Review: Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

Book Three in The Tox Files series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies' blood. Cole "Tox" Russell only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes, but he must first complete a final mission: retrieve that sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order.

The AFO, however, is determined to claim the sword. Wielding their father's life over Tzivia and Ram Khalon, they threaten to expose Ram's long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things only worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the sword is tied to both Ram's secret and a string of unsolved serial murders.

Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to focus only on the enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must stop or take the enemy down with them.

My Review

I couldn't imagine a more epic and emotional conclusion to The Tox Files series! I loved reading about the team members and the new details that emerged about their backstory and what motivates them, especially Ram and his sister Tzi. It's a nail-biter from the start, and the author definitely exhibits why her tagline is "rapid-fire fiction"! Literal nail-biting is the reason why I have to limit the suspense books I read, but it was so worth it. The romance between Cole and Haven bring all the feels, and I loved the connection I felt to their relationship. Even with the tension I felt while reading the different perspectives I knew would all weave together, I was caught off guard and surprised by the twists and turns of the plot. I definitely recommend reading all the books in the series in order, as they build on each other with character development. Don't miss this explosive series full of depth, action, and romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the previous books in The Tox Files series . . .

FREE Prequel Novella

Synopsis

A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin.

Special Forces operative Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue--the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president.

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Four years after a tragic mission decimated his career and his team, Cole “Tox” Russell is persona non grata to the United States. And that’s fine—he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed at an archaeological dig where three Bronze-era censers are found, Tox is lured back into action. Partnered with an archaeologist and an FBI agent who’s an expert in deception, Tox and his team are pitted against a secret society, a plague dubbed the New Black Death, and a revered codex—which may hold the key to stopping the deadly outbreak.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Six months after stopping a deadly plague, Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are enjoying a little rest. That peace is short-lived when a sniper shot hits Tox. The enemy is discovered to be one of their own, a rogue Special Forces team operator.
 

Alec King is perhaps the only person as skilled as Tox, and he's out for justice. Furious with orders that got his men killed, he intends to make those responsible pay. And he insists Tox join him, believing they are the same breed of soldier.
 

Afraid his old friend is right, Tox battles a growing darkness within himself as he and his team engage in another deadly encounter with antiquity. It appears Alec is cheating--he's using a mysterious artifact, a crown that history has linked to some of the worst slaughters in humanity. Racing to stop Alec before his vengeance is unleashed, Tox must fight the monster without becoming one.

Review: The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket by Annalisa Hall, illustrated by Corey Egbert

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Your children don't see the Holy Ghost, but that doesn't mean they can't feel His presence. With heart-warming illustrations, The Holy Ghost Is Like a Blanket depicts characteristics of the Holy Ghost by comparing them to objects children remember and relate to. These meaningful analogies will help your little ones recognize the Holy Ghost as a real influence in their lives.

My Review

I think it's so great that the publisher created another version of this book! The original featured a girl in the illustrations, with her father, mother, and baby brother. In this new "boy version", the young boy is now the featured character, with his father, mother and older sister. The text is the same and pictures are subtly changed- the older sister is posed where the baby used to be, and the mother's hair is softer with more of a wave. It was fun to compare the two books and look for the differences!

The content is wonderful, I loved the examples used to describe the Holy Ghost and the way we feel the Spirit. There are references at the end for each example with a small image from the book, 1-2 scripture verses from the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, and a song from The Children's Songbook. I can see this being used for a Family Home Evening lesson and creative activity using the examples in the book!  The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket is perfect for children of all ages, and would make a lovely gift for a child preparing for baptism.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Check out the original publication with a girl in the illustrations . . .

About the Author

Annalisa Hall is an author, blogger, ldsbc & byu grad, wife, fast-paced helpmate, mother of three, mom-prenuer, child of God, amazing friend, sewing extraordinaire, ready reader, efficient secretary, glorified storyteller, poetess, busy homemaker, an "aunt anna" 39 times over, a great aunt (as in my niece has a baby girl), lame cook, better baker, great primary teacher, proud visiting teacher, green thumbkin, thrifty shopper, tip junkie, lego queen, airsoft enthusiast, graphic designer, eco-friendly house cleaner, chauffeur, hubby's best friend, and fanatic.

