ARC Book Review: A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. Sowards

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction + Romance
Length: 328 pages
Author: A.L. Sowards
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: March 14th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Sometimes the road to freedom is a six-thousand-mile-long railroad track. Sometimes the road to love is even longer.

The Former Russian Empire, 1918

Czech soldier Filip Sedlák never wanted to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So at the first opportunity, he defected to the Russians. Now he and others like him have formed the Czechoslovak Legion. Their goal: leave the chaos of Russia, sail to France, and help the Allies defeat the Central Powers, thereby toppling a hated empire and winning an independent Czechoslovakia.

With the fall of the tsar, Nadia Linskaya’s life is in ruins. Her family is dead, her lands are confiscated, and her aristocratic world is gone forever. But Nadia is determined to elude the Bolshevik agent who destroyed her family and find a way to survive in this changed world.

When Nadia takes refuge with the Czechoslovak Legion, the last thing she expects is an ally. But when Filip proposes a sham marriage to ensure her safe passage across Siberia, she takes it. Neither Filip nor Nadia expect real love, not when the legion has to take over the longest railroad in the world—and then hold it against Bolshevik counterattacks, partisan sabotage, Allied intrigue, and a set of brutal Siberian winters. At risk is the future of Czechoslovakia, the fate of Russia—and their hearts.

Thank you to Covenant Communications and author for an ARC.

WONDERFUL READ.

This is my first A.L. Sowards book and it will officially not be my last. I was captivated from the start and continually kept wanting to read this to know what happens next. I’m picky when I pick up historical fiction because I prefer reading about less common areas and this has it. 1918 in former Russia? No I have not read any books like this and I loved learning more about this time through the book and the author’s note afterwards (and as a history nerd googling things too).

I loved Nadia’s strength. She could have easily lied down and be done with all that life was handing her, but through her faith (their is a light faith vein throughout) and the kindness of just enough people Nadia kept taking the next step forward. I also adored Filip. He had that passion and deep love for what his country and watching out for those around him. I thought their relationship was sweet (and HELLO marriage of convenience!!). The way multiple things were handled between them gave my heart all the flutters and hope.

This book surprised me by having more than two POVs and I LOVED the addition of the others! With the seeing other snippets of the people around Nadia and Filip, I quickly fell in love with the side characters too. Why I wouldn’t call every ending a happy one, it all did feel beautifully hopeful and true to the unfortunate nature of war.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Fiction + Romance
Language: very little
Romance: closed door between married couples
Violence: high
Trigger/Content Warnings: depictions/theme of war, war injuries, gun violence, disease, miscarriage, kidnapping, off-page sexual assault/rape, executions

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: February 2023

March 1, 2023February 27, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

I’ve been focusing hard this year to try to pick books (and accepts ARCs) I legitimately think I will enjoy. Out of 80+ books, I’ve only had TWO two stars. And that to me is really impressive. I’ve also been doing a lot of rereading and I’m here for that era too.

FAVORITES OF THE MONTH:

First to Fall
A Game of Hearts
Final Offer
Into the Churn
All Rhodes Lead Here
A Waltz with Traitors
Edenbrooke
Wing and a Miss
Exes and O’s
The Bluff
The Work of Art
A Dawn of Onyx
Sensibly Wed
Running Barefoot
Royal Gone Rogue

LEAST FAVORITES OF THE MONTH:

Falling Hard for the Royal Guard

First to Fall (Lost Story Bookshop #2) by Jenny B. Jones
[Reread/ALC] Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker
Final Offer (Dreamland Billionaires #3) by Lauren Asher
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
[ARC] Into the Churn by Hayley Reese Chow
Well of Eida (The Fallen Kingdoms #1) by KB Benson
[Reread] All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
The Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1) by Nicole Platania
Lord of Chaos (The Wheel of Time #6) by Robert Jordan
My Phony Valentine (Holidays With Hart #1) by Courtney Walsh
The Shattered City (The Last Magician #4) by Lisa Maxwell
[ARC] A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. Sowards
[Reread] Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Wing and a Miss (Deadlights Cove #3) by B. Perkins and Aimee Vance
Spice Road (The Spice Road Trilogy #1) by Maiya Ibrahim
[Novella] Mysteries of Thorn Manor (Sorcery of Thorns #1.5) by Margaret Rogerson
[Reread] Exes and O’s (The Influencer #2) by Amy Lea
[Gifted] Lovely Dark and Deep (Fallow Creek #1) by Claudia Cain
[Reread/ALC] The Bluff (Graham Brothers #2) by Emma St. Clair
These Infinite Threads (This Woven Kingdom #2) by Tahereh Mafi
[ARC] Happy Place by Emily Henry
Spare by Prince Harry
[Gifted] Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
[ARC] Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson
[Novella] Coming Home by Kennedy Ryan
Blood & Steel (The Legends of Thezmarr #1) by Helen Scheuerer
The Work of Art (Somerset Stories #1) by Mimi Matthews
A Dawn of Onyx (The Sacred Stones #1) by Kate Golden
In Spotlight and Shadow (Doors to the Past #11) by Rachel Scott McDaniel
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (The Unselected Journals #1) by Beth Brower
Sensibly Wed (Bradwell Brothers #1) by Kasey Stockton
[ARC] Love Buzz by Neely Tubati Alexander
Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon
Beauty and the Blade by S.C. Grayson
Mr. Gardiner and the Governess (Clairvoir Castle Romances #1) by Sally Britton
[ARC] The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes
Stardust in Their Veins (Castles in Their Bones #2) by Laura Sebastian
[ARC] Royal Gone Rogue (Sweet Royal RomComs #2) by Emma St. Clair
Chain of Thorns (The Last Hours #3) by Cassandra Clare
A Tournament of Crowns (A Trial of Sorcerers #3) by Elise Kova

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: Hearts of Steel (The Blackstone Legacy #3) by Elizabeth Camden

February 23, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Christian Historical Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House Fiction
Release Date: January 17th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company, but when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life’s work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.

Thank you Bethany House Fiction for the gifted copy.

COMPASSIONATE.

First, I know this says it’s the third book in the series but I had zero problems reading this as a standalone!

The plot and setting were one of the best things about this book. I love unique historical dynamics that lead to me learning a lot of times that aren’t heavily discussed. I didn’t think ice (and ice cream) would create such an impactful story, but I love that I stand corrected about that. Filled with a powerful theme of doing the next right thing and showcasing compassion for those around you (and those who deserve it) were some of the highlights.

There’s a sweet romance woven on the sub-side of the major plot. I did like them together and thought that Maggie and Liam had good chemistry. The large gaps between their relationship left some space for the pacing to feel a little off as I had to wait for them to see each and other and communicate again too.

I did love that they worked together and tried to problem solve to the best of their abilities and what would benefit the entire area. I was really fascinated by the villain (who turned out to be based off someone real) and how these kind of business choices affect those who are working the hardest to provide a stable life for themselves.

It was a good read and I happened to listen on audio (and loved the narration!). I would easily be interested in more books by this author.

Overall audience notes:

Christian Historical Romance
Language: a little
Romance: kisses
Violence: medium
Trigger/Content Warnings: extortion, bullying, infidelity (side character), near death experiences, chronic illness (stomach ulcers)

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

ARC Book Review: A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano

February 23, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House Fiction
Release Date: February 21st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano’s trademark wit, sweet romance, and hilarious mischief will keep you turning the pages of this lively Gilded Age tale.

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for an ARC.

CHEEKY AND FUN.

This is the first book I’ve read by Turano and I overall really enjoyed it. I loved the light hearted vibes and how audacious the whole book is. There’s high levels of drama that are fun to lean into and it is wild how intense the match making business became.

I thought all of the different little scenes connected to a solid storyline. I loved how Gwendolyn took charge and reigned in everything that was happening. She was a likeable main character who at her heart wanted the best for those around her (even if they needed a firm talking to first). I adored the three kids. I know not everyone loves them in stories, but I thought they worked beautifully. They themselves were humorous and also in desperate need of true love and intention. They blossomed as much as the rest of the main characters and I loved seeing that transition.

Length wise, I do think it could have been a little shorter. I noticed a good handful of repetitive commentary within a few pages of each other that I didn’t need to hear over and over again. Besides that, it’s a sunny book, with a unique setting (for me, I’ve never read a Gilded Age matchmaking book!), and a cute romance that takes both Gwendolyn and Walter by surprise.

Overall audience notes: