text: inspirational romance – The Green Mockingbird
  January 6, 2020 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog
  Review: "Above the Fold" by Rachel Scott McDaniel
  Above the Fold happens to be the first book I finished reading in 2020 & it's set in the "roaring" 1920s! 🙂
  Above the Fold is a fun and romantic debut from author Rachel Scott McDaniel! It has everything one would want in a 1920s tale: snappy dialogue, a thrilling mystery to investigate, a competition between rival formerly-romantically-entangled reporters, swoony romance, and deeply expressed themes of forgiveness, unconditional love, and a heavenly Father who never forsakes.
  Reading a historical novel like this with simultaneous fun and light banter backed by some serious themes is a rare treat! Elissa and Cole come to life on the page as they spar (a la His Girl Friday) while some serious sparks fly! I appreciated the ways the reality of women's changing independence and roles in the workforce in this era were depicted and kindly handled by most of the male figures in the story (we have to have a few villains, you know). Cole, especially, understands Elissa in the sweetest way and just wants her to realize it.
  I was impressed with many aspects of this story, but one in particular I loved was the way it depicted 1920s Pittsburgh with its busy streets, industry, battles with Prohibition and speakeasies, and the exciting and daring life of those in the news business. Vivid depiction of setting is something that seems to come naturally to Rachel's pen.
  Thank you to Just Read Tours for the review copy of this novel. This is my honest review.
  Posted in Book Reviews, Books	| Tagged Above the Fold, Comedy, fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, History, inspirational romance, literature, Rachel Scott McDaniel, read, Reading, Romance, Smitten Publishing | 1 Comment
  September 23, 2019 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog
  Review: "The Spice King" by Elizabeth Camden
  One thing I always love about Elizabeth Camden's novels are her intelligent heroines who illuminate aspects of women's roles in society during the setting's era. In her latest novel, The Spice King, a tenacious botanist is finding her place in 1900 Washington, DC. There happens to a hero to this story, too, as evidenced by the handsome cover….
  The Spice King is an intelligent historical romance!
  the tenacious heroine! She's capable and wonderfully feminine, yet she still proves her ability and right to work in an environment history traditionally viewed as a place for men. And she loves her sister so much!
  a brooding and fiercely loyal hero, whose facade begins to melt when he sees the potential for a dream for companionship and family unrealized (both in a romantic way and the relationships restored with his siblings)
  political intrigue and secrets! Historically accurate WASHINGTON and the White House!
  themes truth, loyalty, patriotism, trust
  I enjoyed learning new things about exotic spices & foods we take for granted today!
  the friendship and rapport between Gray and Annabelle. It's a dynamic and subtle relationship. He is attracted to her intelligence and she greatly respects him!
  Gray's relationship with his siblings! I'm excited about more to come… and hopefully some answers to the twists of the story.
  THE SWOONY COVER. I'M IN LOVE. And the hero very much matches the cover, so extra points for matchy accuracy!
  the romance-that's-way-smart. The romance is central to the story, yes, but even more so is the simple mature friendship that develops between Gray and Annabelle. Camden doesn't dwell on the physical dynamic between them, that's done well and subtly just so the reader senses the attraction. The appeal in their romance is more about camaraderie, intelligence, a recognition that each compliments the other, and a mutual respect. This elevates the story to a higher level, I think!
  I am excited for the rest of this "Hope and Glory" series! I know we will see more of Gray and Annabelle.
  Posted in Book Reviews, Books	| Tagged Bethany House, Book, book review, books, Christian Fiction, Elizabeth Camden, fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, History, inspirational romance, literature, read, Reading, Romance, The Spice King | 2 Comments
  September 16, 2019 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog
  A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson is the second book in her Georgia Coast Romance series. It is connected to the first novel (A Sparkle of Silver) in setting alone, so it can be read as a standalone story!
  With A Glitter of Gold, Liz Johnson has written another layered contemporary romance with adventure on the surface and deeper themes of grace and trust at the core. This one happens to feature a little historical story of PIRATES and treasure that is just as riveting and wonderfully echoes the themes of the book.
  This story really makes me want to visit Savannah and learn more about its nautical history! Besides the enchanting setting, Liz Johnson's style brings the characters to life in tangible ways. I was rooting for Anne to find the security and forgiveness she longs for — even if it did take some major trials for her to arrive at a place of peace. Her backstory surprised me in many ways, making her fascinating and more relatable to readers. And Carter! He had some growing to do, too, especially when it came to familial expectations and personal identity. Anne and Carter's unlikely partnership-turned-friendship (and romance!) leads to quite the adventure, meanwhile exposing the vulnerabilities of their pasts.
  As fun and insightful as the contemporary story is, I just might be more in love with the historical elements of A Glitter of Gold. Carter and Anne search through an heirloom diary that tells of Rebecca's quest and her involvement with Captain Samuel Thackery. Her bravery and fortitude are impressive, as are his integrity and strength of character. Their chemistry is palpable as their relationship shifts into something more… all I can say is, you might need a cooling splash of seawater after you read some of their sweet scenes together!
  A Glitter of Gold is the perfect balance of pirates, adventure, longing, and forgiveness. I'm certainly looking forward to Liz's next book in the series!
  Posted in Book Reviews, Books	| Tagged A Glitter of Gold, Book, book review, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary Romance, fiction, Georgia, Georgia Coast Romance, History, inspirational romance, literature, Liz Johnson, read, Reading, Revell, Review, Romance | 1 Comment
  October 22, 2018 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog
  Review + Blog Tour: "When You Look At Me" by Pepper Basham
  Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours. I'm delighted to be sharing my review of this sweet contemporary romance novel, along with the tour. Read on for the giveaway info and my thoughts!
  Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate's newest film. The Jenkins' family's southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he's inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a
  bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.
  But her broken past and his families' expectations build a wall much greater than the culture that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who's written the perfect melody for their lives?
  When You Look at Me is one of the sweetest romances I've ever read! Balancing humor and a boisterous family with two lead-character introverts, this story shows the heart of people who trust God to give them strength and lead them to good things, even in the midst of a painful and imperfect world. The friendship-growing-into-romance deserves all the hearts, cupcakes, and happy sighs!
  I loved watching Julia and Henry grow, learn from each other, and just be together in so many moments of everyday life. The story felt like a glimpse of their lives with its special moments AND hard things, and through it all their relationship progressed naturally. Little moments I loved: midnight teas, piano duets, family dinners, stress-baking, musical puns, messy hair, old letters, and "The Princess Bride" references.
  It was fun to "catch up" with Wes and Eisley (from book 1!!!!!) and see where their journey is headed. Eisley gives good advice, too. 😉
  Seeing Henry's personality and purpose come to life and Julia's journey to bravery and the discovery of love's worth was a delight. With a thread of a family mystery, humorous moments that made me giggle, and a prominent theme of music weaving it all together, this is one Britallachian contemporary romance not to miss!
  My review of book 1: Just the Way You Are
  Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She͛s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.
  Posted in Blog Tour, Book Fun, Book Reviews, Books, Giveaway	| Tagged Blog Tour, Book, book review, books, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary Romance, fiction, Giveaway, Indie Author, indie books, inspirational romance, Just Read Tours, Pepper Basham, read, Reading, Romance, When You Look At Me, Woven Words Publications | 13 Comments
  Posted in Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Books, Giveaway	| Tagged Becky Wade, Bethany House, Book, book review, Bradford Sisters Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Falling For You, Inspirational Fiction, inspirational romance, read, Reading, Review, Romance | 6 Comments
  March 13, 2018 by Courtney @ The Green Mockingbird Blog
  Review: "The Heart Between Us" by Lindsay Harrel
  Happy book birthday today to author Lindsay Harrel for her new contemporary heart adventure-of-a-story, The Heart Between Us. This little story encompasses relationships, travel, romance, and a poignant story of siblings as they embark on a life-changing journey. I don't think I've EVER been to so many countries and continents vicariously through just 1 story. 🗼
  The heart-journey of these sisters, both literal and figurative, explores the dynamics of relationships and the honesty required in true connections. This process also shows the beauty of letting go of fears and trusting that God's control is constant, even amid misunderstandings and the sometimes-unfairness of circumstance.
  I would be remiss not to mention the sweet romance born of friendship that Megan and Caleb share. It was perfectly timed in Megan's life. I just loved the way Caleb was always a gentleman and so encouraging to Megan.
  Thank you to the publisher and author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
  Posted in Book Reviews, Books	| Tagged Book, books, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, inspirational romance, Lindsay Harrel, read, Reading, Review, Romance, The Heart Between Us, Thomas Nelson, Travel | Leave a comment