Between the Pages of this Bookish Life: March 2019

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Historical Romance Regency (1811-1820) Reads

Hello, my reader friends! Today I want to share with you a few novels that I've enjoyed. The genre? Historical Romance set during the regency era (1811-1820). If I recall correctly, each story is set somewhere in England. Think Jane Austen and all the loveliness! *heart eyes*

Also, most of these are Christian fiction, though a scant few are clean, secular fiction. Almost all are geared toward adults, some YA.

(A note on that: some of these books I read years ago and can't remember all the details content-wise. Sometimes even Christian-fiction can get a little edgy as I have lamented about in a couple blog posts [Does What I Read Honor God? and Sexy Christians], so exercise caution. Be intentional about what you read. And be obedient if you feel a check in your spirit.)

I hope you enjoy and find some lovely, new reads! ^_^

***

Melanie Dickerson

A fun, suspenseful romance series! I wouldn't say these made my favorites shelf, but this author does have lovely characters and entertaining tales.

A Spy's Devotion {The Regency Spies of London #1} by Melanie Dickerson

Read My Review

A Viscount's Proposal {The Regency Spies of London #2} by Melanie Dickerson

Read My Review

A Dangerous Engagement {The Regency Spies of London #3} by Melanie Dickerson

Read My Review

***

Julianne Donaldson

These two books are absolutely delightful, clean, darling romances. They are not classified as Christian fiction, and I think they might be YA. (Blackmoore did have a darker theme to it, actually, as I recall.)

Edenbrooke {A Proper Romance} by Julianne Donaldson

Read My Review

Blackmoore {A Proper Romance} by Julianne Donaldson

Read My Review

***

Camille Elliot

I've only read one book by this author (Prelude for a Lord), but was it ever delightful! Intriguing and unique! I hope to read some more regency romance from her!

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

Read My Review

The Spinster's Christmas {Lady Wynwood #1} by Camille Elliot

***

Kristi Ann Hunter

I've only read perhaps three of these, but enough to know that this author writes some thought-provoking and sweet regency tales! They have some danger and drama, and the faith theme is usually stirring.

A Lady of Esteem {Hawthorne House #0.5} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Noble Masquerade {Hawthorne House #1}

Read My Review

An Elegant Facade {Hawthorne House #2} by Kristi Ann Hunter

Read My Review

An Uncommon Courtship {Hawthorne House #3} by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Inconvenient Beauty {Hawthorne House #4} by Kristi Ann Hunter

Read My Review

A Search for Refuge {Haven Manor #0.5} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Defense of Honor {Haven Manor #1} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return of Devotion {Haven Manor #2} by Kristi Ann Hunter

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

***

Julie Klassen

This author writes absolutely phenomenal historical fiction. So rich and authentic-feeling! I have fallen in love with her novels. I believe she writes with subtle themes of faith. A note of caution: I have found a couple of her books to have some edgy romance scenes, in my opinion. I probably mention it in my reviews. Use your own discretion.

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

Read My Review

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Read My Review

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Read My Review

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Read My Review

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Read My Review

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill {Tales from Ivy Hill #1} by Julie Klassen

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage {Tales from Ivy Hill #2} by Julie Klassen

The Bride of Ivy Green {Tales from Ivy Hill #3} by Julie Klassen

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

***

Carolyn Miller

One of my favorite regency romance authors! She weaves such wonderful themes of faith into these clean, sweet love stories! They're unique, endearing, and adventurous.

The Elusive Miss Ellison {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1} by Carolyn Miller

The Captivating Lady Charlotte {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #2} by Carolyn Miller

Read My Review

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #3} by Carolyn Miller

Read My Review

Winning Miss Winthrop {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1} by Carolyn Miller

Miss Serena's Secret {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2} by Carolyn Miller

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

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

Read My Review

Underestimating Miss Cecilia {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2} by Carolyn Miller

Misleading Miss Verity {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #3} by Carolyn Miller

Friday, March 22, 2019

Book Review: Grown-Up Faith: The Big Picture for a Bigger Life by Kevin Myers

Purchase HERE

Title: Grown-Up Faith: The Big Picture for a Bigger Life

Author: Kevin Myers (with Charlie Wetzel)

Genre: Christian Living/Nonfiction

Audience: Adult/Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Why isn't life everything we expected it to be? And why doesn't our faith resolve our frustrations and problems?

Kevin Myers, the founding pastor of 12Stone Church, a congregation of more than 30,000 active attenders near Atlanta, believes the reason we don't experience a transformed life is that we fail to grow up spiritually. We focus on developing physically, intellectually, emotionally, and financially, yet our faith remains immature and anemic.

In this powerful new book, Myers offers a deep yet simple roadmap to a grown-up faith through understanding the whole context of the Bible, developing spiritual intimacy with God, and gratefully embracing holy obedience.

As you understand the Bible and the big picture of God's story with humanity, you begin to find answers to life's most compelling questions. As you begin to understand God more, your longing and ability to experience spiritual intimacy with him increases, as does your desire to obey what God asks of you and your ability to follow through. This is the way to the bigger life, a life even better than you expected - or even dreamed possible.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

This was a super fabulous read! Grown-Up Faith: The Big Picture for a Bigger Life by Kevin Myers is one of those books that I feel like giving out to everyone. It talks about the basics of Christianity and the Bible, faith, and going deeper with God. All in all, I just feel like it's a great read for Christ-followers, and also those who are young in the faith, struggling, or unsure if they believe at all. So yes, I very much recommend this book!

Spiritual maturity comes not from merely knowing about God, but rather from experiencing God with an intimacy that has emotion and affection. (Grown-Up Faith pg. 18)

Mature followers of Christ seek to be holy as He is holy. That requires obedience to Him. (Grown-Up Faith pg. 20)

Grown-Up Faith is engaging, clear, and informative. Overall, an easy read ... even though I took a little longer to finish it. I really enjoyed it. There were discussions that I'm already familiar with, and profound thoughts that deepened my understanding.

This is not merely a punishment; it's a principle. When we disobey God's life principles, the consequence is death. Why? Because by doing so, we disconnect ourselves from the source of life. (Grown-Up Faith pg. 53)

Everyone grows old, but not everyone grows up. Those who don't grow up get stuck blaming others. They get stuck being a victim. Or worse, become blind to their chosen victimhood... (Grown-Up Faith pg. 58)

Kevin Myers talks about reading and understanding the Bible correctly. It is one big story that points to Jesus Christ! He quotes a few great Christian authors and speakers. He talks about some of the tough questions that people ask about God, and shares thought-provoking scenarios to help bring understanding. He discusses our real purpose as Christians. He shares poignant and humorous stories and snippets from his own life. It was all very interesting, and I left this book feeling more passionate about living for God! Knowing Him and doing all for His glory is what I'm made for.

It's less about being reformed and more about being transformed. This needs to occur from the inside out. (Grown-Up Faith pg. 175)

By obeying God, we become more like Christ and less like everyone else in the world. (Grown-Up Faith pg. 190)

If you are a Christian, this is a great book for you to read. If you are not a Christian, this is also a great book for you to read! I'm so glad I picked up Grown-Up Faith and am excited it's now part of my Christian Living book collection.

I received a complimentary copy of Grown-Up Faith through BookLookBloggers program. This review is my honest thoughts.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Book Review: A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Purchase HERE

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.

Monday, March 18, 2019

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