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Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama

The Shenanigans of a Bookish Mama journeying through Motherhood, Homeschooling and lots of Books!

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Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman ~ Book Review

February 12, 2024






About the Book 


Book: Up from Dust
Author: Heather Kaufman
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: Women of the Way, Book 1
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 23, 2024

No stranger to adversity, Martha of Bethany is a woman of dust, undone and unseen in her hurt and loss. After her mother's untimely death, the responsibility for raising her siblings—Lazarus and Mary—lies heavily on her shoulders. She finds solace in a new friendship and the beginnings of first love, but her father's disapproval and unforeseen hardship leave Martha broken and guarded.

Twelve years later, when her friend's husband contracts a severe disease, they send for the new rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. Martha recognizes the miraculous Healer from a story she heard many years ago, and the life-changing encounter reawakens Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

With impeccable research and a keen eye for detail, Heather Kaufman delivers a moving narrative of Martha's life in this hopeful story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.




My Thoughts 


"Before I can share the many ways I was found, I would have to begin with the day I was lost…"

 What a beginning to the powerful story of Martha. The past couple of years I have enjoyed reading Biblical Fiction. It’s always interesting to see how an author captures the essence of a Bible story and Heather Kaufman did such an excellent job. She truly gives you a peek at the what-if questions that surround the relationship between Jesus, Lazarus, Mary and Martha. 

Goodness this book definitely tugged my heart. I teared up at the heartache that Martha goes through in this story and it gives you a possible idea why she may have been so frustrated with Mary. I thoroughly enjoyed the growth that we see in her throughout the book and how we see her eyes open to who Jesus truly is and we see her faith grow. The characters that help her do so despite them being fictional were so great in aiding her belief and strengthen my faith as well. 

Goodness the portrayal of Jesus was beautiful and I couldn’t help imagining what it would be like to physically sit near him and be in his presence. 

If you enjoy biblical fiction and authors like Connilyn Cossette and Tessa Afshar I definitely think this book and author need to be added to your TBR list! 

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.






About the Author




Heather Kaufman lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.

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Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr ~ Book Review

February 11, 2024

 



Welcome to the Blog Tour for Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


About the Book


Fall When You're Ready

Title: Fall When You're Ready
Series:
Real American Country #1 
Author:
Jennifer Carr
Publisher:
 JCarr Writes
Release Date:
February 1, 2024
Genre:
Contemporary Clean Romance


Rachel never wanted to get in the way of Jordan’s dreams, but they were supposed to chase their dreams together. They made promises and swore to remain best friends through it all. But, just as all good things must come to an end, it would seem that applies to promises as well. When Rachel and Jordan end up on separate paths toward their own versions of success, they each learn the hard way that letting go is easier than it sounds. But when those paths bring them both home, all of those promises come flooding back and they have to decide whether it’s worth the risk to reopen the chapter they closed on their story so long ago.  


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub




My Thoughts


This is a new author for me and the writing of this book was definitely unique. The book alternates between the two main characters and we see their point of views as they grow up together. We not only see them grow as characters but we also see how their relationship goes through the ups and downs and develops into something beautiful.

This story is a 3.5 for me. It took me some time to get into it as I felt like it was way too much background information. I mean we meet these characters when they start Kindergarten and see them through all the stages of development until we get to adulthood. While I thought that was a unique way to write a story with so many details I found that it slowed down the story for me.

Overall I thought it was a good story and I am looking forward to reading other books by her in the future.

I received a digital copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author


Jennifer Carr

A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer Carr draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.


Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. 


When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what's likely her third coffee of the day. 


Connect with Jennifer by visiting jcarrwrites.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.



Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Fall When You're Ready and a 6-month Kindle Unlimited Membership!


Fall When You're Ready JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.


Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!


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In this Moment by Gabrielle Meyer ~ Book Review

February 10, 2024

 




About the Book 


Book: In this Moment
Author: Gabrielle Meyer
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Series: Timeless, Book 2
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: May 2, 2023

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she's asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She's drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?



My Thoughts 


How in the world can an author keep up with so many intricate details in a story? I have no idea but thank goodness that Gabrielle Meyer can because once again she wrote another book that blew me away!! If you haven’t picked up the first book on this series DO NOT hesitate!! You do not want to miss out on how it all began… let’s dig into this one as much as we can without giving too much away…

In this book we travel to three different timelines with Margaret/Meg/Maggie. Same person, three different timelines that were completely full of history. Each timeline gave you a better sense on who she was as a person and the struggles that she had about the possibility of leaving each of those timelines. Maggie is a healer at heart. It is truly the gift God has placed upon her life and in all three timelines we see this.

As you read you will definitely have opinions about each timeline! I was delighted that she picked the timeline I was rooting for! I can’t divulge any more because I don’t want to give the book away but you have to read it before the next one comes out!

I received this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author




Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com
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Double Take by Lynette Eason ~ Book Review

February 4, 2024

 


About the Book

 

Book: Double Take
Author: Lynette Eason
Series: Lake City Heroes, Book 1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 9, 2024

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.





My Thoughts 


Once again Eason has started a new series that has you turning the pages wanting to know more. This one packs quite a punch. Right away we encounter Lainie whose suffered a traumatic event in her life. We also meet Detective James Holton who is a discharged Army veteran suffering from PTSD and trying to navigate family, work and especially his sisters old friend Lainie.

James and Lainie are great together. They both have suffered trauma in the past so they truly balance each other out which was great in this story. Lainie has a great group of friends which are the other characters that were introduced, so I am looking forward to read about them in hopefully future books, especially Cole and Kenzie!

