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 New Favorite Time Travel Story! --"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" by Sian Ann Bessey—Review

 

My Review:

"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" by Sian Ann Bessey is a new favorite time travel story. It is the first in a new series called “A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance” and is part of the award-winning “Proper Romance” collection. It is set in the Jacobean era (early 1600s) in England. I learned so much about Guy Fawkes and the Gun Powder Plot of 1605 while reading this engaging story. I love this period of history and Ms. Bessey really brought it alive with her attention to historical detail and extensive research. She makes history accessible and explains things well in case one is not familiar with this era. It is a time of religious upheaval and division between Protestants and Catholics. I appreciate that this is a clean read, which is not common for stories set in this time period. There is no explicit content, and it is suitable for general audiences, especially young readers. 

The story mixes a little fantasy with history, sweet romance, adventure, amazing characters, and a swoony romance. There’s time-travel, rescue romance, plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, and a race against time. Our heroine, Isla Crawford, loves reading and the past. She is from the present day but travels back to the Jacobean era through a costume shop. I appreciate how Isla struggles to fit in during the past and even things like certain words, how she speaks and writes make her stand out. The obstacles she faces are very realistic. Simon Hartworth, the hero, is one many readers will fall for! I love the banter between Simon and Isla and their horse riding. There’s danger and suspense and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out and if Isla has a part to play. Will Isla and Simon also catch feelings in the meantime as they try to help stop the treasonous plot? Another thing that really made this story unique is getting a point of view from Guy Fawkes. This is my first book by this author, but it certainly will not be my last. I cannot wait for book two in the series!

Content: I give this a G rating. Some examples of the content are: someone is an orphan; someone curses, but the words are not written; men drink alcohol; a brief mention of past assault.

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

A Gripping and Heartfelt Story! --"Midnight on the Scottish Shore" by Sarah Sundin—Review

My Review:

“Midnight on the Scottish Shore” by Sarah Sundin is a gripping, heartfelt story that I will not soon forget! It is a novel about World War II featuring Scotland, lighthouses, the Double Agent program, and memorable characters. I was immediately drawn to the Scottish setting and the beautiful cover with the lighthouse. The setting did not disappoint, as I felt like I traveled to the windswept, rugged coast of the Orkney Islands and walked and bicycled with the characters across the lonely, haunting moors. I loved learning about the rich Scottish traditions. I now want to visit the Orkney Islands myself!

Our main male character, Lachlan Mackenzie, wears a kilt, has an accent, plays the bagpipes overlooking the sea, dances traditional Scottish dances, and recites poetry! What is not to love? Lachlan also is noble, honorable and wants to do the right thing. When faced with having to purposefully sabotage his own naval base to help the Double Cross program, what will he do?

Cilla van der Zee is a smart, lovable, whipper-snapper of a heroine who brings joy to Lachlan’s life. Through a series of events, she becomes a spy in the Double Cross program. I learned so much about MI5’s Double Cross program and loved reading about spies, double agents, and sabotage. The book was not too heavy or sad like some World War II books can be. The novel was obviously well researched and contained so much wonderful history as well as an emotionally moving story. There are wonderful lessons of duty versus mercy, forgiveness, family, finding freedom inside and outside of the trap and the truth that sets us free. Faith is also woven wonderfully into the story! This has been one of my favorite books of the year so far and I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: someone smells of alcohol; a character works in a bar; characters drink alcohol; a character drank (and got drunk) and stole things in his past; someone jokes that they’ll have a lover; someone is bullied; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written;  abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide in the author’s note.

TW: bullying; drowning in the past; abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide; su*cide mission.

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

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable--become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Master of World War II fiction Sarah Sundin takes you to the wild Scottish seaside, where danger lurks under the surface of the water--and in the depths of the human heart--for a WWII tale you won't soon forget.

AUTHOR BIO

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, The Sound of Light, Embers in the London Sky, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information

 

A Unique, Gothic Retelling--"Heart of Snow" by Rachel Grow Law—Review

 

 My Review:

“Heart of Snow" by Rachel Grow Law is a fresh, Gothic Snow White retelling! Rachel Grow Law may be a debut author, but you would never know it from reading her amazing story. I will tell you right now that this is one of my top reads of the year! It was everything I wanted in a retelling and the romance was perfection. Ms. Grow Law managed to make several nods to the original fairy tale while making this book uniquely her own. I love this time period of 1500s Germany during the Reformation and appreciate that the author wove so much history into the story. I learned so many new things while reading this story. Ms. Grow Law gives great attention to historical details and the book was well researched. This is great for fans of retellings and romance with Gothic undertones. Margaretha and Friedrich are such great characters. Theirs is an enemies-to-lovers romance. There are lessons on flirting, love, archery, and French between the two. Will these enemies catch real feelings along the way? Margaretha is kind and willing to do whatever it takes to help her brother, even to her own detriment. Will she make the right choices when lives are at stake?  

This book is so romantic, there is amazing chemistry and banter, and the first kiss was perfection. Ms. Grow Law made my jaw drop during a certain part, which I totally did not see coming! There is a scene in the rain and a letter that gave me “Pride and Prejudice” vibes. I love the themes on forgiveness throughout the story. I cannot say enough good things about “Heart of Snow.”  Ms. Grow Law does not shy away from some harder topics, so be sure to read the content and trigger warnings (she manages them so well and they never felt too much to me). I am a huge fan and cannot wait for her next book! I want to read everything she writes. This is perfect for fans of swoony historical romances, retellings with Gothic undertones and those who want that happy sigh when they finish the last page!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating, due to certain themes. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol; a character watched a woman be burned to death in the past; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; there’s a festival during the time the veil thins between the living and dead and the devil’s followers (witches) are in full power, so they make a bonfire to speed their journey to hell; mention of physical abuse in someone’s past; a legend of an evil spirit is told and there’s mention of witches; mention of someone not wanting to live and of scars from cutting her wrists; there’s a flashback scene where a woman who is accused of witchcraft is burned at the stake; someone tells a story about a mother and child drowning in a river; someone pretends to do a palm reading and fortune telling; a brief section of animals not being treated the best and being forced to perform; someone is accused of being a harlot; someone assumes someone else has a mistress; someone debates whether they should sleep with someone out of wedlock; someone is a bastard son; possible hallucinations.

TW: past physical abuse; mention of past su*cidal ideation and cutting; possible hallucinations.

Trigger Warnings (supplied by the author): folklore involving deaths of characters prior to the book's beginning (drowning of a mother and child, a child miner being buried alive), attempted seduction, heated kisses, a witch burning, character trapped in a claustrophobic situation.

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

Magnificent Standalone Full of Dangerous Wishes, Deadly Curses and Magic Wells! --"Wishtress" by Nadine Brandes -- Review

 

My Review:

“Wishtress”, by the talented Nadine Brandes, is a new standalone young adult fantasy novel. Let me tell you, you are in for a treat, a boost for your faith and an incredible, edge of your seat adventure!

If this does not convince you, let me give more reasons why “Wishtress” has made it onto my favorites list. One reason is because the world and plot of “Wishtress” is so unique (in true Brandes fashion)! Brandes tells her story with a fresh voice that has the feel of an old fairytale. “Wishtress” reads like a fairytale that has allegory mixed in and includes nods to the Dutch and German cultures. I found myself in awe of the imaginative world and magic system. I especially loved how Brandes weaves incredible symbolism and allegory into the story, even while the narrative itself can be enjoyed for the amazing story that it is! The allegory is so powerful that I found myself super encouraged in my own faith and walk with the Lord by the end of this book!!!  From about two-thirds through the book, there is nonstop action, tension and it is extremely hard to put down!

