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jessreadsfiction's reviews
84 reviews
Heartmender by V. Romas Burton
5.0
Heartmender by V. Romas Burton was my first dive into the Fantasy realm of Christian Fiction - I was not disappointed! I jumped into this novel knowing nothing about it. I needed a book to fit a reading prompt for my library’s monthly reading challenge and this YA novel fit the bill. This novel has anything and everything you could want in a fantasy story - a fantastically imagined world, beautifully developed characters (with relatable flaws included), a sweeping and moving faith element that keeps you sucked in and reading more, as well as a bit of a romance. In this case, the romance does not take center stage and for that I am appreciative - the way it slowly develops as a side plot or side story seemed to fit exactly in with the narrative of the book!
V. Romas Burton is a fantastic storyteller and some sections of the book could be considered “scary” if your mind lends to a huge imagination. The way that sin is portrayed in this novel is done beautifully and the author does not shy away from its ugliness. I also greatly appreciated how the author tackled the topic of anxiety - something that I struggle with - in such a beautiful and Christ-worthy way. The characters have flaws and struggles that readers can relate to. It is awesome to see the characters develop despite these flaws and overcome the many obstacles and challenges in their way.
V. Romas Burton is a fantastic storyteller and some sections of the book could be considered “scary” if your mind lends to a huge imagination. The way that sin is portrayed in this novel is done beautifully and the author does not shy away from its ugliness. I also greatly appreciated how the author tackled the topic of anxiety - something that I struggle with - in such a beautiful and Christ-worthy way. The characters have flaws and struggles that readers can relate to. It is awesome to see the characters develop despite these flaws and overcome the many obstacles and challenges in their way.
A Crown of Chains by Erin Phillips
3.0
✅ YA Christian Fantasy
✅ Fantasy retelling of Queen Esther from the Bible.
✅ Forbidden Romance
✅ Political Intrigue
A Crown of Chains by Erin Phillips is a fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. The author puts an original twist on the story leading to a very action-packed read! From forbidden love to intense political intrigue, this story will have you turning pages fast as you move from one dire situation to the next. As a general fantasy lover, I greatly enjoyed the way Erin Phillips set this story across the imaginary world of Florencia. I enjoyed how she included mythical characters like faeries, giants, satyrs, gryphons, and gnomes. It was a very enchanting tale! Miss Phillips is a masterful storywritter and it shows in the way she weaves her story.
As stated above, this is a fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Esther. There were quite a few things that strayed from the original story and that is the reason why I docked a few stars. As a stand-alone fiction, this novel would be excellent! To advertise/claim it as a retelling of a Biblical story brings a certain responsibility in my opinion. For fear of giving away spoilers, I will just ask that anyone who reads this novel also go to their Bible and re-read the book of Esther.
✅ Fantasy retelling of Queen Esther from the Bible.
✅ Forbidden Romance
✅ Political Intrigue
A Crown of Chains by Erin Phillips is a fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. The author puts an original twist on the story leading to a very action-packed read! From forbidden love to intense political intrigue, this story will have you turning pages fast as you move from one dire situation to the next. As a general fantasy lover, I greatly enjoyed the way Erin Phillips set this story across the imaginary world of Florencia. I enjoyed how she included mythical characters like faeries, giants, satyrs, gryphons, and gnomes. It was a very enchanting tale! Miss Phillips is a masterful storywritter and it shows in the way she weaves her story.
As stated above, this is a fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Esther. There were quite a few things that strayed from the original story and that is the reason why I docked a few stars. As a stand-alone fiction, this novel would be excellent! To advertise/claim it as a retelling of a Biblical story brings a certain responsibility in my opinion. For fear of giving away spoilers, I will just ask that anyone who reads this novel also go to their Bible and re-read the book of Esther.
A Match in the Making by Jen Turano
4.0
✅ Historical Romantic Comedy
✅ 1880s Newport, Rhode Island
✅ Match Making
✅ Delightfully witty character banter!
This is my first Jen Turano novel and certainly won't be my last! As you follow the life of our spicy heroine, Gwendolyn Brinley, you get pulled in deeply as Jen Turano masterfully weaves a tale of both love and comedy. You sympathize with Gwendolyn as she gets pulled into a match-making season against her will during a summer in Newport, Rhode Island! The no-nonsense way in which Gwen deals with the rather snotty side of the upper-crust society has you smiling and laughing throughout the entire novel! I found myself, on more than one occasion, grinning and cheering on our leading lady, as she voiced the thoughts that I only wish I had the bravery to stay if ever put in a similar situation.
This was certainly an entertaining story, set within the Gilded Age, that was a delight to read! The book was a nice, relaxing, and fast read that left me feeling giddy and happy by the time it was wrapped up. I had been told Jen Turano was the “Queen of the Gilded Age” and I am starting to see why! This is book number one in her series “The Matchmakers” and I am excited to dig into the next one to see what happens next!
✅ 1880s Newport, Rhode Island
✅ Match Making
✅ Delightfully witty character banter!
This is my first Jen Turano novel and certainly won't be my last! As you follow the life of our spicy heroine, Gwendolyn Brinley, you get pulled in deeply as Jen Turano masterfully weaves a tale of both love and comedy. You sympathize with Gwendolyn as she gets pulled into a match-making season against her will during a summer in Newport, Rhode Island! The no-nonsense way in which Gwen deals with the rather snotty side of the upper-crust society has you smiling and laughing throughout the entire novel! I found myself, on more than one occasion, grinning and cheering on our leading lady, as she voiced the thoughts that I only wish I had the bravery to stay if ever put in a similar situation.
This was certainly an entertaining story, set within the Gilded Age, that was a delight to read! The book was a nice, relaxing, and fast read that left me feeling giddy and happy by the time it was wrapped up. I had been told Jen Turano was the “Queen of the Gilded Age” and I am starting to see why! This is book number one in her series “The Matchmakers” and I am excited to dig into the next one to see what happens next!
Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
5.0
✅ Time Travel Suspense Romance
✅ 1381 Canterbury, England
✅ Creative, captivating storyline!
✅ Swoon Worthy Romance
I read this book in one sitting - it was that good!
✅ 1381 Canterbury, England
✅ Creative, captivating storyline!
✅ Swoon Worthy Romance
I read this book in one sitting - it was that good!
Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund
4.0
✅ Time Travel Suspense Romance
✅ 1382 Canterbury, England & Modern Day
✅ Engaging and fast-paced
✅ Age Gap Romance
Never Leave Me is book 2 in the Waters of Time series by author Jody Hedlund. Once again, we are thrust back in time thanks to the sacred properties inside of the holy water believed to be derived from the seeds from the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. This book follows Harrison and Ellen and I was ecstatic to discover that! Harrison was one of my favorite characters from the first story. He shows us how trial and disaster can only make you stronger. His optimism throughout shows us that if we allow the Lord to use our trials for His good, then we can be changed for the better.
I will admit that I felt the beginning of the story dragged a little bit. I was very excited for the characters and what was occuring in their storylines but I am an avid historical fiction reader. I felt as if the majority of this story takes place in modern time. It was written well - Jody Hedlund is a master with words! I just found myself wondering when the time travel was going to occur.
✅ 1382 Canterbury, England & Modern Day
✅ Engaging and fast-paced
✅ Age Gap Romance
Never Leave Me is book 2 in the Waters of Time series by author Jody Hedlund. Once again, we are thrust back in time thanks to the sacred properties inside of the holy water believed to be derived from the seeds from the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. This book follows Harrison and Ellen and I was ecstatic to discover that! Harrison was one of my favorite characters from the first story. He shows us how trial and disaster can only make you stronger. His optimism throughout shows us that if we allow the Lord to use our trials for His good, then we can be changed for the better.
I will admit that I felt the beginning of the story dragged a little bit. I was very excited for the characters and what was occuring in their storylines but I am an avid historical fiction reader. I felt as if the majority of this story takes place in modern time. It was written well - Jody Hedlund is a master with words! I just found myself wondering when the time travel was going to occur.
Stay with Me by Jody Hedlund
5.0
✅ Time Travel
✅ Christian Historical Fiction
✅ Swoon-worthy romance!
✅ Suspenseful and action-packed.
