The Final Dispensation: The Mayor's Mandate by Dante Lupinetti

I enjoyed The Final Dispensation: The Mayor's Mandate. This book was an interesting speculation as to what life during the millenium rule of Christ might look like. The writing style is engaging and keeps the story moving. I was eager to see what would happen next with Ben. My one disagreement is that I feel Jesus would be much more involved than portrayed in the book. But if you are looking for a possible viewpoint of what life might be like when Satan is bound for a 1000 years and those who live during that time are free to choose their sides, this book is for you. I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own. From Amazon: In the glorious new earth where the risen Lamb reigns victorious, former orphan Benjamin Levi never expected to become mayor of Jerusalem. But when his celebration of Yeshua's triumph is shattered by a terrorist bombing, he discovers that even in the Messiah's redeemed world, some children still fall through the cracks, and his Lord has called him to find them. The bomber, seventeen-year-old David, must choose between his sister's life and innocent strangers. Behind the attack lies a network of forgotten orphans, recruited by those who've refused to trust the Lamb. As Benjamin uncovers the failures that drove these children into darkness, he faces the ultimate test of discipleship: will he trust Yeshua's heart for the lost, even when it means risking everything? When the Messiah sends him to a remote island where missing children are being held captive by false shepherds, Benjamin must infiltrate a community that twists love into control, convincing traumatized children that safety requires rejecting the very grace that died for them. Racing against systematic brainwashing designed to steal their capacity for relationship with their Savior, Benjamin must demonstrate that the Lamb's love is boundless, His mercy inexhaustible, His kingdom open to the contrite and broken of heart. A powerful testament to how the crucified and risen King works through broken vessels, transforms institutional failure into redemptive opportunity, and proves that no child is beyond the reach of nail-scared hands that will never let them go. About the author:

Dante Lupinetti has lived in the greater Washington, DC area for fifty years. Assimilated by the Washington DC universe, he has not tried to escape it like so many others. He relishes the richness of its music, culture, artistry, sports, industry and political scene. He writes in a refuge located in Frederick, MD, fifty miles North of DC on the way to Camp David. Dante retired from coding after 45 yrs. commuting the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) as he worked in high tech. Dante is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and has been an elder in his church. He and his wife, Sue, are very active in local church life. They have five grown children and fourteen grandchildren. Dante is also a jazz enthusiast.

A Very English Christmas:Three Literary- Inspired Novellas by Carrie Turansky, Marguerite Gray, and Carole Lehr Johnson

I really enjoyed reading A Very English Christmas. It consists of three historical novellas connected by a contemporary tale. Each of the novellas have an historical author as a secondary character and all three stories are quite charming. This is a great book to settle in for a relaxing evening with a cup of tea and freash baked good as an escape during the coming holiday season. All thoughts are my own. From Amazon: Celebrate the season with three timeless tales inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop in the snowy Cotswolds after heartbreak and job loss, she hopes to find clarity. Instead, she finds a collection of heirlooms—a portrait, a rare book, and a charming figurine—that unlock stories from the past. As each tale unfolds, Emma is drawn into the lives of three remarkable women whose lives were touched by England’s greatest storytellers. In A Portrait of Faith, devoted daughter Violet Walford longs for a life beyond duty to her family. When she is asked to paint a portrait of lively Regency-era author Jane Austen, their unexpected friendship inspires Violet to pursue life and love with new courage. In A Victorian Christmas Tale, Clara Reynolds struggles against physical challenges and family expectations while falling in love with John, a writer with ties to Charles Dickens. Their work at the London Foundling Hospital brings healing, hope, and a Christmas transformation that would make Scrooge proud. And in A Tale of the Season, Edwardian heiress Arabella Graham escapes to the Lake District and meets a charming country veterinarian—as well as artist and children's author Beatrix Potter. With gentle wisdom and the peace of a country Christmas, Arabella discovers the joy of finding her own path. Blending romance, inspiration, and literary nostalgia, A Very English Christmas is the perfect holiday escape for fans of historical fiction and classic English authors. About the authors: CARRIE TURANSKY is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including A Token of Love, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, and No Ocean Too Wide. Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Connect with Carrie on her website, on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Marguerite Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband in north Louisiana. She writes historical fiction. Hold Me Close: Revolutionary Faith Book One (Dec. 2018) is set in pre-revolution Charles Town and takes the reader into the lives of immigrants, ordinary citizens, and prominent historical figures at a time in which decisions are made that will change the world. Surround Me: Revolutionary Faith Book Two (Jan. 2019) follows Elizabeth and Louis in 1774 Charles Town on the brink of war. Bring Me Near: Revolutionary Faith Book Three (Feb. 2019) takes place in Charles Town in 1775 facing life changing decisions. Draw Me to Your Side: Revolutionary Faith Book Four (Feb. 2020) finds Charles Town under fire in 1776. Wait for Me: Revolutionary Faith Book Five (Feb. 2021) finds Charles Town besieged by the enemy with just one sovereign order: Wait. Labor of Love: Book One in Gardens of Time (Feb. 2022) Amid the beauty of the gardens at Pitti Palace, evil schemes attempt to spoil the lives of the Medici household, 1560. Carole Lehr Johnson is a veteran travel consultant of more than 30 years and has served at her local library. Her love of tea and scones, castles and cottages, and all things British has led her to immerse her writing in the United Kingdom, whether in the genre of historical or contemporary fiction. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) as well as the president of her local chapter. She and her husband live in Louisiana, USA with their goofy cats. Permelia Cottage is her first novel.

Royal Runaway's Holiday by Mandy Boerma

 

Mandy Boerma has written a delightful story in Royal Runaway's Holiday. Although the book starts out with serious Princess Diary vibes, it quickly moves on to a wonderful story about friendship,  loyalty and duty. I liked the way things work together to give Princess Eva a day to be an anonymous citizen in her own country. It is also a story of God's grace and second chances. I really enjoyed reading about Eva, Kendra, Alexander and Gordan. The characters were well developed, and the plot was engaging, I read it in one day as I wanted to know how it ended. Fans of Toni Shilo's In Search of a Prince and Princess Diaries will certainly enjoy Royal Runaway's Holiday.

So grab a hot chocolate and curl up under a throw and enjoy a great escape for a day.

I was given a copy of  Royal Runaway's Holiday with no expectations. All thought's are my own.

From Amazon:

Book 1 of 1: Nevive Castle

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She’s been trained to put her royal duty first, but what happens when it will cost her the dream she’s always harbored?

Evalina Rosalind Marie Bexley, Princess of Nevive, is ready to step into her role as Queen. The pageantry, 

the protocols, and, most certainly, the pretense. She’s prepared for it her whole life—until Parliament uncovers

 an ancient law saying she must marry before her birthday next month.

In an unprecedented move, she seeks refuge at the local Christmas bazaar. She’s certain her disguise will 

give her the freedom she craves before she must face her obligations. No one will ever know— after all, 

no one, including God, sees the real Eva.

He's worked for years to prove himself in a country that isn’t his.

Reporter Gordon Tarpen may have found the story of a lifetime when he recognizes his childhood friend, Eva,

 at the Christmas bazaar. Despite her heavy disguise, he’d know that laugh, that smile, those eyes anywhere.

 And he most certainly recognizes the same way the princess captivates those around her. Is he willing

 to sacrifice her trust for his own personal gain?

For one unforgettable day, they share adventure, laughter, and the spark of something more. But when the

 truth shatters their fragile fairytale, can love—and God’s grace—rewrite the rules? Or will the crown 

demand the ultimate sacrifice: her heart?

About the author:

Mandy Boerma is an award-winning author of faith-filled contemporary romance, writing from her

favorite coffee shop in Florida’s Panhandle. A busy mom of two daughters, she’s thrilled to have

earned second place in the Golden Scrolls and third place in the Selah Awards for "Here With Me."

When she’s not writing or chasing after family, you’ll find her with coffee in hand and a heart full of

stories.