A Creative Christian Fantasy! --"Darkfell" by Amanda Wright—Review

 My Review:

"Darkfell" by Amanda Wright is a creative and unique Christian fantasy! It is reminiscent of classic fantasy stories and allegories like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Ms. Wright’s writing is filled with vivid descriptions and she excels at world building. The characters are wonderful and ones you will find yourself rooting for. I love the classic good versus evil storyline. There is a lot of action and the brotherly relationship between two of the main characters is heartwarming. Thom Darkfell, mapmaker and lover of libraries, finds himself thrown into the adventure of a lifetime and receives powers he did not ask for. Readers will enjoy traveling with Thom and his friends as they journey through different realms to help save the world. Along the way readers meet star people and dragon people.  Will Thom be able to bind the dark realm? I want to give a word of caution that this book is more violent and dark and there is spiritual warfare throughout. Please be sure to read the content warning below. I commend this author for her creative story, and I love that this is another great option for teenage boys!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating, especially due to the violence and graphic nature of the content. Some examples of the content are: violence and gore; mention of witches and sorcerers; someone curses, but the words aren’t written; mention of hell; spiritual warfare and demons; the word “hell” is used; mention of alcohol; men have their tongues cut out; people eat human flesh; an evil guy kisses a girl against her will. 

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

Book Spotlight--"The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right" by Suzanne Allain

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.

     Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book.

     Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for …the wrong lady.

 

 

Credit: Jonathon Allain 2019

Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband.

Purchase link: click here

 

A Clever Retelling that Will Take You Back to Oz--"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin—Review

   My Review:

"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin is a unique portal fantasy story that is a mash up of many beloved fairy tales and stories! It will leave you wanting more and remind you of the power of story.  It is especially perfect for any fans who want to jump back into the land of Oz after seeing “Wicked,” as there are several references to “The Wizard of Oz” and characters in this book even spend part of the story in that mysterious land.  

Emlyn, the main character, is a lovable, sarcastic girl who is dealing with the grief of losing her sister and wants to find out what happened to her. Emlyn loves stories and imagination and finds herself trapped in a world of stories. The world of Rivenlea is so creative. I love that there is a magical library that holds all the stories that have ever been written.  It was so fun to notice all the pop culture and story nods and references as I was reading. Emlyn makes friends who become like family and learns to better use her powers. There is a great message that stories help us better see reality, and they hold, shape, and instruct us. I especially love Frank the Wyvern. The end left me dying for the sequel! Readers, writers, and storytellers will love this unique fantasy!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: people think the main girl has gone crazy (but she really has not); mental health discussions; the main character is dealing with the grief of losing a sister, possibly has PTSD and flashbacks; a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: talk of mental illness; PTSD/possible flashbacks.

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

I Loved This Next Installment to a Beloved Series! --"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen—Review

 

  My Review:

"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen is the third book in the “On Devonshire Shores” series. Julie Klassen has long been a favorite author of mine and I’ve devoured all her books.  This series is such a lovely series, and this newest installment did not disappoint. I loved finally getting to meet Claire, the fallen sister, and reading her beautiful story. Claire’s story is that of a prodigal daughter. She made a mistake and had to live in exile with her great-aunt in Scotland. Claire eventually makes her way home to Sidmouth. Will her family accept her back into the fold and break their oath to her dying father? Claire must learn to make her own way as a partner in a boarding house. The proprietor, Mr. Hammond, is a handsome and mysterious man (who has an adorable daughter). Will Claire be able to trust Mr. Hammond? I loved seeing the feelings develop between the two.  We also meet characters from other books in the series and see how they are doing. There is one character who still has a romance thread throughout the story that is not tied up at the end of this book. I am so glad there is going to be another installment, because I am dying to know how her love story plays out. “The Seaside Homecoming” is a tender story of family, love, forgiveness, second chances, reconciliation, and faith. I fell in love with new characters and loved how Ms. Klassen wove Indian culture into the story. The side characters are always superb in Ms. Klassen’s books. This whole series is very reminiscent of “Little Women,” and also gives a nod to “Pride and Prejudice.”  I would recommend you read the series in order, as each story is a continuation and builds on itself. I highly recommend this series!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content:  A woman is a “fallen” woman; someone swears, but the words are not actually written; possibility of abuse; mention that men swim naked at a certain beach; someone is pregnant out of wedlock; mention that someone committed suicide in the past; a man was drunk.

TW: mention of abuse; mention of suicide in the past.

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

A Lovely Conclusion to an Amazing Series! --"The Muse of Maiden Lane" by Mimi Matthews—Review

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews returns this fall with THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; November 19, 2024), the final installment of the beloved Belles of London series. Featuring a beautifully rendered friends-to-lovers romance, a fiercely feminist protagonist who refuses to settle for less than her worth—with a swoon-worthy hero more than willing to rise to the occasion—and poignant disability representation in the Victorian era, Matthews delivers the very best of historical romance with her signature blend of sophistication, wit, and achingly romantic tension.

With her unorthodox looks and her family’s dwindling funds, equestrienne Stella Hobhouse knows she is on a steady track to spinsterhood. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society, and her pious brother’s domineering restrictions have her convinced she’ll spend the rest of her days trapped in Derbyshire without a chance at love or freedom. Until she meets aspiring artist Teddy Hayes.

 

Teddy knows true beauty when he sees it, and it only takes one look at Stella for him to be convinced she must be the star of his next portrait. After a bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, he knows the importance of seizing an opportunity before it’s gone, and he’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him. The pair strike up a powerful friendship, and though Teddy seems to be the only person who truly sees Stella for who she is, she can’t risk her reputation to be known as an artists’ model.

