September & October 2023 Reading Recap, + November 2023 TBR

My September 2023 Reads: 

1. Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. Iris by Susan May Warren - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I wish Iris and Hudson's story had been completely in this book instead of part of it being in "Ned." It took awhile for things to come back to me even though I read "Ned" only a few months ago. Overall, a good story that held my attention and had me rooting for the good guys.


3. The Evangelical Imagination by Karen Swallow Prior - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review to come.


4. Creed by Susan May Warren - ⭐⭐⭐½  - Read my review.


5. A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson - ⭐⭐½ - Read my review.

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My October 2023 Reads: 

1. The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

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Expected November 2023 Reads:

1. He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox.


2. The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox. - My local book club's selection for November.


3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


4. The Lexicologist's Handbook by Dane Cobain - Currently reading. Similar to a dictionary, but with less words and an aim for fun.


5. Mom Enough: Inspiring Letters for the Wonderfully Exhausting but Totally Normal Days of Motherhood by Rachel Marie Martin. - Currently reading.


6. Suing Cinderella by Stephanie Mack.

What will you read this month?

Book Review: Creed by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

He’s a criminal—who must become a prince to save the princess he loves. But will she have to become a criminal to save him?

In the heart-pounding conclusion to the epic Minnesota Marshalls series, Princess Imani finds herself once again in peril as she becomes the target of a deadly plot. She needs Creed – only problem is, he’s facing charges in Lauchtenland. But he’s not going to let that stop him from protecting her…even if he has to become a fugitive. But who is trying to kill her? Together, they race against time to unravel a web of deceit and conspiracy that seems to entrap the entire family. As their journey takes them from the palace to the high mountains, and finally back to Minnesota, Imani and Creed must discover the truth before tragedy destroys everything—and everyone—they love.

Read the thrilling finale of the Minnesota Marshalls series, where the fate of a family and destiny of a kingdom hang in the balance.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3rtCF0m

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My Thoughts:

Creed by Susan May Warren concludes The Minnesota Marshalls series. I recommend reading the novels in order as the Marshall siblings are plentiful. It takes time to know the siblings and their significant others, all of which are present in Creed.

Like the other installments in The Minnesota Marshalls, Creed had plenty of danger and suspense. The story held my attention throughout, and I enjoyed revisiting this loud, heroic, larger-than-life family. Creed gained my admiration with his resilience and desire to overcome. He had physical impairment, relational obstacles, and a heartbreaking past, but he grasped his future and protected his loved ones. However, underlying this fortitude, a spiritual thread in the story addressed human frailty and the need for one’s hope and spiritual strength to come from God. Overall, the suspense, romance, and spiritual themes were well-balanced.

Although I liked many aspects of Creed, the ending displeased me. After reading five books, I was ready for closure and the author left several situations open-ended. I understand she is likely setting up for another series, but it was a huge disappointment to me. I would have given this book four stars, but due to the open ending and lack of satisfaction, it only gets three.

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.