Book Review - Black Girls Must Be Magic by Jayne Allen

 

Tabitha Walker is thrown into a head-spin when she finds out she is pregnant after being told she might not be able to have biological children. She devotes herself to becoming a "single mother by choice". She is exhausted from going to doctor's appointments, her job, and preparing for the baby. And that's before her boss at the new station started receiving complaints from viewers about her natural hair.

After an unexpected turn of events, her on and off again ex-boyfriend, Marc, makes an entry back into her world with surprising demands. When the situation at work escalates and her livelihood and her identity is threaten, Tabitha needs to make some tough decisions for her and her baby’s future. Tabitha knows it takes a village to raise a child and turns to the women who have been there for her.  Will Tabitha be able to harness the energy from her village to help maintain order in her life?

This was the second book in the series but, it can be read as a standalone. I thought it was an entertaining read but, a few times there were some "eye-rolling" moments.I felt the ending was also a bit abrupt and felt rushed. I feel like the author left it open for a third novel but, I wasn't interested in the series to continue reading as some of the characters felt flat. Overall, it was a quick read with interesting topics but, not much story.

Book Review - Outlawed by Anna North

 

Seventeen year old Ada has everything going exactly how she wanted it to be. She is happily married to her husband and she is working with her mother, a respected midwife. However, a year into their marriage, Ada isn't pregnant and this is dangerous in a town that is known for hanging barren women as witches. She realizes she might have to leave her hometown along with everything else she has even known.

She joins the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang, a group of outlaws lead by preacher turned robber named Kid. Kid is charismatic and has dream of creating a safe haven for women who are outcasts. The gang hatches a plan to make Kid's plan a reality but, the plan is dangerous enough to get them all killed. Ada is struggling to decide if she is willing to risk her life for the possibility of a better future for them all.

This isn't the type of book I would normally reach for but, I thought it was an interesting read. I find that the book is relevant to women in this day in age. The book has themes of women needing to have children before they are deemed useful to society and the struggles of women to get proper medical care along with issues with gender norms. I felt like there was some parts of the story that could have been fleshed out more along with the character. Some of the members of the gang was so cookie cutter, that I often confused them. I also couldn't believe that every single female character we were introduced to was barren. It was an okay read but, it wouldn't be something I would go out of my way to read again.

Book Review - Dreaming of Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin + Giveaway

 

 

Logan De Witt is the town's pastor. He is popular with women in town because he is a bachelor. Logan is engaged to Karen and he must convince the single women that he is off the market. Logan and Karen hope to have a simple wedding to celebrate their love. However, when the bride's arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town decides to join in the celebration and showers the couple with support.

Karen is excited to be reunited with Logan. She is excitedly counting down the days. Karen wants to become involved with Logan's congregation. Logan's church has received a donation of an orchard and a small house on the land. Karen and Logan will need to help come up with a plan for the generous donation.

This was the second book I read from the author. The book is a cozy read and this isn't usually my favorite type of book. For example, more than halfway in the book, the couple doesn't really face any obstacle that isn't resolved within a few pages. The mystery behind the orchard farm isn't actually bought up and revealed later in the book. I did enjoy reading about Logan and Karen's family. I liked that he took the path of being straightforward and forgiveness.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

 

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Dreaming of Tomorrow

By Michelle De Bruin

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 317 Pages

November 10, 2020 by Scrivenings Press LLC

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.

Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

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About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019. The third book in the series, Dreaming of Tomorrow, releases November 2020.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $20 (USD) Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Dreaming of Tomorrow (winner can choose print if in the US and ebook outside the US)

Open internationally

Ends November 25, 2020

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Book Review - Always the One: Meet Me at the Altar by Tara Randel + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Years ago, FBI agent Derrick Matthews's childhood sweetheart and the love of his life disappeared in the middle of the night. He receives a mysterious envelope with a clue leading to her. However,  Hannah Rawlings isn't happy they cross paths again and wants the past to stay buried between them.

Hannah and her family disappeared overnight and went on the run during the middle of the night. She blames Derrick for not keeping a secret between them. Hannah is intent on moving on and thinks he should move on too. However, Derrick believes Hannah is still in danger and intends to protect her even if it means betraying her trust again.

The characters in the novel were both likable and believable people. However, I found some parts of the story didn't belong. Derrick, his father, and three brothers are all in law enforcement but, he didn't realize that Hannah and her family went into witness protection. His neighbor said that "They left in the middle of the night with some official-looking people" right after he told his law enforcement dad a secret. That screams witness protection even to me, who isn't in law enforcement. Then Derrick kept bringing up that he didn't get along with his father for keeping what happened to Hannah a secret. Each time Derrick bought it up, it felt like it was the first time he was mentioning it to Hannah because of her reaction to his story. While the novel was an interesting read, I felt like the reason why Hannah ran away in the middle of the night played a minor part. I didn't feel like there was any danger to Hannah and her family. I wish this part of the story took center stage. I like that the author included how Hannah felt disconnected from her community and the struggles she faced as being a part of the Witness Protection program. Overall, I thought the novel was a nice cozy romantic read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Always the One

(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

February 4th 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel

She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

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About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman’s Secret Vow, tote bag and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 19, 2020

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Book Review - As the Light Fades by Catherine West + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Liz Carlisle finds herself moving back to her childhood home while she is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. When the family estate goes under renovation, the solitude she desperately needs forces her to look for a new home.  Matthew Stone senses that Liz has a lot of baggage and is willing to offer her place to stay with reduced rent. In return, Liz has to help Matt with caring for his rebellious niece, Mia. Liz barely has time for dealing with children and men. She was hesitant at first but she finds herself drawn the duo.

When Liz's ex-boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. However, she is afraid of going against him since he knows her darkest secret. Liz hopes that he will keep those secrets buried forever. Liz is struggling with telling the truth and trying to protect everything she has worked for and loves.

I thought the novel was a nice cozy read about forgiveness, friendship, and trust. The novel was told from a few different viewpoints such as Mia, Drake, Liz, and Matt. I like that it helped us get a well-rounded image of each character. I enjoyed reading the dynamics between Matt and Mia. This is the second book in the series but, it can be read as a standalone.

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

As the Light Fades
By Catherine West
Women's Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 362 Pages
September 10th 2019 by KDP

Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.

Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.

Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.

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About the Author

Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Where Hope Begins released May 2018, and her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of The Things We Knew by Catherine West (print to US/CAN, ebook to INT)

Ends October 23, 2019

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Book Review - The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

Photo Credit - Amazon

Emily found the perfect guy. He has a good job, friends, and a supportive family. She feels a spark with Adam, that she never felt before with anyone else. Emily immediately is attached to Adam and falls head over heels in love with him. However, when she meets Adam's beloved mother, Pammie, something isn't quite right. Mothers and sons have always had a tight bond but Pammie is willing to push boundaries to prevent Emily from being with Adam. How far is Pammie willing to go? 

I picked this book as I been in a similar situation before. I found myself mentally yelling at Emily, who was a strong woman before being torn down into mush. However, I know the appeal of saying, "I am married/dating this person and not their family". But,  as the author accurately details, it comes at a cost of mental and physical distress. Even, so far, as altering a person's character. I enjoyed the story, but while, I saw the ending coming, some parts of the novel left me a bit confused. For example,  people knew that someone was doing something bad but, instead of telling someone, they tried brushing it under the rug. Overall, it was a thrilling and interesting read. I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Stranger at Fellsworth (Treasures of Surrey #3) by Sarah E. Ladd

Photo Credit - Amazon

Annabelle's future is looking bleak when her father passes away and leaving Annabelle and her brother, Thomas to deal with the fallout of his bad investments. After news broke of her father's scandal over his investments, Annabelle's fiancé has called off their engagement. With both of her parents gone, Annabelle is at the mercy of her controlling brother who wishes to marry her of to the highest bidder. Annabelle refuses to marry for anything but love and runs away to live with her uncle, Langsby who runs school.  There she has to learn to survive on her own and not rely on others to take care of her.  Will Annabelle be able to find true love? Will she be able to shed her old life and take on a new identity? 

The novel was a quick and interesting read. It was beautifully written and sprinkled with a few mysteries. The story had an interesting take of a high society woman who has fallen from "grace" and leaves her entire life behind to fight for her happiness. Typically, most of the novels I have read are women who are "poor" and fall in love with a rich gentleman and later realize they either have a relative that has status or money or that love will conquer all. The characters were all relatable and felt multi-dimensional while readers are hoping they find their bit of happiness. An enjoyable beach read and I will be on the look out for books by the author!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest