My Thoughts on Tyndale Rewards

Hey there, lovely bookish people! I'm going to share my thoughts on the program Tyndale Rewards, (which includes free books and if you sign up under me, you get 25 points toward those books), so please continue reading! *winks*

So, basically, you sign up for the program and do things for them to earn points. And points get you free books. You can take a survey, share about Tyndale Rewards on social media, review a Tyndale product, answer some questions about your bookish tastes ... and you earn from 5 to 25 points for each thing completed.

The book "prices" range from 65 to 280 points. (The average is about 75 points). So when you get enough points, pick which books you want, put in your mailing address, and you'll get them in a few weeks! ^_^

To choose from, there's Fiction, Nonfiction, Bibles, Ministry Resources, and more!

In the fiction section, currently, there are books from Jan Watson, DiAnn Mills, Rachelle Dekker, Allison Pittman, Jerry B. Jenkins, Cindy Thomson, Maureen Lang, Cathy Gohlke, and more!

I've been signed up with Tyndale Rewards for a few months now and have loved it! Because ... who doesn't like free books?? I certainly do! The ways to earn points have been interesting and fun. And quite simple!

So far, I've received paperback copies of Troublesome Creek by Jan Watson, Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke, All in Good Time by Maureen Lang, and just ordered Tattler's Branch by Jan Watson! Each of these books were either 65, 70, or 75 points.

Does this sound like something you'd be interested in? If so, you can sign up using this link: www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=gu4z-f3rz-1142-gqdq

You'll receive 25 points just for signing up, and I'll receive 10 if you use that link! *smiles*

Book Review: The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Purchase HERE

Title: The Lady and the Lionheart

Author: Joanne Bischof

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia. 

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

Just then a child in the row behind Ella cried out, “Look, Mama!”

Charlie, dressed in his center ring finery, strode into the arena, as strong and strapping as ever. Face powdered and painted with two jagged teardrops under his eyes, he walked with stoic authority, tall boots forging a fresh trail straight toward his audience. Ella didn’t know a single man could hush a packed house with no words, but…then there was Charlie Lionheart.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I could cry. I don't know when I've last read something so achingly beautiful ...

Is it possible to rate Joanne Bischof's books less than five stars? I don't know, because so far, I haven't been able to! She writes with such heart and depth! The Lady and the Lionheart was soul-touching, intriguing, painful, and utterly lovely. I can't even describe how I felt about that ending ... it was perfection! In fact, I was certain I was getting a glimpse of heaven on earth; with just a sprinkle of nostalgia.

Ella was darling. Charlie was wonderful. Holland was adorable. The story was crushing pain, thrilling hope, and raw beauty entwined together ... all set against the magical background of the early 1900s circus.

The setting was intriguing, with gypsies, lions, circus tents, mystery, and not to mention, the dashing lion trainer with a twinkle in his eyes. I was captivated - this book almost has a magical feel. Whimsical, at least. It was fantastic, and set your heart aflutter. It was also dark and hurtful. Our two lovable POV character both have haunted and extremely painful pasts. Some parts of The Lady and the Lionheart were a little hard to read, so terrible it was. But in this book - slowly - comes hope and healing and laughter. It was such a beautiful journey, that's all I can really say! And can I just mention how much I love how Joanne Bischof expounded a little on one of the secondary character's life? The character is a broken woman ... only mentioned about twice ... you'll know who she is. She plays a bit of a bigger part in the end of the book, and I simply loved it so much. Brought tears to my eyes.

The Lady and the Lionheart is written with such emotional depth. Joanne Bischof talks a little bit more about the story ... the inspiration for it, and the symbolism behind Charlie Lionheart's character ... and I so appreciated that! I might have cried there too, even though it wasn't part of the actual novel. Well done, Joanne Bischof! This was such a touching story!

The romance was incredible, by the way. So many moments! Charlie. Ella. Ah, I can't even. You have have to read it for yourself.

There were so many parts worthy of tears, and such a deep, soul-felt tale, and such a perfect ending. People, I recommend you read this book! Be you historical-fiction lovers or not, you must pick it up! ^_^ The Lady and the Lionheart is written for adults, but I think older teens could enjoy it as well. I must repeat myself - it's a simply beautiful story.

Book Review: For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

Purchase HERE

Title: For Love and Honor

Author: Jody Hedlund

Series: An Uncertain Choice #3

Genre: Historical

Audience: Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3 stars**

In the final installment of the AN UNCERTAIN CHOICE series by Jody Hedlund, we follow the stories of a girl, called Lady Sabine, with a secret blemish; and the last knight of this trilogy, Sir Bennet, who is being forced to take drastic measures in order to save his home and family. I enjoyed For Love and Honor. Medieval is always interesting - and this one has a fairy tale feel; you know, with knights and fair ladies and daring rescues. Bennet and Sabine had some fun banter, which was humorous and entertaining to read. Overall, it was a fast-paced and easy-to-read tale.

I, personally, am not always fond of the almost-instant love stories, which was definitely how For Love and Honor unfolded. And there were a couple other themes and things that just weren't to my taste. At the time I read it, I loved the first book in this series, An Uncertain Choice, but the last two haven't been for me so much.

That being said, this book still held a serious note and touched on some important topics/lessons. Those who enjoy a light, medieval, teen romance - though with some danger and gruesomeness - might want to pick up this series.

I received a copy of For Love and Honor from Booklookbloggers.com

Cover Candy Fun

Time for cover candy! Which ones are your favorites? I've not read by most of these authors (just Melissa Tagg and Mesu Andrews) ... have you? If so, what did you think?

To Win a Lady's Heart by Sian Ann Bessey

Published: November 1st, 2016

The False Prophet {Stonegate #2} by Harry James Fox

Published: January 15th, 2017

Tea Shop Folly by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Published: March 2nd, 2017

With Love, Wherever You Are by Dandi Daley Mackall

Published: March 7th, 2017

A Rose So Fair {Flowers of Eden #3} by Myra Johnson

Expected Publication: April 4th, 2017

Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart by Jennifer Moore

Expected Publication: April 2017

A Broken Kingdom {Order of the Moonstone #5} by JC Morrows

Expected Publication: May 2017

The Girl Who Could See by Kara Swanson

Expected Publication: June 1st, 2017

Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson

Expected Publication: June 13th, 2017

All This Time {Walker Family #3} by Melissa Tagg

Expected Publication: August 2017

Loving Luther by Allison Pittman

Expected Publication: September 1st, 2017

Before She Ignites {Fallen Isles Trilogy #1} by Jodi Meadows

Expected Publication: September 26th, 2017

Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Expected Publication: October 3rd, 2017

Love Held Captive {A Lone Star Hero's Love Story #3} by Shelley Shepard Gray

Expected Publication: October 10th, 2017

Masquerade by Kimberly A. Rogers

***

The Green Ember {The Green Ember #1} by S.D. Smith

Published: December 12th, 2014

The Black Star of Kingston {The Green Ember #0.5} by S.D. Smith

Published: July 13th, 2015

Ember Falls {The Green Ember #2} by S.D. Grimm

Published: September 13th, 2016

Book Sale #2!

So, since my book sale of last year(?), I've added seven new books to the list of books I'm needing to part with! *winks*

If you're interested in any of the books featured below, please comment and let me know! I'm selling them for about $6 each, FREE shipping. Paypal works for a payment method.

I use bubble-wrap envelopes to ship. If you buy a bunch of books, I'll box them up and ship via media mail - and shipping will be cheaper for me, so I can probably give you a better deal.

If you think your friends would like any of these books, let them know about this sale! I would really like all these books to go!

Email me at: swordmaidenofthelight (at) gmail (dot) com

My Youtube video is causing problems here on the blog, so you watch it directly on Youtube.com ...here's a link: BOOK UNHAUL/SALE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zft18iSL8nI&t=59s

***NOTE: Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun and Remnants: Season of Glory by Lisa T. Bergren have already sold***

Books Not Featured in Video:

Swift by R.J. Anderson - Good Condition (there's a mark on the front cover & some creasing. Pages all intact and clean.)

Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt - Very Good Condition

The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson - Very Good Condition

The Tag of Happiness ... Once Again

Hey all! Going to be doing another tag today. So I was tagged by Emily @ Living Through Jesus for The Tag of Happiness! I've already done this tag, but that was awhile ago ... so why not do it again? *smiles* Thank you, Emily, for tagging me!

Some movies that make me happy

The Magic of Ordinary Days // The Sound of Music // Love's Enduring Promise // Princess Cut // Felicity: An American Girl Adventure // Mom's Night Out // Big Hero 6

Some books that make me happy

Buttermilk Sky by Jan Watson // Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl // Roses for Mama by Janette Oke  // Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson // Samara's Peril by Jaye L. Knight // Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz // Entwined by Heather Dixon // Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls // Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton // Ashburn by Julia Erickson // Millie's Grand Adventure by Martha Finley (Kersten Hamilton) // Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna // The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

Some songs that make me happy

"Good Fight" by Unspoken // "Sparrows" by Jason Gray // "When You Say Nothing At All" by Allison Krauss // "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective // "Trust in You" by Lauren Daigle // "Words" by Hawk Nelson // "Children of the Living God" by Fernando Ortega // "Fireflies" by Jessa Anderson

Some foods that make me happy

Sweet Potato Fries // Fruit Smoothie // Chocolate // Banana Pancakes // Wacky Cake // Mangoes // Beef Stew // Chocolate Oatmeal // Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Some words that make me happy

Jesus // Redeemed // Chosen // Exquisite // New // Darling // Hope // Bookish // Passion // Heaven // Life // Friendship // Pure // Imagine // Inspire // Incandescently // Joy

Some other things that make me happy

Chick-fil-A // People // Books // BookTube Channels // Conversation // Laughter // Bookshelves // Baby Snuggles // Connecting

***

There you have it! ^_^ As for tagging, I tag anyone who wants to do this tag! Leave me the link to your "Tag of Happiness" post in the comments below so I can read it!