Review: A Heart Devoted by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Living happily ever after should be easy. After all, Tristan and Isolde Gilbert, the new Duke and Duchess of Kendall, have overcome obstacles, confessed their love, married, and are eager to sail off into the sunset of their glorious future. But, of course, life rarely offers smooth sailing. After their honeymoon tour, an unexpected return to London sends the new couple reeling.

Tristan struggles to balance his new Isolde-loving self with his former role as the autocratic Duke of Kendall. Upstart relatives and scurrilous accusations complicate his efforts to find a purpose and settle into his altered standing within the ton. Worse, the still-scandalous Isolde—who never expected to be at the center of Polite Society—now finds she has to navigate meetings with the Queen, dodge vile rumors, and fend off the jealous attacks of other aristocratic ladies.

For Tristan and Isolde, falling in love was simple. But merging two disparate former lives into one proves more fraught. Can the newlyweds find a way to remain both true to themselves and one another in their new life together?

My Review

What's better than an epilogue? An epilogue novella!!! The story of Tristan and Isolde continues as the unlikely lovers must return to London to prove they are alive, prevent the dukedom's next-in-line and his scheming wife from staging a coup of the household, battle defamatory gossip with a round of social activities, and figure out what Tristan will do with his time now that he's not pursuing a leading role in politics. They both feel conflicted as their time together dwindles, and bowing to the whims of Society doesn't settle well with Isolde. She does her best to be the duchess others expect of her, but I was relieved when Tristan and Isolde choose to be true to themselves and their special (ahem, passionate) relationship with each other. It's a treat to read for fans of the series, and I highly recommend each book, best enjoyed in order.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series

 

 

Review: Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

About the Book

His mission.
His team.

Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when hackers threaten both his mission and his team, Dean's Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Ten military super-secure computers are missing—which if opened, would give America's enemies a blueprint of U.S. military intelligence. Failing to stop the hackers isn’t an option.

Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. She's also a target. Her expertise in quantum cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hackers' deadly game. They're coming for her, and Dean and his team must stop them.

Before the team can get to Zahrah, she disappears. Now Dean must race to rescue her and stop the hackers from unleashing terror on millions across the globe. But to do so, Dean will be forced to crack open the steel box around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.

My Review

I knew that when I was in the mood for a suspenseful book that Ronie Kendig would not disappoint. In a very dangerous part of Afghanistan, Dean is running military missions while Zahrah is doing mission work of another kind- education. Some of the military speak was over my head, but I was able to understand enough to get the gist of the politics that were going on behind the scenes. Zahrah has strong faith that she is doing God's will, even when horrible things happen. Dean is more skeptical, but is profoundly impacted by Zahrah. The book begins with Dean being released from captivity, and then the story backpedals to previous months, so it's not a spoiler to share that their experiences there were more grim than I anticipated, and I would have appreciated a trigger warning for rape. I think this book was published before trigger warnings became popular in reviews and even book descriptions from the author or publisher. Although the scene and Dean's memories of a different rape were not explicit, they were descriptive enough to turn my stomach and make me regret reading the book. I totally get that it is a reality of war and not inappropriate for the author to include in the story for authenticity, but I avoid books that I anticipate will include the content for my own mental wellness.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Quiet Professionals series

 

 

Review: The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love? 

 

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret — maybe even a treasure — and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way? 

 

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again? Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat — and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

My Review

This is a wonderful story about community, found family, growth and forgiveness. I appreciated that Brooke and Owen began as friends, encouraging each other and offering a listening ear, hug, or company for a movie night. They both have some trauma and betrayal they are working through, and the focus was more on their emotional relationship, without much emphasis on chemistry or attraction. I loved the storyline with Hunter, the troubled teen who needed love, second chances, and distance from his abusive parents. The story began slowly, and the layers the author hinted at also unfolded slowly enough that I almost gave up. Thankfully I kept reading because as the pace increased my engagement with the story did as well. The mysterious hidden bunker in Owen's house with the sad story that accompanied it came full circle and the ending was very satisfying.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Blog Tour, Interview & Giveaway: The Resurrection Project by Tanya Sparks Belvin

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Resurrection Project by Tanya Sparks Belvin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Resurrection Project
Series: The Resurrection Project Series #1
Author: Tanya Sparks Belvin
Publisher: Tonya Belvin Publishing
Release Date: September 11, 2023
Genre: Christian Futuristic, Medical Mystery

In 2034, medical student Ellen McCarthy took an internship at the mysterious Grindland Institute to fulfill a graduation requirement. But what at first seems like a boring job supervising children soon has her tangled in questions about the Institute’s Resurrection Project. Meanwhile, ER nurse Mamie Simpson is grieving the loss of her daughter, Lainey, and hoping against hope that a new scientific breakthrough will provide a miracle for her and her husband. When Ellen and Mamie's paths eventually cross, both will have to take steps of faith and courage they didn’t think possible to help save the life of a special little girl.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon (ebook/audio) | Amazon (print) | Barnes & Noble

 

Interview with Author Tanya Sparks Belvin

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I retired from teaching after 32 years. Because I was in special education, I had to be certified in language arts and math, but language arts was my favorite subject. I had the most fun reading as I set up my personal classroom library. I encouraged my students to find books that they felt their peers would enjoy reading, and I continually read and promoted middle school literature that I hoped would excite and inspire them.

In addition to teaching, my husband and I have raised three wonderful children, and we have also been blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren.

Currently, I lead Bible studies in my neighborhood and church, and I'm an active choir member.

I also play in a neighborhood Bunco group and participate in two book clubs.

What do you do besides writing?

When I retired from teaching, I began taking care of my grandchildren. I also tried to expand my cooking skills by watching the Food Channel and challenging myself to copy some of the recipes. My ultimate goal is to do an online cooking class with my grandchildren, called "Mimi's Cooking Show." However, it appears that my grandchildren would rather consume my goodies rather than help prepare them. That's fine with me.
 

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I have heard others ridicule authors who claim that their writing stemmed from a dream. Well, that's exactly what happened to me at least five years before I began writing The Resurrection Project. I truly believe I was divinely directed to share this message of the sanctity of life. When I originally wrote the book in 2015, there was a prediction of a worldwide pandemic in 2020 changing the trajectory of our medical system as we knew it. After initially meeting with some agents, each one said it wasn't ready to be published, so I put it on a closet shelf and forgot about it. Then, in 2023, God told me to take it down and try again. When I reread the prediction, I was dumbfounded. I am not a prophet, but God can do anything.

As I wrote this book, I was challenged to delve into the subjects of patient care, cryogenics, genetically modified foods, etc. I enjoyed researching and adding creativity in developing this futuristic setting.

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

All readers put their individual images to characters within a story. That's what I do as a writer. My initial dream had L2 sitting on a bench, swinging her legs back and forth, with her shoulder-length brown hair swaying from side to side. God started me with that character, and I developed the rest. None of the other character descriptions in the book are based on anyone I know.
 

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

As you read The Resurrection Project, you will find music mentioned throughout. That is from my real life. My mother was a music teacher and choir director. Music filled my home, and I have carried it with me all my life. I am a singer. My oldest son is a praise and worship leader at his church. My middle son is a band director at a local middle school. I have Christian radio playing at home and in my car wherever I go.
 

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

The message I believe God wants me to share is that He is our Sovereign God. Like the people in Genesis working together to create a tower to the heavens, a great majority of people today think they knew more than our Creator. In an effort to meet the medical needs of one group, they choose to take the lives of others deemed less important or even, as in the case of unborn babies, not even considered viable humans.

In the fall of 2023, I watched the movie, Sound of Freedom. It was one of the most uncomfortable films I have ever viewed and, honestly, I wanted to leave within the first few minutes. Seeing children being abducted and trafficked took me well out of my comfort zone. As I contemplated what to do, God told me to stay and finish watching. When the film concluded, I had to take a few minutes before I could stand to leave. I kept asking God why I needed to see this. At that moment, I realized that the message of that movie was also the sanctity of life. Just like the children in The Resurrection Project, the children in the film were not being seen as precious children of God with a purpose and a future to expand His kingdom. Their importance was being measured by how they could be used by others. I knew that I needed to give all the proceeds from the sales of my book to support the Tim Tebow Foundation for rescuing missing and exploited children.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

I have just recently published the sequel to The Resurrection Project, Rescuing the Remnant. I hope that readers will enjoy the continuation of this "God Story."

 

More Books in This Series

---

About the Author

Tanya Sparks Belvin is a retired middle school teacher, with thirty-two years of experience. Her passion is serving the Lord, reading, writing, and entertaining her seven grandchildren. Tanya, her husband, Ron, and her mother, Tommie Moton, enjoy lakeside living in Denver, North Carolina. Tanya and Ron have three adult children. The Resurrection Project is her debut novel.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyasparksbelvin.com.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Resurrection Project and its sequel, Rescuing the Remnant, as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 27, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe audiobook by Rhonda Stoppe

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for the If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe audiobook by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe
Author: Rhonda Stoppe
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Release Date: August 1, 2015
Audiobook Publisher: ChristianAudio
Audiobook Release Date: January 7, 2025
Genre: NonFiction, Self-Help, Christian Marriage, Christian Women

What's really keeping you from enjoying a better marriage? 

"If my husband would change, I'd be happy" and "I'm falling out of love with him" are among several common myths that lead women to search for marital happiness in all the wrong places. In this book, author Rhonda Stoppe shares, with candor and humor, how to enrich your relationship with your husband (even if he doesn't change). Along the way you'll read many helpful stories and real-life examples from other couples and discover: 

 - how to deal with unfulfilled longings
- the secret to keeping your husband's attention
- 10 keys to a happy marriage. 

Let this book help you realize God's highest good for your marriage! 

Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Christianaudio | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Audiobook Excerpt

 

Excerpt

Many couples I have talked to will admit to having had a mediocre marriage—or even a bad one—until one of them determined to stop comparing their spouse to the person they wished he or she would be. In so doing, their newfound habit of thinking positive thoughts spilled over into affirming words and kind service to their spouse. More often than not, the actions of one spouse not only turned the marriage around, but in many instances even saved the marriage.

 

Also Available

---

About the Author

Rhonda Stoppe captivates audiences with her honest, relatable, and biblically grounded teaching. As a bestselling author of seven books and the host of the awarded podcast "Old Ladies Know Stuff," she has a powerful voice in the realms of family and faith. Rhonda is a sought-after speaker, appearing on national and international TV and radio, and is known for her engaging presentations at women's events, homeschool conferences and MC for events like the Legacy Grandparenting Summit. Her episode on Moms Raising Sons at Focus on the Family was recognized in their "Best of Episodes." With nearly 40 years of ministry alongside her pastor husband, Rhonda understands the complexities of balancing marriage, parenting, ministry, and homeschooling. The Stoppes are proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to fifteen.

Connect with Rhonda by visiting NoRegretsWoman.com to follow her on social media, receive a free gift, and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a downloadable resources bundle which includes A Christian Woman's Guide to Great Sex in Marriage by Rhonda Stoppe (audiobook), The Marriage Money Myth - Does More Money Really Mean Less Stress? by Steve & Rhonda Stoppe (ebook), and Your Marriage Can Survive Toddlers & Teens with Rhonda Stoppe (video)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 21, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Squire of Truth
Series: Blood of Kings: Legends #1
Author: Jill Williamson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Genre: Medieval Fantasy

Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage. 

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future. 

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Blood of Kings: Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book:4: Heir of Light

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Sunrise Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

“Mistel!”

She jerked at the bite in that voice. On her left, Osrik Nath pushed through the crowd.

Thunder and rats! That man would be the death of her. Which was exactly why she kept avoiding him. At least this time she saw no sign of Lander Gysel at his side.

She was about to run when a familiar young man stepped out from between a fruit vendor and someone selling spices. He wore plain clothes and held a lute under one arm, but there was no mistaking those freckles. They gave him a friendly demeanor, and his short brown hair seemed so overly average that it was completely endearing. He had an athletic build and stood only a few inches taller than her.

“Cole!” Mistel thrust her hand into the air, waving as if she knew him.

As she approached, his gaze settled on her. He had kind and expressive hazel eyes. A moment of recognition passed across his face, then confusion wrinkled his brow.

She linked her arm with his free one. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Surely the squire to the Crown Prince of Er’Rets would help her. And if she played her cards right, he might even buy her dinner too.

 

More Books in This Series

---

About the Author

Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. She grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn't go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com, which has been named as one of Writer’s Digest’s “101 Best Websites for Writers.” She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill by visiting jillwilliamson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Squire of Truth & a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 13, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 20, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Just Add Mistletoe by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

She’ll do anything to stay invisible to the male eye. But he can’t seem to notice anyone else.

Lori loves the holidays, and if her holiday store isn’t a huge indicator, she dresses for each season. It makes her happy, and no man, so far, has been interested in her idiosyncrasies. But that doesn’t matter since she’s sworn off dating because of a series of flops. She’s more than content, or at least that’s what she thinks, until Malcom moves across the street from her. Literally. In a construction lot where he’s taken up residence in a trailer.

Lori decides his housing choices are none of her business—but the two keep crossing paths and discover they have plenty in common. And all the things they are opposite in only add fuel to her attraction. Besides, he’s not put off by her broomstick earrings, autumn leaf sweaters, or mistletoe hairband. The only catch is that he’s also sworn off dating. One of them will have to cave first.

My Review

I love the Everly Falls series! It's easy to like the main characters, the small town vibe is sweet, and the drama in the plots are low-key yet hold my attention while the romance blossoms. (I think the first two should be read in order but the third and this fourth book can be read in any order). Just Add Mistletoe sounds like a Christmas themed book, but it encompasses Halloween and Thanksgiving too. It was fun to picture Lori with her holiday outfits and holiday store! Malcom's employment in town is controversial at the city council meetings, and Lori helps him navigate the small town politics. They both aren't interested in dating, but their friendship and attraction leads them to rethink that status... Another wonderful romance that I just didn't want to put down!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Everly Falls series . . .

 

 

 

Review: How to Raise a Happy Cat by Sophie Collins

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

How to Raise a Happy Cat focuses on the happiness to be found in the person/pet relationship and includes dozens of ideas for activities and hacks you can build into daily life with your pet, from spontaneous play and activities to making them the perfect sleep spot.

We know how important happiness is for ourselves but when it comes to pets, making sure they’re happy – as opposed to obedient, say – is often underrated. Yet there’s plenty of fresh science that shows that a happy, engaged pet is easy to live with and creates happiness in its owners, too.

How to Raise a Happy Cat shows what you can learn from your pet’s behavior and body language, offer a mass of practical ways to raise your pet’s happiness levels, and show you how to connect with them in the way they’ll love best.

Building on recent scientific developments into animal behavioral science, this book's methods aim to increase inter-species understanding and encouraging the behavior you do want, while discouraging the behavior you don’t.

Divided into 6 chapters, each of which contains plenty of easy-to-follow activities which owners can carry out themselves, this book will become an invaluable resource for building and strengthening the bond between human and cat.

Sections include: 

How you can get to know your cat better;
How to develop happiness in different areas, from exercising to playing; 

A guide to different stages in a cat’s life and at how to tailor activities to a kitten or to an ageing cat

Perfect for cat owners who want to get to know their feline friends as individuals, this indispensible book offers a new angle that gives owners lots of customized ideas for having fun with their pet, as well as explaining behaviours that they may have previously found baffling.

My Review

While this book is wordier than I anticipated, it reads as quickly and easily as a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. The sections are not overlong, yet cover a vast array of topics. It is a wonderful resource for cat owners to empathize with their pets and provide for their range of needs. I enjoyed perusing the book and learned new insight into my own cats and important information that will be invaluable in the future.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.