"How could something that seemed unbelievable be true? But if it was, how could a man not choose to believe it?"
This is the first book by Carol Ashby "How could something that seemed unbelievable be true? But if it was, how could a man not choose to believe it?"
This is the first book by Carol Ashby that I have read and it was truly delightful. It is book 8 in the Light in the Empire series but can be read as a stand-alone. There are many minor characters with cameo appearances or mentions in this book from previous books and backstories to some of the major characters in this story but I didn't feel like I missed anything while I was reading due to the author's meticulous character development. The plot is beautifully laid out and I really felt like I was living in 123 AD Rome. I learned a lot about how Roman society functions, with its complicated political and hierarchical structure, as well as about the business side of owning gladiators and training schools, and day-to-day events of a well-run estate during this period. This book is an epic journey of secrets, pain and grief, honor and sacrifice, God's Providence, and, ultimately, repentance and acceptance of God's forgiveness and mercy set in a glimmering but dangerous Roman world where Christians are hunted.
Licinia (also called Calvia) is a Christian woman whose faith is kept secret by her senatorial father and brother. She is loving, compassionate, and tender but knows how to stand up for justice and mercy. Circumstances send her away from Rome, guarded by slaves who are also fellow believers. Brutus is a successful merchant and owner of multiple gladiators and training schools who is blinded by grief and rage at losing his wife in childbirth. Their friendship is unlikely and their romance quite sweet but their relationship takes a back seat to the relationship Jesus pursues with each of the major characters. The faith of those who are already believes is astounding and the conversion scenes of those who turn to Jesus in the story are raw and powerful. There is even a bit of suspense as Licinia is tracked by an evil family who seeks to blackmail her brother.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially one set in second century Rome, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Merged review:
"How could something that seemed unbelievable be true? But if it was, how could a man not choose to believe it?"
This is the first book by Carol Ashby that I have read and it was truly delightful. It is book 8 in the Light in the Empire series but can be read as a stand-alone. There are many minor characters with cameo appearances or mentions in this book from previous books and backstories to some of the major characters in this story but I didn't feel like I missed anything while I was reading due to the author's meticulous character development. The plot is beautifully laid out and I really felt like I was living in 123 AD Rome. I learned a lot about how Roman society functions, with its complicated political and hierarchical structure, as well as about the business side of owning gladiators and training schools, and day-to-day events of a well-run estate during this period. This book is an epic journey of secrets, pain and grief, honor and sacrifice, God's Providence, and, ultimately, repentance and acceptance of God's forgiveness and mercy set in a glimmering but dangerous Roman world where Christians are hunted.
Licinia (also called Calvia) is a Christian woman whose faith is kept secret by her senatorial father and brother. She is loving, compassionate, and tender but knows how to stand up for justice and mercy. Circumstances send her away from Rome, guarded by slaves who are also fellow believers. Brutus is a successful merchant and owner of multiple gladiators and training schools who is blinded by grief and rage at losing his wife in childbirth. Their friendship is unlikely and their romance quite sweet but their relationship takes a back seat to the relationship Jesus pursues with each of the major characters. The faith of those who are already believes is astounding and the conversion scenes of those who turn to Jesus in the story are raw and powerful. There is even a bit of suspense as Licinia is tracked by an evil family who seeks to blackmail her brother.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially one set in second century Rome, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
The Baker family in Walker Beach, CA has quickly become one of my favorite fictional families of all time. I'm really enjoying the series getting to kThe Baker family in Walker Beach, CA has quickly become one of my favorite fictional families of all time. I'm really enjoying the series getting to know one Baker cousin at a time and I hope the author writes a book for each one of them. The tourist town of Walker Beach is small, close-knit, loving, and so inviting. Once you come to Walker Beach, you won't want to leave!
This story focuses on Ashley, Ben's sister and event/wedding coordinator extraordinaire. She's fun, loves family and friends, and likes being needed and busy. Derek is Ben's best buddy and is trying his hardest to save his family's vineyard and winery. His loyalty and willingness to sacrifice made him quite endearing. Their long history of friendship that slowly becomes something more was so tender and sweet. I actually even liked Derek's French fiancee Claire, who wasn't portrayed in an evil light but had a backstory of her own and she became more real than just a side character that was needed to stir up emotional angst. And there is plenty of emotional angst as both Ashley and Derek try to figure out how to align their professional hopes and dreams with personal ones. It's another heart-warming contemporary romance by Lindsay Harrel that you don't want to miss.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"They ought to strive to be men that sacrificed the future they'd hoped for to do their best by those they loved."
This is book 3 in the Frontier Vows "They ought to strive to be men that sacrificed the future they'd hoped for to do their best by those they loved."
This is book 3 in the Frontier Vows series and it can definitely be read as a stand-alone, though reading the series in order will give Leah and Bryant's marriage the proper background even before starting this book. It's an emotional tale of hurt, bitterness, forgiveness, and grace; what Leah and Bryant's marriage goes through after his felony conviction and stint in jail is what any marriage can go through after loss of trust. I really appreciated Bryant's depth of character and maturity, as well as his tenacity and persistence in pursuing his wife. Leah's reluctance to accept her husband is totally understandable, given her humiliation and her disability that resulted from consequences of his illegal activities. Their faith that ultimately brings them back together is admirable.
It's a heart-warming historical novella with a wonderful message of Christmas at the center of the plot. I received a copy of the book from the author via Inspirational Historical Fiction and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
It’s a fun novella filled with adventure and faith. It was fascinating to see how this group managed to survive on a deserted island and how each persIt’s a fun novella filled with adventure and faith. It was fascinating to see how this group managed to survive on a deserted island and how each person’s skill set contributed to their survival. Danger lurking around every corner was quite real, as was the genuine friendship and camaraderie that formed among the seven characters. The romance between Zach and Abby was sweet and tender. The characters’ struggle for survival and triumphs will become yours as this novella transports you to an uncharted land of beauty and adventure.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
It’s another fun and sweet Christmas novella from Pam Hillman! Based on a true incident of a Pacific Express train in December 1884, the novella combiIt’s another fun and sweet Christmas novella from Pam Hillman! Based on a true incident of a Pacific Express train in December 1884, the novella combines the wintery force of nature in the mountains of Oregon, cohesive and nurturing bond among the stranded, delightful secondary characters, and charming romance between Katie and Creed. It’s the book to read curled up with a toasty fire in the fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
What a fun historical novella that was originally a part of the 12 Brides of Christmas Collection. It’s a sweet friends-to-more story between AnnabellWhat a fun historical novella that was originally a part of the 12 Brides of Christmas Collection. It’s a sweet friends-to-more story between Annabelle who is itching to visit snow and cousins in Chicago for adventure and Samuel who is the steadfast, hard-working, and tender-hearted Mississippi business partner and best friend of her brother. Their friendship is fun and genuine but Samuel harbors deeper feelings that Annabelle doesn’t realize until she’s ready to leave for her grand adventure. His tender care of Annabelle is quite lovely and I loved Annabelle’s large family. I also enjoyed learning about the logging process in the Mississippi region during the late 1800s. It’s a wonderful Christmas novella that you can finish in one sitting and sigh in appreciation at the end.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"While he couldn't change the mistakes of his past, he was tired of letting his regret shackle him. Keeping him isolated and a prisoner to the shame h"While he couldn't change the mistakes of his past, he was tired of letting his regret shackle him. Keeping him isolated and a prisoner to the shame he couldn't escape."
Another heart-warming contemporary romance from Heidi McCahan. This story follows Jack Tomlinson as he struggles to climb out from the boulder of guilt after his father's death and tries to make better choices and decisions instead of being the impulsive, irresponsible youngest child he's been labeled. Laramie is his friend and his older sister's best friend who loves others through acts of service but has deep hurts from the past that prevent her from trusting in Jack's feelings for her. Jack's newfound twin daughters are adorable and this mom's heart totally empathized with Jack's love for his girls but also his daily trials and difficulties. This is book 2 in the Merritt's Crossings series (first book was about Jack's older sister Skye) but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed my return trip to this small town in Colorado and hope to see more of Drew, Jack's brother, in another book centered around this lovely family.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"Maybe the magic of Christmas was people helping each other. Mandy Romano would show up for that kind of Christmas. The kind that looked like being th"Maybe the magic of Christmas was people helping each other. Mandy Romano would show up for that kind of Christmas. The kind that looked like being there for each other when life felt like too much."
