A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky-Christian Historical Romance Review

  Book Synopsis

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for love and justice.

In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two eras bridged by the quest for love and truth.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (September 3, 2024)
• Genre: Christian Historical Romance
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764241060

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

A Token of Love is a touching story inspired by real events. The novel unfolds in two timelines: 1885 and 2023, both set in London. Central to both accounts is the London Foundling Hospital, which later became the Foundling Museum.

In 1885, Lillian Freemont searches for her missing niece, Alice, who was taken to the hospital eight years prior. She is joined by a charming reporter named Matthew. Together, they discover a troubling truth about young girls, aged 8 to 11, who are being sold to dangerous men. This theme of human trafficking runs through both timelines but is handled with sensitivity, avoiding graphic details.

In 2023, Janelle serves as the interim director of the Foundling Museum. Jonas, a filmmaker, wants to create a documentary about the museum's history. As they collaborate, they uncover the historical incident involving the young girls from the late 1800s. They work hard to reveal the truth while raising funds to keep the museum open.

The merging of these two timelines is captivating. The similarities between the lives of characters in 1885 and 2023 enriches the story. A Token of Love is filled with emotion and highlights spiritual themes in both couples' journeys. While the romances develop quickly, the author effectively portrays the deep connections that form.

The book's title comes from a token left by Lillian's sister with her baby when she had to let go of her child. Many single and widowed mothers left a token to help reunite with their children later. The golden token on the cover is engraved with the words, "Remember my love." The author deserves praise for crafting a happy ending despite the challenges faced by the characters.

A Token of Love is a historical mystery and a heartfelt love story rooted in faith and strong emotions. The balance of fiction and history makes this novel both worthwhile and moving.

****Meet Author Carrie Turansky****

CARRIE TURANSKY is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including A Token of Love, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, and No Ocean Too Wide. Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Connect with Carrie on her website, on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

~*~*~*~*Purchase ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Paperback-https://a.co/d/fNYj2eV

Kindle-https://a.co/d/8IsST7m

Tatterhood (Band of Unlikely Heroes #3) By Author: Dawn Ford -Middle-Grade Fantasy Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Tatterhood by Dawn Ford,

 hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tatterhood
Series: Band of Unlikely Heroes #3
Author: Dawn Ford
Publisher: ScrivKids
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

Troll Princess Horra Fyd and young druid Rowan team up to reverse the evil Erlking’s spells and save the creatures across the Wilden Lands. However, Fairy Princess Glory Toppenbottom is still a thorn in Horra’s side. After Horra and Glory have a heated fight, Glory sneaks out of the castle. She is bent on finding the Erlking to reverse the hex he cast on her. This creates a political disaster when the Glory’s sister announces she’s coming to retrieve Glory. 

Angered by Horra’s treatment of a royal guest, King Fyd proclaims Horra to be Queen Bearer. She becomes the ad hoc ruler, freeing her father from the scandal. Shocked, Horra assents. Her first move is to find the missing fairy princess before it becomes an interkingdom war. They form a search party and leave. 

The Erlking stalks their every move. When the only choice points them toward the Riven, a cursed hidden land, they don’t hesitate. They find Glory is already there, but are immediately separated. The Riven is nothing like anyone imagined. Will they survive the Erlking’s magical traps, or will they, like everyone else, perish within its borders?

My Review

I have truly enjoyed this unique middle-grade fantasy series. It was exciting to read the third book, "Tatterhood," in the Band of Unlikely Heroes Series. The characters are distinct, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them in the first two books.

Troll Princess Horra Fyd still wonders about her future as Troll Queen. It’s impressive to see her grow throughout the series. In this adventure, she faced challenges that forced her to mature significantly. Other characters, like the young druid Rowen and the snobby fairy princess Glory, also experience growth in "Tatterhood." The villain, The Earlking, continues his evil actions, harming more people and creatures. The battle between good and evil is a central theme in this series, making it a great read for middle-grade audiences.

