About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

A Counterfeit Betrothal (Scouts of the Georgia Frontier #1) by Denise Weimer

A Counterfeit Betrothal (Scouts of the Georgia Frontier #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A frontier scout, a healing widow, and a desperate fight for peace.

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory in 1813, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady




MY THOUGHTS.....




After being rescued from an Indian attack, newly widowed Esther Venable Andrews finds the will to thrive because of a patient and kind Indian scout named Jared Lockridge. He and his family offer Esther an acceptance that she's never known and introduce her to the joy that comes from embracing the Christian faith.

Author Denise Weimer seamlessly combines historical facts and fictional details in this heartwarming story of love and friendship. I loved watching Esther's self-esteem blossom, and I admired Jared's struggle to do what was right. This memorable tale has exciting adventure, sweet romance, and an inspiring journey of hope and faith. I recommend A Counterfeit Betrothal to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Having served three years as managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, as well as a freelance editor, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

To connect with Denise, please use the following links: Website Facebook Twitter  BookBub









Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Letters of Comfort (Friendship Letters #2) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Letters of Comfort (Friendship Letters #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
A Ministry of Letter Writing Restores Hope to the Writer
 
Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiancĂ©’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?







MY THOUGHTS.....

Remember when writing letters was a chief source of communication for everyone? I was always so excited to find a letter in my mailbox and this new book is a lovely reminder of that simple joy. In Letters of Comfort, it's Doretta Schwartz's turn to find encouragement and solace in the letters that she exchanges with her friend Eleanor Lapp. Doretta's grief over the death of her soon-to-be husband has become her constant companion and she's also recovering from the injuries she received in the tragic accident. Will Eleanor's letters pull Doretta from the depths of depression that threaten her once cheerful existence?

Author Wanda E. Brunstetter is known for writing encouraging stories of family and faith and Letters of Comfort is no different, but there's also grief that comes from tragedy and the feelings of depression that often occur in the aftermath. This is an emotional story of learning to accept loss, attempting to find a new normal, and welcoming second chances. The letters between Eleanor and Doretta add a special touch. and there's even a recipe for Doretta's Apple Muffins. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish contemporary fiction and look forward to the third book in the Friendship Letters series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.


To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram   Pinterest



  
FRIENDSHIP LETTERS

Letters of Comfort

Monday, August 28, 2023

Mountain Abduction Rescue (Crisis Rescue Team, 3) by Darlene L. Turner

Mountain Abduction Rescue (Crisis Rescue Team, 3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A wildfire threat…

becomes a missing person search.

A serial arsonist is out for revenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—and kidnaps park warden Hazel Hoyt’s son and his camping troop. Now Hazel must team up with the man who broke her heart, firefighter Mitchell Booth, to find the missing boys as wildfires blaze around them. But someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain alive…




MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Darlene L. Turner packs a wallop in her latest addition to the Crisis Rescue Team series! Arson, kidnapping, and murder invade the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and it's up to a park ranger and a heroic firefighter to bring it to an end!

Turner kept me turning the pages to see if Firebug would be stopped and I was totally surprised by the person who was helping him continue his plan of revenge! Hazel and Mitchell are determined, the villains are chilling, and there's a budding romance to help sweeten the story. Grab a copy of Mountain Abduction Rescue if you're looking for adventure, suspense, and a thrilling story that's fueled by family dynamics and woven with hope and faith!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. 


Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense.


Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders


Darlene’s social media:


Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2x2Batz

Instagram: darlenel.turner



Crisis Rescue Team

Mountain Abduction Rescue
Buried Grave Secrets

Sunday, August 27, 2023

A Family to Foster: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by Laurel Blount

A Family to Foster: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
ABOUT THE BOOK

Can an unlikely partnership…

Turn into a permanent commitment?

Foster dad Patrick Callahan would do anything to prevent the siblings he fosters from being separated. But that means he’ll have to partner with his ex-fiancĂ©e, Torey Bryant, to save the local community center. With Patrick’s old-school ideas and Torey’s high-tech upgrades, the pair can’t agree on anything. Could accepting their differences keep the children together—and give them a forever family?










MY THOUGHTS.....

Two adorable children in need of a home, a rescue pet for them to love, and two social workers who exemplify the worst and the best in our foster care system are part of a memorable return to Cedar Ridge, Georgia. A Family to Foster offers another relevant look at foster care and an especially poignant reunion with Ruby Sawyer, who's once again available to offer love and encouragement. Torey Bryant has temporarily returned to Cedar Ridge, Patrick Callahan has agreed to foster two young children, and Miss Ruby is ready with advice and prayer!

Blount shares a sweet story of romance, second chances, faith, and forgiveness. She's pulled out all of the emotional stops and there were times when her words were dimmed by my tears. A Family to Foster is pure reading enjoyment!

I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Laurel Blount lives on a small farm in middle Georgia with her husband, their four children, and an assortment of very spoiled animals. She divides her time between farm chores, homeschooling, and writing. She's busy, but she's never bored!

Laurel writes inspirational contemporary romance, and A Rancher to Trust is her fourth title for Harlequin’s Love Inspired. She’s the recipient of the Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence and has been a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the New England Reader’s Choice Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.

Whenever she's not working, you can find Laurel with a cup of tea at her elbow, a cat in her lap, and a good book in her hand.

CONNECT WITH LAUREL:    Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

Cedar Ridge Books!

A Family to Foster


Friday, August 25, 2023

Amish Country Ransom by Mary Alford

Amish Country Ransom (Love Inspired Suspense)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A winter storm turns a fight for justice

into a struggle for survival…

After FBI agent Jade Powell’s sister is abducted, K-9 trainer Ethan Connors is determined to help the woman who once saved his life. But an enemy from Jade’s past will stop at nothing to keep his agenda hidden. With a storm brewing and a killer hunting them deep into Amish country, can Jade and Ethan survive the treacherous weather long enough to bring a criminal mastermind to justice?



MY THOUGHTS.....

I love it when an author decides to reunite readers with secondary characters from previous books. We've met Jade Powell and Ethan Connor before but now, they've been given their own chance to shine! Jade is a FBI Agent who was traumatized while serving in Afghanistan and being home hasn't freed her from being under attack. Her sister Rose is missing and the person responsible for her kidnapping appears to have Jade in his/her sights also! K9 trainer Ethan and his K9 team, along with his two Amish friends, Fletcher and Mason Shetler, may become Jade's only hope! Will they be able to protect Jade while searching for her sister and another young Afghanistan woman who is also missing?

Author Mary Alford takes us back to West Kootenai, Montana for an exciting adventure filled with twists, turns, and intense danger. There's a snowstorm to battle, an unrelenting (and surprising) villain, and two people dealing with crippling emotional scars. I can always count on Alford's ability to keep me turning the pages and I'm never disappointed with the story that she shares! I recommend Amish Country Ransom to all who enjoy romantic Christian fiction!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. 

Learn more by visiting her Website     Facebook    Twitter     Instagram     Pinterest    



 

View all my reviews

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Little Christian's 123s: A biblical book for children with numbers, rhymes, and pictures by Lila Noffsinger : Blog Tour with Celebrate Lit


About the Book

A Little Christian’s 123s

Author: Lila Noffsinger

Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: October, 2022


A Little Christian’s 123s is a fun and playful read that teaches kids numbers with rhymes and Bible stories. This charming bite-sized book is packed with Biblical truth, and children learn not only their numbers but also the foundations of Christianity!

Big, bold, colorful numbers help little ones with number recognition, and kids of all ages learn about key biblical stories in this endlessly re-readable book. The pictures are inspired by real, geographic places, and they give adorably illustrated glimpses of what Jericho, Mt. Siani, and the Sea of Galilee actually looked liked!

Kids love this charming book for the colorful and engaging illustrations, and parents love that it teaches numbers wrapped in Biblical truth, and that, with every read, their kids are reminded that Jesus loves them.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

MY THOUGHTS.....


What could be better than a children's book that both teaches and entertains? How about one that also shares the message of God's love with your little ones? Author Lila Noffsinger helps children learn to count to ten while giving them a peek at some of the amazing stories found in God's Word. There are colorful illustrations to capture their attention and rhyming text to keep them listening! A Little Christian's 123s is a delightful book for children, a wonderful addition to a family's worship time, and a perfect resource for Sunday school teachers and church libraries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


About the Author

Lila Noffsinger grew up in a lazy beach town and now lives in an energetic city with her husband and two daughters. She has always loved sharing her Christian faith through the written word, and she is now excited to share her debut children’s book.

In looking for books for her first daughter, she had difficulty finding options that were not only educational but also spiritually enriching and visually engaging. After having her second daughter, she had some midnight hours to let her mind wander, that wandering turned into what became A Little Christian’s 123s. She looks forward to publishing more books in the Little Christian series, teaching preschool level learning concepts with Bible stories. A Little Christian’s Animals is
currently in the works and expected to be available Fall 2023.

When Lila isn’t writing or researching what camel saddles looked like for a future book (true story), she is playing with her girls, cooking, crafting, reading, and adventuring with her family.

 

More from Lila

My first daughter was a good sleeper. As an infant, she would wake up, eat, and 20 minutes later we’d be snuggling into our respective beds to return to dreamland. My second daughter was a different story. When she woke up and ate, it was only the start of our time together. To stay awake, I thought of traits of my family for each letter of the alphabet. My daughter is Adorable, Bubbly, Caring, and so on. After nights of this, it morphed into things from the Bible for each letter, and then later for each number. I enjoyed dwelling on these thoughts through the midnight hours.

Meanwhile, in the daylight hours, I struggled to find books I wanted to read to my 1.5-year-old. We read and enjoyed a lot of books! But I desired to find a book that was cute, biblically enriching, and educational. We had plenty of books that met one or two of the categories, but I had this unexplainable urge to find a book that hit the trifecta.

Through God’s prompting and my own sleep deprivation, my nighttime musings and my daytime seekings merged into the idea of writing my own book: A cute, Bible-based book about numbers 1-10. The trifecta!

The book idea grew, and within the year people were reading published copies of A Little Christian’s 123s! I am eternally grateful to illustrator Lucy Shin, who took my awful sketches and pages and pages of historical and geographic reference pictures, and turned them into such cute and engaging art! Without her, the book may have been educational and biblically enriching, but I promise you that nobody would have wanted to look at it.

Since publishing the book, it has sold hundreds of copies and been enjoyed by kids all across the country. My daughter loves to tell me that Jesus loves her and that He is her friend, which she learned from the last page. I hope and pray that similar experiences are happening in other homes as well!

It is an honor to be on tour with Celebrate Lit, and to celebrate this tour, I hope that you will enjoy these coloring pages inspired by the art in A Little Christian’s 123s. Thanks!

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, August 16

Girls in White Dresses, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

Older & Smarter?, August 24

The Book Club Network, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

Artistic Nobody, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Labor Not in Vain, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lila is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed hardcover book, and an accompanying activity & coloring book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27323/a-little-christian-s-123s-celebration-tour-giveaway



View all my reviews


Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Convincing the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowgirls Book 3) by Jody Hedlund

Convincing the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowgirls Book 3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

When unexpected visitors arrive at the Courtney Boardinghouse and claim the place belongs to them, Patience Courtney finds herself homeless and penniless. Having failed at so many things already in life, Patience is determined to find a way to survive and thrive.

When wealthy rancher, Spencer Wolcott, proposes a marriage of convenience, Patience accepts the arrangement. In exchange for a new home, she agrees to become the mother to Spencer’s precocious little girl so that he can manage his prosperous ranch.

As Patience falls in love with her new family, she learns Spencer has no intention of giving his heart away to any woman. With growing threats to the ranch, Spencer must decide what is truly important and whether he’ll allow himself to love again before it’s too late. 

*All of the books in the Colorado Cowgirls series are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and romance is the main focus of the books.


MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Jody Hedlund adds another book to her Colorado Cowgirls series, and it has many of my favorite elements. Spencer Wolcott is a cowboy from England who's lost all trust in women, but he needs a mother for his four-year-old daughter. He thinks he's found a solution when he asks one of the Courtney sisters to marry him. He was thinking of Felicity, but Patience is the one who says yes!

I'm always eager to read a marriage of convenience story but this may be the most romantic one EVER! Spencer and Patience are complete opposites but there's no denying their physical attraction. Their chemistry is powerful, to say the least, but Hedlund never crosses boundaries. She allows us to use our own imaginations to fill in the details!

An adorable four-year-old named Evangeline, a wise ranch hand named Tex, and Patience's encouraging sister Felicity are the perfect additions to a swoon-worthy tale that shows the need to trust, believe, and obey our hearts. Throw in some exciting twists with a little mystery and the results are pure magic! I absolutely loved Convincing the Cowgirl!

I voluntarily accepted a digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.  

Learn more at Jody's Website     

Goodread     Facebook

Twitter     Pinterest     Instagram     BookBub


  Colorado Cowgirls 

Convincing the Cowgirl

View all my reviews

Monday, August 21, 2023

The Cowboy Bargain (Lazy M Ranch, 2) by Tina Radcliffe

The Cowboy Bargain (Lazy M Ranch, 2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A little competition…

Brings a change of heart.

Sam Morgan never thought he’d see his ex-fiancĂ©e again after she skipped town days before their wedding. He certainly didn’t expect to find her opening a restaurant on his property—in the building he’d intended to sell his crafts from. This time Olivia’s sticking around, forcing Sam to strike a work together and see whose products sell best. Could their business venture lead to a surprising reunion?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.




MY THOUGHTS.....

Great characters, a small-town setting, and the chance to correct past mistakes. So much to enjoy in The Cowboy Bargain and there's also another opportunity to hang out with the four Morgan brothers and their remarkable grandfather. They may be four hunky cowboys, but I must admit that my biggest crush may be Gus Morgan, their amazing Gramps!

Author Tina Radcliffe has become one of my favorite authors. I often alternate between laughing out loud and sniffling in my tissues, but I'm never disappointed after reading one of her stories. She made me care for Sam and Olivia, cheer for a second chance, and embrace the hope and faith that became such key elements in their new relationship. Treat yourself to a visit to Lazy M Ranch in Homestead Pass, Oklahoma, but I warn you---you may never want to leave!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Publishers Weekly bestselling author Tina Radcliffe hails from Western New York. She left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa, she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. before heading to Colorado as a library cataloger.

​A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina is a Romance Writer of America and American Christian Fiction Writers Honor Roll member.

Tina is also a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist. She is a four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Mentor of the year finalist. ​Her Harlequin books have won the ACFW Carol Award and the Holt Medallion. She has placed or won over thirty RWA chapter-affiliated contests in her career. As a short story writer, she has sold over forty short romances to Woman’s World Magazine.

​Tina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. A popular workshop speaker, she currently lives in Arizona, where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.

You can connect with Tina at her   Website     Facebook     Twitter   Pinterest      Instagram     BookBub 
Tina also has a great newsletter filled with fun facts and great giveaways for her newsletter subscribers. Sign up for her newsletter HERE.

  Lazy M Ranch

The Cowboy Bargain


Thursday, August 17, 2023

Bygone: Musings and Poems from a Regency Hearthside by Hannah Linder

Bygone: Musings and Poems from a Regency Hearthside
ABOUT THE BOOK

Modern, Regency-Esque Love Poems from a Regency Novelist Enjoy this hardback collection of whimsical thoughts and poems, perfect for fans of Jane Austen.



MY THOUGHTS.....

During my youth, it was customary for young girls to use a diary to write down their thoughts, secrets, and even their secret crushes. Today, journals are the preferred method for recording one's thoughts and I've been given the privilege of reading a journal penned by author Hannah Linder. Bygone: Musings and Poems from a Regency Hearthside is a collection of Linder's notes and thoughts that have been jotted down as poems. Observations and thoughts that could easily be my own!

This collection is divided into four categories titled Love, Life, Nature, and Death. Some of the poems are whimsical and others show great depth but each one will touch your heart. They are reminiscent of Jane Austen and the Regency era, but they also reflect life as it is in our 21st century. It is a wonderful collection that poetry lovers will especially appreciate so do yourself a favor. Grab a copy, settle back with a cup of tea, and prepare to lose yourself in Bygones!

I received an advanced reader copy but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti with Books & Such Literary Management, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Her debut, Beneath His Silence  released in November, 2022.

In way of career, Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, National, and International bestsellers (hannahlinderdesigns.com). She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion.

When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. Her greatest desire is to please her Savior and to write in a way that glorifies and uplifts Him. 

Website     Blog     Facebook     Goodreads     Instagram     Pinterest     Newsletter Sign Up


OTHER BOOKS BY HANNAH LINDER

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Voice of the Ancient (The King's Men, #1) by Connilyn Cossette

Voice of the Ancient (The King's Men, #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavash-Gilead, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind to search for him in hopes that he's still alive.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads for the south, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

Battling to survive the dangers surrounding them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah's true origins are revealed and Avidan's search for his cousin becomes increasingly futile, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette brings to life the first years of King Saul's reign.



MY THOUGHTS.....



'Today the first king of Israel would be chosen. And I would see it happen with my own eyes.'

Avidan's thoughts set the stage for a sweeping story that takes us back to the beginning of Saul's reign as the first King of Israel. After a two-year absence from the publishing world, author Connilyn Cossette returns with a stunning tale filled with adventure, romance, and inspiration. She's a master at weaving biblical history into her stories and this is just one more example of her passion for sharing God's Word through fiction! Two amazing characters are at the center of this story and reading Avidan and Keziah's journey prompted me to return to the biblical account that's recorded in 1 Samuel 8:10-22. I was totally caught up in Avi and Keziah's friendship, their budding romance, the dangers that they encounter, and the true faith that they find.

I'm thrilled to have a reunion with some of the characters from the Covenant House series but there's no problem if you haven't read these books. Voice of the Ancient can be enjoyed as a standalone and it's a wonderful introduction to a new series. I highly recommend Voice of the Ancient and I can't wait to read the next book of The King's Men series!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on both ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a little town south of Dallas, Texas their home. 



Connect with Connilyn at her Website  Twitter  Facebook  Amazon  Instagram  Pinterest


Covenant House Series