Some Cover Pretties

Y'all, check out these absolutely gorgeous book covers! I'm just loving all the pretty dresses. ^_^

*singsong voice begins* Which one is your favorite? Which book are you most looking forward to reading?

Sword of the Matchmaker {Winds of Change #1.5} by Debbie Lynne Costello

Published: April 28th, 2017 (Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications)

Shattered Memories {Charleston Earthquake #1} by Debbie Lynne Costello

Published: August 2017 (Wakefield Press)

The Rose and the Briar {Faraway Castle #3} by J.M. Stengl

Expected Publication: 2018 (Rooglewood Press)

Temporary Bride by Linda Ford

Published: March 1st, 2018 (Crocus Mountain Publishing)

We'll Meet Again {The Mulligan Sisters #4} by Melody Carlson

Published: April 15th, 2018 (WhiteFire Publishing)

The Perfect Bride {Winds of Change} by Debbie Lynne Costello

Published: April 18th, 2018 (Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications)

Jane by the Book by Pepper Basham

Published: July 2018

Spice Bringer by H.L. Burke

Expected Publication: August 28th, 2018 (Uncommon Universe Press)

A Crown of Snow and Ice: A Retelling of the Snow Queen by Melanie Cellier

Expected Publication: August 2018

Discerned {Allegiance #4} by Sarah Addison-Fox

Expected Publication: August 2018

Magnolia Summer {Southern Seasons #1} by Melanie Dickerson

Expected Publication: September 5th, 2018 (GraceFaith Press)

Night of the Opera {An American Heiress #1} by Stacy Henrie

Expected Publication: October 16th 2018 (Mirror Press)

True Nobility {The Saberton Legacy #1} by Lori Bates Wright

Expected Publication: October 2018 (SierraVista Books)

The Making of Mrs. Hale {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3} by Carolyn Miller

Expected Publication: November 27th, 2018 (Kregel Publications) 

Bitter Winter {Ilyon Chronicles #5} by Jaye L. Knight

Expected Publication: 2018 (Living Sword Publishing)

Lacy {Ilyon Chronicles #5.5} by Jaye L. Knight

Expected Publication: 2018 (Living Sword Publishing)

The Seamstress by Allison Pittman

Expected Publication: February 5th, 2019 (Tyndale House Publishers)

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Expected Publication: February 5th, 2019 (Thomas Nelson Publishing)

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

Expected Publication: March 5th, 2019 (Waterbrook Press)

How the Light Gets In by Jolina Petersheim

Expected Publication: March 5th, 2019 (Tyndale House Publishers)

The Governess of Penwythe Hall {Cornwall #1} by Sarah E. Ladd

Expected Publication: April 16th, 2019 (Thomas Nelson Publishing)

Book Review: Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson

Purchase HERE

Title: Engraved on the Heart

Author: Tara Johnson

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Reluctant debutante Keziah Montgomery lives beneath the weighty expectations of her staunch Confederate family, forced to keep her epilepsy secret for fear of a scandal. As the tensions of the Civil War arrive on their doorstep in Savannah, Keziah sees little cause for balls and courting. Despite her discomfort, she cannot imagine an escape from her familial confines―until her old schoolmate Micah shows her a life-changing truth that sets her feet on a new path ... as a conductor in the Underground Railroad.

Dr. Micah Greyson never hesitates to answer the call of duty, no matter how dangerous, until the enchanting Keziah walks back into his life and turns his well-ordered plans upside down. Torn between the life he has always known in Savannah and the fight for abolition, Micah struggles to discern God’s plan amid such turbulent times.

Battling an angry fiancé, a war-tattered brother, bounty hunters, and their own personal demons, Keziah and Micah must decide if true love is worth the price ... and if they are strong enough to survive the unyielding pain of war.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

I have definitely found a new author to watch! My first time reading by Tara Johnson was worth it ... Engraved on the Heart was an exciting story with depth and heart.

Set during America's Civil War, it follows the life of Keziah Montgomery, a young woman belonging to a staunchly Confederate family and suffering through seizures. She unexpectedly meets up with a childhood schoolmate, unaware that he's haunted by his father's legacy and a shocking secret. Both get caught up in dangerous endeavors and uncertain matters of the heart.

