Sunday, October 31, 2021

Labyrinth Of Lies By Irene Hannon

Labyrinth of Lies
by Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
Series: Triple Threat
ISBN: 9780800740504

This is the second book in this series and there was NO way I was going to miss out on reviewing it! The first book, Point of Danger, hooked me as an Irene Hannon fan! Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Danger awaits on a covert mission where few are who they seem to be

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath its veneer of polish and wealth, Ivy Hill Academy harbors dark--and deadly--secrets. But the biggest shock of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly.

But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

My Review:

If nail biting stories are your thing, then Labyrinth of Lies will ALSO be your thing! While it's completely different than the first book, it does include another Reilly sister... Cate. She's gone undercover at an all girls' school to search for a missing girl and her boyfriend, and it's something she wasn't intending to do because undercover work just wasn't her thing.

I liked Cate because she had spunk, but she didn't take undo risks. Sometimes women characters in the detective role go way overboard. I really felt like Cate was really true to her character! I loved her by-the-book style and how she really thought through her role.

And then there's Zeke. Hello, Zeke Martinez, aka Zeke Sloan, undercover at the same school as Cate, but for an entirely different reason. Sheesh, there's a lot going on at this private school! Both are undercover, but neither had any idea they'd be there so as a reader we could feel the tension between them. Of course, they have to work together, right?!

Drugs, missing teens, people suspect left and right... makes me glad I wasn't at that school! Then there's the creep factor that there's someone on the inside, but who?! There were a good number of people to point the finger at! It's winter time in St. Louis at a private college in the middle of nowhere, nothing to see there, right? Easy to see why they'd be chosen for a drug cartel to drop their goods.

Trying to connect the dots and hoping people don't get hurt had me biting my nails. I just loved Eduardo! Here's this man from Mexico trying to make a good life for his family, but let's just say things aren't easy for him. I know they only showed up a couple of times, but I enjoyed Cate's sisters spending time with her as well. It was fun to catch up with Eve, and now I'm even more excited about Grace's story!

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Carved In Ebony By Jasmine L. Holmes

Carved in Ebony JustRead Blog Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Carved in Ebony

Title: Carved in Ebony
Author: Jasmine L. Holmes
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Christian History / Biography

Through the lives of Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Amanda Berry Smith, Mamie Till, and others, author and speaker Jasmine Holmes shares the significant role that Black women have played in the formation of our faith--and are playing in our formation as modern-day women of faith. 

As these historical figures take the stage with Holmes, you will be inspired by what the stories of these women can teach us about education, birth, privilege, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominately white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith. 

Come along on Jasmine's journey and be encouraged by the powerful and persuasive Black women of our past so that you can help inspire a better, more inclusive future.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jasmine L. Holmes 

Jasmine L. Holmes has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Fathom MagChristianity Today, and The Witness. Jasmine is the author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope, and contributor for Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Our Identity in Christ, and His Testimony, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. She teaches humanities in a classical Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Phillip, are parenting three young sons.

CONNECT WITH JASMINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Happy Crab by Layla & Kevin Palmer, Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson, and Make Their Day by Karen Ehman.

Carved in Ebony JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, October 24, 2021

A View Most Glorious By Regina Scott

A View Most Glorious
by Regina Scott
Publisher: Revell
Series: American Wonders Collection
ISBN: 9780800736415

I started this series with book two first and then read book one! As always, out of order, but thankfully this series has books that can stand alone. Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues an ultimatum--that Cora marry the man of her mother's choosing if she fails--Cora must do it. But she can't do it alone.

Noted mountain guide Nathan Hardee initially refuses to help Cora but has a change of heart when he sees what is at stake. He knows enough about the man Cora's mother has chosen to know that the headstrong young woman should have nothing to do with him, much less marry him.

These unlikely partners may just discover that only together is the view most glorious.

My Review:

A View Most Glorious was such a terrific story! It was fun getting to know Cora and Nathan. I have to admit, it was fun seeing my name as a character throughout the story. Obviously not intentional, but who wouldn't love seeing their rarely used name in a book?

Since each of the stories in this series have been different I was thrilled to see this was set in one of my favorite places to have lived - Washington State. It's funny the things you might not think about until you read them in a fictional setting such as a woman wanting to climb Mount Rainier ne Mount Tacoma to gain support for the suffrage movement! Such a terrific premise. I loved Cora's determination to see this task through.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Cora's stepfather, Mr. Winston. He's the guy all of us readers want in a story with a young lady who is trying to break the mold. His support of her made me cheer. On the other hand, her mother made me roll my eyes more often than I care to admit. Sakes alive that woman!

I wish we didn't have to talk about Cash Kincaid, but that insufferable man won't be deterred throughout this story and had I been with Cora during her trek, I would've kept an eagle eye on that fella. Like Cora, he made my blood boil.

On the opposite side is Nathan, who has left society and is asked by Cora and her stepfather to guide them up the mountain. He's become a rugged man who has no desire to guide a pristine socialite up the mountain. His father-like friend, Waldo, helps him see what's at stake by denying them. Watching him change as he learns about Cora's grit and determination is delightful!

I enjoyed how the author made it so easy to picture how difficult of a climb it must be as they went from one point to another. Imagining climbing a mountain back in the late 1800s was easy to do from the writing. How had it must've been back then, especially for a woman to accomplish such a task!

An important piece of the story is Cora's faith journey. I loved how through Nathan's quiet example she learns how to have a personal relationship with God. It makes my heart happy when characters understand how important a personal relationship with God is.

About the Author:

Regina Scott is the author of more than fifty works of warm, witty historical romance, including A Distance Too Grand--named one of the top ten romances of 2020 by Booklist--andNothing Short of Wondrous. She was twice awarded the prestigious RT Book Reviews best book of the year in her category. A devotee of history, she has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research. She and her husband of thirty years live south of Tacoma, Washington, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Every Window Filled With Light By Shelia Stovall


Every Window Filled with Light JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Window Filled with Light by Shelia Stovall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Every Window Filled with Light

Title: Every Window Filled with Light
Series: The Weldon Novels #1
Author: Shelia Stovall
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release Date: March 23, 2021
Genre: Women's Contemporary Christian Fiction

A heartwarming small town story of faith and forgiveness, friendship, family, and hope. 

Welcome to Weldon, where the only things the locals love more than fried fruit pies are gossip and match-making. 

Librarian Emma Baker, a young and childless widow, believes her dream to build a family is over. It’s been two years since a student accidentally stabbed Emma’s husband to death, and her grief has stifled any interest in romance—until she meets Pastor Luke Davis. But when Emma learns Luke is counseling her husband’s killer fresh out of jail, her temper gets in the way. 

Meanwhile, Emma discovers twelve-year-old Harley, abandoned by her drug-addict mother, hiding in the library, and takes the girl in as her foster mom. Then a young mother is made homeless by an apartment fire, and Emma opens her home again. One person and one prayer at a time, Emma begins to discover hope. 

"Every Window Filled with Light by Shelia Stovall is a warm and delightful story of forgiveness and hope. Stovall skillfully paints a great word picture of her fictional little town of Weldon and peoples it with characters you will be glad to meet as you follow their stories. You'll love the generous heart of Emma and admire her resilience as she faces the challenges of life and love. If you like feel-good stories, then Every Window Filled with Light is a book you won't want to miss."—Ann H. Gabhart, best-selling author of An Appalachian Summer.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

Book Excerpt:

When Emma meets Luke is one of my favorite scenes because although my book deals with some difficult issues, there is also humor. 

At the last stack, Emma divided the books on the shelf and peeked through the opening. The lanky girl in the stained, sky-blue hoodie had been curled up in the chair all day, sleeping. Was that Harley? It had been weeks since she’d been in the library. Where had Harley been since school started? Poor kid missed the show. Emma removed her phone from her sweater pocket, turned, and walked directly into a hard, broad chest. The tall, dark, David-lookalike stranger stepped back and gripped her elbows.

“Excuse me.” They spoke in unison.

“Are you all right, Mrs. Baker?” His inviting voice made her yearn to lean in, to wrap herself in the warm tones.

She blinked. “Y–yes.” Emma slid her phone into her back pocket. But she didn’t have a back pocket. Good gracious. She’d just shoved her phone inside the waistband of her pants. She slapped her palm against her hip to try to catch it, but the device slipped further down. She’d burn these slacks.

“I’m Luke Davis.” He extended his hand.

Sweat broke out on Emma’s forehead, but her palm remained glued to her backside.

“You are Mrs. Baker, aren’t you?”

“Yes.” Her voice sounded raspy.

She let go of the phone and shook his hand. A current of energy traveled up her arm, and she inhaled sharply. In all her life, she’d never had such a reaction to a man, not even when she’d met Chris.

She stood there, dumbstruck, then gulped in air.

“Is there a place we can speak privately?” His low voice implied intimacy.

Emma bit her lip when her phone slipped further down her back thigh. Lord, have mercy. She jiggled her right leg. The phone slid down to the bend of her knee, and she smiled without showing her teeth. If only the dratted thing would fall down the rest of the way. It didn’t. With a sigh, she bent over and pretended to brush something from her calf. Finally! The onyx rectangle clattered to the floor.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelia Stovall 

Shelia Stovall is the director of a small-town library in southern Kentucky, where only strangers mention her last name, and the children call her Miss Shelia. 

It tickles her to see shocked expressions when folks learn she’s traveling to Africa—again. She’s the worst missionary ever, but God continues to send her to the ends of the earth as He attempts to mold her into something useful. 

Shelia is a country girl who relishes eating a bologna sandwich at a country store just as much as savoring an elegant meal in a posh restaurant. 

Shelia and her husband Michael live on a farm, and she enjoys taking daily rambles to the creek with their three dogs. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, is her all-time favorite thing. The only hobby Shelia loves more than reading uplifting stories of hope is writing them. 

CONNECT WITH SHELIA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and an autographed copy of Every Window Filled with Light!

Every Window Filled with Light JustRead Blog Tour 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 12, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 19, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Saturday, October 9, 2021

A Deep Divide By Kimberley Woodhouse

A Deep Divide
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764238000



Summary:

With her past behind her, she has nothing--and everything--to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits. 

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can't let go of the deep-rooted fear that he's just like every other wealthy man she's known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

My Review:

In A Deep Divide, I can tell you that I wish I had been able to visit a Harvey House back in the day! It also made me long for the days when there was such high standards at places like Harvey House.

The way the story started certainly sets us up for a whirlwind of a journey with Emma Grace. Her life goes from good, to bad, to worse and my heart just hurt for the girl. You ever meet or hear about people having just the worst things happen in their lives over and over? That would be Emma Grace.

Then there's Ray. Goodness, if there's ever been a sweeter fella in a story, I don't know who. I love it when characters come from terrible stock and make something better of themselves! That would be Ray.

The author's writing really brought the Grand Canyon to life. Like the photos Ray took, while I'm sure they would've been beautiful, I can only imagine in person they'd be better. The cover certainly attests to the beauty. I'd never heard of Hopi House so it was heart to learn more about them through this story.

The deep thread of faith was so strong in this story and I was so appreciative of the way it was seen through Emma Grace's eyes as well as those trying to share the Gospel with her and their own faith. The scripture and examples that were woven into the story made it believable and an authentic piece of the characters relationships.

I thoroughly enjoyed this setting and am looking forward to the rest of the stories set here.

About the Author:

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than twenty-five fiction and nonfiction books including The Heart of Alaska series and The Treasures of Nome series. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-nine-plus years have two adult children. She loves the gift of story and is passionate about music and Bible study. You can connect with Kimberley on her website www.kimberleywoodhouse.com.

Friday, October 8, 2021

The Mistletoe Countess By Pepper Basham

The Mistletoe Countess
by Pepper Basham
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
ISBN: 978-1643529868

It was so fun to find out I was going to be able to do a Q&A for Pepper Basham's newest release The Mistletoe Countess. I hope you enjoy learning more about the story!

Purchase:


Summary:

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she trusts in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

How do you get in the Christmas spirit while writing when you're writing at a different time of year?

Oh my goodness! I love Christmas  :-) And it makes it pretty easy to get into the Christmas spirit with Hallmark Christmas year-round. LOL I also listen to Christmas music to help and look at photos that are Christmassy.

What made you want to write a story set at Christmas?

Well, actually, TMC was not originally a Christmas book. It was set in the Spring/Summer, but when Barbour read it and asked if I could place it at Christmas instead, I was like "of course! In fact, I think these characters have been waiting for Christmas all along."

What kind of swoony kisses can we expect from The Mistletoe Countess? I mean, there is "mistletoe" right in the title!

Let me tell you!! This is the kissiest book I've EVER written so get ready! Plus, it's a marriage of convenience, which means kisses can be in abundance :-) (and I have that kisses video if you want me to share that :)

What was the hardest part of writing this novel?

Getting it published? LOL This book was such a delight to write and the fastest novel I've ever written. I guess the hardest part was making sure I kept the story tight because I just wanted to go on and on with Freddie and Grace :-)

Which character did you enjoy writing the most?

GRACE!!!! Or rather, she wrote herself. I never knew what was going to happen next with her and she was so refreshing!

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Blood From A Stone By David James Warren

Blood From A Stone
by David James Warren
Publisher: Tristone Media
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone
ISBN: 978-1954023093

There is SO much to say about this series! Brilliant is the first word that comes to mind! Rembrandt Stone and crew will stay with me long after the series finishes (something I'm not prepared for). Of course, since I've read the rest of the books in this series I had to ask to be on the team to help promote book 5! So they sent me the ebook!

Summary:

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he'll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he's been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his once chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future. Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.


My Review:

If you love having a book hangover and trying to understand "WHAT JUST HAPPENED" this needs to be your next read... as long as you've read all of the other books in the series. 

I never know what to expect when I begin a new time with Rembrandt Stone. I think like Rem, all we want is for him to get back to the right time with Eve and Ashley! Because then everything will be right in the world. Although after finishing this story I don't know if anything will ever be right for them again. 

The authors have blown me away once again by surprising me at every turn. They're hasn't been a moment when I've ever felt I knew what to expect. The only thing I know is that anything can happen. And it DOES in this installment. 

With Eve, with his parents, with his cases, etc I feel like my mind and emotions are put through the wringer. What could be better because it keeps me coming back for more and wondering HOW the heck this is gong to be wrapped up in the next book and how can I beg them for more of the same.

Each book solidifies how unique and excellent this series and will always stay at the top of my favorite series... EVER.

I liked that faith was brought up to Rem in a more "you can't avoid this" way. You can tell he's also trying to be "better" with his choices. He seems to question himself more. 

And Eve, I love her more each time! Her belief in Rem and her inner knowing (at least this time) of who he truly is just makes me root for them even more!

This series is excellent and not too be missed!

About the Authors:

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man's body. He's the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they'll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He's dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at www.jameslrubart.com

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves travelling and telling stories about life, adventure and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he's never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He's grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

Monday, October 4, 2021

An Alphabet For Change By Steve Hallblade + GIVEAWAY

An Alphabet for Change JustRead Blog Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for An Alphabet for Change by Steve Hallblade, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received the book as part of this book tour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Alphabet for Change

Title: An Alphabet for Change
Author: Steve Hallblade
Publisher: Good Soil Press
Release Date: May 21, 2021
Genre: Devotional

An accessible and thoughtful book that provides concrete steps for people to take as they seek to be genuinely transformed in their relationship with Jesus. 

The alphabet provides a simple road map that will draw you into the readings and encourage you to take practical steps toward personal transformation.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Hallblade 

Steve Hallblade currently owns and operates a private marketing firm just outside St. Paul, Minnesota. Both he and his wife, Kristine, are active in the community at Eagle Brook Church in the Twin Cities. They have two adult children and live in Hugo, Minnesota.

CONNECT WITH STEVE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to Starbucks, a $25 gift card to Amazon, and a signed copy of An Alphabet for Change.

An Alphabet for Change JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 4, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 11, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, October 1, 2021

A Midnight Dance By Joanna Davidson Politano

A Midnight Dance
by Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800736903

When I saw this book come through in an opportunity to review it, I figured, why not? This is a perfect way to get to know a new-to-me author. I've actually seen a lot of people who love her stories, so Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

The best moments in dance are the unscripted ones

At their core, all theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most--and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. 

After a chance encounter with one of the ballet company's handsome dancers late one night, Ella is swept off her elegantly pointed toes. The dance they share and the promise he makes to her feel like a new beginning. Yet as she faces mounting challenges in the ever-shrinking ballet company, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the ghostly ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own disastrous end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the unyielding grip of the past?

My Review:

As an introduction to this author, A Midnight Dance blew me away! The thought that kept coming back to me over and over again is that this book should be a classic one day.

Ella Blythe was such a wonderful, yet occasionally frustrating, young lady. You can feel how desperately she wants to make it as a ballerina. It's the only thing she's set her sights on. I loved the passion she demonstrates for ballet and it's clear it's in her blood.

Then there's Philippe. Through Ella it's easy to understand how powerful he is in his dance as well as how alluring he is. The author gives the reader the sense of competition that the dancers have. I can't imagine being under that much pressure!

We can't forget Jack Dorian. His reputation is well known at the theatre so, of course, Ella has made a point to stay away from him. It's easy to see why he has a reputation and how ladies can be lured in with his charming smile.

There are just so many facets to this story and so much I can't say because it feels like being specific about any part of it gives something away. I wasn't prepared for all the twists and turns of the story, but my heart swelled up at certain parts and came crashing down in others. And the romance... be prepared for an incredible love story! There's one person here who will go down as one of my all-time favorite characters. GAH! I wish I could say more. You will absolutely love it!

Having the mystery of Ella's life unfold throughout the story had me hanging on. There was so much I was desperate to know the conclusion of, before I was 1/4 of the way through the story I wanted to read the end. hahahaha I didn't, but the author built everything up so much that it was a strong pull!

I really liked how Ella's faith was infused to the story. There's a part of her faith about 2/3 of the way through that is really so neat. The author has a gift of making things happen that are completely unexpected.

About the Author:

Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne DisappearsA Rumored FortuneFinding Lady Enderly, and The Love Note. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone's story. She lives with her husband and their children in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan. You can find her at www.jdpstories.com.

 
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Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.