The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker

The Gentleman’s Confession is the first book I have read by Anneka R. Walker and it will not be the last. This was an easy read, rich in vocabulary. I was swept into the story and could not put it down. I loved the matchmaking and regency. It was the perfect blend. The character development was good. I really enjoyed watching Jemma learn how to fall in love. As she fell in love for the ‘wrong man’. Miles also had a lot of development as well. The storyline and setting were great. As well as the historical element. I loved the regency storyline. I felt like I was right in the middle of the 1800s, trying to maintain society standards. Boy did Jemma and Miles not a hear to society standards of the times. Anneka R. Walker did a good job intertwining faith throughout the book. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

A Weary World Rejoices: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology VI

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Weary World Rejoices by Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, and Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Weary World Rejoices
Series: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology VI
Authors: Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, Sara Davison
Publisher: The Mosaic Collection, LLC
Release Date: October 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Christmas anthology

With nothing going as planned, will Christmas be a complete disaster this year?

The people in these stories are tired, weighed down by the struggles and cares of life. In the midst of their challenging situations, each receives an unexpected letter.  

The Christmas Kiss – Stacy Monson
Unremarkable Sue – Eleanor Bertin
Love, Christmas – Johnnie Alexander
Gifting Christmas – Angela D. Meyer
The Back Door Christmas Tour Company – Sara Davison 

Songs like "O Holy Night"are filling the airwaves and promising hope for a weary world, but what will it take for the men and women in these stories to experience true joy this Christmas?  

A Weary World Rejoices is a collection of five stories about discovering joy in the midst of life's challenges—at Christmas and every day of the year.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

MRSRYANMOSER BOOKREVIEW: A Weary World Rejoices is an anthology with five new to me authors. This anthology was a quick read and easy read to get you in the Christmas spirit. If you are someone short on time, this is the book for you. The stories were all different lengths, but there were some short ones. It is hard to give each story a fair review without writing my own book. So I will try to do my best to keep it short. The Christmas Kiss: was a cute story. Though I want to hear more of the story. Unremarkable Sue: was a cute short story that gave a moral to the story of seeing the bigger picture. Love, Christmas:was a cute story about passing on the Christmas cheer of gift giving. Gifting Christmas: was a cute story about giving to those less fortunate and not being so quick to judge. The Back Door Christmas Tour Company: was a cute story about how some Christians pray about who God wants them to invite to a special vacation. It was a really neat concept. Overall, the character development was good for the length of these short stories. There is a good variety of characters, and each story is unique. Each storyline was different and gave a unique variety. From a shopping center to rural small town, a B&B, to Tahiti. There is some variety for all. The romance was light and perfect. Nothing over the top. Just some light kissing. Christian element was there in all stories, though mostly a little on the light side. Though each story was unique. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Fractured Memories by Lynn Shannon

Fractured Memories is the first book I have read written by Lynn Shannon and I am this will not be the last. I sure have gotten bitten by the Christian Suspense/ Romance Suspense genre this year, and I am not mad about it. I sincerely enjoy a good Christian suspense. Fractured Memories was a quick and easy read. The character development was pretty good. I find most suspense and action books to be a little light on the character development. Not in a bad way, there is typically just a lot going on, so the development isn’t a main focus. The storyline was good. It was fun diving into a law enforcement story. There was a lot of action, so I had to hold on and pay attention, but overall, it was great. The relationship that unfolded between Noah and Felicity was sweet. I loved the friends to lovers trope. Though with the twist of widower with a child. It gave Felicity a different outlook on their relationship and really think about if she could consider this relationship. Lynn Shannon did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I really appreciated that. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Mackinac Island Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mackinac Island Beacon is the first book I have read written by Carrie Fancett Pagels and it did not disappoint. If you are one to judge a book by the cover, which I will be the first to admit I do frequently, this book is so much more than its cover. I am not saying the cover art work is bad. I am saying, I almost passed this book off as something on the slower side of historical. This book is rich in vocabulary and mystery. The character development was very intricate, as the character all had ties to one another. Through childhood friendships and family acquaintances. It took me a moment to straighten the web out. But once I did, it became quite the great story. Learning the full background of Susan and Val was a fun dynamic. The two evolving relationships were sweet. Very clean and appropriate, which I always appreciate. It was also very fitting for the time period. The historical aspect was perfect. I greatly enjoyed reading it. I also loved the authors notes. She took great detail going into the different aspects that would not have really fit into that time period and the reasons she chooses to use it. The storyline and setting were great. I really liked the setting. I have never been to Mackinac Island, but I have heard stories about it. I grew up in Southern Ontario, off of Lake Ontario. So, I could really picture the island and the details. I was not expecting this book to be a mystery, as when I choose to read it, I knew nothing about it. I did not realize it is actually the third book in a series. Though it can be read as a stand-alone. I was pleasantly surprised by Mackinac Island Beacon and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I really enjoyed all the intertwining storylines. Carrie Fancett Pagels did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I enjoyed that it was not just an afterthought, but was truly part of the characters. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski

The Winged Tiara was the first book I have read written by J’nell Ciesielski, and I look forward to reading some more. The story was captivating and drew me in from the start. The character development was good but lacking in a lot of ways. We got to learn a little bit more about Esme and Jasper and their childhood. I just came back feeling like we didn’t pull back many layers of their character. I would have also liked to see them grow together. The storyline and setting were fun. Though at times I had a hard time getting up to speed where the characters were at. It kind of hopped all over. Not sure if this was due to listening to it as an audiobook. I did enjoy the suspense element, and the cat and mouse aspect were fun to watch unfold. The relationship between Esme and Jasper was very passionate. It had some different interesting dynamics of trying to figure out their relationship. Overall, this was probably on the side of too much for me. Though it is a closed-door romance, it had the passion. The historical element was great. I could really picture the scenes and felt like I was in the middle of the roaring 20s. I never realized how much I enjoy this time period; this is the second book I have read this year set in the roaring 20s and I look forward to reading some more. I was a little bit disappointed by the Christian element. I had picked to review this book because the publisher is a Christian publisher, and I was expecting at least a little bit. It was completely lacking, as well as some of the morals of characters were not even of Christian values. I would not label this as Christian fiction. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson

A Not So Merry Ex-Mas is the first book I have read written by Abby Greyson and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a quick easy read, rich in Hallmark feels. It was the absolute perfect book getting ready for the Christmas spirit. The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Noelle and Cole. Learning about their past love story and watching them unwrap their thoughts and feelings was super sweet. The story didn’t dive too much into the recently divorced relationship, which might have helped understand Noelle a little more. Though I understand there is only so much you can write about. The storyline was cute. I loved the hallmark touches. Sometimes we all need the prefect little story to make us dream. What is more Christmas than a little cabin in the woods during a snowstorm. It was perfect. I could really envision the story. The rekindled relationship between Noelle and Cole was perfect. It was the perfect sweetness. Nothing too over the top. It was super clean, with nothing over the top. I enjoyed the sweetness and the appreciated getting to watch the relationship bloom again. This is not a Christian book, so there is no faith element. Though it is super clean. I feel ok recommending this to my fellow Christian readers if you are looking for a clean Christmas romance heavy on the hallmark. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

My Jesus by Anne Wilson

Wow I don't even know what to say. I picked this book up at the right time and it has encouraged me so much. They say grief comes in waves, and that is a true statement. This year it is hitting in a different way. On Sept. 21, 2012 We lost my father in law when his friend was driving and drove off a mountain road. The car hit a tree and my father in law was killed instantly. Reading this book, I could so relate to what Anne wrote because I have walked similar paths. This year as the anniversary of my father in laws death approached there was a few Godthings that hit me. 1)This week the hymn for our homeschool hymn study is “It is well with my soul.” What a powerful hymn and a powerful testimony from the writer of the hymn. Which also as I was reading this book and Anne was talking about this hymn it really struck me the relevance of this. 2) I also had the opportunity to review this book. I was suppose to review it a few months ago, and it got lost on my shelf (sorry). Up until the last two days I could not have told you who Anne was, nor what her story was. After finishing the book today, it was such a powerful book. She talks about how her brother was in a car accident, hitting a telephone pole and was killed on the spot. I could so relate to Anne and her story and where she has come from. Her love for Jesus and telling others about him is such a blessing. This book was such an encouragement that came at just the right time. Thank you for taking time to write this book. It truly touched me and challenged me in few aspects of my faith. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch

A Thieving at Carlton House was the first book I have read written by Erica Vetsch and I look forward to reading more. I was swept up into the story and could not put the book down. It was like watching one of those older BBC murder mystery series. It was an easy read full of vocabulary. The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Philippa and watch her grow, especially in her faith. All the characters were great, and I look forward to getting to see more. The storyline and setting were fun. I enjoyed the mystery aspects. Hunting down the thief and the murder, while also trying to start up a house for women. It was a great storyline. The historical element was great, maybe a little light. I didn’t feel like I was learning too much new stuff historically. But everything has its place. Just if you are a history nerd (which I am not, but I do enjoy learning) it might be lacking. I enjoyed it though. Erica Vetsch did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the book. I was very pleased. It was a great reminder that nothing we can do can get us into heaven, and that everyone is worthy of salvation, no matter our past. God wants a relationship with all of us. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Inferno Benson First Responders #9 by Lisa Phillips

Inferno Benson First Responders #9 was not the first book I have read written by Lisa Phillips and will not be the last. This year was the first time I have read her works, and I have completely fallen in love with her books. I love the overlapping characters between series, but also appreciate that the books can be read as a stand-alone, for those of us who like to series hop. Inferno was very intense. It kept me on my toes. The character development was good. Though lacking in a few areas. There were a few characters that I wish I knew a little bit more about. Though I did enjoy getting to know Samantha and Juilo and watch their relationship rekindle. The storyline was good. Though sometimes a little intense. I really had to hold on for the ride and pay attention to the story line at certain parts. The relationship that rekindled between Samantha and Julio was sweet. I liked that they were trying to rebuild it in a God honoring way, even though that was not the case the first go around. Lisa Phillips did a good job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I appreciated the message behind this book. Trusting in God, even when it feels like He is not there, or maybe in the past He didn’t feel close. It was a good reminder. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Fire Proof by Susan May Warren

Fireproof is not the first and will certainly not be the last book I have read written by @susanmaywarren I signed up to review this book because I was curious why Fireproof and Firestorm looked so much alike. I realized my library at the first 5 books in this series on audiobook, so I listened to them in preparation to reading Fireproof and Firestorm. I was not expecting to love this series so much. I was completely drawn in and 100% invested in the characters. It was a fast and easy read. But beware, once you start this series, you cannot stop until you finish. The character development was powerful. It was really good. Though you might be able to get away with reading this book as a standalone, you might miss a little bit. Crispin’s story is brought up in the other books and gives a bigger picture to who he is. I really enjoyed getting to know Crispin and Jade. The storyline was great. It really kept things moving along and kept me wanting more. The setting was prefect. Having lived in Colorado, I am no stranger to the treat of forest fires and the damage they can do. It really helped pull me in and Invision what was unfolding throughout the series. The relationship that transpires between Crispin and Jade is a unique and sweet relationship. Just as the fire spread quickly, so did their relationship. Even though they felt that they could not pursue each other under the circumstance they were in. I appreciate that it was nothing spicy, just a super sweet romance. Susan May Warren did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I always appreciate when the author does a good job on intertwining faith. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Testimony of Agent Adams by Alicia Gilliam

The Testimony of Agent Adams is the second book I have read by Alicia Gilliam , and it did not disappoint. Though you could totally read this as a stand-alone, it is kind of a spin-off of another series, Seth Browne. Which I still need to get my hands on and read. The Testimony of Agent Adams was an easy read. The character development was perfect. I enjoyed getting to know Agent Q and Hope a little better and getting to know Red. I loved seeing the difference in characters. Quincy’s journey to faith was fun and encouraging. Hope dealing with her relationship issues. And Red dealing with past trauma and trying to find her way in this world. I enjoyed each character and the role they played in the story. The storyline was great. I always appreciate a good criminal justice story line. So having Agent Quincy on a case, really drew me in. The relationship aspect was perfect. Nothing over the top. Just sweet and light. I always enjoy when an author keeps romance to the perfect amount and doesn’t make it the physical aspect the center of the story. Alicia Gilliam did a wonderful job intertwining faith throughout the book. I always appreciate when faith is intertwined and not just an afterthought. Also showing that faith is not always easy. Sometimes we need to struggle through it. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.