The Love Note By Joanna Davidson Politano

The Love Note

by Joanna Davidson Politano

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800736897

I had received this book for a book tour a couple years ago, but never had the chance tor read it. After reading my first book by her a month or so ago, I've been devouring her books. This one was incredible!

Summary:

A forgotten letter. A secret love. A vast estate.
Can one determined woman put the pieces together?

Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words. 

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight.

My Review:

The Love Note was absolutely amazing! It was so much more than I could have possibly imagined!

So, there's an element to the story that's not part of the synopsis so I can't really discuss it because it's such a fabulous element and I don't want to ruin it for anyone! Suffice it to say, the love note that Willa finds creates quite the stir at Crestwicke.

I appreciated Willa's determination to be a doctor, but she also seemed to have tunnel vision. I wanted to cheer her on all the while I was groaning inside at her missed opportunities of love, one in particular who I became a champion of, but dreaded the outcome.

The author's writing is beautifully descriptive and you feel & live the moment as she's writing. My heart was put through the wringer with pretty much all of the characters in this story (and there are quite a few). One of those side characters who I love was "crazy" Aunt Maisie. She was so delightful and had so much to offer Willa in the way of encouragement and wisdom. One of the characters I never ended up liking was Burke. In fact, he made it harder and harder to like him as the story went on and in the end he sealed his fate in my heart.

There's a LOT I'm leaving out because this is a story that you have to discover and enjoy as your soak in the words! This one is NOT to be missed!

About the Author:

Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, and A Midnight Dance. 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 online at www.jdpstories.com.

Good Morning, Little One By Amy Kavelaris + GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Good Morning, Little One by Amy Kavelaris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received the ebook to help facilitate this review.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Good Morning, Little One 

Author: Amy Kavelaris 

Publisher: Tommy Nelson 

Release Date: February 8, 2022 

Genre: Children's Devotionals/Prayers, Christian 

Reassure kids that God is carrying them throughout the day with these morning affirmations and whimsical illustrations from beloved author Amy Kavelaris. Adorable animals with gorgeous floral art and words of hope remind little ones of God's love, security, and peace for the day ahead. 

Through a child’s eyes, the world can be beautiful, wonder-filled, and a bit fear-filled all at the same time. Remind your little one that God is always near with this unique book of blessings. A beautiful companion to Amy Kavelaris’s popular Good Night, My Darling Dear, this inspirational picture book 

• reassures children ages 4 to 8 that God carries them through good days, hard days, and anxious days 

• shares biblical promises of God's love, purpose, and protection 

• features the whimsical imagery of nature and animals that has made Kavelaris’s art beloved 

• encourages kids to discover God each day and joyfully live out who He created them to be 

• gives children confidence to be brave in scary and unexpected situations 

This unique book of blessings and prayers will remind your little one of God’s loving promises revealed in nature: that He protects us from the rain, He covers us with His wings, He shines His light into the darkness, and most of all, He’ll always be with us. Good Morning, Little One by artist Amy Kavelaris 

• includes a stunning cover with a jacket over hardcover 

• makes a touching keepsake gift book for a child's Easter basket, baby showers, and other new beginnings such as adoption, a new sibling, or the first day of school 

• is an enchanting piece of art for a botanical nursery or child's bedroom 

• is ideal for any parent, grandparent, or family who wants to establish a tradition of blessing their child in the morning 

There's no better way to start the day than praying over your children with this sweet, Scripture-based book about trusting God to carry each of you in His gentle arms. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

My Review:

While I love children's books that will appeal to my granddaughter, I love them even more when they appeal to me, which Good Morning, Little One did! The cover grabbed my attention because of how sweet and endearing the critters look. 

The colors the author/illustrator used for the story are warm and inviting. The critters throughout the story are soft, gentle, and inviting to look at. They're so sweet you want to cuddle the page. She did beautiful work.

I loved this story because it's a sweet way to remind little ones about God's love for them! The author speaks directly to a child's heart about God's care for them individually through short poems that they can understand. This is the kind of book that becomes a keepsake and one you and your child will treasure!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy (Kavs) Kavelaris' work can be spotted in Target, Anthropologie, Bebe au Lait, and Better Homes & Gardens, as well as in homes around the globe. She has collaborated with countless brands, including Skechers Shoes and Pampers Diapers, and served as a judge for the Miss America Foundation. Her impressionistic, bohemian style merges with her painterly whimsy. Amy and her husband live in the Midwest with their three small girls. See her art at bloomprintsstudio.com and @amykavs on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH AMY: Website | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Good Morning, Little One!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2022. 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Lost In Darkness By Michelle Griep

Lost in Darkness

by Michelle Griep

Publisher: Barbour Books

ISBN: 978-1636090658

Last year I received this book as part of the bookstagram tour for JustRead Publicity. I'm trying to get through my tbr books and decided to finally read my first book by this author. Just... wow! It was fantastic.

Summary:

Travel writer Amelia Balfour’s dream of touring Egypt is halted when she receives news of a revolutionary new surgery for her grotesquely disfigured brother. This could change everything, and it does. . .in the worst possible way.
 
Surgeon Graham Lambert has suspicions about the doctor he’s gone into practice with, but he can’t stop him from operating on Amelia’s brother. Will he be too late to prevent the man’s death? Or to reveal his true feelings for Amelia before she sails to Cairo?

My Review:

Ok, WOW! Lost in Darkness was such a fascinating book. This was my first time reading this author and I'm going to binge all of her books now! lol 

I just loved Amelia. She was so kind and loving even with the rough childhood she apparently had. It was clear the love she has for her brother even though she hasn't seen him for years and he's very disfigured. I mean, even I came to care for Colin!

Colin, while disfigured and living a solitary life, is such a kind soul. I was glad most of the book allowed us to get to know him.

The doctor was so easy to dislike! You could feel his diabolical mind oozing through the pages. And then there's Graham, the doctor's assistant, is a very compassionate man who sees this crazy surgeon doing unethical things, but is at a loss of how to stop him.

This story has all of the gothic feels you could hope for and more. There's even a surprise twist in the story with a side character that I thought was very clever.

About the Author:

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write--except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

The Adoption Surprise By Zoey Marie Jackson + GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Adoption Surprise by Zoey Marie Jackson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received this book as part of the tour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Adoption Surprise 

Author: Zoey Marie Jackson 

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 

Release Date: February 22, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sweet/Clean) 

Separated at birth and determined to become a family. 

“She looks like me!” When her orphaned niece utters those words, Kelsey Harris is shocked—not only that Morgan has a long-lost twin but that the grieving five-year-old spoke at all. Overjoyed by Morgan and Mia’s instant connection, Kelsey and Zach Johnson, Mia’s widowed adoptive father, agree to be friends—and only friends. But can they ignore their growing feelings when the matchmaking sisters put their plan into action? From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

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GUEST POST

How does the faith thread come to you as you write a story - do you usually know ahead of

time or does it come to you as you get to know the characters?

Early on in my career, I remember another author, a woman of faith, Pat Simmons, inboxing me

to give me some great advice. I’m paraphrasing—but she told me that when I am creating those

stories with all my twists and turns to ensure that I have a solid character of faith that is constant

even with all the drama. So, as a result, I usually have a main character who is confident in their

walk with Christ so their faith is a natural part of their life—personal and otherwise. I usually

know that ahead of time and so I create the character with that in mind. In The Adoption

Surprise, I knew when I created Kelsey and Zach that though they both believed in God that

their pain and hurt would affect their relationship with God—one leaned more in Him and one

leaned away from Him.

However, there are so many faith elements and experiences that I myself do not know or see

until the character does. I have had countless instances where my character is facing something

and then I will hear a message, read a scripture or see a connection to a Bible story that gives me

goosebumps. As a result, there are scenes where I know God ministered to me first so that I

could share it through my characters.

There have also been moments where I have prayed and asked God to show me what to say and

do—yes, I have prayed about my characters—because I want my readers to not just get

entertainment but encouragement. I remember an instance where a reviewer finished reading one

of my novels—Tell Me Lies—and said, she was going to call family members etc and reach out

after reading this story of forgiveness.

Then I have other moments where a character is on a journey to Christ or on a path to

redemption and I get to experience that with the character as I get to know them. That is what I

enjoy about being a woman of faith writing stories. My faith, my values, my belief system help

shape the stories that I tell: stories of hope, of healing, of second chances, of redemption and of

course, of God’s love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zoey Marie Jackson loves writing sweet romances. She is almost never without a book and reads across genres. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, she has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University and has been an educator for over 20 years. Zoey loves interacting with her readers. You can connect with her at www.zoeymariejackson.com

CONNECT WITH ZOEY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 14, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 21, 2022. 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

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Beryl's Blessing BY Edwina Kiernan

Beryl's Blessing

by Edwina Kiernan

Publisher: Moliant Publishing

Series: Gems of Grace

ISBN: 978-1838285081

Having read the first two books in the Gems of Grace series, I was so happy to receive Beryl's Blessing to review. I have a personal reason for wanting to read this book. My ex-husband's aunt was named Beryl. She was the only one I'd ever heard have this name. She was an amazing women who loved me even after the divorce. She always had this smile that lit a room, and she absolutely loved on everyone. When I saw the name of the third book in this series, my heart smiled. I received the book for review. 

Summary:

She’s used to being alone. He can’t get away from the voices in his head.

Five years ago, Beryl Haywood was permanently injured in a carriage accident that claimed two other lives. Since then, she has lived a solitary existence with only painting and reading to occupy her long, lonely days.

Frederick Sinclair is struggling to adapt to normal society after his time on the battlefields in France. It doesn’t help that he carries a hefty weight of guilt and regret, from which he believes he can never be free.

When an arranged marriage causes their worlds to collide, each one begins to wonder if there may be friendship — and even, love — ahead.

But a startling discovery soon drives each of them to new depths of despair, and circumstances seem set to snatch away all possibility of the future they’d just begun to hope they might share...

My Review:

What an absolutely lovely story! If you LOVE stories filled with faith and give a clear presentation of the Gospel, you will want to read Beryl's Blessing.

Beryl is a young lady who has gone through so much and my heart just ached for her. Either rejected or completely ignored, it was easy to feel sorry for her. Thankfully her governess pour Christ into Beryl in the years they were together so after the accident they were in, Beryl turned to Scripture as she'd been taught.

Then there was Frederick. The darkness he battled was palpable. Having been in the war, it was easy to believe it was PTSD. His own sense of worthlessness and that "tiny" voice telling him that over and over was very powerful. 

Bringing these two together in an arranged marriage certainly made for an interesting storyline. Beryl's gentle spirit mingled with Frederick's inherent kindness actually made them wonderful for each other, but their struggles keep coming into play. Their struggles are what continues to turn Beryl to God. I think readers will be able to relate in some way to both of these characters. Like Beryl says at one point in the story - her struggles are visible while Frederick's are hidden.

This is a rather quick read, but I just didn't want to put it down. I stayed up way too late last night wanting to finish it, but finally had to put it down. Had I started earlier I easily would've finished in one day.

About the Author:

Edwina Kiernan is a Christian writer, and author of the award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption. 

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. Her latest novel is the third in the Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace. 

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood and has always deeply loved words. She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavours to use her pen to point others to Him.

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.

Join her mailing list for free gifts, updates and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness. 

Subscribe at www.edwinakiernan.com

Where The Last Rose Blooms By Ashley Clark

Where the Last Rose Blooms

by Ashley Clark

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Heirloom Secrets

ISBN: 9780764237621

I was thrilled to be on Ashley's launch team for the 3rd book of her Heirloom Secrets series. I was excited for the conclusion, but it was even more than I expected! She sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Alice runs a New Orleans flower shop alongside her aunt, but thoughts of her mother, who went missing during Hurricane Katrina, are never far from her mind. After getting off on the wrong foot with a handsome yet irritating man who comes to her shop, Alice soon realizes their worlds overlap--and the answers they both seek can be found in the same place.

In 1861 Charleston, Clara is known to be a rule follower--but the war has changed her. Unbeknownst to her father, who is heavily involved with the Confederacy, she is an abolitionist and is prepared to sacrifice everything for the cause. With assistance from a dashing Union spy, she attempts to help an enslaved woman reunite with her daughter. But things go very wrong when Clara agrees to aid the Northern cause by ferrying secret information about her father's associates.

Faced with the unknown, both women will have to dig deep to let their courage bloom.

My Review:

What a powerful story! Gosh, I have so many thoughts after reading the last book in the series Where the Last Rose Blooms!

I liked Alice immediately. She's no-nonsense. She runs her flower shop with her aunt and I loved how unique it was. Her introduction to Sullivan was comical, although she didn't find it that way. I also loved the aunt in this story, while I couldn't stand Alice's father. Alice definitely deals with a LOT in her life and loss is definitely a big one.

The parallel to Rose and Ashley's story was an interesting one to me. Rose's daughter is ripped from her and Alice has to deal with the loss of her mother. I loved Rose. There was something so stalwart about her. Then there was Clara. I hadn't realized how young she was so I was glad the author mentioned it. We finally got to bring everything together with reading their story.

I also adored having Millie and Juliet in the story connect the dots with their ancestors as well as Sullivan's connection to them. I was fascinated by the floriography used in the story. It was really cool how it was used as communication with Clara and the Union people. I also enjoyed how Alice used it as a florist for weddings. She made sure the meaning of the flowers were right for the wedding and that added such a great touch.

