Monthly Recap: November 2024

 

I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

Life got a bit busy, so my update is a bit late! December will also be busy since we will be visiting family back in South Africa. Looking forward to summer weather and beach days!

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

Still in progress

What I would like to read in December:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

This month I just really hope to get us much of my outstanding reads for challenges read.

Did I buy any new books?

Bought: None

Freebies: None

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over - a bit behind again on my 24 books in 24 challenge:

(crosses I've read this month),

This is a main challenge I want to focus on this year:

Looking at 2024, 24 books I would like to read which I had forever!

I have 12 left for the rest of the year 😇

ARC/Netgalley update:

ARC/Netgalley books downloaded this month:

A bit better this month with the ARCs:

ARC/Netgalley books read and reviewed:

Send feedback on the following:

How was your month?

Can't Wait Wednesday! Jack

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

So looking forward to this new series by Susan May Warren!

About the book: Jack

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Chance at LoveUnrequited LoveReturn to hometownGrumpy/SunshineSecretsBoy/Girl Next doorKissing only
The Minnesota Kingstons
Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Never Forgotten

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5

This is a gothic historical and as such there is more of a dark feeling in this story. The author did a great job with contrasting the darkness and light through Simon and Genevieve.

Simon had his internal struggle of seeking revenge while not falling victim to his rage and hatred. Genevieve, while loving Simon, knew she deserved more than what he wanted to give.

When I started this story I expected a prodigal son returned story, but it was a story of trusting that God will seek justice.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.   Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.   Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.   Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?  Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah His Silence When Tomorrow Came Garden of the Midnights The Girl from the Hidden Forest  

About the author:

HANNAH LINDER resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books &

Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. 

When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com. 

Review: The Prodigal

The Prodigal by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛
Rating 3.75

I love Susan May Warren’s suspense and this one took me across the world to Russia. There were spies and smugglers and danger.

I do feel that the author’s work improved over the time with her suspense keeping me 100% engaged till the end. I was still kept in suspense and just before the 75% mark realised who the middle man was.

The story was again filled with scripture which was smoothly interwoven in the story, something I always appreciate about the author’s book.

This book was co-authored and was done without a change in the voice of the writing.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

A generational secret could change everything...

She came for answers... but found a mission she never expected.

Kat Moore, a determined American, arrives in Moscow only to find herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the KGB. With only a cryptic key and a longing to uncover her murky past, Kat's search for truth drives her deeper into the shadows of a city that holds the secrets of her heritage.

Vadeem Spasonov, a seasoned FSB agent, thrives on the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of keeping his country safe from smugglers like the elusive Grazovich. When he encounters Kat, he initially suspects her of being a pawn in Grazovich’s schemes. Vadeem's mission swiftly shifts from capturing a criminal to protecting the headstrong American who inadvertently makes herself a target.

Together, Kat and Vadeem navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal. As they edge closer to unraveling the mysteries of Kat's family, they realize that the stakes are higher than either of them could have imagined. If they fail, Kat might never learn the truth about her past, and Vadeem could lose his chance at capturing a notorious criminal—or worse, lose Kat to the dangerous game they're playing.

About the authors:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

SUSAN K. DOWNS resides in Canton, Ohio, where her husband serves as a district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. This mother of five and grandmother of one traded her career as an international adoption program coordinator for one as a writer and editor, but she still loves to visit Russia. . .if only by way of her imagination.

Review: Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke

Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke by Shannon McNear
My rating: 💛💛💛

I enjoy historical fiction mainly because I learn something I have never knew about before.

With this novel I learned about the lost colony of Roanoke and the author brought the characters to life in such a way that I could feel their struggles to make a new home among people who were not always so welcoming.

Some parts of this story was heartbreaking but I enjoyed the hopeful ending.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . .
The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?

About the author:

Shannon has been writing one thing or another since third grade and finished her first novel at age fifteen—

but waited more than thirty years for her first book contract. In the meantime, she graduated from high school, attended college, met and married her husband, birthed nine children, lost one, taught five to drive, revised that first story innumerable times, and completed six others.

Her first published novella, Defending Truth, in A Pioneer Christmas Collection (Barbour, 2013 & 2015), was a 2014 RITA® nominee, and her most recent one, The Wise Guy and the Star in Love's Pure Light was a 2021 SELAH winner. She writes regularly for Colonial Quills, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith-Hope-Love Christian Writers, and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, she loves losing herself in local history. When this homeschooling mom isn't cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

Review: An Honorable Deception

An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

The author dealt with a very difficult and sensitive subject in a world where women and children had little rights in a way true to the history.

Though this book was heavier due to the subject, Yates with his charming teasing personality brought a bit of light to the story.

I loved that Lavinia was one of the main female characters and how readers could see her inner strength and fighting spirit from her past struggles.

I really enjoyed the paths crossed between two of the author’s fiction world and the promise of a partnership for hopeful future stories.

Everyone got their happy ending in a way which will leave readers with a satisfied sigh and smile.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

Review book 1: A Beautiful Disguise

Review book 2: A Noble Scheme

About the book:

As the leader of elite private investigative firm the Imposters, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon dangerous secrets.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects there's more to her oldest friends than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. Happy as she is for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing to bring laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the bad side of her best friend, his sister.

Tormented by a past that she doesn't dare to voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the darkest of society's secrets, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia soon learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . and truth isn't always honorable.

About the author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are

the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
see also Roseanna White

Also see:  Author Discovery: Roseanna M White

Review: Surge

Surge by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Surge was a fast pace military suspense full of action and a four-legged hero you sometimes want to snuggle because of the cute personality and other times fear his warrior protectiveness.

I was pulled in from the start, with the emotional, heartbreaking epilogue right till the end when the danger was contained.

The chemistry between the characters added a different spark to the chemical threat they had to find and stop.

I enjoyed each and every military hero and their sidekicks I met in this series and sad to see the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine own.* 

View all my reviews

Breed Apart Legacy:

Review book 1: Havoc 

Review book 2: Chaos

Review book 3: Riot

Review book 4: Fury

Breed Apart Series by Ronie Kendig:

Book 1: Trinity: Military War Dog

Book 2: Talon: Combat Tracking Team

Book 3: Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog

About the book:

Love and Betrayal in a Race Against Time

Delaney Thompson isn’t just a dog trainer—she’s the key to preventing a disaster. With loyal Military Working Dog, Surge, by her side, she’s ready to prove herself on her first mission…even without military training. Her goal? Help the intense Belgian Malinois track down a specific chemical linked to a dangerous terrorist group before it reaches American soil. But to succeed, she must navigate unfamiliar terrain and an even more unpredictable partner.

Garrett Walker is a seasoned military operator, driven by duty and haunted by tragic losses. Reluctantly, he teams up with Delaney, whose lack of tactical experience makes her a liability as he leads them across Southeast Asia. Yet Garrett knows that mission success and the safety of countless lives back home hinge on his leadership, the Malinois’s special scent training, and Delaney’s unique skills.

The stakes couldn’t be higher: if Delaney and Garrett fail to locate and secure the toxic chemical, hundreds of thousands of Americans could die. As they hunt down the terrorists, their objectives are clear—find the stash, neutralize the threat, and try not to get killed. But with mutual distrust simmering between them, their greatest challenge may be learning to rely on each other.

A gripping tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Dive into this high-stakes adventure where every moment counts…and falling in love might just be the most perilous move of all.