Collen Coble and Rick Acker: What We Hide

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Family secrets. Historical wrongs. And the truths that refuse to stay buried.

Savannah Webster is trying to find her way forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart and he began numbing his grief and guilt with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history.

When Hez turns up in her classroom asking for a second chance, she rejects the idea immediately. But twenty-four hours later she’s under suspicion for murder, and since Hez is the best attorney she knows, she reluctantly asks him for help. They suspect the murder is tied to someone selling off the university’s pre-Columbia artifacts, but the secrets go much deeper than they realize.

The only hope they’ve got is each other, and they’re going to have to put their past behind them if they’re going to stay alive long enough to uncover all that’s hidden.

 

My Thoughts:

What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a legal drama with family drama thrown in to carry the plot along. The story is categorized as Christian Mystery and Suspense Romance, but I do not agree with this assessment. The story features Savannah and Hez, who used to be married. Tragedy happened and their marriage fell apart. Now they are back in each other’s lives, they are trying to figure out if they can make this work or not. It reads more like a women’s fiction novel than a suspense novel. Yes, there were missing artifacts, and readers will see the person who is taking them and their point of view, but it does not seem to be a main suspense factor. Yes, the story features a dead body after a couple of chapters, but it really does not have that suspense atmosphere that mystery readers want when reading this type of story. Most of the story features Hez and Savannah arguing and thinking of the tragedy moment that happened three years ago. I was actually bored reading the story. I couldn’t wait for it to be over.

I received a complimentary copy of What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions are all my own.

My Rating:  2 out of 5 stars

Purchase What We Hide

Tricia and Nathan Goyer: Breath of Bones

By Kelly Bridgewater

About the Book

Book: Breath of Bones

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Genre: Adult Historical Fantasy

Release date: June 18, 2024

When darkness falls, a new guardian emerges.

Kateřina Dubová has always aspired to walk in her father's footsteps as a respected journalist, and the Second World War presents a unique opportunity for her to prove her worth to the world. A tip about an assassination attempt on a high-ranking Nazi official, Reinhard Heydrich, the "Butcher of Prague" leads Kateřina into the shadows of the Nazi occupation. Soon she discovers things are not as they seem.

As intrigue unfurls, Kateřina joins forces with Josef Loew, a descendant of the famous Rabbi Loew, renowned for creating a mystical guardian in the form of a golem to protect the souls of 16th-century Jews in Prague. In the chaos of war, some believe a new golem can once again bring help to those in need.

Like flickering candles in the abyss, Kateřina and Josef work to protect the innocent and end the evil that plagues their world. Yet, in their quest to save the Jewish people, have they inadvertently created a new danger? Could the very entity they had forged to protect become their greatest enemy?

 

My Thoughts:

Breath of Bones by Tricia and Nathan Goyer is a World War II novel. Is it any different than other published World War II novels? Not really. There is a robot called a Golem, which I kept seeing Lord of the Rings every time I read the word. As I was reading the book, I kept wondering why the story was published under Enclave Publishing, which does highly fantasy novels. This novel was not at all. It could have been published by Bethany House and marketed as a Historical story. I really wanted a little more on the fantasy side during World War II, but I believe it fell short. If readers are coming to expect that, like me, they may be disappointed. If readers want to read it as a historical fiction story that takes place during World War II, then it was fine. Plot idea was done before. Characters were a little flat. They really didn’t stand out to me. Little people walk across the pages, but nothing special about them. A little hurt from the past, but nothing that stopped them from doing what they needed to accomplish. Brave. Yes. Some spiritually in the characters. Overall, Breath of Bones by Tricia and Nathan Goyer led me to believe that there would be a fantasy element tied to the plot, but it read just like a normal World War II historical novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Breath of Bones by Tricia and Nathan Goyer from Enclave Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Purchase Breath of Bones

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is a celebrated writer, speaker, and co-host of the Daily Bible Podcast. Author of 80 books, Tricia has won four Golden Scrolls, two Carols, and a Christian Book Award. In addition to Christy and Gold Medallion nominations, her book sales exceed 4 million copies. Tricia is a highly sought-after conference speaker, sharing on writing, parenting, and purposeful living. Tricia’s most recent work, Breath of Bones, is a historical steampunk fantasy co-authored with her son Nathan Goyer.
Nathan Goyer is an upstart designer and science fiction author, who has been writing since he was young. He has written the novel Bask: City of Shadows and solo-developed the mobile RPG game Heedless, which has surpassed 30,000 downloads. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he is now pushing forward with new endeavors, starting with his newest novel, Breath of Bones, which he wrote alongside his fellow author and mother, Tricia Goyer.

More from Tricia and Nathan

He Said/She Said: Behind the Scenes with Breath of Bones

By Tricia and Nathan Goyer

Writing Breath of Bones turned out to be one of the most surprising and rewarding adventures I’ve ever embarked on. Let me take you behind the scenes of how this all came to be.

It all started when I decided to treat myself to something special for my 50th birthday: attending the Realm Maker’s Conference with my son Nathan. I’ve been writing books for years, over 90 of them actually, but I’ve always stuck to what I knew best. Speculative fiction? That was Nathan’s thing, not mine. But, there we were, surrounded by an incredible community of sci-fi and fantasy writers and fans. It was inspiring..

Reconnecting with my old buddy Steve Laube at the conference was a highlight. “Come to the dark side,” he joked when I marveled at how amazing everyone was. I laughed it off, but little did I know how prophetic his words would be.

After that second conference, something strange started happening. Ideas began bubbling up in my mind, and they were far out of my usual writing lane. The trigger? Believe it or not, I was doing something as mundane as sweeping near my bookshelf, filled with my favorite books about Prague, when I got an idea. That’s when it hit me—blending the Jewish legend of the Golem with my love for WWII stories. When I shared the idea with Nathan, his eyes lit up. “I love it,” he said, and that was all the encouragement I needed.

The idea really took shape when I ran into Steve Laube again at another conference. I pitched it to him during my keynote, and his enthusiasm confirmed my need.

The most surreal part of this whole journey? I first met Steve when I was pregnant with Nathan. When Nathan and Steve were introduced, Nathan joked, “No wonder your voice sounds familiar.” I thought that was perfect!

It felt like things were coming full circle. I was writing a book in a genre I never thought I’d explore for an editor I’ve admired for decades, alongside my son, who, in a way, met Steve alongside me all those years ago.

Breath of Bones is more than just a book to me. It represents stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing a new genre with the help of an incredible community, and the unique joy of collaborating with my son. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new. Also, the support of friends and loved ones can turn even the most daunting challenges into rewarding journeys. I hope this story inspires others as much as it inspired me during its creation.

He Said:

Writing Breath of Bones was certainly something I never expected to do. I had been trying to get my mother Tricia to write speculative fiction for a while, but I never thought she’d do it! It’s been very interesting to see her come to embrace the more fantastical side of writing.

When she asked me to write the novel with her, I was excited to do so. Writing something like this was right up my alley, of course, but co-authoring was a brand new experience that comes with its challenges and plenty of rewards. I really think it pulled out the best of both of us. What emerged is a story neither of us would have ever written on our own.

I may be revealing some of our secrets here, but when we first started writing, the only fantastical element in the whole book was going to be the Golem itself! I was proud of Tricia when partway through writing, she said, “This feels like another historical fiction book, we need to do more.” From then on, we dug in and got creative. There is so much to discover, and I can confidently tell you there is plenty more excitement to come as the Clockwork Chronicles continues.

I will also say Tricia isn’t the only one stepping out of their comfort zone. It’s been a learning experience for me to write within the bounds of actual history! Sure, there are spider tanks and giant machinations, but much of the story comes from people’s real experiences at that time and our carefully crafted characters who needed to take on these challenges. I loved both learning and writing about the true history. In fact, my favorite scene I wrote had no Steampunk at all. (But I’ll keep which scene a secret. No spoilers here!)

Writing Breath of Bones has been a fantastic learning experience for me. I’ve absorbed a lot of information writing alongside such an experienced author and have loved seeing the characters and storylines I created come to life in such interesting ways. Above all else, I hope all our readers can get lost in the world of Breath of Bones and go on an adventure they won’t forget anytime soon.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 29

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Through the Fire Blogs, July 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 4

Lily’s Corner, July 5

Inklings and Notions, July 6

Blogging With Carol, July 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 8

Exploring The Written Word, July 9

Blossoms and Blessings, July 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 10

Simple Harvest Reads, July 11 (Guest Review from Mindy)

The Lofty Pages, July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Tricia nd Nathan are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/2c562/breath-of-bones-celebration-tour-giveaway

TBR Pile

By Kelly Bridgewater

At the beginning of 2024, I decided to read a book for review, then read a book on my To-Be- Read Pile. I had 50 of them on Goodreads that were published a while ago. I deleted some that I did not have in paperback or on my Kindle. Someday, when I purchase those, then I’ll read them.

I noticed as I read them, it was nice to see my “Want to Read” books in my Goodreads account actually go down. Many of them I had as physical books on my bookshelf, and some were on my Kindle.

www.nea.org

I worked through the ones on my Kindle first since I carry that everywhere with me.

Then I worked through the paperback copies, but those were in the evening since it is harder to carry those books to work to read during my lunch time.

Some of the books were on the list since 2015 when I started on Goodreads. It was nice to read them and actually not to have write a review for them.

I enjoy reading and reviewing books, but it was nice to read them and then move to the next one without sharing my thoughts on the book.

