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.

 

A Beautiful Time-Travel Romance! --"Echoes of the Sea" by Sarah Eden—Review

 

My Review:

"Echoes of the Sea" by Sarah Eden is the second book in the “Storm Tide” series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Eden pens a beautiful time-travel romance! "Echoes of the Sea" is easy to read and I was immediately drawn into this gentle story. I adored the subtle humor that is sprinkled throughout. Kip, who is a modern-day actor from London, gets swept away to another time, when he meets Amelia. Amelia is from 1803, and I love that she has a disability, but does not let that stop her. The main characters, Kip and Amelia, are so endearing and their love story is so precious. Kip understands and really sees Amelia. I loved seeing them work together to save Amelia’s inheritance. Along the way, they make friends with the people of Guilford Island where the story is set, and I love that the characters become like family to them. Kip must reckon with whether he wants to try to stay in 1803 and he is also trying to not change the future with any of his actions. While Amelia did not like Guilford Island and the sea, I absolutely adored the setting of the book! Ms. Eden writes an austere, stormy, and picturesque setting of a coastal island that is vulnerable to being cut off from the mainland by rough seas for weeks at a time. There are lighthouses, storm swept seas and wind tossed waves that made my sea loving heart happy! I recommend this sweet story to readers of clean historical romance and time-travel!

Content: I give this book a low PG rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of hauntings and spirits; orphan; PTSD; survivor’s guilt; grief and loss.

TW: orphan; PTSD; survivor’s guilt; grief and loss. 

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

A Spectacular Conclusion to an Epic Series! --"Fathoms” by Lisa Bergren—Review

 My Review:

“Fathoms” by Lisa Bergren is the third book in the “Oceans of Time” series, which is an adult spin-off from the beloved “River of Time" series. I eagerly read the original “River of Time” books when they first released in 2011 and was so excited to finally have some Christian young adult fiction that was just as good as any secular fiction of the time.  Since then, I have read every book in both series. I am sad that this beloved series is ending, but I was so glad that the final book lived up to my expectations for a series finale (it went beyond my expectations)! As I read “Fathoms,” it felt like coming home to read about this world and these characters. It was neat to see familiar characters, especially from the “River of Time” series as well. The book is gritty, heartfelt, and realistic with wonderful faith content! 

In the beginning of “Fathoms,” Luciana is struggling with losing her sight and realizing her value is found in who she is, not in what she does. She is debating whether she should risk going through the tombs again to be healed but is not sure of where or when in time the tombs will take her on the return trip. I loved watching Luciana learn to adapt to living a life without her sight and how she learns ways to still fight and be a girlboss (or “She-wolf”). The characters of the book face immense joy and great hardships. I loved the beautiful faith content, which had me in tears and encouraged me in my own faith. There are lessons on family, love, and choosing to risk loving on a deeper level. The characters learn that God puts us in certain moments, places, and times for a purpose. They must learn to welcome peace, regardless of the circumstances. I do not want to say too much about the plot since it is the third book in a series, and I do not want to spoil anything. I will say there’s non-stop, pulse-pounding action and it was hard to put down. The romances were beautiful, as were the family relationships. I am so sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I am glad I can always re-read all the books. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and series! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Bergren writes next!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of bawdy jokes; mention of bedding someone once they’re married; mention of alcohol; mention that people might be accused of witchcraft; someone wonders if they are hallucinating; a child is pledged in marriage to an old man; vague reference to past r*pe in a previous book; a bad man makes lewd jokes and sexual innuendos; someone thinks they’re possibly going mad; forced medical examination and procedures without consent; a man wants a woman to become his consort and it’s implied he has mistresses; a character possibly has PTSD; a man tries to force a woman to have an ab*rtion; blood, gore and violence; reference to a couple’s wedding night and waking up in each other’s arms.

TW: brief mention of hallucinations and possibly going mad; past r*pe; forced medical examination and procedures without consent and unwanted advances and kisses (with the intent to take advantage of her, but he is not able to); possible PTSD; mention of ab*rtion.

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.

"Her Place in Time" by Stephenia McGee--Guest Post

 

Her Place in Time Blurb:

 

Can love offer a new future…in the past?

A mysterious gown, unexpected courage, and a love that transcends time. 

Nursing student Lena Lowery faces a grim diagnosis and a dangerous surgery. On the cusp of the life-changing procedure, Lena stays at the Rosswood Plantation Bed and Breakfast for one last weekend with her mother. There in an antique armoire, Lena discovers a Civil War-era gown that holds an unimaginable cure…a trip back in time to when the house served as a hospital.

Confederate Sergeant Caleb Dockery lost his brother, his eye, and nearly his life. Stuck in a makeshift infirmary, he’s counting the days until he can return to duty…and seek revenge. When a stranger appears, he suspects she’s a spy. If he can’t return to duty and find the revenge he craves for his brother’s death, he can serve his country by stopping this traitor. But her nursing skills are saving lives, and her courage and independence stirs his heart. When Lena’s safety is threatened, Caleb must strain the loyalties that bind him or risk losing her forever. 

Caught between a future that holds no promises and a past that could offer new life, Lena must face an extraordinary decision. Should she return to her own time where her days are numbered? Or can she and Caleb find a love that stretches across time?

If you like historical romance with a twist, strong female characters, and heroes that transcend eras, you’ll love this journey through time that tests the limits of love.

*Her Place in Time is set in the house from The Liberator Series, just prior to the start of Leveraging Lincoln. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Annabelle and Peggy in this new novella.



Guest Post: Blurring fact and fiction

 Stephenia H. McGee, Her Place in Time

 I really love weaving fiction with reality. I suppose that’s why I am so drawn to historical fiction. I wonder what it would be like in the past, and then try to paint that world by bringing the research to life.

 

One of the best things about research is traveling to the historical locations, and one of my favorites has been Rosswood Plantation.

 

Beautiful, isn’t it? I first happened on Rosswood when looking for a historical plantation to set The Liberator Series. I met with the owners and asked if they would be interested in letting me use the house for my books. Not only did Miss Jean allow me to use the house, but she also told me all about its history as a Civil War hospital and let me see copies of the historical owner’s (Doctor Walter Ross Wade) plantation diaries (which you can also see if you stay at the bed-and-breakfast!)

My mother and I had a wonderful stay, and we were served a mouth-watering breakfast by Rosswood’s very own Peggy (I adored this lovely lady so much, I named one of my characters after her).

Here they are, Mr. Ray Hylander and the talented Ms. Peggy, both real people who appear in Her Place in Time when Lena visits Rosswood in the present.

And here are a few more pictures from our stay.

 

 

I loved the house and the history and knew it would be a great house for the story. After the completion of The Liberator Series, I wanted to take another trip to Rosswood, and had this wild idea. What if by putting on one of the house’s Civil War era gowns, a guest could be transported to the past?

Thus, the idea for Her Place in Time was born!

Here are two Civil War period gowns they found at Rosswood that are believed to have belonged to Maybella Wade, Rosswood’s historic lady.

 

 

Recognize that yellow one? It’s on the cover of Her Place in Time!

As is Rosswood, as well. I really had a lot of fun blurring the lines of fact and fiction in this one. When Lena stays at the bed-and-breakfast, she finds the yellow gown, and when she puts it on…goes back in time to when Rosswood served as a Civil War hospital. She was in for quite a shock, but no more of one than Sargent Caleb Dockery, who is intrigued by the sudden appearance of a rather unconventional lady.

You can get your copy of the novella here: https://amzn.to/2GCRNep

And be sure to sign up for my newsletter. You’ll get updates on new releases, have a chance to enter giveaways, finds some new recipes, and more! And as my thank you, I’ll send you the first book in The Liberator Series for free!

Sign up on my website: www.StepheniaMcGee.com

 
So how about you? Would you think it would be fun to travel back in time? If you could, what time would you visit?

 

 

Bio for Stephenia H. McGee

 

Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. After earning a degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences, she discovered her heart truly lies with the art of story. She put pen to page and never looked back. Visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com for books and updates.

Sign up for her newsletter for monthly giveaways and more, and get a FREE novel! Get yours instantly here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/81eo2tc3lm

Social Media connections: 

Facebook: Stephenia H. McGee, Christian Fiction Author

Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee

Pinterest: Stephenia H. McGee

Website: www.StepheniaMcGee.com