Book Review: Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Date: June 1, 2021

Book Blurb

Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.
Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.

Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.

In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters—including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.

Book Review

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

What a mesmerising and fascinating book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book by the skillful Tessa Afshar.

Jewel of the Nile is a book that describes how Jesus loves us regardless of our scars and imperfections.

There are characters I made friends with in the plot. The scriptures above each chapter rightly matched with the scenes and themes.

I highly recommend this book if you seek for an adventure to Bible days.

I voluntarily reviewed this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

Author’s Bio

TESSA AFSHAR is the Publishers Weekly best-selling author of biblical and inspirational historical fiction, including Harvest of Gold which won a Christy Award and Land of Silence, which won an INSPY. The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings is Afshar’s critically acclaimed Bible study based on the book of Ruth, which won the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award, 2021 in the Bible Study Category. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for a year. Having served in women and prayer ministry for twenty years, Tessa became a full-time writer several years ago. Contact Tessa at tessaafshar.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/

BOOK REVIEW: THE MOTHER’S DAY CLUB BY ROSIE HENDRY.

Genre: Historical Fiction Saga/ Women’s Fiction/ Romance

Publication date: 18th February, 2021

Publisher: Little Brown Sphere

Book Blurb

The Mother’s Day Club

Meet the women on the home front . . .

When the residents of Great Plumstead offer to open up their homes to evacuees from London, they’re preparing to care for children. So when a train carrying expectant mothers pulls into the station, the town must come together to accommodate their unexpected new arrivals . . .

Sisters Prue and Thea welcome the mothers with open arms, while others fear their peaceful community will be disrupted.

But all pregnant Marianne seeks is a fresh start for herself and her unborn child. Though she knows that is only possible as long as her new neighbours don’t discover the truth about her situation.

The women of Great Plumstead, old and new, are fighting their own battles on the home front. Can the community come together in a time of need to do their bit for the war effort?

Purchase Links

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mothers-Heart-Norfolk-Rosie-Hendry-ebook/dp/B07YD6TW8Z/

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Heart-Norfolk-Rosie-Hendry-ebook/dp/B07YD6TW8Z/

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-mother-s-day-club-1

Apple https://books.apple.com/gb/book/the-mothers-day-club/id1481637535

My Review

The Mother’s Day Club by Rosie Hendry.

What a beautiful and alluring book cover. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved how theme of motherhood was largely centered in this book.

Through this book, I learnt more about the Second World War.

I loved the characters here. Mirannne and Thea were two out of my favourite characters.

Being a fashion designer who enjoys bringing fabrics into life with beautiful designs of styles made me to relate totally with Miranne as she made dresses for the women in the village.

I love the coziness and the huge meals eaten in the plot made me hungry.

Overall, this is a clean and great book that I can proudly recommend to anybody seeking for a cozy read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

About the author

Rosie Hendry lives by the sea in Norfolk with her husband and children. A former teacher and research scientist, she’s always loving reading and writing. She started off writing short stories for magazines, her stories gradually becoming longer as her children grew bigger. Listening to her father’s tales of life during the Second World War sparked Rosie’s interest in this period and she’s especially intrigued by how women’s lives changed during the war years. She loves researching further, searching out gems of real life events which inspire her writing. When she’s not working, Rosie enjoys walking along the beach, reading and is grateful for the fact that her husband is a much better cook than her.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @hendry_rosie

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RosieHendrybooks

website http://www.rosiehendry.com

Instagram rosiehendryauthor

BOOK SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: THE THIEF OF BLACKFRIAR’S LANE BY MICHELLE GRIEP.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

About the Book

Book:  The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian historical

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore,but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

More from Michelle

Zootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

So I did.

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned…

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal.

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919.

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 23

Bizwings Blog, January 23

Remembrancy, January 24

Connect in Fiction, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

She Lives To Read, January 25

Blessed & Bookish, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27

CarpeDiem, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28

Connie’s History Classroom, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29

Life of Literature, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

HookMeInABook, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

KarenSueHadley, February 1

The Book Chic Blog, February 1

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mamma Loves Books, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

The Write Escape, February 4

Wishful Endings, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

Hallie Reads, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5

To Everything There Is A Season, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1062a/the-thief-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

BOOK REVIEW: TIDEWATER BRIDE BY LAURA FRANTZ.

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/ Romance

Publication date: 05 January, 2021

Publisher: Revell

Book can be purchased on online stores and local bookshops around you.

Book Blurb

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in the Virginia colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family’s shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors. 

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief. 

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they’ve been missing in life has been right in front of them all along? 

Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz takes you to the salty shores of seventeenth-century Virginia in this exploration of pride, honor, and the restorative power of true love.

My Review

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz is a good book. I referred to it as a good book because the style of writing and the plot is cool.

Although it started slowly, you will need a great deal of patience to continue reading.

I admire Selah and Xander. I was looking forward to their scenes in the plot.

The book cover is beautiful and the title got me so curious to know who was the “Tidewater Bride”.

Overall, it is a Christian Fiction historical book. I am sure somebody would love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Bloggers Program. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

About the author

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including An Uncommon Woman, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little,The Colonel’s Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at http://www.laurafrantz.net.

BOOK REVIEW: OF SWORD AND SHADOW BY A. L. SOWARDS.

Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards

Genre: Action Adventure Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Release Date: 08 February 2021

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Book Blurb

Greece, 1379

She is known by many names, none of them her own. In truth, she is an unnamed slave, nothing more than a weapon in the hands of her owner in his attempts to provoke political mayhem. When she encounters a handsome young man while on an assignment, she thinks little of him—until he attempts to take what she has stolen. But in her line of work, failure is not an option.

Gillen is intrigued by the mysterious woman who thwarts his mission. But when his path crosses hers again, his intrigue turns to gratitude as the thief he comes to call Eudocia saves his life. The two form a bond of friendship and join forces to wrest control from a group of ruthless rulers. But as their camaraderie blossoms into something more, Gillen and Eudocia must fight for love even as they wage war for a better future.

My review

This book deserves 10 bright stars from me.

Just look at the book cover, isn’t it calling for you to turn the pages and unearth the adventures within?

What an interesting adventure into the plot. The author’s imagination is so great and real.

I love the main protagonists. Gillen and Eudocia made me to return back to this book at any spare time in my hands.

You will feel your heart thumping and beating at each scene that seems dangerous.
It was like an action movie.

The settings of this book intrigued me.

In summary, I love this book and I highly recommend it to anybody seeking for an exciting book that captures all your whole emotions.

I would love to read other works by this same author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Covenant Communications through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

About the Author

A. L. Sowards is a graduate of Moses Lake High School and Brigham Young University. She swam competitively for sixteen years, including while she was in college. She found it more entertaining to think of plot ideas while following the black line up and down the bottom of the pool than having a song in her head that restarted with every flip turn. Sowards currently lives along the Wasatch front with her amazing husband and her adorable twin toddlers. She loves hearing from readers at ALSowards.com or on Facebook or Goodreads.

BOOK REVIEW : THE TOBACCO GIRLS BY LIZZIE LANE.

Genre: General  Fiction( Adult)/ Historical Fiction Saga.

Publication date: 05 January, 2021

Publisher: Boldwood Books.

Available online wherever books are sold

Book Blurb

The start of a thrilling new series, from bestselling author Lizzie Lane which follows three friends through thick and thin.

Bristol 1939.School leaver Maisie Miles suspects her father, a small-time crook, has an ulterior motive for insisting she gets a job at the W. D. & H. O. Wills tobacco factory but keeps it to herself.

She’s befriended by effervescent Phyllis Mason and kind-hearted Bridget Milligan who take pity on her and take Maisie under their wing.

But beneath their happy go lucky exteriors they all harbour dreams and worries about what the future holds.

Engaged to be married Phyllis dreams of romance and passion but when it comes there are dire consequences.

Bridget seemingly the level headed one harbours a horror of something unspeakable that she cannot easily come to terms with.

There’s great comradeship at the tobacco factory, and with the advent of war everything is about to change and even the closest friendships are likely to be strained.

My Review

The book cover is just too pretty to ignore. This facilitated me requesting for this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley and I am glad I got approved.

Such an interesting book I must say.
The characters will live with you and you can’t forget them in a hurry.

As usual, I love reading historical fiction novels and this particular book did not disappoint me.

The author is a new author to me, so I might watch out for her books in the nearest future by God’s grace.

I really love “The Tobacco Girls”. I couldn’t pick a favourite out of the three girls because each of them were important in the plot.

I really hope there is another book that continues their story because this book is too good to close “The Tobacco Girls” chapter. *winks*.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

About the author

Lizzie Lane has published over fifty novels, most of which have been sagas which have made it into the top thirty bestselling paperbacks on a number of occasions. has published over fifty novels, most of which have been sagas which have made it into the top thirty bestselling paperbacks on a number of occasions.
A one time live aboard sailor, she’s now a landlubber living in Somerset still avidly writing, but also between times seeking out bargains in charity shops, redecorating and redesigning rooms, drinking too much wine and indulging in home cooked food. Apart from that she’s perfectly normal

BOOK REVIEW: MARYANN’S HOPE BY MOLLY JEBBER.

Genre: Christian Romance/ Amish Fiction

Publication date: 26th January, 2021

Publisher: Kensington Books

Series: Amish Charm Bakery #4

Book Blurb

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies…the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visitingEnglischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing–and new chances for love…even for a widow faced with an impossible choice between her head and her heart.

Secrets devastated Maryanne Harding’s marriage to an Englischer–and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryanne is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown… 

Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew’s fraa, Maryanne can’t abandon her mother–or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryanne’s hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?

My Review

What  a beautiful cover. Although, I must confess, I had technical issues with my phone so I was unable to really sit back and enjoy the book.

From the few pages I read, this is a promising book.

I would love to come back in a right frame of mind to really enjoy the book because this is a promising book.

I love the fact that the main female character bakes. Her recipes made me want to bake my own cakes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine

About the Author

Molly Jebber is the Golden Quill Award-winning author of Amish romances, including the Amish Charm Bakery series and the Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novels. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she regularly tours to speak about Amish history and traditions, faith, and writing. She loves God, her family, and friends, as well as swimming, golf, reading, parasailing, and butterscotch pie. Molly lives with her family in Ohio and can be found online at MollyJebber.com.

BOOK REVIEW: THE PREACHER’S SON BY PATRICIA JOHNS.

Genre: Amish Christian Fiction /Amish Romance

Publication date: 26 January, 2021

Publisher: Kensington Books

This book can be purchased online.

Book Blurb

In this poignant new series, Patricia Johns introduces an Amish family striving to reclaim the promise of love, marriage, and community after a shocking change in circumstance. Her sensitive storytelling and realistically flawed, yet endearing characters bring depth and heart to this tender story about faith and second chances, as a young man and woman.

The Amish residents of Bountiful, Pennsylvania, are stunned when preacher Abe Yoder is imprisoned for fraud. For Abe’s son, Isaiah, the news cuts doubly deep. His daet’s misdeeds have cost Isaiah his family’s land and their good name. To support his sisters, he takes a job in the Glick family’s book-binding shop, though it means working alongside a woman who has every reason to resent him. Yet, his attraction to Bethany Glick’s beauty and warmth is undimmed… 

Isaiah’s daet’s actions helped drive Bethany’s fiancé to the Englischer world, and cost her own father his savings. Their shop is in need of Isaiah’s brawn and skill, but if she’s to start over after heartbreak, she needs a man she can trust. Not a Yoder. But Isaiah isn’t giving up so easily. And when Bethany faces a dilemma, there may be a way for each to find not just redemption, but a joyful new love…

My Review

What a delightful book written by the author.

I have read other books by the same author and this book didn’t disappoint me.

The characters in the plot are relatable. The storyline is unique itself and so many themes to glean.

The book cover and title made me curious.

Amish Christian Fiction genre will still remain my favourite genre. I really enjoy reading about the Amish life especially the tight knitted community and their love for sumptuous meals.

I highly recommend this book for lovers of second chances, forgiveness and many more.

4 stars rating.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

About the author

Patricia Johns is the author of more than twenty sweet romance, including the Infamous Amish Trilogy, Jeb’s Wife, The Bishop’s Daughter,and Thursday’s Bride. She lives with her husband and son in Alberta, Canada. Visit her online at PatriciaJohnsRomance.com.