"Truth Cursed" by Angie Dickinson Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

About the Book

Book: Truth Cursed

Author: Angie Dickinson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: February 18, 2025

Speaking the truth can be a dangerous thing.

Cressida Hoth is alone in the world. Orphaned and unwanted, she is inflicted with a peculiar curse by her mischievous aunts and banished to a finishing school in the secluded kingdom of Dernmont. Students train in every accomplishment suitable for young ladies: music, dancing, etiquette…and strangely, poison-making, fencing, and lock- picking.

The school is a front for a rebel spy ring, and when her training is complete, Cressida is selected to join a mission to infiltrate the kingdom’s royal court. She has been thrown unceremoniously into a world of ball gowns and espionage, but she is still under a curse, and it threatens to expose them all.

Defending her teammates and her secret, Cressida discovers that the kingdom’s buried history and the truth behind her curse run far deeper than she imagined.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

Review

"Truth Cursed" by Angie Dickinson is a fun story full of mystery and adventure! If you like books with boarding schools, spies, swords and ball gowns, this book is for you! The story reminded me a bit of “Ella Enchanted” and is perfect for middle grade and early young adult readers (although I also thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult). Cressida Hoth, our main character, is forced to always tell the truth, through a curse that her evil aunts inflict upon her. Later her aunts drop her off at a boarding school that is secretly a rebel spy ring. How can Cressida be a spy when she is forced to tell the truth? Will that prove a danger to herself and others? Is telling the truth a curse? I love how Angie Dickinson explores the power of truth through Cressida’s story. In fact, n an interview, Ms. Dickinson revealed that the idea for Cressida’s truth curse stemmed from her own social anxiety. 

I love the settings and descriptions in this story. Of course, there is a lot of exciting swordplay and intrigue, which had me on the edge of my seat. I did not guess a big reveal at the end, which left me gasping! I also appreciated the themes of true worth, honor and responsibility. There is a sweet romance between Cressida and another character (he is such a cinnamon roll). I really hope Ms. Dickinson writes more books in this world. I highly recommend this fun and creative story full of intrigue, spies and ballgowns.

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: the main character is an orphan; a child witnesses her parents’ murder; reference to a mistress; a character is forced to drink a magical potion against her will; mention of alcohol; brief mention of madness; some violence; a character possibly has PTSD; a character was abused in the past.

TW: a character is an orphan; mention of madness; possible PTSD and past abuse.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Angie Dickinson is a lifelong lover of magical stories that point to truth, hope, and redemption. She received a B.A. in English Literature and is now a fantasy writer, living in the woods of Michigan with her husband and four children. Angie is saved by grace alone and is in awe of her Savior’s unrestrained love. She is blessed by her big, boisterous family and is fond of Earl Grey tea, reading too late at night, and taking every opportunity to share her passion for fantasy and fairy tales.

 

 

 More from Angie

A few years ago, while I was pregnant with my third child and feeling an itch to write a story, a question popped into my mind. Could I write a relatable main character who is cursed with a peculiar impediment that affects every relationship and interaction? What would that look like and how challenging would it be? This was the beginning of my journey toward creating and learning to know and love Cressida, the main character of Truth Cursed.

This book became an ode to so many of my favorite things: girlhood friendships, mystery, fantasy, ballgowns, hidden weaponry (poisons! blades!!), court intrigue, an epic castle setting, sweet romance, and coming-of-age character growth that is anything but graceful. In many ways this story is old fashioned for this fast-moving publishing world, embracing an amalgam of the story types that I grew up reading and wishing to read.

As I wrote, I discovered my reader, and she was younger me. So I wrote for her, for my own future teens, and for every reader who loves to fall into a cozy, wholesome, and intriguing story. I’ve attempted to present my reader with a mirror and true hope as they unravel the mystery and adventure of Truth Cursed. I will forever be thankful to my Creator for the opportunity to share Cressida’s story.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4

cecereadsandsings, March 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 5

Allyson Jamison, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 6

By the Book, March 7

Lily’s Corner, March 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 9

The Lofty Pages, March 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Inspired by Fiction, March 12

Hannahbandanarama, March 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 13

Faery Tales Are Real, March 13

Holly’s Book Corner, March 14

Blogging With Carol, March 15

For Him and My Family, March 16

Labor Not in Vain, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54166

An Enchanting Story with Fairy Tale and "Beauty and the Beast" Vibes--"Embergold" by Rachelle Nelson—Review

 My Review:

"Embergold" by Rachelle Nelson is a new favorite! Ms. Nelson weaves an enchanting story for young adults that has fairy tale and “Beauty and the Beast” vibes, while remaining its own unique story. I loved that it felt like I was reading a classic fairy tale or folk tale. From the incredible writing to the amazing world building, "Embergold" kept me glued to the page from start to finish. The world has castles and dragons and is Germanic in nature. Readers will love our heroine, Gilde, and her strength, persistence, loyalty, grit, and determination (despite the odds being stacked against her). Gilde is very relatable as she deals with anxiety, panic attacks, and health issues. I also loved the dragon and the character Wil. The romantic relationship in the story was super sweet and almost had me in tears several times. When Gilde meets the dragon, she begins to question everything she thought she knew and learns to think for herself. Ms. Nelson explores some deep themes such as what is truth, what is the true story, what is good, and what is evil. “Embergold” celebrates stories and why they matter. I loved the allegory and beautiful faith message. At times, I really did not know how things would end with certain characters. This is an exceptional story for young adults (and the young at heart) and lovers of fairy tales full of heart! 

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of someone drinking alcohol; mention of and flashbacks of domestic violence and physical abuse; rumors of insanity; a character curses, but the words aren’t actually written; blood; a main character has panic attacks; there’s a ghost and mention of spirits; the word ar*e is used; there’s a type of dark magic and people get power by sacrificing and killing others; dark wizards and oracles; someone had a child out of wedlock; an animal is harmed in self-defense; someone thinks a girl may be possessed by demons; very vague reference to possible r*pe in the past.

TW: mention of domestic violence and physical abuse; rumors of insanity and madness; panic attacks; main character possibly has complex PTSD; toxic family dynamics; very vague reference to possible r*pe in the past.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Spellbinding Conclusion to “The Forest Grimm" Duology--"The Deathly Grimm" by Kathryn Purdie—Review

 My Review:

“The Deathly Grimm" by Kathryn Purdie is a spellbinding conclusion to “The Forest Grimm" duology. “The Forest Grimm" was one of my top books of 2024. The sequel exceeded the high expectations I already had going into this book. "The Deathly Grimm” is a continuation of the first book, so I highly recommend reading them in order. This book is a mashup of many fairy tales, with its own unique story that has a folktale/fairytale feel to it. Some of the fairy tales mentioned are “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “The Little Red Riding Hood,” “Rumpelstiltskin” and “Snow White.”  There is a good summary and catch up from the first book in case you have forgotten some of what happened in “The Forest Grimm.”  I love that the main character, Clara, deals with a disability (scoliosis) and chronic pain. The romance is so sweet, and I just love Clara and Axel. Some parts get a little weird and scary but did not cross the line into horror (in my opinion). If you are okay with the first book, I think you will be fine with this one. The author explores the question of fate and taking control of one’s own story. The book was hard to put down and things kept happening to surprise and shock me. I appreciate that the author kept the book closed door and portrayed the message of the couple wanting to respect one another by waiting. There is a great mystery that keeps the reader on their toes and my jaw dropped at a certain reveal. I did not see that coming! I love this series, and I am sad that it is over. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Purdie comes out with next!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content:  a character is a seer and fortune teller and a character tries to channel missing people; mention of illegitimate children and a couple were lovers; a character was physically abused in his past; mention of a drunkard and alcohol; children were cannibals in the past; a character curses, but the words aren’t actually written; the words “da*n” and “hell” are used; a woman does something like a spell; there are some ghosts; a character possibly hallucinates.

TW: past physical abuse 

Spice: There is one scene where a couple makes out and contemplates going all the way but decides not to because they want to respect each other.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

 

A Gripping and Heartfelt Story! --"Midnight on the Scottish Shore" by Sarah Sundin—Review

My Review:

“Midnight on the Scottish Shore” by Sarah Sundin is a gripping, heartfelt story that I will not soon forget! It is a novel about World War II featuring Scotland, lighthouses, the Double Agent program, and memorable characters. I was immediately drawn to the Scottish setting and the beautiful cover with the lighthouse. The setting did not disappoint, as I felt like I traveled to the windswept, rugged coast of the Orkney Islands and walked and bicycled with the characters across the lonely, haunting moors. I loved learning about the rich Scottish traditions. I now want to visit the Orkney Islands myself!

Our main male character, Lachlan Mackenzie, wears a kilt, has an accent, plays the bagpipes overlooking the sea, dances traditional Scottish dances, and recites poetry! What is not to love? Lachlan also is noble, honorable and wants to do the right thing. When faced with having to purposefully sabotage his own naval base to help the Double Cross program, what will he do?

Cilla van der Zee is a smart, lovable, whipper-snapper of a heroine who brings joy to Lachlan’s life. Through a series of events, she becomes a spy in the Double Cross program. I learned so much about MI5’s Double Cross program and loved reading about spies, double agents, and sabotage. The book was not too heavy or sad like some World War II books can be. The novel was obviously well researched and contained so much wonderful history as well as an emotionally moving story. There are wonderful lessons of duty versus mercy, forgiveness, family, finding freedom inside and outside of the trap and the truth that sets us free. Faith is also woven wonderfully into the story! This has been one of my favorite books of the year so far and I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: someone smells of alcohol; a character works in a bar; characters drink alcohol; a character drank (and got drunk) and stole things in his past; someone jokes that they’ll have a lover; someone is bullied; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written;  abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide in the author’s note.

TW: bullying; drowning in the past; abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide; su*cide mission.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable--become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Master of World War II fiction Sarah Sundin takes you to the wild Scottish seaside, where danger lurks under the surface of the water--and in the depths of the human heart--for a WWII tale you won't soon forget.

AUTHOR BIO

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, The Sound of Light, Embers in the London Sky, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information

 

An Unforgettable Historical Book Full of Intrigue and Drama! —"The King's Messenger" by Susanna Kearsley—Review

 

My Review:

Susanna Kearsley is one of my all-time favorite authors! "The King's Messenger" just confirmed that fact for me—it did not disappoint! Ms. Kearsley has penned a finely crafted novel, which is well researched and filled with rich historical detail. It contains everything I come to expect from a Kearsley novel, rich history combined with a little magic. The magic in this story is the fact that our hero, Andrew Logan (the titular King’s Messenger), has the gift of Second Sight. There is a present timeline, and we go back in time to see another character’s memories. Kearsley’s writing is beautiful, poetic, and full of amazing descriptions. You will want to savor every word! The story held me in such a thrall.  I especially loved that part of it takes place in Scotland, and I learned so much new history, especially about King James, the royal family, and the politics of that time. The reader takes a journey with the characters through 17th  Century Scotland and England.

 

The main characters start off as a group of enemies. Will they develop mutual respect, brotherhood, or even love as they travel and fulfill the king’s mission? The love story was so beautiful, and I loved the mystery as well. I almost started crying at one point because I felt the emotions so vividly. The story is at times heartbreaking and beautiful. I could not stop thinking about the book when I was not reading it, and I did not want it to end. It is safe to say I have already found a new favorite for the year!

Content: I give this book a light PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: astrology is mentioned, but the main character doesn’t believe in it; a man is said to get drunk; one of the major characters has the gift of Second Sight; a man is accused of defiling a woman; a woman is called a whore; a main character sees ghosts; grief and loss; mention of miscarriage (rumors that the woman caused it herself); the word “da*n” is used; a man loved a married woman; someone at court is married but still flirts with other people; brief reference to the wedding night.

TW: brief reference to r*pe; grief and loss of a child and loved ones; miscarriage; reference to su*cide; mention of r*pe in the author’s notes.

Spice: very brief fade to black scene; closed door.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Beautiful Love Story! --"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz--Review

 My Review:

"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz is a lovely historical romance that takes place in 1774. It is set partly in Virginia and the second half of the book takes place in Scotland (which I love to read about). Ms. Frantz always pens novels that are full of fascinating history and expertly woven prose. This book is well researched, and I learned so many new things while being completely engrossed in the story. The love story is a slow burn that will leave readers swooning, especially over the gruff, Scottish lead character, Leith. Leith also has twins who are just adorable! There is a scene that takes place at the ruins of a Scottish castle and is so romantic! It is one I won’t easily forget. The main characters also read and recite poetry to one another! Many readers will love our heroine, Juliet Catesby. I appreciated that she struggled with chronic migraines, and I loved her relationship with her sister. She has a strong faith and prays often. Juliet and her sister help slaves escape and help those less fortunate, no matter what side of the ocean they find themselves on. The faith threads in this story were beautiful! The settings of Virigina and Scotland are so well done. I could especially feel myself in the rainy streets of Scotland and hear the Scottish accents. This book is a must read for fans of clean Scottish romance and historical fiction!

Content: I give this story a PG rating. Some examples of the content: part of the story takes place on a plantation and there are slaves; characters drink alcohol and someone is drunk; mention of gambling; characters smoke cigars; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written, mention of the mistreatment of slaves; a woman wanted to harm herself in the past; opium and laudanum used for medical purposes; a woman wonders if someone has a mistress; someone struggled with mental health in the past (possibly post-partum depression);  su*cide; mention of gambling; speculation of infidelity; very brief insinuation that a married couple slept together.

TW: brief mention of possible self-harm; mental health; su*cide in the past.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Unique, Gothic Retelling--"Heart of Snow" by Rachel Grow Law—Review

 

 My Review:

“Heart of Snow" by Rachel Grow Law is a fresh, Gothic Snow White retelling! Rachel Grow Law may be a debut author, but you would never know it from reading her amazing story. I will tell you right now that this is one of my top reads of the year! It was everything I wanted in a retelling and the romance was perfection. Ms. Grow Law managed to make several nods to the original fairy tale while making this book uniquely her own. I love this time period of 1500s Germany during the Reformation and appreciate that the author wove so much history into the story. I learned so many new things while reading this story. Ms. Grow Law gives great attention to historical details and the book was well researched. This is great for fans of retellings and romance with Gothic undertones. Margaretha and Friedrich are such great characters. Theirs is an enemies-to-lovers romance. There are lessons on flirting, love, archery, and French between the two. Will these enemies catch real feelings along the way? Margaretha is kind and willing to do whatever it takes to help her brother, even to her own detriment. Will she make the right choices when lives are at stake?  

This book is so romantic, there is amazing chemistry and banter, and the first kiss was perfection. Ms. Grow Law made my jaw drop during a certain part, which I totally did not see coming! There is a scene in the rain and a letter that gave me “Pride and Prejudice” vibes. I love the themes on forgiveness throughout the story. I cannot say enough good things about “Heart of Snow.”  Ms. Grow Law does not shy away from some harder topics, so be sure to read the content and trigger warnings (she manages them so well and they never felt too much to me). I am a huge fan and cannot wait for her next book! I want to read everything she writes. This is perfect for fans of swoony historical romances, retellings with Gothic undertones and those who want that happy sigh when they finish the last page!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating, due to certain themes. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol; a character watched a woman be burned to death in the past; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; there’s a festival during the time the veil thins between the living and dead and the devil’s followers (witches) are in full power, so they make a bonfire to speed their journey to hell; mention of physical abuse in someone’s past; a legend of an evil spirit is told and there’s mention of witches; mention of someone not wanting to live and of scars from cutting her wrists; there’s a flashback scene where a woman who is accused of witchcraft is burned at the stake; someone tells a story about a mother and child drowning in a river; someone pretends to do a palm reading and fortune telling; a brief section of animals not being treated the best and being forced to perform; someone is accused of being a harlot; someone assumes someone else has a mistress; someone debates whether they should sleep with someone out of wedlock; someone is a bastard son; possible hallucinations.

TW: past physical abuse; mention of past su*cidal ideation and cutting; possible hallucinations.

Trigger Warnings (supplied by the author): folklore involving deaths of characters prior to the book's beginning (drowning of a mother and child, a child miner being buried alive), attempted seduction, heated kisses, a witch burning, character trapped in a claustrophobic situation.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.