A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf

It’s Christmas in July!  I would not mind a little snow and colder temperatures today!  I am sharing a book reviewed and read by my daughter, A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf What do you like about Christmas and winter?  

About the Book:  Sixteen-year-old Helen Bell understood tragedy better than most kids growing up—she knew what it was like to wear clothes from donation bins and be mocked by the beautiful girls in school. She thought these brutal experiences made her ready for anything. But she wasn’t ready for this.

After an eccentric girl opens Helen’s eyes to let her see the realm of Winter—a world with intersects tucked carefully into the cracks of our own where monarchs have risen and fallen, it’s forbidden to mention the name of The Dead King of Winter, and the currency is gold rings—Helen realizes that nothing is as it seems anymore. When Helen receives a summons from the Crimson Court to enter into The Quarrel of Sword and Bone; a traditional duel performed before one thousand witnesses that leaves only one survivor, she’s forced to finally pay attention to the handsome boy who’s been following her around with a warning on his tongue.

But other forces are at play as well; a deep feud of ancient powers runs beneath the snow while a rivalry between the Red and Green Kingdoms thrashes above, and a historic Truth speaks in whispers impossible to hear past the chorus of noise. In a race across Winter, Helen is forced to navigate through the voices so she can make it to the key room and unlock a lost message of hope before she’s captured and forced to face the Queen in the bloody duel.

Review by amazing daughter, Eliana:  A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf is an action packed, adventure for young adults.  The story is an allegory similar to The Narnia Chronicles.  The book magically tells the story of Helen as she navigates the realm of winter.  The story tells of duels, sacrifices, and true friendship.   I can not wait until A Heart as Red as Holly, the next book comes out. It’s a wonderful Christian Christmas-themed fantasy book for teens! 

Canadian author Jennifer Kropf recently founded Winter Publishing House, a private publishing company with plans to expand.

November 2020 was the official launch of Book #1 of the Winter Souls Series, A Soul as Cold as Frost, which hit the #1 spot on two bestsellers lists the day it became available and is now available all around the world.

Jennifer went to college for marketing and figured out pretty quick that getting a job in marketing was not going to satisfy her book-hunger in the slightest, so as soon as she started having kids, she began to write her debut novel and form the tale that eventually turned into the Winter Souls Series.

She is married with three kids, lives amidst lush Ontario farmland, and attends a fabulous church in the Wilmot Township that is intent on showing the love of God to the Wilmot community.

Her favourite authors are C.S. Lewis for the life he lived and his passion for God and writing, and J.M. Barrie for introducing her to Peter Pan and Neverland, and Stephanie Garber for giving her the Caraval experience, and also Marissa Meyer, Adrienne Young, and Marie Lu for writing books she could not put down.

In her spare time (which isn’t much) she aims to encourage unplugged family time in the home, especially around the Christmas season, and loves offering new family traditions to adopt into people’s homes during the holidays. She also gives mad props to all moms out there who have kids at home and also try to write books or work from home.

A Soul as Cold as Frost was written with the intention of encouraging parents to read to their kids before bed each night during the holidays–as she plans to do just that with her own kids each year.

Follow her on Instagram @authorjenniferkropf
Facebook Jennifer Kropf Books
Twitter @KropfJen (Though, she’s not a big “tweeter”)
Or, do the regular old Email thing.

“Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.”
– C. S. Lewis

Room at the Top by Kristin Billerbeck

 I was so excited to read Room at the Top.  I am a long time Kristin Billerbeck fan and the story was everything I expected and more.  Room at the top is a wonderful romance with great dialogue, interesting characters, and a true to life family dynamics.  Room at the Top kept me laughing and I can not wait for the other books in the series.  I recommend.  

