Book Review: In this Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

QUICK FACTS

• Title: In This Moment
• Series: Timeless (Book 2)
• Author: Gabrielle Meyer
• Genre: Time Travel Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 2, 2023)
• Length: (400) pages
• Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook
• ISBN: ‎978-0764239755
• Tour Dates: May 1 – 15, 2023

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

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PRAISE FOR IN THIS MOMENT

"A unique thought-provoking read."— Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

“I loved this novel and heartily recommend it.”— Elizabeth Camden, Christy and RITA Award-winning author 

"A breathtaking journey through time and history!”— Sarah Sundin, bestselling, and Christy Award-winning author

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MY THOUGHTS

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer takes the reader on Maggie’s journey through three time periods – 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each timeline has a war looming for the United States and a romantic interest that draws at Maggie’s heart, but the story concentrates on Maggie’s struggle to decide which period to live in permanently. I experienced a little confusion at the beginning as I adjusted to all the timelines and secondary characters. Fortunately, after a few chapters in each year, I felt invested in each time strand’s plot and easily time hopped with Maggie.

As the lead character for In This Moment, Maggie is highly relatable. Her doubt and confusion about determining God’s will for her future leads to strong, realistic emotions. I cried right along with her at one point. Many Christians struggle to find God’s will and the recurrent message about making choices out of faith, not fear or pressure from others, felt opportune for 2023 and all of Maggie’s time periods.

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer lands as book two in the Timeless series and I do recommend reading its predecessor, When the Day Comes, first. Reading both books will offer a fuller reading experience as characters from the first novel cameo and how the time traveling works will already be understood. Of the two currently published books in the series, In This Moment is my favorite, but I am looking forward to book 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.

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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

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AUTHOR BIO

Gabrielle Meyer has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Book Review: Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

About the Book:

Facing death takes courage. Facing life takes even more.

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Though he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship due to his paralysis, Harrison cares deeply for Ellen and is desperately trying to save her life by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease--the same substance Ellen suspects is responsible for the deaths of her father and sister.

But Harrison is not the only one seeking the holy water. Dangerous criminals are mere steps behind, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to locate it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in this second breathtaking Waters of Time story.

Read an excerpt from Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

I devoured Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund. This easy-to-read story combined romance, danger, and time travel to hold my attention from beginning to end. I slightly favored the medieval intervals over the contemporary times, but the characters and narrative slipped seamlessly between the two periods. 

Ellen and Harrison’s friends-to-lovers romance sizzles from the first chapter to the last. There’s flirting, kissing, and desire. Yet, underlying this newfound romance is Harrison’s devotion to Ellen. He’s consistent. He’s willing to give Ellen space. He’ll do anything to save Ellen’s life from the genetic disease killing her. He sacrifices repeatedly for the woman he loves and makes a wonderful hero. I liked Harrison instantly and warmed up to Ellen as the story progressed.

Never Leave Me lands as the second installment in Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time series. Several months have passed since I read Come Back to Me (book one) and Never Leave Me had just the right amount of refresher material to provide need-to-know information and remind me how the time travel worked. I recommend reading the novels in order. The series would make an epic binge-read session. Can’t wait for book three! 4.5 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.

Book Review: The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli

About the Book:

Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear...

Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.

Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society.

While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.

Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?


My Thoughts:

The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli is a well-written time-slip novel that oozes with raw emotion, authenticity, and deep themes. It took a few chapters for the book to really grab me, but once it did, I didn't want to put it down. The time-slip component was not at all confusing and I enjoyed how both stories wove together.

The Edge of Mercy gave me all the feels. Sadness, shock, tension, and hope. There's a rawness and authenticity about Sarah as she struggles with shattered expectations and an uncertain future. The novel addresses gritty, real life issues of marriage and infidelity. Tucked into these prominent themes are quieter, but important truths about life, love, and God. One quote I loved: “It's about finding hope when we're at our weakest. About the power of God's love, and our potential to love one another.”

The Edge of Mercy is the first book I've read by Heidi Chiavaroli and now I'm eager to read her others. I recommend this women's fiction novel to readers looking for a moving story of heartache, hope, and love. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review & Giveaway: The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. 

Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.


My Thoughts:

The Memory House is the first book I've read by Rachel Hauck in a long, long time. Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down! It captured my attention immediately and held my interest until the end. There were little mysteries embedded throughout the story that kept me wanting more and more.

The Memory House has a fairly large cast of main characters as it is a time slip novel. It was well-written and I had no confusion with the time jumps and multiple points of view. My favorite character was Everleigh, not just because of her lovely name. I could identify with the way she gave up on living in some ways, but I admired how she made a healthy choice to change and started embracing life again.

I loved that Don and Bruno love their women so well. They affirm the women as they are, yet encourage them to embrace both past and future. Readers see that theme play out in two very different ways with Beck and Everleigh.

The Memory House takes on some weighty topics and at times I teared up, especially near the end. There's the amnesia, of course, and I feel I must say that there is the chance of being triggered/uncomfortable if you are someone who has had repressed memories of difficult circumstances. The author gently works in reminders about the power and necessity of prayer. We see forgiveness play out in a some hard situations.

There are so many good things to say about this book, but I'll stop here. I highly recommend The Memory House by Rachel Hauck to readers looking for a novel with a compelling storyline, romantic tension, and inspirational themes! Five stars!

About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck). 

Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary arc copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review & Giveaway: Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher

About the book:

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.

Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination. 

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.

Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.

Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.

Click here to read an excerpt!

My Thoughts:

Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher is the first installment in the Legacy of Faith series. It's a dual timeline novel with one story in present day and one story in the late 1920s/1930s. The author made both settings feel authentic to their respective times while binding them together with a well-loved Bible and its handwritten notes. Timeless Biblical truths about forgiveness, prayer, and love echo throughout both stories.

To me, Who I Am With You felt more like a fiction novel than a romance novel. While there was some romance and tension, it wasn't a main focus of the story, as is the case in some Christian fiction. Still, I enjoyed watching Jessica and Ridley's relationship grow in spite of the difficult circumstances in both of their lives. Both characters learned the necessity of forgiveness and faith. I especially liked Ridley's character development and the changes he embraced throughout the story.  

I recommend Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher to readers looking for a faith-filled heartwarming story. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I'm not sure if I would read it again. If you have read and enjoyed books by Robin Lee Hatcher in the past, you'll probably enjoy this one!

About the author:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher and Instagram @robinleehatcher.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."