A Simply Enchanted Life

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction


I really tried to love this book. I did.  This book just wasn’t for me. I felt that it dragged on and on and I just couldn’t connect with the characters.  I have tried to read this for the last twelve weeks and I’ve just decided that I’m not going to make it through.  I felt like the book jumped right into a story without introducing me to the characters. I was completely lost.  This says it is the first in a series but I didn’t know anyone.  I had no connection to anyone and there also wasn’t a glossary of terms so I had no idea what a Tas was.  It wasn’t the only word used but it’s the only one I can recall at this point. I just know I had zero clue of what it was. I’m assuming it’s a family relation but I was—lost.   

I’ve loved other books by this author so after I research this series out to figure out if there’s a better starting point—I’ll probably come back to this at some point.    The cover is gorgeous enough to make me want to revisit when I’ve worked out my confusion.

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:15+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

 

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Holy moly! This series just keeps getting better! I literally sat up until 4:30 a.m. just to see how this concluded and then I walked around like a zombie all day—it was well worth it! This author has a way with words that just pulls me into the story. I just can’t get enough of these characters!

There’s a bit of edge to these stories but of course, so tastefully done that no one could complain. In full disclosure, there’s mention of an affair that resulted in a child as well as a one of the ladies lamenting that she had given herself to someone before marriage. It is not explicit and thus, it is of my opinion that this is safe for teens. As a lot of parents follow my blogs to find appropriate literature for their teens—I felt the need to have a full disclosure there.

All in all, I love this book. I love this genre and I absolutely love this author’s writing. I really hope there is another installment in this series.

Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II by Tricia Goyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, WWII Fiction

Oh goodness! This book was fantastic! It sure put me in the Christmas mood and it’s only October! Shhhh, don’t tell anyone but I found a Christmas station on Pandora that is getting a lot of use!

All three of these stories are fantastic and filled with a strong Christian message and I can’t really pick a favorite out of the three. There were so seamlessly written and enjoyable.

I was also able to share this book with my thirteen year old daughter and she enjoyed the story very much.

There were a lot of serious moments but there was also love and humor in this book. I suppose, being in the WWII genre, it would be nearly impossible for there to not be a more serious overtone but amidst the loss, the fear and even war—love still exists.

If you’re looking for an easy read that will put you into the upcoming holiday spirit—I strongly suggest this book!

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age: 18+
Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

This is a new author to me—as you all know, that is something I always fear. However, my fears were unfounded. This story is so beautifully written and gripping. I brushed away tears at times because I know that the fears and the horrors of Auschwitz were real. Those horrors had to be worse than can be conveyed in a fictional account.

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age: 18+
Genre:Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction

I’m really not sure where to start with this review. I guess I’ll say—I LOVED the cover. I just wasn’t very crazy about the story.

I read quite a bit of historical fiction and Biblical fiction. I’m fine with fillers to the story but this stuff was kind of farfetched. Nowhere in the Bible does it mention that Boaz had another wife and children. I probably could have overlooked that but I also felt that some of the language wasn’t very—fitting. I don’t think “bumpkin” and “hussy” fits well in this type of story. I really can’t imagine Boaz even kidding with Ruth about her being a hussy…I think my jaw dropped when I read that. It feels too modern and out of place.

I also thought similes were overused and everyone in this story was nauseous over every little situation they faced in life. They were nauseous from heat or embarrassment or from hunger. These poor folks needed a prescription for Zofran…just saying.

Further, Ruth nearly died in every chapter it seems. This lady had very little luck. Heatstroke, hemorrhage, smoke inhalation…you name it and she nearly died from it.

I was also bothered that Ruth was credited as writing some of the poetry found in Song of Solomon—I’m not a Bible scholar so maybe I’m wrong but I’ve never read any inclination that Ruth was responsible for the poetry from the Song of Solomon. I read the author’s note on this matter but it still just didn’t resonate with me.

The swift point of view change from that of Ruth to Solomon and David was also rather abrupt. These are simply my views. You may read the book and love it. I won’t say that others shouldn’t read the book—simply that it was not a book that I particularly enjoyed.

Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 12+
Genre: Christian, YA, Fantasy

I was privileged and honored to get to read an ARC of this book and I waited a bit to write my review because I wanted to compare it to the published copy. The ARC was very long and daunting in a way, the published book is really great.

I struggled to know how to rate this book. Originally I had rated it a three star but I’ve since updated to a four—largely because the published version took out some of the parts I felt were unnecessary or that was just too wordy or lengthy.

My only complaint is that it ends in a cliffhanger. I’m okay with a cliffhanger sometimes but at the end of a series? I dunno, I just feel frustrated that I have to wait for another series to come out. I feel there should have been a little bit of a better conclusion or even just continue this series instead of making a new one.

Arthur, now eighteen, is missing, and Merlin must find him before a shadowy pursuer catches him first.
With the High King and his kingdom caught in a trap of sinister deceit, Merlin has to find a way out before all is lost. Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxen hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west. At the same time, Morgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets a horde of werewolves loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?

I usually don’t share the synopsis but I wanted to address several things...


Arthur is now the High King and I kind of thought it was odd how fast the two transitioned from being a father/son to Arthur calling Merlin by his name. It seemed inconsistent at times but maybe that was just Arthur’s indecision…I was unsure how to feel about that. Maybe it was because I was feeling how Merlin must have felt at suddenly being a subject instead of a father to the boy he raised.

The werewolves—I’m not sure why but they weirded me out. Yes, I just used the word weirded in a review—sue me. It also almost destroyed any hope that I had for Morgana’s redemption. Yes, I know she is bad but I was still kind of hoping…

All in all? This book kicks butt and I can’t wait to read more, even though I was a little reluctant to give a five star—mostly because of my frustration and impatience to read the next book. I guess I’m a bit like a child throwing a tantrum wanting my candy now rather than later.

Tsk, tsk on the author for torturing me so! All I can say is that the next book better be worth the wait because I’m still itching to know what the world is going on!
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Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri.

Learn more by visiting his website at http://www.KingArthur.org.uk

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for being a Blink YA Street Team member. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 14+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

You know, I just couldn't get into this book. I tried, I really did.

The main character, Florence—oi, that woman came off so needy and whiny.

I literally read all of her dialogue in a pouty, baby voice. I understand that she was pregnant, alone, and dealing with a medical condition but she came off more like a young child.

The constant stuttering to denote moments of weakness happened far too often for my liking as well.

I honestly thought this book would have a bit of pioneer spirit. I just didn’t find it in this book. I wish I could have enjoyed it—it just wasn’t my cup of tea.


The year is 1899 and Florence has married her love, Will and together they are settling in a newly built cottage.

Florence is plagued with a medical condition—one that is alluded to throughout the story but I can’t recall what actually happened to her. It seems that the details surrounding her illness are swept under the rug.

Shortly after her marriage, Florence finds out that she is pregnant. However, after a threatened miscarriage—life for her is pretty stressful. This was one thing I could understand a bit. I can imagine that if a woman had a threatened miscarriage in those days—it’d be a very difficult, “wait and see,” situation for the expecting mother.

Then, Will leaves for reasons that Florence can’t begin to understand. However, he has promised to return before the birth of their baby. This results in quite a bit of whining from Florence. I mean, in truth, I’d be whiny and needy if my husband up and left me as well but—it wasn’t very pleasant to read.

Overall, I think that the book could be enjoyable if you’re not bothered by needy characters. As it is a character trait that grates on my nerves—this just wasn’t the book for me.
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Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Stitch and a Prayer, by Eva Gibson. A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.



Celebrate May's release by entering to win a Kindle HDX and RSVP for the Quilts of Love "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with the Quilts of Love authors.



One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily Wierenga, Loree Lough, and Tara Randel. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.


I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about the blog tour for 'A Stitch and a Prayer' please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 17+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

This cover is gorgeous and made me want to pick up the book. I wasn’t disappointed.

You know, I’ve often judged Jacob—how could he have really loved Rachel and still taken additional wives.

You’d think after the trickery and guilt that he surely felt every single time that he had to be with Leah would have deterred him from taking additional wives.

This story helped me stop looking at Jacob as a creep and actually helped me understand the possible dynamics of his and Rachel’s relationship. I almost began to feel sorry for him. I think I connected with this couple in a way that I hadn’t in the past.

This book takes us through the entire relationship between Rachel, Jacob, Leah and that of their handmaidens which were given to Jacob as wives.

From the horrible betrayal that Rachel felt when Leah stole her betrothed. To the depths of Rachel’s despair when she was unable to bear children and the anguish and jealousy she must have had to endure when Jacob spent time with her…

I became so invested in their lives that I often felt weary with Jacob, jealous with Rachel and sad with Leah. I could identify with all of the broken pieces of these people—they were so human and brought to life in a way that resonated deep within mind and heart.

I urge you to pick up this book and take a journey along with this family as Jacob wrestles with God and learns to find His will. If you’ve ever thought that you have too many troubles and problems to be used by God, think again. This tale will waken your eyes to the turmoil and the dysfunction in the lives of people who still became great.
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Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the Wives of the Patriarchs series featuring Sarai, Rebekah, and upcoming Rachel, (Releases 2-1-14) as well as, the bestselling author of Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series published by Revell (Baker Publishing Group.)

Her writing has taken her from the Bible to Israel and she loves learning how women lived in Old Testament times. When she isn't writing she can be found hanging out with family and friends, reading, bike-riding, testing new restaurants with her husband, or snuggling one of two adorable kitties. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.


I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 17+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

We’ve always heard the scripture in the Bible about rendering to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar. Have you ever really stopped to think about that for a moment? Have you stopped to think that Cleopatra, Mark Antony and Herod the Great were all leaders at the same time? I guess I just didn’t think. I appreciate that Higley researches things so well and brings history alive to me. Her stories help me understand the political and religious situations of ancient history. I am forever thankful to this author for bringing history to life!


When we first meet Lydia we are swept away to ancient Egypt. When her story begins, she is the handmaid of Cleopatra and a nurse to her young son, Caesarion.

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Cleopatra is a cruel and hard woman but Lydia is still fearful when she is traded to Herod. Mariamme is to marry Herod and he has procured Lydia to be her handmaid.

It may be Herod who takes her into the Holy City, but, it is the dying requests of her mentor that makes Lydia question what she is doing in the city. She has been charged with delivering the scrolls of the prophet Daniel, to the temple on a set day of the year. Why are these scrolls so important and could there really be just one God for all men?

It had been Simon’s wish for Lydia to know the One God of Israel but Lydia is confused about what she should believe. It doesn’t help that the dark arts of Herod’s sister, Salome are influencing the people of the palace. Lydia’s life is in danger and the scrolls are at a risk of being found.

As Lydia tries to serve Mariamme as faithfully as she can, the cruelty and malice of the political leaders of the day are becoming more apparent. Secrets whispered about a promised Messiah have stirred fear and unrest among the nobles.

As the story progresses, the instability and hatred that Herod is capable of becomes more apparent and at the pinnacle of his madness, Lydia must make a decision to either embrace darkness or find her faith and salvation.

This story is so intricately woven into actual historical facts. Some were fascinating, others were scary and some were downright heartbreaking. The life of Herod and the genealogical details of that family are so confusing that I had to refer to the family tree on more than one occasion. The author so graciously provided the family tree in the front of the book for easy reference.

If you’re looking to better understand the time in which Christ was born and the political unrest that plagued His world, this is a fantastic book. I was enthralled from the first glance of the cover and the story inside did not disappoint. Another fantastic book from Tracy Higley!
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Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows.

Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures. See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com

I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about the blog tour for The Queen's Handmaid please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 17+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

I adore Wanda Brunstetter. She’s super friendly and engaging on social media and just such a dear.

I’ve read most of Wanda’s Amish fiction and I’ve never been disappointed with her books. I had never read anything about Quakers before but I was excited to give this book a try. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the book. It was well written and I’d read more Anabaptist or Quaker fiction that is written by this author.


Amanda was set to marry Nathan Lane, but the day before their marriage he announced that he had fallen in love with another woman. As if adding insult to injury—Penelope claimed to be Amanda’s close friend!

Brokenhearted, Amanda talks to her father about leaving their State of New York to be missionaries to the Nez Perce Indians. Along the way, tragedy befalls—multiple times. It’s no real surprise, really. A three thousand mile journey is no easy feat—especially in the 1800’s. Traveling was fraught with danger and Amanda has seen her share of it.

To fulfill a promise to her dying father, Amanda continues on her journey. She is rescued from a precarious situation by a mountain man by the name of Buck. She is taken, by Buck, to the home of another local mountain man, Jim and his wife, Mary.

Mary is a skilled herbalist, in truth, her name is Yellow Bird and though she is pregnant with their first child—Jim is positively awful to her. You see, Yellow Bird is an Indian maid that was traded to Jim. Jim is a hard man, he blames himself for the death of his first wife and in his grief, and he won’t allow himself to love his young wife.

As time goes on, Amanda finds herself being able to witness to Mary and Jim. She becomes great friends with Mary and even gets to help with the birth of Mary’s son, Little Joe. It is after their son is born that Jim comes to accept Christ and agrees to help Amanda reach her destination –the Spaulding Mission.

Once again, Amanda is on the trail. Unfortunately, tragedy seems to strike at every turn and during an hour of great need, Buck is once again thrown into Amanda’s life. Amanda finds herself falling for the intriguing “half-breed” but it isn’t his parentage that is a problem. It is his lack of faith.

This is a beautiful love story that emerges from the ashes—actually, there are three love stories. Beautifully written and like real life—filled with heartache and joy.

I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to friends of historical and Christian fiction
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A nationally recognized authority on the Amish community, Wanda E. Brunstetter has seen her book sales over the two million mark. Wanda enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and continues to visit their communities throughout the country. Her books have won numerous awards and topped several bestselling charts. http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/

I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Guardian of the Flame by T.L. Higley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 17+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

Two words sum up this book. Awesome-Sauce! Never thought you’d read that word in a book review, did ya?

I admire Tracy, so much. She’s so intelligent and has a real gift and talent for capturing ancient history. I learn so much about historical facts—she really knows her stuff! Fictional characters are beautiful interwoven into a tapestry or real-life historical figures.

This book has it all, romance, adventure, suspense and a message of God’s love for us.


The year is 48BC in Alexandria, Egypt. Sophia is keeper of the great lighthouse. While her young friend, the young and newly reigning, Cleopatra, is determined to gain the interest of Julius Caesar; Sophia is determined to never love again.

That vow may be harder than she anticipated. When Bellus and his soldiers are ordered to secure the harbor and take up residence in her Lighthouse—Sophia hardens her heart against the promise of love. See, Sophia can’t even love herself and she sure can’t imagine anyone else loving her.

my amazingly signed copy!

This book deals with a lot of immorality of the day, the worship of multiple deities and also introduces Sophia of the One God of Israel. At this point we’re seeing the events leading up to the coming Christ child and we get an idea of the political situation of the day.

I think for me, I can relate to Sophia. I have felt unlovable in my life. I don’t understand how God could ever choose to love me. All I can do is choose to let him do so.

This book is beautifully written. The characters are likeable and realistic. The setting and the scenery is so intricately detailed that you’ll feel as if you’re there. Beautiful imagery and emotionally engaging, this was definitely a five-star book.
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Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows.

Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures. See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com