Review: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White

About the Book

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This story was an absolute delight, brimming full of Christmas spirit. It swept me away to Edwardian England during Christmastime. I felt like I was right there in the midst of it all and I loved every minute of it.

Although Mariah and Cyril were childhood friends, time and distance separated them, making them feel almost like strangers when they met again. I loved watching them reconnect and get to know each other again. They were both so easy to like, and I was rooting for them.

Plumford Manor was a character all its own. It was such a beautiful place full of wonder and cheer.

There was a whimsy about this book that I absolutely adored. Not to say that it was all fun and games, but I appreciated the balance between the practical and the whimsy. I think as we get older, we can sometimes lose our sense of wonder, so I loved the reminder that there’s an important place for that too. It's no fun being serious all the time.

This book was full of an infectious joy, I couldn’t help but smile my way through it. It’s the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Running into Forever by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book
Wanted: Horsewoman, skilled at driving. Must be willing to live on a remote island . . . and marry her boss. Both are nonnegotiable.

Taylor Everest loves his home on Sanctuary Island and running his family’s carriage business. But his standoffish personality has the local resort questioning the renewal of his contract. Not to mention the contract also has an old, pesky clause Taylor had hoped to ignore: He’s supposed to be married by age thirty. He’s just turned thirty-one. Not willing to let go of his family’s legacy, Taylor puts out a bold advertisement.

Sonora Hillary is good with horses and even better with people. Unfortunately, her sunshine personality wasn’t enough for Donovan Arlington—the man she’s dated for two years. When Donovan announces his engagement after a mere two weeks of dating another woman, Sonora loses her level thinking. She answers a bizarre ad, agreeing to move and to marry the stiff and grumpy man she’s to work for. At least it’s only temporary. And surely living so far away—not to mention being married—will help her put away the ache of Donovan’s betrayal.

After the tourist season, Taylor and Sonora will both have what they wanted, and with a clean annulment, they’ll go their separate ways. No harm. No attachments. No regrets.

That was the agreement. The plan. But beneath this charade, Taylor and Sonora wrestle with mutual attraction and, more poignantly, with a deep and pestering question: What do they do with the painful past? Could they ever again trust the God who had allowed such great disappointment before? And was it possible those frustrations and regrets had led them there, together, for something good and beautiful?

Continue your journey on the remote Sanctuary Island, where you'll find small town charm, community, heartfelt romance, and faith journeys that will stir your soul.

*****
Welcome to the shores of Sanctuary Island, where six bestselling authors of Christian romance bring you stories of love and redemption. From tender romance to enduring faith, each standalone novel in this series promises unforgettable characters and heartwarming small town charm.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was another stellar romance from Jennifer Rodewald. She always delivers a soul-stirring, faith-filled swoonworthy romance, and this was no different. I loved every second of it.

I really liked Taylor. He was a bit of a grump, but he had a kind soul beneath all that gruffness. I just wanted to give him a hug. Sonora was fierce, strong, and sassy despite recent heartache. They were both at low points in their lives when they first met, but despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, I thought they were the perfect pair. I loved their banter. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and learn to trust God again after heartbreaking disappointment.

I don’t usually see many contemporary marriage of convenience stories, so I really enjoyed that. I thought it was so well done here. The grumpy-sunshine trope is my favorite, and this has to be one of the best I’ve read.

If you’re looking for a swoonworthy romance with a strong message of faith, you’re sure to love this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Time Door (The Eternities #1) by Shannon McDermott

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Time Door (The Eternities #1) by Shannon McDermott releasing October 29.

About the Book

A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth . . .

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists. In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Firestorm (Chasing Fire: Montana #4) by Lisa Phillips

About the Book

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

He thought his life was over…and then she walked back in.

Charlie Benning has always been a rescuer—first with the Last Chance County Fire and Rescue team, and now as a firefighter with the Jude County Hotshots. But this summer isn’t about saving lives—it’s about hiding his own terrible secret. A secret he’s keeping from his estranged daughter, Alexis.

But fate is about to intervene.

Will their secrets destroy their second chance?

Jayne Price raised her son, Orion, on her own just fine, thank you. And now, she runs Wildlands Academy, a summer camp that teaches kids how to fight forest fires and confront their own teenage angst—kids like Alexis Benning, who clearly has a chip on her shoulder about her semi-estranged, firefighter father.

And Jayne has her own issues, like not wanting her only son to join the elite smokejumping corps. It’s enough that he’s risking his life as a hotshot on the Jude County team.

Then the wildfire turns its force onto the camp and suddenly the hotshots show up to help her fight it. Only problem…the last person she expects is for her former flame, Charlie Benning—the man she can’t forget—to show up working alongside her son.
Rather, his son.

Who he doesn’t know exists.

And then Charlie discovers the secret she’s been keeping, and he’s torn between anger and the long-simmering love that refuses to die. And Jayne isn’t about to let go of the man she loves a second time. But if the blazing wildfire isn't enough, a dangerous and relentless killer is on the prowl in the woods…

Now, with the camp cut off from the outside world and the fire closing in, it’s a race against time as Charlie, Jayne, Orion, and a team of courageous smokejumpers join forces to protect the campers against a merciless inferno and a murderer. But the biggest threat of all might be Charlie’s devastating secret that could destroy the happy ending they’ve waited for so long.

Prepare for an edge-of-your-seat journey that will leave you breathless until the very last page, in book four of the Chasing Fire: Montana series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’m loving this series! Firestorm was another great addition! I’m not usually a fan of the secret kid trope, but it worked so well here that I ended up really liking it.

I liked the fact that the main characters were slightly older than what you’d normally find in these kinds of books. There was a lot of hurt, pain, and secrets from the past that Charlie and Jayne needed to work through, but you could see the love that they still had for each other.

I loved the strong message of faith. And I loved how prominently God factored into Jayne's decisions and how she trusted and leaned on Him.

There was a different kind of tension than in the previous books, but it was no less urgent. Of course there was the raging fire to worry about and a killer on the loose, but one of the characters was struggling with an inner battle that had me so worried for them.

I really enjoyed this book and am eager to read more from this author. Even though this is book four in this series, it can stand alone perfectly fine.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White. 

About the Book

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Feeling ever so sneaky, Lady Mariah Lyons eased into the bustle of the kitchen, a smile barely contained by her lips.

Friday 56

Couldn't she tamp the enthusiasm down a bit? Mornings and rambunctious greetings didn't mesh.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Knight Brew (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #9) by Heather Day Gilbert

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Knight Brew (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #9) by Heather Day Gilbert releasing November 18. 

About the Book

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

The Barks & Beans booth at the Renaissance Faire is hopping, since Macy managed to talk her muscled redhead brother into donning a kilt for the occasion. Even better, Macy's boyfriend Titan has come for a visit, so she can't wait to peruse the shops and watch the shows with him.

But when a well-rehearsed joust takes a fatal turn, Macy becomes a key witness. Can she believe her eyes, or did someone cloak their ruthless intent with smoke and mirrors? A late night stakeout seems the only way to determine what really happened...but someone scarier than the plague doctor is lying in wait for Macy, and this time, the damsel might not find a way out of her distress.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: The Necromancer's Apprentice by Beverly Twomey

About the Book
Georgie would do anything to help his father - even learn the dying art of necromancy.

Twelve-year-old Georgie works hard to care for his grieving father while keeping his nosy younger cousin out of trouble. But when his father begins to decline even further, Georgie decides to bring back the one person who could do it all, his deceased mother.

The local Necromancer is an awkward and solitary man with an ancient black cat and a literal skeleton in his closet. With a few words, he can cause a dead sparrow to fly, stop an animated skeleton in its place, and even speak to the dead themselves. Georgie is quickly swept away into a world of skeletal horrors, abandoned graves, and wizard duels where woodland creatures arm themselves against the undead. But can he convince the Necromancer to resurrect his mother in time?

Perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and T. Kingfisher, THE NECROMANCER’S APPRENTICE is a whimsical take on the process of grieving and learning to live again.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Author's Website / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“Grief is a funny thing. Sometimes we grieve what we never knew.”

“It doesn’t feel like grief.”

“Yes, it may look quite different from what those around you are experiencing. But it’s still grief and it’s still important.”

I loved this book so much! It's a heartwarming and whimsical tale of overcoming grief. Filled with wonderful characters, spooky moments, animated skeletons, a wizard duel, and so much more, I couldn’t get enough of it! It really tugged at my heartstrings.

It was a fun story that had me laughing out loud several times, but it also tackled some serious topics with grace and respect. Grief is hard, and nobody experiences it in the same way. I appreciated how it was so delicately woven into the story.

I really liked Georgie. His bond with cousin Ellory was so sweet. They were quite the pair! I admired Georgie’s determination and bravery despite his fear. And I loved Ellory’s inquisitiveness. I’d love a sequel that follows her.

This was a quick read, but it left a big impression. I'll be thinking about it for a long time. I finished the last half nearly in one sitting. I was completely enamored with the story.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS