When Beauty Blooms {blog tour + book review!}

Hey there everybody!  I'm coming at you today with another review!  I don't know when this blog became a straight-up review blog but honestly I'm not too mad about it.  Hope y'all don't mind ;)

But seriously, I'm really excited to be giving you my review of Victoria Lynn's new, adorable novelette!

Let's jump on in, shall we?

When Beauty Blooms


(How pretty is that cover, right?)

Author: Victoria Lynn
Genre: Historical fiction (Revolutionary War era, set in England)
Content: None, unless you count an unmarried lady showing her ankles to an unmarried man... that was scandalous. (lol)

Synopsis:
Marjorie Kirk is a woman with no fortune, no prospects, no family, and no skills. Or so she thinks. She is awkward, shy, and the farthest thing from any semblance of a society lady.
The new minister keeps turning up in the most awkward of places and she can’t help but feel that her life is doomed to one of embarrassment. But will her flaws actually be the thing that others find the most attractive?
A story of a young woman with social anxiety and how she learned to bloom.

What I Thought:

What a sweet little book!  Marjorie was such a relatable character with such a great arc for how few pages there were.  I really appreciated how she retained her personality throughout the story even as she learns and grows.  I loved her relationships with her friends and yes, her relationship with the love interest (I shipped them pretty much from the first page he was on, so that's great.)
Honestly, I don't have too many thoughts because it was so cute and short!  It only took me a couple of hours to read and that's because a dance class interrupted my reading time.  It just.  It made me happy.  Yeah. 
(Also, I loved reading about someone in England at the time of the Revolution?  I used to be obsessed with reading books in this time period, but they were always from the American perspective.  So that was great.)

Favorite quote: "Beauty blooms when you are true to who God has created you to be."

My rating: 4.5 pretty gowns out of 5

About the Author:
Victoria Lynn is in her 20s and if she's not writing, she is probably sewing, singing, playing the piano, washing dishes, creating something with her hands, or learning something new. She has a passion for serving her Creator, encouraging others and being creative. She blogs at www.rufflesandgrace.com about writing, fashion, modesty, her walk with God and life. She lives in Michigan with her parents and 8 siblings.

You can get a copy on Amazon here and add it to your Goodreads shelf here!
There's also an awesome giveaway going on for a paperback copy of this sweet book PLUS an Amazon gift card! You can enter it here!

Aaaand I think that's all I have for today!  Huge thanks to Victoria for letting me read her lovely book!  Can't wait to read more from her in the future, God's got big plans for this one. :)

~ Abby

Chosen For Such a Time as This {blog tour + book review!}

Hello my friends!  How's it been?  It's been really busy around here, but a schedule should be sorting itself out here soon, and I'm going to be doing my best to make sure that blogging is on it!  But today we're here for a very exciting blog tour!

But what is this blog tour about?

It's about this book, the one with the absolutely gorgeous cover!



But what is this book about?

No matter what your background is, what type of experiences you've had, or what mistakes you've made, your life is of significance. And regardless of what you may have grown to believe, God created you with a specific purpose in mind. This book was written to encourage and inspire single women, however, it addresses the issues that many women face today, no matter what their marital status is. Chosen For Such A Time As This places great emphasis on the truth that the most valuable relationship you can have is with our Creator. Through that relationship, we are made whole.
This life is a journey that comes with blessings, frustrations, laughter and tears. Whether you are married or single, wholeness and contentment in Christ is essential. Despite the season you find yourself in, God has a plan for your life. And He can use you right where you are.

You can add it on Goodreads here and check it out on Amazon here!

And because Jheralynne (whose blog you can check out here) and Livy (whose blog you can check out here) were sweet enough to include me on this blog tour, I get to review it for you right now! 

To be honest, though, I'm not quite sure how to review it.  I mean, it's a devotional type book.  I feel like everyone is going to get something different out of it.  So I find it hard to give it a star rating. 

What I will do is tell you what I gleaned from these pages. 

First off, Jheralynne's story is so powerful.  God has given her a wonderful testimony, and I'm so glad she's using it to His glory.  She covers some very important topics in this book that need to be talked about and brought to light.

My favorite quote was one that I read and said aloud, "YES!" before going back to reading, because it's something that's proven quite true in my own life.  It goes like this, "I will never be able to fully understand how God works, but I've decided to accept it and to trust Him."  I mean, can I get an amen?  This needs to be proudly proclaimed!

There were a couple of passages that pointed to things in me I need to work on (with His help, of course), and some really powerful messages overall.  My only problem with it was a problem I've found with a lot of devotionals, and it's nothing wrong with the actual book, per say... it's more a me thing, I think.  I felt like it wasn't... for me.  Like I'm not in the target audience, I guess?  It felt like a book for a new Christian and not someone like me who's farther along in my spiritual walk.  Which, again, isn't a problem, it just lessened my experience with it. 

But if I knew someone who was newer in their faith and was struggling with some of the fears and things that Jheralynne talked about, I would 100% hand them this book.  So for that, I give it a solid 4 stars.  If, like I said, I can even give a book like this a star rating. 

I highly recommend it if you're struggling with singleness, or just want to be reassured of God's hand in your life.

ALSO, GUESS WHAT there's a giveaway going on!!!!  Enter here for a chance to win a paperback copy of Chosen!

Well, that's all for today, folks.  I promise it won't be as long before next time. :D

~ Abby

The "World's Beneath" Blog Tour {+ review of "The Blood Race"!}

Oh, hey, yeah, I have a blog!  Lookie there.

Hi people!  I know, I know, I haven't posted anything since July 6 and I'm so very sorry about that.  BUT I am back and I ready for this super exciting blog tour! 

 
What is "World's Beneath", you ask?

Well, let me tell you.

It's the newly-released sequel to the awesome book "The Blood Race",

 which I just read and now I get to review for you!

Title: The Blood Race
Author: K.A. Emmons
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Content: Several curse words throughout, one character's backstory includes her being raped, and a good bit of violence.

Synopsis:
I’ve been running from my past for one hundred years. And I’m still just a teenager.  
I was selected by my teacher, Sensei, to train in The Dimension: a secret place of refuge for the ‘anomalies’ of past, present, and future earth. Here I would learn to connect to my ‘warrior within’ as Sensei calls it - to channel energy orbs, commute between realms, and even shape-shift into an alternate form. But never did I guess that my training would include taking on an anomaly student of my own: a loose cannon of a college guy named Ion.
Late one evening, I invite him over to Sensei’s house for a little chat; one that will turn his life upside-down. Shoving him into the broom closet turned portal, I drag Ion into the Dimension, opening his eyes to his true homeland: a realm of anomalies. His kin.
As we train to become Protectors of future Earth, battling each other as well as our own demons, I begin to realize that there’s more to Ion than I originally thought: a darkness he’s spent his life running from. And beyond that, a looming threat hidden in plain sight - something that could destroy me, him, and the future of Earth.

Placement in Series: 1 of 2

What I Thought:
Wow.  That ending though.
I had heard glowing reviews of this book from several friends, and when I started I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it.  There's quite a lot of language at the beginning, and I wasn't the hugest fan of Ion as a character.  But once I got past the first few chapters and into the plot, ooh boy was it hard to put down.  The character development, the fascinating originality of the Dimension, the Christian allegory woven through, it was really good.
The only downside was the language.  I don't normally have an issue with language in books, and I wouldn't have in this one if I had been warned about it.  It caught me off guard, and thus I was annoyed by it, so I'm making you aware so you don't end up like me xD
But other than that it was awesome.  When I finished, the first thing I said was "whoa". 

