by Crystal Caudill | Sep 30, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
September’s Theme: Time Travel
October’s Theme: Medieval Setting
In This Moment
by Gabrielle Meyer
Review by: Charity Henico, @Charity.Book.Escapes on Instagram
What if you had three different lives, but you could only finish out one? And YOU had to choose which one that would be? That’s Margaret/Maggie/Meg’s dilemma in In This Moment, which is the second book in Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series. She’s living three different lives, in three different eras, at the same time. When she turns 21, she has to choose which life to keep.
I really can’t talk much about this book, as I don’t want to give anything away. But hear me out here: when each chapter is so poignant, so moving, that you have to set the book aside for a few minutes to take it all in before reading the next one, and when an author can put you smack dab in the middle (well, the beginning) of the Civil War, World War 2, AND September 11? You know you have yourself a good book. Not even just a good book, but a must-read book.
I knew which path I wanted Margaret/Maggie/Meg to choose pretty much from the beginning, but I still wasn’t sure exactly which one it would be until almost the last chapter! This book will keep you guessing until the very end, and you do NOT want to miss out!
Genre: Historical, Dual-Time/Time Travel
Plot Overview:
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 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 a 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 joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she’s a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.
While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, 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?
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Bookhouse | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recommendations for October:
- The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson
- Lord of Her Heart by Sherinda Ketchersid
- Valorous by Tamara Leigh
- Kingdom of Love by Tracie Peterson
- The Rose and the Thing by Joyce Brandt Williams
- Legend of the Guardian King series by Karen Hancock
- Enamored by Jody Hedlund
- The Knight and the Dove by Lori Wick
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
August’s Theme: Bounty Hunter
September’s Theme: Time Travel
A Worthy Pursuit
by Karen Witemeyer
Review by: Crystal Caudill
Out of a need to have an audiobook to read this month, I had to abandon my original read in order to finish the reading challenge on time. Karen Witemeyer has long been a personal favorite–especially after her sweetness in sending my dying grandma a signed copy of Stealing the Preacher–the book we started to read during my goodbye trip. I can’t read a Karen Witemeyer book without remembering that sweetness and being grateful to the kindness she bestowed on my grandma. I now have that copy book, as well as the one we read together, as treasured possessions on my shelf. All the sentimentality aside, I knew that I couldn’t go wrong by picking up a book of hers that has long been on my TBR pile.
Karen never fails to bring humor, faith, and complicated characters to a wonderful story. They are light and airy while still being full of substance and the danger I crave. Stone and Lottie were two characters I thoroughly enjoyed. They were each strong individuals who sought to protect those who were defenseless, even at great cost to themselves and their reputations. Listening to the story as I prepared for a conference and tried to set my house to rights made the tedious tasks more enjoyable. I loved the antics of the children, Stone’s persistent calling of Dobbson as “gnome,” and the special talents of each character. Oh! And I LOVED all the ties to dime novels. I won’t give anything away where that is concerned, but I thoroughly enjoyed the real heroes of the West and not just their fictionalized versions. Overall, I definitely recommend this story for those looking for an exciting story with romance, laughter, danger, and a swoony hero.
For Fans of: westerns, swoony heroes, children in peril, bounty hunters, sweet romances
Genre: Historical Romance, Western
Plot Overview:
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?
Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recommendations for September:
- When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer
- In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer
- Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time series
- Lisa T Bergren’s River of Time series
- The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series by David James Warren
- Stephanie H. McGee’s Back Inn Time series
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 15, 2023 | Book Reviews
To Disguise the Truth
by Jen Turano
Review:
I waited far too long to finish this series, but I am so glad that I finally got around to it. Eunice’s story was just as intriguing as it promised to be. With a wide variety of settings, action, suspense, and an enemy-to-lovers trope, it proved a page-turning (or sit in my car an extra few minutes inducing) read. I definitely recommend it for fans of Gilded Age stories, detective-type stories, romance, and heroines who stand on their own.
Genre: Historical Romance, Gilded Age
Plot:
When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.
Arthur Livingston’s goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family–but he’s left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.
Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life–and the lives of those she loves–in jeopardy.
Author Website: https://jenturano.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 8, 2023 | Book Reviews
Adrift
by Rhonda Ortiz
Review:
*This is a series that should be read in order. Check out In Pieces before reading Adrift
Full of espionage, political, and social intrigue with historically accurate details, Adrift is the exciting sequel in a series sure to have you looking at American history with fresh eyes and interest. Ortiz delves into the race, social, religious, and mental health struggles of the time with a deft hand that leaves you aching for better for the characters but in awe of their struggle to rise above, all while serving their country. It is a must-read for fans of historical novels.
(I also read this book for endorsement for full disclosure purposes.)
Genre: Historical Romance, Post American Revolution
Plot:
“Everything about your life is my concern, Mr. Robb, including your betrothed.”
Boston, 1793—Now engaged, Molly Chase and new federal intelligencer Josiah Robb want nothing more than to settle into quiet married life—or as quiet as life can be when one is hunting down a ring of traitors among Boston’s elite. But the plan has one glaring flaw: Molly herself, and the madness that has plagued her since her father’s death. Until Molly proves herself an asset rather than a liability, Josiah’s investigation cannot move forward.
Intelligencer Eliza Hall thought she had left her troubles behind in Philadelphia long ago. When she is sent back to follow a suspect, she’s ready to acknowledge the truth and make her peace—except that the man she loves, who doesn’t know about her past, is assigned to come with her. Now she must outwit her fellow spy and closest friend, lest he hate her for what she had been, while they maneuver to prevent Revolutionary France from dragging the fledgling United States into a war it cannot afford.
Both women are in search of a safe harbor. Little do they expect the winds to blow them into the most tumultuous waters of all—back home.
Author Website: https://rhondaortiz.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
Giveaway Opportunity
Rhonda is hosting a giveaway on her website from August 1st through August 14 to celebrate the release of Adrift. You can enter to win copies of In PIeces and Adrift by Rhonda Ortiz, plus selections from Adrift endorsers Stephanie Landsem, Eleanor Bourg Nicholson, Crystal Caudill, and Amanda Wen.
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. The contest closes on 8/14/23 at 12 a.m. Eastern (USA). No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Privacy policy at rhondaortiz.com/privacy-policy.
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
July’s Theme: Heroines in Unusual Professions for Their Time
August’s Theme: Bounty Hunter
To Write a Wrong
by Jen Turano
Review by: Crystal Caudill
Jen Turano never fails to be witty, entertaining, and exciting. To Write a Wrong was such a fun story with its dime novel heroine writing during an era when female mystery writers were not accepted. With the hero also a mystery writer and her competitor at that, this story is filled with laughs, romantic tension, and even a murder case. I’d probably call her style light and comedic romantic suspense. How can a book be both comedic and suspenseful? Turano just manages to pull it off with moments of concern for the protagonists and a constant trying to figure out who is the “would-be” murderer, all while laughing at the awkward situations. It truly was just the read I needed, and I’m so glad that I FINALLY got around to taking this one off my TBR pile.
For Fans of: historical romances with a gallon of comedy and a quart of suspense, novelist protagonists, secret identities, light-hearted mysteries, and clean romance
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot Overview:
Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she’s determined to solve.
Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.
As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne’s way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Bookhouse | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
Recommendations for August:
- The Bounty Hunter’s Bargain by Lucette Nel
- A Match of Sorts by Lucette Nel (A female bounty hunter!)
- Claiming the Bounty Hunter’s Heart by Clari Dees
- A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer
- Her Secret Song by Mary Connealy
- Claiming Her Legacy by Linda Goodnight
- The Bounty Hunter’s Baby by Erica Vestch
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 11, 2023 | Book Reviews
The Pinkerton’s Pursuit of Justice
by Clari Dees
Review:
Sometimes you just need a good ol’ Western to read. Clari Dees did not disappoint with The Pinkerton’s Pursuit of Justice. The story was well-written, lively, engaging and never dull, surprising, and also contained a spiritual element that was light, yet solidly done.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tremain’s determination to capture and keep ahold of the slippery Emmalena. When he realized more was going on than a simple pick up a thief and haul her back, he was equally determined to protect her and root up the truth. His character arc was believable, respectable, and one I enjoyed watching him grow through.
Emmalena was probably my favorite character. She was a woman capable of taking care of herself, yet knew her limitations–even if she did push them on occasion. She might have been on the run, but she had a good heart and a good reason to stay hidden.
Watching these two as they fought against, with, and then for each other was a delight that I intend to repeat.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of Pinkerton stories, westerns, and historical suspense. This was my first book from Clari Dees, but I loved it and am already picking up my copy of the second book, Claiming the Bounty Hunter’s Heart.
Genre: Western
Plot:
He’s searching for justice. He just didn’t expect it to be her.
Pinkerton agent, Tremain Taggart, has dangerous criminals to investigate and apprehend. He doesn’t have time to escort a petty thief to Denver, but the quicker he completes the assignment his superior ordered him on, the quicker he can return to more important cases. However, the straightforward task promptly turns into the most complicated, chaotic chase of his career, and if he ever gets his hands on the elusive Miss Justice, he will be sorely tempted to wring her neck.
All Emmalena wanted was a tiny corner of the world to call her own. But after running away from the circus—the only life she’s ever known—all she’s found is trouble. And now she’s on the run, again. This time with a disturbing Pinkerton hot on her trail. If she can’t outrun or outwit him, she might have to risk her heart and actually trust him.
She’s the assignment he didn’t want. He’s the complication she didn’t need. But together, they might be exactly what they were each searching for.
Author Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Clari%20Dees/author/B00BQ38Z4S
Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