About the Book: From the author of "What a Girl Wants" comes a funny and romantic new series that celebrates family and sisterhood, even when the relationship seems impossible.Sophia Campelli likes the structure of her predictable life in a rundown Victorian house in the San Francisco neighborhood of North Beach. She’s always told herself her father can keep his wealth and his acknowledgement of her and her twin sister. She’s surrounded by her noisy but lovable Italian family, and that’s all she needs.When she and Gia receive the news their fraternal grandfather has left them something in his will, they meet their three half-sisters for the first time—and receive the astounding news of a massive inheritance.

Kristin Billerbeck is a best-selling, award-winning author of forty published novels Her work has been featured in The New York Times and on "The Today Show." When not writing, Kristin enjoys good handbags, bad reality television, and annoying her adult children on social media

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner is a well-written and thoughtful time slip story. Mindy, who joined her family through adoption during Operation Baby airlift at the end of the Vietnam war, decides to go back and find her birth family.  This starts their family on a journey.

This beautiful story weaves together three distinct timelines from Mindy's Mom, Dad, and her sister as they reflect on their life with Mindy as a part of their family. The three perspectives give the story richness and depth and flow together seamlessly. The descriptive settings for each era are so well written I felt like I was actually in that time period. 

The story took me on a journey through the themes of the challenges of growing up, the after effects of grief, parenting, building a family through adoption, and loving your extended family through hard places.   Highly recommend The Nature of Small Birds. It is  exquisitely written!  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, and Stories That Bind Us, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home.Her next novel The Nature of Small Birds releases in July, 2021.She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women’s events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.

Find her at Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

Stranded at the Sandbar by Jess Mastorakos

Congrats to Jess Mastorakos on the release of Stranded at the Sandbar! This is the 3rd book in the Kailua Marines series, but can be read as a standalone.

                                                        

Buy on Amazon|Add to Your Goodreads TBR

People dream of being stranded in paradise… until it happens for real. You know those dumb quizzes on social media that tell you to pick the one person you wouldn’t mind being stuck on a deserted island with? Well, a few months ago, I would have said Kate, hands down. Easy day. We had a great thing going, and I even thought she was the one. Until she ghosted me. Now she’s back and wants to make amends. She had a reason for what she did, even if it hurt, so against my better judgment I invited her to go fishing on my boat. I definitely didn’t plan for what happened next. And the fierce need inside me to protect her at all costs? That surprised me too. Now we’re stuck together. And even though there’s a chance that this girl is the one for me, I just can’t shake what happened last time. Not with a deployment looming. What happens if history repeats itself and I’m not here to stop it? But first we need to get through this whole being stranded thing. And then after we’re rescued, we’ll deal with the rest. Because there’s no time for romance when you’re busy trying to survive, right? Stranded at the Sandbar is book three in this sweet military romance series and is told in both points of view in first person. Each book can be read as a standalone but are fun to read in order!

My Review: 

Stranded at the Sandbar: A Sweet, Castaway, Military Romance by Jess Mastorakos is a stand alone novel that is also part of a series of sweet, military romances (the Kailua Marines series).  Our story features Kate, who is incredibly afraid of the ocean and is coming out of a bad relationship, and Tyler, a warrant officer in the marines stationed in Hawaii and is known as our “nice” guy. 

Kate and Tyler become stranded as castaways on a deserted island, but luckily Tyler is a survivalist master.  The chemistry between Kate and Tyler is fantastic and they are characters I enjoyed getting to know, and wanted to root for.  The chapters alternate between Kate and Tyler’s perspective.  The characters have incredible dialogue with each other and themselves. I enjoyed this thoroughly     

This was an adventure filled, romantic, fast paced read that was set in the amazing location of Hawaii.   A fantastic read!  I am glad I discovered Jess Mastorakos, and highly recommend Stranded at the Sandbar. I was given the book by the author and required to write a review.

Jess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance. Grab a free book at jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you

A Dream of Family by Jill Weatherholt

A Dream of Family by Jill Weatherholt takes place in the quaint small town of Whispering Springs. It tells the story of Molly Morgan who owns a bookstore that is having financial challenges and Derek McKinney whose successful coffee shop business moves in next door to Molly’s store. Derek and Molly have a complicated relationship that has not gone very well in the past due to both of them having misconceptions of the other. If Molly wants to make her dream of adoption come true she will have to allow Derek to help her with her store.

This is a wonderful book with characters I liked and wanted to invest in. I loved watching the changes in Molly and Derek throughout the story. The fun secondary characters and the small town setting of Whispering Springs made for a great read. You have to love any story that involves a bookstore called Bound to Please Reads!

A Dream of Family by Jill Weatherholt is a sweet story that is all about second chances, forgiveness, and trusting God. Jill is a new to me author, and her books are moving to my must read list! I recommend this sweet story!

I was given a copy by the author and not required to write a positive review.

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.  Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. 

 She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.  She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

An Interview with Author Edwina Kiernan of Pearl's Promise

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Pearl's Promise by Edwina Kiernan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Pearl's Promise 

Series: Gems of Grace #2 

Author: Edwina Kiernan 

Publisher: Moliant Publishing 

Release Date: May 1, 2021 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

A duty-bound heir. A dejected spinster. An encounter that could ruin both their families' demands for their futures... 

Horrified to see the man she had always dreamed of marrying saying his vows to someone else, Pearl Acton’s devastation only seems to confirm one of her deepest fears - that she’ll remain unseen and alone, never mattering to anyone. 

And when her family falls on hard times and seeks to marry her off to a wealthy suitor as soon as possible, her other deepest fear seems inevitable - being trapped in a loveless marriage, just like her parents. 

Until an encounter with a quiet and soulful heir, Nicholas Dalton, sparks a fragile hope that perhaps Pearl might save her family’s fortune and marry for love. 

But when circumstances on both sides of their families take drastic turns, the promise of happiness seems irrevocably shattered. 

As Pearl and Nicholas each strive to uphold their family duties, they soon discover that things aren’t quite what they seem. But is it too late to escape their crushing obligations and forge a new path - together? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

I was very excited to be able to "chat" with author Edwina Kiernan about Pearl's Promise.  She is delightful.  So grab a cup of tea and sit with us as we chat!  

1.  Pearl's Promise is a wonderful story, and I loved the characters.  Is there a character in the story that you relate the most to, or you enjoyed creating?  

I enjoyed crafting all the characters and figuring out who they were and what they were all about, but one of my favourite characters in the book is Eirwen, Nicholas’s horse! I loved expressing the deep bond that can exist between humans and horses, and I feel that Nicholas’s bond with Eirwen helped to highlight his poetic personality and sensitive nature more clearly.

2.  I love learning more about the time period of Regency Romance.  What did you enjoy researching in Pearl's Promise about this time period?   

I enjoyed the research about the gentleman’s club, White’s, that features in the novel, and the research about Mr. Maxwell’s profession. The Regency era (and by extension, the Georgian era in which it resides) is so very different from the way we live today, and there are so many fascinating things to discover with each new novel and each new character! 

3.  How long have you been writing?  Do you write by inspiration or on a schedule?  

I have been writing in some shape or form since I was a little girl. I was writing non-fiction for the past number of years but had always been working on fiction on the side. In 2020, the time seemed right to make the switch to fiction as the main focus, and my first novel was released in November 2020 (after being years in the making!). I write on a schedule. I’m always thinking of writing and phrasings in my head, but I map out each stage of the writing and publishing process and stick to the schedule and word count for each day. 

4.  What do you enjoy reading?  What are you reading now?  

My favourite genres to read are historical romance, historical fiction, the classics, and Christian romantic suspense! I’m a huge fan of all things mystery/detection/deduction, but I don’t like graphic, violent or scary novels. At the moment, I’m reading Christy Barritt’s Squeaky Clean Mysteries series and I love them! They’re fun, upbeat, hilarious, suspenseful and full of faith, and they don’t glorify the crimes that the protagonist is solving (and aren’t scary or creepy). 

5.  If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?  

I’d love to visit California. Living in Ireland, it’s pretty much grey and raining 99% of the time, so hearing about places like San Diego that have pretty much perfect weather all year round... yes, please! 

6.  If you could travel anywhere in time, where would you go?  

Oooh, that’s so hard. There are so many places I’d love to see first-hand. I don’t think anything could beat seeing Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, though. I’d love to go back in time to wave a palm branch and cheer with the crowd there as they welcomed Him. Although, followers of Christ have a similar thing to look forward to in heaven, according to Revelation 7:9-12.

7.  Are you able to share what you are working on now?  

I am currently writing Beryl’s Blessing, the 3rd book in the Gems of Grace series. Not-your-average heroine meets not-your-average hero and they face some pretty tough themes on their journey toward their happily ever after... Guilt, death, disability and forgiveness all play a part in the story. Lord-willing, it’s set to release on November 1st, 2021, and the eBook is available on Amazon to pre-order now.

8 Favorite movie or TV show?  

Amazing Grace (with Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce) and King Arthur (with Clive Owen as King Arthur). Those are my two absolute favourites. I also really love all the Kendrick Brothers movies (Courageous, Overcomer, War Room) and the God’s Not Dead movie series. 

9. What do you do when you are not reading or writing?  

I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and son, watching movies (especially Christian ones and historical ones!) and I love doing various creative things like graphic design - especially font-based design. (Seriously: don’t get me started talking about fonts unless you’re prepared to listen to me talk all day about them!)

10.  Favorite Season
Each season has things that are lovely about it - the new life bursting forth in Spring, the bright, cheery warmth of Summer, the cozy, earthy atmosphere of Autumn and the crisp, crunchy snow in Winter. Overall, I’d probably say Summer, because I love warm weather, although - even in summer - we don’t have too much of it where I live!

Thank you so much Edwina! You are a delight! See my review of Pearl's Promise here.

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edwina Kiernan is a Christian writer, and author of the well-received Inspirational Regency romance novel, Ruby’s Redemption.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination, and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. Her latest novel is the second in the Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace. 

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She still loves to learn, taking courses from places like Oxford University and the Beau Monde, for both fun and further education. 

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel, and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist. 

 For free gifts, updates, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness, join her mailing list at EdwinaKiernan.com

CONNECT WITH EDWINA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Pearl's Promise and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 22, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 29, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

  

“ You deserve someone whose love for you causes them to be a person worthy of you.”

Plot Twist by Bethany Turner is a story that made me laugh, made me wonder, and had me guessing how it would turn out till the end.  In this romantic comedy I enjoyed the characters  and I loved the idea of visiting someone’s life one day a year for ten years.   Bethany Turner’s insights on life and love kept me laughing and thinking.  She is one of my favorite story tellers.  

“Like the way a great scarf can make an outfit you love even better, but you can’t go out dressed in just the scarf.”  

Plot Twist was funny, romantic, embraced life, and reminded me to be my best self. I really enjoyed it. I recommend it.  

 I received a copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.

Bethany Turner has been writing since the second grade, when she won her first writing award for her essay explaining why, if she could have lunch with any person throughout history, she would choose John Stamos. Do-gooders all around her chose Reagan, Thatcher and Gorbachev, but it was Bethany’s ode to Uncle Jesse which walked away with the prize. More than 25 years later, her writing is still infused with pop culture and off-the-beaten-track ideas.

Bethany is a born and bred Kentucky girl who relocated to Colorado in 2001, three years after meeting the love of her life in a chat room, back before anyone knew that wasn’t always a good idea. Thankfully, it worked out in this case, and she and her husband are the proud parents of two boys. In 2014 Bethany walked away from her career as a bank vice president to step out in faith as a writer. Since then, God has not only opened doors in the publishing world, but has also called her to full-time ministry serving on a church staff. She is an innovative systems administrator for a rural church that is passionate about reaching the unchurched.

Bethany is proud to say that John Stamos regularly ignores her on social media, even to this very day.