Beyond Her Calling by Kellyn Roth (Review)

I’m excited to be reviewing this beautiful book by Kellyn Roth today!

Title: Beyond Her Calling

Author: Kellyn Roth

Series: The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, #4 (but stands alone)

Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction / Scotland (I DON’T CARE, IT’S A GENRE) • Adult • 2022 • 255 pages (paperback)

Read May 9, 2022 • 4 stars • Favorite character: Jordy • I received a free ARC of this book from the author and was not obligated to leave a review. All opinions are my own. (And I actually finished “reading” it by getting myself the audiobook off Audible because Scottish accents!)

Goodreads • Barnes & Noble • Amazon • Author Website

I enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel set in the 1880s in Scotland. Scotland! That had to be the best part of it, and I really enjoyed the setting and especially the accents!

Ivy Knight from England heads up to Scotland for a visit. Drama, friends new and old, relationships, and soul-searching ensue. I liked Ivy’s point of view and her thoughts, and especially the way she compares everything to music, which made me happy. She’s a dear, and her sweetness and occasional awkwardness but determination to do right made her a lovely character.

Jordy McAllen is great too! He’s my favorite. *grinning* A passionate but sometimes endearingly boyish young doctor, with a delightful accent and also a sense of fun, trying to find his way. Ivy and Jordy are also adorable together. *cackles* They’re both such cinnamon rolls!

There were one or two things I felt I was missing due to jumping in on book four, but only in a very mild way, but in general it was a good standalone too. It’s adult fiction but clean other than some mature issues discussed from someone’s past. Everything’s tied in to the characters’ faith throughout the book and there were some inspiring lines at times.

Also, this is random, but I enjoyed that there were letters throughout the book between several different characters (epistolary bits in books make me happy for some reason), and references to other books, like Jane Austen’s.

It wrapped up satisfactorily (like I said, stands alone pretty well), but I’m definitely hoping to check out the next book about these characters because I’d love to spend more time with Ivy and Jordy! (I think the next one featuring them is After Our Castle. I can’t wait!)

Best for fans of Christian historical romance, and, of course, Scotland! (I also recommend the audiobook!)

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Looking for more of my book reviews? Check them out here!

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Kate’s Informant by Sarah Holman (Review)

I don’t read many mystery novels, but I’m addicted to this series, so here’s a review for the latest one! There were some unexpected feels but otherwise I loved most of it!

Title: Kate’s Informant

Author: Sarah Holman

Series: Kate’s Case Files, #6 (Read my reviews for book 1, book 2, and book 3)

Thriller / Contemporary / Mystery / Christian Fiction • NA • 2022 • 160 pages (Kindle)

Read June 4, 2022 • 4 stars • Favorite characters: Patrick and Thomas • Source: Amazon

Goodreads • Amazon • Author Website

The first three-quarters of this book I absolutely ADORED! I think it was the funnest Kate’s Case Files book yet. The bantering dialogue was delightful and spot-on, which is always my FAVORITE about these books, along with the fun team of characters! I love all of them, and the character interactions are the best—and like I said, I think all of that was the best so far in this one!

So yes, I really, really enjoyed most of the book! It made me SO happy to be back in this series, which I like to think of as a crime show, just clean and in book series format; what’s not to love? The mysteries and characters and dialogue are the best and keep me flipping the pages in each book, especially this one!

I highlighted so many hilarious moments in my Kindle copy. XD SO. MANY! This cast is just gold! XD I stayed up late to finish reading it, and I had only meant to read the first few chapters that night, but I couldn’t stop and next thing I knew, the book was over!

I…will say that I was super upset about something that happened near the end. I literally spent the last quarter of the book in denial and it was only in the last few pages I realized it was real and I could hardly read I was crying so hard. It hit especially hard due to some stuff in my life this last year and the aftermath of the book was that I was so sad I couldn’t sleep and just listened to music in the dark for hours instead. So yeah, not gonna lie, it was devastating. I was shocked.

So, personally, I knocked a star off for that—even though the rest of the book was probably my favorite so far (so many good character moments!)—but that’s not to say others won’t enjoy the book! Because, yeah, it may just be a me-thing. I personally read for enjoyment, not for feels, and the first three-quarters of the book was definitely enjoyable! ^_^ But the last quarter just hit me so hard (and I haven’t been able to read new books since, except for work, so I’ve been re-reading comfort reads so I know what’s going to happen, haha). It made me feel deeply, because it got me SO invested in these characters. Which is clearly a testament to the author’s skills.

I definitely had to wait a few months to recover from these feelings (which I have mostly done) before I could write a fair review. XD Because…yes, in fairness, I LOVED the rest of the book, and I actually super suspect good things will come out of this tragic happenstance, so I’m definitely looking forward to future books in the series! I think they’re going to be amazing and I can’t wait to come back to hang out with (most of… *sobs*) these characters again. ^_^

Leave a comment and make my day! I love chatting books with y’all!

Looking for more of my book reviews? Check them out here!

Choose Your Own Story Blog Event: One Knight’s Journey

Welcome to The Page Dreamer! For those popping in from a different blog in the chain, I’m Deborah O’Carroll and I’m excited to be here because this is such a fun and unique blog event. 🙂

For those stopping here first, today I’m taking part in Sarah Holman’s Choose Your Own Story event. This is to celebrate the release of her latest book, Escape and Endurance, which I’m really excited about! 😀

In this event, you get to pick the outcome of this blog story by making choices. A lot of different things can happen. What are you waiting for? Start your adventure by clicking the image below.

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“I see you’ve managed to get yourself in a bit of a fix.” Sir Andrew enjoyed watching the princess yelp and jump back in fright when she saw him. He had followed the princess and her guard back to a crude fort with an old watchtower in the center. He watched as the men-at-arms moved about and he was pretty sure that she was here of her own accord.

“Help!” the princess screamed.

Andrew leaned against the wall. “If it is for me you are shouting, there is no need, my hearing is quite good. If you are shouting for the other guards, there is no need. They all went running back to their master when they heard about an attack.”

The princess’ mouth hung open.

“And now, for you to learn a lesson.” Andrew closed and locked the tower door.

The tower was quite well stocked, and he spent a pleasant night enjoying all the comforts. Then he went back up into the tower and opened the door. The princess had been crying.

“Have you learned your lesson?”

She moved to stand in front of him. “I thought a lot about it last night, and I see that I’ve treated you and others poorly. I’m sorry.”

“Come, let’s get you home.” He held out his hand.

She smiled up at him and then…

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Are you interested in reading about a knight, a tower, a princess, and a servant? Pick up a copy of Escape and Endurance! (Add on Goodreads.) Haven’t read the other books in the Tales of Taelis series? Not to worry. Each book can stand alone.

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About Sarah

Sarah Holman is a not-so-typical girl, a homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and lives in the great state of Texas. If there’s anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny greater than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website: www.thedestinyofone.com
You can join the Adventurers (her newsletter) by going here: http://eepurl.com/bitBIf

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Curious about the Tales of Taelis series? They’re Kingdom Adventure stories, and each of the books stand alone. 🙂 I’ve quite enjoyed them all so far, and I’m looking forward to reading Escape and Endurance too! ^_^

Check out my reviews:

    

Cover Reveal! Discerned by Sarah Addison-Fox

Hey, fellow page-dreamers!

I’m so excited today to help share Sarah Addison-Fox’s next book’s cover!

I’ve read the first two books in this series (Disowned, Dissemble) and I’m looking forward to reading the third (Dissociate)… and this is for the fourth book, Discerned, releasing in August.

They’ve all had GORGEOUS covers, so check out this new one!

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LOOOOOOK! Isn’t it pretty?

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Discerned

Book Four of the Allegiance Series by Sarah Addison-Fox

Releasing August 2018.

The war may be over, but the battle for peace has just begun.

When newlyweds Mick and Celeste Haynes accept the offer to search for rogue agents inside Kyraenea, what should have been one final adventure becomes Torrance Kyle’s worst nightmare.

Amaya Mason may no longer be an agent, but there is no way she’ll allow a mistake from Torrance’s past to wreck their happy ending. No matter the cost. No matter what she might lose.

For Mick Haynes, marriage isn’t the simple solution he thought it would be. Torn between wanting to shelter the woman he loves and accepting she is no longer a frightened slave, he’s struggling with his own expectations and with every secret she reveals.

Celeste’s confidence and her faith are growing, but when she confronts the father who abandoned her as a child, he threatens to destroy the happiness and acceptance she’s only just found.

Can Torrance let go of the past and embrace his future?

Is peace even possible for those who’ve spent their lives in constant battle?

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Author Bio

Sarah Addison-Fox is a New Zealand-born home-schooling mother of two who loves action-packed fantasy with strong heroines. She has an astonishing amount of nail polish, has all her creative writing credentials shoved in a drawer somewhere, and has a husband who, after 27 years, can still make her blush. When she’s not working on her Christian YA fantasy series’, she can be found fangirling on Goodreads or sending GIFs on Twitter.

Connect with her

www.sarahaddisonfox.com

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Amazon

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(GAH! Look at them being all gorgeous together! ❤ )

If you haven’t checked these Kingdom Adventure books out yet, well… get on it! 😉 They’re enjoyable books by a lovely New Zealand author and you should totally try them out. 😀 You can find them here on Goodreads and here on Amazon, and you can read my reviews of the first two by clicking the covers below.

 

What do you think of the new cover? I love iiit!

And if you’ve been reading these, are you excited for Mick and Celeste and Torrance and Amaya’s stories to get wrapped up? EEP! ^_^

Thanks for reading! 🙂

5 Thoughts on Mind Writer by Mike Lynch & Lisa Godfrees

Title: Mind Writer
Authors: Mike Lynch & Lisa Godfrees

• Date read: January 24, 2018
• Rating: 4 stars
• Genre: Futuristic Thriller / Sci-fi / Dystopia / Christian Fiction
• Age: YA
• Year pub: 2016
• Pages: 360
• Fave character: Clixon
• Source: The author
• Notes: I was given a copy of this book when I met the author at a writing workshop. (Thanks, Lisa!) I voluntarily reviewed this; my opinions are my own.
• Links: Goodreads • Amazon • Lisa’s Website • Mike’s Website

5 Thoughts on Mind Writer

1. I don’t usually read sci-fi, thrillers, futuristic novels, or dystopia—and this is all of those in one! So I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 🙂 I do make exceptions in my usual reading genres to try different things sometimes, though, and when I was given a copy of this book and thought the premise sounded intriguing, I decided to dive in. I’m glad I did!

2. Mind Writer is a thrilling, engaging read, very well written and exciting. There are many twists and surprises, and each time the characters have a plan and it’s thwarted, they have to dash right into a new one… Governmental plots, a hired assassin, a heroine on the run with a special ability, crime bosses, and an underground Christian movement. The plot was fascinating to follow, with all its twists and turns, and all the little sub-plots and motives of the different characters! It felt like a movie. 🙂

3. The concept of people who have the ability to transfer someone’s mind/memories/soul to another body was interesting (though it seemed more fantasy-like than scientific to me, personally, which was fine). It was unique, and intriguing how that came into play in the story, particularly the memory aspect, and how the “colors” of people’s souls reflected on their level of goodness… I don’t want to spoil anything, though. 😉

4. I liked the heroine, Rinee, as well as anti-hero Clixon who has secrets of his own and something of a character arc, and other characters like Saminy with her accent and sweet family, and another unexpected ally or two… I particularly loved the parts with Rinee and Clixon—they make a great pair, and I loved their talks; they often made me smile or laugh. 🙂

5. Some of it was a bit scary for me (I just… don’t usually prefer dystopia! Just a me-thing. I know I’m in the minority. XD) and it was a bit gruesome occasionally, but otherwise as far as I remember it’s a clean read, and I believe young adults and adults alike would enjoy it. If you’re looking for a YA futuristic thriller with a Christian theme and a dash of sci-fi and dystopia, this is the book for you! ^_^

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Let me know what you think, and if it sounds intriguing to you!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Dream away in those pages . . .

~ The Page Dreamer / Deborah O’Carroll

Ten Thoughts on Dissemble by Sarah Addison-Fox (Allegiance Series, #2)

Title: Dissemble
Author: Sarah Addison-Fox

• Date read: February 20, 2018
  
• Rating: 5 stars
  
• Genre: Christian / Kingdom Adventure
• Age: YA/NA
  
• Year pub: 2018
• Pages: 305 (ebook)
  
• Series: The Allegiance Series, #2
• Fave character: Torrance (and Mick)
  
• Source: The author
• Notes: I received a free e-ARC of this book from the author (thanks!) and voluntarily reviewed it. These opinions are my own.
• Links: Goodreads • Amazon • Author’s Website

Ten Thoughts on Dissemble

1. Well, well! That was intense! O_O I enjoyed book one (Disowned), but this sequel takes things to a totally new level. While the first one was a bit more of a quiet adventure (though still with its spots of action/peril) and I really liked that, book two has a whole other feel to it, with stakes raised, and gets more serious with lots of stuff going on. Meep! I was flipping pages there, let me tell you…

2. Dissemble is much grittier, and deals with tougher subjects. We’re also now in the thick of things, behind enemy lines in Kyraenea, with spying and intelligence agencies and double-crossing, and all that exciting stuff. XD Much action and suspense, with a thriller-like dash of agents, etc. Also, while it’s “Kingdom Adventure” in a made-up world (with no fantasy elements), it’s getting a more modern “feel” due to some more sophisticated weapons etc. because of the war, so that made an interesting upgrade.

3. CHARACTERS! I’m almost annoyed at Torrance for stealing top-favorite spot from Mick. Because I still love Mick! They’re both great (and especially fun when they interact. *grin, grin*). But Torrance, yes, is kind of fabulous eventually. *cough* I still like Celeste—she goes through a lot in this book, poor thing! (I was really surprised by liking Amaya too!) I really, really like our main characters, and I’m so attached to them and their journeys! I can’t wait to read more. I especially loved when they all interact—some great dynamics there, which were the best-written parts, in my opinion, and really leapt off the page. 🙂 BUT MICK AND TORRANCE AND EVERYBODY. MY PRECIOUS FRIENDS. *hugs them*

4. There are two EXTREMELY ADORABLE romances in this book. No names, but let’s just say that the continuing one from book one is so sweet (but just talk to each other, already, you two!), and the unexpected other one is UTTERLY PRECIOUS. Awk. There is so much cuteness going on in between the action and peril. XD

5. There were Twists. *evil cackle* Two in particular, which I sort of saw coming but really liked. And I was just really surprised at some of the characters and how they turned out, and I love it! It kept me guessing, but also turned out way better than I thought, especially one or two things I was very much on the edge of my seat about. I was nearly cheering “YESSSS!” near the end a couple times. 😀 I’m just sitting here feeling happy. ^_^ (I do need the next book though. AHEM.) Basically, the plot is exciting and keeps you on your toes!

6. Not sure how realistic it was or not, but some of the characters who’ve spent all their lives being suspicious of other people, when confronted with the Haynes family, realize “Oh, these are good people!” with such surprise, and it’s kind of precious. XD It was neat getting scenes about them and other characters back home in Etraea, while Celeste and co. were off having adventures.

7. I was so sucked in to the setting/world. It was incredibly vivid, and I saw everything so clearly as I read. What a talent! Oh, and I loved the scene on the beach! So beautiful and sweet! 🙂 (How about that AWESOME, GORGEOUS cover? I love it! ^_^) And for some reason I really loved the bits at the safe-house place hidden in the trees. 🙂

8. (TORRANCE THOUGH)

9. Content: While this is a Young Adult, Christian book, some readers might like to be aware that if it was a movie it would probably be rated PG-13 for a little mild language/drinking, some inappropriate implications, and action-thriller-type violence. Despite this, and dealing with some other darker themes, the book did have an overall uplifting sort of feel to it, and there was goodness to counteract the villains, as well as the last chapter ending on a quite hopeful note.

10. Overall, mostly, I loved it! I’ve really enjoyed both books in these series so far, and I’ve gotten incredibly fond/attached to CERTAIN PEOPLE, and just give me book three already, please and thank you. *grabby hands*

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You can read my review for book one: Dissemble by clicking the cover below…

What do you think? Have you checked out this series yet?

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Dream away in those pages . . .

~ The Page Dreamer / Deborah O’Carroll