Voice of the Ancient: A Beautiful Coming of Age Story

Since her debut novel Counted with the Stars Christy-award winning historical fiction author Connilyn Cossette has cemented herself as one of my favorite Biblical Historical writers. I was so ecstatic to read Voice of the Ancient the first book her new The King's Men series. 

Avidan is the oldest son of a Levite and a Philistine. The responsibly of his family's legacy is important to him, but he also feels the pull of something more and that is fighting for their newly crowned King Saul alongside his cousins. He and his cousins set off intent on proving they are ready for war.  One aspect of this story that I appreciated was the close-knit bond Avidan shares with his cousins almost like they are brothers. The one battle that he does fight in makes him realize he's not ready mentally or emotionally to be a solider. When his younger cousin goes missing, and Avidan abandons the battlefield intent on finding his cousin. 

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powers clan chiefs in Manasseh. She's on the run from a forced marriage to a man who is physically abusive and older than her father. Escaping with her horse Sarru she seeks to find protection and solace with her mother's people. 

Meeting Avidan she's surprised at how he continuously shows her kindness, respect and protects her during their journey. She's not accustomed to men that treat her as anything more than the highest bride price. 

Avidan and Keziah had a natural chemistry of friendship that formed into a sweet romance. Their connection exemplified how genuine companionship can evolve into something even more profound, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to their journey.

I read Voice of the Ancient in three days. Ms. Coseette keeps you turning pages with a plot that keeps gradually developing. A trend I'm seeing in some fiction is how authors alternate chapters from the hero and heroine's viewpoints. This method of writing is interesting to me because it allows the reader to get more in-depth insight into the character or scene. Sometimes the male perspective comes a cross as very similar to the females, and honestly is not good, lol. However, I do feel like Ms. Coseette did a wonderful job of creating two distinct voices. 

If Biblical Historical fiction is your genre you NEED to add Connilyn Coseette's books to your TBR pile. Your reading experience will be both entertaining and insightful because to her expert storytelling and thorough attention to historical accuracy. Dive into her compelling stories to set out on a voyage that keeps you captivated from the first page.

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee 

~~Voice of the Ancient was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

A Cross-Country Wedding is Cross-Country Fun

 

Multi-talented author Courtney Walsh follows up her delightful A Cross- Country Christmas (Part of her Road Trip Romance series) with... drum roll please A Cross-Country Wedding!

Maid-of-Honor Maddie Rogers is determined to attend her best friend Lauren's wedding. When her current boyfriend dumps her, she turns to best friend Simon Collier to be her date for the wedding. Will their forced proximity cause them to realize they have feelings beyond friendship for one another?

Maddie has a heart of gold and is fiercely loyal to her friends, she's feisty, a total free spirit, and at times a little bit of a hot mess. She makes for a fun, likeable and engaging heroine to read. Although honestly I found her a bit challenging to relate to. (Probably because I'm a type A personality who likes to be prepared, so I struggled with the "fly by the seat of pants" attitude she had.) 

Despite not being completely onboard with #TeamMadddie train, I still found myself rooting for her and Simon's opposites attract, best friends to more relationship. 

And Simon...let me tell you about Simon. I found his whole, brainy, buttoned up, alphabetizes his fridge personality absolutely endearing and charming. It was amusing how literally everyone in the story except Maddie realizes Simon is in love with her.

One aspect of Maddie and Simon's relationship I appreciated was neither of them tried to change the other. They accepted each other as who they were. Isn't this what we all want? Someone to love us unconditionally despite all our quirks and idiosyncrasies? 

Ms. Walsh absolutely amps up the banter between Simon, Maddie and all the characters in A Cross-Country Wedding. Her witty dialogue and humorous scenes kept the plot moving. Along with that, the dual points of view narrative (Maddie and Simon) that the author writes in makes this story more interesting because you feel like you get to know the characters better and, in my opinion, make the story that much mote engaging.

A Cross-Country Wedding can be read as a standalone, but I feel like you'll get more enjoyment from it if  you've read A Cross-Country Christmas. 

