Witty and Clever Novellas! --"Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" and “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind" by Sarah Eden—Review

 

My Review:"Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" by Sarah Eden is the first installment in the “Mercury Raine” novellas. It is so witty, clever, and fun! This novella is short, fun and will leave you smiling. Ms. Eden’s writing is wonderful. "Mercury Raine: Ghost Broker" is perfect for spooky season, with its cast of benign ghosts and Mercury, the resident Ghost Broker. I loved getting to know the different ghosts and their personalities. The writing reminded me of a P.G. Wodehouse novel. I love that it has secrets and the possibility of romance. I do not want to give a lot away, but I will let you read this delightful novella for yourself. I definitely recommend this hilarious novella that was quick, easy to read and left me wanting more!

Content: I give this a G rating. Some examples of the content: ghosts.

TW: orphan.

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

My Review: “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind" by Sarah Eden is the second installment in the “Mercury Raine” novellas. I loved the first novella and was excited to read more about Mercury and the different ghosts. I enjoyed this one even more than the first! It was great to see familiar characters and get to know them more in “Mercury Raine: A Whisper in the Wind.”  I loved Aventine Manor, where the novella takes place. It was also fun to see more of the possible love interest and how that played out (I love their interactions). The mystery was great, and I am so impressed by the witty writing. I cannot wait to read more of this series!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol.

TW: past child abuse; possible PTSD.

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

A Festive Romance Anthology! --"A Christmas Serenade" by Jennifer Moore, Kasey Stockton, Katie Stewart Stone, and Anneka R. Walker—Review

 My Review:

“A Christmas Serenade" by Jennifer Moore, Kasey Stockton, Katie Stewart Stone, and Anneka R. Walker is a festive, historical romance anthology! These feel-good novellas will get you in the mood for the holiday season. I loved each sweet story. There are plenty of Christmas balls, romances, and house parties to make a person swoon and be swept back to another era. The stories have humor, wit, banter, nods to Dickens and plenty of sparks flying. Several stories have characters from the authors’ other series, that fans will be delighted to see again and see their stories resolved. Each novella can also be read as a standalone. “A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore has a house party, nods to Dickens and a scatterbrained naturalist meeting an organized party planner. “A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton has a clumsy heroine and a musical hero who were childhood friends. “Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone has music, a Christmas ball, complicated family relationships, childhood friends, fencing and first kisses. And finally, “Christmas at Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker is full of a second chance romance, unrequited love, Christmas miracles and legends, dealing with grief, humor and wit, midnight dances, sewing mishaps, and cooking together (with sparks flying). Can the characters find healing and hope and choose to love and forgive? I highly recommend this delightful historical novella collection to lovers of sweet romance that puts you in the Christmas spirit!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. “A Caroling Christmas”: mention of a fortune teller and ghosts; spiders. “A Carol So Bright”: emotional infidelity; mention of alcohol. “Christmas at Bellingham”: rumors of gambling and illegitimate children; terminal illness; someone was drunk in the past. TW: estrangement; a kiss without consent. “Christmas at Amorwich”: loss and grief. TW: A side character has depression.

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

A Stunning Start to a Series Young Adults Will Love!--"Always" (The Lost Princesses 0.5) by Jody Hedlund--Review

My review:

O my!  This novella is the stuff my dreams are made of!  “Always” is the novella which is the prequel to Jody Hedlund’s new series entitled “The Lost Princesses.”  So why did I love it so much?  This fairy tale-esque story is set in a medieval-like time, has princesses and is full of adventure and budding romance!  There is a daring escape amidst danger on every side.  The story is fast-paced.  I love that it is clean and it is a great book to give to teens that are looking for an amazing read (but it seems adults love it too)!  Ms. Hedlund sets up a world that I can’t wait to return to in order to read more about these princesses and their respective stories!

Content: This is a clean read.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars. 


I want to thank Jody Hedlund and Northern Lights Press for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author:

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

To visit the author's website click here
To purchase the book click here

"Ladies of Intrigue" by Michelle Griep Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

 

Title: Ladies of Intrigue
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical
Release date: February 2019
Publisher: Barbour

3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?

The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

“Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery” by Michelle Griep has been a much anticipated read for me as I love Ms. Grieps’ books!  This particular book is a collection of three of her novellas.  Each novella can be read as a standalone, but you might as well read them all since each one is amazing!

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady

Fans of “Poldark” will swoon over this novella that takes place on the Cornish Coast and deals with smuggling.  I love the main character, Helen, and her spunk.  She may seem like a fragile governess, but she quickly shows that she has another side to her personality.  I appreciate the moral dilemma that Isaac (our hero) runs into concerning smuggling.  Both characters learn about trusting in God’s provisions.  Isaac needs to try to not enact his own justice but to leave it to God.  Helen learns about surrendering instead of just pretending.  This was my favorite of the novellas because I love the setting and time period.

The Doctor’s Woman

I like the hate-to-love story between the two main characters (Emmy and James) in this novella.  Ms. Griep does a great job with the setting and time period (Dakota territory, 1862).  Emmy and James both let emotion get the better of them at times and run ahead to help, instead of waiting for God to lead.  This often leads to dangerous situations.  The characters learn to believe that God is in control.

A House of Secrets

I really enjoyed the cute romance in this story.  It also has a nice message that the only good opinion we need is God’s and that we are loved by Him.

Content:  Overall, I give this collection a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: Mention of people cursing, but the word isn’t actually written; mention of ale and drunkards; the word “Sheol” is used; men sing bawdy drinking songs; the words “hell” and “devil” are used; some medical descriptions of blood and gore; Native Americans are referred to as “Injuns;” mention of harlots and brothels (in the 3rd novella).

Rating: I give this book 4 stars!

Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Novellas; Romance

I want to thank Celebrate Lit, Michelle Griep and Barbour Books for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

 

Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.

Guest post from Michelle

3 Reasons to Read Historical Fiction

Guest post by Michelle Griep

Believe it or not, some readers snub historical fiction, preferring instead to stick to contemporary reads. Several have good reason to, simply preferring one genre over another. But others have never given historical fiction a try. If you fall into that camp, here are some reasons you should consider reading a tale from the past.

1. Historical fiction books are not as boring as your high school history class.

Does the thought of endless names and dates make you break out into hives? Good news! Historical fiction is a painless way to glean some historic facts without mindless memorization. You can experience a different era and culture vicariously through heroes and heroines that live on the pages of yesteryear.

2. Makes for great conversation.

In a world that prides itself on keeping up with the Kardashians, dare to add a little cultural zest to your next dinner conversation. Reading historical fiction arms you with interesting tidbits of things that’ve happened in years gone by.

3. Because truth is timeless.

Some people yearn to go back to a simpler time. The truth is, though, that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the historic side of the fence. People have had tough issues to deal with no matter the era. . .but therein lies a great reason to read historical fiction: truth is timeless. Be it ancient, biblical, medieval, Victorian, or anything in between, truth never changes.

In my new release, Ladies of Intrigue, you’ll experience all these things and more. Find out about the smuggling trade in Cornwall in The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. Learn about the rough and dangerous life on a military fort during the 1860’s in The Doctor’s Woman. Find out why the gilded age wasn’t as glittery as we often think in A House of Secrets.

Don’t be doomed to repeat history. Grab a cup of tea and master it with a great read!

Blog Stops

 

The Avid Reader, February 23

The Power of Words, February 23

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Blogging With Carol, February 24

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 24

Mary Hake, February 24

Kathleen Denly, February 25

Genesis 5020, February 25

Splashes of Joy, February 25

For the Love of Literature, February 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26

Faery Tales Are Real, February 26

Through the Fire Blogs, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Inspired by fiction, February 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 27

Back Porch Reads, February 27

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 27

A Baker’s Perspective, February 28

Andy Carmichael, February 28

Stories By Gina, February 28

Emily Yager, March 1

Multifarious, March 1

A Reader’s Brain , March 1

Baker kella, March 1

Bibliophile Reviews, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Remembrancy, March 2

Just the Write Escape, March 3

Bigreadersite, March 3

Inspiration Clothesline, March 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4

Vicky Sluiter, March 4

Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 4

Book by Book, March 4

Kat’s Corner Books, March 5

Inklings and notions, March 5

Living Life Free in Christ, March 5

The Morning Chapter, March 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6

Pause for Tales, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Daysong Reflections, March 6

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Janices book reviews, March 7

A Humble Cup of Lukewarm Tea, March 8

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 8

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 8

Carpe Diem, March 8

 

Giveaway

 

 

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of Ladies of Intrigue!!

 

Be sure to comment on blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/da8c/ladies-of-intrigue-celebration-tour-giveaway

"By the Waters of Babylon" by Mesu Andrews Spotlight

 

“Experience the psalms like never before - through heart-pounding fiction! 

 

When Babylon destroys Jerusalem, as Yahweh warned through his prophets, the captives' bitterness and grief pours out in the Captives' Psalm: 

 

"[By the rivers of Babylon] we sat as exiles, mourning our captivity, and wept with great love for Zion. Our music and mirth were no longer heard, only sadness. We hung up our harps on the willow trees." (Psalm 137:1-2, The Passion Translation)

A young Israelite woman is among them, captured by a mercenary Scythian prince. Driven toward Babylon by both hatred and hope, she endures captivity to reunite with her husband.

But will he be there when she reaches Babylon? Will the prince risk the Scythian throne--and his life--to believe in the Hebrew God? Can they both find what they seek when they meet the prophet Ezekial. . . by the waters of Babylon?”


AUTHOR BIO: MESU ANDREWS is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes and numerous other novels including The Pharaoh’s Daughter and Miriam. Her deep understanding of–and love for– God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren.
 
To visit the author's website, click here

To purchase the novella click here, only $0.99 until after the first week of August!