Becky’s Book Reviews with a Bent to Christian Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, and Cozies!
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Book: The Juliet Code
Author: Pepper Basham
Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction
Release Date: December, 2023
Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving
Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late.
The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.
Click here to get your copy!
Pepper Bashamis an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroadsand Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.
The Ever After
I’ve always loved fairytales.
Especially the romanticized version (#romancewriter).
The wonderful sense of a two people meeting, overcoming obstacles to be together, and then the happily-ever-after?
Well, those are some of my favorite reasons to read and write fiction. However, I didn’t realize the challenge I took on when I agreed to write a second and third book with the main characters staying the same!
You know what I mean?
In most series, the main characters from book one become secondary characters in the consecutive books so that the secondary characters in book one can become the main characters in book 2 (everybody still following along? )
One of my favorite book series that do this so well is the Amelia Peabody series. I fell in LOVE with Amelia and Emerson in book one, but just loved watching their continued dynamic as a couple grow with each new book. I felt as if I got to know them so much better in their “ever after” while they engaged in all sorts of adventures together.
So…that’s what I hoped to accomplish with Freddie and Grace.
Where The Mistletoe Countess ends with a happily-ever-after, The Cairo Curse and The Juliet Code take over to show us more of the…ever after – my attempt at showing how two main characters continue to grow beyond the end of book one.
I didn’t realize what a daunting feat it would be. Watching two characters meet, fall in love, and show some growth in book 1 was what I was used to doing. But how was I supposed to continue that character growth in consecutive books?
Well, I had to grow myself as a writer to understand how small changes can make lasting differences especially when writing about a beloved couple.
I think The Juliet Code shows a little of that growth – of our Freddie and Grace have not only matured spiritually and, in Grace’s case, experientially, but also as a couple.
Do you have a series that you love where the main characters stay the same?
“Surely God knew exactly what He’d been doing when He bound Frederick to this darling woman in marriage, didn’t He? Was it some sort of cosmic trust exercise?”
Frederick Percy, Lord Astley, is slowly coming to the conclusion that his life as a newly married earl will involve much more adventure and sleuthing than he would have chosen. Lady Astley, Grace, is delighted to have their honeymoon turn into one murderous adventure after another, finding great exhilaration and satisfaction in the happenings.
Pepper Basham brings back one of my favorite fictional detective couples from the Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse. It’s best to read the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment from this seemingly mismatched couple. Britain Freddy, hurt and lonely from his childhood, is the antithesis of American Grace, who is bookish, yet social, and impulsive. When the couple teams up with their detective friend Jack to find the missing Juliet paintings, confusion, and delusion, and danger abound.
Grace and Frederick communicate in sparkling repartée. Their conversation sizzles while remaining a clean read. As they learn more about each other, they learn how they complement each other and encourage each other to grow in their faith. Frederick encourages Grace with her fears, “And when you feel your courage is small, He is quite capable to lend you some of His.” Grace’s impetuosity will either cause Frederick to become overprotective of her, or learn to trust God.
I recommend this novel for those who appreciate historical romance, mystery , and humor intertwined with faith.
I received a copy of the book through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own paperback for my keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“I know we haven’t the power to change the world, but we can start in our little corner where God places us. To help right wrongs. Bring about justice and mercy. Sprinkle joy where it’s needed.”
“It was quite delightful to think of herself as a character in God’s book instead of just a wandering character without an author or book at all. In fact, if He wrote her days and she was trying to love Him and others well, then she had all the reason in the world to live bravely, didn’t she?”
“God is the great wrong breaker…”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! This Freddie and Grace Mystery had me smiling, biting my fingernails, scratching my head, and growing in faith alongside the main characters.
The Sacred Line, December 28
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28
Bigreadersite, December 28
Texas Book-aholic, December 29
Devoted To Hope, December 29
Mary Hake, December 29
She Lives To Read, December 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 30
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, December 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 31
Blogging with Carol, December 31
For Him and My Family, December 31
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 1
Back Porch Reads, January 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 2
Life on Chickadee Lane, January 2
Connie’s History Classroom, January 2
Book Looks by Lisa, January 3
Aryn the Libraryan, January 3
Girls in White Dresses, January 3
Daysong Reflections, January 4
Holly’s Book Corner, January 4
Splashes of Joy, January 4
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 5 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, January 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 5
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, January 6
Blossoms and Blessings, January 6
Pause for Tales, January 6
Tell Tale Book reviews, January 7
Cover Lover Book Review, January 7
Live. Love. Read., January 7
Labor Not in Vain, January 8
Mornings at Character Cafe, January 8
Worthy2Read, January 8
All-of-a-kind Mom, January 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9
The Lit Lady, January 9
Lily’s Corner, January 10
By The Book, January 10
To Everything There Is A Season, January 10
To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
I purposely left much of December open because of our schedule. Much to my delight, I found time to read these three books, all paperbacks (a rarity for me.) I met two of the authors, Crystal Caudill ( We Three Kings) and Carrie Turansky (The Legacy of Longdale Manor) at ACFW StoryFest in St. Louis in August.