Brandes writes many incredible characters in “Wishtress”!  Myrthe, the protagonist, is relatable in so many ways. When she discovers who she is and what her talent is, she does not know whether it is truly a gift or a curse, and she questions how to use it. Myrthe undergoes a huge transformation throughout the story. In the beginning, Myrthe feels that people value her tears more than her heart. She is tired of being controlled by her grandmother and longs to live her own life, learn about her gift and to use it to help people. Her journey in many ways mirrors our faith journey. Something I love about Myrthe is that she deals with chronic pain! But I have to stop gushing before I give too much more away!

Will Myrthe become who she was created to be or will she and her gifts fall into the hands of the wrong people and become a curse?  Do not pass up the opportunity to read this deep, thought-provoking, and exciting story!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: a woman emotionally and physically abuses and controls her granddaughter; a person curses, but the word is not actually written; people are physically tortured; a girl was forced into prostitution in her past; a man drinks ale; there are descriptions of violence and some gore.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars and a place on my favorites shelf!

I want to thank Nadine Brandes, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson 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:

Hello friend! What will it be? Tea? Coffee? Lemonade? Water? All the best conversations and introductions happen at a coffee shop, in my opinion.  Okay, a little about me:

• I’m the author of five Young Adult books: ROMANOV, FAWKES, and The Out of Time Series.
• I’m an adventurer.
• I’m a Harry Potter super-nerd who has been known to eat an entire package of Oreos (family-size) by herself.
• I watch Fiddler on the Roof at least once a year. (Wait…you don’t?)
• I love the word bumbershoot.
• I learned to write using a fountain pen. They are the magic behind avoiding hand cramps. For reals.
• I hate kale with an immeasurable loathing, but I like brussel sprouts. (Sorry if you just gasped and gagged at the same time.)
• I’ve driven a dogsled, eaten a raw potato, walked a tightwire, and waded through a cattail marsh all for the sake of book research.
• I’ve been journaling since I was 9-years-old.
• I love love love Jesus. He’s my auto-buy author. 
• I have two new books coming in 2022 and 2024 and the best way to not miss any of the news is to be subscribed to my newsletter!

---

 To visit the author's website click here

To purchase the book click here

A New Favorite Non-Fiction Book--"Daring to Hope" by Katie Davis Majors Review

Wow!  That is the only word I could think as I slowly closed the last page of this book, sitting in a reverent silence.  This book touched me in such a profound way.  I don't feel a review will do it justice--you need to read it for yourself.  I see why it has become a bestseller on so many lists!

"Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful" by Katie Davis Majors is at first glance just another biography.  But it is so much more.  The words are so beautiful, the messages and spiritual truths so profound and the stories Katie shares so moving.  Katie wrote her first bestseller, "Kisses from Katie", in 2011.  I did not read that book, but had heard so much about Katie and her story; how when she was eighteen years old she moved to Uganda, adopted 13 girls and founded a ministry.  "Daring to Hope" is the continuation of that story. 

Katie herself is an amazing writer.  Her style is poetic and lyrical.  She is very honest and shares deep truths.  In “Daring to Hope”, she tells her story of finding God in brokenness and suffering.  She goes through some really hard times where she questions God.  God doesn't always give her the answers or what she asks for, but He gives her Himself, which is the best and most satisfying gift. 

This is a message that we as Americans especially need to hear.  We often believe that the "American Dream" is a sign of God's blessing, but Katie points out so many instances of faithful believers in Uganda who are starving, dying or can't afford basic medical care.  This does not mean they aren't blessed or aren't faithful. 

I highlighted huge portions of this book.  I came away with so many truths to help me, especially as I have been coming out of a hard season of my own life.  I have had many of the same questions Katie has had, and the answers she provides and how she points one to God have been such a comfort to my heart.  My faith has grown thanks to reading this book.  I recommend this book to anyone who has been through suffering and wondered where God was, to anyone who is wrestling with God or even wondering if that is okay.  If you want to be inspired or encouraged in your walk with God, this book is for you. 

Content:  I would give this book a PG rating, due to some content related to Katie's ministry.  Katie's ministry is to people who go through some very hard things.  As she describes her ministry, there is some more "graphic" content, like birth and treating wounds.  There are alcoholics, addicts, murder and poisoning. 

Rating:  I give this book a solid 5 stars!  It's a new favorite!

Genre:  Christian non-fiction; Biography

I want to thank Katie Davis Majors, Multnomah Publishing and Blogging for 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:

Katie Davis Majors moved to Uganda over a decade ago with no idea that this would be the place that God chose to build her home and her family. Today, she is a wife to Benji and mama to her fourteen favorite people. Katie and her family invest their lives in empowering the people of Uganda with education, medical care, and spiritual discipleship. She is also the founder of Amazima Ministries, an organization that cares for vulnerable children and families in Uganda and the author of the New York Times bestseller Kisses from Katie.

To visit the authors website click here and learn more about Katie click here

To purchase the book, find out more information and read an excerpt click here

Do you believe in fairies?--"The Cottingley Secret" by Hazel Gaynor Review

 

"The Cottingley Secret" by Hazel Gaynor is one of those stories that stick with you long after you finish the last page.  Bittersweet, haunting, enchanting, and magical are some of the words that come to mind when I think of this book.  And, as a personal bonus for me, the theme of the book—the possibility of fairies being real—goes perfectly with the name of my blog! 

 "The Cottingley Secret" tells two stories.  One is the story of Olivia, who lives in present-day Ireland.  She inherits a bookshop and finds a manuscript written by one of the two girls involved the Cottingley fairy incident.  As Olivia reads the manuscript, we are transported back to 1917 in Cottingley England and are told the story of two girls who supposedly discover fairies and “fool” the world.  The story of the Cottingley fairies is based on a true story, which makes it even more fascinating. 

 The characters and the story are very well written.  Olivia needs to find the little girl inside of her and believe in that person.  I love the journey that Olivia's character goes through emotionally and the decisions she makes as she evaluates her life and who she is.  The story in 1917 also deals with beliefs and emotions.  Believing in fairies gives people hope during the war and people need something to believe in; if fairies and the photographs are real, then anything is possible, such as the war coming to an end.  It is such a dark time that people love the story of the fairies and it becomes a sensation, to the extent that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of the Sherlock Holmes books) believes and writes an article on the girls and their fairies. 

There are so many amazing themes and lessons that one can draw from "The Cottingley Secret."  There is a theme of memories and still being the same person deep inside that you always were, even as a little girl and of believing in oneself.  Ms. Gaynor's story brought to mind blissful memories of being of a little girl, believing in magic, and it encouraged me to find that little girl once again—to look at the world with wonder.  I became so emotionally attached to this book that I didn't want it to end! 

Tell me in the comments: Do you believe in fairies?

Content, Rating and Genre: This is a clean read.  There are a few minor swear words.  There is also a scene where characters get drunk.  I give this book 5 stars!  The genre is contemporary, historical, and women's fiction.   

I want to thank Hazel Gaynor, William Morrow and Dey Street and Harper Collins Publishers 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.



Click here to purchase the book
Click here to visit the author's website

About the author:
Hazel Gaynor is a New York Times bestselling, award-winning author, who lives in County Kildare, Ireland with her husband and two children. Her 2014 debut historical novel The Girl Who Came Home—A Novel of the Titanic hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, and went on to win the 2015 Historical Novel of the Year award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association in London. Her second novel A Memory of Violets, was also a New York Times bestseller, and her third, The Girl from The Savoy was an Irish Times and Globe & Mail bestseller. The book was also a finalist for the 2016 Irish Book Awards. All Hazel’s novels have been received to critical-acclaim and have been translated into a number of foreign languages. Her forthcoming titles in 2017 – The Cottingley Secret (August) and Last Christmas in Paris (October, co-written with Heather Webb) have already received an impressive array of early reviews. Hazel is represented by Michelle Brower at Aevitas Creative, New York.