Tag Archives: #youngadult

Book Review: The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White

Posted on by
Reply

Published May 19,2026 by Guideposts

Happy Publication Day!

Small-town Christian Fiction Story

Description

In this uplifting story of hope and renewal, you’ll meet Harper Dailey, who returns to Avon, North Carolina, so she can help run the family business, Sunshine Bakery, after her father’s heart attack. Suddenly, her thriving career at an upscale Savannah bakery is behind her, as is her rocky relationship with her ex-boyfriend—that is, until he shows up in Avon, letting her know he now owns the building the shop is in, and he may not renew the lease.

For Beckett Mills, Avon is a quiet refuge after his eight years of active service in the Navy. He works as hard at keeping folks at arm’s length as he does at running his fishing charter business. His plan for distancing himself from others works well until the fateful day he enters the bakery and sees a beautiful Harper being harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Suddenly, he casts his fears aside and steps in to save the day.

Harper and Beckett have no intentions of beginning a romance, but when the pasts they are running from collide, they know it’s not just a coincidence that they have ended up here at the same time. God has placed them together for a reason. Can Beckett let go of the worries that haunt him and welcome Harper into his life? Will Harper realize she can face any challenge with God—and just maybe Beckett—by her side? Don’t miss this faith-filled story of hope, courage, and the grace to begin anew.

My thoughts:

The Island Bakeshop is a sweet young-adult-like romance story that has dual timelines. Both equally a page turner and each take place on the coast. As the story develops, you began to see a connection to the two-story lines and the conclusion is heartwarming.

Harper and Beck’s story is heartbreaking and haunting, and as they both deal with their past that has interrupted their present lives, they must find a way to deal with their problems before it will destroy everything, they worked hard to be able to move forward with their lives-whether it be together or separately.

As the story builds, I found myself not able to put this book down. I typically don’t read stories like this one but I’m glad I took a chance on it. I started with this book first, before the first book in the series, and now I need to go back and read the first book. You see, I’ve now become invested in these characters lives and want to learn more about them.

What a sweet, light and absorbing story. This book would be the perfect summer read.

Stephanie

I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Review: A Conventicle of Magpies by L.M.R. by LMR Clarke

Posted on by
Reply

(The Bloodskill Duology Book 1)

BooksGoSocial

Sci Fi & Fantasy

Pub Date 06 Jan 2021  

About the Book:

Rook is an unapologetic thief, determined to do anything to ensure her mother and siblings survive the squalid and dangerous streets of Stamchester.

Rook slips, like a shadow, in and out of the homes of the ruling elite, the Avanish, and steals what she needs. She feels no regret, afterall, the Avanish have enslaved her people, the Saosuíasei, and worse, have now determined the Saosuíasei to be disposable and worthy of nothing other than death. 

However, Rook is not the only shadowy figure in Stamchester. And far more deadly one haunts the filthy streets, striking fear into Avanish and Saosuíasei alike. A serial killer who drains every ounce of blood from his victims, and satisfies the elite’s demand for blood to burn in the magical art of Bloodskill and enhance their own natural, and sometimes unnatural, abilities. 

How can Rook outfox the serial killer and raise her people from the ashes left by the Avanish oppression? 

My Thoughts:

“Conventicle girls never surrender.” – Rook

I stepped out of my comfort zone picking up this story and glad I did! I recommend starting with the prologue. You get a clear understanding of just how despicable the people in power AKA the rich are to people who are different from them. The prologue is written as letters between Governor Dredchain and Viscount Trass. They viewed these people as animals that needed to be dealt with swiftly. As you read on, you soon discover their plans are much more sinister and you become further absorbed in the story.

I really enjoyed getting to know a few of the characters and their quirky names. For example: Rook, Pit, Crake, Billy Drainer, and Pigeon- to name a few. That said, there are too many characters introduced and not enough information about them to form any lasting connection or impression, me thinks. Which is important, especially, in a story like this one. Though I felt like I began to know Rook pretty good seeing she is a protagonist.

There is also too many things going on in the story that I felt pushed and pulled -a bit- in different directions. Nonetheless, I kept ready on because the premise itself was so fascinating and the writing engaging! A few interesting aspects include the Victorian setting, conflicts between the characters and the bloodskill.

Fans of Neil Gailman and Suzanne Collins will enjoy this story. Not only that, Clarke gives a bird’s eye view of discrimination and the people who stand up to adversity. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!  

Stephanie Hopkins

I obtained a copy from the Publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.