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!

Monday, August 15, 2022

Enflamed (Knights of Brethren #5) by Jody Hedlund

Enflamed (Knights of Brethren #5)
ABOUT THE BOOK

During a time when legends were born . . .

ENFLAMED

The most beautiful noblewoman in the kingdom, the lowly knight who can never have her, and the forbidden love they share.

When Sylvi Prestegard discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry a wealthy nobleman known for his thieving ways, she’s desperate to avoid the union. She turns to her childhood friend Espen, a Knight of Brethren, counting on his loyalty and kindness to help her escape.

Espen has been given an urgent mission to locate the holy lamp, an ancient relic necessary to defeat the enemy invading their country. In addition to his royal quest, he’s determined to protect Sylvi, the woman he’s always secretly loved. When she suggests the two of them marry to thwart her father’s plans, Espen cannot deny her request.

As they search for the holy lamp, Lord Prestegard pursues them, intent on reclaiming his daughter. With Espen’s life at stake, Sylvi must conspire to save them both. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or are the flames of their forbidden love destined to be extinguished?

The real story of the Holy Lamp . . .





MY THOUGHTS.....

'If I had to listen to my friends speak of their wives one more second, I was going to heave.'

I laughed as I read this first sentence of Enflamed but it didn't take long to realize that even though Epsen wasn't married, he was surely infatuated! This is a story to enjoy and savor, with two characters who stole my heart, and an adventure that spurred my imagination. A gallant knight, a beautiful maiden, and deplorable villains determined to overtake Norvegia are all a part of the thrilling search for the Holy Lamp.

Author Jody Hedlund shares a heart-pounding adventure with numerous twists, turns, and extreme danger but it's enhanced by a breathtaking romance between Espen and Sylvi. In the first four books of the Knights of Brethren series, there have been four knights who found true love, but how will this be possible for Espen and Sylvi? He thinks himself unworthy of her and she believes that he only sees her as his friend's little sister! And then, as they battle to find the Holy Lamp, the magic begins. Swoon-worthy moments, incredible chemistry, and personal sacrifices become a testament to their unconditional love but there are so many odds against them!

Hedlund never fails to weave a faith message in her stories and there are many nuggets of inspiration in Enflamed. There's also the classic trope of 'friends to more' and a cliff-hanger ending that promises even more excitement ahead. If you enjoy medieval tales and romantic adventure, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book!

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review.


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     

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Sunday, August 14, 2022

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson

A Quilt for Christmas
ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance.



MY THOUGHTS.....

'Vera Swanson used to love Christmas.' This was before she became a widow living in a city where everyone was a stranger. Christmas was now a day to be dreaded until a knock on the door offers her a reason to love Christmas again. A scared little girl and her suddenly ill mother quickly give Vera a new purpose for her life!

Four-year-old Fiona Albright is absolutely adorable so it's no surprise that Vera agrees to help her and her family and that she also finds it difficult to refuse Fiona's request to make a quilt for her mother. Vera finds help for this Herculean task in the form of three complete strangers who are her complete opposites and soon realizes that 'God had stitched them together in love'.

It's become a tradition for me to read Melody Carlson's annual Christmas offering and this novella certainly didn't disappoint. It's a heartwarming story that gave me all of the feels of the holiday season, as I visualized the beautiful decorations, imagined the tantalizing aromas, and experienced the joy that comes from friendship and love. A Quilt for Christmas is a lovely gift for readers!

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.


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