“Husband Auditions” by Angela Ruth Strong ~ an I Read With Audra Tour/ Book Review & Giveaway

“Husband Auditions” by Angela Ruth Strong

Romcom

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

My Thoughts:

This was such an adorable and fun book! I was already giggling at the first chapter, and so pleasantly sucked into the story right away that it was hard to pull myself away.

I loved the characters, and the plot was just so light-hearted and fun, and yet there was such a great message woven throughout the pages too. I really am impressed, and can confidently say this will be one of my favorite books of 2021 for certain. 

Meri was the perfect quirky heroine. She was realistic, relatable, and loveable. And I loooved her friendship with Kai. Like…that was my favorite. Their banter was always fantastic, and I love how their relationship progressed. And of course I loved Kai himself. I was rooting for him from the beginning XD One of the things I loved about him (and Meri too) was how flawed he was – he was just realistic, and I felt like each of these characters could easily be real-life people. They weren’t romanticized or made out to be perfect in any way, and yet they were so lovable and endearing.

Truly, it was an utterly charming book. It managed to have both serious and light-hearted themes at the same time, and the ending wasn’t even the stereotpyical ending one might expect. It was still great though, and I really, really, really want a sequel because I’m not done with Meri and Kai XD

Thanks so much to the publishers for the copy of this book. I loved it!

Giveaway

https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/08/win-copy-of-husband-auditions-by-angela.html

Don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY HERE!

About the Author:

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about.

She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Finding Love in Big Sky was recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. Her latest release is Husband Auditions.

Strong also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho and teaches as an expert online at Write That Book.

Learn more at www.angelaruthstrong.com, and follow her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Twitter (@AngelaRStrong), and Instagram (@ang_strong). 

“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

“Painted Vessels” by Gina Renee Freitag ~ Book Review

Painted Vessels by Gina Renee Freitag

Vessels Series #1

Review copy from the author

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

My Thoughts:

Painted Vessels is a sweeping saga encompassing the life journey of Eli and Ada. The writing is very narrative, and I liked how we were told the story from so many view points. There were many characters, and some I lost track of, but it was interesting to get to see a scene from the various perspectives. I think it would have been helpful to have had something like a character index so the reader could reference that with so many character-pov-switches but even without that, I was able to figure out who was who. It was easy to feel for, and connect to the two central characters, Eli and Ada. And so encouraging to see how they changed and grew as their story continued on. The Caravan members were so wonderful as well. I loved how integral they were to Eli and Ada’s life journey. They were all so caring, thoughtful, and a godly example.One thing that confused me a little was the frequent jumping of time spans – it was basically a split-time-line novel, but the different times weren’t differentiated/specified at the beginning of each chapter so I was sometimes a little confused at first but eventually would figure out what time the story was talking about.I think what I loved best about this book is how clearly the author’s heart was poured out into the pages. It feels like a true honor to read a book when that happens – like you’re holding something very precious to the author. I don’t take that for granted <3 There were many truths woven into Painted Vessels, and the ending was so beautiful. I am excited to start the next book, Fractured Vessels!

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

“The Indebted Earl” by Erica Vetsch ~ Book Review

“The Indebted Earl” but Erica Vetsch

Book Three in the Serendipity and Secrets Series

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business–or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life–especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero’s dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man’s grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn’t opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed’s elderly mother, and she’s already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she’ll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he’s come to mean to her. Now she’ll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Click here to read an excerpt.

My Thoughts:

Erica Vetsch has quickly become one of the authors that I want to keep at the top of my list!

This series has been utterly marvelous, and I loved having the chance to read this third book. It didn’t disappoint in the least <3 The characters were lovely, and I easily became attached to them. Yes, the beginning was a bit sad because Sophie’s fiance’ dies (not a spoiler XD), but how the whole novel progressed was beautifully done. 

The Captain was great. I definitely loved him, and Sophie was fantastic, and the three little girls who became the Captain’s wards were darling!! I especially loved Thea; she was hysterical and so full of character.The plot was engaging as well; I’m always in for a marriage of convenience story, seriously. This series has been wonderful for that aspect. Each story has been unique and exceptional.

