The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Chloe Vance plans a trip with her mother and sister in order to break the news that she has accepted a job overseas, the trip will take them on a literary adventure across the Midwest as they learn more about the lives of their literary heroes and themselves. 

A character and relationship driven read, about mothers, daughters, and sisters, who are all very different women. I loved how they travelled through the Midwest, delving into the lives of some of my favorite authors. It is a slow burn read, as in the beginning of the story all of the women have their guards up and as they travel along and things happen them slowly start to open up to each other. There is a lot of character growth, family drama and interaction. I liked how the story tackles complex familial relationships in a realistic way, showing that more often than not it is far from ideal. 

Overall, a well written read that explores the complex family dynamics, as they work towards a more honest and accepting relationship with each other. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh // Review

My Review: 

One of my favorite movies growing up was Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, so I was thrilled to read the familiar, yet more true to life version of her story. 

A compelling coming of age tale, based on a true story about a girl finding her way and finding family in unexpected places. A well-written novel, with good attention to detail and sense of the time period. It was understandable that she fought insecurities, but I admired her courage to keep doing what she had grown to love. I liked that parts about how she learned all the different quirks that each horse had. As well as seeing her grow into a healthy and loving relationship.

Overall, an exhilarating and compelling coming of age story. Sonora deals with being out on her own, making new friends, finding love, and dealing with complicated family relationships. An amazing story of grit and perseverance, as well as an extraordinary love. Thoroughly enjoyable historical novel set in the 1920's. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Series)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she’s suddenly in possession of someone’s baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he’s the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn’t want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he’s in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby’s missing mother–all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

In the shadow of an erupting volcano, Kit and Cullen find themselves thrown together in an unimaginable race against time to unravel what happened and who left a baby girl in their charge. 

Kit Garrido is a long-haul truck driver who awakens to find her truck crashed and a baby girl in her sleeper cab, Cullen Landry is a local former cop who is refusing to evacuate in the face of the coming volcano. Together they work together, determined to survive and find answers. I liked how Cullen steps up to help Kit and little Tot, despite having no former connection to either. Cullen knows the mountains and the people; he has good survival instincts. I admired his strong faith and protectiveness of both Kit and Tot. Kit has been through a lot in her life, but she can't remember what happen right before the crash. She is resilient and capable in the face of danger. I liked how she just kept going, even with everything being thrown at her. 

I liked how there was a lot going on, but Kit and Cullen take their time learning to trust each other and I liked how they work together to keep Tot safe and find answers. A fast-paced suspense, with something coming at them from multiple angles, with the survival aspect, as well as some unsavory characters in pursuit. Hard to put down, with great relationship building and strong themes of faith! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

 

 

More from Dana

Hello, dear readers! Are you ready to leap into the world of a woman trapped near an erupting volcano? I know. Dropping that character into circumstances where the very earth under their feet is unreliable, where they are cut off from their technology, their transportation, civilization itself with no way to summon help, feels almost cruel. Imagine you’re in a volcano eruption zone with no way out. Now add in a stranger’s baby, a vulnerable infant, , and you are their only hope to stay alive. Why am I so compelled by those scenarios? Me, the woman who loses her backpack in the airport. I believe it’s because in those difficult, stressful moments when we accept our own helplessness that the grace of God shines brightest. Real people and fictional ones survive. Wells of strength are discovered. Hidden rivers of resilience surface. Big cities, island roads, overpasses, in the shadows of volcanoes… in the darkest moments we realize we’re never truly without His help.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, September 5

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

EmpowerMoms, September 6

Blossoms and Blessings, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

Labor Not in Vain , September 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9

The Sacred Line, September 10

The Avid Reader, September 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 11

Cover Lover Book Review, September 12

For Him and My Family, September 12

Lights in a Dark World, September 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14

Holly’s Book Corner, September 14

Blogging With Carol, September 15

Lily’s Corner, September 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 16

Simple Harvest Reads, September 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 18

Pause for Tales, September 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54292

Light of the World // Movie Review // Momentum Interview and Giveaway

This beautiful, 2D-animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today! 

