Of Flaw and Scorn by Vera Bell

ARC Review - Releases April 28th
Of Flaw and Scorn by Vera Bell 
Book 1 in the Gracefire Series
4 Stars

What a gritty Christian Fiction read! I ended up really enjoying this one. 

Read if you love:

- Gritty Christian Fiction (see below for what that means)

- Vikings Romance

- Enemies to Lovers

- Slow Burn

- Redemption in Christ Story
- Forbidden Love

Set in 795 A.D. off the Irish Coast, we follow a Christian slave, Brigit, and a Viking, Raidar (Ray-dar). We see Brigit and Raidar met when they were young teens and he takes Brigit captive. We see Raidar extend mercy upon her and it becomes his great flaw. We see the brutal death of her family as the Vikings killed Christians (historically accurate) and 7 years later we see Brigit who is married to someone (taken captive) that she doesn't want to be married to. The Vikings essentially come in, take her captive themselves and kill her husband. The journey that Raidar and Brigit take next will keep you itching to know more, for sure!

So I love Ireland and Viking style books - there is something about the history behind the reality of what happened and the strength of those times and people that intrigues me. It also gives a fantastical element without being true fantasy. While I do not know a lot of the pronunciations or Norse mythology tied to the Vikings history and culture, this book did have a pronunciation guide and a glossary of Irish and Norse terms in the front of the book, which was helpful. 

I really commend Vera for what she did here. She used to write books with spicy scenes and has since unpublished them in her move toward what the Lord has called her to do in her writing. I think this book will be great for readers who like the tougher themes, topics and even those who are transitioning away from spicy books to Christian fiction and want something that is not cheesy, but something that is realistic and raw, with that angsty romantic tension they may have seen in other books but without the explicit scenes.

Be aware though - this was a realistic view of history regarding the execution of Christians by the Vikings. If you have ever seen even a snippet of the Vikings TV show, you will know what I am referring to. Vera didn't get too gory by any means with the descriptions but some of them were more on the brutal side, which I appreciate her not shying away from the reality of the Vikings and that history. Check the content/trigger warnings for more details below.

The faith content was very strong. Brigit is a strong believer in Christ and even through all of the traumatic things she went through...she kept the faith. Yes, there were doubts along the way, as with any person in those situations, but her overall strength in Christ was beautiful to see. She was a positive influence on Raidar. The high stakes situations caused Raidar to move towards a faith in Christ, and we see his full redemption arc on display.

Overall, what I can say is I appreciate this book. It's different, especially for Christian Fiction, but it's real. I will list the content details so you can make your own informed decisions, but I think Vera handled it well in general, especially for her first Christian Fiction read since unpublishing her old works. You can see she is in somewhat of a transition period with the romance bits occasionally being lusty at times but I also feel like that is what is realistic for the time of the Vikings people and their culture, so that's not necessarily a criticism more than anything its an observation.

I am definitely interested in reading book 2, I need to know Astrid's redemption story!

Thank you to Vera for sending me a complimentary e-book ARC to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

Content/Trigger Warnings + What is Gritty CF:

Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual assault/violence referenced, slavery, mentions of concubines, no language outside of the use of wh*re or h*ll from the Viking people in conversations, killings of Christians and others, battles, mentions of death/blood, mentions of sleeping around, romance is more on the yearning/lusty side at times - more than I usually prefer, but its also situationally accurate for the Viking people, closed door marriage consummation scene- not explicit but fades to black as the door is closed essentially as you know what will happen next after marriage, but I appreciated how this handled biblical view of marriage by the redemption piece.

Q: What is Gritty Christian Fiction? 
A: Gritty Christian fiction is a branch of Christian storytelling that leans into the hard, messy, and often painful realities of life while still anchoring the narrative in a biblical worldview and redemptive hope. The “gritty” label doesn’t mean graphic or boundary‑pushing for shock value; instead, it means the story is willing to portray darkness honestly so that grace can shine more clearly. Think Francine Rivers style.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tOZwhB
Vera's Website and About her writing journey: https://www.verabellauthor.com/about

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

5 stars
WOW

What can I say at this point, Agatha is literally the mystery queen! I keep saying this each time I read her books. This was brilliant. The way she ended it, the epilogue, the characters...chef's kiss!

This is one of the more darker ones I have read by her but it was still so good! I was invested in each character, loved the history behind the mystery, and loved listing to the audio by Hugh Fraser alongside my reading of the 1972 book copy I found on Pango Books.

We essentially follow 10 people who get summoned by a letter to go to this island to meet the Owen's. When they all get there, they see the poem for 10 little soldier boys (old edition said Indian instead of Soldier, but was changed to Soldier in the mid-20th century). The poem soon becomes the guests reality....which leads us to a wild and crazy whodunit case. We also learn along the way why each person was chosen to be there, which in itself was WILD.

I loved how the cast of characters were each trying to figure out whodunit and pointing fingers, trying to figure out the clues....I wasn't 100% right with the ending but I did have my right suspicion I guess with whodunit, for once. I even watched the adaptation (2015 BBC) and loved it, even though the adaption added odd romance tension bit with two characters.

Highly recommend as an Agatha standalone read. I loved the twists and turns and how invested I was in it.

Content/Trigger Warnings: death, suicide, crimes explained such as murders/death of a child by drowning/gun violence etc., language several d*mn and 1 GD. 

If you watch the 2015 adaptation, there is obviously flashbacks of the crimes shown for each character that are a bit more graphic than the book and a closed door sex scene randomly placed, lol. but that is not in the book at all.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cbCefT

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Lost Story of Via Belle - Melanie Dobson

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson 

4 Stars 

What a good book! I was very interested in both storylines here. Melanie tied it all together so well. The mystery had me on the edge of my seat in the end!

If you like books about authors, screenwriters, books, with a historical fiction mystery - check this out!

1940 + 2006: 

In 1940, we follow Olivia Ashe - Via Belle is her pen name for her romance books. Her books have been beloved by readers for years but she has grieved the loss of her husband and child...Her and her husband were married for 20 years so since he passed, she lives in Pennsylvania with her aunt. She meets Simon at an author panel she goes to.....they have a romance....but is all that it seems? 

In 2006, we follow Harper who aspires to be a screenwriter and finds herself in Pennsylvania researching the life of Via Belle, who was her late mother's favorite author. She finds her books, a biography all about Via and starts to learn more about her life and secrets. Harper has her own grief she is working through after losing her mother as well. She really pieces the past together so well and learns so much about Via.

We have some other characters we follow too but the primary story is as mentioned above.

This was my first Melanie Dobson read and I really want to try her other books now! I liked how she weaved these characters, timelines and mystery together more than anything. While I would have liked a bit more faith and Christian elements, there were some good moments of hope and lessons learned. I think this is a book you really want to take some time to sit with because of the layers Melanie weaves in. Lots of twists and turns!

Thank you to Uplit Reads, Tyndale House Publishers and Melanie Dobson for a gifted copy of this book to read for review. All thoughts are my own. 

Content/Trigger Warnings: death of a child and spouse mentioned but not a focal point of the book, grief from loss, death of a parent mentioned but also not a huge focal point of the book, no language, clean romance, pregnancy out of wedlock mentioned, death in general.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Oubr5n
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781496474520_the-lost-story-of-via-belle
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Just Friends by Haley Pham

Just Friends - Haley Pham

3 Stars

If you’re looking for a clean friends‑to‑lovers romance with a tender grief thread, Just Friends might be a story for you. I went into this one without much familiarity with Haley Pham or her content, but I know this book has sparked a lot of conversation lately. As someone who enjoys clean romance, I was curious to see what it was all about. Y'all know I am always here for a hyped read!

Overall Thoughts

I enjoyed the reading experience in general, even though a few of the tropes aren’t ones I personally gravitate toward. There’s a lot here that readers, especially younger ones, may really connect with.

What I appreciated:
- Childhood friends to lovers is always a sweet, nostalgic dynamic
- A heartfelt grief thread after losing a loved one to cancer....this was handled with care and emotional honesty
- A clean romance with no spice or explicit content
- FMC who is an aspiring author added a fun creative piece

What Didn’t Work as Well for Me

- Miscommunication / non‑communication bits
- Flashback chapters tied to the second‑chance parts
- A slower resolution, especially in the romantic bits

We have Blair and Declan - they were together years ago and they split due to certain circumstances and then some moments that were miscommunication / misunderstandings....then they came back together 4 years later. She is back in town when her great aunt Lottie is sick. She applies to work at a coffee shop and its managed by Declan so that's how they end up reconnecting.

For a debut, I think Haley did a nice job overall. It’s refreshing to see clean, accessible romance on main bookstore shelves, and I can see this being a great fit for younger readers or anyone wanting something wholesome and easy to settle into. While it wasn’t a personal favorite for me, I genuinely appreciated the grief storyline as it felt honest, compassionate, and very real.

I’d be open to picking up her next book and supporting another author writing clean books.

Content/Trigger Warnings: romance is clean/kisses only, not lusty in my opinion, grief from loss of a loved one to cancer, walking through the grief itself moments. language - 3 or 4 "p*ssed", shiiiiii cut off use, nothing else major.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QtvDoq
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

  

Saved to Sin No More - Brad Wetherell

 

Saved to Sin No More - Brad Wetherell
4 Stars

Quote: "Sin is our most significant struggles. Whatever else may trouble us and threaten us, nothing else compares to the power and effects of sin. It rules over us from birth, condemns us before God, and destines us for everlasting death. On our own, we are helpless against it (Rom. 7:23-24) So praise God that we are not on our own. We are united with Christ. In Christ, we have come under the rule of grace, we are justified in God's sight, and we are destined for everlasting life (Rom 5:21). And whenever we trip, stumble, and fall into sin (as we often do), we do not fall out of Christ. We are united with him forever (Rom. 8:38-39)

I got a lot out of this Christian Non-Fiction. When I feel like I am constantly failing in striving in my faith....scripture points us to the liberating hope in Christ that has the power to free us for good. Pastor Brad Wetherell walked through many biblical passages sharing so much about our struggles in sin, when we fall into temptations -- what does God's word say? How can we combat spiritual warfare? How can we ask for forgiveness? How can we submit to God's authority? How can we be in union with Him? How can we resist the temptations? 

He reminds us to remember our story. Where did we start? Where are we now in Christ? How did the Lord move us to glory in Christ? Brad wrote about sin in a truthful, understanding way. He reminds us that God can transform what has been tarnished. He has delivered us from darkness. We are united with Christ and we strive to pursue righteousness. We can embrace God's authority. It's a daily battle but in Christ was can engage this battle in all the confidence in Christ. Sin will no longer have dominion over us! 

Highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Crossway for a gifted copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Crossway's Website: https://www.crossway.org/books/saved-to-sin-no-more-tpb/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47C6FJy

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

 

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer 
5 Stars 

I LOVE KAREN'S BOOKS! This is one of her backlist reads from 2010 and wow, just so good! 

I loved the characters, slow burn romance, intense aspects but also a very precious story with the sweet young girl, Isabella.

We follow Adelaide Proctor and Gideon Westcott. She has her "head in the clouds" if you will, and her husband plans didn't quite work out with this guy Henry.....she interviews for a governess job in Texas and gets the job on Gideon's sheep ranch. Gideon left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry. He never expected to become a father overnight when his ward, Isabella, comes under his care. Isabella is 5 years old and lost her parents tragically and hasn't uttered a word since then....Adelaide working there with them softens everyone's heart and its a beautiful story of finding love and family together. Isabella's uncle comes to claim her and they won't stand for it. 

I loved the faith moments, especially the prayers. Adelaide really showed how she cares for Isabella and Gideon in such strong ways. She was patient and willing to do whatever she needed to do to help them. When things look dark...she never gives up. She loves Gideon and Isabella....and she braces the storms regardless of how dark it may look.

Highly recommend for a beautiful Christian historical romance!

*Content/Trigger Warnings: Animal Death, Mild Violence for the time period, death by gunshot, no language, nothing explicit in nature - romance shows marriage + mention of consummating the marriage but it was a biblical viewpoint of marriage in a beautiful way with no sexual acts described in detail. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cn1f7Q (On Kindle Unlimited as of 4/3)
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764207563_head-in-the-clouds
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Clinging to the Cross - The Daily Grace Company

Clinging to the Cross by The Daily Grace Co

5 Stars

What a great lent study this was for me! I was able to keep up with it each day (minus the last week since I was traveling). I just finished it today, the day before Resurrection Sunday, and I feel so grateful for the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made on the Cross in our place. Many times I think we can forget context, history, and just how heartbreaking it was for Jesus to go in our place for our sins. We were deserving to be on that cross. It should have been us. It should be us. But JESUS took it all on our behalf. May we never forget exactly what He did for you and I. While this earth is our temporary home....we have such a hope in the Lord through belief in HIM to experience eternal life to all who accept Him as their Lord and Savior. When I felt I wasn't worthy....He was. He is. 

The Daily Grace Company has some really good Christian bible studies and I always enjoy my time in them. They help me draw near to the Lord and circle back to where I need to be in my faith walk when I feel stagnant. They help me get back in my word.

This Lent study walked through 41 days leading up to Resurrection Sunday, with illustrations that will take your break away...lead you to tears...remind you of just what the Lord did. The application questions - while I didn't fill every single one out - many of them had me in deep thought.

Thank you to the Daily Grace Company for a gifted copy of this study. All thoughts are always my own.

📚Daily Grace Co Lent Bundle: https://collabs.shop/csbwaj

10% Off Your Daily Grace Company Order with Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA
*I am a part of the Daily Grace Company affiliate program because I have used their products for many years, even before I had an online platform. You can trust that all opinions are always my own, regardless. Thank you friends.