The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming story of family, faith, and find where you belong. 

Pete Ryman has returned to Sleeping Grass, MT after many years of rambling, and has found a routine of sorts with his pig, Pearl, and best friend Windy Ray. Pete is an unassuming man, his life follows a repeating weekly routine, but he makes the most of the treasures he finds along the way. His life is upended when his estranged sister shows up with her eleven year old son in tow. 

Ms. Powner captures the humanity in the ups and downs, in the humor and the heartaches. This is a books that grabbed hold of me quickly, drawing me in with the people who all held the promise of being more than they appeared. I wasn't disappointed. This is a hopeful read, with captivating characters that are realistic, but just a smidge larger than life, but believable in their everyday humanity. I liked how Pete forms a bond with Braedon, and Windy Ray is quite the character, a man of wisdom and whimsy. My heart went out to Wilma, as she struggles with a mountain of guilt and debt, but I liked how she wanted to still help Pete and his sister. 

Overall, a read that takes you along with the characters, with deceptively disguised emotional depth, with a solid message of family, friendship and faith. This is my second read from Katie Powner, and it won't be the last. Well worth the read!

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

Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn // Review

Lucie Review: 

Dr. Meredith Quinn is a dentist with a passion for helping the underserved, but those same areas are also known for drug trafficking and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that there is more going on than meets the eye. Meredith quickly finds herself in the crosshairs of a dangerous web of drug dealers, she and Grayson must navigate their growing affection while staying out of the those who don't want the law poking around. 

A well-done romantic suspense, with a full cast of characters. I like that they are both Christians and their faith impacts how they live their lives, even though they have their struggles. I liked how Grayson is protective of Meredith, and how she helps him work through his fears. Meredith has a big, wonderful family, and they care a lot about her. I admired her big heart for others, and her understanding of the importance of dental care. 

Overall, a well-done suspense, with great characters, and good relationship building and growth in faith. I liked that Meredith has a passion to help people. A well-paced plot, with great tension, romance, and faith. 

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

One Final Target by Janice Cantore // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A tension filled suspense, that kept me guessing right up to the end.

 Police sergeant Jodie King is at a loss after being the only survivor of a IED blast that took the lives of her team. So she decides to make a fresh start, retiring from the force, but the threats continue to follow her. 

New sheriff's department detective Sam Gresham is at the right place and the right time to save Jodie from a targeted attack. He gets assigned to her case, and together they work to keep Jodie out of harm's way and figure out why they are targeting her. 

This story pulled me in instantly with compelling characters, and a suspense-charged storyline. Jodie has a history of loss, and she is struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the attack and survivor's guilt. Sam is a steady presence, and dependable shoulder to lean on in the thick of things. I liked that he encouraged her to re-examine her faith and make steps towards healing. The characters have well developed arcs and I liked the strong threads of faith woven throughout. Ms. Cantore does an excellent job of bringing the suspense, politics, and drama to life in a realistic way. Highly recommend!

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

Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

 

Book: Truth Cursed

Author: Angie Dickinson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: February 18, 2025

Speaking the truth can be a dangerous thing.

Cressida Hoth is alone in the world. Orphaned and unwanted, she is inflicted with a peculiar curse by her mischievous aunts and banished to a finishing school in the secluded kingdom of Dernmont. Students train in every accomplishment suitable for young ladies: music, dancing, etiquette…and strangely, poison-making, fencing, and lock- picking.

The school is a front for a rebel spy ring, and when her training is complete, Cressida is selected to join a mission to infiltrate the kingdom’s royal court. She has been thrown unceremoniously into a world of ball gowns and espionage, but she is still under a curse, and it threatens to expose them all.

Defending her teammates and her secret, Cressida discovers that the kingdom’s buried history and the truth behind her curse run far deeper than she imagined.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Orphaned and alone, Cressida Hoth is sent to a boarding school that holds a surprising secret. Cursed from her youth with a dangerous affliction, she learns to navigate the challenges of her curse in ways that she never imagined. 

An action-packed coming of age fantasy adventure read, with a heroine finding herself, and learning who to trust in a world of spies, intrigue, and deception. There is a lot going on, and I was drawn into the premise and plot easily. Cressida is a likable protagonist, and I liked her care for others, and friendship with Emric. I did wish that more time had been spent with the boarding school, and there were a few instances of information dumping that felt like they took me out of the story a bit.

 There is a lot to like about this fun mashed up adventure, with solid themes of friendship, truth, and who to trust, in this clean teen read, with light romance, and plenty of sword fighting! 

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

About the Author

Angie Dickinson is a lifelong lover of magical stories that point to truth, hope, and redemption. She received a B.A. in English Literature and is now a fantasy writer, living in the woods of Michigan with her husband and four children. Angie is saved by grace alone and is in awe of her Savior’s unrestrained love. She is blessed by her big, boisterous family and is fond of Earl Grey tea, reading too late at night, and taking every opportunity to share her passion for fantasy and fairy tales.

 

 

 

More from Angie

A few years ago, while I was pregnant with my third child and feeling an itch to write a story, a question popped into my mind. Could I write a relatable main character who is cursed with a peculiar impediment that affects every relationship and interaction? What would that look like and how challenging would it be? This was the beginning of my journey toward creating and learning to know and love Cressida, the main character of Truth Cursed.

This book became an ode to so many of my favorite things: girlhood friendships, mystery, fantasy, ballgowns, hidden weaponry (poisons! blades!!), court intrigue, an epic castle setting, sweet romance, and coming-of-age character growth that is anything but graceful. In many ways this story is old fashioned for this fast-moving publishing world, embracing an amalgam of the story types that I grew up reading and wishing to read.

As I wrote, I discovered my reader, and she was younger me. So I wrote for her, for my own future teens, and for every reader who loves to fall into a cozy, wholesome, and intriguing story. I’ve attempted to present my reader with a mirror and true hope as they unravel the mystery and adventure of Truth Cursed. I will forever be thankful to my Creator for the opportunity to share Cressida’s story.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4

cecereadsandsings, March 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 5

Allyson Jamison, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 6

By the Book, March 7

Lily’s Corner, March 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 9

The Lofty Pages, March 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Inspired by Fiction, March 12

Hannahbandanarama, March 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 13

Faery Tales Are Real, March 13

Holly’s Book Corner, March 14

Blogging With Carol, March 15

For Him and My Family, March 16

Labor Not in Vain, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/00adcf54166

The Farmer's Marriage Bargain by Heidi Main // Review

Lucie's Review:

Can a marriage of convenience turn into lasting love? 

When widowed single mother to triplets, Emma Bailey, can't afford the medication that her daughter needs, her late husband's friend suggests a surprising solution. 

Engaging and charming, this is a sweet story of love in the broken places. Emma is a fantastic mother to her three young ones, and has been doing a great job of taking care of them and keeping things running since her husband's death. I liked that she and Carter bonded over their faith. Carter is a thoughtful friend, and I liked how he took his time giving them space to get used to him. He is great with the kids, and I liked that there are great everyday interactions, as well as a strong bond of shared faith. 

A winning story of faith, family, and finding love again. I liked that both Emma and Carter are Christians who took their commitment seriously. The three kiddos are adorable, and I liked how the story talked about the struggles of living with chronic disease. A heartwarming second chance romance that is well worth the read!

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

Courting the Country Preacher by Angela K. Couch, Carolyn Miller, Naomi Musch, Kari Trumbo // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Four stories of women throughout the years past, who fell in love with a man of the cloth. 

The Mountie's Rival by Angela K. Couch

 

Jonathan is excited to be starting a new life apart from the shadow of his twin brother, but things don't exactly go to plan. 

He finds a friend in an unexpected source in the daughter of the town drunk. April is a strong Christian, used to being looked down on because of her family, she does her best help the people of the town without them knowing. 

