The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton

 

About the Book

In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart?

Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She's experienced it time and time again. But there's a silver lining to repeatedly proving she's confident and self-reliant.

When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she's game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she's not about to let her guard down--especially with the other women who received the same invitation.

A strange voice on the phone tells them he's gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can't let go the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell.

With Everleigh's keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry's vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner's connections to the antiques world, they're bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie's nephew, Niles Butler, doesn't trust Everleigh's innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh's walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team.

Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God's love will relish this new series. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this one simply because of the characters. The mystery didn't totally suck me in but the lives of the people sleuthing had my attention. In looking for a missing jewel there are some clever clues and history that are also fun additions. The romance is well written with lots of banter. There is a person holding all of the strings to this group of people and I am thinking there is more to this "Casper" so while there isn't really a cliffhanger it is clear there is more to discover with each of the ladies that are investigating. For a quick read this is a fun romantic mystery. 

Four Stars. 

Book three comes out March 24th and is called The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Beginning of You

 

About the Book

God added your smile

and filled you with love.

From your head to your toes,

you're a gift from above.

This precious keepsake will teach toddlers how God intentionally created them and just how much their caregivers love them. Little ones will discover how each part of their bodies—from their nose to their toes—was perfectly designed by God, who formed them with tender care.

With rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this sweet board book is ideal for parents and caregivers to read with the child in their lap as an interactive experience. As kids like them are depicted smelling cookies and flowers, hearing a train and a plane, and jumping and running, children will begin to learn where their noses are, where their ears are, what their legs do, and more! (Amazon)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

This is a cute little board book for littles. I would say from about newborn to 2 years old this would be a great book to add to your collection. My little boy enjoys looking at it and it is a great reminder that God knit them together and He even knows how many hairs are on their head. It can be challenging to find books that present God in such a way so this is a special little book. It would make a great gift! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Festive Green Cover Fun

 Today is Top Ten Tuesday and all of the green covers for St. Patrick's Day. 

The Queen's Gambit by Beth Brower

                        

Home To Me by Sarah M. Eden

The Red Cottage

Every Bend in the River by Emerson Ford

The Maid of Sherwood Forest by Sian Ann Bessey

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

   

Estuary by Lisa T. Bergren 

The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

He Calls Me Daughter Review and Gift Card Giveaway

About the Film

 HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

 He Calls Me Daughter in theaters only 3/17-3/18! 

BUY TICKETS TODAY

Download Curriculum 

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win an Amazon gift card! US Entries only. 

$10 Amazon Gift Card

My Thoughts

This is a film that intrigued me and I very much enjoyed watching. It is a well put together documentary type film of different people discussing their father wounds. I loved hearing different perspectives and experiences that different women have had and also encouragement from Alex Kendrick on what a father is to do. There is a wonderfully strong statement that God is the only Father who can love us how we need to be loved unconditionally. I think it is a well known fact that not having a father figure or having a terrible father figure has a lasting impact on a daughter. It is difficult to understand that we have a Father who loves us when in that situation. I thought the interviews were well put together and overall I found this film to be encouraging and it will create much needed conversation. 

#HeCallsMeDaughterMIN #HeCallsMeDaughter #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Many thanks to He Calls Me Daughter for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Recent Reads Recap

I am veering from the Top Ten Tuesday Topic this week because I really couldn't think of any books that fit the topic. So I am listing the last ten books I read for fun and that I didn't review on the blog already. 

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz
I gave this one four stars. I was disappointed with the instant love romance thread and it took a lot from the fascinating history.

A Fortunate Miscalculation by Karen Thornell
Three Stars. It was just okay for me. 

Heir of Hope by Morgan L. Busse
Four Stars. I really enjoyed this entire series! 

Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund
Four Stars. The best of the series. 

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde
Four Stars. This book is so unique and I enjoyed it!

Awakened by Roseanna M. White
Two Stars. I struggled with this one unfortunately. 

A Bride of Fallen Stars by Victoria McCombs. 
Five stars. Pre-order now! I loved this book!!!!

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep
Five stars. Gothic historical romance and a re-read. 

Under the Scottish Sky by Amy Coburn Crawford
Two Stars. This book I just couldn't get into and I really wanted to! 

The Duke's Diary by Ashtyn Newbold
Five star re-read. This one is just fun. 

The Bird of Bedford Manor Review + Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Bird of Bedford Manor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction / Regency

Release Date: February, 2026

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all:

• swoon-worthy romance
• clever turn-of-phrase
• colorfully memorable characters
• charming British setting

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

 

More from Michelle

The Waltz: The Dance That Shocked Regency England

Post by Michelle Griep

I’ll be the first to admit it…I can’t dance a lick. Not a jig, not a reel, and certainly not anything that requires turning in rhythm without stepping on someone’s toes. If you ever spot me on a dancefloor, it’s because someone shoved me there or I lost a bet. Which is probably why the waltz both fascinates and terrifies me. A dance that actually expects you to glide gracefully while holding someone close? Absolutely not. And yet in Regency England, it became the talk of the town.

When the waltz swirled onto the dancefloors of England in the 1790s, it caused more shock than delight. Imported from Austria and southern Germany, it was a turning, closely-held dance—far too close for the comfort of polite society. Many called it indecent, warning that no respectable couple should stand chest-to-chest before a room full of onlookers. Some critics even claimed the dance “ignited dangerous feelings” and threatened to erode proper English restraint.

Shocking, right?

But fashions shift, and all it took was the Prince Regent giving the dance his approval in 1814. Overnight, the waltz transformed from scandal to sensation. By the 1820s, it was everywhere.

Here are a few fun bits of waltz trivia from the era:
• Some etiquette books warned that too much turning could cause “disorientation” or “undue excitement.”
• Early chaperones sometimes counted the number of turns, convinced it reflected a couple’s level of impropriety.
• A lady’s hemline was said to act like a “barometer” of a gentleman’s behavior—if it swayed too wildly, he was holding her too tightly.

In The Bird of Bedford Manor, set in 1820, this same world of rigid rules and whispered scandals forms the backdrop for Juliet Finch—resourceful, determined, and driven into the woods by her father’s downfall. When Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land, everything changes. What begins as a crime punishable by death becomes something far more dangerous as he charges her with tracking the stalker tormenting his sister.

Juliet can track anything. But this time, she may become the hunted.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 24

Devoted Steps, February 24

Bizwings Blog, February 25

Book Looks by Lisa, February 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 25

Sylvan Musings, February 26

Sydney Schmied Books, February 26

Lily’s Corner, February 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 27

Inspired by Fiction, February 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Simple Harvest Reads, March 1 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

The Bookish Pilgrim, March 3

Betti Mace, March 4

Cover Lover Book Review, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Blogging With Carol, March 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 6

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6

Stories By Gina, March 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 7

Holly’s Book Corner, March 8

Pause for Tales, March 8

Vicky Sluiter, March 8

Devoted To Hope, March 9

To Everything There Is A Season, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts

This story starts off strong with the main heroine poaching. Right from the beginning the reader is swept up into the life of Juliet and I really appreciate how the author portrays her living. The woman is fairly destitute and literally is trying to survive. It took me awhile to warm up to Henry and at times I was pretty annoyed with him. I love the bargain that is struck and the following escapades that ensue. As you can imagine, it gets interesting as both Henry and Juliet attempt to apprehend the villain. At times I did feel like the story moved a little slow. Even with the mystery element it just seemed to drag for a few chapters. There is a sweet romance thread and the book has a gothic feel to it which I love. The ending is solid and for that reason I found it to be an enjoyable read overall. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own."

Reign Breaker Review

About the Book

 In a world of shape-shifting monsters, who can be trusted?

Despite the prophecy that changed her life forever, former gravedigger Rigan North has found love with the man of her dreams. But a peaceful future isn’t yet within reach. Hunted by two rival kings and sought by Jardians and Calidorians alike as the symbol of a new rebellion, Rigan struggles to find her place, increasingly drawn to the Shro Khan’s siren song. How will her child save the world if Rigan cannot resist the monsters’ call?

Leagues away, Isel has grown up in a sheltered monastery as the daughter of a monk. All she desires is to live an ordinary life with her books, but her uncanny resemblance to the so-called Reign Breaker and her unusual ability to detect the Shro Khan’s presence tears her from her home and thrusts her into a world of intrigue, power struggles, and deadly secrets. Kept captive by Jardia’s king, her only true ally is melancholy, wheelchair-bound Crown Prince Soren, the Reign Breaker’s brother-in-law and a brilliant, dangerous man. But Soren’s destiny is not his own, either, and with ambiguous prophecies linking his name to hers, the path to save the Twin Kingdoms may forever diverge from the path that sets Isel free.(Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

Wow, this book continues the epic adventure of the Painted Wind series! You have to read the first book (in my opinion) to have any idea what is fully happening. This story gives us more perspectives from the lead characters. I LOVE that the author is continuing to dive into the lives of Rigan and Corcoran and setting up the plot to continue with Soren. Isel is my favorite out of every single person in this series so far. She is like a breath of fresh air and light to a pretty dark kingdom. There is swoony romance and humor, battles and new relationship issues, and of course the darkness of the Khan that is seeping further into the kingdom. I simply couldn't put this story down and even with the extra plot lines and perspectives it flowed wonderfully. The ending leaves you on one heck of a cliffhanger and now we have to wait for book three! I love this series and I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy fiction!

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own."

What Is Left of the Night Review

About the Book

 Based on a true story

The Nazi regime's bloody wake in Europe persists as they brutally send "undesirables" to their deaths in concentration camps. As a young Jew, Hannah leaves behind her mother and sister as she flees certain death, arriving in Le Chambon in search of refuge.

Driven by their deeply rooted faith in God, Protestant pastor André Trocmé and his formidable wife, Magda, have turned the unassuming community in the foothills of the French Alps into a quiet resistance—a haven where they shelter escapees from Hitler's ever-tightening fist. It’s here that an author pens his Nobel Prize-winning novel and finds answers to his questions about God; and just outside the village borders, a one-legged female American spy sets up an operation to organize the French Resistance.

But a sadistic crew is on the rise. Under the supervision of the Butcher of Lyon, Gestapo officer Herr Lauer pursues the Jewish girl. Hannah was in his sights, but when she evaded him, his explosive rage and thirst for revenge set him on a spiraling mission to track her down—leading him straight to Le Chambon.

With lyrical prose and historical accuracy, Mark Buchanan weaves together a thrilling narrative from the real-life stories of a pastor, refugee, spy, and author, tangled together in a plot against the Reich. (Goodreads)


Pre -Order Here

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness this story. It is one that (for me) needs read slowly so as not to miss the pieces of wisdom thrown in. I loved reading from the standpoint of a pacifist but also just the view of a pastor. There are multiple perspectives that go back and forth throughout the novel and Hannah and the pastor's storylines are my favorite. This book will really make you think and it is different from other WWII books that I have read. There is some humor sprinkled in and also details of a terrible war. This book has a lot of grit and some of it portrays the darkness. It isn't gory and explicit but still tough to read at times. There is family and fear and joy and life and death. The marriage between André and Magda is so well written. The people in this story are not written to be perfect and that made me love it all the more. This is based on a true story and I really appreciated the author explaining details based on what is fact and fiction. This is a fiction read but incredibly based on a true story. I had no idea Le Chambon existed or that this village saved thousands of Jewish refugees! It is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Daughters of the Wreckage Review

 

About the Book

Two women. One shipwreck. And four centuries of secrets.

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, Tess McCarthy, after years as a hard-working English teacher who never did anything out of the ordinary, flies to Western Australia's remote Abrolhos Islands. She is in search of answers--both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and her personal family crises.

In 1628, Saskia, an orphaned young Dutchwoman, boards Batavia with relatives, bound for a new and potentially dangerous life in the East Indies--only for her world to first collide with Aris Jansz, the ship's taciturn under surgeon.

Tess, Saskia, and Aris--their lives linked by secrets that span generations--carry the baggage of past losses and the uncertainty of their futures. And, in the most unlikely circumstances, they may find qualities that echo through faith, acceptance, and love.

A woman searching for answers in her own life finds them--and much more--in the wreckage and haunting stories of the Batavia shipwreck.

Previously published in Australia as Daughters of Batavia. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

I picked this book to read because I knew absolutely nothing of this history of Batavia. The first few chapters had me totally interested and the set up of the characters was good. The back and forth between them was clear and well written. I just really struggled to get into the story after the first few chapters. For me, it read as a very dry plot and I found that I didn't care much about what was happening with the people in the story. It didn't captivate me and I struggled to finish reading it. The ending picks up just a bit and that was helpful. The history is interesting and it made me want to research some of it myself. If this is something that interests you with history then you will probably enjoy it. I know many others have loved this book, it simply was not for me. 

Three Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."