About the Book
Author: Julie Klassen
Series: Tales from Ivy Hill, Novella
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance
Release Date: September, 2020
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance
Release Date: September, 2020
Pages: 212
Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.
But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.
Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts
Love, love Julie Klassen!! So I was super excited to be part of this tour. This is actually my first visit to Ivy Hill but it definitely won't be my last. I need to go back and catch up on the rest of the series as I am sure I would of gotten much more out of this one but that being said I felt like I followed along pretty well. I was enthralled with this story and definitely puts you into a Christmas mood.
In this story we meet Richard comes home reluctantly and is faced with his past. He has a great deal of hurts that drives his behavior. He also has a lot of unresolved guilt that he is dealing with and we see that through a good chunk of the story. Arabella is the love interest that at first glance seems to have it all together but she is just protecting her heart and doesn't want to get hurt.
There are a few romances going on which was like the cherry on top to this story! I absolutely loved all of the happiness going around.
Klassen does a phenomenal job as always! This story reminded me a little bit of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. It's full of charity, care and most importantly redemption. The need to forgive so healing can come forth. Beautifully written and highly recommended especially if you are a fan of historical fiction!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it! Can't wait to immerse myself more into Ivy Hill
( I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
About the Author
More from Julie
My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.
An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.
In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind. I love a transformation story; don’t you?
If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:
“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.” —Booklist
“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly
And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.
Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”
Happy Christmas!
Blog Stops
Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30
Christian Bookaholic, November 30
Andrea Christenson, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 1
KarenSueHadley, December 1
Robin’s Nest, December 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1
Blessed & Bookish, December 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Mia Reads, December 2
Wishful Endings, December 3
lakesidelivingsite, December 3
Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
For Him and My Family, December 3
Just Your Average reviews, December 3
She Lives To Read, December 4
Remembrancy, December 4
deb’s Book Review, December 4
Writing from the Heart Land, December 4
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5
Quiet Workings, December 5
Blogging With Carol, December 5
Spoken from the Heart, December 5
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6
Connect in Fiction, December 6
Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Worthy2Read, December 7
Genesis 5020, December 7
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7
Inklings and notions, December 7
Life of Literature, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Connie’s History Classroom, December 8
Batya’s Bits, December 8
Labor Not in Vain, December 8
Hallie Reads, December 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Older & Smarter?, December 9
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9
Betti Mace, December 9
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10
Faery Tales Are Real, December 10
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10
Mary Hake, December 10
Daysong Reflections, December 11
Bigreadersite, December 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11
Splashes of Joy, December 11
Vicky Sluiter, December 12
To Everything There Is A Season, December 12
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12
Blossoms and Blessings, December 12
The Write Escape, December 12
A Baker’s Perspective, December 13
Bizwings Blog, December 13
Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, December 13
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Alexis A. Goring
Genre: Christian Devotional
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: April 25, 2020
Pages: 249
Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.
Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.
Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring's personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.
All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.
Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.
Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.
Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring's personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.
All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.
Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.
MY THOUGHTS
I have to be honest I am the worst at keeping up with devotional books. I seriously have great intentions and admire all the pretty covers at the bookstore and online but I have stopped buying them because well I never finish them. However I do love gifting them and before I do I tend to read the first few of them and enjoy them that way.
Stories and Songs of Faith though its a bit different and it definitely caught my attention because Goring incorporates music which I absolutely love. So immediately she captivated me and I wanted to know which song she was choosing for the following day. The author not only incorporates music that relates to the topic for that day but she also shares personal accounts and lessons that God has taught her during her faith walk. Reflection questions are included at the end of each day which are great to use for reflection and journaling your thoughts.
This book would make a great addition to your devotional routine even if you are like me and can't keep up with them. It would also make a great gift. I definitely recommend it.
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it
( I received this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
Affiliate Links
Available through Kindle Unlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Davis Bunn
Genre: Christian Suspense & Mystery
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: November 3, 2020
Pages: 320
Three weeks after his twenty-third birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind replaying the scene of his failure again and again.
But when his brother's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew--one that threatens the global power structure. As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past--and discover a means of redeeming his future.
Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn invites you into a world of intrigue as a man held captive by his failure learns how to move forward with hope.
But when his brother's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew--one that threatens the global power structure. As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past--and discover a means of redeeming his future.
Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn invites you into a world of intrigue as a man held captive by his failure learns how to move forward with hope.
MY THOUGHTS
My encounter with author Davis Bunn was reading his series that he wrote alongside Janette Oke and I absolutely loved those. I guess that's somewhat the style I was expecting but it definitely was not. That wasn't a bad thing, just kind of threw me for a bit. I guess I have been out of the loop when if comes to his writing as I didn't realize he wrote suspense/mystery books. I can't say this was my favorite and that it kept me engaged throughout because sadly it didn't. And it wasn't the writing because obviously Bunn can definitely write a wide variety of genres. It was all the science and technical terms that turned me off quite a bit. This book has more of a futuristic time travel/dual timeline aspect which I love dual time line but I think the time travel part threw me off on a loop.
The plot itself was good and the mystery aspect was well done. I felt disengaged from the characters but you do see them grow. The theme of the story I think was well understood. We aren't guaranteed the future so each day we should live it to its fullest. I was a bit disappointed with the ending as I felt like it left me hanging somewhat.
I will say I think this book would be great for a book club because I know you will definitely get a lot of great conversations going with this one.
My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it but it didn't quite make it for me.
(I received this book from Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
Affiliate Links
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002). To learn more about his books visit: http://www.davisbunn.com
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Feather House Publishing
Release Date: October 13, 2020
Pages: 369
Strong-willed watercolor artist Amelia York thought she could paint the scenes of her own life – that is until she finds herself responsible for getting her brother, a paralyzed war veteran, home to Iowa and must deal with the moody Army captain God has painted into her life.
Captain Braedon McCrae is ruled by honor and a strong sense of duty. Still, the deaths of two people close to him have left him angry at God and vowing to never love again.
After a steamboat incident forces Amelia and Braedon to marry, Amelia must decide if she will accept Braedon’s offer of an annulment or keep the sacred vows she made before God.
The more Amelia attempts to control her future, the more she muddies the picture, like watercolors in the hand of a child. Can she learn to love, respect, and trust a man she barely knows?
MY THOUGHTS
When I first saw the cover of the book it immediately intrigued me. Honestly I am not sure why, but it did. So I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did for I have found yet another author to add to my ever growing list. We meet so many wonderful characters that are likeable and relatable. Amelia York is an strong willed woman and extremely determined on what she wants. She is an artist and has graduated college with a degree, something that was not heard of in that time period. Women were to be proper ladies, marry and become mothers that support their husbands. Although she wants to get married, she wants someone that is not going to control her but rather support her in her aspirations.
Braedon is a lawyer and the perfect gentleman, except in Amelia's eyes he isn't. He is a Confederate soldier so he is the enemy even if he is helping her and her brother. He struggles with his faith especially after all the pain and death he has experienced. But he The relationship between Amelia and Braedon is at times rather comical. They are both very stubborn but the chemistry is definitely there. When they are both strongly advised to get married they slowly start falling in for each other and Braedon starts to see Amelia in a different light and he sees the beauty of God through her eyes as she paints with her watercolors. He truly is captivated by her. She starts questioning herself as well and realizes that she has been making plans instead of letting God reveal His plans for her.
I loved how the author integrated the message of faith throughout the whole story. I have to say that Braedon's Grandmother and Cook were some of my favorite characters. Their wisdom was definitely needed to guide both Amelia and Braedon towards the right path. They planted some seeds that eventually got cultivated. I love having people like that in my life. You know the ones that speak truth to you even when you don't want to necessarily want to hear it.
The ending left me a little disappointed. I wish there would of been an epilogue or even an extra chapter or two. I would of loved to know what happened between Amelia's dad and Braedon and know more about he
This was my first book by Lorna and definitely will not be my last! If you enjoy Christian Historical Romance Fiction then I suggest you give this one a try!
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really enjoyed it!!
Favorite Musings/Quotes:
"You spend too much time telling Him how to do His business, Amelia, and not nearly enough letting Him direct yours."
"She hadn't waited on the Lord to reveal His plans for her. She'd orchestrated her own, and she'd allowed herself to get trapped in the web of lies."
"You need to stop telling God how to do His artwork and trust Him as the artist."
(I received this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are only my honest opinion.)
Affiliate Links
Also available through Kindle Unlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes, the way we speak, but the common threads that unite us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices
happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.
After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska with an A.A. and then receiving a B.S.Ed. from Lubbock Christian University, I met and married the love of my life, David. God had
written our love story, and I knew from the moment we met that he was the one. It was not love at first sight by any means, but I was so sure he was "it" that I wrote that I'd met the man I would marry in my diary. We pledged our hearts to one another two and half years later.
I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and scraped knees.
Deciding that my children were now older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again --writing. After joining American Christian Fiction Writers, I found a wonderful critique group and began studying the craft of writing.
David and I have three children ages 18, 16, and 11. We also work in youth ministry and teach youth and adult Bible classes.
For more information on her books visit her at: http://www.lornaseilstad.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Ashton Dorow
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Life & Lit Press
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Pages: 306
A king haunted by memories of his past...
A young woman fighting against
her future...
Torn from her home and all that is familiar, Arabella of Caelrith finds herself as the unwilling bride of King Rowan of Acuniel--the man whose vengeful war stole her family. Bitter and confused, Arabella struggles to find her place in this new life. That is, until someone tries to kill the king.
Despite repeated warnings to stay out of the matter, Arabella investigates the attempt on Rowan’s life, and his parents’ long ago murder, unconcerned with the potential cost of her interference. But when tragedy strikes, the seriousness of the situation becomes all too clear. Is the price of knowing the truth higher than
she is willing to pay?
When the fate of the kingdom and all that she holds dear is at stake, will Arabella have the courage to stand up against the evil endeavoring to destroy them all? Did God really abandon her when He left her to this fate? Or was she put in the king’s palace… for such a time as this?
A young woman fighting against
her future...
Torn from her home and all that is familiar, Arabella of Caelrith finds herself as the unwilling bride of King Rowan of Acuniel--the man whose vengeful war stole her family. Bitter and confused, Arabella struggles to find her place in this new life. That is, until someone tries to kill the king.
Despite repeated warnings to stay out of the matter, Arabella investigates the attempt on Rowan’s life, and his parents’ long ago murder, unconcerned with the potential cost of her interference. But when tragedy strikes, the seriousness of the situation becomes all too clear. Is the price of knowing the truth higher than
she is willing to pay?
When the fate of the kingdom and all that she holds dear is at stake, will Arabella have the courage to stand up against the evil endeavoring to destroy them all? Did God really abandon her when He left her to this fate? Or was she put in the king’s palace… for such a time as this?
MY THOUGHTS
What can I say about this book that will do it justice and not give anything away? It was captivating and I honestly could not believe that this was her debut book. The Peasant Queen is a retelling of my favorite Bible books Esther and boy does Ashton Dorow do an amazing job with it. This story is set in medieval times and right away from the first page you are immersed into the world of Arabella and Rowan.
Arabella is strong, brave and adamant that she does not want to be queen or be anywhere near Rowan. She carries hurts from her childhood and like any human she is flawed and knows she should rely more on God than she does. When she becomes queen she feels like God has laid upon her a burden she cannot bear but as time passes and she embraces her new life she comes to realize that this is the path God has for her.
Rowan is, well dreamy, but he's also broody. He sees Arabella and although she doesn't fit the role of queen he is intrigued by her and also wants to protect her. He is not without faults and he also has so many hurts from childhood that he can't seem to let go of them. He blames God and his heart has hardened to the point that he doesn't want anything to do with him. But then Arabella comes into his life and it all starts to change.
Their love story (insert heart eyes!!) Goodness! It was quite amazing the roller coaster of emotions that happen with them and I promise you will feel a lot of emotions towards them especially Rowan. These characters are so believable. This line says everything to me about their relationship "Every couple- even the most madly in love- have their arguments. I am convinced that a couple who never fought could possibly be normal."
One verse that immediately popped into my head after reading this story was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on you own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Both Arabella and Rowan had to go through difficulties in their life in order to be the people that they were but they also had to come to His feet and surrender their all to Him in order to see where God's path was leading them. Not only did that path lead them to find their way to each other but also to make things right with the kingdom.
