Dual Timeline Fiction Book Review: With You Here

-

About the Book

Title: With You Here
Series: A Carrington Family Novel (Book 4)
Author: Sarah Monzon
Publisher: Radiant Publications
Release Date: September 1, 2019

Click here to purchase this book for yourself. 

Publisher's Description

"Holy Roman Empire, 1527: In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire. 

Present Day: Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose. 

As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves."
 

My Review

With You Here, by Sarah Monzon, may be the fourth and final book in the Carrington Family series, but this captivating time-slip story reads very well as a stand-alone novel. With beautiful writing and rich historical details, this book is fascinating and very enjoyable. Elements of romance, history, and faith are thoughtfully combined in this moving, well-researched novel. 
 
Ms. Monzon uses dual-timelines purposefully and effectively, creatively displaying her genuine talent as a writer. With You Here features compelling contemporary scenes that are made even more powerful by the presence of meaningful historical scenes from centuries ago. With superb pacing, important details from both the past and the present are carefully revealed and connections are disclosed as the story reaches its significant and satisfying conclusion.

Even while overcoming difficult circumstances and deep insecurities, the characters in this novel display courage and conviction in a way that is absolutely inspiring. As they wrestle with the consequences of their choices, endeavor to nurture their faith, and strive to find their purpose, the characters also continue to search for truth, hope, and redemption. Throughout this novel, profound themes of fortitude and compassion are encouraging and relevant.

With You Here is a remarkably interesting and touching novel. The sweet moments of romance, the intriguing history, and the impactful themes are appealing and thought-provoking. This book is truly engaging and impressive. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

*I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own. 

My Reflection

There are moments within this novel when the characters question their identity, their purpose, and their God-given calling. They are shaken by their own feelings of unworthiness. They wonder if they have the skills, the knowledge, or the strength to follow God into the unknown. Yet, even as the characters struggle with their value and their place in God’s Kingdom, there is always a whisper of hope, always a reminder that God’s love is redemptive, and always an indication that God’s plan for the salvation of humanity includes all hearts and all stories. Throughout With You Here, Sarah Monzon gently illustrates the power of God’s love and grace to use ordinary people to accomplish his most extraordinary goals.

About the Author



A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her. --Biography from Sarah Monzon's author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Sarah Monzon's website.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Historical Fiction/Time-Slip Book Review: Hidden Among the Stars

-
Image
Publisher's Description "From the award-winning author of Catching the Wind , which Publishers Weekly called “unforgettable” and a “must-read,” comes another gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted evil in their own extraordinary way. The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan―even their very lives―in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone. Eighty...
Read more

Historical Fiction Review: The Seamstress

-
Image
  About the Book Title: The Seamstress Author: Allison Pittman Genre: Historical Fiction Release date: February 5, 2019 Publisher: Tyndale A beautifully crafted story breathes life into the cameo character from the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities . France, 1788   It is the best of times . . . On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins—Renée and Laurette—have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Émile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon’s sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace. It is the worst of times . . . Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton...
Read more

Historical Romance Book Review: Meeting Her Match

-
Image
  About the Book Title: Meeting Her Match   Series: The Matchmakers , Book 3   Author: Jen Turano   Genre: Historical Roman ce   Publisher: Bethany House Publishers   Release Date: J uly 16 , 2 02 4   Click here to purchase a copy of this novel.   Publisher's Book Description “ Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.     After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.   ...
Read more