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.
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.
Author: Holly Varni
Ch: 28
Pg: 304
Series: Moonberry Lake
Genre: Christian fiction hint of romance
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
While I loved Delphinium and her ability to sense smells with people and
determining what kind of person they are. As well as the banter between her and
Elliot. And the small town of Moonberry lake makes it feel like the reader lives
there.
But the seniors, especially Bob stole my heart. Their shenanigans and wisdom
made the book for me as they reminded me so much of the residents of the
retirement home I used to work at. I wish more authors would include senior
characters in their stories. The Blooming of Delphinium reminded me just how important
relationships with our elderly relatives should be as well as elders in
general. Not just for the wisdom but because they will keep you on your toes
and keep you young.
Can’t wait to see if there’s another book in Moonberry Lake and what else the author
has in store.
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.
In The Christmas tree Farm by Melody Carlson two sisters butt
heads over how to save the family farm. Madison also butts heads with her neighbor and
former boyfriend. What Madison and her
sister Addie are going to need is a Christmas Miracle. I didn’t know how I would feel about this one
as I was worried about the sisters’ relationship. But I did end up enjoying
this one. Melody has quickly become a favorite
author for Chris novella’s to read every year and The Christmas Tree will be no
different. I enjoyed the unique twist that she put on the story. I don’t think
I’ve ever read a Christmas story quite like it. It was like a warm hug without having the over
the top hallmark feel. I can’t wait to pick this one back up in December.
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.
Return to Prince Edward Island at Christmas time with
Liz Johnson with Meddling with Mistletoe. What do you get when you mix a
baker in need of an oven, who finds in in the form of an Inn as long as
she cooks breakfast for the inn and a single man with a nosy aunt? You get a
matchmaking scheme at Christmas. This sweet novella is just the thing to get
into Christmas spirit. It was also nice to visit old Prince Edward Island
favorites, but also to meet new favorite characters in Whitney and Daniel. I do recommend that you read both the Prince
Edward Island Dreams series and the Prince Edward Island Shores series before
this novella. I can’t wait to read this one again in December.
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.
Author: Nicole M Miller
Ch: 49 plus epilogue
Pg: 384
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
Until Our Time Comes is the debut novel by Nicole M.
Miller about a part of World War Two history. Involving the Janow Podlaski
stables in Poland. This book was the first time I had heard about it. But horse
trainer Adia Kensington and Bret Conway bring the story to life.
While you can
tell the author did her research and but that it to the book it reads like the
historical fiction novel it is and not a history textbook. I felt like I was
there with Adia as she tries to save the horses. It felt like I was traveling across
Poland with her and eventually farther into Eastern Europe. And of course it brought history to life for
me. I did learn a lot from this book as the only thing I already knew was the
bit about the allies making their way east. I can’t wait to see what else this
author writes.
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.
Author: Ann H Gabhart
Ch: 41 plus epilogue
Pg: 354
Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical romance
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
The Song of Sourwood Mountain is the newest Kentucky set book by
Ann H Gabhart. I have to say the story reminds me of Christy. In the sense Mira
a teacher leaves her life in Louisville to teach in the mountains of Eastern
Kentucky. Gordon Covington is a preacher who’s convinced Mira is the teacher
the town needs.
What I love about Ann’s apart from the
fact that she always gets Kentucky right is that her settings become another
character in the book. The town of Sourwood the perfect name for a mountain
town and even fictional fits perfectly in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. That
seemed like a world away from Louisville in 1910. Heck even today it still can
feel a world away.
And it was actually the secondary
characters especially Ada June who stole my heart. While the book focuses on
Mira and Gordon’s story. It is the secondary characters who help shape them and
their story. Mira and Gordon wouldn’t be who they are without the people of
Sourwood.
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.
Author: Irene Hannon
Ch: 28 plus epilogue
Pg: 352
Series: Hope Harbor 10
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction Christian Contemporary romance
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
I have to say the Hope Harbor series is one of my
favorite series. And if even if I’m not a fan of the main romance the secondary
characters keep me turning the pages. I loved the secondary characters romance
in this one more than the main. As it took me a while to warm up to the heroine
mainly because of her relationship with her mom. But by the end I did
understand her. Though I have to say that Charlie still remains my favorite
character in the series. Sandcastle Inn is a sweet contemporary Christian read.
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.
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.
Author: Erin Bartels
Pg: 352
Genre: Christian Fiction dual time
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
While I
didn't love The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels. I did enjoy reading
the dual time story. I'm a sucker for a good dual time novel. Normally I
find myself loving one time period more than the other. And that held true for
this one. I loved the 1879 story a little more than the present day one. Though
the present-day story with Esther kept me turning pages, because I do indeed
love a good family secret story. I love reading and seeing the character
growth that comes with learning that their family might not be as perfect as
they think. As well as seeing their emotions and thoughts run the gambit till,
they get to the point they solve the mystery and expect it. And end up
better for it.
This book gave me three things I love in a novel. Good
historical fiction, romance and a mystery. I think that's one of the reasons
that I love dual-time novels, it gives me both a contemporary story and a
historical fiction. As well as the chance for a mystery and romance. I
look forward to more by the author.
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.
Author: Lynette Eason
Ch: 28
Pg: 310
Series: Lake City Heroes book 1
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
Another great Christian Romantic
Suspense. Double Take is the first book in the Lake City Heroes series. Though
this one is more psychological and twisty than previous books by this author.
But it kept me turning pages because I just had to know what happened next.
Though I will admit it was an emotional roller coaster of a read. And the faith
content was perfect and blended in perfectly with the story. I loved reading
Lainie and James story and watching their growth. Can’t wait for the next book
in the series.
Author: Laura Frantz
Ch: 61
Pg: 416
Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Publisher: Revell
The Seamstress of Acadie might just Laura
Frantz’s most emotional book to date, at least to this reader. Because of my
own Acadian ancestry. Sylvie Galant is French Acadian in Canada when England
and France are on the brink of war. But the Acadians just want to live in
peace. I love Sylvie’s relationship with her siblings, especially Bleu. William
Blackburn is the ranger sent to remove Sylvie’s fellow Acadians. And somehow,
they both end up in colonial Virginia.
The Seamstress of Acadie is one of the authors
faster paced books. There’s never a slow moment in the story. This one is also
the most diverse book from this author. Previous books have included both main
and secondary indigenous characters this one includes a look at enslaved
peoples in colonial Virginia if only from secondary characters. And the author
writes it in a way that flows naturally to the story.
And of course, there’s always the third act twist. And if
you don’t like the third act twist this might not be the book for you. And of
course, the author knows how to write the colonial equivalent of a mean girl.
William Blackburn finds himself as my second favorite hero and Sylvie my
favorite heroine.
Author: Amanda Barratt
Ch: 37
Pg: 384
Genre: Historical fiction WWII fiction
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publisher: Revell
I’m not going to lie The Warsaw Sisters
by Amanda Barratt is one of the most emotional WWII fiction novels I’ve read.
And it’s the first one I’ve read set in Poland. As well as the first one that
touches on the polish resistance and smuggling Jewish children out of the
ghetto.
The book is told from the points of view of
sisters Antonina and Helena. It’s emotional as the war does it’s best to tear
them apart. But even apart the reader can tell the bond of sisterhood is still
there.
While I don’t agree with choices both sisters
made in their personal lives. I love the choices they make in regards to
helping the Jews Antonina and Poland Helena. This one is worth reading. But
have your tissues handy. Even though the sister’s faith isn’t on every page you
can see God working throughout the story.
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.
Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Ch: 40
Pg: 342
Genre: Christian Suspense with a hint of romance
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Revell
I’m not going to lie I didn’t like Shadows at
Dusk as much as the first one in the series. Mainly because I didn’t really
like Carrie for the first half of the book. And the bit of romance between her
and Trevor felt rushed. But I did like Trevor.
I also liked the Alaskan setting and the two
mysteries in the story. Wanting to find out about Trevor’s sister and solving
the murder is what kept me turning the pages. And I did enjoy learning more
about the Alaskan wilderness. I am looking forward to the third book in the
series.
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.
Irene Hannon is one of
my go to in Christian romantic suspense and Into the fire is no
different. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a former female smoke
jumper turned arson investigator. And an ATF agent. I love both Bri and Marc
from the start.
And I enjoyed the
unique murder aspect of the crime. It’s not something I’ve read in suspense
fiction before. And it leads itself to being a page turner. The mystery and
crime keep the reader turning the pages. But seeing Bri with her siblings and
Marc with his Nana come you coming back. Those sweet moments balance out the
harsher suspenseful moments of the book.
I love forward to the
next book in the series and what else is next for Irene Hannon.
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.