When I am reading a suspense story I want to be at the edge of my seat trying to guess who the bad guy is and I can say that I was surprised at how it all played out. I definitely enjoyed that aspect of mystery and the unknown throughout the story. The faith thread to me was light but it didn't deter me from enjoying the book. There were themes of forgiveness and definitely friendship.

Overall I really enjoyed the story. There was definitely enough suspense to keep me captivated and a sweet romance to tie it all together. If you enjoy suspense stories I recommend adding this one to your lists!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.





About the Author




Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."
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Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford ~ Book Review

February 2, 2024

 





Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


About the Book


Deadly Mountain Escape

Title: Deadly Mountain Escape
Author:
Mary Alford
Publisher:
Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date:
January 23, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense


Can this officer stop a trafficking ring? 


Or will deadly criminals stop her first? 


A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…  


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub





My Thoughts


I always say that these Love Inspired Books though small are very mighty and this one is not exception. Immediately you are immersed into the nitty gritty of the story. This author does a great job at keeping you turning pages with all the action and twists she adds to her stories. 

Here we meet Charlotte Walker who along with her K9 go on a rescue mission for a missing young woman. Things however go really bad. She stumbles into a trafficking ring that has been happening right on their "backyard" so to speak. Jonas who has his own past to deal with comes to help the ladies out and offers them refuge in a place he didn't think he would ever be returning. 

I won't be giving you the whole book but overall I was definitely captivated and I was turning the pages with gusto trying to figure out how it was all going to end. If you like suspense books and need a quick read don't miss out on this one!





About the Author


Mary Alford

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary by visiting maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway


(1) winner will win a copy of Deadly Mountain Escape & a $50 Amazon gift card!


Deadly Mountain Escape JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for a print copy, ebook if outside US. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.


Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!


Deadly Mountain Escape JustRead Blog Tour

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The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz ~ Book Review

January 24, 2024

 

About the Book 


Book: The Seamstress of Acadie
Author: laura Frantz
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 9, 2024

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.



My Thoughts 


Once again Laura transported me to a time in history that I honestly didn't have much knowledge about and I absolutely loved it. It was a hard journey from Canada to Virginia but such beautiful moments of seeing God through the hardships that the characters endured throughout the story.

Sylvie is our main character and I really appreciated that Laura Frantz took time to really give us a great picture of where she is coming from and what her beautiful country of Nova Scotia was like before it was overtaken. I was heart broken with her as her home was taken from her and she is left alone in a ship. At times like this is when your human self asks why did God let this happen? Where is He when all this is happening? but alas everything has a purpose and a reason and He truly is control and you see that throughout the story.

The hardships Sylvie goes through are hard but there is always light at the end. We see her evolve in this story and I would be a horrible book reviewer if I don't mention Will Blackburn the love interest in this story. He is at first an enigma but soon we see that his gentle heart is guided by God and he seeks to champion for the refugees of Acadie and immediately is pulled towards Sylvie. I'll just say there were some great swoon-worthy moments!

Overall I thought this was a great story and if you have read her previous book Heart Adrift then you will see some familiar characters as this timeline goes along with that one as well. If you enjoy Historical Fiction then you may just want to add this one to your lists!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.



About the Author


Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.
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The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton by Susan L. Tuttle ~ Book Review

January 22, 2024

 





About the Book


The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton

Title: The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton
Series:
The Treasures of Halstead Manor
Author:
Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher:
Kregel
Release Date: January 16, 2024
Genre:
Women's Fiction / Romance


In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart? 


Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She's experienced it time and time again. But there's a silver lining to repeatedly proving herself: she's confident and self-reliant. 


When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she's game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she's not about to let her guard down--especially with the other women who received the same invitation. 


A strange voice on the phone tells them he's gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can't let go of: the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell. 


With Everleigh's keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry's vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner's connections to the antiques world, they're bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie's nephew, Niles Butler, doesn't trust Everleigh's innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh's walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team. 


Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God's love will relish this new series.




My Thoughts


Susan Tuttle has started such a great series! I was intrigued the entire time and wanted to know how it would end. Definitely a page turner.

This had Charlie's Angels/ National Treasure vibes and I loved it! There is plenty of adventure as the cast of characters are set into a hunt for a missing diamond. I absolutely enjoyed all the characters in the story but this story focuses on Everleigh. I really enjoyed the journey that we went with her. I really could relate to her introvert side and anxiety of letting others get too close to you. She truly goes through a change and her walls come crumbling thanks to the help of Gertrude and Niles.

I absolutely loved Gertrude! She was definitely my favorite character. She has this no nonsense wisdom and bits of truth bombs that were perfect additions to the story. It was great to see that even despite her disability she didn't let that stop her from being active and a big role in the treasure hunt. Her grandson Niles was overprotective but he also helps Everleigh break down those walls of letting people in. Of course it doesn't hurt that you can feel their attraction for each other jump off the page!!

The author did such a great job with the different settings and the historical aspect of the storyline. At first I thought it would turn into a dual timeline but it is not. She provides you with enough historical background to try solve the mystery of the missing diamond. I mean if you are like me, when I read these types of stories I want to solve the mystery myself. I must say I failed and I was surprised at the end.

I will not divulge too much of this story but know that this is a page turner. I cannot wait to read book 2 and learn more about these ladies that all have very different qualities and gifts they bring to the team. I also can't wait to find out more about the mystery man... Caspar! (you'll have to read the book to know what I am talking about!!)

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It had adventure, mystery, romance and a spiritual thread that focused on God's acceptance and friendships. God didn't intend for us to do life alone despite our intorverted selves. Definitely a must for your reading list!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.



About the Author


Susan L Tuttle

Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Count on Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.



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