Sacred Fire

 

A dream of belonging. A land seething with malice. Can this budding peacemaker stand strong in the face of darkness?

Sarah longs to make a new life for herself in the coveted holy city. When a mysterious widow offers her a job there, she’s certain it’s an answer to her prayers. But Sarah finds the city smoldering with ancient hatreds…some directed at her.

Jacob is proud of his priestly heritage. Though he steadfastly holds to his learned traditions, the young man yearns to escape an arranged marriage and take control of his destiny. And he believes his moment has come when he rescues a servant girl who wields a sacred language long forgotten.

After thwarting a murderous riot, Sarah is plagued by alarming visions of a demon terrorizing the city. And Jacob vows to protect his new friend, even as their leaders pay no heed to their dire warnings.

Can this determined teen and her defender banish a ruthless foe and prevent an unholy catastrophe?

Sacred Fire is the whirlwind first book in The Sacred Fire Saga YA fantasy series. If you like courageous characters, powerful destinies, and slow-burn romance, then you’ll love Karen Grunst’s sweeping epic.

Buy Sacred Fire to feel the heat today!

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I found an exceptionally written, rich fantasy style world with well written characters. I enjoyed getting to know Sarah,  as she leaves behind all she knows to earn her keep in the city. I could only imagine the anticipation she felt at the new adventure, though all is not as she thought it would be in the holy city. There is an undercurrent of evil that threatens to suck people in.

As Sarah learns to navigate the new world she is in, there is also the mystery of who she is, with having been raised in an orphanage. I love that there is a lot going on in this story and can't wait to read the next book! 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Iris

 

Iris Marshall never wanted to be anything more than what she is—an official for the European League of (American) Football. So, why she said yes to being a courier for the CIA? She’s not sure, especially when it lands her in an international thriller that has her on the run from a killer. And worse, the person she’s on the run with? Arrogant, bossy, playboy Hudson Bly football player and the last person on earth she wants to go into hiding with.

Hudson knows his days as a wide-receiver are numbered. Too many head injuries, starting with a violent TBI in college have caught up with him. So yes, he agreed to be a patriot, do his bit for the USA and courier a message between agents. He never expected for that simple act to ignite an international man-hunt for the official who wrecked his life, Iris Marshall. But what’s a guy to do—let her get killed?

But spending time with Iris has ignited a desire in him that takes him by surprise, and for Iris, maybe Hudson is more than she thought.

But who is after Iris? When one of her fellow officials is murdered, maybe the killer is after more than just her—maybe she’s found herself in the middle of an international plot to take down a country.

It’ll take the help of the entire family to keep Iris safe…but at what cost when they have to choose between their careers…and their country?

Join the Marshall family in book four of the thrilling romantic adventure!

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading about Iris and her search for the truth behind the espionage that she has been pulled into. Is someone after her, or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time? How does it play into the bigger picture of what has been going on through the course of the series?

This series is not one to be read out of order, since there is an ongoing thread through them. I also like how Susan May Warren sets up the next story in the current one, giving the reader a chance to get to know who will be featured in the next story. It does make it hard to wait for the next book to come out though! 

This is an action packed, enjoyable read that crisscrosses the globe! 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Positively Penelope

 

The world could do with a little more kindness and positivity and random acts of singing, don’t you think?

Dear Reader, My name is Penelope, and while I may not be a real-life princess, I’ve been told I possess a certain fairy-tale heroine quality. I wield optimism as my weapon of choice, don amazing shoes and vintage hats whenever possible, and speak in musical references. All of which perfectly qualifies me to succeed in my new role as a marketing intern at the historic Darling House theater on the island of Skymar.

Only . . . it seems this internship position is going to be a LOT bigger than I thought. The Gray family, who owns the theater, has been stuck in a rut of darkness ever since the loss of their matriarchs. Now all that’s left is a dying theater, a reclusive grandfather, three siblings, and an adorable seven-year-old girl who desperately needs some pixie-dust magic.

So that’s what this story is about. My plans to save the theater! (Plans that, somehow, keep being stolen by a local competitor.) And an anonymous online theater troupe. And two single brothers who may be vying for this American girl’s heart . . . until they’re not (or maybe they just want me for my ideas too). And a dream job offer that will require me to make a truly heart-wrenching decision. I may not excel at finishing stories, but I promise to see this one through to its happily ever after.

Positively,

Penelope

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book in this series and was thrilled to have the chance to read about Penelope's trip to Skymar. I enjoy books written largely in letter/email form, though it makes it all the harder to stop reading! There is a bit of mystery surrounding who the different people are that have chatted with Penelope online. As she seeks to return the theater to it's former glory, she just might find another reason to stay in Skymar. 
While this book works well as a stand alone story, I did enjoy getting to know Penelope through the eyes of her cousin in "Authentically, Lizzy". I could relate to Penelope, since I was somewhat like her when I was younger. She is a fun character and I enjoyed her journey! I highly recommend picking up both books in this series!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The Countdown

 

I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and how the characters were all very different. This wound up being a wonderful final book, as it brought in some of the previous characters as Raina gets her chance to be in the spotlight, the last place she wanted to be. Having hidden from a dangerous stalker, all that comes crashing down in an instant. Suddenly, her worst fears are realized. I loved the twists and turns to the mystery! This is an excellent story to pick up and enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Like Honey for the Bones

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Like Honey for the Bones by Brandy Heineman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Like Honey for the Bones
Author: Brandy Heineman
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 24, 2023
Genre: Christian Split-time Romantic Mystery

TWO HEARTS BROKEN ALONG THE SAME JAGGED EDGE MAKE A GRISLY DISCOVERY DEEP IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 

Present Day. Solveig Borja fled Virginia to escape the guilt of one reckless night, and once she settles the family estate, she’s Norway-bound and never looking back. Meanwhile, Kyle Benton has come seeking asylum from past sins—which Solveig shatters even as their hopeless romance blooms. But when they discover a skeleton at Rice Caverns, its century-old mystery holds startling links to the here-and-now.  

1919. The Great War is won. Gussie Rice longs for her beau's return from France, until she learns he’s confined at a stateside hospital and her closest confidant is part of the secret. Her bid for love sparks a confrontation that ricochets through time... 

Bad blood and escalating threats swirl around Solveig, and Kyle’s new life proves no haven from the old with his brother's killer trolling the shadows. As the past rears up, the cavern’s hidden places beckon with power to light their hope or to swallow them in utter darkness.

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

My thoughts: This story has a lot going on, since we are imminently thrown in the middle of things with Solveig home to bury her Grandfather. Things take an odd turn on the way to the funeral, and things get even weirder when her Grandfather's house is vandalized. As she is thrown into contact with Kyle, a young man who has secrets of his own, the two of them must solve a mystery. 

I have to admit, I felt a little lost at times, since both of the characters have their secrets and the reader isn't privy to them, making me feel left in the dark for longer than I would have liked. The characters are interesting, with a lot of baggage to work through, all while solving a mystery. There is a lot going on in this story! 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

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About the Author

Brandy Heineman is a book hoarder, cat herder, and Christian author of dual timeline novels. Antique shops and digital newspaper archives top her list of happy places, and she fuels her day job in marketing and life as a novelist with endless cups of tea. Brandy has served as president of the North Georgia chapter of ACFW and lives in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Michael.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a signed, print copy of Like Honey for the Bones and $25 VISA gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 24, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Her Homegrown Christmas Wish

 

All five-year-old Olivia Beacon wants for Christmas is a dad…

How on earth is single mom Hannah Beacon supposed to make that happen? To make matters worse, her holiday season is off to a rocky start. Between transferring ownership of the family bakery amid her mom’s decline, raising her young daughter, and the onslaught of Christmas orders, she can’t handle much more. And then her estranged husband shows up on her doorstep.

In the New Year, Daniel Ford is set to begin production on a TV show for the Hope and Family network. After years in the industry, the role is his biggest break yet. But when he sees his wife on screen with a mini version of herself, he realizes his shot at fame is on the line.

Together, Daniel and Hannah agree to start legal divorce proceedings—until Daniel comes face to face with the child that spurred his return. He can’t walk out of his daughter’s life, nor can he continue to deny his feelings for his wife. Will the career Daniel’s always wanted take center stage? Or can the two forgive past hurts to make their daughter’s Christmas wish a reality?

My thoughts: I have mixed feelings about the secret baby trope, since I can only imagine how hard it would be to find out you have a child you never knew about, and that you have years that you have missed out on. That said, I thought that the author did a great job of writing about a couple who had a hard time making it in Hollywood, leaving Hannah running home and Daniel staying with acting. When he finally makes his way back to the small town and Hannah, he has quite the surprise waiting for him! This is a sweet, clean romance with a delightful small town feel. I recommend reading the whole series, since I have enjoyed each of the characters!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The King's Feather

 

Rescue Mom. Handle The Prophesied Power.
And Don’t Fall in Love.
Sure. No Problem at All.

Pero Moshe’s mom vanished from their Oregon home, and the prophecy says it will happen to Pero, too. But when it does—and Pero is transported to an older universe, life gets more than a little nuts.

Throw in a bodyguard who is almost criminally cute, a corrupt and brilliant doctor who wants to steal Pero’s power and rule all of Moon City, and her mom showing up as a pawn in the whole thing. And all Pero wants is to grab her mom and go home.

But, uh, yeah, that’s not happening.

In the end, Pero is forced to choose between forgiveness or escaping with those she loves before a shout crumbles Moon City’s walls to pieces. And both choices come at a cost she’s not sure she’s willing to pay.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this fast paced, fantasy story tremendously! The author does a wonderful job of bringing to life a world that has some similarities to the Old Testament story of Jericho, though it is also very different. I love how the author made it unique and her own, while still having a very gospel centered message. This story doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, like grief and wrestling with where God/Elohim leads. I highly recommend this delightful story for all ages! 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.