Next I plan to read the physical books that I own that I have not read yet. I think I have about 50 books there too that have not been read yet.

Plus, this will be a good way to decide once I am finished reading them, if this is something that I will keep or donate to our church library.

Selfishly, this way I can make more room for additional books.

What about you? As a book dragon, I am sure it is easy to purchase books, but then forget to read them. Ever tried something where you prioritize reading those books that were lonely sat on the shelf and forgotten because you were going to get to them some day. 

Connie Mann: The Crown Conspiracy

By Kelly Bridgewater

She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings’ surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

 

My Thoughts:

The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann thrills a non-stop chase with a number of paintings through Europe. This is the first book by Mann that I have ever read, and I was delighted to read all the non-stop action without any romance. I enjoyed how the story kept having the characters run from one place to another. I do enjoy the mystery clues written on the back of the pictures. Suspenseful novels are a great way to pass time as readers flip through the pages. Mann does a wonderful job at having a handful of villains chasing the women who are the heroes of the novels. I enjoy how Mann takes a group of women, some who are nuns, and have them helping chasing and fighting the bad guys. I love the scenery of being in Europe. Since I have never been, it was nice to have the characters running through churches and canals in Venice as they run for their lives. If readers love stories that feature characters that will return in upcoming novels and love plenty of non-stop action, then this is a good book to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Crown Conspiracy

Welcome Summer

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Welcome Summer!

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I know some people thrive on the heat, humidity, bugs, flowers, and weeds. 

I enjoy planting flowers, but they are pretty for about a week, then the weeds overtake them and about every three weeks, you need to reserve a weekend to getting your garden back under control because of all the weeds. 

I spend more time during the summer pulling weeds and mowing my big yard instead of actually enjoying the flowers that come from them. 

It is easier to plant a flower garden than it is to take care of it. 

How about you? What season do you drown in? What season do you thrive in?

Patricia Raybon: Truth Be Told

By Kelly Bridgewater

Denver's newest detective. A garden's deadly secrets.

On a lovely June night in 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain is mingling bravely at a high-class political fundraiser in the lush backyard garden of famed political fixer Cooper Coates, one of the wealthiest men in Denver's Black neighborhood of Five Points. When Coates’s young daughter discovers a pretty stranger dead in her father’s garden shed, Annalee is thrust onto the baffling new case just as she’s reeling from another recent discovery―a handwritten letter, found buried in her own garden, that reveals the identity of her mother.

Not ready to face the truth about her hidden past, Annalee throws herself into solving the mystery of the young woman’s demise. With the help of her pastor boyfriend Jack Blake, her orphaned buddy Eddie, and her trustworthy church friends, Annalee follows the clues to three seemingly disconnected settings―a traveling carnival set up downtown, a Black civic club, and a prestigious white seminary on the outskirts of Denver. Intriguing advice also comes from a famous, real-life Denver visitor. But is Annalee on the right track or just running in circles, fleeing from conflicts racing in her heart?

In a taut, heart-gripping narrative driven by secrets, romance, and lies, Annalee must unravel a case with higher stakes than she imagined―one where answers about a lovely woman's death point to truths and tensions still throbbing today.

 

My Thoughts:

Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon may take place in Denver, Colorado in 1924, but I believe the story could be ripped from the headlines today. I loved how she does take a murder mystery, which is one of my favorite genres, and wraps it in a timely historical element. I love the chapter openings with Sherlock Holmes’ quotes. Conan Doyle’s character is one of my favorite literary characters. I love the character of Annalee Spain. She is proud, determined, and does not let little things get her down. Especially in this book, Raybon has put her to the test a number of times, and Annalee keeps on trudging toward justice for the dead young black woman. I love how kind she is to everyone no matter their skin color or race. The plot is nicely handled with plenty of moments of watching Annalee as she tries to question others and solve the case. One of my favorite aspects is the budding romance between Annalee and Jake Drake. It has developed nicely over the three books. Overall, Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon is a delightful mystery that I will own on my bookshelf.

I received a complimentary copy of Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:   4.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase Truth Be Told 

Psalm 39

 

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

pixabay

¹ I said, “I will watch my ways
    and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
    while in the presence of the wicked.”
² So I remained utterly silent,
    not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
³     my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

⁴ “Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;
    let me know how fleeting my life is.
⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
    even those who seem secure.^[b]

⁶ “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
    without knowing whose it will finally be.

⁷ “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you.
⁸ Save me from all my transgressions;
    do not make me the scorn of fools.
⁹ I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
    for you are the one who has done this.
¹⁰ Remove your scourge from me;
    I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
¹¹ When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
    you consume their wealth like a moth—
    surely everyone is but a breath.

¹² “Hear my prayer, Lord,
    listen to my cry for help;
    do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
    a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
¹³ Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
    before I depart and am no more.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2039&version=NIV