I Can't Wait for... The Words We Lost (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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About the book:

Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

Pages: 384
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN-10:  0764241184
Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wUWflf (aff link)

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I Can't Wait for... The Tapestry of Grace (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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About the book:

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events—from the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song.

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol’s schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town’s benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn’t want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn’t want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

For her part, the charity’s founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol’s residents prevent them from receiving God’s help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect—in one another?

Pages: 320
Publisher: WaterBrook
Release Date: April 18, 2023
ISBN-10:  0593194381
Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RvCtX0 (aff link)

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I Can't Wait for... A Novel Proposal (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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About the book:

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a sweet and sizzling story of a romance writer surprised by her own happily ever after.

When novelist Sadie Goodwin is forced to stop writing westerns and charged with penning a contemporary romance novel to rescue her lackluster sales, there’s only one tiny problem: She’s never been in love.

Desperate to salvage her career, Sadie begins devouring romance novels. Knowing she must devote herself to this confounding genre, she accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer. Where better to witness love in bloom than on the beautiful North Carolina shore?

However, once ensconced in the charming ocean-front home with her sweet maltipoo Rio, she finds many ways to procrastinate. First there’s the beach, right outside her backdoor, with all its interesting visitors (research). Then there’s the free library she decides to build and set up by the back deck (She has to do something with all those romance novels). To say nothing of Sam Ford, the grumpy neighbor on the other side of the duplex . . . who she can’t seem to stop annoying.

A social butterfly by nature, Sadie soon gets to know all the beach regulars—sunbathers, walkers, and surfers alike. The free books draw a crowd right up to the house for nice little book chats, which further irritates her reclusive neighbor, to break up her “writing.” But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie opens a recently-placed novel to find a secret compartment—and tucked inside is a beautiful engagement ring. To whom does the ring belong? Sadie is convinced she needs to find the owner and save the man’s proposal from certain doom.

She draws a reluctant Sam into the project, and slowly their connection begins to develop. Are these weird fluttery feelings the first stirrings of love? Has Sadie managed to stumble upon the very subject about which she must write—and wouldn’t Sam make the perfect alpha hero?

Will Sadie find the ring’s rightful owner? And will she manage to pen a career-saving romance novel by summer’s end?

Pages: 352
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date:  March 21, 2023
ISBN-10: 0840716591 

Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Rtid8B (aff link)

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Review: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. 

My rating:
4.5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Sound of Light was a great WWII historical novel. I had a difficult time getting into the book (restarted it a couple times) and finally listened to the audio book (along with a combination of reading/listening), which helped me quite a bit. I think it was the Danish words that made it difficult to get into initially. 

However, once I got partway into the book, I was hooked! I loved the characters and how brave they were. I felt for them and the danger they were facing. The romance was really good and I loved how it slowly progressed. 

All in all, after a bumpy start, I ended up loving The Sound of Light and recommend it to fans of the genre. The teaser for Sundin's next book has me REALLY intrigued and I cannot wait to read it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Q and A with Stephanie Landsem Author of Code Name Edelweiss

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Q and A with Stephanie Landsem Author of Code Name Edelweiss

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction for women, about women. She’s traveled the world in real life and traveled through time in her research and imagination. As she’s learned about women of the past, she’s come to realize that these long-ago women were very much like us. They loved, dreamed, and made mistakes. They struggled, failed, and triumphed. She writes to honor their lives and to bring today’s women hope and encouragement.

Stephanie makes her home in Minnesota with her husband, two cats and a dog, and frequent visits from her four adult children. Along with reading, writing, and research, she dreams about her next travel adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

Find on Amazon (aff link)

1. Code Name Edelweiss is based on true events—what led you to explore Hitler’s secret efforts to influence Hollywood?

I stumbled upon the story of Leon Lewis and his spy network when I was researching my last novel, In a Far-Off Land. As I read about Hitlerites infiltrating Hollywood and Nazis taking over German American groups in Los Angeles, I was incredulous. Why hadn’t I heard of this before? How could something like this happen in America? I knew I had to find out more and write about this unknown moment in history.

2. Why was Hollywood a target for Hitler? What do we know about his plans during the 1930s?

Adolf Hitler was a master at propaganda. He knew Hollywood films were the best way to reach not only the American people, but people throughout the world. If he could control them, he could sway public opinion toward his beliefs in a way that nothing else could. His plan was to infiltrate the Hollywood studio system with German Americans and Nazis—without Leon Lewis and his spies, he may have succeeded.

3. How did you go about researching this time and place in history?

Much of what we know about Leon Lewis and his spy operation is housed in the University of Southern California archives, so there were plenty of primary sources that were both a treasure of information and one of inspiration. I also credit an excellent book by Steven Ross, Hitler in Los Angeles, with telling this chilling and little-known story and as a treasure trove of details about the people involved.

4. What was Hollywood like during the Great Depression?

Hollywood was very much a land of the haves and the have-nots during the 1930s. While the majority of the population of Los Angeles and the rest of the country were struggling with rampant unemployment, hunger, and homelessness, the film executives and film stars of the era were flush with the kind of wealth that led to decadent lifestyles. While many of the have-nots loved to watch the films and dream of stardom, plenty of others were outraged and bitter at the social divide.

5. How did the German government control Hollywood filmmaking in the 1930s?

The German vice-consul to Los Angeles, Georg Gyssling, exerted immense control over the content of films produced by all the major Hollywood studios. He was referred to as “Hitler’s Hollywood Consul” and his task was clearly defined: to ensure that no films portrayed Jews or Jewish life in a positive way and that no films were critical of the German people or the Nazi government.

6. Tell us a little about your main character, Liesl. What challenges is she facing as the story opens?

Liesl is a single mother who is responsible for her aging mother and younger brother in the dark years of the Great Depression. As the story opens, she loses her job as a stenographer at MGM studios and is desperate to find a way to pay the rent and buy food for her family. She’s offered a job by Leon Lewis, a Jewish lawyer who claims Adolf Hitler’s Nazis are infiltrating the German American community. She agrees to work for Lewis although she doesn’t believe his preposterous notion. What she finds is shocking and far more dangerous than either she or Lewis expected.

7. Are any of the novel’s characters based on real people? How did you go about representing them faithfully and creatively?

Code Name Edelweiss is filled with real-life heroes and villains. Leon Lewis and his spies were real men and women who took a stand against evil and risked their lives to stop the spread of Naziism in America. The Nazis of the Friends of New Germany—Hermann Schwinn, his wife, Thekla, and the bookstore owner Paul Themlitz—were all-too real and posed a legitimate threat to the Jewish population of Los Angeles. The primary documents collected by Leon Lewis and preserved in the archives were a great help in both researching these real people and inspiring a creative approach to the story.

8. How was writing a spy story different from your previous work? Was it more challenging?

I read widely and that includes spy novels, so I was thrilled to try my hand at writing one. I found it was far more complicated and challenging than my previous books, but also a lot of fun! I especially enjoyed writing in a way that let the reader in on some secrets that neither Liesl nor Agent Thirteen knew. To see the characters figure out what the reader already knows is a satisfying part of reading this genre.

9. What did you learn from writing this fascinating story?

Over and over again, I was surprised by what Leon Lewis and his spies faced as they battled against anti-Semitism and the Nazi regime. The chilling accounts of plots against Jewish leaders and film stars, the propaganda spread by the Friends of New Germany, and the armed paramilitary groups were real and yet hard to believe. That such a vicious movement like Naziism almost gained ground in America—but for one man and his intrepid spies—is still hard for me to believe.

10. What is your hope for readers of Code Name Edelweiss?

Leon Lewis’s decades-long fight against the Nazi threat to Los Angeles is well-documented and yet virtually unknown. I am eager to show the world the heroes and heroines who saved Los Angeles—and America—from Hitler and his Nazi regime.

Code Name Edelweiss
by Stephanie Landsem

Hardcover $26.99
978-1-4964-6066-0

Softcover $15.99
978-1-4964-6067-7

March 2023
Tyndale.com

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Weekene Wrap-Up (February 24th, 2023)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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I Can't Wait for... Milk and Honey: A Devotional Journey Through Scripture to Savor God's Goodness (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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About the book:

This devotional helps readers taste and see God’s goodness as they savor bite-sized portions of Scripture from each book of the Bible.

 

Food and water can meet your physical needs, but what satisfies your spiritual hunger? It’s time for some bread…and not the kind that you’re thinking of. You were created to be nourished not just by carbs, but by the sweet love of God. Cambria Joy shows you how to curb your soul’s appetite with the most satisfying sustenance imaginable: Jesus.

 

With specially selected Scriptures, rich biblical insight, and personal applications, you will…

see how the entire Bible was designed for your spiritual nourishment 

discover that what your heart truly craves is more of Jesus  

ditch your spiritually restrictive diet and exchange it for a grace-filled relationship with God

 No matter your age or stage in life, you can find purpose, encouragement, and spiritual fulfillment when you feed on God’s Word.    

 

It’s time to take your seat at the table. Come, taste, and see!

Pages: 224
Publisher:  Harvest House Publishers 
Release Date: September 12, 2023
ISBN-10:   0736978089
Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HSAbgv (aff link)

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Weekend Wrap-Up (February 17th, 2023)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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I Can't Wait for... The Shifting Current (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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About the book:

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY's beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea-not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won't let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They're in the killer's sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

Pages: 176
Publisher: Gracie & Johnny Inc.
Release Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN-13:  979-8218021306
Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3l4kGds (aff link)

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Review: Memory Lane (Sons of Scandal #1) by Becky Wade

About the book:

Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.

Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy ideas.

Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s coming to depend on her.

Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by?

There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.

Travel to the rocky coast of Maine for "opposites attract" banter, witty humor, a fascinating mystery, and destiny-changing love. This sweet contemporary romance kicks off Becky Wade's new Sons of Scandal series!

Find the book on: Amazon (affiliate link - I'll earn a small percentage of anything purchased through my link.)