To fully enjoy Tatterhood, be sure to read book one and two first. This book ends with a clear hint of another coming soon, which is exciting. This fantasy series would be a fun read for families to enjoy together.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Author

Winner of the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award and Finalist in the 2023 Carol awards and 2024 Realm Makers Realm awards, Dawn Ford has been recognized for her published and non-published works.

As a child, Dawn often had her head in the clouds creating scenes and stories for anything and everything she came across. She believed there was magic everywhere, a sentiment she has never outgrown. Nature inspires her, and her love for the underdog and the unlikely hero colors much of what she writes.

Connect with Dawn by visiting dawnfordauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a $15 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of Tatterhood, and one eBook copy of Woodencloak and Mossycoat!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 27, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 3, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Adventurer’s Guide to Dragonwatch By Brandon Mull & Illustrations by Brandon Dorman-Children's Fantasy Review

 Book Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE GUILD OF DRAGONWATCH

Millions of Fablehaven fans will be eager to examine this illustrated field guide and learn what dragon slayers and other members of Dragonwatch have known for centuries.

Many adventurers risked their lives gathering the information found within this one-of-a-kind book—a compendium of the most dangerous mythical and magical creatures around the world, including invaluable illustrations that reveal for the first time what these creatures actually look like.

You will learn secrets of the magical realms, including the history of the five great monarchs: The Underking, the Fairy Queen, the Demon King, the Giant Queen, and the Dragon King. In addition, you will learn about the priceless stone called the Ethergem that powered the five crowns of the monarchs.

By the end of the book, you will know more about dragons and giants (and a host of other mythical creatures) than your average dungeon master. Make yourself familiar with an invaluable study of magical items and artifacts, including the five legendary swords, never-before-revealed in any other publication known to man or woman. This information alone is worth all the gold in your pockets.

In addition, you will find a personal letter from the world’s greatest adventurer, Patton Burgess. Take heed to what he has to say, and you may live to the ripe age of sixteen.

You are now part of a consortium of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who risked everything to free the world from the tyrannical rule of dragons. A word to the wise: If you are being hunted by a dragon, no stronghold or castle will hide you for long. The best way to survive a dragon is not defense, it is offense. Use the information inside this book and go forth and hunt!

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (October 1, 2024)
• Genre: Children's Fantasy
• Series: Dragonwatch
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933050
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 12

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review 

Brandon Mull has created some of my favorite books and series. The Adventurer’s Guide to Dragonwatch is a companion to his well-loved Dragonwatch series.

This book is truly beautiful. I really liked the cover, especially the part that says, "Property of the Library at Fablehaven." This book reads like an encyclopedia and is full of secrets from the magical worlds in Fablehaven and Dragonwatch. I enjoyed learning more about magical items, artifacts, dragon slayers, five legendary swords, wizards, giants, and of course, dragons. The illustrations by Brandon Dorman are fantastic and really bring the stories to life.

This new addition to the Dragonwatch series is fun and imaginative. It will once again draw you and your kids into the captivating universe created by Brandon Mull.

****Meet Author Brandon Mull****

Brandon Mull resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and three children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal. Brandon is the author of the New York Times bestselling Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War

~*~*~*~*Purchase ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Hard Cover-https://a.co/d/il6ahDF

Kindle-https://a.co/d/gyeWH5y

My Grumpy Boss Valentine: A Valentine's Sweethearts Romance By Em Tate-Romance Novella Review

 Book Synopsis

Working for Mr. Declan Hayes is like taking a masterclass in stress management—he’s got a permanent scowl, a strict no-nonsense policy, and he definitely doesn’t do office romance. But when the company’s annual Valentine’s Day charity event needs a last-minute coordinator, guess who gets stuck planning it with the King of Grump himself?

Samantha never imagined she'd be spending the most romantic day of the year with her moody, impossible-to-please boss, but as they tackle flower arrangements, chocolate tasting, and awkward heart-themed photo booths, sparks fly in all the wrong—and right—ways.

What happens when the ice-cold exterior of Mr. Hayes starts to melt and Sam realizes her grumpy boss might have a soft side after all? Can a few too many heart-shaped cupcakes and one magical kiss turn her Valentine’s Day nightmare into the sweetest love story ever?

Love is in the air… whether Declan likes it or not.

Book Details

• Series: A Valentine's Sweethearts Romance 
• Genre: Sweet Romance
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGFD65LC
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 24, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 892 KB

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

My Grumpy Boss Valentine is a charming romance novella that features the Grumpy/Sunshine dynamic. Samantha has long been attracted to her boss, Declan. However, Declan keeps his emotions hidden and avoids showing any vulnerability. Things take a turn when he asks Samantha to plan the company’s charity event for Valentine's Day.

I enjoyed many aspects of this short story. The playful exchanges between Samantha and Declan became more engaging as the plot progressed. The dual points of view allowed readers to see how their feelings quickly developed. A memorable kiss adds a special touch. One phrase truly showed how impressive this kiss was.

    "Something shifts in the air between us. It’s subtle at first-just a small change in the way he’s looking at me. But then it’s like a spark ignites"

 My Grumpy Boss Valentine is a delightful, quick read filled with humor and romance. It’s the perfect book to enjoy on Valentine’s Day for a dose of fun and love.

****Meet Author Em Tate****

When Em Tate isn’t busy whipping up sweet romantic escapades, you can find her dreaming up love stories over a steaming cup of coffee (or maybe three), crafting the perfect meet-cute, or rescuing her houseplants from the brink of demise—don’t worry, they’re all thriving now, mostly!

Her novels are sprinkled with just the right amount of wit, charm, and a dash of awkwardness—think of them as the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter (or a freshly baked cookie with sprinkles, because why not?). Em believes every love story should have a quirky twist, a couple of misunderstandings, and a whole lot of heart.

Her motto? If you’re not falling in love with the characters, you’re probably not reading one of her books! When she’s not writing, Em enjoys perfecting her dance moves in her living room (to the confusion of her cat, Smittens), collecting vintage coffee mugs, and binge-watching romcoms for “research purposes.”

Join Em on her hilarious journey through the ups and downs of love, where every story is a sweet escape and every page is infused with her infectious laughter. Grab a cozy blanket, a cup of something warm, and dive into the delightful world of Em Tate—where love is always a little playful, and happily ever after is just a page away!

~*~*~*~*Purchase My Grumpy Boss Valentine ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Kindle-https://a.co/d/iFz9p4c

Lady Anna's Favor: A Proper Romance By Karen Tuft-Regency Romance Book Review

Book Synopsis

Lady Anna Clifton's relentless pursuit of her missing brother leads her to the dashing but vexing Mr. Jennings, who just might steal her heart.

London, England, 1814

Lady Anna Clifton has arrived in London with a secret purpose. Her soldier brother has been reported wounded and missing in France, and if he is dead, his title and their family's estate will go to a horrible distant cousin, and Lady Anna will be homeless. Desperate to find her brother alive, Lady Anna blesses her good fortune when the Duke of Aylesham offers his yacht to carry her to France so she can look for her brother there herself.

James Jennings wants nothing more than to enjoy a relaxing journey back to Paris on the Duke of Aylesham's yacht before rejoining England's diplomatic war efforts against Napoleon. However, the strikingly beautiful young woman already on board catches him off guard. When he receives only a cold reception from her, he dismisses her outright and blasts her disruption of his trip—until he learns the tragic reason she has set out on such a perilous journey. As infuriating as Lady Anna's brash behavior and indifference to him is, her search seems much too dangerous for her to undertake alone, so James reluctantly offers to assist her.

The two embark on a search through France for Lady Anna's brother all while trying to reconcile their differences. With every step, they come closer to solving the mystery of Lady Anna's brother's disappearance—but every step also pushes their hearts closer together.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (November 26, 2024)
• Series: Proper Romance
• Genre: Regency Romance Book 
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933034

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions

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My Review

Reading a new Proper Romance novel is always exciting for me. "Lady Anna's Favor" is the latest Regency Romance by Karen Tuft. While this story can stand on its own, it features characters from previous books.

The story introduces Lady Anna Clifton, who has recently lost her brother and father. Her only family left is a soldier who is missing in France. Rather than let her awful cousin take over the estate, Anna bravely decides to search for her brother. With the help of Sparks and Mary, loyal family servants, Anna faces challenges she didn't expect.

On the journey to France, Anna meets James Jennings, a diplomat. At first, he doesn’t think much of her. However, he soon finds himself wanting to help her in her search. James begins to fall for Anna, and their teamwork brings them closer together. He becomes very protective of her, which speeds up their romance. The happy ending is a relief after all the difficulties they endure along the way.

If you enjoy Regency Romances and Proper Romance novels, this sweet love story will be a delightful read.

****Meet Author Karen Tuft****

Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU then graduated from the University of Utah in music theory as a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger, and has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions. She also has a 75 percent success rate when it comes to matchmaking and is a big believer in happy endings. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel--whether by car, plane, or paperback.

Karen is also a 2016 Foreword INDIES finalist.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Lady Anna's Favor~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/526DlCe

Kindle-https://a.co/d/iRrLj0O

The Valentine's Bet: A Sweet RomCom By Kristine W. Joy-Review

 Book Synopsis

What happens when a hopeful romantic bets a grumpy skeptic that love really exists?

Now that I’ve landed my dream job in NYC, I’m finally ready to find Mr. Right.

What better way to meet new people in a big city than a speed dating event?

Or so I thought—until I got stuck with the biggest cynic in the room.

Parker’s disdain for love drives me crazy, yet there’s something about his icy blue-green eyes that draws me in.

Determined to prove to him that love exists, I find myself betting him that I can find a boyfriend by Valentine’s Day.

Yet somehow, every cringe-worthy date I endure ends with Parker swooping in to rescue me.

As our rivalry evolves into an unexpected friendship, I catch glimpses of the caring man hidden beneath his tough facade.

Now, I can’t ignore the flutter in my heart when he’s around.

But is it just the thrill of competition, or is there something deeper brewing between us?

The Valentine’s Bet is a closed-door, grumpy sunshine romcom. It’s an interconnected standalone to Kristine W. Joy’s The Friendly Fall.

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DS5W1YRB
• Genre: Romantic Comedy
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 9, 2025)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8303320420

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

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My Review

This is the second book I've read by Kristine W. Joy, and I'm excited to check out more. The Valentine's Bet had me laughing, cringing at some awkward moments, and feeling every bit of the sweet romance.

This charming romantic comedy features two relatable characters navigating life while making several mistakes. Amy and Parker meet at a speed dating event. Their dynamic perfectly captures the grumpy/sunshine trope. Amy is searching for true love but struggles to find it. Parker, on the other hand, is skeptical about love and does everything to avoid it. He comes off as grumpy, while Amy believes he dislikes her. The author skillfully brings them together through various dating encounters, making it enjoyable to see their relationship develop.

I loved the moments of fake dates, lessons on red flags, playful banter, texts, an explosive first kiss, ice skating mishaps, and, of course, the Valentine's bet.

This journey to love was a joy to read. The story flows smoothly, filled with humor, flirting, and romance. If you're after a fun and uplifting read, The Valentine's Bet is perfect for your Valentine's Day lineup.

****Meet Author Kristine W. Joy****

Kristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling / and laugh-out-loud banter. She prefers her coffee iced and her kisses hot. When she's not dreaming up romance novels or writing from a cozy coffee shop in Northern California, she is spending time with her hubby and toddler. Becoming a published author was a lifelong dream. Becoming a momma was the inspiration to make it a reality.

Get Connected: https://linktr.ee/authorkristinewjoy

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Valentine's Bet ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Kindle-https://a.co/d/6qy4G9n

Paperback-https://a.co/d/8aDHimr