Honestly, I saw A Cross-Country Wedding like a rom com movie in my head while I was reading it and it reminded me a bit of When Harry Met Sally vibe with the long-term best friends. Because of this, in my opinion, you do not want to miss this laugh-out-loud, feel good, heart-melting story. Without giving anything away, I would highly recommend reading this with a delicious chocolate croissant and creamy cup of coffee. Trust me, it will make it even better :  )

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee 

~~A Cross-Country Wedding was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Top 10 Favorite Childhood Movies

As an enthusiastic film buff I'm excited to share my top 10 favorite films (in no specific order) from childhood!

These top 10 made my list because I've been watching and re-watching them countless times since I was a kid and these films still continue to inspire me today. They've become my go-to when I need a trip down memory lane or a movie that's both comforting and familiar. You know exactly what's going to happen and can quote the movie forwards and backwards.

Favorite childhood books and films are similar in the fact that the plot never changes, but your perspective changes. Not only does your view shift, but I've noticed re-watching some of these films of late, some scenes have made me more emotional because I understood them differently as an adult versus a child because of life experiences. Have you experienced this too? 

1.)  Anne of Green Gables (1985)

This 1985 mini-series is in my opinion hands down one of the best adaptations of L.M. Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables. Canadian actress Megan Follows captured the spirit of the spunky red-headed orphan. The casting, production, beautiful cinematography and the melodic music capture a different era. Also, if you like your film adaptions as close to the book as possible you need to add this film to your list. 

2.) Anne of Avonlea (1987) 

In the event you needed more Anne, director Kevin Sullivan followed up his popular 1985 mini series with the sequel Anne of Avonlea. Fair warning: the director doesn't really take the remaining Anne books into consideration. I'd say it's more of a mush-up of books 2-4. It's fun to see a grown up Anne and the second fill has all the charm of the first film. * Spoiler alert* the romantic in me just finds the ending of both these films with hero Gilbert Blythe sigh worthy. 

3.) Hoosiers (1986)

If you've read my newsletters you might be scratching your head in confusion how a sports movie made it's way onto my list when I'm not athletically inclined?  I think part of why Hoosiers' made it on my list is because I love that it's inspired by true events of an underdog small town school in Indiana making it  to the state championships and winning coupled with memorable characters and an inspiring musical score. Also, my family and I can quote this movie from beginning to end. 

4.) Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Anytime I watch Singin' in the Rain I feel happiness and joy. I remember when I was 8 years old being mesmerized by Gene Kelly in the title number singing and dancing his heart out with such exuberance. If you can't get enough of musicals you need to add this one to your list...you won't be sorry. Singin in the Rain was 19 year old actress Debbie Reynolds film debut.  A little fun film trivia...Debbie Reynolds was Princess Leia aka Carrie Fisher's mother. 

5.) The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride has everything! Action, adventure, ROUS's, romance, quotable lines, and fair warning there's kissing in it.

6.) The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

Post- Andy Griffith Show the hilarious Don Knotts teamed up with an even funnier Tim Conway and gave us The Apple Dumpling Gang. If you like comical Westerns you need to add this film to your list. The characters Knotts and Conway play are the best part of the movie. In case you needed more there's a sequel called The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. 

7.) The Sound of Music (1965)

I had to include this treasure of a musical Sound of Music inspired by the real life Von Trapp family. Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, 7 precocious children take you on an adventure with songs you can't help but sing set against the backdrop of the majestic Alps. 5 years ago I have the opportunity to see this film in theaters. Check out my blog here.  

8.) The Man from Snowy River (1982)

Who can forget about this classic Western The Man from Snowy River? The epic romance between Jim Craig and Jessica Harrison set against the glorious Australian landscape? The soundtrack to this movie is fantastic. 

9.) Return to Snowy River (1988)

Return to Snowy River is a great sequel. It's a natural extension of the first film with all the elements you love. If you can't get enough of  Jim and Jessica you need to check out this film. 

10.)  It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Christmas in July anyone? It's a Wonderful Life was a tradition in the Hill house around Christmas and even though we didn't watch it on the summertime it's one of those films I equate with my childhood. To this day, it's one of the few Christmas films I watch Every.Single.Year. Check out my blog here.

I hope you enjoyed reading my list of top 10 favorites. Did any of them make your list? Happy movie watching. 