My rating:
4 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Memory Lane is the first book in the Sons of Scandal series and a story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

I love amnesia stories, so it was exciting to see that this book features that as a plot point. I thought it was written very well and the characters were authentic.

I loved the mystery! It was a treat to have a crime to try to solve - not something you always find in a contemporary romance. ;)

The characters were great. I especially liked Jeremiah's brother, Jude, and cannot wait to read the next book which is about him.

The romance was a little heated at times, so I only recommend this for mature readers. I wish the faith element would have been a little more prominent.

All in all, Memory Lane was a really good read and one I'm so glad I read! If you've read and enjoyed other books by Becky Wade, then I think you'll like this one.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Weekend Wrap-Up (February 11th, 2023)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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I Can't Wait for... The Sound of Light (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

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About the book:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Pages: 384
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: February 7, 2023 

ISBN-10:   0800736389
Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DECVwl (aff link)

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Weekend Wrap-Up (February 4th, 2023)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

-

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

~

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Review: Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White

About the book:

In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling's lives in World War II, it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Yesterday's Tides was absolutely amazing! I was quickly drawn into the story and loved how it was written. The time-slip was great; I was intrigued by how the stories intertwined and trying to figure that out was a treat. 

The romance was wonderful in BOTH timelines. I was nervous at times with how everything would turn out, which made the book difficult to put down. 

One thing I especially loved was how this story included characters from White's previous books AND she included in the author's note all the little connections. So fun! 

All in all, Yesterday's Tides was an amazing read that I highly recommend. It's definitely going on my favorites' shelf. :)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: The Color of Justice by Ace Collins

About the book:

1964

Justice, Mississippi, is a town divided. White and black. Rich and

poor. Rule makers and rule breakers. Right or wrong, everyone assumes

their place behind a fragile façade that is about to crumble.  When

attorney Coop Lindsay agrees to defend a black man accused of murdering a

white teenager, the bribes and death threats don’t intimidate him. As

he prepares for the case of a lifetime, the young lawyer knows it’s the

verdict that poses the real threat—innocent or guilty, because of his

stand Coop is no longer welcome in Justice. As he follows his

conscience, he wonders just how far some people will go to make sure he

doesn’t finish his job?

2014

To some, the result of the trial still feels like a fresh wound even

fifty years later, when Coop’s grandson arrives in Justice seeking

answers to the questions unresolved by the trial that changed his

family’s legacy. When a new case is presented, again pitting white

against black, this third generation Lindsay may have the opportunity he

needs to right the wrongs of the past. 

But hate destroys everything it touches, and the Lindsay family will not escape unscathed.

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Color of Justice was a fantastic read! I ended up listening to the audiobook I borrowed from the library instead of reading my e-review copy and it was such a good listen! The narrator was amazing.

I was drawn into the story right away and I loved how it was written. I kept trying to figure out what the truth was and, I've got to say, the ending SHOCKED me!

All in all, The Color of Justice was a great read and I recommend it to fans of mysteries.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Weekend Wrap-Up (January 27th, 2023)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

About the book:

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with her maid in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Rose and the Thistle was a wonderful story that I loved reading! I felt like it was a slower-paced story (especially in the beginning) and yet it worked for this book. I was drawn into the story and couldn't wait to see how it ended. I loved seeing the story and relationship progress.

One of my favorite things was how the ending wasn't your typical kind of ending (I won't say more to avoid spoilers). The setting was great and I found the historical aspect fascinating.

All in all, The Rose and the Thistle was a fantastic read that, while slower-paced at times, kept me eager to read more. I recommend it to fans of historical romances.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Monthly Reflections | December 2022

Monthly Reflections, where we take the time to reflect on the previous month.

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Review: Growing Strong: Workouts, Devotions, and Recipes to Become Healthy from the Inside Out

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the book:

A Joyful Life Starts on the Inside

Hi, I’m Cambria!

For years, I struggled with my self-image and how to make my dual pursuits of faith and fitness fit together. Maybe you can relate. Everything changed one day when I decided I was tired of looking in the mirror and started looking solely toward God.

What He showed me is that true strength—physical, emotional, and spiritual—starts from the inside out. When you’re staying connected to God, you’ll find that eating well and exercising regularly will be so much easier. Your faith, food choices, and fitness will all just naturally flow together as part of your healthy and whole life.  

I want to share what I’ve learned with you, motivate you, and encourage you with delicious recipes to nourish your body, creative workouts to keep you moving, and wisdom from God’s Word to inspire and shape you into the woman He’s creating you to be.

Let’s grow strong from the inside out!

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Growing Strong took me most of 2022 to read and that's because I worked slowly through it. I wanted to do the workouts while reading the devotions and for the most part I did that. I still have a few workouts to do, but wanted to finish before the new year, so I'll do those later. 😁

I absolutely loved this book. I found the devotions encouraging and the workouts were challenging, but still possible. You can always modify a workout if it is a bit too tough for your current fitness level. 

All in all, I recommend this devotion.

*I did not get this for review. Purchased copies. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Weekend Wrap-Up (January 8th, 2023)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

-

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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