This book is the third in Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time series and is ABSOLUTELY my favorite of the whole series! There is a lot of love in this one but I feel that is exactly why this book stands out. I adore the marriage of convenience and strangers to lovers theme! This is a time-travel novel so we switch between modern times and medieval times. Nicholas Worth is ever the gentleman and you find yourself rallying behind him in his cries for justice - not only for himself but all of those he loves and takes care of. The evil is real and you find yourself on the edge of your seat, praying the good guys win and that justice prevails!
Our main heroine, Sybil Huxham, was very relatable. Between work relationship issues, personal relationship issues, and family relationship issues, you get the feeling that she has had enough and is willing to do anything to direct her life down a different path. Her “others first” mentality puts her in an interesting position when traces of the holy water cause her to overlap with a nobleman in need. Knowing how serious time travel can be and how tricky it is to navigate, she decides to plunge head-first into the unknown and do her best to save this man. Her self-sacrificing nature is completely endearing, even with her slightly gruff exterior. I didn’t expect to love her as much as I do but Jody Hedlund does an excellent job at character development!
Pick this book up and read it! Pick this entire series up and read it. You will not regret it! I do recommend reading them in order just so the backstory makes sense. :)
✅ Christian Historical Fiction
✅ Swoon-worthy romance!
✅ Suspenseful and action-packed.
This book is the third in Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time series and is ABSOLUTELY my favorite of the whole series! There is a lot of love in this one but I feel that is exactly why this book stands out. I adore the marriage of convenience and strangers to lovers theme! This is a time-travel novel so we switch between modern times and medieval times. Nicholas Worth is ever the gentleman and you find yourself rallying behind him in his cries for justice - not only for himself but all of those he loves and takes care of. The evil is real and you find yourself on the edge of your seat, praying the good guys win and that justice prevails!
Our main heroine, Sybil Huxham, was very relatable. Between work relationship issues, personal relationship issues, and family relationship issues, you get the feeling that she has had enough and is willing to do anything to direct her life down a different path. Her “others first” mentality puts her in an interesting position when traces of the holy water cause her to overlap with a nobleman in need. Knowing how serious time travel can be and how tricky it is to navigate, she decides to plunge head-first into the unknown and do her best to save this man. Her self-sacrificing nature is completely endearing, even with her slightly gruff exterior. I didn’t expect to love her as much as I do but Jody Hedlund does an excellent job at character development!
Pick this book up and read it! Pick this entire series up and read it. You will not regret it! I do recommend reading them in order just so the backstory makes sense. :)
All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee
5.0
✅ Dual-Timeline Novel
✅ WW2 + Vietnam War
✅ Slow Burn Romance
✅ Suspensful historical fiction - I couldn’t put it down!
This book is absolutely one of my favorite books of 2024 so far! Michelle Shocklee is a master of writing and it is obvious as she weaves a beautiful and heart-wrenching story of hope and perseverance through some of life’s most difficult trials. I was so moved by what I was reading that I couldn’t put the book down. I read the entire novel in one day! The characters felt real and the faith was inspiring and motivating. It was enthralling to read about WW2 and the Vietnam War through the eyes of people that history often forgets (or completely leaves out)! Their perspective gives you a better-rounded view of what it was like to live - and to suffer - during that tragic time. The romance was beautiful and I loved that it was a slow-burn. It helped the story feel that much more real as if you were transported back in time and were witnessing the growth of these relationships yourself. I so highly recommend everyone pick up this novel and read it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
✅ WW2 + Vietnam War
✅ Slow Burn Romance
✅ Suspensful historical fiction - I couldn’t put it down!
This book is absolutely one of my favorite books of 2024 so far! Michelle Shocklee is a master of writing and it is obvious as she weaves a beautiful and heart-wrenching story of hope and perseverance through some of life’s most difficult trials. I was so moved by what I was reading that I couldn’t put the book down. I read the entire novel in one day! The characters felt real and the faith was inspiring and motivating. It was enthralling to read about WW2 and the Vietnam War through the eyes of people that history often forgets (or completely leaves out)! Their perspective gives you a better-rounded view of what it was like to live - and to suffer - during that tragic time. The romance was beautiful and I loved that it was a slow-burn. It helped the story feel that much more real as if you were transported back in time and were witnessing the growth of these relationships yourself. I so highly recommend everyone pick up this novel and read it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.