👶👶👶: Beneath a Crescent Shadow, by A.L. Sowards

Set in medieval Serbia, this historical fiction novel takes readers way back in time to the 14th century. As one would expect, the novel includes all the sultans, knights, battles, jousting, and even arranged marriages common in this time period. At the center of this novel is a love story, as Vassal Konstantin is betrothed to the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Suzana, in order to avoid losing his lands. Things get tricky as he bears the weight of struggles within the feudalistic system under the control of the Ottoman Empire.

I don't generally gravitate toward Christian novels, so I hesitated when asked to review this novel. However, because the medieval ages were known for their extreme religiosity, Ms. Sowards' inclusion of religious themes didn't feel egregious or forced. In addition, romance is not a genre I'm attracted to (no pun intended), so I must give kudos to the author for not making me want to run the other way. She is a talented writer, and as far as the historical aspect, she really did her homework! To boot, the cover is a stunna😍!

Many thanks to partner, TLC Book Tours for this gifted review copy.

Read 9/1/24

👶👶👶👶: Drawn by the Current, by Jocelyn Green

🤗I am always so grateful to read historical fiction novels that teach me something new. I had never heard about the S.S. Eastland disaster and the devastation it caused. Enter Jocelyn Green to remedy my ignorance by writing this richly-layered historical fiction mystery.

😢The loss of life was tremendous when tragedy struck the passengers and crew of the S.S.Eastland, Chicago on July 34, 1915. I won't go into specifics, so as to not add spoilers, but what happened was absolutely shocking. I am so grateful to Ms. Green for bringing this little-known American history to light.

Green managed to weave a wholesome, complex story within the confines of this tragedy. I enjoyed trying to figure out multiple whodunits and most of the characters were well-rounded and charming.

The author tackled a lot in this one novel, so if you enjoy history, mystery, a little bit of love, and a touch of Christian references, this is your ticket and it's in stores NOW!

Many thanks to Jocelyn Green and Bethany House Fiction for gifting me with this lovely copy in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️TW: domestic violence, loss of life

Read 2/15/22

👶👶👶: All That Is Secret, by Patricia Raybon

        

🌷In this new black crime fiction novel, 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕, author Patricia Raybon takes readers on a mysterious adventure with Annalee Spain ("the colored professor") to figure out who murdered her estranged father. Contending with the challenge of both race and class, Annalee faces obstacles from beginning to end.

👍🏻One of my favorite parts of the novel was the inclusion of the Sherlock Holmes quotes at the beginning of each chapter🕵‍♂️; this was a fun little addition. I also appreciated the historical details of the early 20th century with regard to racial tensions and the movement of the KKK. To boot, the setting was also well depicted.

✝️For those of you that enjoy a novel laden with Bible quotes and spirituality, this is your ticket. With Annalee being a theologian and meeting up with a Pastor to solve the crime, this novel leans heavily on scripture. Her story is filled with prayer and invocation as Annalee struggles with her faith throughout her journey.

Read 11/2/21