I loved this young adult fiction story that takes place in the future. I hope our future does not end up like this. I loved Eden and Cass. This starts so normal with Eden and her parents moving to Iowa at the start of her senior year. Then all hell breaks loose. There are many twists and turns that keep Eden and Cass on their toes. I love how they must figure out what Eden knows about what is happening. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
Studious and principled Eden Pruitt stepped out of line just once. Unfortunately, that reckless decision ended with an arrest, a mug shot, and two very concerned parents. Now they’re starting over. In Iowa, of all places. On the cusp of her senior year, of all times. The situation is less than ideal but she’ll just have to manage, and without complaint. The change of address was her fault after all, and she isn’t going to make anything harder on her parents, who have already been through enough.
But life in Iowa turns strange fast. Odd things are happening, and Eden has no idea what any of it means. Then she comes home from her first day of school to a ransacked house and the nightmare officially begins. Her parents are missing. She’s convinced something terrible has happened to them. But nobody believes her. Except for a hardened, mysterious stranger who is as dangerous as he is enticing.
Who does the ring really belong to? That is the question that is answered in the past and the present. I love how brave Josie is in the past. She is a great character. John is an interesting person from the past also. Kayleigh and Brandon make a great couple in the present. There are so many twists and turns throughout the past and present. Their is a lot of inspiration and some intrigue. I had a hard time putting the book down. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
About the Book
Book: A Promise Engraved
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction/Romance
Release date: May, 2022
Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?
Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?
Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at http://www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.
More from Liz
The Story of Susannah Dickinson, Alamo Survivor
When asked how many died at the Alamo, many would answer that everyone did. While it’s true that all fighting on the side of Texas independence perished, there were survivors, all women and children and one slave. The only white woman (the rest were of Mexican descent) was Susannah Dickinson, along with her daughter Angelina. Susannah had followed her husband, Almaron, to Mexican Texas in 1831. They had married two years before when Susannah was just fifteen. She never learned to read or write.
She and the other women hid in the sacristy of the church, one of the surviving buildings in the mission and what we now think of as the Alamo. Her husband died, but Mexican General Santa Anna found them and spared their lives, sending them to Sam Houston with $2 each and a blanket.
She married again the following year but divorced him almost immediately on the grounds of cruelty. She married a third time the following year and was married for five years until her husband died of alcoholism. A fourth marriage occurred in 1847, but she divorced again in 1857, this time allegedly because she was having an affair. That same year, she married for a fifth time. This marriage lasted until her death in 1883.
The ring in A Promise Engraved is based on a cat’s eye ring supposedly given to Angelina by William Travis before the battle. Angelina was Susannah’s only child. She married and had three children, but that marriage ended in divorce. She gave the ring to a man she’d become involved with in New Orleans. She married again and had one more child but died in 1869 from a uterine hemorrhage.
Today there are many descendants of Susannah Dickinson. If you visit the Susannah Dickinson house in Austin, you’ll see a quilt that is signed by many of her living descendants.
I loved this story full of suspense and romance. I really enjoy that this story takes place around Amish people. There are lots of twists and turns that lead to lots of suspense. I like that Jack and Nicole were once a couple and they learn to be friends again as they try to stop a human trafficking ring working against Amish pregnant women. This story will keep you wondering how they can solve this case. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Love Inspired Suspense for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
AN AMISH COUNTRY JUSTICE THRILLER
Book 1: Plain Target Book 2: Plain Retribution Book 3: Amish Christmas Abduction Book 4: Amish Country Ambush Book 5: Amish Christmas Emergency Book 6: Guarding the Amish Midwife Book 7: Hidden in Amish Country Book 8: Plain Refuge Book 9: Deadly Amish Reunion Book 10: Amish Country Threats Book 11: Covert Amish Investigation Book 12: Amish Christmas Escape Book 13: Amish Cradle Conspiracy
This is a fantastic story of romance and suspense. Skye and Jake are great together and they get in a lot of adventures while trying to solve a mystery and stay safe. My favorite character is Romi. She is just an adorable little girl. There are many twists and turns. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Love Inspired Suspense for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
The more clues they uncover,
the more deadly the investigation becomes.
After surviving several attempts on her life, Skye Anderson knows Detective Jake Reed’s suspicions of foul play about the accident that killed her husband must be true. Someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden–and all signs point to a drug ring Skye’s late husband was investigating. Can Jake keep Skye alive and identify the killers pursuing her?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
This is a wonderful cozy mystery. I love that it takes place in Kentucky and it has a ghost and southern charm. I love Kenni and Finn together. I also love Kenni and her ghostly grandfather. This was an interesting mystery taking place during a wedding reception. I love how Kenni solves this one. There are many twists and turns and I love the ending. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Love and marriage go together like grits and gravy…or do they?
Welcome to the little town of Cottonwood, Kentucky, a charming town with fun business names like Tiny Tina’s Hair Salon and Cowboy’s Catfish.
Sheriff Lowry becomes public enemy number one when she shuts down a wedding reception when one of the catering waiters ends up dead impaled with a wedding umbrella. The bride is not happy and proceeds to beat Sheriff Lowry with her bridal bouquet!
Kenni and Poppa are on the case! How lucky that Kenni is already there to start her investigation! She’s got a bratty bride, a crass groomsman and dead waiter! If the murder at the wedding was not enough, she’s got to get to solve this so that her friends business isn’t ruined!