I loved getting a glimpse into Mandy and Leo's married life seven years after I first met them. Though this is a continuation of the author's Table for Two where Mandy and Leo first meet, it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. This novella reflects every woman's journey as Mandy suddenly realizes that she has no joy or sparkle as Christmas season approaches. She is weighed down and overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for two young children and their home, feeling discouraged by not being able to pursue what used to be her passion, and feeling slightly neglected by Leo's busy work schedule and commitment to the restaurants and his father. Leo is also in a tough spot where work is more demanding than ever, his father's health is declining, and he feels like he's failing his family. We've all been here - the place where life is so busy with other people and things that absolutely must get done that we lose our focus, our sense of who we are. The author describes this place in such a heartfelt way that I felt every fear, uncertainty, disappointment, anxiety, and ache. She accurately portrays how two people who love each other can get bogged down with the mundane details and busyness that comes with approaching mid-life. Leo's care of Mandy's heart, his thoughtfulness, and his romantic gestures are swoony. Through the efforts of Leo and the rest of her family, Mandy grasp hold of the true meaning of Christmas and joy once again. Anyone who enjoys a heart-warming Christmas story that is real and down-to-earth would really enjoy this novella.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"But no matter what, we were still on the same side. We were still one. We still loved each other, and that if you and I remained committed to helping"But no matter what, we were still on the same side. We were still one. We still loved each other, and that if you and I remained committed to helping each other navigate those broken places, then nothing can tear us apart."
I have missed reading V Joy Palmer's witty, clever, pop culture-filled writing. I didn't realize how much I've missed it until I started Kaylee's journey and met up with all the other beautiful ladies in the previous books (Izze, Apryl, Courtney and their respective husbands/fiances). I loved Kaylee's first person present tense voice which made it seem like a diary being played out. And her "inner DJ" that plays a song for every situation and scenario, whether real or imagined, was absolutely hilarious. Gabe presents his portion of the story in third person and his backstory slowly unfolds to let Kaylee and the reader figure out why he feels unforgivable. Kaylee and Gabe have a history back in high school, and, when they find themselves working together again in a wedding band, that history resurfaces but it also brings a truckload of baggage spanning at least a decade with it. It was refreshing and real to see that Kaylee and Gabe, though they’re confessing Christians, are not perfect and still struggle with God’s gift of grace and extending forgiveness to others. And the mysterious Lou strikes again in this book to knock some sense and God’s truth into the main characters when they need it the most. The book will enthrall you with plenty of snark, good-humored banter, laugh-out-loud moments, heart-breaking raw emotions and capture your heart with deep, abiding friendships and absolute spiritual truths, particularly about unconditional love. This book is the perfect romcom to curl up with on a rainy day.
It's book 3 in the adventure that spans four best friends' lives but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I'm hoping for a new series soon by the author! I received a copy of the book from the publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"I've heard it said that if you want God to open doors for you, let go of the knob."
I knew Davis' story would be heart-wrenching and completely redemp"I've heard it said that if you want God to open doors for you, let go of the knob."
I knew Davis' story would be heart-wrenching and completely redemptive, but I was still blown away by this book. Davis, the funny and solidly grounded man of faith with all sorts of crazy "southern" saying, has been one of my favorite secondary characters in the Coastal Hearts series and I've been anxiously waiting for his story to be told. And what a story it is. Janet Ferguson yet again delivers a flawlessly told tale of past mistakes, grace, redemption, and reconciliation with powerfully raw emotions and beautifully etched characters. It's a must-read contemporary romance that will garb your heart and soul.
Davis is an amazing man whose life and character have been completely turned around for good by the grace of God. Joy is his stubborn and control-freak wife mired in self-pity who has not seen Davis in many years. Their reunion is rocky and volatile and tests both of them to their limits - Davis, because he wants to show Joy who God really is, and Joy, because she doesn't understand how much Davis has changed and why. Joy's son Hank is invaluable in the book with his cuteness and precocious observations. And Davis' group of buddies (Rivers and Cooper, Gabby, Pastor Bruce) makes me want to be just like them to love and care for my friends the way they care for Davis.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"She was humble and yet confident, shy and yet bold, lighthearted and yet serious, amiable and yet reserved. The dichotomy of her character resembled "She was humble and yet confident, shy and yet bold, lighthearted and yet serious, amiable and yet reserved. The dichotomy of her character resembled the rings of a tree, each one built upon the previous, lending her a depth that never failed to fascinate me."
Oh, what a stunning conclusion to The Fairest Maidens series! Jody Hedlund's trademark of fast-paced plot brimming with action, filled with beautiful characters, and girded with hope, loyalty, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice truly shines through in this book. There is never a dull moment as Kresten, the youngest of Scania princes on the Great Isles for the Testing for kingship, falls in love, gets into scrapes, and learns the true meaning of "deny thyself." Even during the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual molding and refining, Kresten still maintains his charm, tender heart, passion, and fierce loyalty. Aurora is the sheltered true queen of Mercia who's been in hiding from Warwick's Queen Margery's grasp. She's a sweetheart who is loving and dedicated to being the best queen for her country. This is a series that must be read in order to fully appreciate the overarching theme and plot. If you haven't already, you have to read The Lost Princesses series, too, after reading this one.
If you enjoy medieval YA fiction, you will absolutely love this book and series. There are plenty of battles, monsters, and emotional struggles as well as triumphs, spiritual and personal epiphanies, and solidly bonded friendship. I can't wait to see what's coming next from Jody Hedlund.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
I have enjoyed several of the author's novellas in different collections so I jumped at the opportunity to read one of her full-length novels. Set durI have enjoyed several of the author's novellas in different collections so I jumped at the opportunity to read one of her full-length novels. Set during War of 1812 in Virginia, the author addresses an often overlooked period of American history. I found the politics, society, plantation management, and treatment of slaves in 1814 Virginia quite fascinating. There are plenty of surprises along the way to make the plot interesting. Unfortunately I did not connect fully with the main characters Nell and Carter; the multitude of secondary characters confused me in regard to their roles in the plot and their relationships with one another. But those who enjoy historical fiction may really enjoy this family saga that intertwines four families with multiple secrets.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"But just as a man needs to give a woman support to shine, he needs to protect her so no one else can blow out her light."
Oh, when I thought I couldn'"But just as a man needs to give a woman support to shine, he needs to protect her so no one else can blow out her light."
Oh, when I thought I couldn't love these sewing circle sisters any more than I already do, Nicole and Drew step into the spotlight and make me fall in love with them even more! With her trademark wit and humor, Sarah Monzon brings another well-written and enchanting romcom to delight our senses. As with all of her other books, there is depth to the plot with serious topics and painful events that shape and mold the characters woven throughout. Nicole's struggle with body image and Drew's defeated resignation about his lot in life were heart-breaking and so real. Nicole, though still passionate in her quest to make the world a better place, learns to let go a little to enjoy life and Drew's deep, thoughtful, tender and compassionate nature surfaces to overshadow his veneer of happy-go-lucky nonchalance. Drew's relentless pursuit of Nicole is quite romantic and his absolute, unwavering commitment to Nicole and her daughter Sierra is swoon-worthy.
I also enjoyed catching up with Ben and Molly, Malachi and Jocelyn, and the rest of the sewing circle sisters. Drew's sister and her family added another layer of fun and comedy to the plot. If you enjoy romantic comedy, this book is a must-read!
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
"But there is one thing I do know: life is about more than just being happy or being liked or being self-actualized. It's about more than just me. It'"But there is one thing I do know: life is about more than just being happy or being liked or being self-actualized. It's about more than just me. It's about more than just you."
This is the first book I have read by Erin Bartels (though I do own her two previous books). She has earned much accolade, and rightly so, given her lovely writing, deeply layered characters with raw and intense emotions that roll off the pages, well-constructed plot that brings the reader into the heart of the characters, and poignant and thought-provoking themes. This book allows the reader to follow along two estranged sisters, Olivia and Melanie, through a week-long hike in the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking and I felt like I was actually hiking the trails with them, suffering and triumphing alongside their losses and victories. Their reunion is stilted at best, having been estranged for a decade. Their completely different personalities and outlooks on life adds fuel to the fire that has been growing since their parents' tragic death ten years ago.
Olivia, the older sister, is an atheist control-freak, extremely structured but also self-centered. Melanie, the younger sister, is more of a free spirit and tender-hearted but quite unstructured and somewhat lost in her new age thinking. Unfortunately I couldn't fully connect with either sister and their argumentative dialogue, though probably very realistic between sisters, made me feel at edge, especially because Olivia mostly argued for the sake and love of argument. The sisters' convoluted history and relationship is made more clear with flashbacks, as new and old friends enter into the plot to nudge them along. The epilogue and Olivia and Melanie's spiritual stance are left open without any firm resolution, which disappointed me but also made me think deeper about the sisters' journey. Even though I didn't empathize with the sisters, their fears and heartache were real and tangible, as was their growth during the hike. If you enjoy well-written women's fiction, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own....more
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