Noble the story of Makkah; King David's Brides 2

 

Title: Noble, The story of Makkah

Author: Mesu Andrews

Series: King David's Brides

Genre: Historical, biblical fiction

Format: ARC

Source: Publisher (mail)

Add to: Goodreads

Princess Maakah of Geshur is duty-bound to create a political alliance for her father through marriage. The cancellation by King Saul of her betrothal to his fourth-born son compels Maakah's father to arrange an unexpected marriage to the rebel David ben Jesse, a shepherd-warrior anointed years earlier as Israel's future king. Taken aback by stories of David's fierceness and lowly birth, Maakah considers the match a degrading fate but obeys her father's wishes out of duty as her nation's only heir.

While alliances shift and enemies loom, Maakah navigates the delicate balance between her noble heritage and her growing respect for David's faith and leadership. When David and his army move to Hebron, and he becomes king over Judah, Maakah faces prejudice and suspicion from David's home tribe. In a land torn by war and divided loyalties, she must choose where her allegiance lies: with her people and heritage, or with an extraordinary destiny alongside David that beckons her from within.
Baker Book House || Barnes & Noble || Amazon

My Thoughts

I've been a fan of Mesu Andrews since I read her first book what seems like eons ago. David, given his mistakes, is my favorite biblical hero. With that said, I wasn't a huge fan of Makkah to start with. She's definitely a princess, because at the beginning she's a real brat, but with Mesu Andrew's pen we watch her transform, and that's the real point of the book. Makkah was a worshipper of Baal, and determined to stay away from Yahweh, mainly because her heritage is of the people God is telling David to destroy.

It's hard to understand God's direction when you aren't walking in His ways, but when you see and understand that God is for you and not against you, you are able to give Him control. 

This is an absolutely beautiful book, and I wouldn't expect anything less from Mesu Andrews. She's a fantastic researcher, and makes sure her writing aligns with the Bible. 

There is so many nuggets within this book, and I can't tell you all of them because it would give the story away. The book releases today so go pick up your copy at your favorite retailer! Just don't miss this book!

About Mesu Andrews

MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and has received numerous accolades for her other novels including Of Fire and Lions, Love Amid the Ashes, The Pharaoh’s Daughter, and Miriam. Her deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. 

Many of her faithful readers are members of her launch team—Mesu’s Biblical Fiction Fans (BFFs)—and offer their time and service to promote God’s word through story. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy and enjoys spending time with her tribe of grandchildren.

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Brave: The Story of Ahinoam; King David's Brides #1 by Mesu Andrews

 

About the book:

Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam; King David's Brides #1

Author: Mesu Andrews

Publisher: Bethany House

Pages: 384

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal. Amid the unforgiving Judean wilderness, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister, Zeruiah. Through her Kenite metalworking heritage, Ahinoam gains respect among David's army, and the soldiers' wives offer friendship. However, scarred by painful past relationships, Ahinoam isolates to avoid new friendships and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to love Israel's next king?Bestselling author Mesu Andrews presents a gripping biblical-era series, weaving a narrative of resilience and the transformative power of faith.

Goodreads || Barnes & Noble || Amazon || Baker Book House

My Thoughts:

When I first started reviewing I read Jill Eileen Smith's David's Wives series which starts with Michal so imagine my surprise when I found out there was a wife before Michal named Ahinoam. David is my absolute favorite Bible hero. Every year when I read 1 Kings and he dies I cry.

Mesu Andrews has not only the skill to take biblical history with her creative license and write an amazing story, but she also wraps it in the beautiful word of God.

This story is poignant and shows dedication to family. Ahinoam is one of the bravest women I've read about; her determination is something to be revered. 

Ms. Andrews is a go-to for biblical fiction. I've read everything she has published, to my knowledge. If you enjoy biblical fiction this is a must-read.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About Mesu Andrews

MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and has received numerous accolades for her other novels including Of Fire and Lions, Love Amid the Ashes, The Pharaoh’s Daughter, and Miriam. Her deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. 

Many of her faithful readers are members of her launch team—Mesu’s Biblical Fiction Fans (BFFs)—and offer their time and service to promote God’s word through story. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy and enjoys spending time with her tribe of grandchildren.

Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter  

To Spark a Match (The Matchmakers, #2) by Jen Turano Reviewed

 

About the book:

Title: To Spark a Match

Author: Jen Turano

Series: The Matchmakers, #2

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Pages: 368

After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable.

When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

Goodreads || Amazon || Baker Book House

My Thoughts:

Just when I think Jen Turano has written the funniest book, she writes another one. 

The mixture of Adelaide needing to secure a husband or remain a spinster forever, along with questionable characters in this mystery, adds all kinds of hilarity that Jen Turano is known for. Reading and attempting to quietly giggle so as to not wake one's husband is a definite problem when one reads a Jen Turano book at night. 

Witty conversations, and lengthy scenes because Adelaide does tend to prattle on a bit. But it seriously makes the book even more fun!

A Jen Turano novel is one that I gravitate to when I'm looking for something to lift my spirits and this book did not disappoint.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano Reviewed

 

Title: A Match in the Making

Author: Jen Turano

Series: The Matchmakers Book 1

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for his unruly motherless children. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

Goodreads || Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Baker Book House

My Thoughts

From Jen Turano's first book, A Change of Fortune in 2012 to her current book A Match in the Making she has kept this reader up late reading and trying to hold in her giggles so as to not wake her sleeping husband.

Gwendolyn had no idea she would be a matchmaker for the season in Newport and Walter, our hero, needs a mother for his children. He's just looking for someone kind to care for his three minor children. 

I've said before that I love when kids show up in books and I especially love when they don't act according to the "social norms" and they're just kids, and Walter's kids acted just like kids and had me laughing out loud.

This was a fun story from beginning to end; full of witty banter and crazy mishaps, that Ms. Turano is known for. I noticed the faith element popped up here and there but it was still present.

This is the beginning of Ms. Turano's Matchmakers series and book two comes out in November, so you'll want to read this one now!

Disclaimer:

I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I wasn't required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About Jen Turano

A USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jen Turano has written the critically acclaimed Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as JenTuranowell as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist.  It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, released in the spring of 2016, and will be followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for college life. 

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All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes Reviewed with Giveaway

 

About the book:

Title: All the Lost Places

Author: Amanda Dykes

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . . 

1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.

1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.

Purchase Links Amazon || B&N || Baker Book House|| CBD

My Thoughts:

"Found means someone was searching for you, running after you. You, the greatest treasure in all the world. That is what Trovato--Found--means. Sebastien Trovato, you are Found. Always and forever. Gathered up into Giuseppe's great big arms and carried into our hearts from that moment on."

When I receive an Amanda Dykes novel I know I will need to take the time to prepare myself for what I will experience between the pages of her book, and All the Lost Places was no different.

This is an exquisite novel of adventure; both in body and soul. The reader follows Daniel as he travels to Venice to both redeem his past and translate a rare book, The Book of Waters. Along the way the story of Sebastien, the baby floating in a basket emerges and becomes intertwined with Daniel's.

At some point, and I can't exactly pinpoint when it happened but this story stopped being about these two men and turned inward and became my story. Nearly fifty-seven years ago I was found. I was an infant who needed a family and my parents were the ones who found me and took me home. And forty-six years ago at a church service with Joni Eareckson Tada speaking God tapped on my shoulder telling me it was time to commit my life to Him and I was found by the God who created me. 

This is what an Amanda Dykes novel does to a reader. She creates the characters and the story but with her masterful writing ability and lyrical prose, the story becomes about the reader. 

All I can say is this is a must-read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About Amanda Dykes

Amanda Dykes has written and published a few short stories including, “Bespoke: a Tiny Christmas Tale“, the critically-acclaimed bicycle story that invited readers together to fund bicycles for missionaries in Asia. A former English teacher, she has a soft spot for classic literature and happy endings. She is a drinker of tea, a dweller of Truth, and a spinner of hope-filled tales, grateful for the grace of a God who loves extravagantly.  Also, by Amanda Dykes: “Tin Can Serenade” and “A Song in the Night” featured in the Message in a Bottle Romance Collection. You can connect with Amanda at the following locations:

Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter 

 

I received a second copy of the book so, I'm going to give it away here on my blog. To enter you must be a blog follower and leave a comment with your favorite Christmas Carol. The giveaway will start today and will end on December 20, 2022.

To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh Reviewed

 

About the Book:

Title: To Win a Prince

Author: Toni Shiloh

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a business to help citizens in impoverished areas. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his countrymen. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

As Iris strives to get her business off the ground while keeping her heart intact, will her dreams of happily ever after survive the challenges she faces?

Amazon || Baker Book House || B&N || 

About Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

Website ||Facebook || Instagram || Twitter

My Thoughts

Toni Shiloh has created a fascinating and beautiful African island of Ọlọrọ Ilé where this book and her previous royal fairy-tale book, In Search of a Prince, are set.

This beautiful story focuses on Iris, Queen Bri's best friend, and her brother-in-law, Ekon. 

Iris really gets her chance to shine using her talents to create a clothing line that will assist the people of Ọlọrọ Ilé. Which I thought was really cool!

Ekon is broken in more ways than just spiritually and doesn't think he needs God. Both Iris and God have something to say about that. 

I really enjoyed this story! I loved Iris, and how giving and caring she was to everyone she met. Ekon reminded me of a stubborn child who doesn't want to do what's right even though he knows he should. The island that Ms. Shiloh has created is beautiful and makes you just want to move there.

The faith thread was woven in perfectly! It wasn't too heavy or too blase.

This book can stand on its own but I recommend you read the first book, In Search of a Prince.

I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Turn to Me (A Misty River Romance #3) by Becky Wade

 

About the book:

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey's life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke's release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he's hidden. Worried that she won't be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke's promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke's help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return--by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he's long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He'll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who's going to shield him from losing his heart? 

Goodreads || Amazon || Baker Book House

About Becky Wade

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins.  These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending.  She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas.  It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing.  She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it.  She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market.  She’s the Christy and Carol award-winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsing on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

You can connect with Becky on these social media platforms... Website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, 

Bookbub . . . 

My Thoughts

I believe series are my nemesis. I love them for the ongoing story and getting to know the characters more intimately ... but I hate it when they end, and sadly this is the last book in the Misty River series. 

Ms. Wade has really stretched herself as an author by adding a mystery thread. The layers of characterization of each of not only the main characters but the supporting cast are clear and concise. 

There are so many things that I loved about this book. Returning to a community and characters that I have grown to love. The treasure hunt was fun and so creative. I felt that due to the treasure hunt this book was a tad wordier than it needed to be but that is my only negative. 

Luke and Finley were a great hero and heroine. I loved their banter and how their romance was sweet and moved at a reasonable pace. 

Ms. Wade has used this series to touch on some very tender subjects. In this book, she doesn't shy away from mental health. Both Luke and Finley are dealing with grief in different ways which for Finley could keep her out of Luke's arms. 

I loved the puppies! Especially since currently we have a three and a half-month-old puppy named Pepper Marie. I'll put her picture at the bottom. Anyway, I could completely identify with Luke's frustration over Agatha's puppyhood! 

I also identified with Luke and his not wanting to be a part of the close friendship that the Miracle Five enjoyed after their rescue. I abhor Halloween and not for the reasons most believers think. It was the day I was diagnosed with epilepsy. It also began fourteen years of me apologizing for seizures because my ex-husband said they were my fault. I have healed and am way past that but when I read Luke saying "You remind me of the worst day of my life." My heart sunk, I started crying because I knew how that felt. 

Becky Wade is a go-to author for me. I can always count on a swoon-worthy read with spiritual truths woven throughout the story, great characters, humor, and plain fun!

I highly recommend this book! You could read it as a stand-alone but I would encourage you to read the series in order.

I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As promised . . . here is Pepper Marie.

All That It Takes by Nicole Deese Reviewed

 

About the book:

Title: All That It Takes

Author: Nicole Deese

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier finally agrees to a cross-country move with her nine-year-old son to take a job with her best friend, Molly, everything she had planned for the future unravels within the first week. After pushing aside her anxieties about renting an apartment from Molly's twin brother, whom she barely knows, she accepts an invitation for an elite filmmaker's mentorship. Caught between her insecurities and new possibilities, she feels completely unprepared for the challenges ahead.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from abroad to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's been banished to a ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he pursues a relationship with Val without stopping to consider the timing or asking God to direct his steps.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.                                                                                       Purchase a copy Amazon || Baker Book House

About Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese's eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter 
                                                         

My Thoughts:

Nicole Deese is a master storyteller. While the pace seemed a little slow at the beginning it was well worth the wait for the meat of the story. I loved that Val had a disability. Having two chronic illnesses, myself, I really identified with Val.

I kind of live in the Pacific Northwest ... well sort of; I live in Idaho. I knew some of the places that Ms. Deese used in the story and that's always fun.

I love a book with kids in it and Val's son Tucker was just the best! I loved his ten-year-old antics. Since I don't have a son it was fun reading about them.

The heart of this story is that our story, whatever that may be, has the power to bring healing to someone else which in turn will aid in your healing. I learned that years ago when I saw how sharing my story about my health conditions and the protection I've received from our Heavenly Father gave hope to someone else. It's like that old campfire song we sang at camp "It only takes a spark to get a fire going."

While this can definitely be read as a stand-alone why not read All That Really Matters first and get introduced to Molly, her twin brother Miles, Val, and Silas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jamie Jo Wright - Reviewed

About the book:

Title: The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus
Author: Jamie Jo Wright
Genre: Historical Suspense Timeslip
Publisher: Bethany House

1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.

Goodreads || Amazon 


About Jamie Jo Wright

If I were to summarize my life in three words, my instinct is to say: "I love coffee", and leave it at that. But, I realize that is rather shallow and a tad obsessive. So, summarizing who Jaime Jo Wright is can be a challenge.

I love life. I always have. God has blessed me, even in severe trials, such as the loss of three of my babies. He has never failed, never given up, never gone easy on me, and always disciplined me with a loving hand. (and trust me, when you have my personality which pushes boundaries and considers rules to be negotiable, you need discipline).

I married my husband in 2000. He wasn't exactly Prince Charming when I met him, so I aptly nicknamed him Cap'n Hook after he pirated off with my heart and has yet to give it back. 

Our ship was joined by a little Tinkerbell in 2009. Our CoCo has tamed the pirate exponentially better than I ever could. Peter Pan came along in 2012 and whisked me away to Neverland where we refuse to grow up and make mischief on a daily basis.

You can connect with Jamie Jo Wright on  Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter 

My Thoughts

Once again Jamie Jo Wright has penned a time-slip novel full of suspense, history, along with some hair-raising moments. As with her previous novels I was hooked from the beginning and stayed up way past my bedtime reading. Even with the spooky moments I was able to sleep just fine.

I felt like I'd stepped back into my childhood to when we'd go to the circus, when I met Pippa and Lily, the elephant was born. 

Ms. Wright does a great job bringing us into the present day story of Chandler and her son, Peter. 

The story switches easily between time periods and storylines. Ms. Wright's ability to not only switch from both time periods but give use deep view of broken, tormented, and rejected characters is visible from page one until the end. 

I wanted to find out what the answer to the mystery was but I didn't want the story to end!

The inspirational thread was perfectly placed! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.