Wednesday, August 13, 2025

My Thoughts on Prisoner of Beauty (C-drama TV Series)

My Thoughts:

This is the second C-drama that I have finished. This one seems to take place more in a Medieval time period with lots of political machinations. This is not a fantasy one, so no magic. There was definitely some violence as there are battles. For further content there is no language that I can remember and the marital scenes are fade to black.

This was about an arranged marriage between two warring clans due to a broken agreement that happened 14 years ago that sees our ML's family killed. He holds on to this hate for a good amount of time even as he marries the enemies daughter.

Our FL has taken the advice of her dying grandfather, to be good to her husband and like water wearing down a rock, be gentle with his heart like that. There was a lot of water metaphors as the landscape deals a lot with canals and helping the people of the land with water so the drought and starvation will end.

This I would class as a type of Beauty and the Beast story. The romance pacing was well done and they really grow in their relationship. The side characters are great and you are invested in their stories as well. There is even a bit of humor sprinkled throughout this family drama. Warning: though this ends well it is quite a gripping, bittersweet ending for our characters that we have grown to care about.

This is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles and as of right now can be viewed on YouTube. I believe there are 36 episodes and the cinematography and elaborate costumes make this a beautiful show. I considered it a comfort show and it was addicting.

My Thoughts on Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (C-drama TV Series)

My Thoughts:

Ok. I am going to do a little something different for a change. This blog has been dedicated to books since I began it. However, I want to do something besides just blog about books. I want to also let my readers know of fun movies and TV shows that I truly enjoy. So while this will still remain mostly about books, I do want to highlight from time to time some shows or movies that have really caught my interest.

Right now I am really enjoying Asian dramas. That includes C-dramas and K-dramas. I know they have been around for awhile, but I have only just discovered them this year. And there is no going back for me. I have been somewhat burned-out on American television and movies for a while, so I am quite happy at branching out and I have found some winners.

The first show I am going to highlight is Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. It is the first C-drama I watched and I really feel like I hit a home-run with this one. It has actually dethroned my favorite British drama, Poldark, after being my favorite show for 10 years.

They are completely different genres, but Love Game is now my favorite. If you like fantasy, magic, and especially enemies to lover romance tropes, this is perfect. FYI, the leads do battle what they call "demons". I want to make a note that I will not read or watch anything with fallen angel tropes.

The "demons" in this show are fantasy ones. Think fairies, sprites, nymphs, like Greek myths. That is the best I can describe them, and I have actually done a little study on why the monsters in Asian cultures are mostly called demons. But I wanted to make mention of that and that there is fantasy magic involved. Also for content warning there are a few bad words sprinkled throughout. I think a handful, five or six swears, nothing gratuitous and no taking of the Lord's name in vain.

So, this was just a fun and exciting show. The story revolves around the heroine who in our modern world is looking forward to reading her new fantasy novel she just got. Saturday is her day of relaxation and reading her novel after a long hard week at work. Unfortunately, work calls and her book turns out to be a downer. Lo and behold she decides to vent her frustration and write a review, a bad one. Then she is pulled into the story world called Catching Demons with some goals she needs to fulfill if she wants to get back to reality. The catch, she is the villainous side character. I don't want to say much more, as that all pretty much happened in the first five minutes. And this show is so much fun to experience, especially for a book lover and reviewer like me.

There were a lot of positive themes throughout, like working as a team, the importance of family, good versus evil, sacrifice, true love, and familial love that is shown. With stunning visual effects and melodious music, there is no wonder why I adore it and is a rewatch. This is in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles and can be viewed on Netflix or YouTube as of right now.

There is also a region free DVD collection available. I did purchase one as I adored the show so much I wanted a physical copy. Plus the artwork is lovely.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

My Thoughts and More on The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder

About the Book

Book: The Puzzle Within

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 13, 2025

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.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was an intriguing, sometimes creepy read of an almost real life scenario of an escape room. I have yet had the pleasure of doing an escape room game, but I certainly wouldn't want it to follow me into real life.

FBI agent Arizona Powers is trying to get back into her job after she had a nervous breakdown, even though others doubt her abilities now. She is given an assignment to protect Bridgette, a young socialite and daughter of an ambassador who is receiving threats. Ari, Arizona, is being paired up with a risk analyst, Nick Trueheart.

Nick also is an interesting character with a different background. Originally being an entertainer as an escape artist till the sudden death of his wife. His story put me in the mind of one of my favorite shows, The Mentalist due to their unique capabilities. So, that is also how my mind pictured him.

Ari is even beginning to doubt her own sanity when nightmares, or so she thought they were nightmares, start manifesting themselves in real life. Thankfully she has Nick to rely on as he is experiencing the same. The Enigma, as the villain is calling themselves, is quite fascinated with both Ari and Nick and likes playing games with them. Will Ari and Nick be able to figure out this dangerous puzzle and save Bridgette and themselves? And what does any of this have to do with Ari's past? What about Nick's? Great read to keep you up at night and this is just the first in a series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

More from Gina

The story of The Puzzle Within began four years ago with the seed of an idea based on my enjoyment of Escape Rooms. I imagined a villain that moved an escape room into the “real world” and an FBI agent with nightmares that no one could or would explain.

In 2023, I entered the first five chapters into Scrivening Press’s “NovelStarts” contest and won first place in the Mystery/Suspense category. In the last three months of 2023, I wrote the entire novel, then spent the next couple of months in editing mode. My beta readers gave me feedback, and I incorporated their thoughts. In June of 2024, I entered The Puzzle Within into Scrivening Press’s “GetPubbed” contest and won the grand prize, a publishing contract.

It’s been my dream since a young age to be a traditionally published author, but it’s God who gets all the glory. I write for Him and His glory, and it’s my prayer that The Puzzle Within will touch lives as well as entertain readers.

A large focus in The Puzzle Within are the riddles, puzzles, and ciphers Enigma leaves for Arizona and Nick in their pursuit of a kidnapped teenager and the truth behind Arizona’s nightmares.

This message below is coded in Caesar Cipher. To solve, take each letter and shift it by four letters, wrapping around from Z to A. So, A=D, B=E, C=F… and so on. (Traditionally, the Caesar Cipher shifts by thirteen letters, but I didn’t want to make it that difficult.)

Once you solve the code, leave a comment below with an emoji if you’ve figured it out—but no spoilers!

Somewhere in the story, a truth waits to be uncovered.

It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s hidden.

Can you crack the code?

Ksh mw Ksh—erh xlex’w kssh irrsxl jsv qi.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Cover Lover Book Review, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 8

Life, Love, Writing,, August 9

Bizwings Book Blog, August 10

Holly’s Book Corner, August 11

Pause for Tales, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 13

For the Love of Literature, August 14 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54265

My Thoughts and More on The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

About the Book

Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Freddie and Grace are at it again. Thrust into the throes of a mystery when they were least expecting. They should just accept that as their fate in life, but this time they thought things were different. This time the mysteries are surrounding Grace's family. Secrets and failings she didn't know about, and everything is coming to a head. Including murder and murder charges.

Freddie just wanted to surprise Grace and take her back to The USA and see her family. However, Freddie and Grace are the ones surprised instead as unexpected danger has found them unawares.

This story has Grace a bit ruffled and even questioning if she is a good match for Freddie when broken promises come to light. I like how Freddie reassures her, though their marriage started off a bit rocky, he most assuredly loves her and with their growing little family, they must have faith they will get out of this current situation safely as well.

This was another great story to add to their lives. I like seeing this married sleuthing couple navigating the challenges that are presented to them with grace, faith, and most importantly love. There are in it together.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

“Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

The Sacred Line, July 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 1

Jodie Wolfe, August 1

Worthy2Read, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

Devoted To Hope, August 2

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 4

Min Reads and Reviews, August 4

Stories By Gina, August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Daysong Reflections, August 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 6

Betti Mace, August 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

An Author’s Take, August 10

Lily’s CornerLily’s Corner, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 12

Pause for Tales, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54262

Sunday, August 10, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Love's True Measure by Lori Dejong

About the Book

Book: Love’s True Measure

Author: Lori DeJong

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Shannon Trent has dedicated her life to ministering to teens, even as she hides secrets that haunt her past. Born into privilege, she’s built a simpler life away from the expectations of her influential family. She’s content on her own, believing that to open her heart would mean unearthing her deepest shame. But when her charming neighbor stirs feelings she’s never allowed herself to entertain, his lack of faith provides the perfect excuse to keep her distance.

Hunter Kavanaugh has spent years chasing his dream career. But when his mother’s sudden death leaves him the sole guardian of his teenage sister, his carefully curated world begins to crumble. Struggling with grief, anger at God, and the demands of his job, Hunter is surprised when Shannon’s unwavering faith begins to resonate with him—and her ability to connect with his sister draws him closer.

As Hunter and Shannon navigate their growing bond, unexpected challenges force them to confront their fears and priorities. Both must either choose to trust God’s plan is far greater than their own, or risk losing the love of a lifetime.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

When Hunter Kavanaugh's life is thrown into a tailspin, his mother's unexpected death and now the guardianship of his sister, he really has no one to rely on except his pretty neighbor whom he shares a humiliating first meet with. Besides all that, his job takes up more time than it should as he has ambitious goals of making partner.

Shannon Trent is working on her master's degree for adolescent therapy. She meets Hunter's sister Brylie and sees a hurting soul. Wanting to help out where she can, Shannon, Hunter, and Brylie form an easy friendship. Hunter and Shannon of course, begin to see something more than friendship, however, there are obstacles to get over.

Will Hunter always let his work rule him? What about Brylie, is her future safe and secure with her brother? And Shannon, though, looking like she has it all together, she has some secrets from her past that may make Hunter run away from her.

Forgiveness and letting go of shame are major themes in this story. Addressing addiction like alcoholism and its effect on the family and others is also touched on. This was a good romance with a life-changing faith that will eventually help all involved.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty-plus years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter graduated from college and settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with her husband, and the sweetest grand-dog ever.

Lori loves to write about love and romance and all that fun stuff, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori’s debut novel, “Love’s True Calling”, Book One of her True Calling Series, was the 2020 winner of the Scrivenings Press Novel Starts Contest, winner of the 2022 ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year, and a doubl-finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards. “Love’s True Home” was released in 2024 and is a 2025 Selah Awards finalist.

More from Lori

As soon as Shannon Trent showed up in chapter one of my debut novel, Love’s True Calling, I knew she had a story. That there was something underneath all that joy and spunk that haunted her. That she felt she had to hide.

Although born to a life of privilege, she doesn’t want her name to be the measure of her worth. Determined to live a simpler life, she dials in to her faith, only wanting to be and do whatever God says she should be and do.

Hunter Kavanaugh, on the other hand, has overcome the instability of his teenage years to forge his own path. He’s made something of himself by his own grit and determination, and he measures his worth in terms of his success and the things it provides him.

When these two literally run into each other outside their building, his grumpy disposition, and obvious high-powered job, leave Shannon unimpressed. No matter how handsome he might be, she has no intention of getting to know this neighbor any better.

But God …

When these two meet up again, a friendship blossoms. Her heart threatens to take her somewhere she’s never been before, but his unbelief gives her the perfect reason to keep her emotional distance.

When God gave me this story concept, I was a little intimidated. Would I be able to convey the heart of a good man who didn’t have faith? Would I be able to flesh out a woman who had an abundance of faith yet still harbored shame from her past?

But as I started writing this story, I fell in love with these two and their journey to discover the true measure of their worth … and the true measure of love.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, August 2 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 3 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 4

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

Guild Master, August 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Fiction Book Lover, August 9 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 10

Vicky Sluiter, August 11 (Author Interview)

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 11

Texas Book-aholic, August 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 12

For the Love of Literature, August 13 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54274

Saturday, August 9, 2025

My Thoughts and More on The Bartered Bride by Erica Vetsch

About the Book

Book: The Bartered Bride

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A rebellious suffragette and a steadfast sailor—tied by duty, divided by secrets, and tempted by a love that changes everything.

A born sailor, Jonathan Kennebrae thrives in his role running his grandfather’s shipping enterprise. That is until his grandfather delivers a crippling ultimatum—Jonathan will marry Melissa Brooke or lose his inheritance and everything he’s worked for. Though Jonathan finds himself drawn to Melissa, he can’t help feeling his intended may not be who she appears to be.

Melissa Brooke is tired of being voiceless. She’s been the perfect daughter all her life, doing what she’s told for the good of the family. Except she has a secret. Melissa lives a double life, teaching literacy to struggling immigrant women and fighting for the suffragette movement. If she goes through with the wedding, she’ll be forced to abandon her life’s work. Yet refusing the union could cost her any chance at an inheritance to fund her cause. To make matters worse, she can’t deny the tender feelings blooming between her and her fiancé.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Jonathan Kennebrae and Melissa Brooke have been arranged to be married. Not by their choice, no. His grandfather and her father made the deal. For love, no, but for business and to strengthen both family names. However, both Jonathan and Melissa are going to put up the fight of their lives to avoid the altar, unless they fall in love first.

This was a great romance of a reluctant couple who fall in love anyway, making peace with their circumstances, and actually think they may be happy. That is until the rug is pulled out from under them and long held secrets come gushing forth. Can they overcome these new obstacles, believe in one another, or is Melissa just a bartered bride?

There is plenty of drama, romance, and faith in this story to curl up with, just be aware you might want to stay up all night reading.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online where she spends way too much time!

More from Erica

Do you ever wish you could turn back time? That’s what I recently got to do, as I read through my very first published novel, The Bartered Bride, that is now being re-released by Wild Heart Books.

What a blast from the past. I was amazed at all the feelings that rushed back in as I revisited Duluth, MN in the last century. Melissa and Jonathan hadn’t changed a bit in sixteen years.

The story idea first came to me as I sat in church awaiting the start of the service. There I was, a not-yet-published-author, minding my own business when the plot sort of burst into my head. An arranged marriage set in Duluth, and using the “Gales of November” and the wreck of the Mataafa…

I jotted down a few notes, because face it, the best idea for a novel could pop into my head, and if I don’t write down the gist, I will forget it in two minutes.

I wrote The Bartered Bride in about six weeks, and I sent it through my critique group of the time. Then my agent submitted it to the publisher in the spring of 2008.

And we waited.

And waited.

We heard nothing for months. My agent sent word that the publisher was still considering it, and I was to be patient. It wasn’t a no, but it also wasn’t a resounding yes!

I had already started the sequel to The Bartered Bride, a story called Marriage Masquerade, so I finished that one, and then with summer upon me, I wrote a new story, Clara and the Cowboy, about an heiress to a ranch and one of the cowboys who rode for her father. Maybe the publisher would like that series better. I heard nothing all summer on either of the two series I had proposed and submitted.

Then in September of that year, I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. The conference was being held in Minnesota, just a hop up the road from where I live. I ferried agents and editors from the airport to the hotel, I met people, I sat in workshops, all the time wondering if I would ever be a published author. Would my writing ever be ‘good enough’? Was I wasting my time?

Imagine my surprise when the publisher to whom I had submitted The Bartered Bride took the stage at a general session and announced that they were offering a contract to me for that book! Not only that, but when I had an appointment with the editor later, she offered not only a three-book contract on the The North Star Brides, but an additional three-book contract for the Brides of Money Creek of which Clara and the Cowboy was book one!

I had sold six books! The rest of the conference, you could have bought me for a dollar.

Melissa and Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. They were the couple that started it all. I’m so glad they are getting a new start, and hopefully they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they have mine.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 28

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 28

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

lakesidelivingsite, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Betti Mace, July 31

Fiction Book Lover, July 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Devoted To Hope, August 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Devoted Steps, August 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Simple Harvest Reads, August 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Stories By Gina, August 4 (Author Interview)

Inklings and Notions, August 4

For HIm and My Family, August 5

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Book Looks by Lisa, August 7

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Bizwings Book Blog, August 8

Vicky Sluiter, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Cover Lover Book Review, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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My Thoughts and More on More than Conquerors by Carole Towriss

About the Book

Book: More than Conquerors (Planting Faith Series Book 2)

Author: Carole Towriss

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: March 25, 2024

Kassandra‘s privileged and pampered life explodes when she meets a woman with next to nothing. When a glimpse into the lives of those less fortunate turns into a mission to help them, her father offers a choice: act like the daughter of a politarch and marry the man he has chosen––or leave home forever.

Unimaginable loss shakes Jason‘s world to its foundation, and he struggles to keep his faith in the Jewish God. He faces losing everything generations of his family have built, and one of the city’s elite seems determined to make that happen.

A visiting Jewish preacher shakes up the synagogue—and then the town—with outrageous claims. Paulos’s teachings fascinate Kassi but contradict everything Jason believes. As pressure amps up on every side, they must decide how much they are willing to risk to follow The Way.

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My Thoughts:

In this story we are taken to Thessalonica where we get a glimpse of the culture that Jason and Kassandra live in. Jason is the main lead in this story; this is the same Jason that is briefly mentioned in the Bible. We don't know a lot about him, so through fiction the author has given us his story.

I found this story interesting for both characters, Jason a Jew and Kassandra a Greek. Both of them live and for the most part abide by the rules that is set before them. Mostly by family, religion, and culture. However, both have their eyes opened and a new and better path is opened before them. As they begin to trust in God more, their paths cross and their new priorities line up with one another.

This was an interesting look at a time when the apostle Paul was spreading the Gospel and the persecution that took place from all around.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carole Towriss is a Californian living on the East Coast. When she isn’t writing, researching, or editing her latest book, you can find her (and her cat) watching British television, googling obscure facts, or talking to one of her four kids.

More from Carole

More than Conquerors is the second book in the “Planting Faith” series. Each book is set in a city where Paul established a church. Book 1, Sold into Freedom, took place in Philippi and featured the woman with the spirit of prophecy and the jailer. I’m currently writing a novel set in Athens, and I hope to follow that with one set in Corinth.

I like to write about people who are mentioned only a few times in Scripture. Jason is mentioned only once, in Acts 16, and Kassandra is one of the ”prominent women” who came to faith under Paul. Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and Lydia are all here, but they are minor characters.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Jason and Kassandra, and experience what it was like to be part of one of the earliest churches.