Top 5 Favorite Books for Spring

My Top 5 Spring Reads are here, and I'm excited to share them with you! These books are unquestionably intriguing, I assure you. I was so deeply affected by the stories and people that I continued to think about them long after I had done reading. Do any of your personal favorites appear on this list? Let's explore the magnificent world of books together!

1.   

(

You can read my review here.

2.  

You can read my review here.

3.  

You can read my review here. 

4.  

                        You can read my review here. 

    

5.  

                  You can read my review here. 

 

So there you have it—my top five picks for spring reading! These stories swept me off my feet, took me on incredible excursions, and caused me to experience all kinds of emotions. I highly advise reading these literary treasures whether you're curled up on a porch swing with an glass of iced tea or relaxing on a warm beach (if you're like me, with plenty of SPF slathered everywhere! Ha!). Feel free to hit reply and share your own book recommendations with me if you have any! Let's continue the bookworm celebration. Reading is an adventure! 

Stay bookishly awesome,

Emilee

With Every Memory is a Beautiful Story of Forgiveness and Redemption

 This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive teensy tiny commission for purchases made through these links. I only recommend books and products I love. Thank you so much for the support.

From page one, With Every Memory draws you in. Lori Mendenhall suffered a traumatic brain injury causing her to lose the last eight years of memories, including the memories of her son. Returning home from rehab, she finds it hard to adjust to life after. Her once loving and attentive husband, Michael is now a workaholic and her teenage daughter Avery is sullen and distant after the accident.

As memories return and secrets re-surface will she be able to rebuild her family?

Author Janine Rosche is a new-to-me author, and I absolutely loved her use of imagery and the cadence of her writing. I was blown away, very impressed and drawn into With Every Memory.  Every spare second I had outside of work and life responsibilities, my nose was buried in this book. 

Honestly, I was 75 pages in and already thinking that With Every Memory would be top my list of favorite reads of 2023 and I'm happy to say my reader instincts were correct. Warning: You're going to need some Kleenex when reading the last 20 pages...I ugly cried in my living room. 

Because With Every Memory deals with heavy topics, being in the right frame of mind is key to fully allow you to appreciate this beautiful story. I don't I like giving away plot twists, so I am keeping it vague on purpose for what these heavy topics include. If you would like more direction on what these topics are, feel free to email me and I am happy to let you know what they are. 

I liked how Ms. Rossche built the story between the mother Lori and daughter Avery's view points. It gave the story more depth, propelled the plot forward and gave the reader more insights into the characters. 

Janine Rosche is definitely an author whose books I'll be adding to my ever growing TBR pile.  If you love authentic stories of hope, forgiveness and redemption you need to check out With Every Memory. 

~~With Every Memory was provided to me by the author herself and Revell in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

A Novel Proposal is a Sweet, Feel-Good Summer Read

  This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive teensy tiny commission for purchases made through these links. I only recommend books and products I love. Thank you so much for the support.

Best-selling author Denise Hunter is my go-to author whenever I'm in the mood for a contemporary, feel-good, heart-melting romance. Her books are like potato chips...you can't stop at one. Once you discover her books, you'll want to immerse yourself in all things Denise Hunter. 

Her newest standalone book, A Novel Proposal, is the perfect beach read. It mixes the endearing romance that will have you smiling with Hunter's trademark charm and compelling storytelling.

Twenty-six-year-old Sadie Goodwin writes Westerns, but just discovered her publisher is dropping her due to lack of sales. Adding insult to injury, she also must pay back the publishing royalties unless she agrees to write a romance novel in 3 months. A genre completely foreign to her because she's never been in love. Her best friend, Caroline convinces her to use her mom's duplex rental property in Florida to write her story.

It is at this point that we meet Sam Ford, who is hoping for a peaceful and quiet summer to heal his broken heart. What he doesn't expect is the vivacious Sadie Goodwin and her little yappy dog. When Sadie finds an engagement ring in a book, Sam finds himself helping her out and being drawn to his new neighbor with her exuberant personality.

Sadie was such a likeable and relatable heroine who never met a stranger. I liked her ability to converse with people and make friends easily, it makes her endearing and easy to root for.. By the end of this book, I wanted Sadie to be my new fictional BFF. 

I read this book in 3 days because I simply couldn't put it down. There was a lot of laughter and smiling while reading A Novel Proposal at the scenarios and situations Sadie and Sam find themselves in, along with their magnetic chemistry. 

If you're looking for a sweet, wholesome, happily-ever-after romance, you need to add A Novel Proposal to your TBR pile. Once again, Denise Hunter has created a love story that will make you feel good long after you've finished the book.

** I purchased copy of A Novel Proposal for my own enjoyment. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Witemeyer Wit Plus Fairytale Retelling Equals Magic

 This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive teensy tiny commission for purchases made through these links. I only recommend books and products I love. Thank you so much for the support.

Fairytale re-tellings are some of my favorite reads. I have been waiting none-too-patiently for author Karen Witmeyer's newest release Fairest of Heart, which is part of her Texas Ever After series. Note: If you are the type of reader that likes "exact" or "more precise" fairytale retellings I don't think you'll find it in Fairest of Heart. While there are some references to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Ms.  Witemeyer's latest book manages to stand as it's own story with references to the classic tale.

Normally, I fly though this author's books in a mater of days, however I found myself wanting to pace myself with Fairest of Heart  so I could appreciate the clever nuances the author paid to the original mythical tale. I'm glad I took my time reading this book because I just allowed myself to revel in the story. 

The subtle character allusions to Snow White are seen in Penelope Snow's character such as her sweet disposition, hardworking drive, and her love for baking, to name a few. I loved how quickly Penelope wanted to start helping out at the ranch to show her gratitude and appreciation. 

As the story unravels, you discover a world where being beautiful can be a double-edged sword as Penelope becomes entangled in a web of bad luck.

Enter Ranger Titus Kingsley, a man whose very essence embodies an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. We see the delicate dance of justice and mercy through his eyes. The development of his character serves as a poignant reminder of the balancing act between steely determination and compassionate understanding in the quest of righteousness.

Titus has developed into a hardened cynic who is constantly leery of the fairer sex after witnessing the catastrophic effects of bad love. But fate creates a complicated web when a fascinating young woman who is caught up in questionable events finds sanctuary among the cowhands working at his grandfather's ranch.

One of my favorite and endearing parts of this story was how all the cowhands at the Diamond D Ranch protected and fawned over Penelope. It was like she had seven grandfathers looking out for her. Their protective instincts and genuine fondness for her created a sense of family and belonging that touched my heart.

But it is the unexpected blossoming of romance between Titus and Penelope that truly stole my heart. Their love develops into a tender love story as romantic as any fairytale. Their love goes beyond simple emotion as their relationship develops against a background of uncertainty and hardship, becoming a beautiful love you story you want to be cheering for. 

I love how Karen brings to light a gospel truth in her character's lives throughout the course of the story. Somehow, every single story she writes she manages to seamlessly weave in the good news of the gospel. This is probably the sole reason I'm drawn to her books. Although, as a reader, if you need more motivation to read this author's stories, she always has interesting and developed characters. Having read all of her books, I'm always in awe of the fact that she can make all of her characters unique. It never feels like you are reading about the same character in a different story setting.

Christian Romance is typically labeled as "sweet clean romances." In Fairest of Heart, there are some stronger, more sensual scenes from the villain/villainess point of view.  I believe the author was doing this not for shock factor, but to show the contrast of the word's view of beauty versus God's view of beauty. I think perhaps she was trying to give readers a stark contrast between the wicked heart of the villainess and the pure heart of the heroine.  The reality is we live in a fallen world and sin exists. Seeing the lengths and depths that Narcissa (the villainess) went through to achieve her "means to an end," if you will, made her a more realistic villain. Through this stark contrast, readers gain a deeper understanding of the power of grace and the beauty of a pure heart in the face of darkness.

I know I say this about a lot of Bethany House book covers, but the team seriously outdid themselves with Fairest of Heart. While I love all of Karen's book covers this one might be one of my top favorites. 

Honestly, for me Karen's book came at the right time in my life when I needed the light, happiness and joy her stories always bring me. Come along on a fantastic journey with Penelope Snow and Ranger Titus Kingsley, where the pages are waiting to transport you to a world where fate and love are entwined in the most enchanting ways. If you love romantic stories that are heartfelt with depth you need to add Fairest of Heart at the top of your list. 

~~Fairest of Heart was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~