July 2025 Reading Recap & August 2025 TBR

   My July 2025 Reads: 

1. The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A sobering, timely, well-written novel. Read my review.


2. Religious Rebels: Finding Jesus in the Awkward Middle Way by Christy Lynne Wood  - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I read this book last month, but it was so good that I read it again.


3. The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - An excellent story of romance, struggle, and speaking hard truth. 


4. Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Thoroughly entertaining and edifying. I read it in one long sitting. Read my review.


5. To Belong Together by Emily Conrad - ⭐⭐⭐½ - I liked the main characters on an individual level, but I didn’t love their romance. The novel had a great faith element that I enjoyed. Definitely want to finish this series!


6. Awake by Jen Hatmaker - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Intriguing and entertaining... but also a bit disappointing.


7. A Fierce Devotion by Laura Frantz - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Historical fiction with a slow-burn romance and family ties. Read my review.


8. Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis - ⭐⭐⭐ - Hard to rate because I thoroughly enjoyed some portions of the book while I found other sections nauseating, tedious, and slow.

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Expected August 2025 Reads:

1. With God in Every Breath: A Guide to Drawing Closer to Jesus Through Your Senses by Whitney R. Simpson. - Currently reading. It has already made me rethink the way I view my body and exposed lies I grew up believing.
 
2. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


3. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. - A classic that I wanted to read after seeing the movie.


4. Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles - My local book club's August selection. 

 

What will you read this month? 

Book Review: A Fierce Devotion by Laura Frantz

 About the Book:

Exiled from his native Acadie in Canada, Bleu Galant has little on his mind but survival as the tumultuous French and Indian War comes to a close. When his journey to Virginia’s Rivanna River settlement takes an unexpected turn, he crosses paths with Brielle Farrow—a woman whose presence stirs something in him he cannot explain nor express. Unable to forget her, his decision to help her takes them across an ocean and into a lavish world he’s never known. Will their intricate tie decide not only her fate but his future?

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My Thoughts:

Bleu Galant, originally of The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz, returned for his own story of danger, romance, and family ties in A Fierce Devotion. Though this novella hosted characters from The Seamstress of Acadie, it read fine as a standalone. Frantz’s writing was beautiful, but the pace of the story varied with some sections feeling a tad slow. I especially liked the addition of French words and phrases.

Bleu and Brielle were well-suited for each other and the title, A Fierce Devotion, aptly described their relationship. I loved that Bleu was kind and generous from the start. No wonder Brielle found him attractive! From there, the relationship took a slow burn romance path. The would-be couple had chemistry and flirtation, but it took them a long time to move forward on their deeper feelings. Their development was less about fundamental changes than overcoming adversity, questions of self-worth, and the journey of their lives.

Fans of Laura Frantz and The Seamstress of Acadie will likely enjoy this historical romance novella. 3.5 Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.