About the Book:

Charming and headstrong, Ella Wilde always knew she was different than other women. Thanks to her unorthodox upbringing as the daughter of Keatley Hall School for Young Men’s headmaster, Ella has long dreamed of opening a school for girls that would meet the needs of inquisitive, brilliant, unconventional young women just like her–girls who longed for the education exclusively reserved for boys. But there’s just one catch: Unless she marries before her father dies, Keatley Hall will pass into the hands of a distant cousin. In that case, Ella will be left destitute, and at this point her only option appears to be an undesirable marriage.

Ella’s family had long been proponents of phrenology, the belief that an individual’s personality and dispositions were predetermined by the shape of their head. Shortly before her death, however, Ella’s mother’s views on phrenology changed, and she endeavored to expose phrenology as nothing more than a fraudulent parlor trick. Consequently, she earned the wrath of phrenologist community, who called her “unstable,” “bizarre,” even “dangerous”–and branded her daughter the same.

Now, renowned phrenologist Thomas Bauer is about to arrive at Keatley Hall to speak at the Natural Philosophers’ Society gathering, and Ella embraces the opportunity to clear her mother’s name–and her own–once and for all. And her partner in crime? None other than her childhood friend Gabriel Rowe, who’s grown into an ambitious, handsome London solicitor.

Gabriel has his own scores to settle, and when he learns that Thomas Bauer is visiting Keatley Hall, he jumps at the chance to prove himself and right past wrongs. As he is drawn deeper into the unusual happenings, it’s clear that he and Ella must work together if they want to unmask the truth. Over time, Gabriel’s attraction to Ella’s beauty and wit becomes impossible to ignore, and as the lines between professionalism and passion blur, they both must decide what they’re willing to risk for happiness.

My Thoughts:

First, I’ll say that I enjoy Sarah Ladd’s writing and that this was an interesting book. It might be, however, the first time I wished I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. For one thing, I had hard time placing the story within the stated time period. I’m not sure if that was just me or something in the writing, but I think visuals would have actually helped. But, mostly, the intrigue was dialogue and speculation, whispers and thoughts within thoughts. It made for complicated and sometimes somewhat slow reading, but I imagine it would have made a fabulous film. Have you ever seen An Ideal Husband (from 1999 with Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver, Cate Blanchett)? An Unconventional Lady reminded me of that sort of witty posturing, scandal and sleuthing, with a different topic at the center of the action. Normally, I don’t like to make comparisons, but here I am doing it anyway. So when you sit down to read, bring your imagination and visualize the intrigue unfolding and see what connections it makes for you.

The book took several unexpected twists and turns and I always enjoy a book that’s not predictable. The pace also picked up considerably closer to the end of the tale. In addition, the story demonstrated how easy it is to begin to believe something, even when it is untrue, which I think is a cautionary tale for all of us. All in all it was a good read and maybe (hopefully) we’ll see it on screen someday.

I received a free digital copy of this book for review. My opinions are my own.

Back in June I posted about the Pearlsong Refounding Series (https://landofmysojourn.net/blog/?p=19211). If you read it then you have probably already jumped in to the final two books. If you haven’t read it I’ll remind you again that you are missing out.

My Thoughts:

I loved the way the conclusion to the series progressed and unfolded. Two things that particularly struck me (avoiding spoilers) were the way that people reacted to (and were offended) by The Pearl. It certainly left me reflecting deeply on the topic. The other thing that I loved most was the change in Gideon. There is a moment when he reflects that he feels like he won the lottery. That really struck me, because despite all the hardship he has faced and the hardship he knows is coming, he is focusing on the gift – the life that has come to him – as so much more valuable than any of his sacrifices. And I could deeply relate to that too.

If you want to know more you’ll have to read the series yourself. And it is worth reading! It’s well written, suspenseful and insightful page turner. (Though as I mentioned before please be aware that there are themes of abuse in the story-line and occasional coarse language scattered throughout).

About the Books:

The Song That Shatters

The ancient prophecy
Has come to pass.
But will it bring
Deliverance or doom?

WAR has come to the Inherited Lands. Though the Remnant now wield the life-giving power of Dei’lo, their numbers are still too few to stand against the staggering might of the Sa’lei Lords and their armies. Besieged and weakened to near collapse, the Remnant rebels are forced to flee to the four corners of the world. Isolated from one another and unable to find help for their cause, their defeat is all but certain.

Yet, within the shadows of the Deathland Barrens one thread of hope remains. Gideon Dawning, the prophesied Waymaker from another realm, has recovered the Pearl, a sentient orb that holds within it the full knowledge and power of Dei’lo. If he can bring the orb to the fight, it may be enough to turn the tide. But time is short, and many dreadful enemies stand in his way.

Even more troubling, the Pearl itself is not what he expected. It summons him to follow a foolish and dangerous path—one that seems intent on ushering in the doom of the world.

The Word that Prevails

In a Battle
for the Soul of the Age,
Who Will Have the Final Word?

THE Remnant forces are nearly gone. What’s left of them are on the run, desperate to find refuge beyond the reach of Avaddon’s Horde. But there is no place like that left within the Inherited Lands.

Only Gideon Dawning, Waymaker for the Pearl, offers any hope of deliverance now. But he is slow to come to their aid. He travels distant paths on an obscure mission that no one understands. He seems content to let the Remnant suffer. Seems not even to care whether they live or die.

What good is a savior who fails to save?

Even if he comes, will it be too late?

About the Book:

Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa’s finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman’s sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman’s sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen’s agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

My Thoughts:

Tessa Afshar writes novels that draw you into the story and setting. Based on the Biblical story Afshar uses her research and imagination to help you wonder about what it would be like to be living within the narrative. What would it have been like to be a Jew in that day and time? Especially a woman working for Haman’s family? I think we often take in what the Bible says without actually processing the greater context of the tale. Afshar helps us to dive a little deeper into a fictional account that helps you ask the “what if” questions that bring the story home and personalize it for us.

I enjoyed the novel, the characters and the exercise in imagination. Whether or not it actually reflects some aspects of the story of Esther as it actually happened, it drew me in to wonder more deeply about how God was working in the lives of His people and the book left me feeling encouraged.

I didn’t read book one in the series and I didn’t feel like I missed out on any of the plot, which I appreciated.

I’d recommend The Royal Artisan to you.

I received a free digital galley of this book to review and apologize to Bethany House for it taking me so long to post my thoughts.

About the Book:

In this clean Regency romance, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love–until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong?

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she’d found her perfect match in Simon Reeves–charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel–until he vanished from her life.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband–because she’s already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate–or the misfortune of Simon’s reckless patriarchs–has other plans. Simon’s once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She’ll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic–no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There’s just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she’s still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories–especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones–are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the sweet Regency romance you’ve been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

My Thoughts:

I adore Pepper Basham’s humor and her penchant for including lovers of fiction in her novels. Sense and Suitability was a fun, improbable and heart warming story set in the regency era, with characters of a more modern persuasion. It’s easy reading and has deeper themes of forgiveness and pursuing the good of another at great cost to self. There’s also a happily ever after sort of vibe that makes the book entirely satisfying.

I received a free digital copy of this book and I am giving you my honest opinion.

About the Book:

A foe-turned-friend must learn to trust his new allies or risk losing his chance of finding a forever home in this thrilling conclusion of the award-winning Restorationists trilogy.

Ravi may be free from a life of crime and captivity, but he still feels trapped. Even though the Restorationists have welcomed him with open arms, he’s just not sure if he really belongs to this team.

While he’s agreed to help them infiltrate and bring down the nefarious Distortionists, Ravi keeps his escape plan—a stolen painting—close by in case things go south. But as the kids use their art-related Gifts to gain spots on the enemy’s heist team, new discoveries about his past have Ravi questioning his next move.

Can he risk trusting Vincent, Georgia, and the other Restorationists? Or is Ravi destined to always be on his own?

My Thoughts:

This is SUCH a fun series. Exploring art, creativity, family, belonging and adventure, this is one of those books that you don’t want to put down, but you also don’t want to finish and come to the end of the series.

(Beyond the Far Horizon is book three and you do need to start at the beginning of this series, so if you haven’t read it yet then go and pick up Beneath the Swirling Sky.)

I was happy to get to dive deeper in Ravi’s character and story. The complexity of who he was, how he was raised and what was on offer to him gave the story a deep poignancy, while still being a fun adventure. There was some unexpected redemption and you got to witness a number of the characters grow and take risks for the sake of love and justice. It was a heartwarming conclusion and I heartily recommend the whole series.

I was given a free digital copy for review and am eagerly awaiting the release of the printed copy as this is a book I’m buying for myself.

About the Book:

A modern-day London actor is hurled back to 1803, where a love that defies the centuries awaits.

For Kipling Summerfield, the glamour of Hollywood is becoming a distant memory. After losing the role of a lifetime, he’s forced to take a lesser job as a historical reenactor on England’s Guilford Island. But a sudden storm changes everything, casting him into the ocean—and into the care of a mysterious lighthouse keeper. Kip assumes everyone he meets and the island’s historical setting are just an elaborate performance—until he meets the captivating Amelia Archibald, whose quiet strength feels too real, making him question everything about Guilford.

Amelia has spent her life as an unimportant poor relation and is now trapped by her late grandfather’s will on an island she loathes because of her great fear of the sea. When Kip stumbles into her world, his strange ideas and warm presence are both a disruption and an unexpected light.

As Kip and Amelia work to save Guilford Island, an undeniable connection blooms between them. But when Kip uncovers the truth about where—or when—he is, he must make an impossible choice: rise to meet the expectations of Amelia’s world and build a life worthy of her station or walk away from the love that has redefined his very existence.

My Thoughts:

I told you in my review of Tides of Time that it was well written, but that I wasn’t sure that I would continue on with this series. I did and I’m glad that I did. Echoes of the Sea was a much lighter read than the first book and it can stand alone so it’s up to you if you want to start with this one. (You can read my review on The Tides of Time here: https://landofmysojourn.net/blog/?p=19183)

I liked the characters. Both Kip and Amelia are flawed, but genuine. It was slightly comical how Kipling interpreted things at first, but then again I can’t imagine anyone would travel through time without trying to rationalize the things happening around them. And I loved the fact that Kip’s work as an actor gave a plausible explanation for all the early interactions in the story. It made the novel fun and engaging.

The author drew me in so that I was rooting for Amelia and her fortitude. The book gave a genuine voice to what it would feel like to be powerless and then be given a hope for the future that can only be gained by confronting your deepest fears and then realizing that the very people who are supposed to be for you and banking on your failure. You can’t help but wish her, and Kip, a happily ever after.

I enjoyed Echoes of the Sea and I think anyone who enjoys a bit of time travel romance would be happy to read this tale.

I received a free digital copy of this book and I am giving you my honest opinion.

About the Book:

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

My Thoughts:

As I’ve come to expect from Roseanna White this book was very well written. I deeply appreciated the character development and the secrets that were discovered along the way. I also noted how skillfully the author wove philosophical discussions into the heart of the story. The novel itself was captivating.

I’d never heard of a library in Paris for books that the German’s were burning during the war and I’m not entirely sure that I understood the logic behind Bauer’s role in relocating books that the party had already decried, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story at all. In war I think there are a lot of things happening that I don’t understand the motive behind, so I was able to dig in to the narrative as it unfolded without wondering about the logic behind what was happening.

While I think the author excels at her series that build on networks of people this was an excellent stand alone novel (and it does nod its head to characters from other series as well, which is always a nice touch).

As a human, this book challenges how you see the world and what things would cause you to take a stand. As a reader, this is an excellent tale about the power of words and why they matter. As a lover of fiction this is a tale to whisk you away to another time and place. As a historical reader this book builds on an aspect of WWII that I’d personally not spent a lot of time considering. All in all, this book has much to offer and I recommend it.

I received a free digital copy of this book to review. In return I am giving you my honest opinion.

About the Book:

A shattered man.
A wounded land.
An ancient prophecy links their fate,
balancing destiny
on the edge of a knife.

GIDEON, a shattered loner from our world, finds himself in a wounded land where an ancient prophecy has cast him as the catalyst for the doom or deliverance of an entire people…maybe even an entire world.

Trapped between mystical forces with powers he doesn’t understand, he tries to escape, tries to tell them they’ve got the wrong guy. But no one believes him, and everyone wants a piece of him. Those who don’t want to proclaim him as a great deliverer want to kill him as a harbinger of doom.

He’s got no way home, and nowhere to run. But it’s too late to escape now anyway. The dark lords know his name, and have unleashed their incredible power to hunt him down and destroy him, along with anyone who gathers around him.

Is he a pawn, or a prophet?

Only time will tell.

But time is the one thing he no longer has.

Side Notes:

I first picked up Gideon’s Dawn back in 2003 and immediately started tracking with the author’s blog (though “following” as it is today wasn’t really a thing back then). That “tracking” has been a deep blessing in my life in many ways, but that’s another story all together. I am thrilled that a new and updated version of Gideon’s Dawn is being released in anticipation of the very long awaited completion of the series.

This book comes with a content warning that reads: “This story contains occasional coarse language, depictions of racism, classism, and other forms of prejudice, violence using fantasy magic, and direct references to childhood trauma, sexual abuse, incest, and animal abuse.”

To be honest, if the book had contained that warning back in 2003 it is unlikely that I would have read it and that would have been my loss. I’ve grown a lot in the last twenty-two years. I’ve healed a lot in the last twenty-two years. The themes that sent me spinning emotionally then didn’t have the same disorienting impact now. But they are there and you know you. But I will say that the trauma, the evil, doesn’t get the final say and there is hope here, a lot of hope. The content isn’t gratuitous. This is a book about a journey of healing, a journey of becoming, and I think it is very much worth reading even if you find the content to be hard. Though if you are a trauma survivor it wouldn’t be a bad idea to plan to talk through the story with a trusted friend or counselor. I’m forever telling my friend’s about all the things the stories that I am reading stir inside my soul.

