What I think you should know:
With You Here is the fourth book in the Carrington Family series by Sarah Monzon. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but it does reveal ending for some of the others in the series so I would recommend reading in order if you want to read all of the series. It is a time slip novel with two stories, one of them takes place the 1500s in the Roman Empire and the other in present day Germany. When Princess Christyne sneaks out of the Castle to see the state of her people she stumbles upon a man who has been shot with an arrow and is fighting for his life she feels led to help him even if it could bring her mortal danger. In the present day Amber Carrington doubts her calling as a chaplain after people question her life experience.

What I think you should know:
Christyne’s story is set in the wake of Martin Luther’s reformation, it was a very volatile and violent time for Christians, this is portrayed in the story.
There are Syrian Refugee Children who tell their stories, which include the death of those they love.

What I think about the book:
Parts of Christyne’s story were hard for me to read, it was hard for me to see the fighting among those who believed in Christ, but differed on the expression of their faith; however, it was a beautiful story that made me think. Seth and Amber’s story had equally heartbreaking parts, but was an easier story for me to relate to. Seth being new in his faith, but trying to make decisions and represent Christ was very authentic and fun to read about. Amber’s fears that her experiences in if don't qualify her to minister to others is a problem for many Christians who don’t feel they have a WOWing story. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more of Monzon’s works.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A dual timeline story, Sarah Monzon’s “With You Here” is book four in the Carrington Family series. Not having read any of the previous books, I still had no trouble following along with this one. If I’m being honest, I am not a big fan of contemporary fiction, contemporary romance in particular, but because the second thread of the story is historical, I convinced myself to try it. While I did enjoy the historical aspect better, I was also charmed by the modern-day segments. I was intrigued by the calendar house, an architectural design previously unfamiliar to me. The sports angle didn’t garner my interest, simply because I’ve never been a sports fan of any kind, but I do appreciate the part that it plays in this book.

Indeed, the lives of athletic superstars are not all that they are made up to be. As Seth Marshall’s story reveals, it truly is harder for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). A new Christian still learning about his faith and struggling to overcome the temptations of his old life, Seth feels tainted by his past. Amber Carrington, on the other hand, wrestles with thinking that she can’t help others as she feels called to do because her life has not been filled with hardship. Nevertheless, “[s]he’d come to volunteer. To serve.” Working with Syrian refugees in Germany brings the unlikely pair together, and as their faith increases, it also becomes challenging at times.

Nearly 500 years earlier, in the Holy Roman Empire, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum faces her own trials. Her strictly law-driven father, a Catholic, vehemently opposes the Reformation, but Christyne risks her life to fulfill her vow to “improve their people’s lives”. Finding a severely wounded man in the woods, she remains true to her conscience and cares for him, even after discovering that he is “nothing more than a cursed Anabaptist.” Should her father or anyone else find out, her life will be forfeit.

Taking a stand for faith and acting according to moral integrity rather than social mores and peer pressure, both stories speak to the fact that persecution is ongoing but that nothing is impossible with God, and that He has a perfect plan for each of our lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

It was very hard for me to want to go back and forth in this time slip story because they were both intriguing. I loved the adventure with Princess Christyne von Heidelraum in the Roman Empire. Her courage was contagious as she set out under a disguise. Would soldiers recognize her as she left the place she felt safe? Her determination to succeed overpowered her. She didn't really think everything through as she stumbled upon an injured man. Now what was she going to do? Was he an enemy or someone she could trust? I chuckled as Christyne without really planning just goes off a mission to save people. The place is in turmoil and I don't think she has figured out what danger she really has placed herself in.

We slip back into present time with Amber Carrington. She is fierce and has a call on her life. She hears God calling her to take her place as a hospital chaplain. Some people she encounters doesn't think she can do the job, but they don't understand how she knows God has called her to this place. She has been stationed in Germany and doubts start swirling around in her head. It is just like the enemy to cause doubt and insecurity when God has called you to help His people.

Both women will face tough decisions, over think things, let doubt and insecurity try to stop them. Christyne will come face to face with death. Is she strong enough to stand for what she believes in even it meant she would die? Can Amber reach these children and help them overcome their pasts that were terrifying. God has chosen both women and He has equipped them. Now they must trust God enough to stand up, not be afraid and put on the Full Armor of God.

The author has written a story that parallels each other with faith, strong secondary characters that play an important role in the two main characters lives and an incredible lesson in standing up for what is right and knowing God has equipped you to win the race.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

"Admitting that something in him recognized something in her sounded too much like a sappy chick flick. A rotten sappy chick flick."

I am new to Sarah Monzon's Carrington Family series but am overwhelmed by my love for the family after reading this book. Though it's the last in the series, it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone and I didn't feel like I missed out on any of the backstory of Amber's older brothers since the author highlights what the reader needs to know. This emotional, heart-rending story is more than just Amber, an innocent theology student, falling in love for the first time with Seth, a world-renowned soccer player who has just become a Christian. The story addresses a believer's journey into finding God's path despite the naysayers and what trust in God's time and will truly looks like. It also addresses the issue of refugees and their plight because of others' greed, ignorance, and evil. And the time-slip aspect into 1527 Germany during the Reformation and persecution of those opposing the Roman Catholic church is fascinating and enlightening. Lorenz and Christyne's part of the story holds such breath-taking anticipation that it almost feels like a suspense novel as they fully commit themselves to the beliefs of Anabaptists who are being hunted down. Again, they (like Amber and Seth) stay true to their calling despite those who threaten their very lives.

The romance between Amber and Seth is beautiful and incredibly sweet. Seth's persistent devotion is endearing and their dialogue is the best! I'm not a love-at-first-sight kind of a person but their story completely captivated my heart and won me over from Seth's initial declaration of "Amber Carrington, I think I'm in love" after meeting her on a soccer field.

If you enjoy time-slip novels that grip your heart, soul, and mind, this book is a must-read. Now I'm off to devour the first three books in this series and get to know Amber's older brothers better!

I received a copy of the book from Radiant Publications and the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )

Sarah Monzon concludes the Carrington Family series with a character many of us who have grown up in the church can relate to.

Amber Carrington doubts her call to ministry. As someone who came to Christ early and didn’t stray, she feels she has no testimony and cannot relate to those she longs to minister to. It takes a trip to Germany, a football (aka soccer) star, some encouragement from her big brothers, and the story of a centuries ago princess’s convictions to open Amber’s eyes and ease her doubts for her future.

The historical and contemporary portions of With You Here fit together like pieces of a puzzle, only revealing the entire picture at the end of the story. The romance is sweet and endearing, and the refugee children Amber and Seth work with melt your heart.

The entire Carrington Family series is fantastic, but for me, this one stands out as my favorite.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )