“Shadows of the White City” by Jocelyn Green ~ Book Review

“Shadows of the White City” by Jocelyn Green

Book 2 in the Windy City Saga// Historical Fiction

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have–a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears–until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World’s Fair, and Sylvie’s world unravels.

Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose’s violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, they’re taken on a search that points to Rose’s long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong? 

My Thoughts:

Sylvie’s story is here at last! I have been looking forward to reading this story, and it did not disappoint. <3 I had a hard time with the first novel, mostly because of how Sylvie was treated, so I was so eager for her to have her own story, and it was such a good one. “Shadows of the White City” is a complex and artfully woven novel. It’s not one to rush through – the vivid details and wording of it all is sure to require your attention and paint the setting in your mind. Characters are always the best part of every story for me, so as you can imagine, that is where I spent the majority of my focus! This book takes place many years after the first novel, and Slyvie’s life hasn’t exactly turned out as she planned but she has cherished the pieces that she held on to, most dearly her adopted daughter, Rose. When Rose goes missing, Slyvie is confronted with more than just fear at losing her precious daughter – fear of losing everything that she has found her identity in. I loved seeing how Slyvie’s character grew throughout the story. She was such a strong character even at the beginning, but she grew even stronger throughout it, while still showing gentleness of spirit, and learning that it is perfectly good to rely on others at times too. We don’t need to be self-sufficient – and indeed, we are never really self-sufficient at all; God is our strength, and Slyvie learned this lesson for herself, learning how to let go and trust Him. It really was a beautiful message, and it played across the pages so naturally.Kristoff was the perfect gentleman! Truly a respectable and entirely loveable hero. He was never pushy or forceful, but always enduring, always loving – yet he had his own weaknesses certainly, and seeing his own journey progress alongside Slyvie’s was very enjoyable to be apart of. I truly enjoyed this book, and I think I can say it might just be my most favorite of the author’s works I’ve had the pleasure of reading so far. “Shadows of the White City” was beautifully written with fantastic characters, and a moving plot – a wonderful read for sure!!

*I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher for being on the launch team. I was not required to give a positive review.

“A Portrait of Loyalty” by Roseanna M White ~ Review

@vikinglady10

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M White

Book Three in the Codebreakers Series

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Zivon Marin was one of Russia’s top cryptographers, until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee after speaking out against Lenin and separated from his brother along the way, he arrives in England driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits.

Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera–and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and recreating photographs. With her father’s connections in propaganda, she’s recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove.

After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily. He sees patterns in what she deems chaos; she sees beauty in a world he thought destroyed. But both have secrets they’re unwilling to share. When her photographs reveal that someone has been following Zivon, his loyalties are called into question–and his enemies are discovered to be far closer than he’d feared. 

My Thoughts:

What a phenomenal conclusion to the Codebreaker series! I have loved each of these books so much,  and I daresay that the hero of A Portrait of Loyalty might just be my favorite. All the characters really are so marvelous though. This author has such a way at weaving historical details into an immensely enriching story with excellent plot and strong characters. I loved this novel,  and it was fascinating to get more of a glimpse into the unrest that was occurring within Russia at the time of WWI. I loved getting to see both Zivon’s and Lily’s roles as part of the Codebreakers – Lily’s skills at photography and aiding in the alteration of photos was so interesting.”A Portrait of Loyalty” held a bit of a plot twist that I wasn’t expecting, but it happened so smoothly, and while it had me rather teary-eyed, it did have purpose in the story.Also can’t neglect to mention how impressive it is that the characters who we are not rooting for got their own POV sections so we were able to really get to know them and see why they believed what they did. Just exceptionally handled, the whole thing.Truly, I loved this book and found it excellent and moving! Brilliantly beautiful, and I highly recommend this entire series!!

@vikinglady10

I received a copy of this book from the publishers as apart of the launch team. I was not required to write a positive review.

“Like Flames in the Night” by Connilyn Cossette ~ Book Review

“Like Flames in the Night” by Connilyn Cossette

Cities of Refuge #4//Biblical Fiction

Review copy from the publisher

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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 Liyam 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?

 

My Thoughts:

 

And just like that, this lovely series comes to an end. “Like Flames in the Night” is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. It was a very good ending, but I am sad to see it all wrapped up and completed. In the best of ways of course. :) These characters have all become so familiar and loved. <3

Tirzah is the central character in this beautiful novel. She is spirited, strong, and quick-witted. She convinces her brother to allow her to be a spy in their work to recover the Land, and she does a good job at it.

Liyam is also a strong character, bent on avenging his daughter’s dealth. For much time that is all he can think of, and understandably so. His journey of change was probably my favorite. He was really rough, and turned toward anger, but his character arc was really well done, and I loved seeing how it was all resolved at the end.

Sometimes, I will admit, that Tirzah’s character got on my nerves. She had moments of being overly strong-willed, and prideful. But I liked how she softened a little at the end.

I really loved the epilogue – how that all wrapped up, and tied everything together. It was so sweet. And can’t leave this off without mentioning how much I adore the cover of this book – it’s stunning. :)

 

 

*I received a copy of this book from the publishers as apart of the Launch Team. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

 

“Veiled in Smoke” by Jocelyn Green ~ Book Review

“Veiled in Smoke” by Jocelyn Green

Releases February 4th

The Windy City Sage Book One

Review copy from the author/publisher as apart of the launch team

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

(Thank you to the author for sending the amazing prints and ash confetti!<3)

 

My Thoughts:

 

I must admit I have some conflicted feelings regarding this book. It is brilliantly written, and I definitely enjoyed the story, but there was an aspect that…well, I guess it was a trigger for me, and therefore how it ended was a bit of a wound to me.

I couldn’t deeply connect with main character Meg. Going into the story, I assumed that this story would be equally shared between the two sisters, and gravitated more towards Sylvie. Though her story was more of a side story, and I struggled with some of the ways she was treated.

Before I go on to explain some of what triggered me, I do want to preface it with saying how beautifully the author writes. This novel is gorgeous, and the story told vibrant and captivating. I still consider it a good read, worth my time, and I look forward to reading the following books in this series. The history was portrayed wonderfully, and the tragedy real.

As I don’t wish to spoil the book for anyone, I will warn that you may want to wait on reading the rest of this review until you have read the book for yourself. So, with that being said….

I really liked Sylvie. I really liked the relationship that blossomed between her and Jasper. It felt like throughout the novel though, that her feelings and her personal journey were not very well respected by the main character and supporting characters. It was really all about Meg and her end happiness. I know we are to root for the main character, but I couldn’t help but feel triggered by the fact that Sylvie was so often not given a voice or validated in any of her feelings. So yes, this ended up being a trigger for me but that doesn’t mean it will be for anyone else.

I have hopes that the next book in this story will be about Sylvie. However, I confess I still feel sorrow that she couldn’t have the ending she wanted in this book.

Again, my feelings will not reflect everyone’s, and as I also said this author is an excellent writer so her books are definitely worth the read!

Quotes:

“Sylvie rarely won a argument with Meg. She didn’t even like to disagree with her, preferring all the conflict in her life to be contained within the pages of books, where it was resolved by the last chapter…”

“But if she’d learned anything during the last several years, it was that the body repaired itself far easier than the spirit.”

“What a mercy that God was not limited by that which limited her. What a grace that His power and presence remained, regardless of whether she felt close to them. She must trust Him for what she could not see. Wasn’t that the essence of faith? Her hands were bound. His were not.”

“We will thank God as soon as we can.”

*I received a copy of this book from the publishers; all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“Echoes Among the Stones” by Jaime Jo Wright ~ Book Review

 

 

“Echoes Among the Stones” by Jaime Jo Wright

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About the Book:

After Aggie Dunkirk’s career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn’t plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene–even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.
Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town’s cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past’s secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden–even if that means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister’s body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister’s case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Another gripping Wright book to add to the shelves! Carrying a more bittersweet, sorrowful tone to it than the other books by this author, “Echoes Among the Stones” tells the stories of two main characters who have both suffered deep grief and suffering. I really liked how the two characters were so closely related, grandmother and granddaughter. Through both past and present timeline stories, we see how specific griefs and traumas have affected and shaped both heroines. I felt for both Aggie (present day) and Imogene (past timeline), and enjoyed getting to know them through their stories. I loved present-day hero, Collin. He was charming, and so sweet. His gentle reminders to Aggie of God’s presence in our lives was touching, and his willingness to remain beside her through her story was heartwarming.I felt like there was a lot of struggles with God portrayed (understandably, which you will understand upon reading), but there wasn’t a great healing resolution. Which I also understand takes time, and it was hinted at finally healing at the very end, but I would have liked to see them wrestle a bit more with finding God’s peace instead of just finding the resolution to the murder.
On conclusion, I enjoyed another well-written Wright novel, and look forward to more. :)

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ Book Review

 

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

Haven Manor Book 3

Review copy from the publisher as apart of the launch team

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the book:

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.
Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can’t resist the urge to solve the puzzle.
As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family’s enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I’m feeling very inadequate to write this review. I just can’t believe this series is over, and that this particular story is over. I didn’t want it to end! Still don’t, but I suppose I must come to terms with that fact at some point.Readers of the Haven Manor series have been anticipating Jess’ story for quite some time. And oh goodness did it satisfy!! Right from page one of “A Pursuit of Home”, I was drawn into the story, and became even more entwined withe the characters. It was so nice (and sad too) to finally understand Jess and her past. Her snarky character really is marvelous, by the way. Every hardship only made her stronger and more resilient, and I just love her sarcasm. And Derek! Oh my word, was he fantastic too. The banter held between these two was beyond exemplary. I laughed numerous times, and I just loved their chemistry. A sentence that had me grinning:
“Unless you’ve an axe for me to use, I can’t go any farther,” Derek whispered. “And I feel I should warn you, before you produce an axe from some random corner of your person, I haven’t the ability to chop wood silently.”
At first, Derek irritated Jess, and that made for some very humorous situations. Jess was used to being hardened, and the thought of actually caring terrified her. And sometimes I could understand this. “This made her feel vulnerable. This was terrifying”  – I get that. ^.^ Truly, I was just very impressed with the characters as a whole. Beautifully done!The plot was exciting, and I loved seeing how everything unfolded. The mystery, the journeys, the danger, and the growth in each character – it was all just marvelous and I felt right at home within the pages. I also loved the knife-throwing aspect. That was extremely fun as knife-throwing is one of my hobbies  – and I was just flabbergasted to read the acknowledgements and find my name listed there. THANK YOU Kristi Ann Hunter! Being able to share info about knife-throwing was a delight and having my name in the acknowledgements an extreme honor. I’ve been squealing over it for days! :)But yes, in conclusion, this book is amazing, it never disappointed, and I adore these characters. I loved this book so much and am truly sad to see it end. But what an ending it was. I highly recommend this fabulous series! <3

 

 

 

Quotes:

 

“The problem with inevitability was that no matter how much effort one put into avoiding them, they still happened.”

 

“Derek loved the scent of books. Paper, ink, leather, and dust created an aroma that always made him feel at home.”

 

“Interesting thing about opinions. They tend to vary from person to person. If they didn’t, they would be facts.”

“This made her feel vulnerable. This was terrifying” — I feel ya Jess.

 

“God had given the sacrifice she needed, not the one she’d asked for. That was the sacrifice love demanded. It wasn’t sacrificing to make someone else happy; it was sacrificing to provide what they needed.”

 

 

 

**I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.  

“Until The Mountains Fall” by Connilyn Cossette ~ Book Review

 

“Until the Mountains Fall” by Connilyn Cossette

Cities of Refuge series #3//Biblical Fiction

Review copy through the publisher

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband’s brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh’s head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother’s death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

My Thoughts:

 

I have loved every one of this author’s novels, and this one was no exception!

“Until the Mountains Fall” is a beautiful story representing the parable of the Prodigal Son.

I will be honest, I didn’t like main character Rivkah in the beginning. She was selfish and rough, and rude. I was worried her character would alter little, and she’d still be one of those “so strong woman who doesn’t need any man at all ever. end of story.” But her story…her character arc was amazing. Truly, she grew and changed so much, it was beautiful and humbling. And happened so naturally. I’m not saying her character needed to change, but her attitude did, and wow. The result was well done.

Malakhi – he was amazing. A bit gruff for a while there but he did have reason to be. His personal journey was fantastic too, and how this whole story wove together was lovely. The redemption…the sacrifice…the love. Rivkah’s father was one of my favorite characters of this story. His devotion to his daughter was just astounding, and there was a scene at the end that had me crying. It was a truly beautiful representation of Jesus welcoming us back, accepting us, forgiving us, loving us.

The faith wasn’t so much spoken as it was shown in the undertones ~ the allegorical message to it was the heart of it.

This book spanned over several years and covered a lot. It was all done so well. And my heart was so involved. Another captivating read by the author!

“Our family was built atop the ruins of tragedy, Rivkah, each brick fashioned from mercy. You will find no stones in their palms.”

“There is nothing you have done or will do that will ever erase the love I have for you. It is enough that you have returned to me.”

“The Number of Love” by Roseanna M White ~ Book Review

“The Number of Love” by Roseanna M White

Book #1 of The Codebreakers // Historical Fiction

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*

 

About the Book:

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

 

My Thoughts:

 

Another amazing book by Roseanna M White to add to my favorites list! Everytime I think I can name my favorite book by this author, I read her newest and change my mind. ^.^ They are all so very good! And “The Number of Love” is no exception. What a marvelous story! I was captivated from page one, and immediately fell in love with the characters. They were so very vivid in this book. And seeing a couple other characters whom I recognized from previous White books – what a fun treat. :)

Margot is such a fascinating character. I loved her so much, and Drake too! Another major favorite was Drake’s sister Dot. I could relate to her in many ways, and wish she had her own full-length novel! :D She was lovely.

