Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2025

Let us March On by Shara Moon

Here's my review: This book was informative and interesting! I love it when authors take a piece of history and create an amazing fictional story. FDR is one of the presidents that I admire and this book showcased his leadership abilities and his dedication to the United States of America. Lizzie is an exceptional woman! She's an advocate, a confidant, and extremely loyal. She stayed with FDR literally until the end. We need more people in the world like Lizzie!

Forever In Alaska by Belle Calhoune

Here's my review: I loved this book! I think it's my favorite of the Moose Fall series because Landon is my ideal man! I enjoy that it's based in Alaska and it's around Christmas time. The characters are wonderful and relatable! There are a lot of familiar characters and some new ones. Bailey soon became a favorite of mine! She's a person I'd like to be friends with. She's personable, cheery, and an encourager. Landon is hunkalicious! I love cute, smart men with glasses. He's sensitive, compassionate, and trustworthy. I thought that it was interesting that the author wrote a character who didn't like Christmas. It's understandable why Bailey feels the way she does. I'm glad that the Stone family helps her find the joy of Christmas. I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Hachette Book Group via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Dangerous Silence by Catherine Palmer

Here's my review: This is a fantastic book! There were so many twists and turns; I was surprised and intrigued by how everything turned out. The characters are complex and often act in unexpected ways. Marah is a successful pediatrician but she longs for love from her father. When he's injured and she has to help him on his farm all of those old feelings resurface. Ed is an enigma. He's a tough man, almost unlovable but as secrets unfold, his soft heart is revealed. Judd is hunkalicious!! He's not at all what he presents. He's smart, dedicated, and compassionate. Perky is my favorite! She's full of wonder, amazement, and curiosity. I was completely flabbergasted when Dr. Gregory's awful plan was discovered. To pose as an archaeologist, studying the remains of Native Americans but plotting to kill thousands of people was diabolical. As I read the excerpts of Little Gray Bird and his tribes exposure to smallpox, my heart was touched. I look forward to re...

The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar J Mazzeo

Here's my review: Wow! This is an amazing book full of adventure on the high seas. I was immediately hooked from the very first paragraph. The ship is called Neptune's Car and its journey is not an easy one. There is so much rich and wonderful history in this book! I enjoyed getting to know the Patten and Peabody family. Their lives were tied to the sea from the very beginning. I appreciate all of the research that the author put into this book. I look forward to reading more books by her! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell

I'm so lucky that I was able to read this for free from NetGalley. I will probably buy a copy so that I can re-read it. I prefer print books! Plus the cover is AMAZING! This book is wonderful! It took me on an emotional roller coaster. Cowell flawlessly combined history and fiction to create a story that allowed a peek into the lives of the Brontë family. Emily is the focal point for most of the book. She's a quirky person who loves to walk the moors. She is devoted to her family. She hides her writing because to her it's a part of her that she doesn't want to part with. Anne is sweet and loving. Charlotte is dutiful. She longs for love. The man in the stone cottage aka Jonathan is an enigma. He seems a figment of Emily's imagination but what a lovely image he paints. A handsome, lonely shepherd who walks the moors and lives in a crumbling cottage. It always amazes me when I read that almost all of the Brontë family died at a young age. Their legacy lives on th...

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Here's my review: I thought this book was excellent! It's the type of book that will stay with me for awhile as the themes were very profound. One of the main themes that really touched my heart was the theme of using your gifts to help those around you. Most of the people that live in Timber Ridge believe in helping each other out. Their sympathetic and compassionate hearts create a hometown that I'd love to live in! The characters are written brilliantly! Rachel is amazing! She's a hard working, single mother. She has the gift of healing but her past has made her hesitant to believe in her skills. Rand is wonderful! He's a doctor but he's a compassionate doctor. He actually listens to his patients and genuinely cares about them. As they start to team up to help a friend, their hearts start to open towards each other. It's inspiring to me how Rand, Rachel, Lyda and Ben pray to God and listen for His voice. "He reached deep into memory for words Go...

Sold On a Monday by Kristina McMorris

Here's my review: This book is very thought-provoking. When I saw the cover and title, I knew that parts of this book would be heartbreaking. The author does end the book with hope and reconciliation. I liked Lily and Ellis a lot! Lily is fighting against society's norms by being a working single mother. Her mother's heart is essential to her job. Ellis is dedicated to his job and determined to excel at it. Little did either of them know that as their paths crossed, they would save a family. Historical fiction is my favorite genre! It amazes me that authors like Kristina McMorris can see a picture and build an incredible story from it. I look forward to reading more books by her!

The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox

Here's my review: Wow. More than 5 stars for this book. Amanda Cox is an extraordinary author! The way she crafted this story with its dual timelines that brought the hurt and brokenness of the past to healing and restoration touched my heart. The characters are written brilliantly! They are relatable and I soon found myself wrapped up in their lives. Viola is a complex character. She loves her family and life in Bitter End but she also wants to travel and find love. She does find love in church of all places! Cora touched my heart the most. It seems like she has to endure one sad circumstance after another. I'm so glad that she found healing for her heart. Bitter End certainly lives up to its name. But, it also becomes a place that offers respite and peace. I enjoyed learning about birding. It's been an interest of mine for a while! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via Netgalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are...

Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L Wright

Here's my review: Wow! This book is extraordinary! I didn't know much about Trinity but this book has encouraged me to research more about it. The imagery transported me to the beauty of New Mexico. It's always been on my bucket list and now I want to visit it even more! The characters are wonderful! I was instantly drawn into their stories and their lives. Olive is a complex character. She feels unloved and unwanted. Her mother sends her away from their home and it hurts Olive. Jo touched my heart the most. She lives out her faith in God, every single day. Her faith though gets tested and she puts God on the shelf. Olive and Jo become good friends but soon become distant. I'm so glad that they found each other at the end! I appreciate all of the references to faith and God. It was inspiring to me when Jo and Olive forgave each other. I did have tears in my eyes when I read the last page. "With their entwined fingers resting upon Olive's Bible, the two fri...

You Can Cook This by Max La Manna

Here's my review: Wow! This cookbook has so many great recipes! I borrowed it from the library but I'm going to buy my own copy!! Delicious 😋 I have to start cooking from these recipes so that I can show pictures! Maybe once my kids are back in college!

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury

Here's my review: This is a wonderful book that honors those in military service, reminds us that faith in God is important, and that forgiveness is important. The characters are relatable and easy to like! Vanessa is AMAZING! She has known heartache but she is determined to provide a loving home for her daughter, Sadie. It's wonderful how their mother/daughter relationship is: it reminds me of mine with my mom and with my daughters. (best friends!) Sadie is a typical young woman. She is eager to start her own life but she loves her mother a lot. Ben is hunkalicious! He's handsome (Chris Pratt 😍), he's an antiques collector and he loves poetry. He has a compassionate heart and he's patient! The Christmas ring is sentimental. As it's passed down from generation to generation the message of God's faithfulness is passed along too. In my life, it's our family Bible. I have read many books by Karen Kingsbury and I look forward to her next book! I was p...

Go See America by Matt Tory

Absolutely splendid! Wow! I love this book so much! Here's my review: This is a fantastic book! It's divided into 7 regions of the USA. I enjoyed reading and learning about every place that was included. Some of them I have been to and the rest are on my bucket list. The pictures are extraordinary! They made me want to hop on a plane and go on an adventure. I hope the author writes more books like these. I won a complimentary copy of the book from LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Putin's Sledgehammer by Candace Rondeaux

Sometimes I win a book that I don't really like but it has to be read and reviewed so.... The beginning kind of made me sick. It talked about a youtube video regarding torture. I personally don't like to think about that stuff. But that's my opinion. The book is interesting with a lot of facts. Here's my review: This book is interesting and informative! The amount of research that Candace Rondeaux compiled for this book is astounding. I was drawn to the book by the title. I am one of many concerned citizens that has been perplexed by Russia's beef with Ukraine. This book explains some of the reasons and the power struggle within Russia's government. I won a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Last Stop Union Station by Sarah James

Another free read by Netgalley!! Fantastic Here's my review: This is an exciting book full of intrigue, suspense, murder, mayhem, and mystery. There are so many twists and turns. I was captivated by the story and I couldn't wait to read about what would happen next. Jacqueline Love is everything you'd expect a Hollywood actress to be. She's passionate about her career. Her passion is often masked as being difficult and gets her into trouble. As she embarks on a new adventure riding on the Hollywood Victory Caravan, her new adventure might cost her more than she's willing to pay. Grace is my favorite! She's unremarkable in many ways. Her confidence in herself is low. She's determined, strong and smart. There is a murder on the train and I'll admit that it took me a while to figure out the perpetrators. The author did a splendid job casting light on possible suspects! This is the first book that I've read by this author but it won't be the l...

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Wow! Be prepared to read this with a kleenex box nearby. A fantastic book! Here's my review: This is a fantastic book! It's filled with emotions, times of sadness, and times of joy! I did cry at the end; tears of sadness and rejoicing! I genuinely liked all of the characters! Meghan is my favorite! She's smart, strong and capable. Her love for her mom and grandmother is heartwarming. I didn't connect with Diane at first, but as her past became known I understood her more. Hazel is amazing. After her sister disappears, her whole life changes. She found hope and peace in Jesus. I love how faith in God is interwoven throughout the book. Both Diane and Meghan decide to follow Jesus! I have read many books by this author and I eagerly look forward to the next one!

