Daughter of Cana (Jerusalem Road #1) by Angela Hunt

 

Title: Daughter of Cana (Jerusalem Road #1)

Author: Angela Hunt

Pages: 384

Year: 2020

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Thomas and Tasmin, twin siblings hired to oversee a wedding feast in Cana, worry when the host runs out of wine . . . until a guest tells Tasmin to have the servants fill the pitchers by the gate with water from the cistern. Reluctantly, she obeys and is amazed when rainwater turns into the finest wine ever tastes in Cana.

     When Thomas impulsively decides to follow the teacher from Nazareth, he and Tasmin argue—since the twins have been together since the womb, Tasmin can’t accept losing her brother to some magician-prophet. Aided by Jude, younger brother to Jesus of Nazareth, she decides to follow the Nazarene’s group and do whatever she must to mend the fractured relationship and bring her brother home.

My review:

     This is an incredible biblical novel!

     When I read a biblical novel I don’t look for the story to follow the bible perfectly. Instead I look for a well crafted story that could very easily be the way things happened. We are not given complete details in the bible, and if we were why would anyone write biblical fiction.

     This author has done a marvelous job of studying scripture and the culture from during the period that Jesus ministered on earth. She has then taken all of the information that she learned and crafted this story to fit the information that is included in the bible.

     I love the way that she developed Tasmin, Thomas (her twin brother), and Jude (the brother of Yeshua. I was easily able to understand the doubts and the questions that they were all dealing with as the story progressed.

     I am really looking forward to seeing what takes place in the next book in this series. This is one author that I trust to have done an excellent job of preparation before she begins writing.

     This fantastic book is getting a rating of 5 stars from me. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 352

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he’s even more at a loss.

     The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley’s refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can’t help but be intrigued by the area’s newest eligible bachelor.

     Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance.

     I love how deeply developed the main characters are. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bianca, Hudson, and even Aaron. They have a lot of hangups that they need to work through but that didn’t stop them from becoming friends. I liked seeing how they supported each other. The fact that Aaron seemed to see things clearer than the others really caught my attention.

     Bianca’s life at home was very difficult and I really connected with the idea that part of why she made sure to go to go riding each morning was as an escape from the reality of it.

     The plot was captivating. I was definitely caught up in seeing how the right relationships would develop. It was fun to spot a few of the characters from a previous series of books that the author has written. I enjoyed seeing how their lives had progressed.

     I am giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series takes us.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Timepiece (The Christmas Box #2) by Richard Paul Evans

Title: Timepiece (The Christmas Box #2)

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Pages: 236

Year: 1996

Genre: Historical novel

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     The bestselling author of The Christmas Box now provides readers with an inspirational message which reminds them about the gifts they pass on to their children. Timepiece traces the poignant love story of MaryAnne and David Parkin as they struggle to learn the lessons of love, loyalty, and forgiveness in the face of tragedy. At the heart of the book is an unforgettable story of hope, and the source of wisdom MaryAnne shared with Richard in The Christmas Box.

My review:

     This is a wonderful, thought provoking historical novel!

     The characters are incredibly deep and presented in all the vast measure of their personalities. This story took me on a whirlwind of emotions. I felt amazing joy and deep heart breaking sorrow with all that MaryAnne and David went through.

     There is very clear discussion about the most meaningful things in life. It really challenged me to take a long look at my own life. I love it when a book leads me to try and make myself a better person in God’s eyes.

     I’m giving this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Fire Storm (Kaely Quinn Profiler #2) by Nancy Mehl

Title: Fire Storm (Kaely Quinn Profiler #2)

Author: Nancy Mehl

Pages: 336

Year: 2019

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, Kaely takes time off work to go to Dark Water, Nebraska, to help her brother care for their mother. Upon her arrival, she learns of a series of fires in the small town, attributed by the fire chief to misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter. But Kaely is skeptical, and a search for a pattern in the locations of the fires bolsters her suspicions.

     After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely is certain a serial arsonist is on the loose. Calling upon her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother’s firefighter neighbor who backs Kaely’s suspicions, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death.

My review:

     This is an incredible suspense novel with lots of twists!

     I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Kaely. She is an amazingly deep character. It was nice to see her trying to figure herself out as well as her personal relationships. It can be so easy to just blame others for the problems.

     Noah is a fantastic character. He is the perfect partner for Kaely. He is willing at accept her where she is at while at the same challenging her to improve. I enjoyed finding out that they become friends.

     The string of fires and the mystery about how they were being started was wonderful. It was fun seeing all the different personalities and how they interacted with each other as they worked to solve it. The twists and turns throughout this book really kept me guessing.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

A Portrait of Loyalty (The Codebreakers #3) by Roseanna M. White

Title: A Portrait of Loyalty (The Codebreakers #3)

Author: Roseanna M. White

Pages: 384

Release Date: September 8, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance, WWI

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Zivon Marin was one of Russia’s top cryptographers, until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee after speaking out against Lenin and separated from his brother along the way, he arrives in England driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits.

     Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera—and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and recreating photographs. With her father’s connections in propaganda, she’s recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove.

     After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily. He sees patterns in what she deems chaos; she sees beauty in a world he thought destroyed. But both have secrets they’re unwilling to share. When her photographs reveal that someone has been following Zivon, his loyalties are called into question—and his enemies are discovered to be far closer than he’d feared.

My review:

     This is a fantastic historical romance!

     I love all of the main characters in this book. This includes all of Lily Blackwell’s family. It is easy to connect with them and all of the different emotions that they experience going through the story. 

     One of the things that I enjoyed was the brief glimpses at the characters from the previous books the author set before and during WWI. None of them are central enough that the previous books need to be read first though. 

     At the same time there are a few characters that are working against them and it was just as easy to dislike them. There is just enough intrigue to really keep the reader guessing as to how things are going to work out. I really like how Admiral Hall stays on top of everything that is going on in the intelligence world. 

     I had never realized that the revolution in Russia took place during WWI. This was quite an eye opener for me. It really made me realize how little I know about world history. Part of me wants to study it further. But I don’t want to get bogged down in books filled with historical facts. I love the personality that comes in historical fiction books.

     I am giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

State of Lies by Siri Mitchell

 

Title: State of Lies

Author: Siri Mitchell

Pages: 368

Year: 2019

Genre: Domestic Suspense (official) / Psychological Thriller (mine)

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     One woman is forced to question everything she knows in this domestic suspense novel from award-winning author Siri Mitchell.

     Georgie Brennan may be a world-class quantum physicist, but she grapples with life as a single mother after her husband is killed. When she receives a message from beyond the grave, it leads her to question the details of her husband’s death.

     As she follows the clues he left behind, her discoveries increasingly implicate those closest to her. When her father is nominated as the new United States Secretary of Defense, she must uncover the truth before his confirmation hearing—even as the same people who killed her husband are now after her. Nothing is as it seems. Lies are truth; enemies are friends. Even her child is at risk. As every possibility but one disappears, Georgie may find herself to be the antithesis of everything she’s thought herself to be.

My review:

     A masterfully written domestic suspense novel!

     I love the main character! Georgia Brennan is totally bombarded with heart stopping, terrifying information. I don’t know how she managed to hold it all together. As the story progresses and each tidbit is revealed it only brings up more questions about what is true, and who can be trusted.

     I was completely sucked in and stayed up way later than I should have for two nights in a row. I don’t know how much of this book should be considered suspense and how much is psychological thriller. It is completely filled with incredibly well crafted twists and turns.

     I have to give this wonderful book at least a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*