About the Books:

The Island Bookshop

When Kennedy Marshall sets off for a prestigious career in the city, she leaves behind the sunlit shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks—and runs from a love she believes she can never have. With her sister, Lara, managing their grandmother’s beloved island bookshop, Kennedy feels confident she’s escaped the past. But when Lara is suddenly injured, Kennedy is drawn back into the island’s warm embrace—and bittersweet memories she thought she’d buried forever. 

For Wes Armstrong, the Outer Banks is more than home—it’s his anchor. Building a successful family business was supposed to bring stability, but life has been anything but steady since his wife’s passing. Haunted by past regrets and facing a life-changing decision, Wes is determined to make the right choice for his family’s future. Yet Kennedy’s unexpected return stirs up old emotions and mistakes he thought he’d put to rest. 

As hidden family secrets surface and long-buried truths come to light, Kennedy and Wes must navigate the delicate tides of forgiveness, second chances, and the unspoken love that still lingers between them. Can they find the courage to rewrite their story and create a new future on the island’s shifting sands?

The Island Bakeshop

Come back to the sun-drenched shores of the Outer Banks and immerse yourself in another exciting and inspiring tale from Roseanna M. White. This dual-timeline, clean romance will have you reading late into the night to find out what happens next.

In this uplifting story of hope and renewal, you’ll meet Harper Dailey, who returns to Avon, North Carolina, so she can help run the family business, Sunshine Bakery, after her father’s heart attack. Suddenly, her thriving career at an upscale Savannah bakery is behind her, as is her rocky relationship with her ex-boyfriend—that is, until he shows up in Avon, letting her know he now owns the building the shop is in, and he may not renew the lease.

For Beckett Mills, Avon is a quiet refuge after his eight years of active service in the Navy. He works as hard at keeping folks at arm’s length as he does at running his fishing charter business. His plan for distancing himself from others works well until the fateful day he enters the bakery and sees a beautiful Harper being harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Suddenly, he casts his fears aside and steps in to save the day.

Harper and Beckett have no intentions of beginning a romance, but when the pasts they are running from collide, they know it’s not just a coincidence that they have ended up here at the same time. God has placed them together for a reason. Can Beckett let go of the worries that haunt him and welcome Harper into his life? Will Harper realize she can face any challenge with God—and just maybe Beckett—by her side? Don’t miss this faith-filled story of hope, courage, and the grace to begin anew.

My Thoughts:

The Island Bookshop was a novel of second chances. I enjoyed the characters and their discoveries about the past and the present. It was an easy read, with a hopeful reminder that even when the happily ever after that we were pursuing falls apart, there is still a life worth living up ahead if we have courage enough to face our fears.

The Island Bakeshop was a return to the community that we were introduced to in The Island Bookshop. It could be read as a stand alone, but I think it’s more enjoyable having read the first in the series. I really liked the characters and the “fake dating trope.” There were some hard themes here, including abuse and narcissism, but the message that came through was a beautiful contrast of real love that serves and blesses others.

Both books were centered in community and enjoyable, easy reading. I’d recommend them.

I received free digital copies of these books and I’m giving you my honest opinion.

About the Book:

He promised to help her reclaim the memories she lost—no matter what they found.

Until she remembered another man.

Cornwall, 1913

For three years, Merryn has lived without a past—no family, no history, no home that’s truly hers.

When the threat of being locked away for her own “protection” looms, she takes a desperate chance on AJ Winthrop—a warmhearted, whimsical stranger who offers a hasty marriage of convenience and a promise: he will take her back to Cornwall and help her uncover the truth about who she once was.

But along the wild Cornish coast, the memories that begin to surface are not the ones she expects.

Another man.

Another wedding.

A life that may already be hers.

When a hidden painting reveals Merryn’s own face staring back from another life, the fragile life she’s begun to build with AJ begins to unravel. Because the truth waiting in her past could destroy the love she’s only just found.

Cornwall, 1947

Haunted by the war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford is determined to save their family home for her—even if it means selling the mysterious portrait of Merryn Dunn tucked away in his cottage. But the secrets hidden within the painting threaten to overturn everything he believes…or lead him toward a redemption he never expected.

My Thoughts:

Politano is an excellent writer. I always look forward to reading her books and The Life She Forgot was no exception. Along with a writing style that is engaging the narrative kept me guessing. I appreciate a book that can surprise me.

Merryn’s story tugs at your heartstrings. To have forgotten who you are and where you belong is a nightmare. To wonder if you can start over, to wonder if your new commitments are going to one day fall apart when you realize that came before…I can’t even image walking in her shoes. And yet, that is where the author takes me. Deep into the “what ifs” I find a story of abiding love and faithfulness and the past touching the present, bringing hope to the spaces where it has been lost.

This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I received a free digital copy of this book for review and I am giving you my honest opinion.

About the Book:

Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? 

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She’s built her life–and her late grandmother’s tearoom, Tea Thyme–around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He’s looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn’t matter that she’s ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn’s heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled–Wisteria hasn’t seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship–and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that’s as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

My Thoughts:

Small town charm, likeable personalities, baked goods and your beverage of choice, A Brewed Awakening is a fun and flirty easy to read romance. The community of characters were probably my favorite part of the book, and when tragedy comes calling it’s the genuine care and deeper realities of what matters most that rise to the surface. I’d say the book’s target audience is readers in their mid-twenties to thirties, but it can be enjoyed by anyone who wants a opposites attract love story.

I received a free digital copy of this book. I am providing you with my honest opinion.

About the Book:

Josh Donnelly has a steady life of good habits, small carvings, and the rhythm of Church Street, until a wrapped bundle appears on his doorstep on the coldest night of the year. The baby—quiet, insistent, and utterly unexpected—pulls Josh out of his carefully ordered world and straight into the messy business of parenting. When authorities question how the child arrived, secrets from Peculiar’s past surface: a long-buried death, a scarred family history, and whispers that force Josh and the woman who brought the baby to town into the spotlight.

As gossip swirls and legal hands close in, Josh must learn to be braver than he ever thought possible—tending grit as much as grace, trusting a bit more than he fears, and loving in spite of uncertainty. With a mastiff named Hoss at his heels and Heather Thomas by his side, he discovers that home is not a place you inherit; it’s a life you build, one small miracle at a time. 

My Thoughts:

I’ve read a couple of books by Angela Hunt and the cover of this one captured my imagination. The story was real, both in its trouble and in its triumph. I appreciated the character development, getting to really know both Josh and Heather. It was a story that I looked forward to picking up again each time I had to set the book down. With several unexpected twists and turns along the way A Most Peculiar Providence is a story about forgiveness, hope and learning how to live fully and freely.

I received a free digital copy of this book and have given my honest opinion.

About the Book:

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

My Thoughts:

This was the first time I have read a book by Jenelle Hovde. I was pleased with the depth of character development, the detailed backstory and the unfolding of the tale itself. While I felt somewhat resistant to Kitty’s character at the beginning I grew to like her more and more. I appreciated Sebastian from the first and found his patient growth to be the backbone of the story. The novel contains romance, history, the complications of family and cultural relationships and the pursuit of integrity despite what it costs all wrapped in a well told story. I’d recommend The Light of the Stars to you.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The release date for this book is July. You can add it to your wishlist or pre-order now.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season of preparation for Easter. We turn our eyes again to our mortality and our need for a Savior.

Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.

Turn from sin. Be faithful to Christ.

May God our Father forgive us our sins and bring us to the eternal joy of his kingdom, where dust and ashes have no dominion. Amen 

(The Church of England, Absolution B 84)

“The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to chose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are no times or places without choices. I know how deeply I resist choosing you. Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and courage to live this season faithfully…” Nouwen

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.