Book Review: Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns

 

Murder is a Piece of Cake - Valerie Burns - 4 Stars - (Book 2 in the Baker Street Mystery Series)

Really enjoyed this second book in the series! We are back in the small town of New Bison and the Spring Baking Festival is almost here! Maddy is hoping to get the top prize in the contest to put Baby Cakes Bakery on the map as a must-visit bakery. When a second bakery comes into town from CJ Davenport, an investor who is determined to sabotage Maddy in any way he can, she is worried about the competition to no end. All of a sudden, CJ ends up dead and they're looking for the killer.

I enjoyed being back in this small town with our great cast of characters and Maddy continues to grow as a baker in her Aunt Octavia's old bakery. This mystery was a bit more complete and I didn't figure it out! The only thing I am not fond of in this one is the overuse of the hashtags in this story - sometimes it just takes you out of the story. Loved having Baby the Mastiff dog back in the story and the overall cozy vibes of the town, characters and mystery.

Thank you to the publisher for a NetGalley ARC copy to honestly read and review.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5152545203
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XA6ZC6
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton

Of Books and Bagpipes - Paige Shelton - 3 Stars - Book 2 in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series

I like our characters and the story in general, but in this one, I sometimes got bored, a little confused on keeping people together and how they were related to one another - overall it was just ok. I don't know what this book was missing - maybe more in the romance area. We know she is seeing someone but you never really see them on page together. We have a lot of secrets in this one and I am still not sure if I can trust Edwin (Delaney's boss). He is just a very odd character to me. I will be continuing on in the series as I have all of them on my audible account. I liked it, but not in love yet. I did like book 1 more. Another thing I think that is missing here is we don't see much work being done in the bookstore - I think that would make it more realistic. I still love the Scotland setting and the accent in the narration!

This followed Delaney, a few months after book 1, where she is going to meet someone for her boss, to pick up a book, but instead finds that person she was to meet, dead. There are SO many different twists and turns - multiple mysteries if you will - with family drama and you are trying to figure out how they involve her boss Edwin and the story goes on from here.

This series has been fun so far and I am really interested to see how I feel about book 3. I hope book 3 doesn't have too many extra characters because that is what made me confused and losing interest sometimes. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5652129717
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JRjNyi
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, #4) - Agatha Christie - A PERFECT MYSTERY!

WOW I DID NOT SEE THE ENDING COMING YA'LL! WHAT A PERFECT MYSTERY! So much fun trying to piece all this together (of course, I am no sleuth LOL) but it was so clever and she is truly the QUEEN of Mystery! The ending is what made this a 5 star read truly.

Hercule Poirot has retired when a murder occurs - everyone is shocked when a welathy local widow commits suicide and the next day her fiance, Roger Ackroyd, is stabbed to death. Poirot comes in to help solve this crazy murder with SO many suspects! The narrator of the story, Dr. James Sheppard is helping assist Poirot in solving the case and we go on from here.

This is truly my favorite Agatha Christie so far! I can only imagine how amazing this way for its time when she wrote it. Such a classic. I kept trying to figure out who the killer was but boy, I did NOT see it. I would LOVE to re-read this and see all the clues I missed :) I love how Poirot keeps his secrets until the end. Very entertaining and you really can play detective right along with Poirot in this story!

I see why this was sweet Janelle's favorite from TooFondOfBooks. Janelle, thank you for everything you did on BookTube. For being such a light and beautiful soul in this corner of the internet and inspiring me to pick up one of your favorite Agatha Christie novels. We will miss you.

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5648191363

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PMXXji
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: Nicolae by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

 

Nicolae - Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins - 5 Stars - THIS ENDING! I need to know all the things after that ending! (Book 3 in the Left Behind Series)

I absoluley love every time I dive back into this series. I truly appreciate the recaps in the beginning too. It's wild to think this was written almost 30 years ago and the things going on in this book - some are happening today as biblical prophecy continues to unfold. This series reminds us that NOW is the time to come to the Lord and be ready for the end of times. We are surely living in them today. Trust in Jesus before it's too late. 

In this book, we see the rise of the antichrist character and all the judgements as they start to unfold. Rayford and Buck find themselves pressed into service for the antichrist and they are all working as the tribulation force together as Nicolae continues to take over the United Nations, sign a peace treaty with Israel, push for one world religion among the nations, cashless society....again, prophecy unfolding left and right. Global war erupts. We see more of Nicolae's true motives in this book. What a cliff hanger of an ending. I loved book 3 and can't wait to continue into book 4. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5645661598
Amazon: https://amzn.to/44yAu9R
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: An August Bride by Debra Clopton

An August Bride - Debra Clopton - 2.5 to 3 Stars - Cute cowboy - beach romance but ultimately didn't love the Instalove relationship.

This is book 9 in the "A Year of Weddings" series - which are wedding novella in each month. I have read the Winter Brides group and this was my first in the Summer Brides group. Each novella can be very hit or miss for me. It's hard to truly connect in novellas sometimes and these romance novellas surrounding weddings can be usually instalove and not my favorites. This one, An August Bride by Debra Clopton, had good characters and writing so I would be interested in reading some of her other books. However, the instalove and unrealistic relationship in the end just wasn't my favorite so I give this 2.5 stars, rounding up to 3 on Goodreads. 

This novella is about Kelsey who was left at the alter by a cowboy. She vows to never love a cowboy again until Brent shows up. She is going to her cousin's beach wedding  Brent isn't really looking for love but he's at the wedding as a groomsman for his friend. He sees something crazy going on at the beach and a "mermaid" in distress in the water so he dives in to rescue her, cowboy boots and all. Turns out, its Kelsey who needed saving. She sees his boots and doesn't want anything to do with him after her experience with her ex. But as they go through the weekend, sparks fly and all that jazz. 

As I mentioned, this had some good writing and likeable character but this is a cheesy, cowboy Instalove, unrealistic relationship and while I liked the setting and characters and had a good time buddy reading it with my friend, the instalove ultimately took me out of this. It wasn't my favorite but my friend and I were laughing at all the cheese 🧀 🤣 Just a good time. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5645661110
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qWFAxX
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connealy

The Laws of Attraction - Mary Connealy - 4 Stars - A great continuation in the Wyoming Sunrise Series! (Book 2)

Another book that pulls you right into the story! We are back in this small town of Pine Valley in 1871 Wyoming and the dead eye gang continues to reek havoc! 

In book 2 of the Wyoming Sunrise series, we follow Nell, the widowed seamstress we met in book 1, Forged in Love. I was so interested in Nell's story as in book 1 she was a fantastic, and a bit mysterious, side character. The book opens in Nell's shop where she primarily makes chaps for westerners. A young girl runs into her shop to hide when her father comes in looking for her. The young girl is embarrassed about her father having her wear breeches instead of a dress to town. When  the girl explains this to her father, Brand, Nell overhears how she and her 2 sisters wish they could wear dresses - but Brand can't afford to buy them. Nell offers a proposition to Brand and the girls that if they will work in her store for a dime a day, she will make the girls dresses. Nell truly loves making dresses but no one ever needs to buy them from her so she sees this as the perfect opportunity to make dresses and have some nice company in her shop working with her. She also doesn't want to appear as giving Brand charity so she offers the work trade. The girls are ecstatic, their father agrees and so the girls start to come after school and work for the dresses, while learning how to sew. But things get crazy quickly as the dead eye gang make their way back to town, men end up killed and injured, danger is lurking everywhere, leaving Brand, the girls, and Nell in trouble. Things take off from here as we see Nell take a leadership role in town, Brand try to protect his family and a romance begin to form between the two of them.

Brand and Nell are both widows so I knew I would love this story from the beginning because I am always here for a second chance at love story when they never expected it. Especially a single Dad with children just trying to do the best he can. And Brand was just that. I loved his character as he was a great guy just trying to provide for his family after the death of his wife in childbirth. When he meets Nell he starts to wonder if he could find love again. Nell is a bit of a broken character as she has a history of arguments with her husband, but its not explained in detail. We know she is very on guard about getting into a new relationship and makes it clear her next husband will never raise their voice to her in any way as her previous one did. Seeing them get to know each other and seeing Nell help Brand's daughters was beautiful. 

We have some nice mentions of prayers, going to church and asking God for protection that I really appreciated seeing too. 

Nell is a strong woman and we have a lot of discussion centered around women's rights and the women's suffrage movement that was going on during that time. I did really like some of this detail and showing how a woman can do anything just a man - but sometimes it was a bit overdone for me personally and I wanted to get back to the story to develop more of Nell and Brand's romance together, instead of so much of those details. But it was still nice to see that representation and history aspect as Nell was the first Justice of the Peace there in town - and that was a big deal for women during that time. 

Overall, I did really like the story and will be continuing on in the series. My favorite parts in this story were surrounding the 3 daughters - they were great and it was nice to see Nell get to know them and Brand learn how to help them in ways he couldn't before.

I think if you love a good western story, a strong female lead, widowers finding love again and great family vibes - you will enjoy this! Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5616628111
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r5muFW
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/492077

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Painter's Daughter - Julie Klassen - 4.5 Stars - Such beautiful storytelling! My favorite Julie Klassen book so far!

This is my favorite Julie Klassen book so far! 4.5-5 stars, rounding up to 5. Beautiful storytelling. Truly felt like I was in the middle of a regency tv series or movie. Jane Austen vibes. One of the best regency romances I have ever read! Plus, a marriage of convenience – my favorite! :)

In this story, set in England 1815, we follow Sophie Dupont, who fell in love with an artist, Wesley Overtree. Sophie thought she was in love with Wesley and that he would marry her. Unfortunately, things don't happy as she expected...and Wesley leaves for Italy as he jumped at the opportunity to travel and paint. Wesley leaves behind a sorry excuse for a note to Sophie leaving her and his brother, Stephen, not anticipating Wesley's return anytime soon. What Sophie didn't tell Wesley before he left – she is pregnant with his child. Wesley's brother, Captain Stephen Overtree, sees the situation for what it is that Sophie is in and as a respectable man, offers to marry her in name only to protect her and her child's future. With Stephen set to go off to war, they get married, and the story goes from here as they start getting to know one another, their families, interests, etc.....

I just loved this story. Julie truly told us a full, captivating story from the details of the families, side characters, setting, romance – she transported us right there with the characters! I loved how honorable Stephen was – the perfect hero. I had such compassion for Sophie – she was overlooked by her family and the first man that comes along and shows her love – she has a horrible experience just wanting to be loved. Seeing Stephen and Sophie getting to know each other was the best. Wesley was despicable as expected.

I loved the faith and prayer elements as well in the story – no matter what you have done, God is with you and loves you – He holds the ultimate redemption for us in Jesus. I liked seeing Sophie’s growth through her faith walk too.

Highly recommend!

Note: I wouldn’t recommend this to teens, only to adults because of the subject matter of the story.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5625983545
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pm08j7
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/37920

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Hey ya'll! First blog post - let's see how this goes! :)

Hey ya'll! I have had several people reach out and ask where they can find my recent book reviews in text format. I use Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube to review books but I know not everyone uses Goodreads or Instagram and it's not always user friendly to use these platforms for some. So here is my first blog post to see how this works out. It's not anything fancy but maybe this won't be too hard to keep up with? We'll see. I am leaving all of my profile links below for anyone who wants to follow me on any of my other platforms but I am excited to add this blog to my list of ways to connect with you all in book reviews!

As always, I love you guys SO much and am so thankful for each and every one of you in the bookish community. I will be adding some of my recent book reviews in the next few posts and past reviews that you can go through below. I will put the date of the post the day I reviewed it on Goodreads.

- Amanda

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookloveramanda

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BookLoverAmanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bookloveramanda

Book Review: The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

The Italian Ballerina - Kristy Cambron - 4 Stars - An Emotional WW2 Story

What an ending 😭❤️ my heart. Very slow start and hard for me to keep up at first with what was going on but loved the last 50%. Such a great story and beautiful characters who had a common goal to keep this precious young girl safe. 4 stars. 

This is a dual timeline, christian historical WW2 fiction novel set in Rome, 1943 and Present Day. We follow 3 different people - British Ballerina Julia Bradbury who is stranded and forced to take refuge on Tiber Island as she risks everything to rescue Italian Jewish people from the Holocaust. She is working at the hospital posing as a nurse as they make the Germans believe in the fake "Syndrome K" disease - a disease used to save Jewish people from the Germans. When one day, a young little girl who dreams of being a ballerina one day shows up at her door and Julia, plus several others are determined to reunite the young dancer with her family.

Then we follow Private Courtney Coleman - a medic during the war and his journey in 1943 and 1941. It starts off with him trying to escape German Soldiers with a young girl - jumping back and forth in the timeline we see this little Jewish girl being kept safe by Court and his friend AJ - when they meet up with Julia along the way. The timeline back and forth can be a bit confusing but once everything comes back together, it all made sense. These people have a common goal to keep this little girl safe and get her back to her family. 

In the present day timeline, we follow Matteo and Delaney as Matteo contacts Delaney to let her know that her late grandfather has some items that belonged to his grandmother and she would like to see them again so he offers to fly her out to Italy with the items. Delaney isn't too sure what to think or make of this but she agrees as she finds letters written in Italian in her grandfather's things and believes Matteo in his story....when she gets there, Matteo and Delaney start piecing everything together as his grandmother's story unravels from her past.....

I really liked this story overall - the only reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me was I was fairly confused at the beginning and some parts were a bit long for me, but overall, what an powerful story. I cried! If you like WW2 stories with emotional endings and good faith element throughout the story, pick this up.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5619078372

Amazon: https://amzn.to/42KD0Z7

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/418275

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlfoIBkAmlc&t

Book Review: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

 

Forged in Love - Mary Connealy - 5 Stars - Great Western Romance! (Book 1 in the Wyoming Sunrise Series)

Ya'll, what a SURPRISE! I really enjoyed this book! Such an engaging, "keep you on your toes" plot and a very precious and sweet romance. I don't read a lot of Western settings but I am starting to really come to LOVE them! I listened to the audio and felt like the narrator has a great "western historical fiction" voice so that is probably another reason I really liked it! The book is fast paced in the plot but also has several beautiful chapters of Clint and Mariah together that I LOVED. I also laughed out loud at several points throughout the story and LOVED the loyal dog friend.

Set in 1870, Mariah Stover is left for dead with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's on, killing her father and brother. Clint Roberts and others rush to check out the scene when their horses chaotically show back up into town. Clint has had an interest on Mariah for 2 years since he got to town so when he sees Mariah hurt, he makes sure to get her back to town for healing. The leaders of the town want to keep Mariah hidden in secret and sent away to hide from the Deadeye Gang but she is a strong woman so she isn't about to leave her town or her father's blacksmithing business she works in. Since she doesn't remember anything from the attack by the gang, they decide to let her stick around in town and stick to the story of she doesn't remember what happened - hoping the Deadeye Gang doesn't come back looking for her as they never leave any surviving witnesses.....but things start happening to Mariah that make everything think someone is after her.....and Clint will do anything to protect the woman he loves.

Overall, such a great start to this series. I really liked the characters and how Mariah was a strong woman in the blacksmithing business - with Clint being all into cooking and his restaurant. There was some emphasis that appear as "feminism" in the story, but I didn't feel like it was too much. It makes sense for the time period and our character is such a strong willed woman who is making her way after losing her father and brother, so to me, it was understandable.

Some reviews have mentioned they didn't like the open-door fade to black romance in this, but there really wasn't anything I saw that was bad. They were a married couple and it was not detailed in any way to me. I wouldn't even really call it "open" door in my opinion. I actually loved seeing how they were very open and honest in their marriage and talked through how to handle things in an respectable way as a newly married couple. They were just a very refreshing couple to see.

Excited for book 2 that comes out soon! Grabbed it on NetGalley because I really want to read Nell's story as she was one of my favorite side characters.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5613988442
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Nj3s6n
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/465104

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0tuWJiWKg&t=

Book Review: Keturah by Lisa T. Bergran

Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren - 4 Stars - Let's travel to the 1700s in the West Indies for family drama, a strong faith walk and a protective hero! (Book 1 in The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series)

I ended up really enjoying Keturah. At first I wasn't loving it, but once the characters got to off the ship to their destination, things started happening and I was certainly more invested. I really liked our main guy of Gray in this book - he was such a good hero in the story. I loved how Keturah was a strong, female lead but also broken in many ways and needed true healing from the Lord. Seeing her faith walk was inspiring. She can be so stubborn and quick to anger throughout the story, but to see her surrender to God - so beautiful. Also, I really liked her sisters and excited to read more of their stories in the series.

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah and her sisters found themselves heiresses of their father's estate in the West Indies and have to travel there to save what is left of their heritage. They got to the Caribbean and are floored with the culture there and the way slaves and women are treated here. Ketruah swore she would never marry again as her first husband was abusive and unkind. But when she meets Gray, she starts to wonder if she could ever love again. Either way, she has to be strong for her sisters. They go to her Father's plantation/land and what they find is not what they expected.....Keturah is hurt and angry at these circumstances and the story goes on from here.

Overall, I did enjoy their story and the 30%+ mark is when I finally was really interested in what happened next. The audiobook was really good with a good narrator who kept me invested in the story. There were some pieces I didn't love - such as this really didn't always feel like the 1700s for me - some parts were a little unrealistic - like the women going by ship - alone with no male family members - to their father's plantation. We always love these type of stories - but is it historically accurate, I'm not sure. Some parts were also a bit slow for me in the pacing, but again, I did overall enjoy this book and will be reading more in the series. 

Content Warnings: This book deals heavily with men who are abusive to women and slaves. Slavery and prejudices are discussed in detail throughout the story. Also mentions of men getting drunk and slaves are being auctioned off with a scene of violence against them.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4680388925
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XfqnnI
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38477

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0tuWJiWKg&t=

Book Review: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis - 4 Stars - "No one is told any story but their own." (Book 3 in the Chronicles of Narnia)

I enjoyed this children's classic in the Narnia series :) I think there is a lot I still didnt fully understand and need to re-read some of it a second time but this first time around I enjoyed the story. 2 young children find themselves in a world of talking animals and a journey to Narnia. Loved the talking horse, Bree and the times we saw Aslan. This is separate journey/story but I still liked being in this world. Really fun adventure and I am excited to continue in the series. :) Also need to look into more of the Christian allegory here as I always love tying that together. I could see some things but want to dive more into it.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607378071
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43Ujueb

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0tuWJiWKg 

Book Review: Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

 

Five Days in Skye - Carla Laureano - 3.5 Stars - A great Christian romance set in Scotland! (Book 1 in the MacDonald Family Trilogy)

An enjoyable Christian, contemporary romance with an immersive setting in Scotland. I really liked the setting the most in this story - our main characters being in Scotland and traveling around to the different sights and such - loved that. Our main characters, James and Andrea were fun to see getting to know each other - lots of sarcasm and flirtatious moments, but still sweet. Andrea went through some very hard things and was broken by them and to see her come back to God in her brokenness was a beautiful moment. I also loved how James was willing to be there for her through he brokenness and was very understanding after she opened up to him. I really liked the family side characters too.

This follows Andrea - who is working as a hospitality consultant and has to "snag this high-profile client" or kiss her dreams of a promotion goodbye. This is where she meets Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye. He's working on renovating the family hotel and meets Andrea and things go on from here - sparks fly and all that jazz. :) I feel like they have great chemistry together. My favorite parts were them traveling the Isle of Skye and the faith in the ending.

Overall, I did enjoy my time reading this. The only downsides I had was I don't love instalove and this is definitely that - which you can expect going in because she is only there for 5 days right :) I also felt like some parts were a bit longer then others but other then that I really enjoyed it and plan to continue with the next books in the series!

*TW for mentions of a miscarriage, divorce, mentions of drinking

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5603766073
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CFsTdw
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/148120

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0tuWJiWKg

Book Review: A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

 

A Noble Masquerade - Kristi Ann Hunter - 5 Stars - A regency romance that will leave you with lots of laughs and loves!  (Book 1 in The Hawthorne House Series)

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Read this if you love books with lots of moments that will make you laugh out loud, regency romance, great characters, writing secret letters with your love interest, the trope of liking your brother's best friend and lots of secrets along the way leading up to a big reveal! Miranda and Ryland - MY HEART. One of my favorite couples of all time. This book had me laughing and was just a good time. Miranda is one of my favorite characters right now - she is SO funny and truly cares for others but she also ain't afraid to get right in the thick of things! Ryland was also such a good guy and so mysterious- LOVED him.

In this story, we have Lady Miranda Hawthorne who has written her brother's best friend, the Duke of Marshington, these pretend letters for many years. These were really more like journal entries and never meant to be read by anyone. Things get crazy when one accidentally gets mailed by her brother's valet, Marlow. With Miranda approaching spinsterhood, this is the last thing she needs. She finds herself with feelings for 2 men - one she has never met (the Duke of Marshington) and the other she needs in her life with all he has helped her with (Marlow) but he seems suspicious...what will Miranda decide as she gets involved in some serious conflicts....

Such a good lighthearted, Christian historical romance with regency balls, high-society life and all the things you want in a fun romance :)

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5346982405
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NlgMHo
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38108

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMN2J1UFNbw

Book Review: The Hunter and the Valley of Death by Brennan S. McPherson

 

The Hunter and the Valley of Death - Brennan S. McPherson - 4 Stars - A beautiful Christian allegory novella. (Book 1 in The Psalms Series)

This short book got me emotional in the end! This is an allegorical, lyrical story based on Psalm 23 and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It reads like a biblical fiction style story to me with a fantastical parable element. It may be short, but boy does it bring the emotions in the end. Maybe it's just the time in my life that I am reading it, but I did tear up in the end. I was a little confused at the beginning and it took me a little bit to understand what was going on, but by the middle of the story I was really interested in this journey our character was taking. Keep reading if you're not sure what's going on - I am glad I did.

What a beautiful reminder that "When we take our eyes off our shepherd we find ourselves surrounded by trouble. And yet, He always delivers the sheep who love Him."

In this story we have a man who wakes up in the Valley of Death and realizes he's given up everything, including his memories to attempt to kill "Death" so he can bring his wife back to life. He goes on the journey in his different trials and errors - he felt very realistic to me, much like we are in our own lives as we make mistakes. But Christ died to redeem us and purchase our love - and that's shown beautifully here.

There is a Psalm 23 short bible study and symbolism explantion afterwards that I really appreciated. He explained how things tie together and what Psalm 23 means to him. I loved that.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5578245844

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JpJ0zL

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMN2J1UFNbw

Book Review: Fortress of Snow by Melanie Dickerson

 Fortress of Snow by Melanie Dickerson - 3.5 to 4 Stars - A Snow Queen Retelling (Book 4 in The Dericott Tales Series)

I am just really enjoying the books in these series :) The set up in typically about the same in each one with a different retelling vibe and I am learning that I really enjoy retellings from this series.

This one is a "Snow Queen" reimagining and follows Mazy. Her father dies and brother, Warin, abandons her - leaving Mazy forced to seek help from her older brother, Sir John in the estate of Strachleigh. When she gets there to see John, he isn't as eager to help her but she meets the kind and loyal Sir Berenger. Things happen that force Sir. Berenger and Mazy apart for 2 years. During those 2 years, she learns more about how to defend herself and becomes an excellent knife throwing expert and how to sell in the market goods to take care of herself in London. Circumstances brings Sir Berenger and her back together after 2 years but things happen when Berenger's new mission leaves him with a requirement to marry a recently widowed woman - Lady Bristow and take over her estate. Unfortunately...there are some troublesome rumors about Lady Bristow and the circumstances surrounding her previous husband's death...among other things. Mazy learns of these things and goes to stop Berenger from marrying her after learning all of Lady Bristow's secrets.....Will she get there in time?

Overall, even though the setup in these is about the same each time and the romance is generally super fast and instalove-y, I still have a good time reading these each time. They do show how they are YA many times but I still had fun reading it. The covers are AMAZING. The characters in this one were very cute and again, Melanie sure does know how to write a good villain.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5591162086
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qKhZk0
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/459704

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMN2J1UFNbw