I loved Crystal’s servant heart. She is so sweet! She writes sweet, Christian historical fiction. I have yet to meet Angela Ruth Strong, but hoping that will be soon. She is a hoot, and one should never miss her rom-coms!! Carrie Putman is a history professor who brings WWII times to life. The good, the bad, the redemptive!
I talked to Carrie Turansky for several minutes about the American Orphan Train and the British equivalent. ( Did you know there was such a thing?) Carrie is a historical wealth of knowledge on that subject!! I could have talked to her all day!!
Maddie Day ( who has a few aliases ) has written a clean cozy series that struck a chord in my heart A County Story Mystery series. I like to say they are about the “near South,” as a Northerner. Series takes place in the hills of Southern Indiana, not far from Bloomington.
Two women–a century apart–embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.
In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris 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 meets David Bradford–the owner’s handsome grandson–who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. 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’s left searching for answers.
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.
Praise for The Legacy of Longdale Manor
“This novel will stir your faith–and your desire to visit England’s Lake District!”–JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author
“Turansky opens the door of Longdale Manor and invites readers to explore the secrets hidden inside.”–MELANIE DOBSON, award-winning author
“A beautiful book to warm and lift the heart.”–CATHY GOHLKE, Christy Hall of Fame author
CARRIE TURANSKY is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and The Highland Hall series. Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Connect with Carrie on her website: http://carrieturansky.com/, and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
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I loved this book detailing a painful failure, distant relationships with those one needs affection and love from, add in one reluctant romance, plus a generous, no questions asked acceptance from a non-family member. How God works in our lives through both good and bad to bind up our deep-seated wounds!
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In this Christmas collection, Weise men still seek Jesus–and love
Best-selling romance authors Caudill, Putman, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel that will prove just as popular as the previous award-winning volumes.
1. “Star of Wonder” by Crystal Caudill
The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family’s grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise’s chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.
Crystal Caudill is a tea-drinking, book-hoarding, history nerd. Her award-winning stories are ripe with history, danger, love, and hope. When not writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her husband and boys, caregiving for loved ones, hiding in a book, drinking copious amounts of hot tea, or connecting with readers. You can connect with her at http://www.crystalcaudill.com or by joining her newsletter crew at bitly.com/CaudillNews.
2. “Beauty Bright” by Cara Putman
Lieutenant Charles Weise served as a Monuments Man after World War II and now works to restore stolen art to rightful owners. Captain Lillian Thorsen pairs up with him not only to return treasures but also to fix the war-torn lives around them.
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing award-winning books with the count currently climbing to 40 published and more in the works.
In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, Clinical Assistant Professor at a Big Ten university who also runs a center, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you’d like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/) , and I’ll send you the link.
3. “Perfect Light” by Angela Ruth Strong
Essential oils mogul Brendon Wise is drawn to Lacey Foster, the event planner for his huge Christmas lights festival. But when he inadvertently makes a spectacle of her on television, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. Will a chance to give gifts to those in need at Christmas be the key to discovering common ground–and maybe love?
Angela Ruth Strong sold her first romance novel in 2009, and her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky released as a movie in 2022. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she blogs for Inspy Romance and My Book Therapy. Get to know her even better at http://www.angelaruthstrong.com.
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I loved the way each author contributed to the Christmas anthology, We Three Kings, by drawing on their strengths. Crystal Caudill writes intriguing historical fiction, easy to follow and always with a good romantic thread, including faith. We see the foundations of the Weise empire of at least family being built.
Cara Putman picks up just after WWII, with two very different individuals attempting to catalogue snd restore stolen art treasures to surviving Jewish families. One of their biggest hurts is, the people they are bending over backwards to help, would rather spit in their face. It takes much prayer, determination, and ingenuity to find solutions.
Angela Ruth Strong excels in contemporary romance. I love to read her work, because no matter the seriousness of the situation, Angela will include humor and a positive spin because of her faith in Jesus. Of course, her characters just might find romance, because, well, she loves to take the impossible and make it possible through Christ.
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The author of Flipped for Murder serves up a culinary cozy with all “the right combos for an entertaining read”—includes recipes! (Nightstand Book Reviews).
Robbie Jordan may have had reservations about the murder victim, but she still needs to turn up the heat on a killer if she wants to keep her new restaurant open for business . . .