My Thoughts:

Gideon’s Dawn is the beginning of an epic tale, which is my very favorite type of story. Gideon isn’t a likeable character when we first meet him. He’s not Bilbo or Frodo or Samwise. He’s you. He’s me. He’s broken. He’s hurting. He’s self-focused. He’s hiding from the world and from himself. He’s just existing. And he’s about to have his entire life turned upside down so that he can start to really live.

The world-building in this epic is detailed and creative. The characters are real and believable. The reactions, the battles, the desires, the many layered aspects of the narrative are masterfully shaped and formed.

The evil is real. But so is the hope.

Even though I had read the book before, more than once actually, I still couldn’t put the updated version down. I carried it around with me for days reading whenever I had a spare moment.

If you are looking for a well crafted fantasy epic with a focus on redemption then look no further.

About the Book:

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.
 
The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.
 
With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.
 
The Highland Heist is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess, The Cairo Curse, and The Juliet Code.

My Thoughts:

I’m not typically a fan of mysteries where murder is involved, but I couldn’t help but adore the Freddie and Grace Mysteries when the heroine is a dedicated bibliophile. Grace’s tendency to view every problem through the lens of fiction is just the type of creative thinking that is needed again and again.

Author Pepper Basham is also utterly creative, with twists, turns and surprises all along the way. From the shores of the US to the highlands of Scotland the fast paced and layered tale pulls the reader in and keeps them on their toes.

I’ve enjoyed the whole series and wholeheartedly appreciated this latest installment in Freddie and Grace’s adventures.

If you like globe trotting, treasure hunting, mysterious, edge of your seat adventures and don’t mind a healthy dose of romance thrown into the mix then this series is one you should check out.

I received a free digital copy of this book for review. My recommendation of this book is entirely my own opinion.

About the Book:

Discover how to fulfill the truest and deepest longings of your heart when you encounter the powerful and healing presence of Jesus.

New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge reveals the path of the “ordinary mystic,” and invites you into the refuge of experiencing deep, lasting, real communion with Jesus.

In this present age, we are all becoming disciples of the Internet. We are addicted to distraction. We idolize our instant access to a never-ending avalanche of information. We think we’re finally holding the keys to a better life. But if that’s true, why are we wrestling with ever-increasing levels of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and despair? The fact is, we live in a world of weary, skeptical pragmatism–and it’s keeping us from experiencing the God we are dying without.

In Experience Jesus. Really. John Eldredge guides you to a beautiful alternative to the soulless, disenchanted existence you find yourself living in today: the path of the “ordinary mystic.” To walk this path means to experience the daily presence of God, as did David, Daniel, Esther, Isaiah, Christ’s disciples, and Paul . . . all the way back to Adam and Eve in Eden. When you join John on this journey, you will find stories, practices, and prayers to help you:

• Recover your capacity to believe again
• Take refuge in the mighty presence of God that surrounds you all the time
• Discover the exquisite comfort of actual communion with Jesus every day
• Connect with ancient, biblical ways to heal your soul, protect your family, and revive your faith
• Learn practices, habits, and prayers that will transform your ability to hear the voice of Jesus in your day-to-day life

Every human yearns to return to Eden, to a state of unbroken communion with the God who created us for adventure and intimacy with him. The mystic is awake to the truth that God is still with us–and we experience the refuge of his powerful, healing presence if we learn to open our hearts to him. This book is your invitation to experience the everyday refuge, strength, and wonder available to the friends of Jesus.

My Thoughts

I received this book as a digital pre-release and dived in. A handful of chapters in I would say that it was impactful and gave me a lot to think about, but the version I received hadn’t been fully formatted yet and I found it hard to read, causing me to lag behind in my reading.* So, I recently bought the hardback and started over. I know enough to know it’s a book worth owning. I’m not to the end yet. I’m taking the slow and steady pace the author recommends, but I want to tell you about the book before we get too far from the release date.

Even re-reading the early chapters a second time has given me a lot to think about.

The way Eldredge describes how we have become disciples of the internet is spot on, even for people like me who try hard to avoid screens as much as humanly possible these days. There is no escaping how the world we live in is shaping us, but there is hope.

The theme of friendship with God and the expectation of real and expectant relationship with the Trinity is a topic that is near to my heart. And while I’m comfortable diving into the writings of early believers who often wrote about these things, Eldredge has taken the heart of the matter and made it accessible to the modern reader. He engages with the Scripture and challenges the reader with the reality that refuge can be found. In fact, refuge must be found if we are to experience the communion that the death, burial and resurrection of Christ offers to us.

There is so much that is good and helpful for faith and hope in Jesus in these pages and I haven’t even reached the end yet. I think this book could be life-changing to those who will really consider its words.

*(I’m sure that the formatting issues from the unpublished version have been fixed in the published digital version. I just decided I wanted to purchase the hard copy instead.)