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Review: Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
October 28, 2021
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 384
Length: 11 hrs, 5 mins
ISBN: 9780800738433
Publication Date: June 1st, 2021
About the Book:
The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.William Durham, a valiant knight, comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.
My Thoughts:
Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite romantic authors. Her leading men are completely swoon worthy, her heroines are strong but not overbearing, and the settings transport you through time.
Come Back to Me had all of these fabulous traits, but we got a split time book with an amazing idea of time travel thrown in.
Marian is a woman who is very science based and minded. She grew up in church, has had faith, but it has fallen back on her priority list. Her main desire is to find a way to help her sick sister. Her sister is battling an illness that their mother died from and she has lost her father to his science researching in finding the cure. With all of this, Marian is a woman who feels alone, but whole in her job. However, he world is thrown upside down with one phone call and she rushes off to England to try to save her dad, who is now in a coma with no known causes for an illness.
Marian is thrown in to whirlwind trying to help her dad, trying to keep her sister from stress, and battling a strange man who is following her and determined to steal any and all information she may have on her dad's research. As she researches more, she sees what her father has been working on and realizes he has stumbled on something bigger then she could have ever imagined. Being the scientist she is, reading is never enough for her, so she has to try out her dad's research.
It is during this, we are fully introduced to William. He is a knight, ready to battle, make sure his family is safe, and his lands are looked after, but he is also haunted over his past and his brother. Trying to find peace and happiness is hard. Protection of those he loves is the most important. When Marian is introduced into his life, he is taken a back by her beauty and also his desire to protect her. His desire to protect her makes his go a long away and he marries her, but he still doesn't know much about this woman, just that he knows her personality is demeanor is completely different to that of any other woman in his time.
Following William and Marian along this story is captivating. Not knowing where the story will take you or how it will play out. It left me wondering what was going to happen next.
Not to spoil anything, but the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for book 2!
I read this book as an audio book and I will say it took me a little bit to get adjusted to the narrator, but as the story progressed, I honestly couldn't have thought of a better narrator for this book. Her tone and style never distracted from the story. The pace was well done.
This was a fabulous book!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White with JustRead Publicity Tours! Follow along with the tour for a special inside peek at how The Number of Love is connected to the author's previous book from another series, A Song Unheard.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Number of Love
Series: Codebreakers #1
Author: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue
Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?
Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: A Song Unheard
Series: Shadows Over England #2
Author: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cipher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT
Willa Forsythe is a woman who is not only a woman who is refined with talent of playing the violin, she is also a women with street cred. Abandoned at a young age by her parents, with knowledge enough to read. She used what she could to get by and work her way to where she needed to go. She knew the wealthy life came with a high price and she didn't want to pay it. Working with the mystery Mr. V and thrown into the path with a devilish playboy Lukas De Wilde, Willa is brought to a place that makes her question many things that she thought she knew.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books...to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TOUR GIVEAWAY
Grand Prize: Shadows Over England series, The Number of Love, and the Decrypto board game, plus "Mi Alma" necklace (Necklace is 24" chain with a 1" pendant that says "Mi Alma" Spanish for "My Soul". A term of endearment used throughout the book. Handmade by Bookworm Mama)
(3) additional winners of The Number of Love.
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 3, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 17, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Review: Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin
April 11, 2019
Author: Kate Breslin
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780764217821
Publication Date: March 5th, 2019
About the Book:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer--a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead--he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France.My Thoughts:
But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.
That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.
Kate Breslin now has four stunning novels out to her name! I have yet to read a a book by her that I have not liked. There is a common theme in all of her novels, amazing research and an enticing story.
Far Side of the Sea was an amazing journey through Europe through WW1. The details of of the times, with fashion, medical care, war time life, and many other aspects really popped off the page. Colin and Jo were fabulous characters. Each were so different, but very realistic. They were flawed on the inside and out. They had pasts that followed. They had to navigate life as it was now. They had many discoveries that needed to be made and fears to face.
Spies, intrigue, mystery, secrets, journal entries, romance, and the unknown were brought to the fore front of this story and all wove together to bring such a fabulous book to enjoy. At times I wondered where this story was going to go, how is this going to work out, did that character really just do that? But, Kate has a wonderful talent in fleshing out every aspect of the story, and not leaving any questions.
This was a fabulous read!
I did go and download the audio-book as well (work gets in the way of fun sometimes). The narrator was fantastic! Oh my goodness. She was able to smoothly transition accents from character to character. She made the story so easy to follow and added another level to it. I was very impressed!
Whether you like to read a book or listen to an audio-book, you can't go wrong with either version.
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a honest review.
Review: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin
February 25, 2019
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780800727987
Publication Date: February 5th, 2019
About the Book:
Facing the past may be the most fearsome battle of his life.My Thoughts:
Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.
Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, arranging entertainment for the men of the 357th and setting up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.
Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near . . . and secrets can't stay buried forever.
Sarah Sundin is an author who knows her history. I know when I read one of her stories, I'm going to be transported back in time to a certain point in WW2. Her attention to detail is one I haven't really seen in this era. I've read other WW2 historical fictions, but Sarah Sundin stands out for me. Everything for the background, to the secondary characters, the equipment, to dress and hair, it all pops off of the pages.
The landing of Normandy is a time that has fascinated me. The strategy that went in to it. The strength and bravery that these men showed charging the beaches, it is a gripping and pivotal time of the war. Sarah Sundin was able to weave her characters into this back drop.
The story moved with fluidity. It just flowed for me. There was a couple of spots in the story that hit a snag, but it wasn't anything major and didn't take away from the story. This was a book that kept me turning the pages. Even though this was book 2 of the Sunrise at Normandy series, I was able to read this as a standalone....however, with all of Sarah's books, reading them all is a must.
