Review ~ Julia Monroe Begins Again (Beignets for Two #1) by Rebekah Millet

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and hopes this next decade goes much better than the last, in which she became a young widow raising two children on her own. With both her boys off to college, it's time for new beginnings, and she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to keep her distance from him if she wants any chance of keeping history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend has other plans to throw them together. It seems inevitable that Julia will have to face her past with Samuel, but only if she can work up the courage to embrace the kind of new beginning she never thought she'd see again.

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My Review ~ 3 STARS

As much as I wanted to love this contemporary rom-com, I just didn’t. Julia grated on my nerves. Her behavior toward Sam was too much like a resentful and grudge-filled middle school girl. He was a genuine repentant grown man being constantly judged for past behavior. There are plenty of one-liners that are notable but they just didn’t make up for how I felt about Julia. I’m definitely in the minority on this one so don’t take my word. Read it for yourself.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to review the book through Netgalley. My opinion is my own. No compensation received.

Exodus 14:14 ~ The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

 Sometimes life is hard but that is when we have to dig deep, settle in with our Bible, and immerse ourselves in the truth of who God is and cling to his promises that are prolific throughout Scripture.

Hang in there, faithful friends.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

About the Book

In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Two women a century apart are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance from bestselling author Carrie Turansky.

Purchase Link

Bethany House Publishers

Let me know in the comments if you've read any of Carrie Turansky's books. I think I've read them all! She's one of my favorite Christian authors in the market today. Her stories are filled with hope, grace, love, and faith with plots that keep me riveted to the pages. 

Review~ Voice of the Ancient (The King's Men #1) by Connilyn Cosette

 

Bethany House Publishers

August 15, 2023

336 pages

As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavash-Gilead, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind to search for him in hopes that he's still alive.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads for the south, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

Battling to survive the dangers surrounding them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah's true origins are revealed and Avidan's search for his cousin becomes increasingly futile, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette brings to life the first years of King Saul's reign.

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My Review 4 STARS

Cossette never ceases to amaze me at the depth of research that is obviously done in order to bring readers a story that absolutely draws one in from the first page to the last. Voice of the Ancient tells a story of fierce determination, heartache, love, redemption, and so much more. Be prepared to be immersed in rich historical detail! You may not be able to put this one down.

Fans of historical and biblical fiction will want to grab a copy of this first book in the new The King’s Men series. This is going to be quite a ride!

I received a copy from the publisher, and also purchased a copy. My opinion is my own.

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.

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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.