My Bookshelf: Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

        First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become.

        While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home?

        Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God?

        As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

        The first book I have ever read by her, Healer of Carthage is the first book in Lynne Gentry’s Carthage Chronicles series. Although I had yet to experience Lynne’s writing, I had heard so many good things about her, so I was fairly excited when I picked up this book. I had already read about the whole series, and it sounded so interesting to me, but I never expected Healer of Carthage to be as wonderful as it was! It pulled me in from the very first page, and I have been hooked on Lisbeth’s story ever since! Although I don’t often like fantasy-type novels, I loved the time travel aspect of this book. It definitely made for one of the most interesting stories I have ever read, especially since I really felt as if I was getting to experience 3^rd Century Roman Carthage.

        Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is a little spitfire! I love her fire, her zest, and how she never takes no for an answer. Although stubbornness isn’t exactly an admirable personality trait, I love hers just the same. Her fight is what makes her unique, and what makes her such a good doctor, especially when it comes to the epidemic she is thrown into upon her arrival in Carthage. She is so easy to relate to, especially when it comes to the way she wants to fix things so that no one she loves has to face any pain (I tend to be that way at times). I loved watching her grow as time went on.

        Cyprian was also a wonderful character. Although he made me extremely mad at times, I also just really loved him. Deep down inside he is an amazing man, and I really loved his fight to save the church. Besides, the main thing about him that angered me occurs in the second book. So he’s forgiven for now.

        All in all, I really enjoyed this novel, definitely enough to give it all five bookshelves. I’m also loving the rest of the series—Return to Exile and Valley of Decision—and I know Lynne will be an author I will be keeping up with from now on.

        Happy reading!

Linking up at Spreading My Joy, Meet at the Barre, and The Diary of a Real Housewife.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lynne Gentry and Liftuse Publishing.

Currently—November

        How is it November already? It feels like it was just August two days ago, and yet here we are, with only 52 days until Christmas! Here’s what I’m currently up to this October, I mean, November.

        I’m currently cooking all kinds of things. Although you wouldn’t think I’d be doing any cooking since I don’t have a kitchen, but I have actually been able to go back home fairly often to make myself some yummy lunches and dinners. I’m actually cooking anything at the moment, but this past weekend I was able to make mac & cheese, chicken enchiladas, and this super delicious dish called pizza casserole, which is sort of like the top of a pizza—tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni—and you put it over pasta, but sometimes I fill a tortilla with it just because I think that tastes pretty good. Anyway, that’s what I’ve been cooking lately.

Just ignore the fact that this pic says a different year, I just really think it's cool so I wanted to add it. 

        I have been planning fun events for my youth group at church. Although I am working alongside with the other volunteers who teach in our group—which is fine with me because I love both of them and since they have lots more experience than I do I feel like I could learn quite a bit from them—I now “officially” have the title of activities coordinator for our youth group. Lately we’ve been planning a tailgate for the Carolina vs. Clemson football game at the end of this month, full of food and plenty of games because we know none of us are really going to end up watching that train-wreck of a game. I’ve also been assisting in planning a Christmas party with fun games and secret Santa gifts. I’m pretty excited about it.

        I’m currently smelling my Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Wallflower from Bath and Body Works. I was looking for something fall smelling to spice up my room for the season, and I found this scent the last time I was at the mall and I pretty much fell in love with it. I really love things that smell like food, and this scent was perfect because it was strong, which meant I would actually smell it in my room, and because it is just the perfect fall smell.

 

        I’m currently appreciating, well, I’m not really sure how to answer this one. I know what I’m thinking…just kidding. In all actuality, there are so many ways I could take this, and I’m not really sure which one is the best. So, I’m just going to say, I’m appreciating the color of the trees this fall, I’m appreciating the way that all of my loved ones have really been backing me up lately—they all believe in me, even though I probably don’t deserve their confidence, and have not been afraid to show it. Those are the things I am currently appreciating.

