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Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickerson

Title: Veil of Winter
Series: The Dericott Tales #3
Author: Melanie Dickerson
Genre: Medieval Fairy Tale
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: June 14, 2022

She’s hounded from every side by treacherous elements and foes, but her greatest enemy lies within.

In the mountains near France, the medieval Princess Elyce is being forced to marry, thus forming an alliance that will enrich her father but enslave her kingdom. Instead, she chooses to feign her death and flee to Prague to beg King Wenceslaus to help save her people.

In England, the young knight Sir Gerard has a vision from God instructing him to help Elyce on her quest. When he arrives to find she has been near death for days, he manages to revive her. However, thinking the stranger was trying to kiss her, the princess immediately distrusts him. But her desperate situation forces her to accept his aid.

Pursued by her enemy’s guards over mountainous terrain, they must also battle the deadly winter elements. Her greatest challenge may be to overcome the voices of disapproval and accusation from her childhood. Will her emotions lead her into her true identity, or will they undermine her ability to work with Gerard and to save her people, who desperately need her help?

In this dazzling and romantic story, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson takes the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale to satisfying new heights.

Grab your copy here!


About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award winner. Melanie spends her time daydreaming, researching the most fascinating historical time periods, and writing and editing her happily-ever-afters.

Connect with Melanie: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


My Review

Veil of Winter
by Melanie Dickerson
Book 3 in the Dericott Tales
Rating: 4/5

Melanie Dickerson does it again with her third installment of the Dericott Tales! With a unique retelling of Sleeping Beauty, she weaves a masterful story that transports the reader into this reimagined fairy tale. I fell in love with Princess Elyce and Sir Gerard’s story and I loved how they met for the first time. I laughed and sighed. Such a great story and one that you will not want to miss! I recommend reading the first two books first but I still think this story can be read on its own.

Highly recommend this clean medieval fairy tale retelling with a lot of heart and passion for social change.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.


Also Available

Read my review of Court of Swans here.
Read my review of Castle of Refuge here.

Lily of the Valley by Sarah M. Eden

About the Book

Title: Lily of the Valley
Series: The Gents #2
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Genre: Georgian Romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: April 11, 2022

Cumberland, 1786

Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

Grab your copy here!


About the Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library.

Connect with Sarah: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub


My Review

Lily of the Valley
by Sarah M. Eden
Book 2 in the Gents series
Rating: 4.5/5

I don’t know how she does it but the author has written such a fun, charming, witty and heartwarming romance between two very interesting characters. I easily lost some sleep over this novel and must know more. (I actually have not yet read the first book in this series but from her other books, I am somewhat familiar with the characters at-a-glance) I am planning on going back to read the first book, but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary for your enjoyment.

First, the cover was just okay for me but after reading the story, it makes a bit more sense. I personally don’t find the cover model’s hairstyle attractive but that doesn’t take away from the story.
Second, the premise of the story was interesting since Kester Barrington seems to be an introvert while the rest of the Gents do not. The friendship between them is so refreshing and fun. I loved all their antics and larks. I also enjoyed seeing the Ridley family move up in the world. Trying to avoid the insecurities and the faux pas is not easy to navigate but the Gents and Julia were happy to help.
Third, the love story between Kester and Violet was beautiful though not perfect. The characters each must deal with their hardships before being able to come together. The way they complement each other is precious, and I love how the author didn’t shy away from the harder topics.
Fourth, I loved all the ingenuity involved with Kester being an amateur inventor and all that entailed. As someone who is also a “fixer/problem-solver”, I love exploring all the possibilities (especially during that time).

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean, sweet romance that makes you laugh and cry.

P.S. Kester’s speech at the end is perfect. There, I said it.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.


More from Sarah

Research is one of my favorite aspects of writing. Lily of the Valley offered ample opportunities for researching incredibly interesting topics. One main character is an amateur inventor, which tossed me deep into the realm of innovations of the 1780s and 1790s. The other main character has an interest in engineering and mechanics, allowing me to delve into what was known and understood in these fields at the end of the 18th Century. Amongst the supporting cast are a variety of interests, strengths, and passions, all of which saw me pouring over everything I could find from this era on those topics.

A particularly fun area of research I tossed myself into was parlor games played in late 18th Century England. Among my favorites I learned about:

  • The Three Kingdoms, a game very much like modern-day “Twenty Questions.” The guesser has up to six questions to gain clues about what the others in the group have decided among themselves is the thing the guesser is trying to discover. One twist: the first question is always “To which Kingdom does the item thought of belong? (meaning animal, vegetable, or mineral)
  • Short Answers, a game of wits and creativity. The group sits in a circle and one at a time, ask the person to their right a question which that person has to answer in only one word. However, the word cannot be repeated during that round. Once someone has answered a question “Yes” no one else can answer with that word until the round is over. A round ends when someone cannot think of a one-word answer to the question they have been asked and is, subsequently, eliminated.
  • A centuries-old version of musical chairs
  • A game that involved determining which fabricated crime the various players would pretend to have committed.
  • Plenty of games involving forfeits of kisses or handkerchiefs or other shows of affection that the very staid rules of Society would have otherwise looked down on.

Discovering more about the historical context of this book was intriguing and delightful. I hope readers will enjoy learning more of this bit of the past, lose themselves in romance, enjoy the delightful friendship between the characters, and perhaps even find a few new games to try.

-Sarah Eden


Blog Stops

Inside the Wong Mind, June 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6
Inklings and notions, June 7
Reading with Emily, June 7
For Him and My Family, June 8
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 8
Texas Book-aholic, June 9
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10
deb’s Book Review, June 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 12
The Book Club Network, June 12
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 13
Pause for Tales, June 13
Connie’s History Classroom, June 14
Sylvan Musings, June 14
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 15
Rachael’s Inkwell, June 16
Wishful Endings, June 16
Through the Fire Blogs, June 17
Britt Reads Fiction, June 18
Labor Not in Vain, June 18
To Everything There Is A Season, June 19
Miriam Jacob, June 19


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, print copy of book, and Exclusive Sarah Eden vinyl stickers!!

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/1e7ee/lily-of-the-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway


Also Available

Read my review of Charming Artemis here.

The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Sweet Life

About the Book

Book: The Sweet Life
Series: Cape Cod Creamery #1
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: May 3, 2022

Jilted by her fiancé, Dawn Dixon escapes to beautiful Cape Cod on a groomless honeymoon–with her mother. But she didn’t expect her mom to risk everything, on a whim, to move there permanently or buy a rundown ice cream shop in need of repair. In order to make their new life work, they’ll also need her ex’s help.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher

With over 1.5 million copies sold, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of over 30 books, ranging from novels to children’s books to non-fiction. She is a Christy Award finalist, a winner of Carol and Selah awards, and a two-time finalist for ECPA Book of the Year. She writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. Suzanne lives with her very big family in northern California.

Connect with Suzanne: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon


My Review

The Sweet Life
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Book 1 in the Cape Cod Creamery series
Rating: 4.5/5

Who doesn’t love ice cream and all the feelings of nostalgia it conjures up?! For a book that seemingly has very little romance, the author manages to weave a heartwarming story about trusting God and embracing your fears and weaknesses. I am excited to read more about this cute historical town and see what happens next.

First, the book cover makes me hungry for ice cream. LOL.
Second, the story doesn’t go where my Hallmark movie-loving heart thinks it will which is impressive. The story is not as predictable as one might think but it is well written and thought-out.
Third, the characters are achingly flawed but I loved seeing the relationships develop between them. The heart of the story belongs to the mother-daughter relationship which makes you laugh and cry. The characters have to deal with very serious realizations but also have moments that truly had me laughing out loud. And through it all, God’s faithfulness and love was highlighted.

Highly recommend this charming, small town story about destiny, second chances and love.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.


More from Suzanne

The Sweet Life is a story about a mom and a daughter who, both in need of a little respite from life’s bumps and bruises, start an ice cream shop on Cape Cod…thinking it will be easy. After all, who doesn’t love ice cream?

Well, sure. That’s true. Everybody loves ice cream. But ice cream can be tricky. This I can say with authority. My husband is a serious hobby ice cream maker. He even attended Penn State’s Ice Cream School. While Steve was working on his vanilla recipe, he experimented fifty-nine times before he was finally satisfied. 59 times! Other flavors, like chocolate, can mask mistakes. Not vanilla. Too pure.

Here’s a few other things you probably didn’t know about ice cream:

The very first mention of a frozen dessert dates back to Persia in 550 BC, though it might have been sorbet-like. It’s said that Emperor Nero had ice brought down from the Apennine Mountains to produce a sorbet of honey and wine. And then there are those who insist that ice cream came out of China, and were introduced to Italy with the help of Marco Polo. Regardless of its origins, a love of ice cream has been around for a very, very long time.

Quaker colonists introduced ice cream to early America, having brought their recipes with them from England. Some argue that the French brought ice cream to America. Regardless, during the colonial era, ice cream was sold in shops in New York.

George Washington loved ice cream. So much so that he even brought ice cream making equipment to Mount Vernon! There are many accounts of “ice creem” (as it was then called) served during his administration.

First Lady Dolley Madison, wife of U.S. President James Madison, served ice cream at her husband’s Inaugural Ball in 1813. Common colonial flavors were soft fruits, like peaches or strawberries, added to a vanilla custard. Dolley had a curious favorite flavor: oyster. (Ugh.)

In September of 1846, a Philadelphia house wife named Nancy Johnson filed patent #3254 for a simple hand cranked ice cream churn. Prior to this point, ice cream belonged to the wealthy. Her hand cranked ice cream churn made it affordable for everyone. Nancy Johnson’s design is still used today.

During the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, an ice cream vendor ran out of cardboard dishes. The vendor next door offered to make cones by rolling up his waffles. Voila! The birth of the ice cream cone.

The majority of American ice cream companies have been in business for more than 50 years. Many of them are still owned by single families.

For the last 128 years, Penn State University has held Ice Cream School for professionals and serious hobbyists during January (for obvious reasons). All the greats have attended: Baskin & Robbins, Ben & Jerry, Dreyer’s, Nestle’s, Blue Bell Creamery, Dairy Queen, and…my husband.

The most popular flavor in the world? Vanilla. Of course.


Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, May 26
Inside the Wong Mind, May 26
The Avid Reader, May 27
lakesidelivingsite, May 27
Vicky Sluiter, May 27
Remembrancy, May 28
Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28
Splashes of Joy, May 28
Texas Book-aholic, May 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29
Miriam Jacob, May 29
Daysong Reflections, May 30
Inklings and notions, May 30
For Him and My Family, May 31
The Book Club Network, May 31
Blogging With Carol, May 31
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 1
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 2
deb’s Book Review, June 2
Artistic Nobody, June 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 4
Blossoms and Blessings, June 4
Mary Hake, June 4
Christina’s Corner, June 5
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6
Book Looks by Lisa, June 6
Simple Harvest Reads, June 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, June 7
Spoken from the Heart, June 7
She Lives To Read, June 8
Bigreadersite, June 8
Labor Not in Vain, June 8


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/1e36c/the-sweet-life-celebration-tour-giveaway