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.

The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni review

Title: The Blooming of Delphinium

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.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson review

 

 

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.

Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson review

 

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.

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller review

 

Title: Until Our Time Comes

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.

The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H Gabhart review

Title: The Song of Sourwood Mountain

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.

Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon Review

 

Title: Sandcastle Inn

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.

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.

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels review

 Title: The Lady with the Dark Hair

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.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt review

 

Title: The Warsaw Sisters

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.

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard review

 

Title: Shadows at Dusk

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.

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon review

 

Title: Into the Fire

 Author:  Irene Hannon

 Ch: 32 plus prologue and epilogue

 Pg:  392

 Genre:  Christian Suspense with a hint of romance

 Rating: 4.5 stars

 Publisher: Revell

 

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.

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson Review

 

Title: A Royal Christmas

Author: Melody Carlson

Ch: 17

Pg: 167

Genre: Contemporary romance

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Revell

I’m generally not a fan of princess stories, the one where the commoner falls for the prince. But if it’s a girl who finds out she’s a long lost princess think The Princess Diaries then I want to read. Throw in Christmas and I’m hooked. And that’s A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson gives the reader.

I have to say I was rooting for Adelaide from page one. I wanted her to get a happy ending. And the Magic of Christmas in Europe even if it’s only in the pages of a book added to the story. It’s a quick read. This is the perfect novella to read this Christmas and add to your Christmas stack in returning years.

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.

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson review

 Title: Summer in the Spotlight

Author: Liz Johnson

Ch: 25 plus epilogue

Pg: 345

Series: Prince Edward Island shores 3

Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson is the third and final book in the Prince Edward Island shores series. And it’s my favorite book of the series. But then I’ve been wanting Levi’s story since book one. What’s not to love about a quiet bookish hero. Kelsey Ahern is determined to save the local theater after a hurricane and the least likely person to help Levi Ross.

Levi comes into his own is this book. But the seeds of the growth and change started in book one so it’s best to read the series in order.

But out of all the Ross brothers Levi is my favorite. He’s not a fisherman like Oliver or a hockey player like Eli. He’s not even a typical romance hero but he’s a quiet bookworm who loves his family. Quite frankly we need more heroes like him in fiction.

I loved Levi and Kelsey’s story and Summer in the Spotlight wrapped up the series beautifully.

 

 

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.

The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner review

Title: The All-American

Author: Susie Finkbeiner

Ch: 63 plus epilogue

Pg: 368

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

As soon as I saw The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner, I knew I had to read it. I love all things baseball and one of my favorite movies is A League of Their Own. So, a book I that included The All-American Girls baseball league was right up my alley. And I wasn’t disappointed. I loved every minute of the book. From the lesser-known aspects of American history I sure didn’t learn about the Red Scare in my high school history class. As well as the closeness between the sisters Flossie and Bertha despite the age difference.

I found myself relating to both sisters though with Flossie it was her reading that I related to. With Bertha wanting to play baseball and the whole having to be better than the boys as that hasn’t really changed. And if my high school has had a home economics class, I would have definitely failed it.

But as a reader book lover and library assistant I know that the real hero of the book was Mrs. Maxwell the town librarian the way she stood up to bullies both the boys and the book banners she’s a real hero. And she did remind me of my own elementary school librarian.

The All-American was my first Susie Finkbeiner book but it will not be my last.

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.