In the charming small town of South Lick, Indiana, Robbie has transformed a rundown country store into the runaway hit Pans ’N Pancakes. But the most popular destination for miles around can also invite trouble. Erica Shermer may be the widow of handsome local lawyer Jim Shermer’s brother, but she doesn’t appear to be in mourning. At a homecoming party held in Robbie’s store, Erica is alternately obnoxious and flirtatious—even batting her eyelashes at Jim. When Erica turns up dead in the store the next morning, apparently clobbered with cookware, the police suspect Robbie’s friend Phil, who closed up after the party. To clear Phil and calm her customers, Robbie needs to step out from behind the counter and find the real killer in short order . . .“Grilled for Murder was another good mystery from the Country Store . . . Recommended for all cozy lovers!”—Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
Maddie Day is a talented amateur chef and holds a PhD in linguistics from Indiana University. An Agatha Award-winning author, Maddie writes the Country Store, Cozy Capers Book Group, and Cece Barton Mysteries, all from Kensington Publishing.
As Edith Maxwell, she write the Local Foods Mysteries (Kensington Publishing) and the Quaker Midwife Mysteries (Beyond the Page), as well as award-winning short crime fiction.
You can find all Maddie’s/Edith’s identities and work at http://www.edithmaxwell.com. She blogs every week day with the other Wicked Authors at wickedauthors.com and every second and fourth Fridays at mysteryloverskitchen.com. Look for her as Maddie Day/ Edith Maxwell on Facebook and @edithmaxwell and @maddiedayauthor on Twitter and Instagram.
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Something about the down-home, never-in-a-hurry atmosphere of the rolling hills of this area of our country attracts me and draws me in. Probably reminds me of the time I spent in Southern Ohio. So many similarities.
And a little country store/restaurant. A town where everybody knows your name… and unfortunately, your business.
Yummy food with recipes. A murder off page with almost everyone a suspect. Just good, clean fun.
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I gave all three books five stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Each was deserving in its genre!
Title: Buried Grave Secrets
Series: Crisis Rescue Team, #4 ( standalones)
Author: Darlene L Turner
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Released: December 2023
Standing guard…
with threats on all sides.
When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Crisis Rescue Team
Book 1: Fatal Forensic Investigation
Book 2: Explosive Christmas Showdown
Book 3: Mountain Abduction Rescue
Book 4: Buried Grave Secrets
Book 5: Yukon Wilderness Evidence
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at http://www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
“…forgive yourself first…It’s time to put the darkness behind us. Until light shines again, we’ll never move on…”
I would never want to live in this book, Buried Grave Secrets, by Darlene L. Turner. Yet, I sure enjoyed visiting Charock Harbour, Maine, from the safety of my armchair. Dr. Jordyn Miller is a part-time forensic anthropologist who is struggling to succeed without using her political father’s name. She would rather not have the protection he provides, either, especially when it comes in the form of Constable Colt Peters, whom she dated previously, and his K-9 co-worker.
Danger abounds. Lynx are at large. An unknown shooter takes aim. Bones threaten to reveal a past reality no one wants. Weather makes for even more suspense. Then there is the danger to two hearts, feeling betrayed and lonely.
I take notes when I read a book. This time, I was also jotting down names and alibis, or lack thereof. Besides the constant terror on the page and families in turmoil, could I flush out the killer before he or she was revealed? Ms. Turner led me on a frightening chase that involved so many twists and turns! I was very satisfied with the complexity of novel and crime. Buried Grave Secrets has risen to be one of my fave LIS books!
I challenge you to take your turn reading this book, as if your deduction skills will save the main characters or not! Be assured- The Bonedigger is watching!!
I received a copy of the book from the author. I also bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Your job puts your family in jeopardy.”
”God, where are You? I have to see Your light. The rattling continued. The room remained still. A verse from her childhood emerged… I am the light of the world.“
“You’ve had so many bumps and potholes in your life, love. But God has been right beside you all the time, shining His light. You’ve just snuffed it out. Don’t be so scared of the dark, because sometimes the best things come from within our darkest places.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My fave Darlene Turner novel so far. Maybe also my fave LIS novel. A bit of a psychological thriller.
Book: Sweet Rivalry
Author: Terri Gillespie
Genre: Women’s Contemporary/ Christian Romance/Family Life Fiction
Release Date: October 27, 2021
Just an ordinary morning for Sarah Sweeting—watching her favorite baking show, Cupcake Rivalry, getting ready for work at her Granny’s small-town bakery. All that changes when Sarah spots a contestant who looks like her, sounds like her, moves like her.
Was this her twin sister? The twin her mother ran away with twenty years ago? Were hers and Granny’s prayers finally being answered?
When Granny confirms Sarah’s shocking discovery, Granny suffers a heart attack.
Raven Souwer’s morning began at a frenzied pace—incessantly ringing phones and a Beverly Hills’ bakery full of customers. All because everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the Cupcake Rivalry contestants—Raven and her best friend, Will Durning.
But a phone call from an excited woman who claims to be Raven’s long-lost sister—a sister Raven has no memory of—informs Raven that a grandmother she never knew was in the hospital.
The call changes the course of Raven’s life and brings up the pain she thought she’d overcome.
Will Sarah and Raven finally be united, or will other rivalries—like competing in a baking show—separate them again?
Click here to get your copy!
Award-winning author, YouTube personality, and speaker, Terri Gillespiewrites stories of faith and redemption. She has won best contemporary with the Lyra Awards, Rattler Contest, Golden Scroll, and placed in the Angel Book Awards.
Life is a journey. Terri lived in fear most of her life. Stories helped her see life through the lens of adventure and God’s abiding love. Those stories changed her life. They empowered her to be brave. She hopes hers will do the same for you.
She is the author of critically-acclaimed Making Eye Contact with God (now in its 15thyear), She Does Good Hair, CUT IT OUT!, Really Bad Hair Day, and Sweet Rivalry.
Where do stories come from? Oh, so many places. Sweet Rivalry began over ten years ago with an idea called the “cupcake sisters.” Two sisters who worked in a small hometown bakery trying to be true to family recipes and not get overrun by the food chains. Not much more than that. Boring, right?
The other day, I ran across my notes written years ago with other ideas for the sisters. No plot could carry an interesting enough story to get the creative juices going.
A dear friend—and amazing author—gave me a life-sized cupcake candle. The vibrant colors and glittery icing were meant to inspire me to develop the idea and write the book. It sat on my inspiration shelf for years.
At first every time I looked at it, I would smile.
But, as the years went by the sun faded the candle, as did my hope of finding the right story for the cupcake sisters.
Then, during COVID I got hooked on those reality shows about long-lost families being reunited after decades of separation. Some of the families had no idea the other family member existed.
Each episode meant a fist of soppy tissues. Yet, even with the dramatic music, professional editing, and big build-up, some families’ smiles didn’t quite reach their eyes.
I wondered, what happens to these people after the camera crews leave? After the emotional reunions, the drama and excitement subsides and reality settles into their respective homes? How do these people from very different histories become a family? Do they even try? Do they want to face the secrets that separated them?
Some of the “long-lost” family members were children of affairs. Most were children given up through adoption. Others abandoned. One man found his birth mother, only to learn he was the result of a rape. How do they navigate the choppy and complex psychological waters?
These interesting stories became delicious ingredients for the Sweet Rivalry novel. Twin sisters separated as toddlers by a troubled mother with addictions.
One sister, Sarah was raised by her loving, Christian grandmother who owned the local Sweet’s Bakery.
The other sister, Raven was raised by her using mother, in crack houses. Still, Raven manages to become a celebrated pastry chef.
How do twins with completely different childhoods become a family? How does the sister raised in a loving, stable, Christian environment form a relationship with the sister who has seen the worst of society and had to pull herself from a terrible background all on her own? Who now blames God for the horrific things that happened to her?
And a grandmother that hides a terrible secret?
Now, throw into the mix three handsome men vying for the twins’ affections, then bake with the emotional investments into the lives of these women, and you’ve got quite a recipe for a delectable story.
With humor, passion and delicious recipes, Sweet Rivalry will satisfy the hungry reader looking for a unique story of hope.
You know, Sweet Rivalry’s journey proved to me once again, that creativity can’t be forced, and GOD’s timing is always the best—even if it is a ten-year wait.
How about a recipe?
Raven’s Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cupcakes with Fritos Frosting
The Recipe That Almost Won the Cupcake Rivalry competition for Raven and Will.
Raven’s cupcake recipe:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar packed
2 eggs room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup Dr Pepper
½ cup buttermilk
Will’s Fritos Cream Cheese Frosting
4 cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter softened
6 oz cream cheese softened
4 T Dr Pepper to taste
Original, Regular flavor Fritos (up to 1 cup)—Don’t use the scoop type
Instructions:
Raven’s Chocolate Dr Pepper Cupcakes
Will’s Fritos Cream Cheese Frosting
“Were the Sweeting family secrets about to be revealed? And if so … were either of the sisters ready to learn the truth?”
Having discovered her decades-lost sister while watching a cooking show competition, Sarah Sweeting thinks that life will suddenly be complete. Little does Sarah realize the deep emotional waters both she and her twin, Raven, will have to conquer to begin to form a worthwhile bond.
Gillespie takes an improbable premise and adds just the right amount of romance, family, angst, guilt, and longing to bring us a truly delightful and believable tale.
“What kind of person takes one kid and leaves another?” Sarah wonders why their mother left and didn’t take her. Raven wishes their mother hadn’t taken her when she left. Each envied the other and had trouble empathizing with the other’s emotional struggles. Will they get in their own way of family, or will other people or secrets undo any chance of them learning to bond?
A great novel, recommended! I received a copy through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Fave Notable Quotable:
“We keep trying to fix what only God can.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magnificent! Family struggles and romantic tensions make this a book not to miss!
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16
Artistic Nobody, December 17 (Author Interview)
Books I’ve Read, December 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 18
Texas Book-aholic, December 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20
Cover Lover Book Review, December 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 23
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 24 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, December 25
Beauty in the Binding, December 26 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, December 27
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 28 (Author Interview)
Exploring the Written Word, December 28
Lily’s Corner, December 29
To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of Sweet Rivalry, Cupcake Stickers, Sweet Rivalry bookmark, and a Hand-poured Cupcake Candle!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/293d5/sweet-rivalry-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: The Gilded Curse
Author: Marilyn Turk
Genre: Historical Suspense
Release Date: July 31, 2023
In early 1942, a mysterious telegram draws Lexie Smithfield back to the island her mother thought was cursed. Now the only heir to the dwindling family fortune, Lexie plans to sell the family’s vacation “cottage” in the Millionaire’s Village on Jekyll Island. But someone else is interested in the cottage and is getting more desperate to find what they’re looking for, even to the point of murder.
Lexie’s childhood friend, Russell Thompson, is now the Jekyll Island Club’s superintendent and the keeper of members’ secrets, especially one that would shatter Lexie. When he learns Lexie is in danger, he stays close to protect her, but soon discovers an attraction to Lexie he didn’t expect.
Could the danger be from someone they know or is it possible that the threat of Nazi invasion on their coast is a reality? Or is the island really cursed?
Russell and Lexie must work together to discover the real danger and keep from getting hurt or killed in the process.
Click here to get your copy!
Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts, Walking in Grace, and contributes to other Guideposts publications. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.
When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys reading, walking, boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, and playing with her golden retriever. She also sings in the choir at her church and leads a women’s Bible study group. Marilyn and her husband have a combined family of four sons, one daughter, and four grandsons. She’s still hoping for a granddaughter someday.
She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Word Weavers International, and the United States Lighthouse Society.
Marilyn is also the director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference.
When my agent told me a certain publisher was looking for Southern Gothic novels,
I wondered what those were. What I found out was that they were gothic-style novels set in the South, usually an old antebellum mansion, for example, “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte.” Think “Jane Eyre” or “Wuthering Heights” set in the southern United States. I had just visited Jekyll Island, Georgia and toured the Millionaires’ Village there, so those mansions came to mind. These homes, which were actually vacation “cottages” of the rich and famous, were built in the Gilded Age of the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is said that the 100 members of the club represented most of the wealth in America at that time. However, the members aged and passed away, leaving their wealth or debt to their descendants, the Great Depression caused many to lose their fortunes, then two world wars wreaked havoc on the country, so most of those homes were abandoned. Thanks to ongoing renovation efforts by the state of Georgia, many have been rebuilt. My main character in The Gilded Curse, Alexandra Smithfield (Lexie), inherits one of those abandoned mansions right at the start of World War II. The family fortune gone, she intends to renovate and sell the mansion she hasn’t seen since childhood since her mother believed the island cursed, due to some tragedies that happened to their family while there. So Lexie is “cursed” in two ways – by inheriting something she can no longer afford to keep and by the imagined curse her mother believes. When suspicious events happen around her cottage, she wonders if her mother was right.
Today, you can take tours of the Millionaires’ Village and see the former “cottages” of Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, etc. You can also stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, renovated and now part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Some of the characters in my book were real people who lived in 1942, particularly the Maurice sisters, two single sisters who loved the island and never wanted to leave it, even when the President of the United States wanted the island vacated during the war. One interesting thing about the Maurice house: efforts to renovate it have met one obstacle after another, leading some people to believe the sisters’ spirits are still there and very particular about what they want done to their house.
“Lexie was beginning to believe there were too many secrets on the island, including those that involved her. She promised herself she’d discover the truth and trust Russell to help her. Unless he was too busy keeping his own secrets.”
Marilyn Turk combines romance, suspense, mystery, and WWII to bring us the first book in the Suspicious Shores series, The Gilded Curse.
In 1942, Lexie Smithfield has returned to the summer playground of the rich and famous, Jekyll Island, to dispose of her family’s dilapidated cottage. Having lost her father to an accident, her mother to dementia, and her brother to the war, Lexie has no one to rely on but herself.
When Lexie returns, she finds a childhood friend, Russell Thompson, superintendent of the club, waiting for her. She also encounters former unwanted acquaintances, a surly gardener, and rumors of ghosts in her cottage.
The cottage has secrets and is most forbidding. Yet, someone is after something valuable in the old cottage. As things go from bad to worse, Lexie hears over and over in her head her Mother’s voice, claiming the curse of Jekyll Island has ruined their family.
With strange sightings off the coast and strange happenings in the cottage, can Lexie and Russell work together, overcoming social barriers, to find the truth before the curse claims its last victim? Can Lexie find her way back to God, or is He angry at her because she has ignored Him for so long?
I loved the topics broached in this touching story. PTSD, mental illness, respect for veterans, better treatment for mentally ill, social barriers, fears, fear of God. All are a natural part of the story.
And the history! I love learning new things, and I never knew some of these facts about WWII and our own shores.
I highly recommend this book. I immediately went to my fave retailer and bought the sequel, Shadow of the Curse, for more adventures with Lexie and Russell.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought an ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magnificent!! I’m ready to visit Jekyll Island!!
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11
Pause for Tales, December 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13
Mary Hake, December 13
Betti Mace, December 14
Texas Book-aholic, December 15
Min Reads and Reviews, December 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 18
Holly’s Book Corner, December 18
Blogging With Carol, December 19
Cover Lover Book Review, December 20
For Him and My Family, December 21
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 22 (Author Interview)
Little Homeschool on the prairie, December 22
Connie’s History Classroom, December 23
Lily’s Corner, December 24
To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/293d1/the-gilded-curse-celebration-tour-giveaway
First recommended to me by Naomi Craig, ( who pardon the saying, I now follow religiously for Biblical fiction!
Heather Kaufman brings us the story of MARTHA in UP FROM THE DUST on January 23rd!! Pre-order now!!
Book: When Love Comes
Author: Penny Zeller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: December 5, 2023
Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?
Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.
Tobias Hallman has always wanted to be a blacksmith, so when an opportunity arises to own his own shop in Prune Creek, he seizes it. However, he doesn’t expect to cross paths with his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason.
When tragedy strikes, close proximity soon forces two reluctant hearts to become allies in a quest to rescue Tobias’s orphaned niece. Can Charlotte and Tobias put aside their preconceived disdain for each other and find love in the midst of challenging circumstances? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl grieving the untimely loss of her parents?
Click here to get your copy!
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.
Today Penny is a multi-published author of nearly two books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.
When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.
One of the most exciting things about writing a book is creating memorable characters. I couldn’t wait for Charlotte and Tobias to have their own story—and to revisit Aunt Myrtle and Aunt Fern. I hope you enjoy this short excerpt from When Love Comes.
Blessings,
Penny
“Charlotte! Oh, Charlotte!” Two jubilant voices garnered her attention. Aunt Myrtle and Aunt Fern waved at her from the north end of the boardwalk. Charlotte bustled her way through the crowds and toward the aunts.
My, but if they hadn’t begun to have a strong resemblance in their older years. Both had completely gray hair, and while Aunt Fern wore spectacles, her round face and pert nose matched her sister’s.
“Best not ever say they resemble each other,” Ma told her before she embarked on this trip. “Even if they do. For you might find yourself sleeping in the chicken coop for such a comment.” Ma and Charlotte had laughed over that, even as Ma insisted it would be detrimental to suggest their likeness.
“Look at you! You’ve grown into such a lovely young lady,” Aunt Myrtle wrapped her arms around Charlotte. “We’re so glad you’re here.”
Aunt Fern gave her a hug next. “Yes, we are. It’s been too long since an Eliason was here in Prune Creek. The buggy is thisaway. It’s a slight bit too far for us to walk to the Peabody house these days.”
“Too far for you, maybe,” chided Aunt Myrtle. She fingered her decorative hat. “What do you think about my hat, Charlotte? Mrs. Peabody was about to discard it when I salvaged it.”
Since she was taller than Aunt Myrtle, Charlotte could see the top of the hat and the fake bird immersed in a portable flower garden. “It’s lovely.”
“Well, it is not,” declared Aunt Fern. “Who wears a hat with a bird on it?”
Aunt Myrtle lifted her chin, nearly causing the hat to topple from her head. “Women of high society who take a fancy to the latest and most elegant fashions.”
“But you’re neither.”
“Pshaw. Hush, Fern.”
They walked down the boardwalk on the way to the buggy. As they passed the barbershop, a balding man with the thickest spectacles Charlotte had ever seen perched in the entryway. “Well, hello, Fern. Would you like a haircut?”
“You know full and well, Mr. Gorman, that I do not need a haircut.” Aunt Fern fluffed her gray curls and tossed him a disgusted look. “That vexing man asks me if I would like a haircut every time I walk by the barbershop. Far be it from me to allow someone with magnifying glasses for spectacles to see well enough to fashion my coiffure.”
“Sometimes the Good Lord places folks in our lives who become far more than mere friends.”
Penny Zeller takes us back in time to Prune Creek, Wyoming, in 1895. Charlotte Eliason has had her heart broken, and has traveled to live with her two perpetually bickering aunts.
Charlotte is shocked to discover that the young smithy her aunts want to set her up with is none other than Tobias Hallman, her childhood nemesis.
This old West romance is perfect for those who like the enemies-to-friends-to-more trope. Expect the meddling aunts to provide tons of humor. You’ve just got to love Myrtle and Fern! And little Lanie will both become endearing and break your heart! One of the best things about this book, is that it really can be read as a stand-alone, even though it’s part of a series. (But honestly, the books are too good to miss any.)
I think I would truly have enjoyed living in this town and having a front row seat to the romance and hilarity. I might forego an invitation to supper, though!
One thing Tobias doesn’t understand is how Charlotte can re-read a book four or more times, and he can’t resist needling her. “I do know, however, that if I read a book once I can be assured it will end the same way should I read it a second time. Now on the fourth time, the ending might change.”
One of my fave lines shows Charlotte’s maturity and trust in God. “God wasn’t caught unaware. He knows this is happening and the repercussions…We need to begin collecting prayers.” Sounds simple, but life is being turned topsy-turvy as she proclaims her faith, and encourages another to stand on her faith plateau.
I highly recommend When Love Comes. I received a copy from the author, and from Celebrate Lit, and I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“I don’t regret the life God chose for me. What I do regret is the bitterness.”
“Don’t be like I’ve been. Forgive, move on, and await with anticipation the life God has planned for you.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I always enjoy Penny Zeller’s historical romances!! And we get a heaping helping of the hilarious great aunts in this one!
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 6
lakesidelivingsite, December 6
Alena Mentink, December 7
She Lives To Read, December 8
Vicky Sluiter, December 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Texas Book-aholic, December 10
EmpowerMoms, December 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 13
Devoted To Hope, December 14
Cover Lover Book Review, December 14
For Him and My Family, December 15
Holly’s Book Corner, December 16
Connie’s History Classroom, December 16
Splashes of Joy, December 17
Pause for Tales, December 18
Life on Chickadee Lane, December 19
Mary Hake, December 19
To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/2924a/when-love-comes-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: Rocky Mountain Promise
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Lorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its mother’s lifeless body, she can’t help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and the European trappers alike.
A flood of men visit their ranch to regard the marvel, some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage so she’ll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry, and others trying to steal the calf outright. When the men’s advances become more sinister, she approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner of the new trading post, with an idea: She and the calf will move to his post, along with her family’s trusted Blackfoot friend. This will solve both their problems, bringing customers to his trade room and protecting her family from the trouble brought on by so many strangers. Yet as the danger travels with her, Lorelei and Tanner are faced with a threat greater than anything they’re prepared for–one that will test the limits of both their abilities and the love growing between them.
USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller delivers an exhilarating addition to the Sisters of the Rockies series fraught with peril, adventure, and romance amid the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.
Click here to get your copy!
Misty M. Belleris a USA Todaybestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
My latest release, Rocky Mountain Promise,follows the four Collins sisters who traveled west to accomplish their father’s deathbed request, and stayed on to run a ranch in the Wyoming Rockies. This particular book is Lorelei’s story, the third sister by age.
I loved writing Lorelei! She LOVES animals and has a heart to heal and nurture. Growing up on a ranch in the early 1800s, she understands that animals are important to survival, but she loves taking in any injured or orphaned creature she finds.
Like the orphaned buffalo calf with beautiful shades of white fur she discovered on the plains. The creature was only a couple weeks old, far too young to survive on its own in the wild, so she took it home to nurture until it could be released back into a herd.
Little did she know, white buffalos are extremely rare and considered sacred by the Indians, which puts them in high demand. I first learned about this belief when I was reading the non-fiction book My Life as an Indian, a memoir of James Willard Schultz, a white man who married into the Blackfoot tribe and lived among them for many years.
The respect for the white buffalo originally began with the Sioux, and they have a legend about the White Buffalo Woman that I won’t take time to share here (though you can read about it in Rocky Mountain Promise!). The deep respect for a white buffalo spread quickly among all the tribes and the trappers who lived in the Rockies and the surrounding plains, and such a creature (or even its hide) became one of the most sought after treasures in that day!
In Lorelei’s story, trapper and Indian alike show up in their cabin yard to see the remarkable white calf, some trying to woo her into marriage so she’ll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry. Others try to steal the calf outright. She ends up taking drastic measures to protect both the calf and her family. Any guess what she did?
I pray you love Rocky Mountain Promise as much as I do!
Blessings!
Misty
“Her mission was to save—especially animals. She was the one who came along after the hunters and found the helpless, those not mortally wounded, or the innocent that had depended on those now lifeless.”
It’s always a treat to read another historical romance by Misty Beller. Each book just seems to get better and better. In Rocky Mountain Promise, we have Lorelei’s ( the third of four Collins sisters) and Tanner’s story. The four sisters venture into the West in the 1830s, following their late father’s instructions.
Lorelei loves animals with a passion, especially helpless ones. She happens upon an orphaned baby albino buffalo and adopts him before she understands the Native American lore surrounding the white buffalo and the trouble he could bring to the ranch.
I enjoyed every minute of my time with Lorelei and Tanner. Lorelei is so sweet, such a great nurse/vet to animals or humans alike, so kind and free. ( I found the eldest sister, Rosemary, much harder to like because of her overbearing personality.) Tanner is amazing as well, so thoughtful, protective, going out of his way to help, honest, and wise as concerns both business and people.
There is so much to like about this book! The mountains will call to you as you read of the characters traveling through them. The romance is sweet and paced just right, interspersed with plenty of trouble and action. Anyone who loves animals will love Lorelei and her devotion to them. Tanner’s trading post is so well described I felt like I could have been there to receive and judge furs or shop for hard-to-obtain goods. I also loved the interactions between the cultures.
While this is definitely part of a buildable series, I believe the book could be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Faith is woven quietly into the novel, but that faith is strong. “I don’t know what God’s plans are for Curly. All I know is we need to take the next step before us.” I wish we all, myself included, would be that obedient to what God places before us.
Will faith lift Tanner out of the belief in his own worthlessness? Thanks to people who should have loved him and had his back, he is sure he is a failure. “why did it seem he was always the villain, even when he tried to protect?”
I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and no positive review was required.
Notable Quotables:
“God hasn’t rejected you. You are good enough exactly the way He made you. Better than good enough—you’re perfect. Exactly the way He wants you.”
“Treasure is found in ashes.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! Misty Beller will keep you spellbound from the first page to the last as you enter her beautiful, romantic, and dangerous world of yesteryear.
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 29
Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30
Pens Pages & Pulses, November 30
Betti Mace, December 1
Wishful Endings, December 1
Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Texas Book-aholic, December 3
Splashes of Joy, December 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 4
For Such A Time As This – Miriam Jacob, December 4
lakesidelivingsite, December 5
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6
Life, Love, Writing, December 7
Avid Reader Nurse, December 7
Cover Lover Book Review, December 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9
For Him and My Family, December 9
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 10
Exploring the Written Word, December 10
Holly’s Book Corner, December 11
Blossoms and Blessings, December 11
Lily’s Corner, December 12
Pause for Tales, December 12
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/2909a/rocky-mountain-promise-celebration-tour-giveaway
Title: The Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo
Author: Tabitha Bouldin
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance; Western
Releases: November 28, 2023
She left home to chase her dreams
Now she’s back seeking a second chance…
When Callie Wade’s horse goes blind, there’s only one man who can save her barrel racing career. Brody Jacobs is the best horse trainer she knows—if he’s willing to help. She broke his heart when she left him behind to go after rodeo stardom. This time, will they put their hearts on the line to reach the championship…and a future together?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.
“I’m here and I’m helping. You can’t stop me.” Truer words had never been spoken. If he could stop her, she’d have never left him.”
In the Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo by Tabitha Bouldin, we are introduced to two very headstrong former lovers who have been separated by life. When Brody Jacobs’s dad had a life-altering accident 10 years ago, it changed Brody’s life plans, too. Instead of being a traveling, renowned horse trainer, he chooses to stay at the ranch to support his family.
Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Callie Wade, whom his family “adopted” because of her parents’ indifference, left about that time to follow her dream of being part of the rodeo circuit.
Ten years later, Callie is desperate for Brody’s help to retrain her beloved horse, Glow, so she can return to the rodeo circuit. What follows is a good look at two individuals who are trying to work life out for themselves, trusting no one but themselves. Secrets, heartache, and pain become patterned ruts. I liked this book because I got disgusted with both characters’ short-sightedness. But you know what? That is so typical of real people, trying to maneuver through life on their own, without others or God. So the characters’ flawed lives are fitting!
These two act like thornbirds, getting close, backing up, running away, hurting each other. “I’ll help Glow. On one condition.”…
“We don’t talk unless we’re training.”
“The Jacobses were like family to her, and she’d abandoned them, left them behind as though they had no value to her, and she’d never looked back.”
Can these two find a reason and the power to stop the cycle?
I received a copy of the book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotable:
“Some things about people change, but usually, who they are at their core…that stays the same.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent. The characters are so flawed, but, oh, so true to real life!!
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions 