Book Review of 'The Dutch Muse' by Heidi Eljarbo

Hello Bookworms!!

I am SO excited today! Why? Because I am featuring a novel from one of my favorite authors and favorite series! This series has awakened a love for art history that I didn’t even know existed, while also feeding my love of mystery and dual timelines.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Historical Mystery and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Dutch Muse 
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: June 17, 2025 
Genre: Clean Historical Dual-Timeline Mystery with a touch of romance

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.  

Amsterdam, 1973. It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city. 

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities. 

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.  

Amsterdam, 1641 

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist. 

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.  

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.  

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Book Review of 'The Ark and the Dove' by Jill Eileen Smith

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I hope you all had a good weekend and had a Happy Father’s Day! Our celebrations were low-key since we weren’t feeling too well over here, not to mention some storms that rolled through that kept us homebound, but it was still a nice, relaxing day at home regardless.

Today I am featuring another Biblical Fiction that my husband actually chose for me to read this year. For those that don’t know, I have been struggling with my mental health this year, and my sweet husband chose some novels from my library that he thought might help.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Biblical Fiction and let me know in the comments if you’ve read any other good Biblical or historical fictions recently that you’d recommend for me.

About the Book

Title: The Ark and the Dove
Author: Jill Eileen Smith 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: February 27, 2024
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

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Book Review of "Tandem Cottage" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Hello Bookworms!

Today is a very special day for me as it’s my mom’s birthday! I have been blessed with the most wonderful role model a girl could ask for. She has been my biggest supporter and my prayer warrior for life, and I don’t know what I’d do without her. So, a huge happy birthday to you, Mom!! I hope you have the most amazing day!

To celebrate, I am posting a review from a series that is new to me but that I instantly fell in love with, so I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Women’s Christian Fiction, and I hope you have a blessed weekend!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tandem Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tandem Cottage 
Series: Mackinac Cottage Series #3 
Author: Carie Fancett Pagels 
Publisher: Hearts Overcoming Press 
Release Date: April 28, 2025 
Genre: Women's Christian Fiction

From Multi Award-winning and Bestselling Author, Carrie Fancett Pagels

Newly minted computer science graduate, Alyssa, has plans to obtain work and finally live independently with her son. Summer programming for Alyssa’s son, who has Aspergers, is tossed when his biological father and new wife, an attorney, insist on summer visitation. With her plans completely upended, Alyssa pursues a job on Mackinac Island with the hopes of acquiring an internship. Young widower, Carter, who has suffered the tragic loss of his wife, is working remotely on Mackinac Island as a computer programmer and hires Alyssa as nanny for his baby girl.

Susan, a social worker with unknown links to Alyssa, is also Carter’s former group therapist. Susan consults at a Mackinac Island summer-long retreat as she mulls retirement options. With Alyssa’s estranged grandmother a famous television evangelist, Susan’s mother the senior-most congressional representative, and a mysterious artist all adding their dramatic flair to the Mackinac Island mix—what could go wrong?

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Book Review of 'How to Kill a Giant' by Carol Schlorff

Hiya Bookworms!

Today I am switching things up a bit and featuring a novel that isn't in my typical genre pool. I've been doing this a quite a bit recently as I've found it's really helpful to get myself out of a reading rut. If you too feel like you're reading the same book over and over then I suggest doing the same. You'll be surprised at just how satisfying reading something out of your norm can be. 

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Middle Grade Action and Adventure Fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for How to Kill a Giant by Carol Schlorff, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: How to Kill a Giant 
Series: How to Be a Hero #1 
Author: Carol Schlorff 
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing Inc 
Release Date: June 11, 2023 
Genre: Middle Grade Action and Adventure Fiction

He lost his courage. Will meeting a real superhero help him find it?  

An awful summer ... Thirteen-year-old Hugo is miserable. His move to a small Pennsylvania town has brought him nothing but trouble. Ignored by his new classmates and a favorite target for the school bullies, Hugo lets fear rule his life. It's going to be a long summer.  

An unexpected twist ... Hugo meets siblings Julia and Stefan, who are just as unhappy as he is. After finding a mysterious old Bible, all three are magically transported to ancient Israel, where they meet the young shepherd David, who suspects they're spies. The trio is caught up in a scary world where danger lurks on every side.  

A terrifying adventure ... As Hugo and his friends navigate the perils of this strange and frightening land, Hugo must face his greatest fear—that he's a coward. His only hope of survival is to learn the secret of David's bravery, but will he do so in time to face his biggest test? Find out in this thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and faith.  

How to Kill a Giant is a 2024 Christian Indie Awards Winner. 

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Book Review of 'A Slight Change of Plans' by Denise M. Colby

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a novel by an author and series that I recently discovered, and I’m so grateful I did! No one likes it when their life’s plans are drastically altered, but sometimes the biggest derailments can end up being the greatest blessings.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on Christian Historical Fiction, and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing three-winner giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Slight Change of Plans by Denise M. Colby, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Slight Change of Plans
Series: Best-Laid Plans #2
Author: Denise M. Colby
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

She believes she doesn’t matter. 

Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes, and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home uncertain of her next step.  

His scars have made him an unlovable outcast. 

Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance, and even more so at his eagerness to assist her. 

As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk.  

Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other?  

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Book Review of 'The Puzzle Within' by Gina Holder

Hello Bookworms!

There is nothing like getting into a good romantic suspense in my opinion. I once dreamed of being an investigator myself, so when I delve into a case, I feel like I am vicariously living a dormant dream. Does anyone else do this, or is this just a me thing?

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Romantic Suspense and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Puzzle Within 
Series: The Game Masters #1 
Author: Gina Holder 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 
Release Date: June 3, 2025 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who's been receiving threats signed: Enigma. 

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as "Nick of Time" turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette's security detail, his biggest concern isn't the threats—it's the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers. 

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

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Book Review of 'Lion of Judah' by Henry O. Arnold

Hello Bookworms!

Henry O. Arnold has been one of those authors whose words have touched my spirit recently. So far, I’ve only read his contemporary fiction, so I was excited to finally have the opportunity to read one of his Biblical fictions.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Biblical/Historical Fiction and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours. 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lion of Judah by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lion of Judah
Series: The Song of Prophets and Kings #5
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Genre: Biblical/Historical Fiction

The new king is crowned in triumph…
But his pride proves to be a fatal flaw…
And from out of his own house calamity falls upon him 

Once a shepherd, a captain, and a fugitive, David is now king. He left behind the dangers of life on the run and embraced the comforts of living in the palace. No longer known as the “giant-slayer,” but as the “lion of Judah,” King David enjoys the popularity and prosperity brought on by his victories. 

But peace in the nation of Israel has a double-edged sword. David’s pride subverts his judgment, and his desires overwhelm his heart leading him down a dark pathway. The king will go to any lengths to cover up his crimes, but disaster falls upon the House of David bringing this broken and contrite king to cry out to Yahweh for mercy.  

Lion of Judah continues the tale of triumph and tragedy, deepest love and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings. 

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Spotlight on 'Burning Hearts' by Lisa Phillips

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I don’t know about you guys, but I have been feeling all the feels lately. There have been some sudden losses in my family recently, not to mention all of the graduations, birthdays, and anniversaries that I am inundated with this time of year, so it’s not surprising that my emotions are all over the place. When life gets overwhelming, that's when I find myself running to a good novel, like the one I am featuring today.

Please enjoy a wonderful excerpt from this Romantic Suspense and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Burning Hearts by Lisa Phillips hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Burning Hearts 

Series: Chasing Fire: Alaska #1 

Author: Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: May 27, 2025 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.

THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE… 

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips. 

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother…and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia. 

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving. 

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska’s Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he’ll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head… 

And hunted. 

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them…and the terrible cost of a second chance at love. 

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Fire: Alaska romantic suspense series.

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Book Review of 'The Surprise Next Door' by Tara Randel

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

Love that is unexpected is one of my favorite stories to read, and the novel that I am featuring today highlights this in the best way possible. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this contemporary romance and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Surprise Next Door
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #1
Author: Tara Randel
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Should they take a chance… On unexpected love? 

Chasing her escape-artist rescue dog, Gus, into the neighbor’s yard wasn’t on Nicole Connelly’s agenda for her first day back in her hometown. Especially when Gus’s antics bring her under the suspicious gaze of the gorgeous single dad next door. Staying on the move has kept her heart safe for twelve years. But veterinarian Ethan Price and his adorable daughter make Nicole wonder if staying in Golden might be worth the risk. Is she ready to overcome the past and find her forever home with a loving instant family?

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