The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Mira Dean leaves behind everything to follow an old friend, Gordon Covington, into the Appalachian mountains as his bride. 

While there she finds a community unlike any she's know before, and a rekindling of her dreams of a family to call her own. I loved this slow burn romance, filled with a full cast of characters, and strong faith. I loved the themes of hope and giving up control to God. There were so many wonderful characters that captured my heart, and did a great job of showing the mountain way of life. 

Gordon is a kind man with a passion for his calling to serve the people of the mountains, I liked that he respected Mira needing time to get used to their new situation, and slowly won her with friendship. 

Overall, a wonderful read, and one of my favorites by this author. A beautiful story that wove its way to my heart. 

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

Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Hazel Thornton has a passion for helping others, and she wants to use her gifts, but fears that her anxieties and fears will prevent her from being of service to others. But when a trip to Spain thrusts them into the frontlines of war, she must face her fears while working as a nurse alongside Dr. Jim Jackson. 

An engaging read, with a winsome heroine, who must overcome her own fears to help others. I loved that she has a solid group of friends, who all support each other. It was also interesting to read about the Spanish Civil War, as it is not a time period that I am overly familiar with.  I admired Hazel's attitude about her circumstances, and how she threw herself into helping others. 

Overall, great historical world building with characters who were easy to cheer for throughout. Clean romance, with wholesome characters, and good interaction. An enjoyable read. 

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

Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle // Review

Lucie's Review: 

After the death of her mother and brother, Corina Roberts made a new life with her father in Kincaid, KY. But when strange things start happening again, she must rely on her ex Bryce Jessup to stay one step ahead of the killer.

A well written debut, with wonderful characters and a chilling plot. There was a lot of tragedy in Corina and Bryce's lives, and I liked seeing them reconnect and work together to beat the killer at his game. There is a lot going on, and I liked how themes of faith were woven into the story. 

Overall, it was a suspenseful read with a seriously creepy bad guy. I loved the strong themes of faith woven into the story, and am excited to read more in the series!

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

Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel // Just Read

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties 

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: April 23, 2024 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Geneva Ashcroft Hayes's marriage to a newspaper mogul might have been arranged, but the New York socialite is devastated when her husband's plane crashes a few short months after their nuptials. When the authorities suspect murder, Geneva sets out on a wild mission to find his killer--and to prove it wasn't her!

When mysterious notes surface pointing to Geneva's guilt in his death, they only strengthen her resolve. She has little to go on except for a detective friend's cryptic list of locations connected to her dead spouse. When the friend also disappears, she trades her sparkling gowns for coveralls and pilot goggles. 

Armed with a new name and career as a wingwalker and barnstormer, she travels from town to town in hopes of unearthing clues and locating her missing friend. But Geneva discovers that her past may not belong to her . . . what she once believed as truth may be nothing more than lies and deception. 

"A tangled web, a sleuthing adventure, a rekindled romance . . . Walking on Hidden Wings has it all."

--Rachel Fordham, author of The Letter Tree 

"Fans of intelligent mysteries, butterfly-inducing romance, and the Roaring Twenties, prepare yourselves--Walking on Hidden Wings will sweep you away to the skies! McDaniel's lyrical prose is a delight, and readers will be fascinated by the daring beginnings of aviation. A true gem." 

--Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Review: 

A gripping mystery set in the Roaring 20's, full of secrets and suspense!

Engaging plot that unfolds in a non-linear timeline, as Geneva Ashcroft searches for answers to the questions surrounding her new husband's untimely crash. There is a lot going on, and I loved how we unravel the mystery along with Geneva, as she explores a different side of life as a wing-walker and barnstormer. She is determined, and unwilling to give up. I liked the strong themes of faith and enduring love. 

A novel that kept me guessing throughout, with strong characters, and a riveting plot. Hard to review in some ways because SPOILERS! But completely worth the read, with rich setting, and excellent pacing. Highly recommend!

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

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About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book plus book-related extras!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 1, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 8, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway

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

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

 

Hyacinth Bell comes to Ashthorne Hall to study the storied collection of rare Orchids, but she finds more than she bargained for when she meets its charming caretaker, and stumbles upon a spinetingling mystery. 

An engaging historical novel that swept me away to the coast of Cornwall, as Hyacinth is drawn into the mysteries hidden within Ashthorne Hall. Hyacinth is an intelligent young woman, with a passion for botany. I loved how she and Lucas become friends while working on the estate together, and he is instantly likable despite the secrets hidden behind his eyes. They have great chemistry, and the plot was gripping and well paced. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable read with excellent characters and a well executed plot that kept me guessing and rooting for the main characters to the end. A wonderfully atmospheric clean romance, great for fans of regency romance with a gothic touch. 

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

Unsung Hero // Coming to Theaters 4/26 + Giveaway

If you love the band FOR KING + COUNTRY, you have to see their new film in theaters soon! 

 When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. 

 Buy tickets today to see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26th! https://tickets.unsunghero.movie/

Find out more on the website: https://unsunghero.movie/

My Review:

Celebrate the everyday victories and power of a mother's faith, in this uplifting film for the whole family. 

An inspiring film that remembers the early years of the Smallbone family in America, after moving across the world from Australia for a fresh start. I loved how Helen helped the family to always stay positive and have faith, even when they didn't know where the next meal would come from. The children were all so willing to work together to help their family, and I loved how they celebrated every answer to prayer. 

A talented cast brings the film to life, and if you are a fan of Christian films you will see more than a few familiar faces! 

A brilliantly done film, full of heart, that shows the power of a mother's faith. A wonderful, upbeat film for fans of the family or for people who have never heard of them at all, their story is accessible and inspiring for all. A movie that I would happily watch again and again!

 #UnsungHeroMIN #UnsungHeroMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only) 

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The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand // Review

My Review: When a drunken athlete crashes quite literally into Mary Yoder's life, she never expected to fall in love.

A quick and enjoyable read with likable characters, and an upbeat plot. Clay is running from his bad boy past, when he meets the kind and honest-hearted Mary Yoder. Clay is a charming man, with a sincerity about him despite his demons. I liked his and Mary's friendship, and how he is always brightening the days of others. Mary is a very kind and honest woman, and she brings out the best in Clay. They have a sweet chemistry, and I loved how Mary encourages Clay to turn to God for answers. 

This was a fun read, with the added tension of a doomed attraction. Engaging story with familiar faces from previous books, and a sweet romance. It was the perfect lighter read to recover from a little reading slump. 

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

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy // Review

My Review: 

A story set against the big top tents that follows the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. 

A slower read for me, as it took a while to get to know the characters as it alternated between Mabel and Isabella. Mabel is easy to like and cheer for throughout as she begins to understand the truths behind her childhood and embrace the strength that she was blessed with. Isabella was a much more complex character, and very well written with all that she was going through in mind. 

I liked how Jack is protective of Mabel, always thinking of her safety. He is a man with his own hurts and regrets, though I wish that he could have given Mabel more assurance of his feelings sooner. 

In the end it was a very well written read that tackles some tough subjects, like mental illness, casual physical relationships, and broken relationships. And a heads up that the physical scenes are fade to black, and there are longing/lingering descriptions along those lines. 

Overall, this one took a little longer than usual for me to get through and work out how I felt about it. I appreciated the complex characters, and the realistic relationships in restoration. But personally this wasn't one that I enjoyed, even though there was so much that I did appreciate about it. 

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

Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. Black // Review

Lucie's Review: 

When K-9 officer Jackson Locke's sister goes missing, he is determined to find out what happened to her, and the one who is best equipped to help him is Gemma's best friend, Amy, his former childhood crush. 

A fast paced read with likable characters, and a lot going on. Jackson and Amy make a good team as they work together to find out what happened to Gemma and what she was working on. Good relationship building, suspense, and faith, with a plot that kept me guessing. 

I liked the growing relationship between Jackson and Amy. An entertaining read from beginning to end, with great characters and strong faith.

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

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Birdie is a talented young woman who finds herself in a desperate situation, trapped in a lifestyle she never wanted. So when she get's her chance to escape, she takes it, leaving with Reverend Overly to Hope Hill. 

A heartwarming story of healing and forgiveness. Birdie struggles to let go of her tainted past and accept the new life offered to her, as she works with the other women at Hope Hill. Slow building story, but the characters grew on me as I got further in. I loved the solid themes of redemption and new beginnings. 

Great relationship building through friendship and more, with a likeable heroine, and a full cast of characters. A little bit of romance, but mostly the story was about Birdie and her new life at Hope Hill, adjusting, and leaving her past behind. Heartwarming and touching. 

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