Book Review - The Spy Keeper of Marseille

Roseanna M. White delivers fulfilling historical intrigue with a romantic vein in her novel, The Spy Keeper of Marseille. As invaders topple all that is good and sane in her beloved France, Zelie Bellerose finds herself leading Alliance, an underground network working with the British to subvert the efforts of the aggressors. Concert pianist and former POW Marcel Laurent fights by spying for Alliance as he conducts a youth orchestra and travels with a level of freedom most are not afforded. Together, Zelie and Marcel work to protect Alliance from subversion and to restore the France they love while learning to love each other through turmoil and keep their eyes on brighter days ahead.

I tend to enjoy WW2 era fiction, especially stories that highlight the individuals who fought back against tyranny. The Spy Keeper of Marseille is an excellent example of this type of storytelling, an immersive experience with all the senses engaged as White builds a world in which one lives while experiencing this story alongside characters who are truly alive in the telling. This is a novel that should be savored in spite of the desire to devour it as you crave everything that comes next.

The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White is available now from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House    Christian Book    Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Walmart

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

Book Review - Daughter of the Rebellion

Daughter of the Rebellion, the latest release from author Jamie Ogle, is the deeply emotional and vividly entertaining story of Visigoth war daughter Adelgard. Captured when the Roman army defeated her rebellious clan and sent to train and perform as one of the favored gladiatrices in the violent entertainment culture of Rome, Adel has leaned into her role as Amazon and endeavored to set aside thoughts of a home to which she can no longer return. The abuses she must endure are the consequences of decisions she has made that brought shame to herself and to her family. There is no path but forward.

Working in the ludus is not an appropriate occupation for a Christian, but medicus Felix must do what he has to do in order to provide for his mother and sisters. There he provides medical care for the injured gladiators and gladiatrices, making ends meet and dodging creditors in search of restitution for debts his father acquired before he disappeared. However, the Lord uses circumstances and individuals regardless of how appropriate or qualified they seem to human eyes and Felix has some heavy decisions to make when approached with a difficult offer.

This is a book I throughly devoured, regardless of every attempt to slow down and savor it. The scenes moved as though on film, expertly crafted descriptions and deeply human characters flowed in real time as pages turned and the story progressed. The messages of mercy and understanding unfold beautifully, bit by bit as our flawed and relatable characters begin to digest the concepts and embrace their identities in the eyes of the Father. The further blooming of identity is executed as deftly as the Amazon delivering the winning strike to an exhausted and unsettled opponent. Without giving away too much, it is safe to say that this is truly a story that does not end until the author strikes her final punctuation. Daughter of the Rebellion will stick with me for a satisfyingly long time.

Daughter of the Rebellion is available from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House    Christian Book    Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Walmart

I received a NetGalley ARC of this book. It did not influence my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review - Sunrise Reef

If you are also a longtime resident of Hope Harbor, I welcome you home. If you are a visitor, I hope you enjoy your stay. In the decade since Irene Hannon released her first Hope Harbor novel, many people have found home in this place where hearts heal and love blooms. Some are characters in the eleven novels of the series, but many are readers who have fallen in love with the town and its cast of vibrant characters.

Sunrise Reef is the eleventh Hope Harbor novel and focuses on Bren Ryan, one of our favorite baristas at The Perfect Blend. With a past full of heartache, Bren has started to find healing in her new home. Everything seems well settled for her until the day she finds herself in need of a temporary home, accosted in the middle of the night, and opening her arms to a stranger who feels like a kindred spirit. Noah Ward has a laser focused plan for his visit to Hope Harbor, and the sooner he can convince his father to move back to St. Louis, the sooner he can end this faux vacation and get back to work. That laser focus is how Noah has climbed to success in his world and how he will achieve his goal. This naturally means that Bren and Noah inevitably collide in glorious fashion on a regular basis. Hannon takes this seriously and delivers one run-in after another that will have to make or break this opposites-attract couple in a cozy and adorable page turner that keeps all of Hope Harbor on their toes.

Not one to shirk her supporting character duty, Hannon creates a supporting cast like no other. A job partially done by the lovingly crafted characters of the previous novels, the supporting characters are rounded out by some new additions, including Emma Blair. Emma has been riding a wave of bad luck for several years and it seems to have run out when her car dies in Hope Harbor. Fortunately, it never seems to be bad luck for anyone to get stuck in Hope Harbor, and though I enjoyed the way Hannon developed her story, I do hope Emma gets her own book someday. Sunrise Reef is a charming addition to the Hope Harbor series, but I am not going to judge too harshly if you decide to read it as a standalone. It will flow just fine. However, for real richness, indulge in the series and build all that backstory that comes with a decade of knowing and loving the residents of this hopeful little seaside town with big heart.

Sunrise Reef, the eleventh novel in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon, is available now from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House    Christian Book    Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Walmart

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.