War changes they the thoughts and ideas that people have. Violet and Alder show this. They have plans for other things, but War comes and Violet, it shifts what she thought she needed to do, into something where she offered hope to many others in another way. For Alder, war is a chance of an escape of sorts. Haunted by past issues, the war offered him away to try and do something else.
This was a story that captured me up and I can't wait to see what book Sarah will share with us next!
4 out of 5
About the Author:
Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.
Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review: In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson
January 31, 2019
Author: Abigail Wilson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780785223665
Publication Date:January 15th, 2019
About the Book:
From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a shadowy Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.My Thoughts:
Croft Towers holds more than its share of secrets . . . and Sybil is determined to uncover them all.
When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?
When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.
With murderers, smugglers, and spies on the loose, nothing—and no one—in Regency England is what they claim. Can Sybil even trust what she knows about herself?
Riveting and fun!
These are the two words that pop into my mind when I think of Abigail Wilson's debut novel. In the Shadow of Croft Towers and a feel of Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. The mix of the classes that Jane Austen wrote about, with the dark and mysterious feel of Charlotte Bonte. I loved Jane Eyre and I just completely fell into the this book.
Abigail was able to bring an interesting mix of characters and make each of them pop in there own way off of the pages. Sybil, a woman trying to uncover the mystery of her parentage. Mr. Sinclair, a man of many talents and secrets. Mrs. Chalcroft, a frail, but very shrewd woman with a towers worth of secrets behind her.
These characters played so well off of each other.
The setting of this story is cold and dreary. It adds to the mystery and suspense of the story. the towers were their own character, like the house in Downton Abbey was. The uniqueness of the location really helped give it an eerie feel.
The mysteries in this book kept coming. Right when I think I have it figured out, another was thrown out there and threw me off the trail and thinking where this would lead me next.
The writing was fun and submissive.
I also downloaded this book in the audio. It was so fun to listen to this book. The narrator's English accent really added another depth when listening.
This book was right up my alley! I honestly can't wait to read Abigail's next book.
This was a fabulous debut!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Thank you to the publisher and Just Read Tours, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review: A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz
January 25, 2019
Author: Laura Frantz
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780800726645
Publication Date: January 1st, 2019
About the Book:
Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning—together.My Thoughts:
Stunning! Absolutely stunning!
That is really the only way I can think to describe this story. That and too short! I wanted it to go on even longer. I know it was about 400 pages or 11 1/2 hours of recordings, but the story seemed to fly by!
Lark and Magnus were both very strong and well built characters. Raised close to each other, but so very different at the same time. They both held strong faith even in the most desperate of times.
Before I get into all of that, I need to focus on the beautiful detail that Laura Frantz brought forth with her impeccable research and beautifully written description of each place that the characters went to. She brings you into the story and locations. This book brought us to so many places and it just captured you up in every sense.
The characters were great and so fleshed out.
Lark was a girl who had a very rich history behind her family, but she now lives in small croft house with her Grannie. She is content to be the her little island's healer and herbalist. She knows what helps people and like to help them. She is content with her life and knowing she is a spinster.
Magnus is a a man who was raised to rule over his island and help his people. He's married to a woman who doesn't like the island and is desperate to just have a baby. His life is grand and sad all at the same time.
Lark and Magnus had their lives intertwined through their whole lives and this story keeps them with weaving in an out. Decisions, deceptions, anger, and forgiveness drives theses characters to so many places.
I absolutely loved this book. If there was a sequel, I wouldn't be sad!
The audio-book of this story was just wonderful. The narrator was able to keep my attention and add another level to the story. I also loved the bagpipes at the beginning and the close.
This is a story I can't recommend enough for reading or listening!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.
Thank you to publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander
August 13, 2018
Author: Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 471
ISBN: 9780764206238
Publication Date: March 25th, 2014
About the Book:
Pink is not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight.My Thoughts:
Plain, practical Eleanor Braddock knows she will never marry, but with a dying soldier's last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America--and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path--building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.
Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows' and children's home run contrary to Eleanor's wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.
I'm kind of reading this series in reverse, but thankfully, it works. I started with the last book in the series first, A Note Yet Unsung. Even though these books are in order, they can still work as a stand-alone.
Tamera Alexander brings post Civil War Nashville to life in this 2nd installment of the Bellemont Mansion series. There is very intricate detail to the historical facts that pop off of the page. The characters are very well fleshed out. Along with those two very important things, she has very real issues for these characters to face.
Elanor Braddock is a woman, who is now a spinster at her age. She is considered plain, and is now poor woman, who must rely on extended family to get by. She must also worry about and care for her fathers failing mental health. There wasn't a lot of knowledge of dementia and other mental issues at the time, but with the portrayal that Tamera showed, I would hope it was like it. It was heart breaking to read about, but the love that Elanor showed was hopeful and the staff she had to rely on, you routed for best outcome possible, even though with how it is today, you already know how it is.
It was a tough subject, but it was an amazing topic to be touched on.
Marcus has been added to my dream hero list. He was one who even though had a rough past, wants to change from it. He doesn't want to follow in his family footsteps. And what a family he has! The mystery and intrigue behind them kept me wanting to read more.
Marcus and Elanor I thought were the perfect balance to each other. They came from different backgrounds, but their passions were similar. Elanor was a woman who had very giving heart and seeing what all she was willing to give up to help made me think and ask, what could I do. Even though fictional, she was an inspiring character. Her desire for those around her was fantastic to read about.
I can't wait to read the first book from this series and see all the pieces. I also can't wait to go and search out even more books by Tamera Alexander. She is an author who has moved to my favorites list.
5 out of 5
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