Revew: A Worthy Rebel

A Worthy Rebel is Jody Hedlund's fifth title in her medieval young adult series, An Uncertain Choice. As with her previous books in the series, it moved from beginning to end. The series has ties to her previous books, An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love and Honor, and A Loyal Heart but it can also be read by itself without previously reading the series. (I would recommend reading the previous titles, because they are great!)

A Worthy Rebel features Isabelle, the sister of Olivia from A Loyal Heart. Isabelle is sent to a neighboring castle to wed. After receiving a horrifying gift from her betrothed, she runs to find a better life.

As with the previous tales in the series, the point of view switches between two characters. In earlier printings, the font was different, In this current Kindle version, it was not the font, but the chapter "flourishes" or "decor" that gives the reader a clue as to who is "I".
Since this was her fifth novel in the series, I looked forward to reading the two points of view and learning about their backgrounds, thoughts, and beliefs.

This is the final book in the series and I bid these characters and families a fond farewell. I loved this series from book one and I will miss their world. I'm glad that I can always return to this time and place by reading these stories again. I look forward to the next book (or new series) by Hedlund. It's always an adventure with heart!

Reviewed from a gift copy.

If you'd like to connect with Jody Hedlund, here's a few places you can connect with her:

Facebook : Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter : @JodyHedlund
Website : jodyhedlund.com
Pinterest : pinterest.com/jodyhedlund
Instagram: @JodyHedlund

Title: A Worthy Rebel
Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Book 05, An Uncertain Choice
ASIN: B07FZ6KBNW

Review: A Loyal Heart

A Loyal Heart is Jody Hedlund's four title in her medieval series, An Uncertain Choice. As with her previous stories, it was full of action from beginning to end. The series has ties to her previous books, An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, and For Love and Honor, but it can also be read by itself without previously reading the series. (I would recommend reading the previous titles, because they are so good!)

Her newest YA novel features Aldric, the brother of Sir Bennett from A Loyal Heart. He has been working to rebuild his life after the loss of his wife. He is under the command of Lord Pitt, who sends him to besiege Lady Olivia's castle. Olivia's father and Lord Pitt are enemies, but it goes further than that with a battle of beliefs and loyalty to family, kingdom, and the Lord.

Hedlund captured my attention from chapter one. It was hard to set A Loyal Heart down. I wanted to read it in one sitting! I did forget that this series rotates point of view between characters - one chapter is Aldric's and another chapter is Olivia's. I'm glad Hedlund kept the format she began with book one, An Uncertain Choice. It was an excellent read. I can't wait for her next book. I'm not sure if another story will be added to An Uncertain Choice series, but she has written other amazing stories. I would highly recommend diving into another series, if you haven't picked one up yet!

Reviewed from a review copy.

If you'd like to connect with Jody Hedlund, here's a few places you can connect with her:

Facebook : Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter : @JodyHedlund
Website : jodyhedlund.com
Pinterest : pinterest.com/jodyhedlund
Instagram: @JodyHedlund

Title: A Loyal Heart
Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Book 04, An Uncertain Choice
ASIN: B0797F1YZC

Review: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second installment in Julie Klassen's series Tales from Ivy Hill. If you are picking up this book before reading book one, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, I would recommend setting it down and getting your hands on the first installment. The story's focus shifts from the The Bell Inn to Ivy Cottage. The characters of Ivy Hill appear in both books and it's a story worth savoring.

I took my time reading this book. I didn't want it to end and I wanted to follow all the characters and their lives in the book. The characters from book one appear in book two with new people arriving in Ivy Hill. Perhaps not new the town, but new to the main characters in the story. Mysteries arrive with some being solved and others remaining unsolved. Klassen kept the feel of an excellent BBC or PBS television show well. Every chapter felt like an episode. I want to re-read this book all ready and I cannot wait for book three, The Bride of Ivy Green, which is coming out in December 2018.


For additional information about the series, Tales from Ivy Hill, visit the website.

Time Period: 18oo's
Location: Ivy Hill, England





Reviewed from an author gift copy. Thank you, Julie Klassen!!

Title: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
Series: Book 2, Tales from Ivy Hill
Author: Julie Klassen
Release Date: December 5, 2017
ISBN: 9780764218156

Review: A Love So True

A Love So True is the second novel in the Teaville Moral Society series by Melissa Jagears. It's a series I jumped into without reading book one, A Heart Most Certain. The cover photo and a familiar author drew me in right away. I previous read her series, Unexpected Brides, and enjoyed the novels.

If you begin reading the Teaville Moral Society with book two, you will be able to follow the described story, "Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. ... While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day." Characters from book one are in book two, but you do not need the backstory if you want to jump right in! I would encourage you to start reading if you enjoy historical fiction, helping others, overcoming adversity, growing in faith, and falling in love.

After reading A Love So True, I'm going to visit my local library and find A Heart Most Certain. I look forward to reading more from Melissa Jagears. To catch the latest news, visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: Progressive Era, 1908
Location: Kansas

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: A Love So True
Series: Book 2, Teaville Moral Society
Author: Melissa Jagears
ISBN: 9780764217524

Review: Love's Faithful Promise

Love's Faithful Promise is the third and final book in Susan Ann Mason's series, Courage to Dream. I greatly enjoyed book one, Irish Meadows and book two, A Worthy Heart. Before reading book three, I reread A Worthy Heart to reacquaint  myself with the O'Learys. I fell in the love with this family in the first novel and looked forward to hearing about them again and again.

The two youngest O'Leary children, Deirdre and Connor, have grown up. Deirdre wants to become a doctor and Connor desires to work at Irish Meadows. Deirdre ends her educational dreams to care for her mother after a stroke and opens her heart to a cantankerous doctor from Toronto with a young daughter. Connor is working his way up in the ranks by starting at the bottom, per his father's instructions. He's in charge of a young new hand that is quiet and mysterious.

Deirdre's story is the most prominent of the two siblings, but Connor's tale is shared. Most of the book is set at Irish Meadows which is the home of the O'Leary's. It was good to return to Irish Meadows (most of book two is set in New York City). When tragedy strikes, the calm and beautiful surroundings of Irish Meadows brings an added layer of healing to more than just the O'Learys.

Besides the setting, I liked the time period of Love's Faithful Promise. WWI occurred between book two and three. The unrest was mentioned in book two and medical after effects were mentioned in book three. Dr. Matthew Clayborne is treating soldiers who were injured in the war. He is part of a new medical movement working in physical therapy.

It's been a captivating read. I cannot believe I need to say goodbye to the O'Learys. Thank you for an excellent series, Susan Anne Mason! Courage to Dream is a series I want to continue savoring. I look forward to see what historical fiction story you'll be writing next!

Time Period: Post WWI, 1922
Location: Toronto, Long Island, and New York City

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Susan Ann Mason and Bethany House!

Title: Love's Faithful Promise
Author: Susan Anne Mason
Series: Book 03, Courage to Dream
ISBN: 9780764217265

Review: Long May She Wave

Long May She Wave is a collection of 100 collectible postcards that feature stars and stripes of America.


The 100 cards are actually two sets of 50 postcards. The description on the box says, "50 flag cards; 2 of each; 1 to share; 1 to keep." Potter Style is the publisher and they have shared a range of over two hundred years. Each postcard shares a brief description that includes the date or circa date. I appreciate the quality of cardstock that was used for the postcards. The cards can be displayed or mailed with confidence that they would last over time. The cardboard storage box (that looks like a book) is also sturdily made. It's a fun collection to keep or to share. Perhaps a good fit for a PostCrossing account?

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Title: Long May She Wave: 100 Stars and Stripes Collectible Postcards
Author: Kit Hinrichs and Delphine Hirasuna
ISBN: 9780553459289

Review: Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Book 01: Beacons of Hope series

Emma and Ryan Chambers (sister and brother) are on a steamboat when it is attacked by pirates. They are rescued and brought to the small settlement of Burnham's Landing. The lightkeeper, Patrick Garraty, is their rescuer. Their brief contact with each other is soon deepened when Emma and Patrick are wed. Patrick needs a wife to care for his young son and Emma wants an occupation to give her brother freedom from his obligation to care for her.

Love Unexpected is about finding freedom, understanding, healing, hope, and home. Jody Hedlund wrote a very captivating novel. She also included an interesting author's note at the end. She shared her love of lighthouses and a bit of history about Michigan's lighthouses and the real Emma Garraty - Mary Chambers Garraty, "Mother to a Lighthouse Dynasty."

I'm looking forward to the next installment in Beacons of Hope series. Will it feature another lighthouse with new light keepers or will it feature some of the characters from Love Unexpected? I feel this series could go either way!

Time Period: 1859
Location: Presque Isle, Michigan, USA

Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: Love Comes Calling

Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell

"Oysters and clambakes" what a tale! Siri Mitchell's newest novel jumps into the Roaring Twenty's in Boston. Ellis Eton becomes wrapped up in unbelievable adventures dealing with school, football, friends, speakeasies, telephones, disappointments, and love. Ellis Eton had a plan - a plan to be a movie star! She had it all worked out, but her friends and family keep making plans and requests for her. She wants to breakaway, but circumstances keep pulling her back.

Siri Mitchell shares Ellis' story in first person, so the reader can see and understand her thoughts, desires, and motivation. At the beginning, it was difficult for me to get drawn into the story because of the perspective, but as the story progressed it becomes clear why Mitchell chose to write her latest novel in first person. Mitchell also adds an author's note at the end of the novel to share more insights about Ellis.

The author's notes also includes historical notes about the 1920's and Prohibition. I greatly appreciated the supplemental notes at the end. I was concerned about some of the faith aspects of the story. Mitchell shared the historical movement of self-improvement and psychoanalysis which includes Emile Coue's mantra, "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." Mitchell wraps up her novel and notes well with the truth, "only God can change hearts."

Love Comes Calling can be a fantastic companion novel to Julie Lessman's novels. Lessman also writes about Boston in the 1920's in her Daughters of Boston series and Winds of Change series.

Time Period: Roaring Twenties, 1924
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!

Review: The LIEographies

 Alan Katz, author of the Silly Dilly Songs, has created a new series for young readers: The LIEographies, or "Absolute Untrue, Totally Made Up, 100% Fake Life Stor[ies]" about historic figures. He begins with Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, and Harry Houdini. (Other historic, as well as modern, individuals also make cameo mentions in this series.)

If readers appreciate humor and ridiculous reads, this is a series for them. The books are easy to read and quick to finish. They're a great way to introduce children to historical figures (even if nothing is true about them.) The author does include a "For Real!" section which suggests additional (true) titles they can enjoy. I would have liked to see more in the "For Real!" section instead of just titles for more information.

I hope readers realize the stories are false and humorous. Is there a possibility that readers will believe these ridiculous stories? I'm not sure. I hope they never end up in a school report! These books would work well for comparison biography reports. I don't need to read these stories again, but if readers want something outrageous this is for them. I would recommend these titles to students around third grade.

Reviewed from NetGalley copies. Thank you, INscribe Digital!

Review: Lily's Plight

Lily's Plight by Sally Laity

Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford's final book of the Daughters of Harwood House series is Lily's Plight. The previous novels were Rose's Pledge (Book 1) and Mariah's Quest (Book 2).

As indentured servants Rose went to the wildness, Mariah went to a plantation, and Lily went to a farming community on the edge of the wilderness. Lily's roll was to care for the family's children and watch over John's ailing and beloved wife, Susan. After Mariah's wedding, Lily's freedom could have been bought, but Lily wanted to stay with the Waldons. She wanted to fulfill her contract and she wanted to remain close to those she loved. Life becomes complicated as the French and Indian War draws closer to the settlement and John worries for his family's safety. Lily remains firm to watch over her young charges in the face of grave danger.

Out of the three Daughters of Harwood House books, Lily's Plight is my favorite. The timeline isn't as rushed or drawn out to cover a long range of time. Laity and Crawford address the dangers of battle and how families in the early settlements needed to work together to succeed. The struggle with faith, love, and family are woven throughout the novel. It was a beautiful conclusion to the Harwood family.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Barbour Publishing, Inc.!

Review: Graphic Novels

During the summer months, I love to read graphic novels. I enjoy a few during the school year months, but it seems that graphic novels collect on my to-read shelf more during June, July, and August. Recently, I picked up Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes, Tower of Treasure, and Nursery Rhyme Comics from my local library. These three stories are vastly different, but equally enjoyable.

Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes by Jarrett J. Krosoczka The Breakfast Bunch along with the loveable lunch ladies of Thompson Brook school return with another unbelieveable adventure! Principal Hernandez asks Dee, Hector, and T to join the Mathletes. Reluctantly, they follow the principal's request and discover a local school rivalry.

I always look forward to Krosoczka's Lunch Lady books. The Lunch Lady is encouraging with the students at school. She also unveils new and hilarious weaponry to save the Breakfast Bunch. For followers of the Babymouse seris, these books are an excellent addition to read.

Tower of Treasure by Scott Chantler Dessa is a traveling acrobat who is on the lookout for her twin brother. He was taken years ago and it's her mission to be reunited with her family. She mistakes a stranger for the kidnapper and ruins the traveling circus show. The boss sends her out to find food and money to make up for the lost of profit. Her co-workers help her out, but also land everyone into more trouble.

Chantler doesn't fill the pages with needless conversation or sound effects. He lets the art speak for itself. His series will appeal to elementary and middle school children. Especially if they enjoy adventure during the medieval period. I look forward to the next book in the Three Thieves series.


Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists by Chris Duffy Nursery rhymes stand strong on their own. Offering the art of celebrated cartoonists adds a wonderful, unique twist that will make this book a popular choice for children and adults. Some rhymes will be familiar and others will be new. The introduction by Leonard Marcus and the editor's note by Chris Duffy add beautiful depth to understanding the history of nursery rhymes.

Review: Little Miss Austen - Pride & Prejudice

Little Miss Austen: Pride & Prejudice by Jennifer Adams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


For any reader who enjoys a classic story, please find a copy to read! I never thought I would see a British novel in board book form. I have enjoyed graphic novels created from historic tomes, but this form is quite enjoyable for all ages. I would suggest this counting primer for readers, teachers, librarians and their children. I look forward to reading more classics as board books.

Reviewed from a library copy.