Vanessa Hall's Blog, page 8
June 23, 2023
Giveaway Alert!
Y’all know I like free stuff. And here I come to you, speaking of free books. Yep, free books, and specifically amazing historical fiction books to add to your summer reading list!
The Shenandoah Road by Lynne Basham TagawaAn Uncommon Woman by Laura FrantzMany Sparrows by Lori BentonPreacher on the Run by Jayna BaasI’ve read two of these books, and they were both well-researched, engaging reads. If you like historical fiction, you will like these. Check out my reviews below if you’d like more info!
Enter to win a signed copy of four Christian historical novels highlighting faith and freedom at America’s founding:
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The Shenandoah Road by Lynne Basham TagawaAn Uncommon Woman by Laura FrantzMany Sparrows by Lori BentonPreacher on the Run by Jayna BaasEarn bonus entries by joining these authors’ social media followers or sharing this opportunity with a friend! All entrants receive a list of historical novel recommendations from the participating authors.
By entering this giveaway, you agree to receive emails from the participating authors. You can unsubscribe at any time.
(Entrants may receive reminders from giveaway service KingSumo and can unsubscribe from these messages after the giveaway.)
Dates: 12:00 AM EDT June 19–12:00 AM EDT July 4, winner announced on July 4.
Prize: Signed copy each of The Shenandoah Road, An Uncommon Woman, Many Sparrows, and Preacher on the Run. All entrants receive a list of book recommendations from participating authors. Each author will ship her book to the winner separately.
Enter!
Title Reveal for Project: Believer by Issabelle Perry
Maksim Lenkov is tired of his past haunting him. An ex-Bolshevik and supporter of the revolution over ten years earlier that toppled the Romanov dynasty, Maksim has never forgotten his guilt over not saving the tsar and his family—especially a certain beautiful grand duchess. Tatiana Romanova had stolen his heart before the Bolsheviks took her life.
Maksim has spent the last ten years hunting down her killers to no avail and doing anything possible to resist Soviet rule. Which is why when a young, spunky British girl appears out of nowhere, claiming she has the Soviet secret police on her heels and needs help escaping the country, Maksim is compelled to help. Especially since she says to have information that would ruin the USSR’s push for influence on western Europe and, more importantly, information that connects to one Bolshevik whom Maksim knows well. A man who was there the night of Tatiana’s murder.
This could be his chance to finally avenge the Romanovs and find peace with his past. But is his new ally all she claims to be or could she be an informer for the secret police? When truth is a crime and the OGPU draws closer, how far will Maksim go to serve justice? Inspired by true events, Don’t Let Me Go is a gripping, page-turning novel that explores the power of hope in the midst of darkness and the strength of love over evil.
Okay, I’m just gonna jump in here and say that Issabelle has put about everything I could ever want in a story in this one. Russia? Spies? Truth? Hope? And a guy named Maksim? I need this book now. 
Issabelle Perry is a proud Jesus follower, an extroverted writer of historical fiction, and a homeschool graduate. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming of her own adventures, jamming to Skillet, or envisioning herself wielding a magnificent sword (but due to her clumsiness, let’s hope that never happens). This self-proclaimed exclamation mark enthusiast can be found hanging at Teen Writers’ Nook, a community of young authors Issabelle co-founded in 2020. She is the author of May We Make Them Proud and an editor for the Imagine and Tell Me You Love Me anthologies. What she’s probably doing right now is fangirling about her favorite books to random people or scanning the pantries for chocolate.
Add Don’t Let Me Go on Goodreads!
Title: Don’t Let Me Go
Series: The Lost Empire Series
Genre: Christian historical fiction
Publisher: Sky’s the Limit Press (https://skysthelimitpress.wixsite.com/home)
Release date: To be announced
June 19, 2023
Review: Kate’s Hope by Sarah Holman
Kate’s Hope by Sarah Holman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Characters: Most of the same characters from the earlier books make an appearance (save for one which we’ll not mention for the sake of spoilers.) Kate is in an even more perilous position as of this book, and she’s isolated from the rest of her team. She definitely grew through this book, as did Patrick. He was, of course, isolated from Kate as well, and sometimes characters do need time apart from each other to delve more into their personalities, struggles, and growth. Long series with the same characters are just great ones to read – it’s like coming over to a friend’s house and chatting for a bit (well, with a bit more action.)
Plot/Setting/Writing Style: The two different storylines seemed quite disconnected at first, but by the end, I had a hint of what was going to happen. And happily, I was right! The author balanced the very different storylines in a great way, and even Kate’s side of things – which was more slow-paced – never got boring. The settings were also great – and yay for finding out where Kate actually was! Definitely full of the familiar setting of the office but also new places. Finally, the writing style was super clean and fit the pacing of the book well.
Theme: Obviously, it’s hope, but it was so much more than a superficial view of hope. The contrasts between the world’s sort of hope and the Christian’s hope was really thoughtful, and the way the author wove it into the story was quite genius. As Christians, we have a solid, firm hope – not one that wavers or simply makes us shut up when we’re suffering. There were also other lovely Biblical themes throughout the book, and Kate’s study of the Bible was such a good addition to the plot and pacing.
Overall, a fast, easy read full of beautiful themes and encouraging truths – also with a splash of adrenaline-full suspense at the very end! Fans of FBI/spy/police suspense novels will enjoy this one.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
View all my reviews
June 16, 2023
A Writer’s Perplexing Position
Ah, dear readers, here I am, and I come to you with a perplexing question. What to do when editing and writing both hold no interest for you, yet you are an author with a book that needs to be published?
I think all writers at one point or another reach these points—where the thrill and allure of writing is not so common, and the simple act of sitting down at your desk and working on your story is not fun, but a forced drudgery. Ever since I’ve come into summer break, I’ve been struggling with this. And I think just acknowledging the reality of the fact is part of the equation. It’s okay if you don’t feel excited about writing at this very moment.
For me, I think a lot of it has to do with the life changes (as simple as going from the school year to a less-structured schedule). We like routines. 
Life changes so quickly, and even good and happy changes can throw us for a loop. But maybe it has something to do with the fact that I haven’t been able to write as much this year overall. I’ve been super busy, and my mind hasn’t been with my characters and their plots. The world in front of me has been far more pressing, leaving my fake Russian friends on the back burner.
And all of this is okay—as authors, especially the type that don’t make a living writing—we’re going to have different demands on our life all the time. Whether that’s a job, kids, your spouse, your family … whatever it is, there are things that will take over your writing time.
So, when you’re at this point, what are you supposed to do?
Get StartedNumber one, just working on whatever project you need to work on. Now, this doesn’t always work, but sometimes, if you just get started, you’re going to get some momentum going. Getting a little bit done is way better than getting nothing!
You Must Speak!Second, talk to someone about it. Talk to another author, a friend, a sibling (or if you’re blessed to have a person who’s all three of those things to you) about your writing. Kristina is always so helpful with all my plot points, and she will listen to me ramble on and on about characters and their confused selves for ages. Actually talking about what’s going on in your head is helpful, and sometimes, this gets you excited for writing again.
Take a BreakYep, I said it. Take a break. We are not required to constantly be working. Those who work from home (authors, looking at you) can have zero separation between work and home. Sometimes, you just have to close that laptop and walk away from it. Don’t just sit there and linger, taking a “break” as you scroll through Pinterest while reprimanding yourself for not writing. Go do something completely different—for a day. Two days. Three days. Even a week. Sometimes you really just need rest, and it’s so important. Don’t worry, you’ll probably start thinking about writing again—accidentally—and you’ll come back rested and ready to work.
Finally, give these struggles to the Lord. That can look like praying before you start working (this is a must before writing or anything we do!) Surrender your projects to the Lord. And always remember, our joy and contentment don’t come from us or anything we do. Our productivity doesn’t declare our worth. All of this—joy, contentment, worth—it comes from Jesus.
June 13, 2023
Review: May We Make Them Proud by Issabelle Perry
May We Make Them Proud by Issabelle Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a beautiful novellette that truly tugs at the heart. I can’t wait to see more from this talented author!
Characters – Let’s start off with sweet Wren who has been through so much. She’s reeling from her father’s death and doing all she can to keep his beloved bookstore going. Her grief and reactions were so real, and her desperation palpable. However, she wasn’t a character who was constantly drowning in sadness (which would be perfectly authentic as well, but a bit harder to read.) And then there’s Jax, the long-lost boyfriend who shows up at the bookstore and literally signs up to be in a Pride and Prejudice book club. I loved his giving heart and how far he went in pursuing Wren. The whole second-chance romance was super sweet (but definitely included some rocky moments throughout.)
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The bookstore was such a cool setting for a lot of the scenes, and I also enjoyed the small-town feel (especially the bus station, and you know I was just loving that scene. If you read the book, you will understand.) And the writing style – oh my. It was absolutely gorgeous and so fitting for this book. This was a spot-on contemporary with relatable dialogue, smooth prose, and excellent transitions. This author can write. And finally, the plot – not super involved, given it’s a novellette, but well-paced and left me feeling as if the story was complete. So well-done.
Theme: So incredibly beautiful. Wren’s struggles with grief and questions was addressed so gently and realistically, made all the more touching because of the author’s own story. Grief isn’t an easy, smooth trip, but rather filled with messy moments and so much heartache. But even in that, God is with us and leading us through those dark valleys. He remembers us. And the part about the stars – so beautiful. I loved it!
Overall, a beautiful debut novellette that fans of contemporary fiction should read in a hurry!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Review: May WE Make Them Proud by Issabelle Perry
May We Make Them Proud by Issabelle Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a beautiful novellette that truly tugs at the heart. I can’t wait to see more from this talented author!
Characters – Let’s start off with sweet Wren who has been through so much. She’s reeling from her father’s death and doing all she can to keep his beloved bookstore going. Her grief and reactions were so real, and her desperation palpable. However, she wasn’t a character who was constantly drowning in sadness (which would be perfectly authentic as well, but a bit harder to read.) And then there’s Jax, the long-lost boyfriend who shows up at the bookstore and literally signs up to be in a Pride and Prejudice book club. I loved his giving heart and how far he went in pursuing Wren. The whole second-chance romance was super sweet (but definitely included some rocky moments throughout.)
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The bookstore was such a cool setting for a lot of the scenes, and I also enjoyed the small-town feel (especially the bus station, and you know I was just loving that scene. If you read the book, you will understand.) And the writing style – oh my. It was absolutely gorgeous and so fitting for this book. This was a spot-on contemporary with relatable dialogue, smooth prose, and excellent transitions. This author can write. And finally, the plot – not super involved, given it’s a novellette, but well-paced and left me feeling as if the story was complete. So well-done.
Theme: So incredibly beautiful. Wren’s struggles with grief and questions was addressed so gently and realistically, made all the more touching because of the author’s own story. Grief isn’t an easy, smooth trip, but rather filled with messy moments and so much heartache. But even in that, God is with us and leading us through those dark valleys. He remembers us. And the part about the stars – so beautiful. I loved it!
Overall, a beautiful debut novellette that fans of contemporary fiction should read in a hurry!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 10, 2023
2 Years
Today, my friends, is the day … the blog’s birthday! I can’t believe it’s been two years since I first published that awkward book review (you can check it out here and laugh if you’d like). I definitely came into this whole blogging game pretty cluelessly, but the last two years have been a ride. Thank you so much to all of you who have faithfully stuck by this blog and followed through all the ups and downs (especially the relative silence of these last few months.) Connecting with amazing readers like yourself is what makes all of this so precious!
And in honor of the blog’s birthday, I’m opening up a Q + A form! No pressure at all, but if you have questions, just type in those queries, and eventually, I’ll post the answers soon! Feel free to ask about anything book related, life related, writing advice, etc. I do retain the right to deny to answer any question I deem unanswerable, so do keep that in mind. But ya’ll are nice and won’t question me about my past as a foreign agent or anything. I’m also including a little questionnaire at the bottom of the form about blog content so I can better plan and write on this blog!
And that’s all I’ve got for this little birthday post. I’m so grateful to get to write and connect with people like you all, and praise the Lord for His faithfulness through another year!
June 9, 2023
Review: No Matter the Cost by Susan May Warren
No Matter the Cost by Susan May Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
It’s hard to remember the last time I read an entire book in one day, but this one did it to me. Yes, it’s on the shorter side, but wow … stopping wasn’t much of an option with this one.
Characters: Okay, I was a bad reader. I’ll admit it. I didn’t read the first two books in this series, and coming into this, I was pretty confused. But after a little bit (and accepting that it was okay to be a bit perplexed), I caught on. RJ and York are two of the most interesting and action-filled characters I’ve read about in a long time. They were separated through a good portion of the book, but it was good to see them by themselves so I could attempt to get a grip on their characters. RJ was wild – no, she wasn’t the super-spy York was, but she still had some tricks up her sleeves. And York … you all know how I feel about spies. Let’s just suffice to say, he was pretty cool. Oh, and did I mention he was a spy in Russia?? Susan May Warren knows how to make me like a book. And the host of side characters also took a second to get a grip on – I think a lot of them were from other books that I have yet to read. However, I was so intrigued by even the badguys/side characters. They seemed so real and alive.
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: Yes to international intrigue! I loved traveling over Europe, and I may or may not have been extremely excited with York was walking around Russia with all the smoky bars and old Soviet-era apartments. So much fun. And of course, the writing style was really fitting for this book – quick, snappy, but full of lots of descriptions, too. The plot … yeah, I did get confused. But once I accepted the confusion and just let the action roll, it was epicness. Yeah, I went there. So much action, and while it was a little overdone, I was all there for it. Can I just mention how glorious the reunion scene was? Outrageously epic, and perfect for RJ and York. These people are so fun.
Theme: Such a gorgeous thread of truth spun through all the intrigue, and that was trusting the Lord through all areas of life. Not planning out some perfect life for yourself, but trusting God through it and His Will. The parts about the Jesus being a High Tower and all the connections there were brilliant. So good.
Overall: If you haven’t realized yet, I so enjoyed this book. Yeah, it was a little overdone, and some of the romance was also a bit on the … interesting side. Could’ve done without too much of that. But I so enjoyed this wild ride with RJ and York – now I need to go find some more books by Susan May Warren. An excellent read.
View all my reviews
June 5, 2023
Cover Reveal: Shattered Reaction by Madisyn Carlin
War darkens the horizon…
In the wake of destruction, revenge drives Arioch en Kyrida to hunt down the man responsible for destroying half his village. His search leads him to a town where truth is hoarded and secrets lurk in every corner. Solely focused on making his target pay, Arioch cares little for the whispers of approaching evil until he is strongarmed into helping protect one of his most recent nemeses. If Anthi Klarkson doesn’t drive him insane—and if he manages to keep her alive long enough—they may be able to help stop the incoming war in its tracks. But someone wants Anthi dead, and they’ll do anything to achieve that mission.
Zinnia Klarkson wants nothing more than peace for her mourning family, but nearby attacks, kidnappings, and rumors of impending war steal all hope of a quiet life. When a mostly-dead man lands on her doorstep, hunted and without strong chance of survival, she is thrust into a covert operation that threatens her family’s safety. As secrets grow and answers remain veiled, Zinnia must choose between helping a ragtag group of reluctant allies or keeping her family out of harm’s path.
Trust must mend what was once shattered and courage must be sought as a second All Lands War threatens to decimate the six lands.
PreorderGoodreads
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.
Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin
June 2, 2023
Review: Trouble in Dry Springs by Kristina Hall
Trouble in Dry Springs by Kristina Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, what a beautiful Western! I am such a fan of the old style of Westerns (think 1950s movies), and this book reminded me so much of those. But even better, because it had biblical themes and truth interspersed among action and intrigue!
Characters: Eliza and Jesse are both characters you’ll just have to root for. Eliza was so sweet and obedient even in the hard times (something I wish I could do better!) Her relationships with her brother and Mrs. Reilly were both so kind even when those two characters were not exactly the easiest to get along with. Then there’s Jesse … this poor man who also had to put up with a lot of trying situations. But he as well always attempted to do the right, even when it was hard. Sometimes he failed, but as a righteous man, he might have fallen seven times but got up again. The side characters were brilliant – Mrs. Reilly and Colonel Burke being two of my favorites. The humor was much-needed with Mrs. Reilly, and adding Burke into the mix definitely added humor … and a lot of action. (Also, that poor dude needs his own personal doctor.) Anson, Eliza’s brother, was another side character that I was more conflicted about. He had this wonderfully complex situation that just made me wonder about him so much. He was so kind and gentle with Eliza, but then on the other hand … so much intrigue that made him a great character!
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The old West setting was so fun to explore – all the open plains, small towns, and smokey saloons. The writing style complimented the setting, given it highlighted enough details to give a good picture of what was happening without being overdone. And as for the plot … so much intrigue. It starts out a little bit slower, but don’t settle in – things start moving, and by the end, it’s just a rollercoaster!
Theme: Beautiful truths of contentment, obedience, and trust in the Lord permeated this book. Eliza’s acceptance and lack of bitterness over not receiving what she wanted really showed the power of contentment and waiting for the Lord’s timing. Instead of frantically trying to do things her own way, she trusted the Lord and did what was right. Such an important reminder!
Endorsement: With lovable characters, an engaging plot, and a sweet romance, Trouble in Dry Springs is a must-read for fans of historical Christian fiction. You’ll have plenty of good guys to root for and bad guys to abhor, all in a beautiful and realistic setting of the Old West. With truth-filled themes and humor interspersed, this novel is a Western you will struggle to put down.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
View all my reviews