I have been following Ashton Dorow on Instagram for awhile and her love for God definitely exudes in everything she posts. When she was looking for people to be on her review team I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it, not only because I wanted to support her as an author but also because her book is about one of my favorite Bible stories and I wanted to see what twists or what things from the Bible story she would actually incorporate in her fictional world. I am so glad I was chosen because this story is truly phenomenal. She definitely has a bright future ahead as an author and definitely someone you should look out for. I for one cannot wait until she pens another story in the mean time go grab yourself a copy of this one.
My Rating: 5 Stars/Absolutely Loved It!!
Favorite Musings/Quotes: (There were so many good ones!!)
"You have done what no man has been able to do. You have managed to strip down your king's defenses and peer into his inner most heart." ~ Rowan (goodness gracious that line!!!)
"All would be well. For even what the enemy means for evil, God can turn around and make into something beautiful, something good."
" I could not love you as I should until I learned to love the Lord... Now I know what true love is. 'Tis being selfless, loving without question nor condition, being constant through all, serving one another in all ways. Being willing to lay down one's life for another."
(I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
Affiliate Links
Available through Kindle Unlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
You can find her on:
Instagram or her blog: http://lifeandlitblog.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK
BROKEN LINES
Author: Kelsey Gietl
Series: Broken Lines ~War Across Waters, Book 1
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Publisher: Purple Mask Publishing
Release Date: August 29, 2020
Pages: 282
With the threat of the Great War looming at America’s doorstep, fear of immigrant disloyalty has become enough to divide the nation. So when German-born Amara Müller’s brother decides to join the fight, he leaves her behind in St. Louis with one final directive: Stay safe. There’s only one certain way to keep herself out of suspicion’s spotlight, but will she have the courage to see it through?
Accustomed to a strict diet of cigars and spirits, Emil Kisch has become the master of a worry-free good time. And as one of St. Louis’s best morality squad detectives, he’s able to skirt the drinking laws as easily as he arrests others for breaking them. To him, war is a problem for other men. Until one night he makes a mistake that even a glass of whiskey can’t wash away. Is it too late to reverse the course set in motion?
As their lives are intertwined with the fate of the war, Emil and Amara must fight to save what they both hold most dear. But which side of the line do you stand on when your allegiance belongs to both?
Accustomed to a strict diet of cigars and spirits, Emil Kisch has become the master of a worry-free good time. And as one of St. Louis’s best morality squad detectives, he’s able to skirt the drinking laws as easily as he arrests others for breaking them. To him, war is a problem for other men. Until one night he makes a mistake that even a glass of whiskey can’t wash away. Is it too late to reverse the course set in motion?
As their lives are intertwined with the fate of the war, Emil and Amara must fight to save what they both hold most dear. But which side of the line do you stand on when your allegiance belongs to both?
MY THOUGHTS
Kelsey Gietl does a phenomenal job at making this story very realistic. You definitely get immersed from the first chapter into the lives of all these characters. Although we meet various characters throughout the story, the main focus is on are Emil and Amara. Emil is not what you would consider an upstanding gentleman. Even though his job is being a morality officer he does all the things that his job stands against. But underneath it all he's a caring man, carrying different hurts that wants to succeed.
Amara also has past hurts especially in her relationship with her former intended. She takes her brother's words to heart regarding her getting married but she keeps to to herself. She is definitely a bit more guarded. The love story is not all rainbows and sunshine but it is definitely a journey of faith and redemption.
The author also brings up some hard topics to this story that could be to some readers potential triggers. The topic of alcoholism, domestic abuse and infertility are brought to light but I think Kelsey does an amazing job at brining those topics forth in the story with grace.
Overall I loved the story. I think it was very well written. She is very descriptive in the setting and it makes you feel like you are in that time period with the characters so I didn't find it as being too much. I am curious to see what happens in book two and see if we get to find out a bit more about Amara's brother and what his story is.
My Rating: 4 stars/ Really enjoyed it!
(I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
(Affiliate Links)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she grew up with a love of books and excessive use of her library card. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Graphic Design from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and has made a career in fields from event planning and proposal writing to product management and communications.
In her free time--when she's not writing, reading, or researching--she enjoys yoga, musical theatre, beach vacations, and gallivanting around St. Louis with her amazing husband and two beautiful children.
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