A Super Encouraging Bible Study and Commentary! --"Worthy: A Bible Study Commentary Through Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon” by Jane Johnson—Review

 

My Review:

“Worthy: A Bible Study Commentary Through Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon” by Jane Johnson is a super encouraging and helpful resource! I have my BA in Biblical Studies, so I am pretty picky about my commentaries and Bible studies, and this exceeded my expectations! It is the first of its kind that is geared towards women. Ms. Johnson takes us through Paul’s prison letters. In this Bible study commentary, she encourages women to dig into Scripture and find out what it is saying for themselves. I love that she has you read the passage, look at cross references, definitions, and questions that get you digging in the right direction. She supplements that with her Biblical commentary, then makes it personal and talks about how to apply it. I found this format so helpful and similar to the way we were taught to study in Bible college. I appreciate that it is theologically sound and digs into the real meat of each passage. This book deals with some controversial topics (like wives submitting and anxiety) in a terrific way. I love how the author wove the “worthy” theme throughout. I highlighted so much of this book and was encouraged in my faith. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to grow closer to God and dig deeper in the Word. I cannot wait for Ms. Johnson’s next Bible study commentary!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.

A Beautiful and Unique Retelling! --"Silk and Sensibility" by Mengxi Seeley—Review

My Review:  "Silk and Sensibility" by Mengxi Seeley is a beautiful and unique retelling of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.”  I love a good Austen retelling and appreciated how unique this was, since it takes place in 16th century Ming-dynasty China. Ms. Seeley’s story is full of wonderful cultural and historical details, and I learned so much about the culture and time period. I love the glossary and family tree which was so helpful. This was a sweet and gentle story of love, sisterhood, family, and womanhood. The two sisters, Ailin and Meilin, are vastly different. Ailin is more restrained and focused on duty, while Meilin is more passionate. This was an interesting retelling and stayed true to Austen’s original story, with some minor changes in the overall plot. While I did find the story a tad slow at times, the retelling itself felt new and fresh. It was interesting to read about the cultural expectations of women in that time and how that affected their experiences with love and romance. You could tell the author has scholarly and cultural experience. It is amazing that this is a debut! I cannot wait to see what she writes next!

Content: I give this book a high PG rating (a G as far as spice). Some examples of the content: mention of concubines and a brothel; someone has an illegitimate daughter; mention of zodiac signs and astrology, mention of drinking and gambling.

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

 

 

A Swashbuckling Romance! --"A Lady's Guide to Love and Pirates" by Jennifer Moore

 

My Review:

"A Lady's Guide to Love and Pirates" by Jennifer Moore is a swashbuckling romance! Many have said this book is “Pride and Prejudice” meets “Pirates of the Caribbean” and I definitely got those vibes. Annabelle Bradford is landed gentry and wealthy but also happens to be the goddaughter of a notorious pirate. She must spend every summer with him on his ship. While on a rescue mission she meets another dashing sea captain, Captain Hawke, who she teams up with to bring her godfather back safely. Sparks fly and not only do swords clash, but hearts as well. Annabelle and Hawke brave sea monsters and engage in daring sword fights. One of my favorite parts of the book was the found family aspect and how each crew member had become like a part of Annabelle’s family. I also loved Annabelle’s relationship with her godfather, Reid Courtney. While their relationship is not shown on page for most of the book, it is very much at the heart of the novel. They have the sweetest relationship, and I loved how Annabelle would do anything to save him. Readers will love Annabelle’s strong and brave spirit and the banter and romance between her and Hawke. I recommend this to those who love sweet historical romance with dashing heroes and pirates!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a doll is said to attract spirits of protection (the main character does not believe in that); mention of alcohol, drinking, and opium in the air; vague reference to prostitutes; violence.

TW: orphan; past madness and su*cide.

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

 

The Cutest Rom-Com! --"The Roman Holiday Rule" by Andra Loy—Review

 

My Review:

"The Roman Holiday Rule" by Andra Loy is such a cute rom-com and surprised me in the best way with how much I loved it! This charming contemporary romance has some hints of magical realism and lots of humor and heart. Although the main character is grieving the loss of her mother and going on a trip to Rome that is connected to her mom, the grief is never too heavy or focused on too long, which I appreciated. As a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn and the movie “Roman Holiday,” I loved all the nods to those things in this book. The writing is witty, the plot fast paced and the romance super cute! The banter and chemistry are top tier! I love how the main characters leave notes to each other in Jane Austen novels and quote (or mis-quote) Star Wars references to one another. Will their Roman Holiday end better than Audrey Hepburn’s? This is the perfect escape or beach read. I highly recommend this charming book and cannot wait for whatever Ms. Loy writes next!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content and trigger warnings are loss and grief.

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

 

A Wonderful Story!--"The Lost Story of Via Belle" by Melanie Dobson--Review

 

My Review: 

“The Lost Story of Via Belle” by Melanie Dobson is a wonderful dual-timeline story!  The book has such great mystery and faith content.  The mystery kept me guessing until the end.  The two timelines are 1940 and 2006.  I loved how the timelines tied together and the characters in each were great.  “The Lost Story of Via Belle” is a great story about stories and a love note to clean, inspiring books.  I love that in the author’s note at the end, Ms. Dobson says that the plot of this book was inspired by the lives of Grace Livingston Hill, Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers.  The book does deal with some heavier topics, but it is done well and from a Christian perspective.  The author weaves in messages about grief and other beautiful Christian truths and messages.  I especially love how she shares the message that God speaks through story to help people sort out their questions.  If you love a clean mystery with great faith content, you’ll love this wonderful story!

Content: I give this a low PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content: mention of gambling and alcohol; pregnancy out of wedlock; mention of sharing a bed.

TW: loss, grief, past loss of a child and spouse; infidelity; orphan; mention of past su*cide; alcoholic; domestic violence; emotional abuse and gaslighting; adoption; attempted child abduction.

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

 

A Fantastic New Favorite Historical with Steampunk Vibes! —"A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile" by Angela Bell—Review

 

My Review:

“A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile" by Angela Bell is a fantastic new favorite historical fiction book with whimsical steampunk vibes! This was just incredible! The author says this book is like “Little Women” meets “Inspector Gadget.”  This is the first in the “Daughters of Genius Society” series and has some connections to the author’s previous book, “A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure.” “The Daughters of Genius Society" is a women’s club of books, tea, and blue stockings on the outside—concealing an elite team of lady inspectors. Our heroine, Margaret Kingsley, is an ambulatory wheelchair user who is also a gadget inventor for the D.O.G.S. I have never seen the experience of chronic pain/illness described so true to life. Living with chronic illness and pain myself, I almost seemed at times to be reading my own experience on the page and have never felt so seen in a book. I highlighted so many parts and was encouraged in my own pain and faith journey. I also loved that the FMC is older than is typical in this genre. There is also mental health representation, awesome family relationships, and adorable animal companions. I love how the author shows the beauty of God, and His comfort and sustaining grace. The faith content is awesome. The main character prays, leans on the Lord and gives thanks in hardships. The story and action are amazing, with an invention gone out of control and a daring chase that ensues. Our hero deals with panic attacks and loves music. I love how he worshipped God with his music. The romance was ever so sweet! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Do yourself a favor and read this inspiring, fun, and whimsical story! You will not be disappointed.

Content: I give this book a PG rating. See trigger warnings below for examples of the content.

TW: anxiety and panic attacks; past miscarriages.

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

 

A Wonderful Devotional Companion!--"GraceLaced Seasons" by Ruth Chou Simons--Review

 

My Review: 

“GraceLaced Seasons: A Guided Companion” by Ruth Chou Simons is a gorgeous devotional companion and journal, meant to accompany her popular “GraceLaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart.” I loved “GraceLaced” when it first came out and cherish my beautiful copy. I have thoroughly enjoyed going back through it along with “GraceLaced Seasons.”  The guided companion can be used alone or with the original “GraceLaced” book. This journal has Ruth’s gorgeous signature watercolor artwork of flowers and nature throughout, which really enhances the reading experience and draws your mind to the beauty of God’s creation. There are Scripture and questions on each spread, which correspond with the “GraceLaced” book. The questions are thought-provoking and there is a lot of room on each page to journal your answers, thoughts, or prayers. I really appreciated the questions, because I do not always know what to write in a journal and it deepened the devotional and reading experience. Writing out my answers really helped to cement the truths in my heart and to be available to reflect, pause and slow down. I love that it is focused on God’s faithful promises. It really encouraged me and brought me closer to the Lord! I highly recommend this book and the original! It would be a great gift as well!

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

A Sweet Historical Romance with "Persuasion" Vibes--"A Love Once Lost" by Jennie Goutet—Review

 

My Review:

"A Love Once Lost" by Jennie Goutet is the first book in “The Bridwells’ Grand Tour” series. This is such a sweet historical romance with "Persuasion" vibes. This delightful second-chance romance features older and more mature main characters, wonderful writing, and unique historical details. I love that the heroine and her family are going on their own Grand Tour, and their first stop (and the location of this book) is the resort town of Spa, Belgium. It was neat to learn more about the resort town of Spa and the Georgian era. I love that the author writes about a unique period and location that you do not often see in historical fiction (18th century European life). There were also some nods to Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.”  It was fascinating to read about the history of Spa, especially the rituals surrounding bathing and drinking of mineral waters. The love story was so precious and filled with yearning. The characters are good and noble. This is such a wonderful and clean historical romance. I am so excited to read the next book in this series that I highly recommend!

Content: I give this a low PG rating and would consider this a clean read. Some examples of the content: mention of gambling; mention of infidelity.

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

 

A New Favorite Mystery! --"The Inklings Detective Agency" by John R. Kelly—Review

 My Review: “The Inklings Detective Agency" by John R. Kelly is a new favorite mystery of mine and worthy of the literary greats that inhabit its pages! I could tell just from the first few chapters that this book was a winner. The incredible writing pulled me in, along with the awesome characters (many beloved literary legends) and its premise. The author obviously knows his stuff and would make any die-hard Inklings fan proud with this book (I am a huge Tolkien nerd myself and loved the many literary quotes and Easter eggs). The story is rich with history and some great settings, from the Kilns to the Bodleian library, Oxford, London, and Scotland. I love that other literary figures also make cameos—Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy Sayers, and Agatha Christie. I think this book will be loved equally by men and women (I must hide it from my husband). The actual mystery is exciting and kept me on my toes. The author’s notes at the end were fascinating and a lot are based on historical people and events, including a detective club with Agatha Christie, Sayers, and Chesterton. The mystery itself does involve some darker aspects, including the occult (see content notes below), but it never got too dark for me, and it is all told from a Christian perspective. I love that Lewis prays with one of the people he interviews when the person gets emotional. There is a great theme of the light shining through the darkness. Now I feel like the Inklings are lovable friends. Please, please let there be many more mysteries for the Inklings to solve! I am so excited to read about their next case and to see if their “Moriarty” will show up again. All the stars!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: characters drink alcohol and mention of people being drunk; mention of smoking and gambling; prostitutes and a mistress; substance abuse; joke about a seance; pipe smoking; mention of a ghost; the words “bloody” and “bastard” are used; mention of divination; mention of the occult; mention of insanity and an asylum; mention of someone being bisexual.

TW: speculation of su*cide; past depression; talk of beating a child; past abuse; past addict.

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

 

A Dazzling Regency! --"The Light of Stars" by Jenelle Hovde—Review

 My Review: 

"The Light of Stars" by Jenelle Hovde is a dazzling new Regency romance! I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint! I love our main characters Kitty and Sebastian. There is great banter and intellectual sparring between the two. Kitty loves studying stars and astronomy. I love that Sebastian is supportive of Kitty’s bluestocking endeavors. Kitty wonders why God allows things to happen and must trust in God to chart her path, like she charts the stars. Kitty learns that God arranges our paths no matter how much others try to control them. The faith content is amazing in this book with lots of Scripture and you can tell the characters live out their faith. I love the India storyline (especially when they travel to India) and the astronomy aspect. There are so many great historical details and I appreciated the references to real life characters like William Wilberforce and William Carey. It was fun picking up on references to Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” There are some great scenes with Sebastian and fencing that will have the ladies swooning! Another scene I loved is when Kitty takes Sebastian to a bluestocking salon. Will Kitty and Sebastian fall in love as they question the British Empire’s rule and influence over India and the ideas of reform? Will they be able to see God’s handiwork in their lives and circumstances? I highly recommend this Regency romance to lovers of history and swoon-worthy romance!

Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of a past affair and drinking; mention of gambling and opium.

TW: child abduction; past hallucinations.

Spice: closed-door; vague references and implications to the “intimacies of marriage” between a married couple.

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

 

Witty Historical Romance--"A Deal with a Debutante" by Chelsea Bobulski—Review

 

My Review:

“A Deal with a Debutante" by Chelsea Bobulski is a witty and engaging historical romance set in Edwardian London. It is the first book in the “London’s Most Eligible” series. I love the humorous writing style in this story. The chemistry between our main couple is sizzling and the first kiss is perfection! It’s impossible not to love the characters. Calliope Hart, our FMC, is so funny! She is a lover of history and politics, a writer, stubborn and vivacious. She is an American heiress in London, on a mission to find a husband, but she really wants to stay in New York. Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, needs to marry someone wealthy to save his family and estate. The two form a deal of convenience, but sparks start to fly. Will it turn into a match of love? I love Edward and his yearning. The banter between the two is chef’s kiss. I especially loved the letters and newspaper clippings at the end of each chapter. I recommend this book to lovers of witty historical romance. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Content: I give this book a high PG rating. Some examples of the content: characters drink alcohol and get a little drunk; mention of a prostitute; allusion to the “physical aspect” of marriage.

TW: loss; alcoholic side character.

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

Such a Sweet Story! --"The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins" by Melanie Dickerson—Review

 My Review:

"The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins" by Melanie Dickerson is such a sweet Regency romance! It is perfect for fans of no-spice romance and lovers of Christian fiction. I love that it has some nods to “Jane Eyre” and “Pride and Prejudice.”  Charlotte Robbins is a wonderfully written character who becomes a governess for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings. Soon, sparks start to fly between the Earl and the governess. They cannot be together because of their difference in class. But Charlotte’s mysterious fortune that she inherits could change that. The story is easy to read, gentle and sweet. I always love the faith content in Ms. Dickerson’s books, and I appreciated the great written descriptions. Miss Robbins is a wonderful protagonist—she is truthful, just, kind, good and courageous. While Ms. Dickerson’s fairytale retellings are still my favorite of her works, this was a wonderful story. I recommend it to lovers of sweet Regency romance!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of lovers; someone is drunk; mention of an affair and a mistress; the word “da*n” is used; mention of gambling; a woman propositions a man.

TW: past death from childbirth; orphan. 

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

 

 

Another Winner by Joanna Barker!--"A Love Most Daring" by Joanna Barker--Review

 Review:

"A Love Most Daring" by Joanna Barker is another winner! Ms. Barker continues to show me why she is one of my favorite authors. Her witty writing and humor shine throughout this sweet story. It is the third book in the “Bow Street” series but can be read as a standalone. It features a gruff Scot as the MMC which I love. Who doesn’t love a grumpy Scottish teddy bear?! You do get to see characters from previous books, which I absolutely loved! The mystery kept me turning the pages and the sweet romance won me over. I loved our main characters Beatrice and Alexander; they were so perfect for one another and their slow burn romance was swoony! The forced proximity during a murder investigation was done so well. This may be my favorite of Joanna’s books. I highly recommend this sweet Regency romance!

Content: I give this book a low PG rating. Some examples of the content: characters drink alcohol; characters want to get their fortunes told; a character stumbles upon a couple in a romantic embrace, possibly having s*x; rumors of drunkenness and illegitimate children: mention of an asylum.

TW: bullying.

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 Revolutionary War Romance--"The Belle of Chatham" by Laura Frantz—Review

 My Review: "The Belle of Chatham" by Laura Frantz is a lovely Revolutionary War historical romance by one of my favorite authors! It certainly lived up to my expectations! This was such a perfect story for the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It takes place in war-torn early America and features a family with divided loyalties. Ms. Frantz infuses her story with rich history and impeccable research. The romance between Mae and Rhys is sweet and filled with yearning and longing. It is gentle, with a slow burn. I also love that this book shows us what a disagreement between a married couple looks like and the struggles a married couple might face during this period. Throughout their journeys, Mae and Rhys face heartaches and setbacks. Mae goes on her own harrowing journey of escape and Rhys goes off to war. Will they make it back to one another safely amid dangers, betrayal, spies, and war? The faith content in "The Belle of Chatham" is wonderful! The characters grow in their faith and learn that they are not in control of their lives or the outcome. I love the message about praying without ceasing. The ending had me sighing with contentment and feeling joy for the characters. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction!

Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol; mention of a fortune teller; mention of a scalping; mention of lovemaking between a married couple; war (violence, some blood and gore).

TW: orphan; estrangement in marriage.

Spice: vague/brief fade to black scene of wedding night (couple starts to undress each other but no farther).

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

 

A Wonderful Gilded Age Retelling! --"To Love a Lady" by Gabrielle Meyer—Review

 

My Review:

"To Love a Lady" by Gabrielle Meyer is a wonderful Gilded Age retelling of “My Fair Lady.”  It is the first book in the “Dollar Princess” series. I am such a fan of this author and was so excited to hear about this new series based on different musicals and based in the Gilded Age. I loved all the nods to “My Fair Lady”—from different scenes, to the outfits the characters in the story wear—yet “To Love a Lady” also has its own unique twist. Clara, our heroine, thought God made a mistake when she was born and that no one wanted her. Alexander Paxton-Hill is the perfect hero and perfect for Clara (but not everyone thinks so). As Clara is taken out of the slums and whisked into high society and trained to be a lady, she may just fall in love with the wrong person. Clara learns that God does not make mistakes and God created her with intention and purpose. I loved the great faith content, especially about prayer and a relationship with God. It was so neat to briefly see some familiar characters from “Through Each Tomorrow” (from Gabrielle’s “Timeless” series). I cannot wait to read more of this series! Fans of historical fiction, stories with faith and heart, and fans of “The Gilded Age” television series will adore this book!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of smoking; prostitutes, gambling, and brothels; child born out of wedlock; mention of alcohol and cigars; vague reference to the intimate details of a marriage; rumors of a haunted castle; someone was born out of wedlock; mention of an affair.

TW: adoption and orphan; mention of madness.

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

An Epic Sequel! --The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin—Review

 My Review:  The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin is the epic conclusion to The Rivenlea Sphere duology! While I loved the first book in the series, this one blew me away! These are the kind of books you need to read to fully understand the awesome and intricate plot and world. The Restitching of Camille DuLaine is a book for book lovers with so many references and visits to beloved stories (The Little Mermaid, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, and Anne of Green Gables to name a few). I love how from the first page the reader is thrown back into the story with lots of action and a fast-paced plot that is hard to put down. While the first book was mostly told from one point of view, I loved getting many more perspectives in this story. I love all the characters who become like family. I especially love Emlyn, her sarcasm with her ADHD representation, and Frank the wyvern. In an interview, Ms. Franklin described the story as being about sisterhood, magical libraries, the power of fiction, and the search for belonging, and I could not agree more. The book has short chapters and engaging storylines with a cute romance. There was a huge jaw-dropping moment halfway through that I did not see coming! Our characters learn that when we grow, it can be hard to let go of our old identities. We need to remember what is true about us now. I do not want to say too much more to spoil anything. This was such a wonderful fantasy book and series, and it is bittersweet thinking there will not be any new books in this world. So, if you can’t already tell, I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: violence and blood/gore; mention of alcohol; implied discussion of consummating a marriage.

TW: anxiety; past death from childbirth; infant death and infant abduction.

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

 

Cozy Mystery, Austen Style! --"Murder at Donwell Abbey" by Vanessa Kelly—Review

My Review:

"Murder at Donwell Abbey" by Vanessa Kelly is book two in the “Emma Knightley Mysteries” series but can also be read as a standalone. I loved the first book, and this one was so fun as well! I love seeing Emma from Jane Austen’s “Emma” solve mysteries in this witty book that is a tribute to Jane Austen herself. The way Ms. Kelly writes and the grasp she has on the characters in the world of “Emma” makes one feel that they are reading a continuation of Austen’s work where the heroine is solving mysteries. And who better to solve mysteries than the sometimes-nosey Emma Knightley?!  I love the witty dialogue and humor (there’s a great reference to excellent boiled potatoes!). Although it is a murder mystery, it is also mostly fun and cozy. The writing, historical detail, and mystery are all well done. I especially loved seeing Emma partner with her soon to be stepmother, Miss Bates, to solve the mystery. I could not fully figure out the mystery before the end, which is always the sign of a good mystery. I hope there are many books in this universe! Well done Ms. Kelly!

Content: I give this book a higher PG rating. Some examples of the content:  someone is possibly drunk; the words “bloody,” “bastard,” and “da*n” are used; mention of ghosts; characters drink alcohol; mention of a bloody article of clothing that is found; vague se*ual innuendo; the Lord’s name is taken in vain.

TW: speculation of su*cide; racism; possible insanity.

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

 

Such A Sweet Story! --"Love in a Mist" by Sarah M. Eden—Review

 My Review:

"Love in a Mist" by Sarah M. Eden is book six in “The Gents” series but can also be read as a standalone. It is such a sweet story! It was so good to be back with all the familiar characters from this beloved series. Ms. Eden has a subtle humor in her writing that I love returning to. "Love in a Mist" takes place partly in France in 1789, amongst danger, uprisings, and riots in Paris, as the French Revolution is starting. Our main characters, Céleste and Aldric, must face danger in the uncertain times with the volatile political climate and danger from a mysterious source that they must escape. Will the danger and uncertainty bring them together and spark the flames of love? There is even a bit of a mystery and lots of adventure. The main characters learn to give themselves permission to not know what they are doing. There are complicated family dynamics and themes of family and found family. The plot was a little slow for me at times, but overall, it was a sweet and satisfying story! I recommend this story to fans of historical romance and lovers of this series!

Content: I give this book a higher PG rating due to the trigger warnings (see below). Some examples of the content: medical neglect.

TW: past physical abuse; control and manipulation; attempted abductions.

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

A Fun Fantasy Retelling! --"Bellarose and the Beast" by Carla Reighard—Review

 My Review:

“Bellarose and the Beast" by Carla Reighard is a fun fantasy retelling of “Beauty and the Beast!”  It is a magical twist on a familiar tale with an enchanted library. Ms. Reighard writes a great backstory of how Gerard (the Gaston character from “Beauty and the Beast”) becomes the way he did. It is done well, and the reader comes to care for him. I love that there are several different points of view in the story. Gerard learns about not letting his inner demons win. The writing and pace of the story are well done, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what happened next in the story. Characters learn to not allow circumstances to make them boorish and self-absorbed. There are also great messages of family and sacrifice that I appreciated. It was fun to see some of the other familiar characters and the roles they play in the story. You will want to read this series in order because it ends on a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read the next book and find out what happens! I highly recommend this book to fans of closed-door, low spice fantasy retellings!

Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content:  a character curses, but the words are not actually written; loss, war, and blood; a woman is smacked on her behind by a man; characters drink alcohol; food is drugged; someone is naked when they shapeshift.

TW: hallucinations; mention of a gambling addict; depression; mention of insanity; orphan; adoption; loss and grief.

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

A Fun Reimagining of "Robin Hood" with Time-Travel! --"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey--Review

 My Review:

"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey is the second book in “A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance” series. I really loved the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well! This time-travel romance series is so fun, and I especially love that this new book focuses on the Robin Hood legend, which is one of my favorite subjects to read about. As a huge Robin Hood fan, I appreciated the nods to the popular film versions of Robin Hood in today’s pop culture. It was great to see the familiar characters of Robin’s Merry Men in this story. It is clever how the author puts her own unique spin on the story and makes the “Maid Marian” character, Mariah Clinton, be a strong female heroine. It was so neat to see Mariah be so good at archery and even at one point help save Robin Hood and go toe-to-toe with him in an archery contest! It was also cool that Mariah could take her skills in archery and cooking from the present and use them in the past (it was interesting to see how she adapted to the medieval period). The historical details were well researched, and I felt like I was in the time period. The romance is what really shines in this book. The chemistry between Maraih and Robin is sizzling. I especially loved the ending and a certain surprise that Robin Hood aficionados will cheer for and recognize. This was such a fun story that fans of historical romance and Robin Hood will love!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: a person thinks they are hallucinating; physical abuse; PTSD.

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