This is a sweet contemporary novella with nods to The Secret Garden and set in a beautiful spring in Florida around Easter. It's full of Kelsey's signThis is a sweet contemporary novella with nods to The Secret Garden and set in a beautiful spring in Florida around Easter. It's full of Kelsey's signature lovely descriptions, relatable characters, and finding the wonder in the everyday and reaching for that renewal we all hope for. It may be my favorite yet! I quite enjoyed the Secret Garden references, the writing, and the characters. ^_^
I loved this story when I got to beta-read it when it released in the limited collection A Very Bookish Easter, and I'm so delighted that The Prayer Garden is coming to ebook on April 21! (The preorder is at the reduced price of 99 cents before release only!) https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Garden-......more
The first three-quarters of this book I absolutely ADORED! I think it was the funnest Kate’s Case Files book yet. The bantering dialogue was delightfuThe first three-quarters of this book I absolutely ADORED! I think it was the funnest Kate’s Case Files book yet. The bantering dialogue was delightful and spot-on, which is always my FAVORITE about these books, along with the fun team of characters! I love all of them, and the character interactions are the best—and like I said, I think all of that was the best so far in this one!
So yes, I really, really enjoyed most of the book! It made me SO happy to be back in this series, which I like to think of as a crime show, just clean and in book series format; what’s not to love? The mysteries and characters and dialogue are the best and keep me flipping the pages in each book, especially this one!
I highlighted so many hilarious moments in my Kindle copy. XD SO. MANY! This cast is just gold! XD I stayed up late to finish reading it, and I had only meant to read the first few chapters that night, but I couldn’t stop and next thing I knew, the book was over!
I…will say that I was super upset about something that happened near the end. I literally spent the last quarter of the book in denial and it was only in the last few pages I realized it was real and I could hardly read I was crying so hard. It hit especially hard due to some stuff in my life this last year and the aftermath of the book was that I was so sad I couldn’t sleep and just listened to music in the dark for hours instead. So yeah, not gonna lie, it was devastating. I was shocked.
So, personally, I knocked a star off for that—even though the rest of the book was probably my favorite so far (so many good character moments!)—but that’s not to say others won’t enjoy the book! Because, yeah, it may just be a me-thing. I personally read for enjoyment, not for feels, and the first three-quarters of the book was definitely enjoyable! ^_^ But the last quarter just hit me so hard (and I haven’t been able to read new books since, except for work, so I’ve been re-reading comfort reads so I know what’s going to happen, haha). It made me feel deeply, because it got me SO invested in these characters. Which is clearly a testament to the author’s skills.
I definitely had to wait a few months to recover from these feelings (which I have mostly done) before I could write a fair review. XD Because…yes, in fairness, I LOVED the rest of the book, and I actually super suspect good things will come out of this tragic happenstance, so I’m definitely looking forward to future books in the series! I think they’re going to be amazing and I can’t wait to come back to hang out with (most of… *sobs*) these characters again. ^_^
I enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel set in the 1880s in Scotland. Scotland! That had to be the best part of it, and I really enjoyed the sI enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel set in the 1880s in Scotland. Scotland! That had to be the best part of it, and I really enjoyed the setting and especially the accents!
Ivy Knight from England heads up to Scotland for a visit. Drama, friends new and old, relationships, and soul-searching ensue. I liked Ivy’s point of view and her thoughts, and especially the way she compares everything to music, which made me happy. She’s a dear, and her sweetness and occasional awkwardness but determination to do right made her a lovely character.
Jordy McAllen is great too. A passionate but sometimes endearingly boyish young doctor, with a delightful accent and also a sense of fun, trying to find his way. Ivy and Jordy are also adorable together. *cackles* They’re both such cinnamon rolls!
There were one or two things I felt I was missing due to jumping in on book four, but only in a very mild way, but in general it was a good standalone too. It’s adult fiction but clean other than some mature issues discussed from someone’s past. Everything’s tied in to the characters’ faith throughout the book and there were some inspiring lines at times.
Also, this is random, but I enjoyed that there were letters throughout the book between several different characters (epistolary bits in books make me happy for some reason), and references to other books, like Jane Austen’s.
It wrapped up satisfactorily (like I said, stands alone pretty well), but I’m definitely hoping to check out the next book about these characters because I’d love to spend more time with Ivy and Jordy! (I think the next one featuring them is After Our Castle. I can’t wait!)
Best for fans of Christian historical romance, and, of course, Scotland! (I also recommend the audiobook!)
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and was not obligated to leave a review. All opinions are my own.)
I read the first half in ebook form (the author was kind enough to give me a free copy "just because") and the second half I listened t10/10 recommend
I read the first half in ebook form (the author was kind enough to give me a free copy "just because") and the second half I listened to on Scribd (https://www.scribd.com/g/965uhi), and I just ordered a hardcover because I know I'm going to want to read this again and have it on my shelf. (I'm SO happy I discovered the audiobook, at a time when I didn't have time to read physical books and so was able to finish reading it. It's on Audible too.) Reading it on-the-page is easier to follow the quotes and things, and to focus on particular passages, so I enjoyed it in that form too, but I also enjoyed simply hearing it. So whichever is your favorite mode of reading/listening, definitely give it a try.
The variety of chapters covering various struggles/obstacles and things to focus on were a great collection, from worry to dreams to prayer, and had so many wonderful examples both Biblical and from life and fiction (the quotes made me happy). I love how the author shares so many truths both unrealized and repackaged so that they're seen in a new light even if they had been thought about. And I love how she's honest about her own still-figuring-this-out thing, while also sharing things that helped her and might help others, with a startling clarity and freshness (to me, at least). I love how it delved into deep topics but was very conversational/easy to read, without pretentiousness.
I don't read much nonfiction but this one was very inspiring. It touched my heart and my soul, made me smile, made me cry, and opened my eyes to a lot of things. I'm so glad I read it. I think I'll have to read it again, just to really let some of it sink in. And probably again after that.
Since we all have times when we're struggling, even with day-to-day things, I think it's an excellent read for anyone and I recommend it. :) Would probably make a great daily devotional too (though I tended to binge the chapters in batches)....more
Set in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, this book was a gorgeous treat to read!
The 1906 setting was interesting, and the islands themselSet in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, this book was a gorgeous treat to read!
The 1906 setting was interesting, and the islands themselves were drop-dead stunning and made me want to visit them! They sprang to life so well, considering I'd never read about this particular setting before, and were probably my favorite thing about the book! So unique and delightful, and I do love a good "island story." I loved how it also felt somewhat Cornish but with its own twist, and the villagers, cottages, boats, flowers, sea, rocks, etc. were all wonderful!
I loved the writing! The story itself was super engaging and kept me intrigued throughout, and I loved seeing the intertwining threads of characters' lives and secrets unfold, along with an exciting mystery/treasure hunt with lots of clues, and some super-cute romances thrown in there. Some of the twists surprised me in a good way (particularly a certain rivalry).
The characters all came to life and many of them were fabulous. I particularly loved mysterious lady's-maid-turned-untameable-island-girl Mabenna Moon--she was marvelous!-- and of course Oliver Tremayne, vicar and overall amazing fellow. And Mamm-wynn! Delightful mysterious, pixie-ish grandmother.
There were a couple things that weren't my favorite: I sometimes felt the heroine had a sort of scientific arrogance; a few things rubbed me the wrong way; and I wished for more time for a certain side romance, so it would seem less sudden. But these are personal preferences!
On the whole, I very much enjoyed reading it and being swept off to these enchanting islands on an adventure. There are a couple of unresolved threads and I hope to return to the Isles of Scilly with these lovely characters for more tales in future books! Do check this one out!
I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own.
I loved this book! Inspiring historical fiction with lovely writing and two characters who wrapped themselves around my heart. (Lucius and Enid foreveI loved this book! Inspiring historical fiction with lovely writing and two characters who wrapped themselves around my heart. (Lucius and Enid forever!) The historical detail is well done and feels vivid and alive. (A couple of grittier details for historical accuracy, so just that small warning.) I loved the deeper themes as well. Stunning. Historical fiction fans, and those interested in ancient Rome, early Christian history, or Celtic twists, check this one out!
(Disclaimer: I was a copyeditor for this, but as an unbiased reader I definitely would have enjoyed it too. ;) Lovely.)...more
I so enjoyed this book! What a delight! It swept me away to a richly detailed new land of differing cultures, filled with relatable characters and a sI so enjoyed this book! What a delight! It swept me away to a richly detailed new land of differing cultures, filled with relatable characters and a sweet tale of marriage alliance and searching for redemption.
It was an intriguing twist to follow Princess Penelope, an antagonist from the previous book, Common. (Note: you’ll appreciate parts of Traitor more if you’ve read Common, but it’s not necessary. Despite being hazy on the details of Common since it was awhile since I read it, I still enjoyed this one immensely.) I wasn’t sure about her at first but I loved getting her perspective on things and I quickly grew to feel for her, traveling far away to a new country to marry the son of an emperor.
Prince Vander is the NICEST HUMAN. I kept wanting to shake Penelope and tell her to appreciate this good soul! XD I loved how appreciative he was and how anxious to make her at home in his country, despite her tendency to build walls around her heart. He truly cared and was SO SWEET but also human and I loved that.
Side characters were fun too, from cameos of characters from the first book (eep!) to spirited Princess Dionne, guards, loyal lady’s maid Victoria…
I adored Delunia! Experiencing Penelope’s head-first immersion in this colorful new culture and new language was neat. The setting was so gorgeous!
Penelope’s past mistakes haunted her in a very real way and led to said wall-building around her heart, pushing away those who cared about her from fear of being hurt again by opening herself to love. It could be frustrating at times to see her make those choices, but eye-opening as well, and the journey she took was ultimately so satisfying.
Loved it!
(I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Songflight has a wonderful Celtic fantasy feel in a very cool world that I enjoyed getting pulled into. Filled with chiefs and dragons, mountains and Songflight has a wonderful Celtic fantasy feel in a very cool world that I enjoyed getting pulled into. Filled with chiefs and dragons, mountains and forests, a chieftain’s daughter and several scheming plots, it was an epic read! It’s kind of like Brave meets How to Train Your Dragon and I’m here for it. *grinning*
Alisa’s song magic was sooo cool! I loved it, and I loved that the songs were IN the book. They were delightful. The worldbuilding was neat, too, and I loved the sense of past and history that the book was steeped in, while still feeling present. It almost had a historical fantasy feel despite being in a fantasy world!
Dragonssss! Okay, obviously the best part of this book is that there are dragons in it. Sooo many dragons, and I loved how there were lots of different kinds of characters among them. And there were also . . . TINY DRAGONS! Called Dreki, the tiny dragons were the absolute greatest, and I loved that they existed as well as the big, ridable kind. The Dreki make me so happy!
Alisa’s a relatable heroine and following her on her journey was so cool, especially continuing against all odds, and as she meets others on her quest. There’s a great cast of characters, like the different dragons, such as Graydonn who is epic and loyal and I would like to ride him, yes please; and Sesina, young and playful and energetic; and Chri, one of the precious but wise Dreki! And, yes, even humans, like Falier—he’s the best! I wanted more of Falier. XD They and others are all such loyal friends for Alisa and—I’m having a feeling. Loved these characters!
This book lost a star from me because of a character death which was Not Okay. AHEM. That may be just me, though. (But it’s like killing the dog, okay! T_T Ahem. XD) But otherwise, this was an immersive Celtic fantasy with DRAGONS and song magic, and I really enjoyed it! I’d recommend it and I’m looking forward to reading more in this world!
Special audiobook note: I had started this in ebook form, but later switched to the audiobook version on Scribd (https://www.scribd.com/g/965uhi), and it’s delightful! It’s read by the author, and she SINGS the song parts! I always listen to audiobooks around 2x speed, but I slowed it down every time singing came up. Loved it! Just saying it’s worth checking out the audio (if you’re an audiobook person). I also enjoyed the short story prequel which is also on audio.
(I received a free e-ARC of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)...more
I feel like I'll never be able to do justice to how much I love this book, which is why I still haven't written a review, but . . . better something qI feel like I'll never be able to do justice to how much I love this book, which is why I still haven't written a review, but . . . better something quick than nothing? So here's what I said on Instagram recently: Wrought of Silver and Ravens is a delightful Twelve Dancing Princesses tale featuring the BEST characters! Seriously, Athdar and Galen and Ayrton and Floraison and Murray and Thea and the other princesses and the little magical lion cubs and just all of them--they're awesome and you need them in your life! Not to mention the immersive world, the intricate plot, the fabulous relationships, and the snarky dialogue (another favorite). I also read this aloud with my siblings and we had an absolute blast living in it together. An instant favorite with them too. It's just so good! Athdar forever! ...more
This YA mystery was so much fun! I quite enjoyed it. :) The questions and treasure hunt kept me guessing and the characters were fun. I also 4.5 stars
This YA mystery was so much fun! I quite enjoyed it. :) The questions and treasure hunt kept me guessing and the characters were fun. I also was impressed I could keep everyone on the hike straight since there were so many of them. And I liked all the connections that came together, and seeing Agent Frost again, and the writing took a big leap from book one. I totally recommend it, a d it can stand alone. I don't read much mystery or contemporary but it was a blast. (Reminded me of my Hardy Boys/Rick Brant days, and a little of the movie Outlaw Trail for some reason.)...more
1. Another fabulous book in the Mardan’s Mark series! Book one (Mardan’s Mark) was an adventure quest/survival storyFive thoughts on Mardan’s Anointed
1. Another fabulous book in the Mardan’s Mark series! Book one (Mardan’s Mark) was an adventure quest/survival story, while book two (Mardan’s Heir) was much more of a political-intrigue-around-the-palace sort of story. Mardan’s Anointed (book three) skillfully blends the feel of both books, picking up directly where Mardan’s Heir left off and following the separate paths of Princess Srilani and Aldan. Although I missed having them together, I so enjoyed reading their alternating chapters as they both face challenges in who they’re meant to be, and I loved-loved-loved how it ended up for both of them! (The parallels near the end particularly were stunning.)
2. I’m going to try to talk about this without sharing spoilers if you haven’t read the first two. XD Aldan’s quest in the southern kingdom was epic, and there were some unexpected happenings that left me on the edge of my seat! Exciting quests (for thrones and other things), castle infiltrating, woodland ambushes . . . So much awesomeness going down in this book! Aldan is growing SO much in trying to be worthy, and he’s already awesome, so. :D (And I remember loving his speech on the beach.) Also, all his loyal guys just make my heart happy.
3. Princess Srilani is stuck kind of trying to temporarily run the northern kingdom and being met with all kinds of opposition, but I love that she keeps going despite all that. I enjoyed reading about her (figurative) journey as she navigates politics etc. And where her story goes at the end! Wow, wow! So cool, though I’m looking forward to where it goes after her, too. (Trying to talk about this without spoilers is so hard. XD) Also, I loved how there were some parallels to certain biblical stories, and that whole mountain bit at the end! Yessss. So very cool!
4. I also liked the other side characters and how their stories are developing—like Prince Jamson coming so far, Princess Maelan getting to do stuff, Aldan’s brothers being epic as per usual, etc. I also have Feelings about Judge Elison. And I kinda feel bad for Greyson so I want more of him in the next book, haha! Plus, Raymon is super awesome, and I love him and Lady Elilan together! And I’m totally still shipping Srilani and Aldan and need book four because of it. XD
5. Like I said, there were some fabulous unexpected twists that are leaving me grinning, and I can’t wait for the fourth (and I believe final) book! (Fortunately, this one didn’t cliffhanger like book two did. Still with things awaiting in the fourth book, though! Eep!) It also reminded me a little of Jill Williamson’s excellent Blood of Kings Trilogy . . . So if you enjoy those or are a fan of Christian Fantasy, you’ll enjoy these! (Essentially Kingdom Adventure since there isn’t really anything magical or fantastical aside from one or two miraculous things?) Overall, I had a marvelous time reading this and just felt happy to be back in this world in the Marst kingdoms with Aldan and Srilani and everyone! So enjoyable!
(I received a free e-ARC of this book as part of the street team, and later won a paperback copy. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.)...more
Mermaids, ancient Ireland, a feisty princess, a hapless young monk, and of course a mischievous cat! What is not to love!
This was a delightful book whMermaids, ancient Ireland, a feisty princess, a hapless young monk, and of course a mischievous cat! What is not to love!
This was a delightful book which was reminiscent of fantasy I grew up reading, such as Narnia, Lloyd Alexander's books, and George MacDonald. So that made me super happy!
I never knew what was going to happen next and I so enjoyed the adventure! The Irish setting felt like coming home. The perilous mermaids and other creatures (eagle, dolphin, etc.) we met were intriguing. Pangur himself is such a, well, CAT, and I absolutely loved him! Princess Finglass was fierce and a good heroine. And of course Arthmael was so neat -- but you'll have to meet him yourself!
The timeless writing style was refreshing, and as a longtime fan of Celtic myth and legend, I found the essence of that Irish fairy tale feeling on Pangur Ban's quest in particular to be marvelous.
With mishaps, adventure, a quest or two, and a touching allegory, it's perfect for anyone who loves Irish fantasy or is looking for a slightly-wilder Narnia-esque story. Young adults and adults will find things to delight them, and children (who can handle a couple of violent/scary bits, so...caution on that) will love it.
This quick read is perfect if you need a brief adventure of mermaids and Ireland in your life! Which, of course, you absolutely do!
(Note: it's not related to the Secret of Kells film, but since both were I think inspired by the Pangur Ban poem, there are similarities, and I think any fans of the movie would also, separately, enjoy this book.)
A timeless tale, originally published in England in the 1980s, this book is rereleasing with a new cover, and in ebook form for the first time, for a new set of readers to enjoy.
Now available from Spring Song Press!
(I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)...more
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