 

That is, until Teddy offers Stella an offer she’s hard pressed to refuse. Knowing Stella craves nothing more than her freedom from until her brother’s thumb—and fighting for his own independence from his overly attentive family—Teddy offers Stella a marriage of convenience if she agrees to pose for him. Stella struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for Teddy with his pragmatic offer, but while Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their first meeting, she’ll discover it’s her heart he truly aches to capture.

 

 My Review:

"The Muse of Maiden Lane" by Mimi Matthews is a lovely conclusion to the “Belles of London” series! This series follows four horse loving friends during the Victorian era. This final installment tells Stella and Teddy’s story. Stella Hobhouse has always stood out due to her silver hair. Even though Stella’s hair makes her stand out, it is not always in a good way. She is used to being overlooked by gentlemen because of that very thing, making her somewhat of an oddity. Teddy Hayes is an artist who uses a wheelchair, due to being partially paralyzed by scarlet fever. Teddy sees Stella and is taken aback by her beauty and feels that he must paint her portrait, even though sitting for a portrait is considered scandalous for a lady of that time. Ms. Matthews once again brings her readers well thought out and complex, loveable characters. I instantly fell in love with Stella and her love for her horse, Locket. Stella feels more confident and independent with Locket. Teddy’s character brings great disability representation, while also being a three-dimensional hero that readers will root for. It is refreshing to see a male protagonist who deals with chronic pain. I love how Mimi shows what the reality of life would have been like for someone in a wheelchair and partly paralyzed, especially in that era. There is also a lot of talk about art, artists, and techniques that I found fascinating. Readers of Ms. Matthews’s books will love seeing characters from the previous books in this series as well as from her “Parish Orphans of Devon” series. I especially loved the house party setting and getting so much time with characters from other books. Both Stella and Teddy have things that make them different and considered odd in their society and they want to find independence. Combine these characters with a marriage of convenience plot and you have a winner! I only wish there were more books in the series!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of prostitutes and brothels; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; the words “da*n, “bloody,” “hell,” and “devil” are  used; characters drink alcohol; reference to someone being born out of wedlock and a bastard; talk of someone having a mistress; someone struggles with depression; a man wants his future wife to pose in the nude for him to paint; talk of wedding night and consummation; fade to black scene with kissing and undressing to underwear.

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

About the Author

 Photo credit: Vickie Hahn 2021

Mimi Matthews is the USA Today bestselling author of several historical nonfiction works and award-winning Victorian romance novels. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com.

Purchase link: click here

A Wonderful Classic Mystery! --"The Burning of Rosemont Abbey" by Naomi Stephens--Review

  My Review:

"The Burning of Rosemont Abbey" by Naomi Stephens is a wonderful classic British mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew! The book takes place in 1956 in a sleepy English village, where everyone knows one another. The village of Wilbeth Green, along with its abbey, Rosemont Abbey, is such a beautiful and atmospheric setting.  I felt transported to the village. Our heroine and amateur sleuth, Louisa Everly, is determined to find out what happened to her twin brother and does not believe he is behind the burning of the abbey. Louisa is stubborn, headstrong, brave and armed with lipstick and taffeta. She sets out to investigate on her own. Readers will love following Louisa as she picks locks, questions locals, pretends to faint and partakes in a high-speed car chase. During her investigation, she runs into an old friend, with shared history, who just happens to be the inspector on the case, Malcolm Sinclair. Malcolm and Louisa butt heads at first, but eventually team up to solve the mystery.  Sparks fly between the two as the investigation becomes more serious. 

I love all the history and fashion woven into the story. Even though Louisa’s sibling, Paul, is missing in the present time of the story, the relationship between Louisa and Paul is still very much front and center. There are lots of memories and flashbacks of Louisa, her brother and Malcolm. There are wonderful themes of forgiveness, class, family and sibling relationships and faith. I especially loved the lesson that the vicar imparts to Louisa about not thinking we are better than others and that the only comparison that really matters is who we are in Christ. This story of Ms. Stephens’ kept me guessing throughout and it was a great surprise at the end. If you love fashion, mystery and history, you will love this story!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character smokes cigarettes, steals and is drunk; mention of drinking and gambling; a character goes to a place with a bar; the word “da*n” is used; mention of someone possibly having an affair; a man says he was in a compromising position with a woman; a child is a bastard; someone curses but the words aren’t actually written.

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

A Best Book of the Year! --"Lethal Kings" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 

 My Review:

“Lethal Kings” by Victoria McCombs is the second book in the “Fae Dynasty” duology. I loved the first book “Mortal Queens” so much and I was wondering whether this second installment would live up to my expectations. Boy, did it, and more! This finale does not disappoint and wraps everything up perfectly. Althea is a mortal queen thrust into the fae realm. She must learn who to trust, make alliances, play chess, and may lose her heart along the way. Will she stay with Bash, whom she has developed feelings for, when their relationship is in jeopardy? She also must help the other new mortal queen as she starts her reign. Althea must learn to play the game of the fae and to navigate this world of trickery and riddles. I love seeing everything finally connect in this book and learning more about characters from Althea’s past.  It is wonderful to see family relationships come into play in this book and how close Althea is with some of them. It is satisfying to finally find out some answers, such as where the seventh king is and who can obtain his power. There are some hard things that happen along the way (if you have read the book, you know what event I am especially referring to) but the ending is so perfect. I do not know how Ms. McCombs expertly weaves everything together. I would recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this book. This duology is especially great for teens and those who enjoy fantasy and young adult books. I highly recommend this series. “Lethal Kings” is a pulse pounding, unputdownable book! 

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: characters drink alcohol; a side character used to gamble; a married man cheats on his wife.

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