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 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

 

An Unforgettable Historical Book Full of Intrigue and Drama! —"The King's Messenger" by Susanna Kearsley—Review

 

My Review:

Susanna Kearsley is one of my all-time favorite authors! "The King's Messenger" just confirmed that fact for me—it did not disappoint! Ms. Kearsley has penned a finely crafted novel, which is well researched and filled with rich historical detail. It contains everything I come to expect from a Kearsley novel, rich history combined with a little magic. The magic in this story is the fact that our hero, Andrew Logan (the titular King’s Messenger), has the gift of Second Sight. There is a present timeline, and we go back in time to see another character’s memories. Kearsley’s writing is beautiful, poetic, and full of amazing descriptions. You will want to savor every word! The story held me in such a thrall.  I especially loved that part of it takes place in Scotland, and I learned so much new history, especially about King James, the royal family, and the politics of that time. The reader takes a journey with the characters through 17th  Century Scotland and England.

 

The main characters start off as a group of enemies. Will they develop mutual respect, brotherhood, or even love as they travel and fulfill the king’s mission? The love story was so beautiful, and I loved the mystery as well. I almost started crying at one point because I felt the emotions so vividly. The story is at times heartbreaking and beautiful. I could not stop thinking about the book when I was not reading it, and I did not want it to end. It is safe to say I have already found a new favorite for the year!

Content: I give this book a light PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: astrology is mentioned, but the main character doesn’t believe in it; a man is said to get drunk; one of the major characters has the gift of Second Sight; a man is accused of defiling a woman; a woman is called a whore; a main character sees ghosts; grief and loss; mention of miscarriage (rumors that the woman caused it herself); the word “da*n” is used; a man loved a married woman; someone at court is married but still flirts with other people; brief reference to the wedding night.

TW: brief reference to r*pe; grief and loss of a child and loved ones; miscarriage; reference to su*cide; mention of r*pe in the author’s notes.

Spice: very brief fade to black scene; closed door.

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

A Beautiful Love Story! --"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz--Review

 My Review:

"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz is a lovely historical romance that takes place in 1774. It is set partly in Virginia and the second half of the book takes place in Scotland (which I love to read about). Ms. Frantz always pens novels that are full of fascinating history and expertly woven prose. This book is well researched, and I learned so many new things while being completely engrossed in the story. The love story is a slow burn that will leave readers swooning, especially over the gruff, Scottish lead character, Leith. Leith also has twins who are just adorable! There is a scene that takes place at the ruins of a Scottish castle and is so romantic! It is one I won’t easily forget. The main characters also read and recite poetry to one another! Many readers will love our heroine, Juliet Catesby. I appreciated that she struggled with chronic migraines, and I loved her relationship with her sister. She has a strong faith and prays often. Juliet and her sister help slaves escape and help those less fortunate, no matter what side of the ocean they find themselves on. The faith threads in this story were beautiful! The settings of Virigina and Scotland are so well done. I could especially feel myself in the rainy streets of Scotland and hear the Scottish accents. This book is a must read for fans of clean Scottish romance and historical fiction!

Content: I give this story a PG rating. Some examples of the content: part of the story takes place on a plantation and there are slaves; characters drink alcohol and someone is drunk; mention of gambling; characters smoke cigars; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written, mention of the mistreatment of slaves; a woman wanted to harm herself in the past; opium and laudanum used for medical purposes; a woman wonders if someone has a mistress; someone struggled with mental health in the past (possibly post-partum depression);  su*cide; mention of gambling; speculation of infidelity; very brief insinuation that a married couple slept together.

TW: brief mention of possible self-harm; mental health; su*cide in the past.

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

A Fun Young Adult Retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk"--"Lady of Disguise" by Melanie Dickerson--Review

 

"Lady of Disguise" by Melanie Dickerson is the sixth book in the "Dericott Tales” series but can easily be read as a standalone.  It is a sweet, young adult “Jack and the Beanstalk” retelling. It’s set during the medieval period and takes place in England and Scotland.  I loved getting to journey back to this time period and especially to visit Scotland with our main character, Louisa. Louisa is trying to find a fabled treasure to save her and her sister from marrying men they don’t love.  She is kind and brave.  She meets our chivalrous and equally kind hero, Sir Charles, along the way.  Dickerson writes wholesome characters that readers can look up to.  I love the disability representation of two different characters that Louisa and Charles befriend, showing how we can be kind to others who are different than ourselves.  It was fascinating to see how people with disabilities were treated in that time period and how superstition played a role in things people couldn’t explain or saw as different from themselves.  Dickerson has a good grasp on the medieval time period and I appreciate her attention to detail, making the reader feel they are there.  I love how the main character prays and sees God’s provision throughout her journey.  Some of the wonderful themes in this story are those of chivalry, kindness, not judging others, and being kind to those who are different from ourselves.  I feel this series of Dickerson’s may appeal to late middle grade to early young adult readers.  The plot seems to be written with the complexity of a late middle grade reader in mind.  There is also romance and kissing, which is why I also mention the early young adult readers.  I think many older readers will enjoy this story as well!

Content: I give this story a mostly PG rating.  The thing that would make me lean a little more towards PG-13 is the references of the attempted sexual assault (which is not described and does not happen on page).  Some examples of the content are:  a mention of breasts; a brief mention that a man tried to force himself on a woman and was drunk, does not describe the incident; a woman is described as “well-proportioned;” a man mentions the possibility of beating a woman if she is found; the word “fornication” is used; there’s talk of being with child without being married; a man slaps a woman.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson 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.

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.

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"A Bound Heart" is Sure to Warm Your Soul--"A Bound Heart" by Laura Frantz--Review

My Review:

“A Bound Heart” by Laura Frantz was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019.  Christian historical fiction that is partly set in Scotland?  Sign me up!  From the settings to the characters, I fell in love with this book!

Ms. Frantz’s descriptions of the scenery are lyrical and breathtaking (certainly doing Scotland justice).  The first part of the book that is set in Scotland reminds me of Poldark with the smuggling and the rugged coastlines.  Ms. Frantz also has an amazing grasp of the Scottish culture. 

The two main characters, Lark and Magnus, are so likable and well written.  Lark instantly became a favorite for me.  She is so sweet, innocent and Godly.  I love watching Lark’s struggle with her faith when her life is turned upside down.  She asks some frank and honest questions of God.  I especially love seeing that despite their troubles, both main characters praise God and count their blessings when going through suffering and loss.  What a wonderful encouragement and reminder to Christians! 

I loved this book and highly recommend it!  You won’t be disappointed!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content are: mention of brandy and smuggling; a man has a reputation for wenching; a man swears but the word isn’t actually written; a person is possibly addicted to opium and may have committed suicide; men smoke; a baby is born out of wedlock; men take women as lovers on a ship; a man attempts to rape a woman but does not get far.
 

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre: Christian fiction; Historical fiction; Romance; Scotland

I want to thank Revell and Laura Frantz 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:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the ECPA bestselling author of several books, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, A Moonbow Night, and The Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

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A Charming Regency Romance--"A Mother for His Family" by Susanne Dietze Review

"A Mother for His Family" by Susanne Dietze is a sweet and charming read, packed with faith content!  This book came at the perfect time for me.  After reading some emotionally heavy books on and around Christmas, it was so good to pick up a more lighthearted book.

I love Ms. Dietze's writing style!  "A Mother for His Family" is written with engaging prose and gives the reader a fast paced story.  Being a lover of all things Scottish, I was delighted that this story mostly takes place in Scotland.  It's filled with delightful details about Scotland and the culture.  What's not to like about a hero with a Scottish accent, aye?

Although I said this was a happier read for me, it's not an altogether fluffy read.  It is full of great spiritual truths and content!  There is a lot of prayer, Bible reading, and talking to God.  The author does not shy away from dealing with issues such as rape, but it is dealt with in such a way as it isn't something the reader is thinking about all the time and nothing is described in detail.

The overall messages in this book are ones that every woman and girl should learn--about who you are in Christ, how God delights in us and how we can't earn God's love.  Well done Ms. Dietze; I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

Content: This is a clean read, but I would give it a PG rating due to some of the delicate issues.  There is talk of a woman giving herself to a man before she's married.  There is mention of a man forcing himself upon a woman (nothing described in detail, but a character deals with the after effects of rape).  A minister speaks of the fruits of marriage.  A character used laudanum to mentally escape.

 Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars.

 Genre: Christian Fiction; Romance; Regency

I want to thank Susanne Dietze, Love Inspired Historical and Harlequin 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: Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the author of several historical romances who’s seen her work on the ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her at: Web Page // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Pinterest

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"The Legacy" by Michael Phillips Review-- A Heartfelt Story of Faith and Family in the Shetlands

"The Legacy" is a heartfelt story of faith and family.  I love anything to do with Scotland, so I was eager to pick this book up.  I've also read some of Michael Phillips's other books and have enjoyed them immensely, especially the classic "Stonewycke" series.  I'm very glad I did read "The Legacy", even though I haven't yet read the first two books in this series! 

"The Legacy" by Michael Phillips is the third book in the "Secrets of the Shetlands" series.  The beginning of the book summarizes the plot from the first two books well.  The narrative does of course refer to events in the other books of the series as it is the continuation of Loni and David's story (the characters living in present day), but instead of focusing on Loni and David, "The Legacy" also tells the story of their ancestors.  We also get to see the conclusion of Loni and David's story, and while it's this portion of the book that had me wishing I had read the prior books, it isn't too confusing to read on its own.    

The physical book itself is beautiful and has a map of the island in the Shetlands where much of the story takes place, as well as a family tree.  Even though it is a longer book, it's written in short chapters, which makes for a fast-paced read.  The story shifts between 2006 and 1924 and is told from multiple characters’ points of view.  Some of the characters in the book are of the Quaker faith, which I found interesting to read and learn more about. 


Picture of the Shetlands

There is a theme of family heritage woven throughout the whole story.  The setting in the Shetland Islands is breathtaking and evocative.  The descriptions are so well written that I felt like I was transported to these islands.  The reader is introduced to a slower paced life and the story is also told in a slower way, making the reader slow down and think.  You really settle in and immerse yourself in the island and that culture.  There is also a deep spiritual and theological element.  I know Michael Phillips loves George MacDonald and draws a lot of inspiration from this writer (MacDonald is even mentioned in the book). 

My only critiques are that this book isn't really a stand-alone, although I was still able to understand and enjoy the story.  It is also told at a slower pace (I did enjoy that, but some may find it slower than they would like).  There are also many characters and several concurrent plots, which can get confusing. 

Overall I really enjoyed this story and would especially recommend it to fans of Michael Phillips or George MacDonald and those who love Scotland. 

Content, Rating and Genre: This is a clean read.  I give this book 4.5 stars.  This is Christian Fiction (with a dual timeline—historical and contemporary).

I want to thank Michael Phillips and Bethany House 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.

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Other books in the series: