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.*
November’s Theme: Archeologist or Paleontologist
December’s Theme: Christmas
Refuge for the Archaeologist
by Danielle Graninetti
I so wanted to be done with the book in time to write my own review. Alas, my life had allowed little time for reading, and I’m only halfway through (and definitely enjoying it). As a kindness to myself and y’all so I could get this post up, I’ve reached out to a fellow reviewer to ask if I could use their review of the book. Connie graciously said yes. 🙂 So without further ado, November’s Reading Challenge Review:
Review by: Connie Saunders – You can follow her on her Older & Smarter? Blog at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/ or follow her on Instagram.
History, mystery, and romance! An introduction to intriguing new characters and a reunion with some that we’ve already met! Author Danielle Grandinetti invites us back to Crow’s Nest, Wisconsin and I’m so happy to return! The characters are appealing, the suspense kept me fully engaged, and there was also an inspiring faith element woven into the plot. What more could I ask for? How about an unlikely romance between a female archaeologist and a devoted son and uncle who longs to return to his work on a Western ranch? Is it possible for Cora and Silas to give up their dreams and settle instead for a future in Crow’s Nest…together??
Refuge for the Archaeologist is a great addition to the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. It’s the second book of the series but don’t worry if you haven’t read the first. Grandinetti shares background tidbits to help you understand what’s occurred previously! I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
For Fans of:
Genre: Historical Romance, Depression Era
Plot Overview:
Lies, greed, and lost dreams chase an out-of-work archaeologist and an out-of-place cowboy. Visit small-town Wisconsin in this Depression-era amnesia romance.
Will uncovering the truth set them free or destroy what they hold most dear?
Wisconsin, 1930—With her health in shambles and her archaeological career on the line, Cora Davis retreats to Crow’s Nest and the home of her great aunt to heal. She doesn’t think much of the missing memories from between the earthquake that caused her dizzy spells and her trip home. Until she begins remembering the danger that sent her fleeing her last dig and the person responsible.
After a decade as a ranch hand, Silas Ward returned to Crow’s Nest to provide for the women in his life. That same protective instinct propels him to Cora’s aid. But when finances dwindle, the lies and greed of others threaten to ruin his family. Unless Silas can walk the thin line of compromise. A choice that might cost him Cora’s affection.
As winter’s chill threatens, will Crow’s Nest prove a refuge, or will both Cora and Silas have no choice but to sacrifice their chance at happiness to save those they love?
Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Author’s Shop | Barnes & Noble
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.
Recommendations for December:
- We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putman, and Angela Ruth Strong
- A Louisana Christmas to Remember by Morgan Tarpley Smith, Betsy St. Amant, and Lenora Worth
- Chiseled on the Heart by Elaine Marie Cooper, Cynthia Roemer, Candace West, and Kelly J. Goshorn
Thank you for sharing my review on your blog! Merry Christmas to you and your readers!!
I read Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright. It was really good! I really enjoy how she used the split time element and how both timelines tied together. Merry Christmas!
I read The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse. It was good!
I read The Curator’s Daughter by Melanie Dobson. Terrific novel, and the research was excellent. Not too many people know the history of the nazis searching for artifacts. As far fetched as Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark was, there was actually some historical basis for it. If I ever make an actual list of the best ww2 novels I’ve read, thus one is in the top 5 for sure. 10/10 recommend!
I read the Curator’s Daughter. I love this reading challenge because I have discovered so many great authors and books.
I read ‘Engaging Miss Shaw’ by Rachel Knowles. One of the main characters is sort of an archeologist since he was cataloguing the tesserae he had found.
Here’s my review of the book mentioned above…
I don’t know why but I’ve a fascination about governesses so any story about them or including them is a go for me.
Miss Shaw is a lady and doesn’t need a position as a governess. But wanting to switch things a little decides to take on the position to help a troubled boy. Philip is having a hard time adjusting to life after the death of his parents. And with the help of dear Miss Shaw he rises to the occasion. Uncle John is another character that needs help from Miss Shaw, lol. Together they embark in a journey to change lives for the better but not without difficulties left and right. The villain in this story is a very despicable one. But in the end love is the greatest force there is and like the great poet said, “love conquers all”.
I loved all the historical tidbits throughout the story. And I’d relate to some references as well coming back recently from a trip to the fascinating city of Pompeii. I appreciate when authors do their history research for accurate references.
If you like regency novels with governesses and family issues to conquer, this is the book for you.
Here’s a quote I liked from the story…
“People are more precious than rubies. Love is of far more value than diamonds…. When you have loved and lost, you discover what is truly valuable in life.”
I read The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green. Very much enjoyed this book. I’ve been wanting to read it for a while now and when someone mentioned it would work for this challenge, I was so excited. It was a bit tricky for me to get into at first, but past the halfway point I couldn’t put it down. We are learning about Ancient Egypt currently in our homeschool, so this was perfect timing.
I’ve already read my book for December, The Hart of Christmas by Latisha Sexton