New Release ~ Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright

SUMMARY

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women--generations apart--discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer's retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie's quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn't imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt's bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister's dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house's claim to fame--the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle's murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

Read the excerpt here. Then grab this phenomenal new release here and get 30% OFF plus FREE shipping!!

I am not an affiliate and make no monies if you use the links provided. It is a courtesy on my part only.

Last Minute Books for Christmas!

Rebecca and I thought we'd share a few of our favorite Christian fiction books (not all are published in 2023) that we think might make excellent Christmas gifts for the avid reader in your life. It's not too late to order them and receive them before Christmas, but hurry! Don't delay. :-)

I'll list the books with links to the reviews on Goodreads.

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4880882621

The Girl from the Papers by Jennifer L Wright

  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5805662768

A Return to Hawthorne House by Kristi Ann Hunter

  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5971387968

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6034047071

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5524155052

Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham

  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1932993954

We would love to know if you take any of our recommendations to heart and purchase them for yourself or a loved one!

 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, 

who is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2 :11

Review ~ He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

______________________________________________________________________________

My Review 4 STARS

I was 100% drawn to the cover since my husband is a beekeeper!

I was hoping for a more upbeat story, and less about the psychology/trauma that shadowed every main character in this story. It is heavy, indeed. Some will find it infinitely appealing, and that’s fine. I’ve read some terrific reviews on the book and can agree with most of what is highlighted. It certainly has its place in literature and will undoubtedly be a conduit or starting place for healing to some. Cox is an excellent writer and brings her counseling experience to the forefront in He Should Have Told the Bees, although I could not figure out why it was titled so. LOL

I’m giving it four stars because I know that psychology this heavily presented doesn’t interest me but I am well aware it does others. So in that, I am biased, but I won’t let it get in the way of recognizing this authors talent in weaving an intricate plot and showing each characters growth. That made it worth reading. If you are a fan of heavy women’s fiction, then I recommend this book to you unabashedly. J

I saw a *trigger* warning in another review and wholeheartedly agree that this book could be a trigger for some women BUT the author goes about these hard topics in a graceful and sensitive manner.

I received a copy from the publisher. My opinion is my own. 

Long Hot Summer

Whew! It's been a long, hot, and busy summer here in our corner of the foothills of North Carolina. August isn't looking any better, except for the sometimes pop-up afternoon thunderstorms. Those storms have been pretty fierce lately. But we saw the most incredible double rainbow the other day. I think it's the first double one seen here on our farm in the 24 years we've lived here. 

My photo doesn't do it justice. at. all. 

As for busyness, the chickens, cat, and puppy keep me hopping all day every day. I never knew so much work went into raising a puppy. This one was dumped in our yard back mid spring and our youngest adult son wanted to keep her so we did. She is a running, rolling, jumping ball of energy; perhaps a Vizsla Terrier mix. The vet says maybe so we're going with it. LOL In this photo she was about 12 pounds and now she's almost four times this size, weighing in at 44 pounds last week!!! 

My husband and I started landscaping the front yard, which we've been wanting to do for years. At our age, we work very slow....and painfully. But we're pretty much finished! Again, my pictures aren't great and don't capture how nice it actually looks. Anyone who has ever been here knows it's a HUGE improvement.

I have two books for review purposes so I'm excited to share about those when I'm done. It's been a slow summer for reading too. Somehow my days are filled up with busy work and by the time evening comes, I have no energy left to even open a book. 

I'd love to know how your summer is going! Have you been gardening, reading, writing, lazing by the pool, or babysitting grands? 

Whatever you've been up to, I hope most of all you're staying strong in Christ! The world is certainly a little more crazy than it was last summer but we can trust Him to give us all we need, and to help us get through all the tough times.

Review ~ Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After #1) by Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House Publishers, June 2023

352 Pages, Paperback

About the Book

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus's heart divines a different truth--one that might just get Penelope killed.

An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.

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My Review 5 STARS!!!

Of all the fairytale retellings I have read, Fairest of Heart is by far my favorite! Witemeyer, in my humble opinion, has raised the bar in this genre.

I felt as if I was transported into the re-release of the first fairytale I ever saw on the big screen in 1967. I can remember the excitement of seeing the characters come alive and as then, today my attention and emotions were fully engaged with Penelope, Titus, Doc and ALL of the old drovers, aka the graybeard brigade, at the Diamond D Ranch. They played across my mind’s eye with ease, bringing great affection for this well written re-telling.

At the same time, I thought it was brilliant to have several POV instances from the seductive villainess Narcissa LaBelle. Boy howdy, she is wicked to the core. Witemeyer perfectly describes her cunning mind and conniving ways. I could not wait to see how Ranger Titus Kingsley was going to catch her and what a great sting it was!

With fabulous descriptions of…well…everything, I can see this becoming one I reread many times! Of course, no one writes western quite like this author so when a beloved classic fairytale meets a pen like Witemeyer wields, it is bound to become a classic in its own right among Christian fiction fans. Truly, the faith thread was so well done for both Penelope and Titus, and their romance is as delectable as apple cider.

I received an early copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. No compensation has been received.

Have you read any fairytale retellings? If so, let me know in the comments.

Review ~ Man of Shadow & Mist (Of Monsters and Men, 2) by Michelle Griep

 

Barbour Fiction, 320 Pages (Paperback)

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”

–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

____________________________________________________

My Review ~ 5 STARS

Griep has written another absolutely riviting page turner! Man of Shadow & Mist is one of the highlights of my reading this year. I could not put this book down and devoured it as if it was a chocolate candy bar in front of me.

With a fascinating plot and deep spiritual truths, any fan of Grieps will enjoy spending a few hours immersed in this book. I may have been a little more entranced by the story because when I was in high school I had a small speaking part in the play (Dracula) that our drama dept put on. It was such fun! Reading this semi re-telling brought back many good memories of one of my favorite electives.

James was trying so hard to find a cure for his mother and subsequently himself. My heart hurt for him for all the cruelty he’d been subjected to by the town people. His moment of surrender to the Lord and recognizing God’s sovereignty over even this brought tears to my eyes.

Rosa is such a lovely young woman who sees beyond the gossip. She has a bit of trepidation toward James early on however, she doesn’t believe the myths and folklore about vampires so she stands strong and befriends him.

Griep found a way to bring a shining light in deep darkness and has once again solidified her place in gothic fiction. I highly recommend this book!

I received an early copy from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. No compensation has been received. This is my opinion of the book.

Rebecca Reviews ~ In This Moment (Timeless, #2) by Gabrielle Meyer

416 Pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2023, Bethany House Publishers

About the Book

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?

_________________________________________________________________

3.5 stars

"Most days, I could pretend that my life was normal. I was a twenty-year old woman searching for my place in the world .. . . The only difference was that I had three normal lives . . . I would have to choose which one to keep and which to forfeit."

"Do you ever get scared?" . . . . . . "Of saying good-bye . . . forever?"

Going to sleep in one life, and waking in another had always been a way of life for Margaret Wakefield, Maggie Hollingsworth, and Meg Clarke. Born as a time crosser, she deftly navigated her knowledge of American history between 1861, 1941, and 2001. . . . . albeit every once in a while her comments or actions raised a few eyebrows (or even quite a few eyebrows), leaving Maggie no option but to continue on as if nothing unusual had just happened; however, the clock kept ticking towards her twenty-first birthday (and final decision time). Determined to find her true calling, she pursued the field of medicine in each era and tried very hard to guard her heart in the process, but three men made that task particularly difficult. Would one of them prove to "be enough"?

Amazingly, this author has sewn together a trio of intriguing life spans into one very interesting story, recalling how all three time periods had very similar, yet singular challenges. One of my deepest impressions came while reading this particular conversation; "None of us are independent of the ones we love. We're woven together like a big tapestry, with each color unique and vibrant, but making a larger picture possible. You're woven right here for eternity."

And those three men? The ones who made Maggie's heart beat faster? Well . . . . "when you know, you know".

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Short Review ~ Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

 

About the Book

After a short and difficult marriage, recently widowed Edith Sherman has learned her lesson. Forget love. Forget marriage. She plans to fill her thirties with adventure. As she awaits the final paperwork for a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town. The last thing she needs is a handsome local catching her eye. How inconvenient is that?

Henry Hobbes isn't exactly thrilled to have Edith, who he assumes is an elderly widow, dumped on him as a houseguest for the summer. But he'd do almost anything for his niece, who is practically like a sister to him given how close they are in age. Especially since Edith will be working nights and Henry works most days. When he and Edith keep missing each other in person, they begin exchanging notes--short messages at first, then longer letters, sharing increasingly personal parts of their lives.

By the time Henry realizes his mistake--that Edith is actually the brown-eyed beauty he keeps bumping into around town--their hearts are so intertwined he hopes they never unravel. But with her departure date rapidly approaching, and Henry's roots firmly planted at home, Edith must ultimately decide if the adventure of her dreams is the one right in front of her.

________________________________________

My Review 4 STARS!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed binging on this contemporary rom-com!! Lots of fun to read with engaging characters, captivating plot twists, and amusing dialogue. Complete delight in this debut novel!!! 

A friend loaned me the book. I was under no obligation to write a review.

________________________________________

Has anyone else read this one? If so, let me know in the comment section. And offer a recommendation if you've read a good book this spring!

New Release from Mimi Matthews!!!

Tomorrow is the DAY!!!

Return to Satterthwaite Court 

releases from highly acclaimed author Mimi Matthews.

I pre-ordered my copy from Audible because narrator Alex Wyndham is one of my favorite narrators.

Do you enjoy audio books? I had to train myself to listen to them during the "year no one wants to remember" took place and we were all told to stay shut up in our homes. No library access, and publishers weren't mailing books for such a long time that it was excruciating for this avid reader. So I signed up for Audible and I think one of the first books I bought was by Mimi Matthews. I was hooked right then and went through every one of her books she had published at the time. Long days of sitting on porch with a sewing project in my lap and a historical novel in my ear was just about perfect in spite of the chaos going on in the world.



If you haven't read any of Matthews' books, I highly recommend them. They are considered clean Victorian Romances and quite intriguing, especially her Parish Orphans of Devon series. I've listened to the third book, A Convenient Fiction, about 5 or 6 times. 


My Review on Goodreads:


"Excellently done!!!
A Convenient Fiction is a beautifully romantic story with fabulous narration!! It was a pleasure to listen to. I loved it."






But if you aren't an audio book fan, that's ok! They're published in traditional print and e-book as well. 


I don't get any revenue from you using any links on this blog. I'm just sharing because it's easy and quick to get to Matthews' profile on Goodreads. And from there, you can decide for yourself! 
 
I sincerely hope your spring is off to a good start! I've been very busy tending to my chickens, grandbaby and family.




I love the color variations from light cream to reddish brown to blue to green to olive. Life is better with chickens!! 

.

Review ~ Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

I missed launch day yesterday because I was loving on our sweet little 8 month old grandson but I do want to encourage any of you who have read epistolary novels to definitely give this newest from Pepper Basham a go!!! I absolutely loved it!!! 

#authenticallyizzy #BlameItOnABashamBook

About the Book

“Dear Izzy—I feel certain there’s a book-loving man living relatively nearby waiting to speak bookish to you ’til death do you part. You just haven’t met yet.”

Izzy Edgewood is a wannabe bookstore owner, quote queen, and Lord of the Rings nerd who has been waiting for Prince Charming to sweep her off her sneakered feet. But it’s hard to meet people when you spend more time with fictional humans than real ones. Which is why her pragmatist cousin Josephine decides to take Izzy’s future into her own meddling hands and create an online dating profile for the hopeful romantic.

To Izzy’s shock (and suspicion), Josie’s plan works. Soon, she’s dialoguing with a Hobbit-loving man named Brodie who lives in a small town an ocean away from her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But is their shared love of books, family, and correspondence enough to overcome Izzy’s fear of flying and the literal distance between them? And is a long-distance relationship even worth considering when a local author has been frequenting the library where she works and is proving to be a perfectly fine gentleman?

In this epistolary novel from award-winning author Pepper Basham, bookish dreams and happily-ever-afters collide to create a beautiful sort of magic that’s even better than fiction.

Purchase:

Amazon

Baker Book House

Christianbook

My Review 5 STARS

I have seen glimpses of Basham’s humor for years in her stories but I was unprepared for the level of wittiness that she has produced in Authentically, Izzy. Outstanding is all I can say.

A long time fan of epistolary novels, this one utterly delighted me with its fast pace, charming characters, and entertaining plot. I waited on pins and needles for the proverbial ball to drop and when it did I found myself muttering to Brodie and Izzy about how stupid they had been/were being. But of course without this tension the whole time it wouldn’t be any fun to read.

If you are looking for your imagination to be captivated by solid imagery, character growth, family dynamics and faraway lands, look no further than Authentically, Izzy. While much of it is written communication—texts and emails—there is plenty of face time (see what I did there ha-ha) between Brodie and Izzy and his family which adds an extra dimension to the story. The descriptions are so vivid I had no problem visualizing anything.

I highly recommend this book to Basham fans and fans of contemporary romance that enjoy epistolary style novels.

I received an electronic copy from the author with no expectation of a positive review.

Review ~ The Sisters of Sea View (on Devonshire Shores Book 1) by Julie Klassen

Paperback, 448 pages

Expected publication: December 6th 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book

When their father’s death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea. Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola’s scars--both the visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

__________________________________________________

My Review 4 STARS

There are many nods to Jane Austen’s classic novels in this latest accomplishment from award winning author Julie Klassen. Delightful words of wonder grace the pages of The Sisters of Sea View in a gentle yet engrossing manner. There is a slow pace to this story that rings true to the time period while exerting just enough adventure to keep readers turning pages. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, perhaps this one will offer you several hours of diversion from life’s cares. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the lives and loves of The Sisters of Sea View. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley with no expectation of a favorable review.

 

"I Spy" Premonition GIVEAWAY!!!

This is a fantastic *giveaway* to promote this equally fantastic new release from the highly acclaimed author Jaime Jo Wright. Her stories have what it takes to leave this reader breathless on many occasions!! 

My review is posted here in case you want to know what I thought about the book. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to win some awesome swag!!!

Join the "I Spy" Premonition GIVEAWAY! How does it work? See Premonition online? Save the link and submit it! See Premonition in a store? Snap a pic and submit it! See Premonition in your library? Snap a pic and submit it! We're playing "I Spy" to see where "The Premonition at Withers Farm" shows up and we need YOU to find it! Once you find it, use this form https://forms.gle/k7XQCmzZNQXN3cvMA to submit your entry!

You'll be entered for the giveaway of a SIGNED COPY OF PREMONITION, a cozy FLANNEL BUFFALO PLAID SCARF, and your choice of COFFEE or TEA! What are you waiting for? Be on the lookout! Contest ends midnight 10/31/2022

One entry per person

 USA entries only

*Stuff & Nonsense is not affiliated with this giveaway in any way, shape, or form.

Review ~ Honor Bound (Love and Honor #1) by Hallee Bridgeman

Paperback, 384 pages

Published September 6th 2022 by Fleming H. Revell Company

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.
As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.
With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

My Review 3 STARS

This is the first book in a new series by this author but I still felt like I was missing some ties to earlier characters. The military aspect of this story was fast-paced and seemed realistic. Captain Norton's team is one that I can imagine being filled with real life heroes. I liked how strong and outspoken of a Christian Norton is and would like to read more about him beyond his relationship with Cynthia. She is a character that I didn't connect with and was often irritated with because of her pacifist views being vocalized to an elite member of the military.

 It's a common trope in military fiction now, saving a 'damsel in distress' in a foreign country. I'm sure this is a story that many will enjoy even though I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

COMING NOV 15, 2022 ~ Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

Epistolary scares off some people but this contemporary novel is so much fun!!! You will be sad if you miss the witty and fast-paced banter flying through cyber space in this delightful novel.

Pepper Basham is a favorite of mine no matter what genre she writes. Don't miss the pre-order on this one at Baker Book House for a 20% discount!!!

An Unintentional Blogging Break

I really didn't mean to take a blogging break but summer became one big crazy thing!! So much has happened but hopefully all is on the UP side now. 

Praying it is so!

I've been reading a few good books over the summer that I plan on reviewing here. I'm on the launch team and just finished my review copy of a new book coming out in October, The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright. If you've read any of Jaime Jo's novels you know they are epic suspense bordering on thriller, which I love!!! 

As for craftiness, Slow Stitch is my medium nowadays although my husband did buy me a new sewing machine a couple of months ago!! I'm excited to get to where I can use it regular. Taking it in and out of a case is such a hassle. Or I'm super lazy ;) This is a piece I made for my oldest granddaughters 10th birthday this month. It's a combo of applique, beading, and slow stitch. The butterfly was a beast to bead but I think it came out pretty. 

If you're on Facebook, I'm in an awesome group called Roxy's Journal of Stitchery. Soooo many uber-talented stitchers in there. Come on over and check it out! You don't have to post your work (I haven't yet) but you can still enjoy and be encouraged by the other stitchers. It's a project oriented group that two sisters lead with video etc. You can find them on YouTube and check it out first!

Well, lovelies, I'm off to do stuff and get stuff done!