My rating: 4 hawk feathers out of 5

About the Author:

When she’s not hermiting away in her colorfully-painted home office writing her next science fiction, passionate story-teller and adventurer Kate Emmons is probably on the road for a surf or hiking trip, listening to vinyls, or going for a power run.
Emmons’ debut novel The Blood Race is the first book in her YA science fiction/fantasy thriller series.
You can connect with Kate on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and her blog!

You can pick up a copy of The Blood Race here and a copy of World's Beneath here!

The blog tour was put together by Livy Lynn - for more information check out this link!

Huge thank you to both Livy and Kate for letting me participate and read such an awesome book! :D
~ Abby

The Thief, The Damsel, and The Dragon Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Today's the day!  Angela Watts has written a book and it's PUBLISHED!!!!!

And because she was sweet enough to let me participate in her blog tour, I get to give y'all a review!


The Thief, The Damsel, and the Dragon


(also, sidenote, isn't this cover just gorgeous?)

Author: Angela Watts
Genre: Christian contemporary
Content: None

Synopsis:
“... the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” ~ Psalms 91:13
Edward Prosner is going to steal from the small town mayor of Fall Springs, North Carolina. He’s got a flawless plan of action and is determined to return honor and justice to his father’s good name. The problem he faces? He needs a date for the mayor’s dinner party.
Lucy Levitt is a huge romantic at heart, but with her family’s ranch and her part-time job, she has no time for dating. She believes God will place her soulmate in her life when the time is right. When the new man in town asks her out, how can she say no?
The first date seems ordinary enough, but then they begin to realize that they can’t fight their dragons alone.

What I Thought:
I love Ed and Lucy's love, okay?  Those two were the cutest.  Even though, obviously, they go through rough patches, I sincerely hope that they have a long and happy relationship together. 
I also just enjoyed all of the characters.  They were so well fleshed out; I love how supportive the supporting cast was.  Lucy's family was realistic, Sean was fun and funny, and not gonna lie, I kinda want to meet Ed's parents, they seem awesome.
I did like how much Christian content was in here.  Ed's arc with his relationship with God was great.  And Lucy's faith is probably the most relatable portrayal of faith I've seen in a long time.
I'd definitely recommend it to people who want a sweet Christian-centered romance.

Favorite Quote:

My Rating:  4 trophies out of 5

About the Author:
Angela R. Watts is a sinner saved by Yahweh's Grace and she strives to glorify the King in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler who lives with her loving family and ranch animals at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee. She’s been writing stories since she was tiny and hasn’t stopped since, though she also enjoys ranch and housework, painting, babysitting, and watching sunsets.

There's also a fabulous giveaway going on over at Angela's blog!  Go check it out, and make sure to pop over to the other blog tour stops (some pretty awesome folks are participating :D)!

(Also, my personal apologies to the author for this going up later than I intended.  Life is just... the worst.  So, sorry, Angela ;))

You can add the book on Goodreads here and grab a copy on Amazon here!

~ Abby

Discerned Cover Reveal!

If you've been around these parts lately, you probably know of my love for Sarah Addison-Fox's Allegiance Series.  And that is part of why today I am SO excited to get to show you the cover of the fourth installment of the series, Discerned!

Are

you

ready?

It's

pretty

great!

Here

it is!



ARE YOU SCREAMING?  BECAUSE I'M SCREAMING!!

Look at how pretty they all are together!



Here's a bit about the book so you can get HYPED with me!

Discerned, Book Four of the Allegiance Series by Sarah Addison-Fox

Releasing August 2018.

The war may be over, but the battle for peace has just begun.

When newlyweds Mick and Celeste Haynes accept the offer to search for rogue agents inside Kyraenea, what should have been one final adventure becomes Torrance Kyle’s worst nightmare.

Amaya Mason may no longer be an agent, but there is no way she’ll allow a mistake from Torrance’s past to wreck their happy ending. No matter the cost. No matter what she might lose.

For Mick Haynes, marriage isn’t the simple solution he thought it would be. Torn between wanting to shelter the woman he loves and accepting she is no longer a frightened slave, he’s struggling with his own expectations and with every secret she reveals.

Celeste’s confidence and her faith are growing, but when she confronts the father who abandoned her as a child, he threatens to destroy the happiness and acceptance she’s only just found.

Can Torrance let go of the past and embrace his future?

Is peace even possible for those who’ve spent their lives in constant battle?

I'm excited, are you excited?  If you haven't caught up on the series yet, this book's August release gives you plenty of time!

~ Abby

Kiera Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Hello!  I am happy to report that my family is safely home and I'm writing this on my laptop and all is well with the world.

Today, I come bearing a review because Kate Willis has released her new novel and I'm very excited about it!

So let's jump on into the review!

Kiera



Author: Kate Willis
Genre: Futuristic Christian... I guess? xD
Content: A few intense subject matters are discussed.

Synopsis:
Kiera is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday. The official end of school, a party with her best friend, and chocolate cake. A sudden military draft, no possible exemptions, had never crossed her mind.
Kiera is terrified! Getting drafted would mean leaving her family, her little friend Jade—life as she knows it.
A surprising offer from Brennan Stewart just might be the answer to her prayers, but an even worse trial leaves her with one question…
If God truly loves her, why did this tragedy happen?

What I Thought:
I think my feelings can be summed up in the fact that when I finished, I squealed a bit, flapped my hands, and said, "I'm fine, I'm fine," over and over.  Oh my word, I loved this.  It's such an original story that took so many turns I didn't expect.  I just.  You guys.
But seriously, I think if you liked "Andora's Folly" by Abigayle Claire, you'll enjoy this.  That's what it reminded me of most.
Also Kiera and Brennan.  New OTP, y'all.

Favorite quote:

My rating: 4 strawbewwies out of 5

About the Author:
Kate Willis has been homeschooled her whole life in a loving family that values the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creativity, and thoughtful conversations. She is inspired by red shoes, a good story, little children, and chai tea. It is her desire to serve God in the home having a family of her own in the future. She is the author of The Treasure Hunt, The Twin Arrows, Kiera, and two short stories Enjoy the Poodle Skirt and Red Boots.

You can add Kiera on Goodreads here and purchase a Kindle edition here!  (The Kindle price goes up on Monday, so be sure to snag your copy now!)

Congrats on the release, Kate!  Thanks for letting me be part of your tour!

~ Abby

I Don't Dance Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Hello again, my friends! I'm writing this on my phone (because my computer won't connect to the wi-fi >->), sitting in a hotel room on our way home.  But it's my day to participate in the blog tour for this adorable novella, which you can purchase right now via this link!

And because Jesseca was super kind to let me participate, I have a review for you!

I Don't Dance



Author: Jesseca Wheaton
Genre: Conteporary Christian
Content: One kiss between a married couple

Synopsis:
Ty and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more than just a friend.
As graduations approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves?
In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart.
Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by?

What I Thought:
This was so. stinkin'. cute.  I needed a bit of fluff and this delivered.  Ty and Jen's relationship was so adorable; the friends-to-lovers trope, particularly childhood friends, is one of my absolute favorites, ahh.  It was in full swing here and I loved it.  Ty and Mike's relationship was so good- this is good friendship here, y'all.  I just loved it all.
There was just the right amount of "angst" with the fluff to bring a sweet Christian message into the story.  Jesseca's love for Jesus shines through.  I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future!
(Also, I was reading this while driving through the mountains of North Carolina, and it was a fabulous experience, highly recommend.)

Favorite quote: It was a night that was too beautiful to be ruined by saying goodbye.

My rating: 4 ice cream cones out of 5

About the Author:
Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

There's also a fabulous giveaway going on over at Jesseca's blog!  A chance to in a paperback of "I Don't Dance", which I think is the perfect summer read!

Add it on Goodreads here!

Congrats to your new release, Jesseca!  Thanks for letting me be part of your awesome blog tour!
Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour, and get yourself a copy of "I Don't Dance"!

~ Abby