A Gripping and Heartfelt Story! --"Midnight on the Scottish Shore" by Sarah Sundin—Review

My Review:

“Midnight on the Scottish Shore” by Sarah Sundin is a gripping, heartfelt story that I will not soon forget! It is a novel about World War II featuring Scotland, lighthouses, the Double Agent program, and memorable characters. I was immediately drawn to the Scottish setting and the beautiful cover with the lighthouse. The setting did not disappoint, as I felt like I traveled to the windswept, rugged coast of the Orkney Islands and walked and bicycled with the characters across the lonely, haunting moors. I loved learning about the rich Scottish traditions. I now want to visit the Orkney Islands myself!

Our main male character, Lachlan Mackenzie, wears a kilt, has an accent, plays the bagpipes overlooking the sea, dances traditional Scottish dances, and recites poetry! What is not to love? Lachlan also is noble, honorable and wants to do the right thing. When faced with having to purposefully sabotage his own naval base to help the Double Cross program, what will he do?

Cilla van der Zee is a smart, lovable, whipper-snapper of a heroine who brings joy to Lachlan’s life. Through a series of events, she becomes a spy in the Double Cross program. I learned so much about MI5’s Double Cross program and loved reading about spies, double agents, and sabotage. The book was not too heavy or sad like some World War II books can be. The novel was obviously well researched and contained so much wonderful history as well as an emotionally moving story. There are wonderful lessons of duty versus mercy, forgiveness, family, finding freedom inside and outside of the trap and the truth that sets us free. Faith is also woven wonderfully into the story! This has been one of my favorite books of the year so far and I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: someone smells of alcohol; a character works in a bar; characters drink alcohol; a character drank (and got drunk) and stole things in his past; someone jokes that they’ll have a lover; someone is bullied; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written;  abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide in the author’s note.

TW: bullying; drowning in the past; abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide; su*cide mission.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable--become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Master of World War II fiction Sarah Sundin takes you to the wild Scottish seaside, where danger lurks under the surface of the water--and in the depths of the human heart--for a WWII tale you won't soon forget.

AUTHOR BIO

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, The Sound of Light, Embers in the London Sky, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information

 

An Unforgettable Historical Book Full of Intrigue and Drama! —"The King's Messenger" by Susanna Kearsley—Review

 

My Review:

Susanna Kearsley is one of my all-time favorite authors! "The King's Messenger" just confirmed that fact for me—it did not disappoint! Ms. Kearsley has penned a finely crafted novel, which is well researched and filled with rich historical detail. It contains everything I come to expect from a Kearsley novel, rich history combined with a little magic. The magic in this story is the fact that our hero, Andrew Logan (the titular King’s Messenger), has the gift of Second Sight. There is a present timeline, and we go back in time to see another character’s memories. Kearsley’s writing is beautiful, poetic, and full of amazing descriptions. You will want to savor every word! The story held me in such a thrall.  I especially loved that part of it takes place in Scotland, and I learned so much new history, especially about King James, the royal family, and the politics of that time. The reader takes a journey with the characters through 17th  Century Scotland and England.

 

The main characters start off as a group of enemies. Will they develop mutual respect, brotherhood, or even love as they travel and fulfill the king’s mission? The love story was so beautiful, and I loved the mystery as well. I almost started crying at one point because I felt the emotions so vividly. The story is at times heartbreaking and beautiful. I could not stop thinking about the book when I was not reading it, and I did not want it to end. It is safe to say I have already found a new favorite for the year!

Content: I give this book a light PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: astrology is mentioned, but the main character doesn’t believe in it; a man is said to get drunk; one of the major characters has the gift of Second Sight; a man is accused of defiling a woman; a woman is called a whore; a main character sees ghosts; grief and loss; mention of miscarriage (rumors that the woman caused it herself); the word “da*n” is used; a man loved a married woman; someone at court is married but still flirts with other people; brief reference to the wedding night.

TW: brief reference to r*pe; grief and loss of a child and loved ones; miscarriage; reference to su*cide; mention of r*pe in the author’s notes.

Spice: very brief fade to black scene; closed door.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Beautiful Love Story! --"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz--Review

 My Review:

"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz is a lovely historical romance that takes place in 1774. It is set partly in Virginia and the second half of the book takes place in Scotland (which I love to read about). Ms. Frantz always pens novels that are full of fascinating history and expertly woven prose. This book is well researched, and I learned so many new things while being completely engrossed in the story. The love story is a slow burn that will leave readers swooning, especially over the gruff, Scottish lead character, Leith. Leith also has twins who are just adorable! There is a scene that takes place at the ruins of a Scottish castle and is so romantic! It is one I won’t easily forget. The main characters also read and recite poetry to one another! Many readers will love our heroine, Juliet Catesby. I appreciated that she struggled with chronic migraines, and I loved her relationship with her sister. She has a strong faith and prays often. Juliet and her sister help slaves escape and help those less fortunate, no matter what side of the ocean they find themselves on. The faith threads in this story were beautiful! The settings of Virigina and Scotland are so well done. I could especially feel myself in the rainy streets of Scotland and hear the Scottish accents. This book is a must read for fans of clean Scottish romance and historical fiction!

Content: I give this story a PG rating. Some examples of the content: part of the story takes place on a plantation and there are slaves; characters drink alcohol and someone is drunk; mention of gambling; characters smoke cigars; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written, mention of the mistreatment of slaves; a woman wanted to harm herself in the past; opium and laudanum used for medical purposes; a woman wonders if someone has a mistress; someone struggled with mental health in the past (possibly post-partum depression);  su*cide; mention of gambling; speculation of infidelity; very brief insinuation that a married couple slept together.

TW: brief mention of possible self-harm; mental health; su*cide in the past.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Unique, Gothic Retelling--"Heart of Snow" by Rachel Grow Law—Review

 

 My Review:

“Heart of Snow" by Rachel Grow Law is a fresh, Gothic Snow White retelling! Rachel Grow Law may be a debut author, but you would never know it from reading her amazing story. I will tell you right now that this is one of my top reads of the year! It was everything I wanted in a retelling and the romance was perfection. Ms. Grow Law managed to make several nods to the original fairy tale while making this book uniquely her own. I love this time period of 1500s Germany during the Reformation and appreciate that the author wove so much history into the story. I learned so many new things while reading this story. Ms. Grow Law gives great attention to historical details and the book was well researched. This is great for fans of retellings and romance with Gothic undertones. Margaretha and Friedrich are such great characters. Theirs is an enemies-to-lovers romance. There are lessons on flirting, love, archery, and French between the two. Will these enemies catch real feelings along the way? Margaretha is kind and willing to do whatever it takes to help her brother, even to her own detriment. Will she make the right choices when lives are at stake?  

This book is so romantic, there is amazing chemistry and banter, and the first kiss was perfection. Ms. Grow Law made my jaw drop during a certain part, which I totally did not see coming! There is a scene in the rain and a letter that gave me “Pride and Prejudice” vibes. I love the themes on forgiveness throughout the story. I cannot say enough good things about “Heart of Snow.”  Ms. Grow Law does not shy away from some harder topics, so be sure to read the content and trigger warnings (she manages them so well and they never felt too much to me). I am a huge fan and cannot wait for her next book! I want to read everything she writes. This is perfect for fans of swoony historical romances, retellings with Gothic undertones and those who want that happy sigh when they finish the last page!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating, due to certain themes. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol; a character watched a woman be burned to death in the past; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; there’s a festival during the time the veil thins between the living and dead and the devil’s followers (witches) are in full power, so they make a bonfire to speed their journey to hell; mention of physical abuse in someone’s past; a legend of an evil spirit is told and there’s mention of witches; mention of someone not wanting to live and of scars from cutting her wrists; there’s a flashback scene where a woman who is accused of witchcraft is burned at the stake; someone tells a story about a mother and child drowning in a river; someone pretends to do a palm reading and fortune telling; a brief section of animals not being treated the best and being forced to perform; someone is accused of being a harlot; someone assumes someone else has a mistress; someone debates whether they should sleep with someone out of wedlock; someone is a bastard son; possible hallucinations.

TW: past physical abuse; mention of past su*cidal ideation and cutting; possible hallucinations.

Trigger Warnings (supplied by the author): folklore involving deaths of characters prior to the book's beginning (drowning of a mother and child, a child miner being buried alive), attempted seduction, heated kisses, a witch burning, character trapped in a claustrophobic situation.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Creative Christian Fantasy! --"Darkfell" by Amanda Wright—Review

 My Review:

"Darkfell" by Amanda Wright is a creative and unique Christian fantasy! It is reminiscent of classic fantasy stories and allegories like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Ms. Wright’s writing is filled with vivid descriptions and she excels at world building. The characters are wonderful and ones you will find yourself rooting for. I love the classic good versus evil storyline. There is a lot of action and the brotherly relationship between two of the main characters is heartwarming. Thom Darkfell, mapmaker and lover of libraries, finds himself thrown into the adventure of a lifetime and receives powers he did not ask for. Readers will enjoy traveling with Thom and his friends as they journey through different realms to help save the world. Along the way readers meet star people and dragon people.  Will Thom be able to bind the dark realm? I want to give a word of caution that this book is more violent and dark and there is spiritual warfare throughout. Please be sure to read the content warning below. I commend this author for her creative story, and I love that this is another great option for teenage boys!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating, especially due to the violence and graphic nature of the content. Some examples of the content are: violence and gore; mention of witches and sorcerers; someone curses, but the words aren’t written; mention of hell; spiritual warfare and demons; the word “hell” is used; mention of alcohol; men have their tongues cut out; people eat human flesh; an evil guy kisses a girl against her will. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Book Spotlight--"The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right" by Suzanne Allain

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.

     Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book.

     Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for …the wrong lady.

 

 

Credit: Jonathon Allain 2019

Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband.

Purchase link: click here

 

A Clever Retelling that Will Take You Back to Oz--"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin—Review

   My Review:

"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin is a unique portal fantasy story that is a mash up of many beloved fairy tales and stories! It will leave you wanting more and remind you of the power of story.  It is especially perfect for any fans who want to jump back into the land of Oz after seeing “Wicked,” as there are several references to “The Wizard of Oz” and characters in this book even spend part of the story in that mysterious land.  

Emlyn, the main character, is a lovable, sarcastic girl who is dealing with the grief of losing her sister and wants to find out what happened to her. Emlyn loves stories and imagination and finds herself trapped in a world of stories. The world of Rivenlea is so creative. I love that there is a magical library that holds all the stories that have ever been written.  It was so fun to notice all the pop culture and story nods and references as I was reading. Emlyn makes friends who become like family and learns to better use her powers. There is a great message that stories help us better see reality, and they hold, shape, and instruct us. I especially love Frank the Wyvern. The end left me dying for the sequel! Readers, writers, and storytellers will love this unique fantasy!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: people think the main girl has gone crazy (but she really has not); mental health discussions; the main character is dealing with the grief of losing a sister, possibly has PTSD and flashbacks; a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: talk of mental illness; PTSD/possible flashbacks.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.