This was a charming romance, with captivating main characters and strong faith. I liked how Jonathan and April found each other, and found someone who saw their true selves. 

Convincing the Circuit Preacher by Carolyn Miller

It's love at first sight for Dorothea Maclean when she sets eyes on the local circuit preacher. She just has convince him--and her family. 

A sweet romance, set in Australia with a class difference relationship. I liked how supportive her sister was of her and Mr. Hammill. And I liked how she matures and grows into the role of a supportive spouse of a man of the cloth. 

The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch

Everett is determined to make the most of his second chance, serving as a clergy man to the rough and tumble men of the logging camp. He catches the eyes of the trader's daughter, but finds that he has some competition as women are few and far between in this male dominated territory. 

A well written read with good relationship building and themes of faith, I liked how Angeline and her father also grow closer too. I liked the setting of the logging camp, and how Angel and Sky Pilot bond through questions about faith. Great interaction, highly enjoyable. 

Mail Order Minister by Kari Trumbo

A small town church is looking for a new pastor, but so is the other church in town. Olive's parents have matchmaking on their mind, but she isn't so sure. 

A cute small town, prairie romance with strong faith. I like dhow Olive and Finch become friends, and how they get to know each other throughout the story. A cute rea with, great characters. 

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

Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Child Psychologist Marielle Coleman and her foster son find themselves caught in a winter storm, while on the run from his mother's killers, where they run into Marielle's ex in a remote camp. 

 An engaging suspense, with great characters and high stakes in this second chance romance. I liked how Marielle reconnected with Graham, as well as how he is willing to jump in and help Marielle and Ian. 

Overall, it was an entertaining read with a lot going on, and it kept me guessing. I liked the great relationship building, and second chances. Ian is a sweet child, who has been through so much! Wonderful read, with a satisfying ending!

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

A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker // Review

My Review: 

Miss Genevieve Wilde is determined to take matters into her own hands when her late father's pocket watch is stolen. She hires a thief taker, Jack Travers to help her in her investigation, which uncovers far greater foul play at hand. 

Genevieve is independent and intelligent, she also isn't afraid to go after what she wants. I liked how she an Jack worked together to unravel the strange happenings. They have good chemistry, and I liked how they spent a lot of time together. Plus a humorous fake cousin twist!

Overall, this was a sweet, swoony regency romance, with a good amount of mystery and relationship building. I liked the dashes of suspense, as well as the sweet romance.

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

Shiloh by Lori Benton // Review

My Review: 

A journey toward a new beginning. 

Picking up in the aftermath of Mountain Laurel Ian Cameron and Seona have made the best of their situation, but a chance encounter gives glimmers of a new start, but is it too late?

The powerful conclusion that not only brings closure to Ian and Seona's story but that also serves as a sequel to other stories in this author's cannon as well, but can be read just with Mountain Laurel. 

Ian and Seona  work to move past the things between them in this intricate and complex historical novel of new beginnings and fighting for love. The author does a wonderful job of showing realistically human characters, and the challenges of holding to faith when its hard. An intense read, with deep emotions, and a rustic frontier spirit!

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

Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl by Karen Baney // Just Read

Lucie's Review: 

A cute age gap relationship, friends to lovers romance, with great interaction and themes of faith. 

Adan Franco has his life turned upside down when he becomes the guardian of an opinionated preteen boy. Jett bonds with Laney, and I liked how Solana and Adan come to depend on each other throughout. It was great returning to the Vargas Ranch, seeing familiar faces again, and following the secondary storylines as well. 

An engaging read, with great interaction and a wonderful full cast of characters. I loved how the family is supportive of each other, and how the events of this book give Adan and Solana a second chance at love. 

Overall, a enjoyable addition to the series. I liked getting to see Adan and Solana get their own story, and see them bond over their shared values. A well done, Christian romance with great characters that you can read as part of a great series, or by itself as a wonderful stand alone!

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