The Hidden City by Charles Finch

I always try to find a read now option on NetGalley so that I can broaden my horizons. I was so happy that I found this one! A wonderful book! Here"s my review: I found this to be a smashing good book! There are several mysteries, new family members, and a glimpse into women's suffrage. I have not read any of the previous books but I never felt lost or like I was missing something. The characters are well written and for the most part likeable. Lenox is my favorite! He's genuine, compassionate, and trustworthy. He never gives up on a case or a person. Montague amazed me! He's young, but smart and eager to learn. I enjoyed reading about the Swedish gymnasium and Sven the instructor! I'd like to hire him!! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Minotaur Books via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ephesians by Sarah K Howley

I love winning books and especially from LibraryThing! This book was very interesting! Here's my review: This is a very interesting Bible study on the book of Ephesians. It's divided into 8 sessions. I am a Bible study leader and I appreciate many aspects of this book. The sessions are relatively short but also allow time for discussion. Each lesson has additional scriptures to look up which I love! The application section offers easy ways to apply the lesson in daily life. I won a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

This is a delightful book! Here's my review: This book has it all! There's a sweet love story, mysterious journals, a secret treasure, and more! The themes are friendship and family. The characters are relatable and easy to like! I would have to say that Dolly is my favorite. She embraces and loves the people who rent rooms in her boardinghouse. She is the hospitality queen! Reed also became a favorite. A young army medic suffering from PTSD, he comes to Dolly's boardinghouse broken. Soon he finds healing and love. I enjoyed the journal parts of the story. Reading about Catherine's life and the various surprises that she encountered tied everything together. This is the first book that I've read by this author but it won't be the last!

Image of the Invisible by Rachel Fahrenbach

Since this is my blog and I can speak freely, this book kind of messed with my head. It's supposed to be Christian fiction but there was a lot of swearing. That kind of turned me off. I know Christian people swear but I don't want to read it in a book. Other than that, I found the book to be very interesting and engaging. Here's my review: This is an interesting book! I would label this book as introspective. It caused me to view Christianity through a different lens. Not that all of them were Christians but each of them was struggling with some personal morals and convictions. I'd have to say that my favorite character is Kingston Reed. He's not so much a main character but he has a lot of influence on the storyline and people's lives. He's mostly in the background as an observer but he's also an instrument of God. I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***mild swearing like sh**...

This Present Darkness by Frank E Peretti

As stated in my review, I have read this book many, many times. Each time though it does make me think about what our battle really is against. It's not that neighbor that bugs you, the kids that won't listen or the spouse that doesn't make time for you. Our fight is spiritual and it's brutal. But, if you're a Christian, you can win the fight! Please let me know your thoughts on this book. Here's my review" This is about the 3rd time that I've read this book. It still causes me to pause and remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller

I love books by Penny Zeller! She always creates characters that I love and genuinely care about! This is a delightful book! The setting of Cloverdale Falls is picturesque and quaint. I felt cozy and nostalgic when the characters sang Christmas hymns and drank hot chocolate. There are a few mysteries and a sweet love story! The characters are relatable and easy to like! Maeve and Beulah are a hoot! They are certified private investigators who care deeply about solving cases. Gracely is wonderful! She makes every guest at the bed and breakfast feel welcome and special. Braxton is adorable! He's a little bit shy and awkward but he soon loosens up and even gets involved with the private investigators! As always faith in God is prevalent throughout the book. I so appreciate that because it's encouraging and inspiring. I think it's a wonderful idea that the bed and breakfast offered free transportation to church!! ***If you follow my reviews you know that Penny Zeller is m...

Catching Katie by Robin Lee Hatcher

I always enjoy books by Robin Lee Hatcher. She makes history interesting and entertaining! She also usually has a aspect of faith incorporated into the dialogue. This is a wonderful book! It's set in 1916 in Idaho. Women's suffrage is a huge topic in the book. I found all of the facts and politics intriguing. Katie is a complex character. She's dedicated her education and life to ensuring the vote for women. Sadly she thinks that she can't put love into the mixture. Ben is so patient and kind. He loves Katie and supports her even when it causes him heartache. I love how the author wrapped everything up with Katie getting her dream and Ben supporting her.

A Forgotten Heart by Lacy Wiliams

I love these books by Lacy Williams! They have cowboys, adventure, mysteries and a sweet love story. I always look forward to reading one! Here's my review: Another exciting book about the McGraw family adventures! I enjoyed Nick and Elsie's story. Hurt feelings and miscommunication almost tear them apart. But even dodging bullets and nosey brothers their love finds a way to bloom! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7711314252