So I really enjoyed this book. I found it easy to read, though the writing style was a little different than what I'm used to. In some ways, it felt like we didn't delve quite as deep into the story and the characters' lives and personalities, but, in any case, I quite liked Keziah and Micah, and the rest of the people who made up this novel. There was adventure, danger, sweet romance, and unexpected twists.

I usually enjoy stories set during the Civil War, and Engraved on the Heart didn't disappoint. Also, a big theme of this book was slavery and the Underground Railroad which I found to be both intriguing and utterly heart-wrenching.

Not only that, but the faith theme was simply beautiful. So powerful and emotional! I found myself crying near the end of the book, so poignant and soul-touching it was. Engraved on the Heart is truly an example of how romance novels can shine God's light and share His love.

There definitely was a lot of emotion in this book. So many moments! And a tender love story. And a dangerous, raw, but ultimately victorious, journey. For those who enjoy historical fiction, especially set during American wars, you must check out Engraved on the Heart!

I received a copy of Engraved on the Heart from Tyndale Publishers blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

Baby Name Challenge/Tag

Hi, all! Sorry I've been so absent lately! It's just been busy. *tired sigh* Between working full-time, plus volunteering at VBS in the evenings all of last week, I'm just feeling exhausted. It's Sunday afternoon as I write this, and I am not ready for work again in the morning.

Anyway! Today I'm doing the Baby Name Challenge/Tag, because I was tagged by the lovely LaKaysha @ Calico and Lace!

The Rules:

Answer the Questions

Tag Three Friends to do the Same

1. What are your favorite boy & girl name from the top 100 of the year?

I'm going to go with Eliana for a girl, and Isaiah for a boy.

2. What are your least favorite boys and girls name from the top 100 of the year?

Sebastian and Paisley

3. If you had twins, what would you name them?

Lacey and Lizabeth (girls)
Bennett and Luke (boys)
Jayden and Jessalyn (boy and girl)

4. If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?

I do like my name, but if I had to change it I might change it to one of those lovely, old, traditional names such as Elizabeth or Olivia.

5. If you had four children, any sex, all with the same letter, what would their names be?

Okay, that was hard. I decided to go with names starting with the same letter as my name, and here's what I came up with: Sylas, Shanaya, Skyleigh, and Sheldon. (boy, girl, girl, boy)

6. What is your favorite animal inspired name?

Wren I guess?

7. What is your favorite color inspired name?

Jade

8. What are your top three favorite boys names?

Isaiah
Micah
Kayden 

9. What are your top three favorite girls names?

Shaelyn
Delaney
Briella

10. What is your favorite month inspired name?

May

11. Choose a name from a movie.

Edmund, as in Edmund Pevensie from THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA!
Wenneveria, a young maiden in Pendragon: Sword of His Father

12. Choose a name that is already in your family.

Mary (great-grandma, grandma, mom, me)
Adelyn (cousin)

William (cousin)
Henry (cousin)

13. Choose a name from a book

Eden, from Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz. I think it's a sweet and unique name for a girl.

Liam from THE ILYON CHRONICLES by Jaye L. Knight.

***

So there's that! I hope you all enjoy. Comment with your thoughts! LaKaysha, thank you for tagging me! It was quite fun. ^_^

I Tag:

Deborah O'Carroll
Victoria
Amanda

Book Review: King's War by Jill Williamson

Purchase HERE

Title: King's War

Author: Jill Williamson

Series: The Kinsman Chronicles #3

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

One battle is over, but the war has just begun. They escaped the Five Realms and have found a home, but peace is much harder to find. The aftermath of the Battle of Sarikar should have been a time to mourn those lost in the slaughter. The enemies of Armania are many, however, and when one steps back to regroup, another surges forward in attack.

While the remnant must take responsibility for the evil they brought to Er'Rets, it would seem that something just as dark already existed in this new world. The growing struggle between Armania and Barthel Rogedoth is but a pale reflection of a far more dangerous battle for the souls of humanity.

And so begins this awe-inspiring conclusion to Jill Williamson's Kinsman Chronicles. The Hadar family and their allies prepare to make one final stand in the name of Arman. There shall be war - in Er'Rets and in the Veil - to vanquish evil or be ruled by darkness.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**not rated**

King's War is the third and final installment to Jill Williamson's THE KINSMAN CHRONICLES. Although I loved the first two books, I'm unsure of how I feel about the conclusion to the epic fantasy series.

Jill Williamson did an awesome job of worldbuilding, crafting these characters, and plotting out a massive and intricate storyline. But King's War was a slow read for me. For the most part, it was enjoyable, as it didn't take me too terribly long to finish all 672 pages; but it felt like nothing new and exciting happened. Granted, there were some big and intense going-ons ... yet it wasn't quite the conclusion I'd expected.

Nevertheless, it was good to be reunited with Trevn, Mielle, and the rest of the large cast of characters. Well, there were a few nasty ones I wasn't particularly overjoyed to see, but ... yes. (ha.)

I found the spiritual realm/faith allegory to be interesting and thought-provoking. In some ways, King's War is just very fantastical, but in other ways I think it can give us an idea of what goes on in the spiritual realm. Our enemy isn't flesh and blood! The characters in this story had to realize that, and I found it to be a compelling part of this journey.

The ending was both sobering and nice, and it was cool to think of how years later Achan (from THE BLOOD OF KINGS series) would come along and a whole new epic journey would begin.

Overall, I don't know what to rate this book, but I'm glad I read it and finished the series!

I received a copy of King's War from the author and/or Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Double Fourth of July Cover Reveal from Jaye L. Knight!

Hey, friends! Happy Independence Day! (To my American readers.) I hope you have a beautiful 4th of July celebration with family and friends ... maybe go see some fireworks ... and just celebrate America and remember the brave souls who fought for this country and bought our freedom.

Today I want to help reveal two amazing new book covers from one of my favorite authors, Jaye L. Knight! They even go along with the red-white-and-blue theme! *winks*

So, without further ado, see what's coming next in the awesome fantasy series, ILYON CHRONICLES ...

Bitter Winter {Ilyon Chronicles #5} by Jaye L. Knight

Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country.

Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.

Lacy {Ilyon Chronicles #5.5} by Jaye L. Knight

The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.

When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.

Ilyon Chronicles Novella

~~~

*squeals* What do y'all think?? Are they not gorgeous? And the stories they hold! I'm so, so, so excited! I'm actually currently beta-reading Bitter Winter. I haven't gotten far, because I have other "review books" to work through as well, but it's been so good thus far!

Comment with your thoughts and fangirling! *grins*

Book Review: Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Purchase HERE

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Author: Joanne Bischof

Series: Blackbird Mountain #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

This ... this is perhaps the most beautiful book that I've read by Joanne Bischof thus far. How does she pen such lovely and tangible and heartfelt stories? Sons of Blackbird Mountain was an absolute delight, as I was sure it would be when I requested to review it! I'm certain I will never turn down a novel by this author. ^_^

In the Appalachian hills, on a three-hundred-acre farm, we venture with Aven Norgaard to meet three brothers. The oldest is a steady and compassionate presence. The middle brother is deaf, but has so much heart and aspirations despite his silence. The youngest is the blue-eyed charmer; rash and wild.

Amidst trials and tempests rising, young, widowed Aven learns to love these brothers, take her place in this new land, and hope anew.

These characters were amazing. Aven. Jorgan. Thorald. Haaken. Ida. Fay. And many more. As well as the setting. The storyline. The emotion ... it was thick and real and so deep. I was moved, more than once. So many beautiful thoughts within the pages of Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I loved the little bits of wisdom shared on marriage, love, and life. I love how masculine Joanne's male characters are, and how feminine her female characters are! I feel like she portrays God's design for womanhood, manhood, and marriage so simply yet gorgeously in this book. Her writing is incredible - something about it just draws me in time and time again. She not only brings these people and this story to life, but small moments - I feel them so keenly. I become lost in her books!

I love, love, loved how achingly sweet and slow and quiet the love story was. I have no words. You must read it for yourself.

And Thor. He was a character I came to quite adore. His struggle. His personality. His strength. His tenderness. But truth be told, his brothers impressed themselves on my heart as well. And Aven, too!

This story was sweet, tender, and summer-y ... as well as deep, intense, and heartbreaking. So many moments. Lessons learned. Victories. Hopes. So much more to come! I can hardly wait to read the second book in this series!

Faith. Romance. Heartache. Hope. Family. Joanne Bischof writes historical fiction that is absolutely not to be missed!

I received a copy of Sons of Blackbird Mountain from BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my honest review.