And in “The Indebted Earl” we got to see Marcus from “The Gentleman Spy” a few times, which I looooved. Marcus was a favorite hero of mine so I wasn’t complaining to have him back. ;)If you like Regency Romance, don’t miss the Serendipity and Secrets series!

About the Author:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Giveaway

https://promosimple.com/ps/10ba3/the-indebted-earl

There’s a fun giveaway apart of this tour, so make sure to visit this LINK to enter!!

Review copy from the publishers as apart of I Read With Audra Tours. I was not required to write a positive review.

“Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard ~ Book Review

“Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard

Romantic Suspense

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He’s committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn–one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he’s failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series. 

My Thoughts:

Every so often, I get a craving for a good suspense fiction title and this one certainly fit that bill! Present Danger was extremely well written, with lots of turns and twists you don’t see coming – especially at the end! I loved seeing how everything connected, and worked together. I hadn’t read any books by this author previously, but I am most excited to continue now.

The plot was superb, and the characters were really well constructed, and I enjoyed seeing how they progressed and grew throughout the novel.The pace of the novel was great, and every page left you ready to flip to the next without delay. It was exciting, dangerous, and compelling, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

The only thing that I would’ve liked to see more was the faith content – it was pretty weakly interspersed, not a major theme. The characters were shown crying out to God in prayer a couple times, but it wasn’t so much of an integral part of the story. Otherwise, as I said, this was an excellently written novel, and I recommend for fans of clean suspense! 

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

“Facing the Dawn” by Cynthia Ruchti ~ Book Review

“Facing the Dawn” by Cynthia Ruchti

Women’s Fiction

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Mara Jacobs does her best to hold everything together, despite three detention-prone kids, an unrewarding job, never-ending chores, and a husband thousands of miles away. After a shocking loss, she must lean on those around her to find her way to healing and renewed faith.

My Thoughts:

This was definitely one of those books you experience, rather than so much as read. It’s hard to explain, and I’m not really certain how to write a review that could do the book justice. For the majority of the book, I would sum it up as being ‘sad’. And it is. But there is also light carefully woven into the threads of the novel, threads that grow stronger towards the end. Oh and the ending was utterly beautiful. That, I think, may have been my favorite part – those last two chapters.

Facing the Dawn is a very real, raw story. The grief experienced by Mara, and the other characters as well, was down right palpable. At times it was heavy, and you could absolutely feel the exhaustion it caused the characters.I wouldn’t have a hard time believing if each one of these characters were real people, the novel came across that realistic.

I loved Mara’s friends, Ashlee and Sol. They were amazing support for the entire Jacobs’ family. And I love how Ashlee constantly encouraged Mara to seek after God, even when it was hard.

I would give a “trigger warning” to those who need it that this book deals heavily with grief, suicide, miscarriage, and depression. It is handled well, but nonetheless, very real.I am impressed with how the book was written to be something you experience alongside the characters instead of just read about. It won’t be a book you quickly forget.There were a couple things that were either abrupt, or not addressed, but life throws those things at us frequently, so it didn’t feel too terribly out of line. I just would’ve liked to have seen a couple more things either talked out or resolved. 

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

“Dreams Rekindled” by Amanda Cabot ~ Book Review

“Dreams Rekindled” by Amanda Cabot

Book Two in the Mesquite Springs series

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

When a dashing newspaper man comes to Mesquite Springs, aspiring writer Dorothy Clark sees her dreams coming true–until a man arrives with altogether different plans for the town and its newspaper.

My Thoughts:

I didn’t realize this book was the second in a series when I requested it for review – but I was glad to find that it was still enjoyable and understandable to read on its own. :) I’m sure reading the first one would certainly have its benefits and I would get more of a backstory on some of the characters, but since I missed that, I didn’t feel like it hindered my enjoyment of this one.”Dreams Rekindled” is a sweet, easy story. The first pages pulled me in right away, and kept my interest, but when I reached the halfway mark, it seemed to drag for me a bit. I’m sure it won’t be that way for everyone who reads it – I just found it that way. The characters were good, but I felt like the plot had some fillers. Through 3/4 of the book, the plot was taken up with a specific thread, but then another thread came into play and that was the one that was resolved in the ending. By reading the author’s note, we learn that the particular thread I mentioned will be continued in the third book. However, I felt like the other thread should’ve taken up more of the book than the first, since we won’t get to see the result of that one until later. If that makes sense. For me personally, the story felt like it was captivating to begin with, slowed down in the middle, and then finished in a whirlwind of a plot point that only came into play in the last third of the book.  I did enjoy aspects of the book, and the writing was good. The characters were memorable, especially the dog – I am not a dog-person, but I really liked Nutmeg; the dog felt very much like a central character which was pretty cute. ^.^

I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Laura’s story in the next one – the third book won’t be specifically about her, but the author also mentioned in the author’s note that she’ll be returning and will have her story told in it so that will be nice. :)

Thank you to Revell for the review copy! 

“Miriam’s Song” by Jill Eileen Smith ~ Book Review

“Miriam’s Song” by Jill Eileen Smith

Biblical Fiction

Review copy from the publishers through Interviews and Reviews program

My rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Miriam and her people have prayed for deliverance from the cruel tyranny of Egypt for generations. She believes her brother is the long-awaited answer to their pleas. But how can the exiled prince-turned-shepherd Moses stand against the most powerful man in the world?

My Thoughts:

I’m sorry to say that this book was a miss for me. I so enjoyed the author’s past two books that I had been eagerly anticipating this one, but “Miriam’s Song” did not sit well with me.As it started out, I was pulled in and interested, moved by the glimpse we got into the time of Moses’ birth, how his life was spared when so many baby boys were killed by the Egyptians. But as the novel continued, and much time passed, my concerns grew. With how much the book jumped from time period to time period (sometimes only days, or months, but then other times by a decade or more), I didn’t really get the chance to bond to the characters themselves. But even so, I held on, knowing that covering such a significant time span would be difficult but necessary. However, I got such a feeling of disrespect from the female characters for the male characters and God even, that it could not sit well with me. Miriam came across extremely prideful for the majority of the book, but it wasn’t portrayed as if that was bad. And from each of the female characters, it was so often stressed that they were the real leaders, and stronger at least emotionally than the men…and the men came across as much weaker characters. I’d even go so far as to say that the way Moses was portrayed for a portion of the book was almost wimpy. He never stood up to his wife, and just came across as weak. I don’t like to give a book a low rating, but for many reasons, I’m afraid I can’t personally recommend this book. Even the portrayal of the Holy character of God felt watered down. Yes, it was stressed how Holy He is, but when I read the sections revolving around Him in this book, they didn’t seem to really be of Him, but rather a watered down portrayal of a fictional character.Perhaps this book won’t sit this way for others. And I’m hoping that I will enjoy the author’s next works as I have her previous two.

this book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.  

“Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions” by V. Joy Palmer ~ Book Review

*I thought I had already posted this back when I posted it on goodreads, but apparently not! So here is a late review…

“Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions” by V.Joy Palmer

Review copy from the author

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she’s lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited as packing material. Then Kaylee’s ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he’s been brought back to the area for the unforeseen future. And he’s in need of new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe’s offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them…and the hope that maybe God’s rewriting the conclusion to their story.

My Thoughts:

First, I have to say how utterly impressive the covers and formats are for this fun series by author V. Joy Palmer! They’re so beautiful, and I love how they each have their own look and yet still relate to each other.

“MM&RC” is the third and I believe final book, and can stand on its own, though it’s fun to see the familiar characters come in, and that Epilogue at the end is a total nod to all three books which was lovely! But yes, MM&RC is Kaylee and Gabe’s story. It is both a lighthearted and serious read. I won’t give away spoiler details, but Gabe struggles with a past, and has to learn how to forgive himself. Kaylee struggles with feeling left behind in life, and her ex-fiance’ coming back into her life causes some emotional stress for her, bringing her to learn how to move on and truly extend forgiveness. Following along their journey connects you through the pages, and while sometimes I personally found the wit a little too much, it was a fun story and I look forward to more books by this talented author.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author but I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

“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.