This was a very good start to a new mystery series. I love Ada and all her friends. I enjoyed the mystery and felt there were many twists and turns. I am looking forward to finding out what will happen with all these characters in the next book. I love this small town mystery. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a four out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Twenty years after the disappearance of the treasurer of Stonecroft Resort, an article appears in the Ontario Times, “Whatever Happened to Harold Ramsey?” reigniting Sackets Harbor with whispers, rumors, and gossip.The townsfolk believe Ramsey embezzled funds and left town with Kate Darby. Blair Ramsey believes her husband is dead. Miss Ada Whittaker believes Felix Zohlar knows more than he’s telling, and Felix Zohlar believes wealth and influence, like blood applied to Hebrew doorposts, will cause the hand of justice to pass over.
This was the first steampunk novel that I have ever read. I enjoyed this story once I got through the first few chapters. I had a little trouble remembering who was in France and who was in England. I ended up really enjoying the characters and am looking forward to seeing what happens to each of them in the second book. It is interesting to see how they add items that run by steam in this historical period. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a four out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Napoleon is determined to conquer the world with his steam-powered weapons. Nothing in England can stop him … except two young lady inventors.
In 1819, France is surrounded by armies. With Russia in the north, the Karlsruhe Confederacy in the east, and a pirate kingdom in the south, Napoleon cannot break out, nor can the English Navy seem to break in. Europe teeters on the edge of a sword. Whichever side rules the air will win.
Celeste Blanchard, daughter of the Emperor’s disgraced Air Minister, is running out of time to develop an air ship that can carry his armies to England and restore her mother to glory. But on a daring and desperate test flight, she is blown off course … and washes up, half drowned, on the shores of Cornwall, in the heart of enemy territory.
Loveday Penhale, cosseted daughter of gentry, has her own inventions to build, even as pressure mounts to behave like a proper young lady and seek a husband instead of a design for a high-pressure steam engine. But when Arthur Trevelyan, heir to the neighboring estate, Gwynn Place, asks for her help in rescuing an unconscious young woman on the beach, Loveday discovers an aeronaut and an inventor as skilled as she is. Between them, a friendship blossoms, and Loveday wonders if they might even pull off the impossible and invent an air ship that will catch the eye of the Tinkering Prince Regent, who has offered a prize to anyone who can help England break the impasse. Celeste’s loyalties are torn in two. If she is caught working secretly for France, she will lose her friend, the love of an honorable man—and her life. But if Napoleon learns she has betrayed him, she will be executed on sight.
Can friendship prevail in the face of war? Or is there a third solution—one where everything hinges on the bravery and daring of a Cornish debutante and the Emperor’s aeronaut?
This is a short cozy mystery with Kelly, Grandma Iris and Buddy. There are some joy rides and a hit and run. It is fun to see how Kelly figures this one out while Grandma Iris is sick. I love the ending. I love the wit throughout. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
First it was stolen cars. Then, a dead body. It’s spring break in Marchville, and when a hit and run accident leaves a man dead, Kelly and Grandma Iris have another mystery to solve. Questions pile up: Who was the dead man? What was he hiding? And why was he in Marchville? Old secrets will come to light as Kelly follows the trail of the March Street Menace. March Street Menace is the sixth short cozy mystery in the March Street Cozy Mysteries. It has no sex, no gore, and no swearing. It’s a short read, perfect for giving yourself a little treat in between tasks in your busy day.
I had a wonderful time getting to know Jacob, Joseph, Deborah and Nick. I loved some of whatNick thought at the beginning of the book. It was fun to have him find out what fun but also what trouble two six year old boys can get into. I loved the romance and the great friendship that grows between Deborah and Nick. This will make you laugh and cry. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
About the Book
Book: The Amish Twins Next Door
Author: Vanetta Chapman
Genre: Amish romance
Release date: April 26, 2022
Two little matchmakers could change everything…in this novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman.
Falling for a pretend suitor could cause real complications…
Amish single mom Deborah Mast is determined to raise her seven-year-old twin sons her way. But when neighbor Nicholas Stoltzfus takes the rambunctious boys on as apprentices on his farm, she’ll learn the value of his help with more than just the children. And when the two little matchmakers hatch a plan of their own, Deborah could also discover how to reopen her heart…
Vannetta Chapman is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of 39 full length novels, plus various novella collections. She has written for Abingdon Press, Harvest House Publishers, and Harper Collins Christian Publishing. She currently writes for the Love Inspired line of Harlequin Books. Chapman has received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and Christy Award finalist (Anna’s Healing).
More from Vannetta
When I married my husband 22 years ago, he had a 21-year-old daughter and 16-year-old twins. I was a single mom with a 10-year-old son. I was also a certified, experienced teacher. I could handle it. (Cue laughter) I had no idea what twins was like. I didn’t understand that special language they have with one another. I was perplexed by the way they could be fighting one moment and adamantly defending one another the next. Everything about twins confused me.
Now our children are all grown. They’re adults, and I wonder how the years have passed so quickly. The Amish Twins Next Door is my first book featuring twins, and I enjoyed every minute of writing it. I enjoyed telling a story about a mom who wonders if she will ever have a conventional family—because I was that mom. I also had way too much fun writing about a man who thought he could give parenting advice when he had no children.
Ultimately though, like all of my other books, The Amish Twins Next Door is a book about the over-arching grace of God and how it can carry us through all things. My hope is that you will laugh, maybe cry, and come away from the book feeling uplifted.
I loved the historical aspects of this story and the current parts. This has a lot of suspense and keeps you wondering where this missing Faberge egg might be. It was interesting to learn about Alma Phil and about how and why the Faberge eggs are worth so much. I enjoyed getting to know Ava and her father Nick. This will keep you on your toes at times. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history–an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar’s family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance–and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.
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