The Sound the Sun Makes by Buck Storm ~Book Review

“The Sound the Sun Makes” by Buck Storm

Book Two in the Ballads of Paradise Series

My rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Detective Early Pines loves his southern Arizona desert, often thinking he could stare at it all day long. But now that he’s forced to do just that, the truth is the view from his back porch is getting old. He’s on mandatory leave from the police department, simply for punching a wife beater who had it coming. Early is in dire need of a distraction from his own loud thoughts. So when an old friend invites him to tag along to a rodeo down in Old Mex, it seems like just the ticket.

But if there’s one constant in the world, it’s that life always throws a guy curveballs. With a flat tire, a roadside bar, and a beautiful woman with trouble on her hands, Early’s distraction takes a hard right turn–straight to Los Angeles, six hundred miles west.

Hammott Lamont is waiting there in his own personal hunting ground. The reclusive filmmaker is a veritable cult leader to Hollywood stars–and he’s sure his latest project will redefine art history in his image. He’s got a plan for a brutal, modernized version of the Christ story, and he’s ready to trample anyone who stands in the way of his colossal vision. That is, until big, loud Early Pines hits the coast for a clash of two titans who never saw each other coming.

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting read. To be honest, it took me quite a while to become really engaged, and I didn’t really connect strongly with the characters. The plot was interesting though, and the villain character was possibly the most intriguing. I had nothing against main characters Early Pines or Calico Foster, but I just didn’t relate to them.Some parts were a little confusing, and it is definitely one of those books that, once you’ve finished, you’re left still processing what just happened.The faith strand was present, though I’m not sure I could quite pinpoint it, at least until the end.The best word I can think of to describe this book is interesting, really. It wasn’t really one I fell in love with, but it did keep me wondering what was going on.And the mind of the villain really was intense and complex. And disturbing in his zeal for control and masterminding everything. I’m impressed with the writing of his character, and the writing as a whole was lyrical.Thanks to the publishers for the chance to read this book.

“On The Cliffs of Foxglove Manor” by Jaime Jo Wright – Book Review

“On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor” by Jaime Jo Wright

Duel Time Line

Review copy from the publishers

About the Book:

1885.
Adria Fontaine has been sent to recover goods her father pirated on the Great Lakes during the war. But when she arrives at Foxglove Manor–a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior–Adria senses wickedness hovering over the property. The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Present day.
Kailey Gibson is a new nurse’s aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Kidnapped as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling promise from her abductors that they would return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a haven. She’ll have to risk it all to banish the past’s demons, including her own.

My Thoughts:

The author delivers on yet another delightfully eerie and satisfying story with On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor. I’ve probably said it before, but I’ll say it again: Jaime Jo Wright is pretty much the only author whose creepy books I will read time after time. She does such a good job with not only drawing me in, creeping me out a little bit, but then still has me wanting more. In this new novel, both duel time-line stories are intricately woven with mystery and intrigue, and characters whose stories are aching to be told. And I, of course, was all too willingly to oblige ;)

Both present day and historical time periods were captivating and I loved the unique setting. While only familiar with Minnesota’s side of Lake Superior, I adore that body of water, and always welcome its appearance in any novel, from any angle. :DAnd all the unknown secrets wrapped around Foxglove Manor in both timelines was so interesting, and I loved each moment spent in its presence. I gravitated a little more towards the historical storyline, but both really were very well written. And can I say how much I loved Mr. Crayne? He and Adria were definitely my favorite characters. I would love more of their story. XDI appreciated how the ghost element was written, especially at the end. Those kind of ghost stories are the kind I’ll read *spoiler* the ones that make sense logically *end of spoiler*.

The faith message was also gently present, and I liked how contemporary heroine Kaley wrestled with what she believed, and contemporary hero Axel didn’t try to force answers down her throat, but also was there for her and showed her his faith. Oh and I also really liked the fact that Kaley’s brother Jude was autistic (very much so), and their relationship was very sweet.:)

“Starganauts” by C.E. Stone Book Spotlight

Kaity Anderson was a new bride on her wedding day. Samantha Harris was an engineer who had given up all to follow God. 

Kaity’s reception is ruined when an alien gunship incinerates the surface of Earth. Rescued from the apocalypse by a strange prophetess, Kaity, her husband, and five others are drawn across the galaxy. While the prophetess promises God has a plan, Kaity grows increasingly desperate as their chances of survival—and water supply—dwindle.

Samantha didn’t ask to be God’s prophetess. Yet once she answers the call, the Spirit leads her to an inhospitable world with Kaity and several of Earth’s survivors. Hounded by the master of the gunship, the Earthlings search for water as their alien pursuers and dehydration close in. Only God’s promise of a future in a distant city gives Samantha any hope of survival. But could the answer to all their problems lie in eight, mysterious orbs? The discovery of these crystals will change their lives—and the destiny of galaxies—forever.

Thus begins Starganauts, a clean, compelling Christian space opera adventure by C.E. Stone. Fans of Star Wars and Star Trek will enjoy this series that explores how God’s plan prevails, even against impossible odds. 

Bookfunnel Buy/Preorder Link: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/cfskgfxq1i 

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ce_stone/?hl=en 

Website: https://www.starganauts.net/

 

Giveaway Link: https://kingsumo.com/g/ohbmdq/signed-starganauts-paperback-3-author-bookmarks

Get Outside Nature Journal ~Review

This “Get Outside” nature journal truly is darling and inspiring – it is such a creative idea, and I love how it encourages you to both engage in nature andbe a creative outlet of writing what you experience.

The journal is full of blank pages with many prompts to encourage further contemplation of your nature experience.

And towards the back of the book there are wonderful pages of information, such as how to identify cloud formations, animal tracks, constelations, and so much more.

I love it, and definitely recommend for nature lovers!

Thank you to the publishers for the copy of this lovely book!

You can find a copy at:

• Amazon 
• Barnes and Noble
• Christianbooks.com
• Goodreads

“The Nature of the Lady” by Roseanna M White ~Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (signed)

“The Nature of A Lady” by Roseanna M White

Book One in the Secrets of the Isles Series

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

1906
Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn’t favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage’s former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne–gentleman and clergyman–is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he’s happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth’s summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it’s the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can’t quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

My Thoughts:

A new series by Roseanna M White always has the words “Yes please!” on my lips. “The Nature of the Lady” is a wonderful story that begins The Secrets of the Isles series fantastically. The setting was different from what I had come to know from the author but it was exquisite, and the characters were just as loveable as always!

It was fun having a bit of Pirate-lore mixed into the plot; I am always intrigued by any mention of pirates, what can I say. XD And as the reader, I felt like I really got to unravel the mystery alongside the main characters, and I waited with baited breath till the very last page.But as always, what made the novel a hit for me was the characters. They were lovely, and so relatable. Lady Elizabeth was so unique and I loved her genuine fascination with nature. Oliver Tremayne was a perfect hero, gentle and kind while still strong and caring. And really the whole cast of characters were varied and unique and you couldn’t help but bond with them. Especially Mam-wynn! She was a doll.

I nearly felt like I was there on the Scillies with them, solving a curious mystery and getting to know new friends. The faith message was gentle and sweet, and Elizabeth’s journey to truly finding God was peaceful and fulfilling. It was a quieter message, but still sweet. Can’t wait for more of this series!

*I recevied a copy of the book from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

“Dusk’s Darkest Shores” by Carolyn Miller ~ Book Review and Giveaway

“Dusk’s Darkest Shores” by Carolyn Miller

Book One in the Regency Wallflowers Series

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the series:
 
While most stories set in Regency England focus on the rich, the young, and the beautiful, award-winning author Carolyn Miller decided she wanted to give readers something different for a change. Her new Regency Wallflowers series follows the commoners, away from the hustle and bustle of 1810s London, out in the Lake District of England. She tells the stories of women who are slightly older and have few prospects for marriage, women who might be considered “wallflowers.”
 
About the book:
 
How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?
 
Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England’s beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it’s a peaceful life.
 
That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary’s caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer–but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he’s plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?
 
Adam wants no charity, but he’s also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal–and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.
 
Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.
 
Click here to read an excerpt.

My Thoughts:

This was such a lovely story! The characters were definitely my favorite part of the story, as they came so alive, and were so realistic. The plot was captivating too, and the setting beautiful.

I loved Mary and Adam – they didn’t immediately become a pair, but their banter throughout the whole story was so much fun. And I loved how they both slowly realized their fondness for each other. There were some sad moments in this book, and each character went through some growth, which only made the story stronger. But truly, the friendship between Mary and Adam was just the best, and they were very sweet. The ending had me ‘awwing’ out loud. ^.^

I’m excited for this new series, featuring “wallflowers”, for they make some wonderful characters who are perhaps unseen at first.Thoroughly enjoyed it!

https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/05/introducing-carolyn-millers-dusks.html

Enter HERE to win a fun prize pack inspired by the book and its English setting that includes: 

– a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores
– a canvas bag to carry your latest reads
– a fun pair of Jane Austen socks
– Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea
– “Drink tea, read books, and be happy” tea spoon
– “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug
– Black currant preserves from England
– Wax Lyrical candle from England

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*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.

Hope in the Dark by Hannah Wright ~Spotlight

“Hope in the Dark” by Hannah Wright

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Broken hearts, a town torn apart, and a new job. What could possibly go wrong?

Moving into the great unknown of Featherlight, Idaho, was a huge change for Elizabeth Matthews. But while Asheville, North Carolina was comfortingly familiar, it had left her with a broken heart and a determination to never trust a man again. 

Hard working Samuel Bryson is honor bound to provide for his widowed mother and siblings. Determined to live up to his own expectations of being just like his father, he will let nothing get in his way. And that includes marriage. 

Serene and cozy Featherlight has taken a turn into something much darker. Newly hired school teacher Elizabeth and Samuel find themselves desperately searching for answers to the suspicious criminal activity around them. They find themselves thrown into facing their worst fears… and each other. In the midst of many unknowns, will they find the courage to do what God is calling them to? 

I was planning and hoping on having a review to share alongside this book, but I wasn’t able to read the ecopy at this time due to eye-problems. But it sounds so good and I wish the author the best success!!

Check out her instagram to keep up with her, and find out about the giveaway alongside this tour!

@_hannahsbooknook_ 
https://www.instagram.com/_hannahsbooknook_/ 

“Castle of Refuge”by Melanie Dickerson – Review

“Castle of Refuge” by Melanie Dickerson

Book Two in the Dericott Tales Series

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 5 of out 5 Stars

About the Book:

Audrey is a viscount’s daughter who has suffered her sister Maris’s cruel, jealous behavior all her life. An act of malice led their father to send Maris to a convent, but Audrey was still left with scars. Three years later, Audrey’s father is determined to marry off his damaged daughter, and Maris is returning. Desperate, Audrey sneaks away.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, injured, and in dire straits. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, each must make a life-changing decision about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a high-stakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.

My Thoughts:

Second in the Dericott Tales, “Castle of Refuge” features familiar character, Edwin Dericott, and new character, Audrey. I loved this story, it was so delightful and the characters were endearing. Audrey was bubbly, and such a joyful personality despite the difficulties she faced at the hand of her sister.The plot moved along so well, and I was swept into the story immediately.

The faith aspect was well-developed, and the characters really did shine. The romance was so, so sweet too. I loved watching the relationship between Audrey and Edwin, and how tentative they both were. And also how well they worked together in harmony against the struggles they were facing. They both felt like they were too scarred to love, but it was great seeing how they each grew as individuals and as a couple.

An exciting, well-paced book, and I look forward to more of this series!!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

“All That Really Matters” by Nicole Deese ~ Book Review

“All That Really Matters” By Nicole Deese

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Molly McKenzie’s bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a big paycheck each month. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as a host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of further fame seems to be coming true. There’s just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

When her manager-boyfriend convinces her to partner with a local organization, she begins volunteering with a summer youth program. The program’s director, Silas Whittaker, challenges her at every turn, but she swiftly grows more attached to the kids–and him–every day.

As Molly experiences an acceptance unlike anything she’s known, she wrestles with the lies she’s been believing about herself for years. She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she’s had it wrong this whole time, and there’s more to being truly seen than what she’s built her entire life on.

My Thoughts:

This book! Okay, so not only is the cover absolutely stunning, the inside story was just as captivating and beautiful – in every aspect. When I began the book, I was curious to see what we’d learn about main character, Molly, because she first came off as shallow and all about her social media influence – but I knew there was more going on, and oh boy was there. Molly was such an exceptional character, and how she grew throughout this novel, while still finding who she truly was, came across so well and was so lovely. I loved her so much, and Silas was a fantastic hero too. I loved his heart for the teens aging out of the foster system. This book really is packed with so much *heart*. I cried a couple times towards the end…it was that good.And then to read the note at the end that there will be a book about Val…!!!! I am so excited! Val was such an awesome friend to Molly, even through the struggles they endured. I can’t wait to read more of her story <3
But anyway, back to this book which was utterly fantastic in its own right. I am not a makeup/beauty/fashion person…but I loved how unique Molly was in her element, and I thought it was really neat to read about a character whose job was an influencer. And the depths she had were touching. There were several story threads of redemption in All That Really Matters, and it was truly beautiful to read. Every moment was heart-touching, and I enjoyed every minute. <3

*I received a copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.