One of my favorite things about this book (and there were many!) was Margot’s relationship with God. Throughout the book, faith wasn’t just a religion interwoven through the pages – it was relationship displayed through the characters hearts. And Margot’s relationship with God was so real, and present, and personable, right down to the very struggles that she thought hindered that relationship at times. It was just remarkably well-written, and so beautifully real. I really appreciated that.

One thought at the end that I had…I would have liked to have seen Margot also realize that sometimes God does ask us to sacrifice our own dreams – but that He gives us new ones that are so much better. I think this was touched on a bit, and I am still very happy with the ending how it was (it was very sweet and beautiful!), but this was just an added thought I had, knowing that God does often ask this of us.:)

The whole book was beautifully written, truly. The plot was amazing and detailed, and so interesting, and the characters, as stated, absolutely marvelous. I loved “The Number of Love” so very much – it definitely is a favorite of mine already!

.

**I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own. 

“He always spoke. Always. And she listened, because God was smarter than she was – the only being about whom she could say that with certainty. She didn’t always understand His ways, but she’d learned to trust them.” 

“It doesn’t heal. We’re never restored fully, whole again, after we lose someone. We must learn to go on with the pieces missing.” 

“Sometimes running away does speak to courage instead of fear. To wisdom. Sometimes running away is necessary. Though I certainly hope not in this case.”

“Sometimes God let people die. Let His children break. And then pieced them back together into something new. Something that He could use for His glory instead of theirs.” 

“Whose Waves These Are” by Amanda Dykes ~ Review

“Whose Waves These Are” by Amanda Dykes

Review copy from publishers/author

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper asking readers to send rocks in honor of loved ones to create something life-giving but the building halts when tragedy strikes. Decades later, Annie returns to the coastal Maine town where stone ruins spark her curiosity and her search for answers faces a battle against time.

 

 

My Thoughts:

This book is one that should be savored. It is not a book to rush through. Just as I felt when reading the prequel novella (“Up From the Sea”), while traversing the pages of “Whose Waves These Are”, it was almost like I was holding my breath in anticipation. To see how it would all play out, to watch the characters live their lives – but it was also so much more.

I loved the little Harbor town, Ansel-by-the-Sea – it sounds so charming, and I wish it were a place that I could visit!

The writing style is very unique – and I’ll admit that at first, it took me a while to really get into it because I’m not used to reading a book written in this manner. However, once I got acclimated to the waters, so-to-speak, it was so pleasurable, and I felt so drawn in.

The characters each lept off the page. As did the story itself. It is a winding tale through several decades, but every piece is so well woven together that the completed work is rather stunning indeed.

This story evokes emotion – I wept at more than one part, and the messages impressed throughout the novel were beautiful and touching.

“Whose Waves These Are” took me a while to read, but I wish I had time to linger in it longer, for as I said – it is a story not to be devoured, but to be slowly inhaled.

I loved Bob, and Annie, and Fletch, and Bess, and Ed, and so many other characters, and I am quite certain you will too.

“He said he loves you, that it’ll be all right, that life is big…and God is bigger.”

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Quotes:

More Pictures:

 

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

“The Artful Match” by Jennifer Delamere ~ Book Review

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere

Book Three in the Long Beginnings Series

Review copy from the author/publisher

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

 

 

About the Book:

Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a rising young artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist’s brother—a handsome but serious-minded earl who wants to force his brother back to a “respectable” life.

Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His profligate and emotionally unstable brother is making matters worse, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara’s mysterious background, Henry sees she’s a positive influence on his brother and on Henry’s unruly young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.

But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, but ended up missing the second when it came out. I wanted to know what was happening to these sisters, so I gladly accepted the opportunity to read this third one. In the beginning few chapters, I felt like I was missing something from the second book, but I don’t think it made it too hard to understand on its own, and I think this book can be read as a stand-alone if need be. Of course, as with many series, it is best read in order, but they are not so intricately woven together that you are lost when missing one. :)

“The Artful Match” is a sweet story of Cara finding her own way in life. Having the misfortune of losing her job, she moves to London, nearly destitute. But then she meets a man who shares her love of art. As she gets to know him, he helps her get on her feet. She is feeling confident in her new adventure until she meets the man’s brother, and eventually, his ward. Life seems to be changing once again, but in good ways that she learns to grow along with.

At times I found this book to be rather slow going, and so it took me a while to get through it. The story was good, and I enjoyed it, but the pace was slow and sometimes typical. I did get frustrated toward the end when the usual misunderstanding/drama happened that occurs in every book, but I’ve come to expect that in most novels.

The characters were well-written, and I especially loved Amelia – she was a spirited little girl who, yes, needed instruction and guidance, but had a sweet heart and loving attitude once given room to bloom.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story, and a good conclusion to the series!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Once it’s all done, the setbacks you’ve had along the way won’t seem so bad. Sometimes what we make of bad situations leaves us better off than we ever expected.”

 

 

 

 

*I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own.