Category: Book Reviews

I love sharing reviews of books I’ve read. In my reviews you’ll find what the books are about, a recommended audiences, things I liked, things I didn’t care for, and content warnings.

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson//Squeaky Clean Mystery Book

Eliza NoelLeave a comment

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a squeaky clean mystery book that I highly recommend. It was probably one of my top fiction reads next year. Picture the perfect blend of Murder on the Orient Express, Knives Out, and Clue. It’ll be published next month, so be sure to pre-order a copy!

Audience

Older Teen Girls & Women

Genre

Squeaky Clean Mystery, Clean Contemporary Romance, Eccentric Murder Mystery, Rom-com

Author

Melissa Ferguson

Buy on Amazon


“It’s that bad isn’t it?”
“Perhaps a double shot of espresso. We don’t typically allow triple shots given the number of pacemakers on board, but just this once, I could slip you a third upon request.”

Growing up, one of my favorite books was “Cherry Ames, Cruise Nurse“. Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson reminded me of that one. They’re both mysteries that take place on a cruise ship. I’ve read a number of Melissa Ferguson’s books now, and this one is my favorite. It tells the story of Pip, the assistant to an eclectic group of well-known authors. After organizing a cruise for them and all their fans, she finds the body of her boss, Hugh. The most likely suspects are the other authors, people she thought she knew and trusted. Overall, this book was the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and comedy! I definitely recommend it.

A few of my favorite things…

  • the fancy cruise ship setting
  • author MC’s
  • a protective and manly male MC
  • a mystery that kept me guessing the whole time

I didn’t care for…

  • I can’t think of anything!

Know that…

  • a man sleeps in a woman’s room to protect her from the lurking murderer, nothing sexual
  • the romance doesn’t go further than a few kisses (nothing over-the-top)

Perfect for…

Any women looking for a lighthearted mystery that will keep them guessing!

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I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Terms and Traditions by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht//Christian Christmas Fiction

Eliza Noel2 Comments

Terms and Traditions by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht is a humorous Christian Christmas fiction novel that tackles some heavy topics. It tackles broken family relationships, scars from past relationships, and chronic illness. Despite all of that, somehow the tone remains light and seasonal. If you want a Christmas book that will make you laugh in the mood for the Christmas season read this one.

Audience

Older Teen Girls & Women

Genre

Christian Christmas Fiction, Christian Contemporary Romance, Closed-door Romance, Rom-com

Author

Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht

Buy on Amazon

Stephanie is perfectly organized and put together at her job as handsome millionaire Nash’s personal assistant. But her dating life- not so much. It’s anxiety-ridden and pretty much non-existent. Unless you count her 2-year crush on her boss who also happens to be part of her friend group. When Stephanie’s dad pressures her to bring a date to their very dysfunctional family Christmas trip, Stephanie speaks before thinking and asks Nash to be her fake boyfriend. Surprisingly, he says yes.

A few of my favorite things…

  • references to Christmas movies and songs I love
  • just alll the Christmas-y vibes, even the explanations and descriptions were enveloped in Christmas (for example, the exclamation “Sugarplums!” and the description “warm cocoa hug”)
  • Nash’s determination to not sleep with anyone but his future wife
  • Stephanie’s nana’s positive influence in her life, pointing her to Jesus
  • Stephanie’s tight friend group that walks through the ups and downs of life together
  • Nash being protective and deeply caring
  • cute kid characters
  • family holiday traditions

I didn’t care for…

  • clean, but it was still a bit kiss-y for me. At one point, characters sneak into a pantry to make out, but there’s no talk or thought of going further.

Know that…

  • some mean girls speculate that Stephanie slept her way to the top of the company (absolutely not true)

Perfect for…

Any woman looking for a Hallmark-y clean Christian Christmas fiction book to read!

If you love reading clean Christian fiction (especially contemporary) sign-up for my email list here.

Christmas Gift Guide: Pure Literature

Eliza NoelLeave a comment

Christmas shopping is just around the corner, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up. Here’s some pure literature I highly recommend for each person you’re buying a Christmas gift for. If all my friends and family were readers, these are the books I would buy them as Christmas gifts. You’ll notice the books I wrote, the Dawn Chandler Series, are listed here. They actually happen to be on sale now through Christmas!

Just a heads up- I am an Amazon affiliate so I make a small commission off anything purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.

Books to Buy Your Loved Ones for Christmas

Children’s Story Book (ages 1-8)

Our Friendly Farmhouse by Melissa Ferguson

Amazon//Goodreads

  • homestead
  • sweet loving family
  • lots of animals
  • based on a true story
  • encourages a love for the outdoors

Children’s Chapter Books (ages 8-12)

Dawn Chandler by Eliza Noel (me 😉 )

Amazon//Goodreads

  • small town setting
  • learning Biblical contentment in the midst of a move
  • good family relationships
  • homeschooled and large family MC’s
  • MC who is not crush-obsessed

Dawn and the Letters by Eliza Noel

Amazon//Goodreads

  • bit of a mystery
  • the Biblical lesson of learning to love your enemies
  • kids doing farm chores
  • all the other things listed about the first book

Books for Teens

Riley + Sam by Ashley Schaller (for girls)

Amazon//Goodreads

  • summer setting
  • undercover popstar
  • fun little kid and dog characters
  • friends-to-lovers (but nothing more than a light kiss)
  • learning to grieve

Mammoth by Brian Mcbride (for boys)

Amazon//Goodreads

  • vibes similar to Indiana Jones, The Hardy Boys, and The Outsiders
  • beautiful PNW setting
  • found family
  • lighthouse
  • a mysterious death

Books for Adults

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

Amazon//Goodreads

  • happy feel-good rom-com
  • A Man Called Otto vibes
  • comedic
  • lighthearted

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

Amazon//Goodreads

  • light-hearted murder mystery
  • pre-orders only (it’ll be published in February)
  • similar to Murder on the Orient Express and Knives Out
  • intriguing mystery with a touch of cute romance
  • very protective male MC
  • lots of author characters

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Amazon//Goodreads

  • Regency Romance
  • Jane Austen references
  • humorous situations
  • cute kids
  • ballroom socializing

Trim Healthy Wisdom by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

Amazon//Goodreads

  • Health Resource
  • 950 pages of nutritional wisdom
  • helpful chapter summaries
  • insights on weight challenges in different hormonal seasons
  • well-rounded healthy eating
  • this is the book I read to study for a health coaching test I’m hoping to take next year!

Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Amazon//Goodreads

  • Parenting/Apologetics Resource
  • written in a way that’s full of grace and truth
  • super helpful insight into cultural lies
  • discussion questions

Holy Hygge by Jamie Erickson

Amazon//Goodreads

  • Hospitality
  • practical tips for hospitality
  • principles from the Bible
  • delightful read

What books will you be giving as gifts this year? Have you read any of these? Follow my instagram or signup for my email list for more book recommendations!

6 Christian Fiction Books for Autumn Reading (in bullet-point form)

Eliza NoelLeave a comment

It’s that time of year for cozy thrifted sweaters, Autumn Spice coffee, and a stack of Christian fiction books perfectly curated for Autumn reading. Here’s a quick overview of some cozy Autumn books I’ve enjoyed. You can click on the titles for longer reviews or more information.

6 Christian Fiction Books for Autumn Reading

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

  • enemies-to-friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers (if that makes any sense, haha)
  • memory loss
  • rustic resort in New Hampshire setting
  • Hallmark vibes
  • rescue dog

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright

  • PTSD
  • Autumn in the midwest
  • suspense and thrill of something possibly paranormal (spoiler, though: it isn’t paranormal)
  • dual timeline
  • family secrets

Martin Hospitality by Abigayle Claire

  • fun fact: the author of this book is the editor of my book series
  • Thanksgiving dinner in a big family
  • teen pregnancy
  • fall festival
  • rural Kansas setting

Dearest Josephine by Caroline George

  • cozy fall vibes
  • dual timeline
  • Jane Austen with a modern twist
  • England setting

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

  • Beauty and the Beast retelling
  • set in 1903
  • sweet family relationships

The Second-Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

  • “A Walk to Remember” vibes
  • small town bookstore
  • artfully done split timeline
  • good-girl-meets-bad-boy (at least that’s what the town thinks)
  • tear-jerker

What are some favorite Christian fiction books for Autumn reading that you would add to this list?

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Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham//Clean Regency Romance Novel

Eliza Noel1 Comment

I’m not typically a historical fiction girly, but I’m so glad I picked up this clean Regency romance novel. Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham had me tearing up, smiling, and even laughing. Like a warm cup of tea, it was my cozy go-to novel. I was originally attracted to it because of the cute cover (shallow, I know) and the fact that I’ve enjoyed a few other Pepper Basham books (you can read my Some Like it Scot review here). It inspired me to watch Sense and Sensibility again (it’d been 10+ years) so I could get all the references.

Audience

Teen Girls and Women

Genre

Clean Regency Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

Author

Pepper Basham

Two years ago Emme Lockhart’s heart was broken by the Simon Reeves. She knew his status was way above hers, but he had given her reason to believe they had a future together. And then he called the whole thing off, with no explanation. Now Emme’s aunt is forcing her back into the social scene, determined to have Emme married well. And by well she means with good social standing and plenty of money, love plays no part in her matchmaking. Things become complicated for Emme when Simon returns to the area. Just being near him is still difficult. Yet when she finds out his family’s estate is in trouble, she wants to help him. Even if that means helping him find a bride who is not her.

A few of my favorite things…

  • The fact that Emme is an author, even though that was scandalous for women back then
  • The Jane Austen references and overall Austen feel to the story
  • Sweet, caring and mischievous little kid characters, they always brighten a story!
  • Aunt Bean. Even though her matchmaking skills were terrible she made me laugh!
  • Emme and Simon’s caring and playful friendship
  • Emme’s sweet relationship with her dad
  • Simon’s care for his younger siblings
  • Ballroom social scenes

Know that…

  • There’s a little bit of kissing, but nothing over the top
  • The book ends with a newly married couple kissing and stepping into their bedroom. Nothing else is described.

Perfect for…

Any woman looking for a cozy Jane Austen-like read!

Amazon

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Notes: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m also an Amazon Affiliate, so I receive a commission on anything purchased through links I share.