There's a LOT covered in this story, things that the author handles very well: depression, suicide, slavery, and abandonment. Yes, heavy topics, but they don't overwhelm the story or take away. There's is a beautiful depth to this story because of those topics.

I wish I could pull the time splits apart and read the historical ones in order. It was so interesting to me how the author shared more details with book three, but it makes sense when you finish because it brings all of the pieces together. 

About the Author:

Ashley Clark (www.ashleyclarkbooks.com) writes romantic women's fiction set in the South. With a master's degree in creative writing, Ashley teaches literature and writing courses at the University of West Florida. Ashley has been an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers for almost a decade. She lives with her husband, son, and two rescued Cocker Spaniels off Florida's Gulf Coast. When she's not writing, she's rescuing stray animals, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English breakfast tea she can get her hands on.

Sunrise By Susan May Warren

SUNRISE

by Susan May Warren

Publisher: Revell

Series: Sky King Ranch 

ISBN: 9780800739829

Being a fan of Susan May Warren, I couldn't pass up the chance to read the first book in this new series! She knows how to bring Alaska to life. Revell sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Coming home was never the plan

After a terrible family fight, pilot Dodge Kingston left home to join the Air Force. A decade later, he's headed back to the destiny that awaits him as heir to Sky King Ranch. But that's not all that's waiting for him at home.

Echo Yazzie is a true Alaskan woman--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. After her childhood best friend and former flame, Dodge, fled Denali, she settled into life on the Alaskan range. She's made her peace with being left behind--by her mother and by Dodge. And she's strong enough to live without them.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. What she doesn't know is that there are more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

As Dodge sets out to find Echo, he can't ignore the feelings he still has for her. But will he be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

My Review:

I'm trying to collect my thoughts on this whole story! The author had my emotions so messed up they didn't know if they were up or down. I'm still kind of a hot mess with the ending. A) a cliffhanger? really?! (I'm not okay) B) the start of book 2 has me VERY impatient. There is a LOT I need to know... NOW! lol

Ok, let's talk about Sunrise though. Dodge was mad, I was mad. Dodge was hurt, I was hurt. I mean, that's just how SMW makes a reader feel. You KNOW how hurt he's been by the people in his life. We don't know why initially, but all of the layers begin to peel back and we learn the "why" to all of them. I'll admit, I could completely understand why Dodge had no desire to be back Sky King Ranch.

Then there's Echo, and after learning her story I totally understood her hurt. And, whew, that was a lot. I think people in general go through a lot in life, but man, if you live in Alaska like theses characters do, they're like a whole other level! This definitely includes Echo.

There is a LOT going on in this story. A lot of it was relational for the main characters... with each of their parents and with each other. I appreciated how Dodge's dad made sure to direct him to God in regards to forgiveness and guidance. That was a thread throughout the entire story. Barry Kingston wasn't a perfect parent and I think a lot of us can relate to that. His heart is in the right place and his legacy of faith is one that makes an impact.

Of course, there are bears and moose, but mostly bears. Lots of bears. Also, one super creepy dude who is easy to dislike from the get-go!

Like I said at the start, there's a cliffhanger that has my mind whirling. The snippet of book two that we get doesn't deal with the cliffhanger, so now there are actually TWO cliffhangers! I'm not okay. HA!

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.

The Lady of Galway Manor By Jennifer Deibel

The Lady of Galway Manor

by Jennifer Deibel

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800738426

As an introduction to Jennifer Deibel's writing, this was a fantastic experience! It was such a blessing to be on her launch team. She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without the trappings and finery of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh ring. 

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than make a career in his family's jewelry shop. The past has taught him to no longer believe in love and the "lies" the Claddagh ring supposedly promises. How can he peddle what he now finds offensive?

The war for Irish independence gains strength, and the De Lacy family is caught in the crossfire. As events take a life-threatening turn, Annabeth and Stephen will discover that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty can only be made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

My Review:

This was my first foray into Jennifer Deibel's writing and I'll be back for more!

If you want to be transported to Ireland, look no further than The Lady of Galway Manor! While I didn't understand a lick of the Irish, I completely loved it and added to the authenticity. She seamlessly set the dialogue up so that it also explained what had been said or the reply explains it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of the Claddagh ring. It had so much meaning! And to learn it's a true story as well makes it even better!

Two unlikely characters you may never meet. First is Lady Anna. She's everything bright and kind. Then there's Stephen. He's brooding and angry. Lady Anna is dropped into his life and it only makes him grumpier. It's rather hard not to be a little amused by this. I also really like Stephen's father, Seamus. He plays a big role in both of their lives. 

There was an initial like of Lady Anna's father, but that wanes easily as the story goes on. Her sister now, I loved Emmaline! I love it when sisters rally together against the monarchy and "auld" ways of doing things.

It was fun to experience Galway City through Anna's eyes. She brings the wonder of what she sees and learns to the reader. Stephen's explanations to her make me want to hop on a plane right now and go to all of the places!

If you enjoy stories where some of the characters learn their lessons, then you'll want to read this one. Sometimes the lesson is a hard one with difficult endings. Other times they're hard, but with heartwarming endings!

About the Author:

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

In The Night Season By Jennifer Q. Hunt

In the Night Season

by Jennifer Q. Hunt

Publisher: Independent

Series: Sorrow and Song

ISBN: 979-8777265838

After reading book two for review last year, I absolutely had to find out the rest of the story! So, when I was given the opportunity to read the ebook of book 3, I definitely said, "Yes!" The author sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Will their quest for the truth deliver them from their past or destroy their dreams for a future together?

Cal Newfield has spent his entire life living in the shadow of his father’s sins. When the United States enters the Second World War, he hopes to finally have the chance to prove himself a hero. Sent on a government mission to gather information about Hitler’s rumored “Final Solution,” Cal can little imagine the impossible choices he will face and the tremendous cost of honor he must pay.

Growing up next door to Cal in Boston, Gincy Maxwell has been spoiled yet suffocated by her controlling parents. When Cal uncovers a secret from her past, it upends her world and calls into question her very identity. Refusing to face the truth, Gincy loses the most important friendship in her life and instead begins down a path that seems paved with prestige—but hides peril and emptiness.

After years and miles apart, will death threats, political scandals, and a world at war draw Cal and Gincy together again or divide them forever?

My Review:

Wow! What a fantastic conclusion to this incredible series.

I'll start off by saying my emotions were on a roller coaster ride throughout In the Night Season. I can't think of a single emotion I didn't feel at some point. The characters the author wrote felt incredibly real which pulled me into the story and was completely believable.

We have all of the people (mostly) that we've gotten to know throughout the series in this story and it was good - and sometimes difficult - to be with them again. It's funny sometimes to have such strong feelings towards characters, but the author's writing pulls it out of you.

We start off with the horrible situation Gincy finds herself in as she makes her way to Cal. Ah, Cal, who is now grown up still has a lot to learn and God is about to grow him and the extended family through many situations. Sadie is still trying to overcome her past, and it's clear with some of her behaviors that she still has a ways to go.

A lot of these characters will resonate with readers because they're flawed just like all of us. None of them are perfect, but what's different is that they strive to seek God's will. Not always right away and not always the right way. What I love in the story though is that God is always present. He is constantly using the characters to speak Truth, build up, and encourage those in need. It's such a beautiful thread through the story.

Of course, this is during WWII so characters inevitably end up overseas and that is an emotional experience for the readers. It really pulls out a lot of emotion from beginning to end. There's a lot I can't say because so much of it has to do with the storyline that will turning page after page.

You will come away from this series absolutely loving these families whom we get to know through each book. They're the kind of characters where you will feel a sense of loss once you turn the last page, but have the sense that you've had a strong hug by them as well!

About the Author:

For history tidbits, deleted scenes, and more "extras" as well as information about upcoming releases, visit jenniferqhunt.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook at Jennifer Q. Hunt, Author or Instagram @jennifer.q.hunt.author.

Jennifer Hunt has been writing her whole life, ever since she took crayons to tablet paper to write "The Princess is Saved" and brought it in to kindergarten Show and Tell! Throughout the years, Jennifer has written short stories, articles, and dramatic scripts. She has used her writing abilities to further the ministries of the churches and organizations where she has worked vocationally and/or volunteered.

Some Through the Fire was written over the course of many years and included meticulous research--even trips to the Atlanta History Center and the Library of Congress. The idea for the story first came out of a homeschool high school assignment and developed throughout the following many years. The sequel, Great Waters, was written in the midst of marriage and mothering, with a lot of the editing done on her iPhone late at night or with a kid sitting in her lap!

Jennifer's current projects include a series of novellas, the "Hawthorn Valley Tales," as well as developing a concluding book to the Sweet Family trilogy. She has a heart for the forgotten heroes of American history and bringing their stories to life for future generations to cherish. 

(Finally) married at almost 32 years of age to the love of her life, Jennifer is now a homeschool mom to four children under ten. "As the Apostle Paul said, they are my 'letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all,'" Jennifer explained. "My greatest goal in these years is to love these little ones to Christ and train them to follow Him all the days of their lives."