Showing posts with label Christian Fiction. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

"The Light at Wyndcliff" by Sarah E. Ladd (Review) Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY!

THE LIGHT AT WYNDCLIFF
BY SARAH E. LADD

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 352 Pages

Series: The Cornwall Novels, Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency/Christian

Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

My Review

"The Light at Wyndcliff" by Sarah E. Ladd is the perfect fall read! I could not believe how much I enjoyed it and how quickly I read it. It is the third book in Ms. Ladd’s “Cornwall” series but can easily be read as a standalone. After reading this book, I am eager to pick up the other two!

Be transported to the haunting, windswept moors and breathtaking views of Cornwall’s coast. Picture an out of the way manor house with many mysteries in a sleepy little village that does not easily give up its secrets. There are dangerous shipwrecks and possible illegal activity. This book is the epitome of atmospheric. The setting itself is like a character in the story, as is often the case in Gothic novels. I love all the ways Ms. Ladd subtly incorporates light and the absence of light in the story and the setting. It is obviously a major theme. This book has been said to be a mix of “Poldark,” Austen and Daphne du Maurier. I would also add Bronte to the list.

I love the mystery surrounding this story. There is an underlying current of danger. Shipwrecks, and all that comes along with them, play a major part in the story. I was fascinated to learn how people would deal with these tragedies. The author’s description had me there on the beach amid the chaos.

I love the main characters, William and Evelyn. William finds himself in over his head with his new life, with illegal activity possibly going on right on his own property. He must discover the plans before it is too late. Evelyn learns about forging her own path, to welcome what comes and even embrace it (even the challenges).

If you want a good fall read to cozy up with, this is the one!

Content: I would give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: men are in a taproom and there is mention of alcohol and tobacco; men are drunk; there is reference to a woman’s buxom figure; reference to gambling; a person swears, but the words aren’t actually written.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Sarah E. Ladd, Thomas Nelson and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours 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

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 13
Review at Hallie Reads
Feature at Momfluenster

Wednesday, October 14
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review at Probably at the Library

Thursday, October 15
Review at Jessica Belmont

Friday, October 16
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Sunday, October 18
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, October 19
Review at Book Bustle

Tuesday, October 20
Review at Books and Zebras
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, October 21
Review at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, October 22
Review at Faery Tales Are Real
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, October 23
Review at Lu Reviews Books

Saturday, October 24
Review & Excerpt at Nursebookie

Monday, October 26
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Tuesday, October 27
Review at Captivated Reading

Wednesday, October 28
Review at Heidi Reads

Thursday, October 29
Review at YA, it’s Lit

Friday, October 30
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 copies of The Light at Wyndcliff! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Direct Link: https://gleam.io/8zsbJ/the-light-at-wyndcliff

Monday, July 20, 2020

Steal Away Under Scottish Stars--"Under Scottish Stars" by Carla Laureano—Review

My Review

Scotland? Yes please! If you know me, Scotland is my favorite location in the world. So, of course I wanted to read this book. I loved the first two books in the “MacDonald Family Trilogy” and have been eagerly awaiting my next return to Skye in this third installment. It did not disappoint! This book can be read as a standalone.

"Under Scottish Stars" is like a love letter to Skye and Scotland. It transported me to the remote Isle of Skye with its amazing views and wild, rugged beauty. I just want to live in this book. Ms. Laureano masterfully describes this beautiful place, while also weaving in a wonderful love story. Even though this is a contemporary story, it feels a bit like stepping back in time due to the remoteness of the Island.

The characters are very relatable, flawed and loveable. I love following the journey of Serena (our main character) as she travels back to Skye. She has a great character arc. Malcom, the hero, is pretty much a dream guy. It is fun to follow their love story (be prepared for a little more steaminess than the average Christian fiction book, but nothing more than PG-13). I loved being back with the MacDonald Family. Overall, this is a fantastic end to the series!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of alcohol and drugs; the word “hellish” is used; mention of people cursing, but the words are not actually written; mention of a woman’s cleavage; a reference to drugs; a reference to making love.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Carla Laureano, Tyndale and NetGalley 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 Carla Laureano:

Carla Laureano is the RITA Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

Connect with Carla

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

To purchase the book click here

Friday, July 3, 2020

A Sweet "Cinderella" Story (Reversed)--"The Peasant's Dream" by Melanie Dickerson—Review

My Review

"The Peasant's Dream" by Melanie Dickerson is the eleventh and final book in the “Hagenheim” series. It is a sweet, gentle, reverse “Cinderella” story, telling the story of Adela, the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm. It can be read as a standalone.