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Corey Egbert has always loved books and art, so when he discovered that he could create both at the same time by being an illustrator, he couldn't have been happier. His illustrations can be seen in The Niuhi Shark Saga books and the album covers of recording artist Rob Taylor. He lives in Manti, Utah with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Review & Giveaway: Aligned With Christ by Toni Sorenson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Is there a sure way to know that what you’re doing is what the Savior would have you do? Best-selling author Toni Sorenson’s inspiring series, including Defined by Christ and Refined by Christ, has motivated audiences to assess and strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Now, the author invites you to be aligned with Christ and learn to turn mind, body, and will to the Savior and to claim the peace that comes from the assurance that you’re truly in tune with heaven. For those struggling to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and for all who are striving to withstand mortality’s feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness, this volume provides a simple, scripturally rich roadmap intended to lead you on a joyous journey of self-examination—to assess your own spiritual alignment, to reroute when necessary, and to come to know the love of the Savior—not just when you reach your desired destination, but along every step of the way.

My Review

This is a book I definitely needed at this time in my life, when it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily life and neglect my personal spiritual growth journey. I loved the attitude of hope and encouragement the author shares, and her words are perfect for those with serious struggles as well as those who need minor course corrections- basically everyone! I appreciated that there are so many examples from the scriptures- both the Bible and The Book of Mormon- that the author uses to make personal connections to ourselves. She uses real life examples as well, and I felt like this was an easy book to read while providing depth and thought-provoking insights. Quotes from modern day prophets and literary giants such as Leo Tolstoy were also shared that brought inspiration and light. There were so many passages to highlight and this is a resource I plan to turn to again and share with my friends and family. I felt the Spirit as I read and it encouraged me to increase my efforts to grow closer to my Savior and seek God's will, and look forward to the blessings that are promised as I do so. Highly recommend!!! 

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Review: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.

A WAGER FOR LOVE by Donna Hatch:
For once, Phillip would like to be seen as more than the younger brother of a duke. When he unexpectedly meets the one girl in all London who doesn’t give two figs for his rank in society, she won’t give him the time of day. Determined to gain her attention, he accidentally tips over her boat and dumps her into a river. Not the best way to convince a lady of worth that he is a gentleman of promise. Frustrated, Phillip makes a rash wager with a friend: he vows he’ll not only gain her forgiveness, but her hand in marriage by the end of the Season. The stakes are high in this romantic Regency romp!

THE FINAL WAGER by Heather B. Moore:
When Victor Roland, Earl of Locken, enters into a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, the stakes get quickly out of control. Before Victor knows it, Southill is betting the dowry of his sister. While completely illegal, Victor is mostly insulted, so he does what any gentleman of the ton should do. He punches Southill out. Problem is, Southill is in so much debt that he’d been kicked out of his townhouse earlier that day. So Victor is forced to deliver Southill at his estate outside of London . . . only to meet Southill’s sister, Lady Juliet, a woman who Victor now wishes he’d bet on.

AN IMPROBABLE WAGER by Michele Paige Holmes:
Sherborne Alexander Rowley III has come home to marry his neighbor—and solve his financial problems in one fell swoop. Love doesn’t figure into the equation, only the need to save his family’s estate. The reserved Miss Emily Montgomery seems willing enough, leaving the only possible obstacle to Sherborne’s success his childhood friend, Eli Linfield, and the wager they made long ago that Eli would be the one to marry Emily. When the timely birth of a colt, Emily’s mischievous sister Sophia, and Emily herself all conspire to ruin Sherborne’s plans, one night of mayhem unravels far more than their betrothal. Emily is not as demure as he believed, nor is Eli what he has pretended these many years. Yet the future for all may yet be bright. Sherborne might even wager on it.

My Review

There is plenty of humor and wit in these three Regency stories (by three of my favorite must-read authors!) that have some kind of wager about a wedding as the premise. They are longer than novella length, and each have fully developed characters and plots. I appreciated that I felt like I could connect to each of the couples and their dilemmas, and was invested in the outcome of their happily-ever-afters. I definitely enjoyed all three, but my favorite was An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes, because I'm a sucker for the unrequited love/childhood crush trope! Eli was such an admirable and unassuming hero, working his way up in the world with moderate success so that even though he never expected to have his romantic dreams fulfilled, he was prepared when the opportunity arose. Lots of romance and navigating of Regency society made this collection one I'll definitely re-read in the future!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:

 AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN