Book Review: Until the Mountains Fall by Connliyn Cossette

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Title: Until the Mountains Falls

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Cities of Refuge #3

Genre: Biblical Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Until the Mountains Fall was a bittersweet continuation to the CITIES OF REFUGE series by Connilyn Cossette. I think it's my favorite book of the series! It was exciting to travel back to these Biblical times and reunite with characters from previous books ... Moriyah, Sofea, and so on. It's so interesting to glimpse what the Israelites' lives might have looked like as Joshua led them to settle in the Promised Land.

Rivkah was a different kind of character. Living in a city of refuge and betrothed to the son of an accidental killer, she is straining against the things that she feels hold her back. I found this whole storyline to be unique from many books with just a little twist in how everything turns out. Rivkah isn't a perfect characters and she certainly isn't always right. Watching her path to redemption was compelling.

Malakhi definitely had some character growth throughout the course of the book, too, and that was great! I really enjoyed these characters and the different dynamics of the story. While this story is set in the Old Testament ... it also is based on a parable from the New Testament! Which was really neat and heartfelt.

There were some emotional moments ... especially the one at the end for one of our dear characters!

Overall, an exciting read. Though I felt like the first two books in the serious were a little too heavily-focused on romance/attraction, this one was better in my personal opinion. And I look forward to reading Like Flames in the Night!

I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Falls from the author/publisher. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

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Title: The Number of Love

Author: Roseanna M. White

Series: The Codebreakers #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Roseanna M. White is a fantastic writer. Her latest novel, The Number of Love, starts a brand new series set during the Great War ... and actually focuses on a secondary character from her last series!

If you read A Song Unheard (SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND #2), you met the brilliant, young Margot De Wilde. I don't know if she intrigued you, but she did me! It was so exciting to dive into her personal story in the first book of THE CODEBREAKERS. She is now seventeen years of age and spends her days deciphering messages and breaking codes. Throw in a brave field agent named Drake, spies, emotional drama, and a journey of faith, and you have a superb historical novel.

Margot was such a fascinating character to follow. Her brain just works so differently ... always thinking in numbers. She's spunky, but also sweet and unassuming, in a way. The way she approaches people, friendship, romance, even God, is very interesting. I loved watching her grow. I loved seeing her faith expand. I loved the way she fell in love. At some points, I worried that The Number of Love would push that feminist rhetoric, saying stuff about how being a wife and a mother is such a drudge, and why do they force that on women, and Margot was made for more than that!! But I think that it actually turned out quite beautiful and sweet, and cherished Biblical womanhood.

This author does really well with historical detail and setting. It was intriguing learning more about World War I, and also going undercover with the spies and breaking enemy codes! So cool! Action, drama, intrigue ... this book has it all! Again, I loved the faith theme - it was heartfelt. And that romance was just so tender and adorable and fun! Drake Elton was definitely a great character. And also his sweet sister! It was great seeing characters from other books, as well.

Truly, a unique, exciting, and thoughtful novel. I loved it! So looking forward to Book Two!

I received a complimentary copy of The Number of Love from the author/publisher. This review is honest and all my own.

***

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. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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Book Review: The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

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Title: The King's Mercy

Author: Lori Benton

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy - exile to the Colony of North Carolina - he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves - and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Lori Benton pens another riveting tale, filled with love, loss, darkness, danger, and faith. This author is one of those authors whose books you know will be a rich historical adventure. And in the 1700s, no less! One of my favorite eras! Her novels never disappoint.

In The King's Mercy we meet a Scotsman named Alex MacKinnon who has been exiled to the colony of North Carolina. Mistress of the plantation he's to be an indentured servant on, is a young woman named Joanna. While he's plotting escape, she's burdened heavily by the life her stepfather is adamant that they live.

Lori Benton's stories often have a heavy undertone to them, and The King's Mercy was no different. Although there were sweet friendship moments, a tender love story, and awe-inspiring acts of faith, this book also highlighted the heart-wrenching happenings in the lives of the slaves on Severn Plantation, as well as unfolded the story of a particularly disturbing villain. Sometimes I wanted to scream in frustration at a certain character! Other times I was sick to my stomach as a vile mystery unfolded. Yet, nonetheless, it was incredible. And when the darkness was cleared away, the beauty shone so radiantly! I loved following all the threads of this story ... with Alex, Joanna, little sister Charlotte, a slave girl named Jemma, and a Christ-filled minister named Reverend Pauling.

While the story mostly takes place on Severn Plantation, there are some intriguing surprises and twists in store ... that put me in the mind of Lori Benton's previous books! The King's Mercy truly is a masterful tale. I loved the faith theme so very much. It was raw and real and permeated the entire book. There were some amazing moments! I so appreciate how this author unashamedly shares her faith in her works of fiction. It is beautiful. And it makes the story so much more meaningful and relatable and beautiful for me!

There are definitely some mature elements in this book. Fornication, rape, and child abuse are discussed, though not in explicit detail.

Overall, another stunning historical fiction novel from Lori Benton. I eagerly look forward to her next book.

I received a advanced reader copy of The King's Mercy from WaterBrook and Multnomah. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

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Title: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Series: Cornwall #1

Genre: Regency Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall ... back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Lovely! I've read by Sarah E. Ladd before, and just had to pick up her latest novel because of the gorgeous cover! I'm happy to say that the story did not disappoint. Book One in the CORNWALL series, The Governess of Penwythe Hall pulls us into early 1800s, England, and Cordelia Graythorne's life. I love stories set during the Regency era, and this one was well-done. It's centered around a governess with a troubled past and a handful of dear, orphaned children, which I came to love. Plus Jac, who is quite nice, as well. *winks and smiles* It has a good amount of mystery/suspense, a warm faith theme, and sweet romance. This book definitely wasn't heavy on the romance ... and didn't have any steamy romance scenes - which is always a breath of fresh air. I love a good romance, but it has to be done right! Sarah E. Ladd unfolded this love story quite charmingly.

Overall, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is about family, faith, and finding freedom from dark pasts. It was enjoyable to read! For fans of Regency tales, I would certainly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall from BookLookBloggers program. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller

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Title: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

Author: Carolyn Miller

Series: Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1

Genre: Historical (Regency Romance)

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society - and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her - and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected - especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences - or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Carolyn Miller is a writer of unique and heartfelt regency romance novels. I'm quite a fan of this historical era, so it was a delight to discover these books! A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh was such an enjoyable read, and I so look forward to delving into the next two books in the REGENCY BRIDES: DAUGHTERS OF AYNSLEY series.

This story is about Caroline, the eldest daughter of Viscount Aynsley. Tying into Carolyn Miller's most recent series, REGENCY BRIDES: A PROMISE OF HOPE (Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, & The Making of Mrs. Hale), this book follows Caroline as she goes to stay with her grandmama in Devon as to sidestep possible scandal. There she meets a mysterious couple, gets involved in some scientific escapades, and is forced to confront her own selfishness and lack of faith. What does she believe about God?

I really liked the faith theme in this book, how it was woven so deep into the story. Caroline's journey to Jesus Christ was honest and profound, and brought tears to my eyes. It's not often you see a genuine coming to faith in fiction these days, so I very much value that aspect of this author's work.

There was excitement, drama, danger, tenderness, and a lovely thoughtful air about A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. Gideon Kirby's interest in science and fossils lent a different aspect to this book than other regency romances. The love story was very sweet and clean. I loved getting a glimpse of characters from previous books, and also briefly meeting Caroline's younger sisters, Cecilia and Verity. So excited to read their tales!

My caution is that there are some difficult topics raised, so be careful if you're a sensitive reader. Abuse and abortion are mentioned, and there was one or two scenes of violence. (view spoiler)

Overall, a very lovely Christian historical novel set during the early 1800s. As always with Carolyn Miller, I look forward to reading more.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh from Kregel publications through their blogger program. This review is honest and completely my own.

Book Review: A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

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Title: A Silken Thread

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Romance

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life - even with so little to offer?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3 stars**

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a fairly quick, entertaining read. Set not long after the end of the American Civil War, it follows eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard and three young men, Willie Sharp, Quincy Tate, and Langdon Rochester during the International Cotton Exposition. Each have their own goals and dreams, and each will have to find their way during a tumultuous time in history.

I have loved some of this author's novels, yet others have fallen a little flat for me, personally. A Silken Thread didn't reach my favorites list. It was interesting, and each of the characters had their part. But it took so long for some of the characters to make the right decision - it was kind of difficult. However, it was still a good story. And there were some very poignant moments that stirred my heart.

Some readers are sure to enjoy this simple, heartfelt tale of love and lessons learned.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Silken Thread from WaterBrook & Multnomah and all opinions expressed here are honest and completely my own.

All the Lovely Book Covers!

Time for another COVER LOVE post!

Comment below with YOUR FAVORITE BOOK COVER and WHICH BOOK YOU'RE MOST EXCITED TO READ.

Eternity Between Us by Stephenia H. McGee

Published: October 9th, 2018 by By The Vine Press

A Soft Breath of Wind {A Stray Drop of Blood #2} by Roseanna M. White

Published (new cover): November 2014 by WhiteFire Publishing

Mirrors and Pearls: A Retelling of Snow White {Fairytale Dragon Riders} by Lea Doue

Published: November 24th, 2018 by Butterwing Publishing

Finding Ever After: four fairytale-ish novellas by Pepper Basham, Rachel McMillan, Ashley Clark, and Betsy St. Amant

Published: February 14th 2019

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1} by Carolyn Miller

Expected Publication: March 19th, 2019 by Kregel Publications

The Tinderbox by Beverly Lewis

Expected Publication: April 2nd, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Charity's Burden {A Quaker Midwife Mystery #4} by Edith Maxwell

Expected Publication: April 8th, 2019 by Midnight Ink

The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli

Expected Publication: April 9th, 2019 by Hope Creek Publishers

The Lady and the Wish {Faraway Castle #4} by J.M. Stengl

Expected Publication: April 2019 by Rooglewood Press

Moments We Forget {Thatcher Sisters #2} by Beth K. Vogt

Expected Publication: May 7th, 2019 by Tyndale House Publishers

Now, and Then, and Always {A Maple Valley Romance} by Melissa Tagg

Expected Publication: May 28th, 2019

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke

Expected Publication: June 4th, 2019 by Tyndale House Publishers

Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson

Expected Publication: July 1st, 2019 by Tyndale House Publishers

The Spice King {Hope and Glory #1} by Elizabeth Camden

Expected Publication: September 3rd, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

The Express Bride {Daughters of the Mayflower #9} by Kimberley Woodhouse

Expected Publication: July 1st, 2019 by Barbour Books

Diamond in the Rough {American Heiresses #2} by Jen Turano

Expected Publication: September 3rd, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

What Comes My Way {Brookstone Brides #3} by Tracie Peterson

Expected Publication: October 1st, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

A Distance Too Grand {American Wonders Collection #1} by Regina Scott

Expected Publication: October 1st, 2019 by Revell

Aiming for Love {Brides of Hope Mountain #1} by Mary Connealy

Expected Publication: October 1st, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Expected Publication: October 5th, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr

Expected Publication: November 5th, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

A Pursuit of Home {Haven Manor #3} by Kristi Ann Hunter

Expected Publication: November 5th, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

Expected Publication: December 3rd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright

Expected Publication: December 3rd, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

The Major's Daughter {Fort Reno #3} by Regina Jennings

Expected Publication: December 3rd, 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Painted Memories {Art of Love #2} by A.M. Heath

Expected Publication: Unknown

She Walks in Love {Protectors of the Spear} by MaryLu Tyndall

Expected Publication: Unknown