Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn review

Title: Tea with Elephants

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Ch: 23

Pg: 304

Series: Suitcase Sisters

Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Ever since I first picked up the author’s books as a teenager, each time I’ve read a book by heart they’ve touch my heart. And Tea with Elephants was no different. It’s the first book in the Suitcase sisters. And it’s set in Africa when two friends Fern and Lily get gifted the trip of a lifetime.

I was hooked from page one and loved every many of it. And I have to say I was happy to discover what happened to a beloved character after their book had ended. Fern was the one I related to the most. And while Danny was a secondary character I also related a bit to him especially with what he has to face. As at least to me it’s one of the hardest things a child has to face even as an adult.

The faith thread throughout the book not only weaves Lily and Ferns story it also weaves the bigger story of God’s plan. And just like I’ve been since I was a teenager I feel blessed by the story and scripture. And so glad the author’s writing fiction again. And can’t wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson review

Title:  Just for the Summer 

 

Author: Melody Carlson 

 

Chapters:34

 

Pages: 288

 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction Christian Contemporary romance 

 

Rating: 4 stars

 

Publisher: Revell

 

I enjoyed Melody Carlson's Just for the Summer. I love a good switcharoo story. And Just for the summer doesn't disappoint. Though I have to admit I liked Ginny's point of view more than Jacqueline’s, it took me quite a bit to warm up to her.  But Ginny I clicked with from the beginning. Big sister to big sister. Though the age gap between me and my sister is nine years not ten. So, I could easily see myself in Ginny's story. With Jacqueline for most of the story I felt like she didn’t realize what she had. And the love stories were sweet.

 

I do have to say there was quite a lot of character growth. And like most contemporary books I read I enjoyed the secondary characters who help make the story. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni review

Title: On Moonberry Lake

 

Author:  Holly Varni

 

Ch: 32

 

Pg:  335

 

Genre:  Christian Contemporary

 

Rating: 4.5 stars

 

Publisher: Revell

 

On Moonberry Lake is the debut novel by Holly Varni. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. As I tend to be ifffy about books dealing with the death of the characters mom. It can go one of two ways good or really bad. On Moonberry lake went very good. As grief effects everyone differently. And the book showed that.

Cora was my favorite because she was the one, I related to the most. But Widgy is a close second as well as the characters in the small town. Though the small town is in Minnesota it’s easy for anyone who spent time in a small town to relate to. Because every small has fill in the blank.

I can’t wait to read the next book from Holly.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

Title: Everything is Just Beginning

Author:  Erin Bartels

Ch: 32

Pg:  352

Genre:  Christian Historical fiction, Christian Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

I’m not going to lie even though it seems odd to consider a book set in 1989 and 1990 as historical fiction, but Everything is just beginning falls is. As a 80s baby and a 90s kid I’ve always loved 80s music. And like one of the characters, I personally thinks songs sound better on vinyl.

So even though I don’t have any memories of 1989 this book gave me all the nostalgic feels I guess that’s because music does speak when words fail. As the characters in this story also learn along the way. Music does bring people together.

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant review

Title:  Tacos for Two

Author:  Betsy St. Amant

Ch: 30 plus epilogue

Pg:  381

Genre:  Christian Contemporary fiction, Christian Contemporary romance, Rom Com

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

    Tacos for Two is the newest rom com by Betsy St. Amant and I loved it. Rory Perez is a bookish kindred spirit. I mean the girl owns a food truck and can’t cook. I relate to the can’t cook part not owning a food truck. As well as loyalty to family. Jude Strong took a little bit to warm up to but once I did, I liked him as well.

I loved the banter between the characters. I laughed with Rory I also cried with her. I wanted to find out how the book ended but on the same note I didn’t want it to end.

Hannah was my favorite character and there was so much wisdom for someone so young. And I love how Rory was trying to do her best for Hannah. And how she was loyal to family.

I enjoyed that Tacos for Two was not only a romance but a story of family. Both blood and chosen. One of my favorite lines was “Taco grease is thicker than water.” From aunt Sophia which to me means family is what you make of it.

I enjoyed Tacos for Two even though I’ve never seen You’ve Got Mail because I did get some of the references. But I’ve moved the movie up on my to watch list. So even if you haven’t seen the movie, you will still enjoy the book and if you have, you’ll enjoy finding the Easter eggs.

I love Betsy’s books because they are rom coms in book form and Tacos for Two was no different. And I look forward to future books.

I received a complimentary copy   from the author and publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Take a Chance on Me review

Title:  Take a Chance on Me

Author:  Becky Wade

Series: Misty River 0.5 Novella

Chapters: 9

Pages: 98

Genre: Christian Contemporary

Rating: 4 Stars

Publisher: Bethany House

Take a Chance on Me is a prequel novella to the Misty River series. Penelope Quinn has one rule when it comes to dating no Airman a rule she created after a few friends had bad experiences dating Airman. It was Penelope stereotyped a whole group because of the actions of a few.

Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price is determined to get her to change her mind and give him a second chance.

I’m not going to lie it took me a while to warm up to Penelope and I think it was he view of Airman. I’m not saying that she and her didn’t have bad experiences but She lumped them all Together because of the actions of a few.

I guess personal experience as a military kid it’s been the opposite I’m not saying that there’s not and a few bad apples but the good ones still outweigh the bad.

I still enjoyed this sweet novella and can’t wait to read more about Sam in the first book in the series.

The Printed Letter Bookshop review

Title:  The Printed Letter Bookshop 

Author: Katherine Reay 

Pages: 324

Genre: Christian Contemporary fiction 

Rating: 4 stars 

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson 

Books by Katherine Reay are either hit or miss for me, with more books being misses.  However, that was not the case with The Printed Letter Bookshop I don't know if that's because of the sitting of the book or the fact that I listened to it on audio. Madeline Cullen has inherited her aunt's bookshop, but it's a bookshop that's more in the red than the black.  Her two employees Janet and Claire  were loyal to her aunt Maddie and all they see in Madeline is a niece who never visited.   Madeline doesn't want to keep the bookshop she wants to sell it as soon as possible and get back to life as a lawyer.  But it seems like nothing wants to go her way. 

I loved the small-town bookshop setting as well as the people who popped in and out of the bookshop.   The bookshop was a character in its own right in the story.  I am a sucker for stories set in a bookshop the better if it is in a small-town.   

After enjoying this one on audio I think I going to listen to the rest of her books that I haven't read on audio to see if the audio version makes it easier to read. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

You Belong with Me review

Title:  You Belong with Me

Author: Tari Faris 

Series: Restoring Heritage book 1

Chapters: 20 plus epilogue

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Contemporary Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

You Belong with Me is the first book I've read by Tari Faris and I have to say it will not be my last.  I loved the small-town setting of the book.  The characters were believable even if they weren't always likable. There were times when the four main characters were just too stubborn for their own good, but people tend to be that way in real life. Hannah was an easy character to relate too because she's having a hard time letting go and let God.  Which is something I am learning to do. I'm still a work in progress. 

What I loved about You Belong with Me beside the fact that it was a subtle romance was how much it reminded me of a Hallmark movie.  I'm a sucker for Hallmark movies they tend to be the only chick flicks that I enjoy and I love finding novels along these lines with even more depth to them.    The Gilmore Girls references in the book were a nice touch. 

Faith and belief in Jesus were woven through the threads of story that added to the book without turning the book into a sermon, allowing enjoyment to come from reading it for both the believer and non-believer. To allow the opening to talk with a non-believer about faith.  The non-typical pastor with Nate shows that God can use anyone for His Glory. 

As I send earlier I loved the small-town setting and the way that small towns come together when someone else in the town needs help.   But more importantly, I loved the themes of faith and family.  That family isn't always what you think it should be yes blood family is important, but so is the family that you chose and create.   I look forward to the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction, subtle romance. As well to fans of Becky Wade's books, Liz Johnson and Robin Lee Hatcher's. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Sweet on You review

Title:  Sweet on You

Author: Becky Wade

Series: Bradford Sisters Romance book 3

Chapters: 27 Plus Epilogue

Pages: 381

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Rating:  5 Stars

  Sweet on you is the third book in the Bradford Sisters Romance and we finally get Britt and Zander's story.  Which I've been waiting for since book one.   Zander's been a favorite character since the beginning. A rough around the edges nerd who's been in love with his best friend. Britt took some warming up to.  It took a while for Britt to grow up even though at twenty-seven she's been an adult for a while.   

Both Britt and Zander have things to deal with in their past. Things that they have to let go of in order truly embrace what God has in store for them. Like the first two books in the series there is a mystery that Zander and Britt get involved in.   Britt mainly because she doesn't want Zander to have to deal with it on his own.   

I can always count on Becky Wade to deliver a sweet romance that’s not too sweet.  Though this one deals with actually sweets. Britt has her own chocolate shop.  Becky's book are great if you like sweet romance that isn't sickly sweet.  Though most of her heroes start out slightly rough around the edges. 

The Secrets of Paper and Ink review

Title:  The Secrets of Paper and Ink

Author: Lindsay Harrel

Chapters: 46 Plus Epilogue

Pages: 326

Genre: Christian Contemporary fiction, Christian Historical Fiction, dual time period

Rating: 5 stars

        Sophie Barrett discovers when she goes back to work, that she hasn't completely healed from an abusive relationship.  Her friend and boss encourages to take a vacation and heal. So she escapes to Cornwall, England. Where she finds herself staying above a bookshop. Every bookworm’s dream.  The shop is owned by Ginny Rose an American who followed a guy to Cornwall we can guess how that one ends. 

While staying in the bookshop Sophia discovers a journal over two hundred years of Emily Fairfax.  She's determined to find out if Emily was real and help Ginny save the bookshop she most certainly doesn't plan on falling in love.  

I enjoyed this one which has me wanting to pick up the first book by this author that I stopped.   I love this dual time novel in which the lives of Ginny and Sophia are effected by Emily's. Not to mention I loved how Sophia favorite book series and author play a big role in the story. 

This is a sweet contemporary novel that is a good read if you just want to curl up one day with a book and a cup of tea. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.