        Lastly, I’m currently anticipating this weekend! Why, you ask? Because I am getting to chaperone my first ever youth trip! This really ties in to what I am appreciating, because the only reason I am even able to go, and with all my expenses paid for I might add, is because the youth leaders and board members of my church and our district NYI (Nazarene Youth International) president all believe in me enough to give me this opportunity. So, that’s what I’m anticipating, and appreciating.

        That’s what I’m currently up to! What about you? What are you up to this November?

        Happy November!

Linking up at Anne in Residence.


All credit for both pictures goes to the internet, which is where I found them.

Sophomore Novels I Am Most Looking Forward To

        Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is all about the top ten debut authors who have me super excited for their sophomore novels! So, I’m gonna dive right into this thing.

1. Kristi Ann Hunter

        Kristi Ann Hunter has written an e-novella as well as her debut novel, but I don’t really think that counts, so I think I can accurately say that I really loved her debut novel—A Noble Masquerade—and that I am so, so excited for her sophomore novel, An Elegant Façade, which is releasing sometime next July. Kristi Ann does such an amazing job of creating extremely captivating historical romances, and I absolutely cannot WAIT to read this one!!!

        So essentially, that is the only debut author I can think of who hasn’t yet published their sophomore novel. But, I do know of a few authors who are working on their sophomore series, or first series, so I’m going to mention those so that I actually come close to having a top ten.

2. Kristy Cambron

        Although The Ringmaster’s Wife (once it’s published of course) will not be Kristy’s second book but actually her third, it will be the beginning of her very first series, and it is close enough to being her sophomore novel, in my opinion. At this point, I have unfortunately not had a chance to read any of her novels, but I am pretty sure they, along with this new series, will be books I will really enjoy. So, this is a sophomore series I am looking forward to.

3. Melissa Jagears

        I know, I know, she’s already published a three book series! But, she hasn’t published a stand-alone or started another series! Until now, that is. A Heart Most Certain, the first book in her upcoming Teaville Moral Society, is a book I am seriously looking forward to, and is the debut novel of her sophomore series. That makes it close enough.

        Although this is a really sad list, this is honestly the closest I can come to having a top ten while staying remotely on topic. For some reason I haven’t really read all that many debut novels recently. Although I could definitely tell you lots about new-to-me authors, that is another top ten for another day, so that will have to wait. So, there’s my top three! I hope you enjoy despite its randomness and short length! What are some sophomore novels you’re looking forward to?

        Happy Tuesday!

Linking up at Top Ten Tuesday @ The Broke and the Bookish, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.



I do not take any credit for the picture of Kristy Cambron, but in fact got it from her website.

Must-Have November Releases

        Sorry this is a little later than I usually post it (my life has been crazy these last few weeks), but here are my must have releases for this wonderful month of November!

The Bronte Plot

When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

        Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt, and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

        In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother Helen hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

        As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom, as Helen confronts the ghosts of her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines, who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of change.

        Now Lucy must go back into her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

        Doesn’t this book sound wonderful? I have already read one book by Katherine Reay—called Dear Mr. Knightly—and I absolutely loved it, so I am hopeful that I will really enjoy this new novel of hers. I have loved in the past the Jane Austen twists Katherine slips into her books (she has also written a book called Lizzy and Jane, I just haven’t gotten to that part of my to-read stack yet) so I am excited to see if she executes her Bronte themes as well as the Austen ones. On top of that, Katherine just does an amazing job of creating real, raw characters and storylines, which makes this book all that more exciting to read.

Whispers in the Reading Room

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye…and perhaps her heart.

        Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

        Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

        Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

        Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

        Can I even describe to you how excited I am for this book? I doubt it. Whispers in the Reading Room is the third book in Shelley Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, coming after Secrets of Sloane House and Deception on Sable Hill, both of which I loved immensely. The mysteries were so well written, as well as the characters and plotlines, and I am sure that this concluding novel will be no exception. And since I just recently received a copy of it from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, you will eventually be hearing just what I thought of this gem (once I read it that is!).

The Golden Braid

The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower.

        Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

        Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

        The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel, in turn, rescues him farther down the road. As a result Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to him than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

        As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery are about to be revealed after seventeen years. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

        I have been a huge fan of Melanie Dickerson’s ever since I first picked up one of her fairy tale retellings a few years ago, and I have loved every one of her books ever since. When I heard she was working on a retelling of Rapunzel, I got sooooo excited, and immediately made plans to pre-order that novel. Needless to say, I ended up receiving an influencer copy, so I do have it on my shelf right this minute, and my fingers are just itching to pick it up. Since I have a few books to review before I need to read The Golden Braid, it will have to wait, but you can bet you will be getting a review very soon!

The Wedding Chapel

For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.

        Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ’49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.

        Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.

        When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.

        When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

        I love Rachel Hauck. Have I ever mentioned that? She writes some of the BEST novels I have ever read. And there is just something about the description for The Wedding Chapel that makes me think this is going to be one of those books. So that’s why I’ve already preordered a copy. It doesn’t come out until mid-November, but I can promise you, I will be posting my review very soon after that release date. Because I have no doubts that this is one of the top books to read this November.

A Thousand Shall Fall

A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War.

        Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off—only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.

        Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

        Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

        Although I have not yet read anything by Andrea Boeshaar, I have a good feeling about this novel. It sounds so interesting and like it would have so many unexpected twists and turns, and I just cannot wait to get my hands on this one. Since I have a copy of this one as well, that shouldn’t be all that difficult, except for the fact that I have to get far enough through my to-read pile in order to be able to read it! Believe me though, you will be hearing what I think of this book before the month is up!

        Those are the books I am most anticipating this November! What about you? What new books are on your to-read list this month?

        Happy reading!

Linking up at Let it Shine, Monday’s Musings, Literacy Musing Mondays, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the italicized synopses goes to the authors and their publishers.

My Bookshelf: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem by Lori Copeland

When memories are lost, only love remains.

        How did Arlene Santana—happy wife, successful business owner, young grandmother—get here, a rehabilitation center surrounded by old people? Her new friends make her laugh, and the days speed by, marked by holidays on which her two sons and their wives come to visit her. But when will her husband, whose love she feels every moment of every day, come to see her?

        Then one Christmas the confusing pieces of Arlene’s life start to click into place, but will she and her sons like the reality they face?

        Beautiful Star of Bethlehem is a Christmas novella by Lori Copeland, and is the first book I have ever read by her. I have to say, I really enjoyed this novella, although it was very different from anything I have ever read before. I don’t really know how to describe it, but it just had a very different feel from what I am used to. However, I will say I liked this book and can pretty easily give it all five bookshelves. I liked the way that this novella was completely unpredictable, I really had no idea what paths the story was going to take. The characters, especially Arlene of course, were lovable and really interesting to get to know, and I wish that the story were longer so that I could have learned a little more about what happened to Arlene after the ending. Mainly, how did the changes affected in the ending pan out? Did it work? And did Arlene continually get better or worse? I’ll never know, but I can’t help but hope that things got a little bit better, for Arlene and for her sons and their families. All in all, this was such a sweet Christmas novella that got me in the mood for the Christmas season and that I know I will be reading again in the future.

        Happy reading!

I received a copy of this novella from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Linking up at Let it Shine, Monday’s Musings, Literacy Musing Mondays, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lori Copeland and Barbour Publishing.

My Bookshelf: Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Can true love survive the test of time?

Every choice has consequences.

        Thirteen years ago, Dr. Lisbeth Hastings was forced to make an impossible decision. To protect her daughter, Maggie, Lisbeth promised her husband, Cyprian, that she would leave him and the dangers of third-century Carthage behind forever.

        Back in the twenty-first century, Lisbeth throws herself into her work and the task of raising a headstrong daughter. But when Maggie discovers the truth of her father’s fate, she defies her mother’s refusal to allow her to return to Carthage and secretly sets out on a quest to change history.

        Maggie lands in the middle of third-century chaos at her grandmother’s murder trial. Determined to right the injustice, Maggie teams up with her old friend Barek. Their efforts spark a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city and incites the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage.

        Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is left with no choice. If she is to save those she loves, she must once again return to the time and place that forever changed her life.

        Valley of Decision is the third and final book in Lynne Gentry’s Carthage Chronicles series, and is by far a very satisfying conclusion. I have read the previous two books (Healer of Carthage and Return to Exile), I just haven’t had the chance to write my reviews for them as of yet; hopefully those of you with equally busy schedules will understand my dilemma. Anyway, this book was so great! I loved both of the previous books (like I said I’ll post my reviews later so you can really get a feel for what I thought of them), so I was sure that this concluding novel would be something I would enjoy, although I was afraid of an unexpected twist since there were two super huge ones in Return to Exile.

        I am refraining from saying anything that might spoil this story for anyone, so it is super difficult to accurately describe what I loved about this book, but I will say I really enjoy the time travel aspect of it. Typically I don’t like books that are quite that unrealistic, but I really loved the way that Lynne wrote this novel and how she tied up all the ends and made it as believable as it could be under the circumstances. On top of that, her characters were just so loveable I couldn’t stand it! I had met them in the previous books so I already had a bond with them, and I really loved the chance to read more about them and their stories.

        I happily give this book all five bookshelves, because of how it made me laugh, cry, and become an even bigger fan of Lynne’s writing. I highly recommend it, although I would suggest reading the whole series in order so that you can really grasp the fullness of the story. This is a super sweet and wonderful novel that I am so glad that I picked up and I cannot wait to read it again!

        Happy reading!

Linking up at Let it Shine, Literacy Musing Mondays, and Monday’s Musings.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lynne Gentry and Liftuse Publishing.

The Midwife’s Tale by Delia Parr

        Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she’s hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha’s world is shattered.

        Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can’t remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it’s trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

        The Midwife’s Tale is the first book in Delia Parr’s At Home in Trinity series, and is the first book I have ever read by her. I have to say, I love, love, loved this book! Delia is one author I am so glad I took a chance on! Since I had never read any of her books, I wasn’t sure if this novel would be good or not (unfortunately I’ve taken a few chances on books this year that have turned out to be not so great), but I heard wonderful things about it, so I thought I would give it a try, and I’m so glad I did! Delia really did an amazing job of weaving together this tale of love and loss, triumph and heartache that captivated me from the first page to the last.

        At first, I was a little worried that it would be difficult for me to really relate to Martha Cade, since she is a mother of two pretty-much-grown children and I am not near old enough to be the parent of a preteen, much less grown children. However, it didn’t take me very long at all to feel as if Martha and I were old friends, and I really enjoyed getting to journey on with her through her struggle of having her daughter run away, her midwifery practice be in jeopardy because of a new doctor in town, and her returning feelings for her old flame. She turned out to be much easier to relate to than I thought she would, and I am already eagerly anticipating reading the next two books in the series. Although I have to say, Martha’s story was far from being resolved by the end of this novel, so it’s kind of a given that I would be ready to read the next two as well.

        I really cannot find the words to say how much I truly loved this book. It was so full of all the things that make a novel wonderful, such as a blossoming romance—even though it may have been more like a rekindling of an old flame—a little bit of mystery, and a lot of drama, and I just found it so completely enjoyable. I feel like I cannot accurately describe what I really loved about this book without spoiling it, so I will just leave it at that, but know that I don’t hesitate even the slightest bit to give it all five bookshelves, and I know that I will be reading the rest of the series as soon as it comes out. I highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone, but then, I recommend everything that manages to make it on my all-time favorites list (honestly though, it isn’t that difficult for books to get on that list, considering My Absolute Favorites list on Goodreads has over 130 books on it). All that is to say, The Midwife’s Tale is an amazing book, and I highly recommend that you read it. As soon as possible. Because you’re going to love it.

        Happy reading!

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Delia Parr and Bethany House Publishing.