 If you are a fan of the 1990s golden era of 2D, hand-drawn animation, you will love this movie.Director Tom Bancroft was a long-time animator with Disney who worked on The Lion King, Mulan, and Beauty and the Beast. 

 This is the first movie from Salvation Poem Project, a ministry committed to sharing Jesus with the world. 

 LIGHT OF THE WORLD opens in theaters September 5! 

 Show your support by going opening weekend (Sept. 4-7 ... special early showings on Thursday) (If you have a group of 10 or more people, you can get group tickets for just $7.50 a person!) lightoftheworld.com

My Review:

A new animated film for the whole family that tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of John, the youngest of the twelve, and the one whom Jesus loved.

An engaging film that follows John's gospel account, drawing out the theme of God as love, and the truth of the Gospel message being for everyone. The story is told in a way that kids can understand, with some slight fictional license taken to help draw out main themes. A well-crafted screenplay, great for all ages, with strong themes of faith, trusting God, Jesus as God, God's love, and how the gospel is an invitation to all. 

I loved how this telling really takes into account how young all of the twelve were, and how big a thing it was to leave the close family structures that were the norm to follow Jesus. It also does a great job of portraying the political pressures from Rome as wells as the Jewish Pharisees. It's also a coming-of-age story for John, as the youngest of the twelve, whom many scholars estimate to have been around 14 when he was called. 

Overall, a wonderful film for the whole family, done in a nostalgic animation style, telling the greatest story ever told. It does a great job of drawing out big themes in a way that kids can understand, while keeping it interesting for the adults. A fantastic film for all ages. 

 #LightoftheWorldMIN 

 Many thanks to Salvation Poem for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard. US-only residents, and those who haven't won via another blogger's campaign.

A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch // JustRead

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

 Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

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

Lucie's Review: 

A little bit slow to start, it quickly picks up speed as the pieces begin to fall into place. Sir Bertrand Thorndike has taken his place in the House of Commons listening for clues as to the goings on of a mysterious club, while Philippa is working alongside women in search of a better life, when she discovers one of them is being blackmailed. 

Bertie and Philippa have taken different paths, and they are both set on achieving good in their separate endeavors. But as they find that their quests are entwined, they find themselves working together again and wondering if there is a future for them together. 

Engaging world building, strong faith, and great characters. I loved the full cast of characters, moments of humor, and continued character growth. I really liked the school's curate, Mr. Hewitt and how he shares journey and does his best to set a good example for the girls at the school. 

Overall, a wonderful addition to the series, with a great build up to the fast-paced climax. It sets up well for the next book in the series as well, and I liked how Philippa and Bertie were brought back together by working together. Well-written adventure, set in regency England, I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

More in this Series:

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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

The Secret Investigator of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill // Review

My Review: 

The long awaited sequel to The Lost Girl of Astor Street finds Piper Sail navigating life after high school, and taking on the case of a investigating a young man's mysterious death. 

An engaging read that brings to life the class divide of the the 1920's, as Piper balances her life as a society girl where an advantageous marriage is still expected and her investigations into the seedier mafia underside of Chicago. A well written read that evokes the time period well, and does a good job of presenting complex family dynamics, and coming of age in 1920's Chicago, we see Piper's home life change as well as her relationship with Mariano mature and grow. 

A solid historical fiction read that deals with tough topics, growing up, family, and love. I liked that we see Piper deal with not knowing all the answers, but pushing forward and searching for answers. She's ready for the most daring of challenges, and is spunky enough to take risks in search of truth. Great balance between the mystery, as well as character growth and interactions, with a compelling storyline. It didn't disappoint!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Week Away: The Series // Review and Giveaway

THIS MUSICAL SERIES follows a group of teens as they embark on a summer at Camp Aweegaway — a Christian camp filled with adventure, friendships, and unexpected self-discovery It’s an expressive and resonant story about identity, trust, and the courage to face what’s within. A Week Away: The Series offers a tender space for those burdened by doubt and pain to explore the possibility of hope and the power of a found family. The story follows a defiant foster teen who is dragged to church camp, determined to resist what he sees as the hollow promises of faith. But rejection gives way to introspection, and the walls he’s built begin to crack. As he discovers he’s not alone in the struggle against grief, anger, and the ache of belonging, he learns that healing can’t be forced— it must be chosen. A Week Away: The Series is fun and engaging, safe for family viewing, and honors faith-based principles without being a ‘lesson in Christianity.’ "Christian High School Musical" / "Camp Rock with faith message" / "Disney Channel meets Bible camp" 

 Watch A Week Away on Angel today, it will get you laughing, singing, dancing, and it just might inspire you to show love to someone in need. 

Streaming now on Angel.com for guild members! 

My Review:

A musical series with strong themes of faith and redemption, filled with infectious beats, impressive duets, and killer dance sequences.

If you were like me and grew up with High School Musical and Camp Rock, then this will be right up your alley. Made in a similar style, with amazing choreography sequences, and catchy songs, you can tell it is made for the pre-teen crowd, but will be a winner with everyone. The cast is uber talented, and I love that the 7 part series gives us room to develop the characters more and explore different struggles faced by new and older Christians alike. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, a great plot, and well written plot. 

A well done production that uses everything in their arsenal, with powerful storytelling and an emphasis on grace and redemption. I liked how the humor is clean, funny, and aware of their Christian audience. There are emotionally authentic moments that I think so many of us can relate to, and it doesn't take faith lightly or for granted. I think my favorite part was Lenny learning that just because she's a Christian doesn't mean that she has to be a doormat. Meanwhile, other characters discover that we can't forget that it isn't our works, but God's grace. So well done, with an amazing cast who are triple threats of talent. A worthwhile coming of age series that will be enjoyed by the whole family over and over again!

#AWeekAwaySeriesMIN

 Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 Giveaway: $10 Amazon Giftcard (US residents only).

 

Noble by Mesu Andrews // Review

My Review: 

Promised as a bride to a rebel king, Princess Maakah of the Geshurites, finds herself drawn to David and his strange God. 

Maakah is a princess who was taught how to rule and raised to sit on a throne. When she meets David's family, she witnesses the power of Yaweh, and finds herself drawn in despite everything in her upbringing bring contradicted. She is young, knowledgeable about things beyond her years and experience, yet still untried and open to learn about David's God. I liked how the book shows David as a young warrior, building his renown, a man close to God, but still very much a human man prone to human failures. He is devoted to his people, and I liked also seeing flashes of his shepherd past in his style of leadership. 

An engaging read that asks many deep questions and finds Maakah and David grappling with their callings and how God provides through unconventional ways with blessing despite our shortfalls. This novel explores David's time in Hebron, and the making of a king. Rich in historical as well as cultural context, it was compelling to see Maakah encounter God through the lens of her pagan roots. 

Overall, a gripping read that deals well with difficult topics and shows God's great power and mercy to those who would call on His name. It also tackles the rise of King David and the shaping of his legacy, in a manner that makes you think about things in a new way. Engaging, and compelling Biblical fiction! 

 
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Winter's Chill by Morgan Busse // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Winter’s Chill (the Nordic Wars Book Two)

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Fighter. Emissary. Long-Lost Daughter.

Brighid has one mission as she returns to the north: to warn her people of the oath that binds them. But the mountains are treacherous, and snow comes early, leaving her on death’s doorstep—until she has an unexpected encounter that not only reveals a secret about her past, but also brings new allies into her life.

Meanwhile, the healer Kaeden must come to terms with the awakening of his Eldaran power. With winter approaching and the war on hold, he ventures to the White City to uncover his heritage. As he walks the ancient halls of his people’s birthplace, he discovers not all adversaries are across the battle line. He must navigate political opponents while searching for a way to stop those of his kind who have turned to the darkness. Yet even the bitterness of winter cannot keep Brighid and Kaeden apart. A connection has been forged between them, and their bond might be the one thing that could save the Nordic people and end the war.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Picking up in the wake of the events of the previous book, Brighid and Kaeden go on their separate journeys discovering more about their unique gifts and come to terms with their origins, while on opposite sides of the fight. 

A fast paced read with good character development, and wonderful world building that adds to the story. I like that we get to dig more into Brighid's origins, and see Kaeden grow as the Truth Sayer. There is plenty going on, and you can tell that the pieces are falling into place for whatever will happen in the next book. This book answers many questions, but leave you with more, in true stepping stone book style. I liked that both Brighid and Kaeden make friends and grow more confident in who they are and their role in this war. 

Overall, this was an engaging read, and I was happy to revisit and catch up with the characters. Great world building and character growth, though it felt more like a bridge book between the first book and the third, with how it follows the two main characters on their separate journeys, hinting that they are bound together for some reason that is to be revealed. Wonderful addition to the series, that left me wanting to have the third book in hand immediately!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of multiple series including The Ravenwood Saga and Skyworld series. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and won the INSPY, Selah, and Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

 

 

 

More from Morgan

How I Created My Viking-Inspired World

World building. One of the foundational parts of writing a fantasy novel. When I began writing the Nordic Wars series, I wanted a setting that felt like the Viking era but fit the context of the story, to recreate the feel but not copy everything exactly. For example, there are no longboats, sailing, or pillaging. But there are warriors, an emphasis on honor, and the country is in the far north. When I build a world for my books, I use the history and culture of our own world and weave it together with my imagination to create a new realm in which my novel takes place.

Here are some examples of how I built this world.

Places. The country of Nordica is set in the cold north. For inspiration, I used my own home in the Pacific Northwest and my childhood in Montana. From towering mountains to deep snow, to massive forests to valleys of green, Nordica feels like a real place because I used real places to create it.

Words. I studied Nordic words and phrases, then created my own that “sounded” like them. Some examples are the leaders of the clans are called Hjars (after the jarls of Scandinavia), Til Val (a victory shout and chant that I borrowed from the phrase “Til Valhalla” from Norse mythology), and places like Folkvar and Udenhalla (both my own creations). I also found a fantasy name-generating site that helped me craft the names of places and people.

Lastly, I studied the Viking culture itself, including food, furniture, homes, occupations, hairstyles, clothing, etc… Then I used that knowledge for my own creations or drew directly from the source. Even the smallest details were either inspired by my research or a real part of the Viking life.

In the end, when readers step into the Nordic Wars series, I want them to feel like they’ve entered a time from the past, and yet wholly different. I want them to smell the smoke from a firepit, feel the furs across a bed of hay, see the mountains, and feel the bitter cold of winter. And when they finish the book, it feels like they’ve visited a real place.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, August 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12 (Spotlight)

Blogging with Carol, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

By the Book, August 15

Labor Not in Vain, August 16

To Everything There Is A Season, August 17

Wishful Endings, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Hannahbandanarama, August 20

CeCe Reads and Sings, August 20

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 21

Guild Master, August 22 (Author Interview)

Romances of the Cross , August 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54275

Love and Order by Jennifer Uhlarik // Review

My Review: 

A western family drama told in three parts. 

The Braddock children were separated by the orphan train many years ago, now all adults this book follows each of the children in three consecutive connecting stories as they search for their family, while a serial killer is on the loose.  

An engaging read that follows three siblings, as they forge their way forward, fighting for justice and looking for answers along the way. Calliope (Callie) is a Pinkerton Detective is on a mission with fellow agent Joe Trenamen, on the trail of a killer, but she has her own reasons for being out west, and a face from the past in the worst possible place has her questioning her dreams of a family reunion. I liked how supportive Joe was of Callie, and how he helps her find the truth. 

Rion is a man with a mysterious past, on the hook for a crime he didn't commit, can he trust the help that is coming his way? I liked how he makes the best of a bad situation, and finds friends he can count on. 

Andi McGovern is a lawyer defending Rion in her first case. She is surprised to find a friend in the persecuting lawyer, a man who admires her wit and inspires her to to follow her dreams. 

A satisfying western read, filled with many twists and turns along the way. I liked the strong themes of faith and family. It was fun to see how it all came together, in this mystery, filled with old west action and sweet romance. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.