I love the diversity of Melanie’s characters and their personalities. In this series, there is a hero and heroine to suit everyone. There are kick-butt heroines and valiant knights. In this installment, the hero and heroine are both gentle, kind and artistic. Adela loves to paint, and Frederick loves to carve wood. I love how they bond over their passion for art and creating things with their hands. Frederick, especially, is very masculine, but also kind and gentle. I love how he looks out for others; one example being how he is kind to his prison guard and even prays for him. Adela grapples with the reality that she may have a hard time going from the privileged life of a Duke’s daughter, to the poor wife of a woodcarver and farmer. I find it very refreshing to see a character not jumping headlong into a new life without really considering the ramifications. I admit, some parts of this story were a little slow for me. But the end picked up and it was one of my favorite Dickerson endings! I loved not only seeing the conclusion of Adela and Frederick’s love story, but the love story of Frederick’s mother pan out. And the family reunion and updates on characters from the other books in the series were so satisfying to read. I am sad to see the end of this wonderful series! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Dickerson writes next!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: a man drinks a lot of alcohol and is verbally and physically abusive; a woman is pregnant out of wedlock; some of the more “uncomfortable” Bible stories are mentioned; it’s said that men curse, but the words aren’t actually written.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley 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

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

"The House at the End of the Moor" by Michelle Griep Blog Tour (Review) and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: House at the End of the Moor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release Date: April 2020

An Opulent London Opera Star Escapes to the Rugged Landscape of the English Moors

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

Click here for your copy!

My Review

Ms. Griep had me at the word “moor.” I knew I would love this book because of the setting and the author. I was not disappointed!

“The House at the End of the Moor” by Michelle Griep is a historical novel with a Gothic feel. There is also an exciting storyline involving escaped convicts, mysterious pasts and a reverse jewel heist. Will justice prevail?

From the riveting opening line, Ms. Griep draws the reader into her atmospheric story. Her writing style and the storyline reminds me of a combination of Dickens and “Jane Eyre.” Ms. Griep paints vivid images with her words. The way she writes her characters, even the side characters, is so memorable and very much like Dickens does with his characters. I especially enjoyed her side character, Barrow, who is as obsessed with finding our hero, Oliver Ward (and bringing him to justice) as Captain Ahab was with finding Moby Dick. Of course, it would not be a Griep novel without some lessons learned. The characters learn about justice, seizing the present moment and restoring relationships. Another wonderful read!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: people curse, but the words are not written; the words “hell” and “demon” are used; a man smokes; mentions that a man wants a woman to warm his bed; there is reference to a girl being raped in the past; a woman remembers past physical abuse.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Michelle Griep, Barbour Publishing and Celebrate Lit Tours 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’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

What comes to mind when you hear the word moor? For some, images of Jane Eyre spring to life. For others, The Hound of the Baskervilles starts barking. But for most, it’s a big fat goose egg. The fact is that most Americans don’t have a clue what a moor is, but never fear, my friend…after you read the next few paragraphs, you’ll never again go blank-minded when you hear the word moor.

Last summer I skipped across the pond and tromped around Dartmoor with my daughter and husband. What an awesome experience. I learned first-hand just how windy this vast stretch of land can be, for that’s really what a moor is at heart: a vast stretch of land. Webster’s defines it as an expanse of open rolling infertile land. Sounds rather desolate, eh? Yeah. Kind of. But it’s oh so much more.

In spring and summer, green does abound. Gorse bushes. Scrubby grasses. Lambs and sheep and goats. All these animals roam free so there are trails worn into the dirt that you can hike along. But I hear you…where could you possibly go if there’s nothing besides some farm animals roaming around the place?

You could hike to a tor, which is a “high, craggy hill.” Some of them can be a little treacherous to climb, but sweet mercy, what a view! The earth stretches out like a green and brown quilt. As I hiked that day last spring, whispers in the wind inspired me to wonder a lot of what-ifs, and those what-ifs came together in a story of intrigue and betrayal.

What would you do if you found a half-dead man bleeding in the middle of nowhere? Find out what heroine Maggie Lee does in The House at the End of the Moor.