Gone Too Soon, Melody Carlson (Book Review)

About the book:

An icy road. A car crash.
A family changed forever.

Hannah Josephson had always been the “perfect” daughter. Kiera couldn’t live up to her before, and she certainly can’t now that her older sister has died in a car accident. But the image she carried resentfully of Hannah is challenged when she finds her dead sister’s diary and begins to read. Apparently Hannah’s final year wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought.

Caught in a pattern of blaming each other, the Josephson family is falling apart. Their father has left, their mother is mixing opiates and alcohol, little sister Maddie has been shipped off to spend the whole summer with their grandmother, and Kiera feels utterly alone with her grief and anger. A summer job helping at a park in a poor section of town provides a friend and a purpose.

But it’s Hannah’s diary that fills her thoughts. For the first time in years, she feels close to the sister she’s lost. But can the knowledge she gleans about her possibly help her patch back together the family that seems determined to implode?

My thoughts:

  I did not finish this book. 
  I found this story did not fit with my morals and standards. 

there was drugs
Alcohol
Rape
Abuse

All were very upsetting and I felt I could not continue through to the end.

  On the positive side, I felt there was a lot of room for character growth on Kiera's part.

  This does not mean I won't be reading any more books by Melody, I have a few of her stories on my shelves waiting to be read.

 
  Thank you to Whitefire publishing who sent me a free copy of this book.


"I received a review copy from the publisher, and the thoughts and opinions are my own. I was in no way required to write a favorable review."

One December, Kyle Hunter (Book Review)

 About the book:
Nikki has loved Mike for as long as she can remember (as early as age seven!) Mike has his own past hurts to resolve, having lost both parents in an accident when he was fourteen. He’s tried to escape those painful memories by leaving New York and starting a new life on the West Coast. New facts indicate, years later, that his parents’ deaths might not have been an accident.
At Christmas Mike comes back to New York for the first time in three years. He and Nikki rekindle the friendship they had as children and share their newfound faith. Under a Christmas moon romantic sparks fly . . . but their mutual attraction takes an unexpected detour.
Nikki is devastated, believing her one chance for a relationship with Mike is over. She impulsively takes a one-year teaching opportunity in Paris, so that she can face her own fears and get over Mike.
If Mike and Nikki run away, can they find each other again? 

  My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐
  
   I was hesitant about Nikki in the beginning. 
  
 She lacked the strength and stubbornness and independence I love in a heroine. 
  Nikki was a sheltered brat with no mind of her own who was completely dependent on the men in her life. 
    Nikki defines herself by men. She cares WAY too much about what men think of her. 
  
 I kinda really disliked Nikki and Mike.  (who I couldn't stop calling Nick) 
  Mike was a jerk. 
  Always judging and hurting Nikki. (Not in like a physical way, of course.) 
  He was too busy trying to change Nikki to notice his own faults and to do something about those. 
(Reminds me of a certain Bible verse) 

   This is a book I wanted to love. 
     The story line wasn't actually all that bad. 
        I didn't really care for Kyle's writing style though. 
  But I did appreciate the character growth on Nikki's part. 

  From being afraid to frequent fast food restaurants on her own to visiting foreign countries all by herself. 


I really enjoyed the descriptions of Paris and its surrounding cities.
Paris is a place I really want to visit.

  Some warnings if you're thinking of reading this book,
1  I hope this won't spoil too much, but, there was cheating.

2   there was also alcohol consumption.

 I know that doesn't bother a lot of people, I just prefer things like that to stay out of the Christian fiction genre.

3   there were some very descriptive kisses.


  ** All thoughts expressed are my own, I was in no way required to write a positive review **
   

The MISSadventure Brides Collection, (Book Review)

     

Love Is One of Life’s Greatest Adventures
Seven daring damsels don’t let the norms of their eras hold them back. Along the way these women attract the attention of men who admire their bravery and determination, but will they let love grow out of the adventures?

Along the Yellowstone River by Debby Lee
1832 Montana
Heather Duncan takes over her father’s fur trapping business, believing it’s an opportunity to also gain knowledge of medicinal plants, but a growing sympathy for animals and blossoming adoration for a rugged mountain man capture her heart.

My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐

I thought the story line progressed a little early.
It's one of my biggest pet peeves, which is why I don't care for novellas all that much.

  I admired Louie's unwavering faith that God is good.
I know so many people suffer because they have a hard time trusting God is ultimately good, even if our circumstances aren't.
  But Louie refused to let anyone or anything alter his Faith in Christ.

 This book was odd. It annoyed me that at one point, Heather wasn't allowed in a room alone with one guy, but she went camping with another she met a week ago out in the middle of nowhere. 🤔🤔

Also, what's with Louie? He can be fine one second and have a raging fever and fearing for his life in another second?

 While Louie was really, very, sweet, he was too prim and proper, too perfect. A goody two shoes. I'm sorry to say I won't be adding him to my book boyfriend list 😕

  I didn't like how Louie was always right. Like, Heather wasn't a mindless, meek, whimpering, stupid little girl.

  Heather said that she liked learning about all this Bible stuff, but it made her feel vulnerable too. Do you feel vulnerable when trusting God? How does that make you feel?

MissTaken Identity by Kimberley Woodhouse
1883 Texas
Headstrong, bubbly, accident-prone Abigail Monroe is on a quest for adventure away from society’s expectations. But her pursuits are unexpectedly thwarted when she is arrested by a handsome Texas Ranger.

  My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is the whole reason I requested this book.
  
Wrongfully accused of a crime, disguised as a boy, Abigail Monroe is thrown in jail by a handsome Texas Ranger, who believes her name is Chuck Miller.

No matter how hard clumsy Abigail tries to convince the ranger she's innocent, some how evidence keeps popping up that puts Abigail in a deeper pit.

  Abigail's spit fire, stubborn ways were very amusing, well not to Jim. But it was funny to watch him get frustrated with her. 😂   Watch him? I mean, read about him getting frustrated.

 I loved both Jim and Abigail. Both super stubborn and strong.



Lesson of Love by Cynthia Hickey
1885 Arkansas
City girl, Leah Ellison has big dreams but soon finds out that teaching in a backwards Ozark mountain community is far different than what she’d imagined.

My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Leah Ellison, a fragile, fancy, young lady who smells of sunshine and roses.
Proved to be a fiery, strong woman by the end of the story.

Luke Canfield, a sweet character.
And not just because he shares a name with my sweet kitten.

  Leah's tendency to be extremely blunt raised a few eyebrows and extracted a few good laughs.

Luke has sworn off women, he's not sure what to do when the most beautiful woman on the mountain (his words not mine), takes a special liking to him. She's pure spit fire and fiery, Luke's not sure if he should run away, or to her.

Some things felt rushed.
I didn't much care for Cynthia's writing style.
I didn't hate it, I just prefer a different reader/writer relationship.
There were some really cute scenes.
Leah and Luke are really an adorable couple

  Overall a very cute and sweet story with a good amount of depth.

Maddy’s Llamas by Marjorie Vawter
1898 Colorado
In spite of Maddy’s “missadventures” raising her llamas for their wool and strictly-by-the-book Harry’s attempts to get her to do things “right,” they learn to work together and find love in the laughter.

My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maddy, described as eccentric, maybe even a little crazy, was a very amusing and ambitious character.
I loved her!

  The story line was good, the writing style not too shabby.
I liked both Maddy and Harry.
And the odd Llamas😂

  A “rancheress”, not many people approve of Maddy's chosen line of profession.
Described as odd, eccentric, she doesn't have many friends.

  Her parents love for her is conditional, they've expressed their disapproval for her quite boldly. making Maddy feel lonely and hold people at arms length. That is except Aunt Susie, who isn't actually related by blood.

  The uncanny attachment Maddy's favorite Llama, Betta, has to Harry, angers and unnerves her. But it made me laugh, sorry Maddy 😂😂 And now I'm talking to fictional characters..


Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure by Mary Davis
1903 cross-country trip
Zola Calkin sets out on an adventure to be the first woman to drive across the country. Will the journalist tasked to report her presumed failure sabotage her efforts? Or will he steal her heart?

My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Zola was inspiring.
A voice for the women who were too afraid to speak out.
She was bold, stubborn and fiery. My kinda character!

  Allen angered me quite a lot.
Believing women incapable of a simple a task as changing a tire

   Zola and her cousin Vivian knew more about car engines than Allen or his dopey photographer

  Even though this story is only fiction, I found myself rooting for these amazing ladies.
I went off in my head quite a few times to the pigheaded, sexist men who dare cross these women

  I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

  Even when men did their best to sabatoge their efforts, the women persevered

   I appreciated the character growth on all of their parts, but especially on Allen's.


Detours of the Heart by Donna Schlachter
1925 New Mexico
A tour guide who wants to move on and a playboy who’s never had a place to call home—can they overcome their own plans and allow God to make their path straight, or will they take yet another detour?

   My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐
Peter believes Millie is a flighty, flimsy actress.
But on the contrary, Millie is a focused and determined young woman fleeing an abusive past.
She has more character and depth than she is given credit for. She contains more strength than she knows

   Peter is kindhearted, his heart is in the right place most of the time.

  I didn't really ship Peter and Millie. They were too different and I didn't feel they connected well.

 An aspiring preacher, Peter falls fast and hard for Millie, but knows anything romantic between them would die a sorrowful death.

For Millie it's California or bust.
Can an actress and man of the cloth really navigate the path of love successfully?

   Peter accused Millie of not knowing Christ, but I think he needed to look at his own self and get to know Christ a little more.


Millie believes she has her whole life planned out- go to Hollywood, get rich and famous, live the rest of her life in comfort.

What she doesn't plan for is a too good looking, roguish man who claims to be "In like with her."

Millie was quite a bit selfish
 
"The moral of the story is that sometimes what scares us the most is meant to help us."

Riders of the Painted Star by Kathleen E. Kovach
1936 Arizona
Zadie Fitzpatrick, an artist from New York, is commissioned to go on location in Arizona to paint illustrations for an author of western novels and falls for the male model.

My thoughts:⭐⭐⭐

Royce Retger and Zadie Fitzpatrick.
This novella was like none other I've read. Royce is a male model pretending to be a seasoned cowboy.

Royce's mishaps, mistakes and slip ups proved to be very amusing.

Zadie was a fun and lively character. She had strength and confidence oozing out of her ears.

  Royce Retger has a lot of forgiving to do but that doesn't stop him from falling head over boots (points if you get my song reference 😉) in love with Zadie.

  The story line was good. And the writing was very good.

  I think it's just that I really want a break from reading, but this story didn't capture my attention nor my heart.
 It wasn't exceptional but it really wasn't bad.

Here are the links you're looking to purchase this amazing novella collection!
Amazon  and Christian Books.Com

**I received an ecopy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are purely by own. **

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection: 7 Historical Romances are a Beacon of Hope to Weary Hearts (Book Review)

About the book:
Bound to the towers they manned, Great Lakes lighthouse keepers guarded dangerous and often remote shorelines to keep immigrants and good moving. Both men and women braved the elements to keep the lights shining. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed learning about the the Great Lakes and Lighthouses. It was interesting to learn more about Lighthouse keeping and the men and women who kept the lights burning during the long nights.

Anna's Tower, Pegg Thomas. 
1883—Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse
Anna Wilson's plan to be the next lighthouse keeper is endangered when Maksim Ivanov is shipwrecked on Thunder Bay Island. Handsome and capable, he could steal her dream. Or provide a new one.
 My thoughts:
A bit predictable but a cute story.
   I thought there were too many characters introduced so early on. It got to be a little  confusing.
  The overbearing aunties were quite funny.
   I admired Anna's fire and wilful soul.
   Maksim was cute, barely able to speak English let alone understand it, he was treated sorta like a child, which I didn't appreciate.
 A sweet book, I enjoyed the friendships.

Beneath a Michigan Moon, Candice Sue Patterson. 
1885—New Presque Isle Lighthouse
Ava Ryan’s father has passed, leaving her alone, and ill, to tend the light with nowhere else to go. Logging foreman Benjamin Colfax needs the height of the lighthouse to determine the best cutting route, but he senses something amiss in Ava and her determination to remain reclusive. Can he get her to open up, or will she keep herself locked away?

My thoughts: 
 The story started off a little oddly.
  I wasn't sure whether to like or hate Mr. Benjamin Colfax.
Likened to a snake, my hackles immediately rose.
But by the middle of the story I really liked Ben.

  Things got pretty descriptive, there was some intense kissing scenes. A few things were hinted at that went a little farther than I like

  I felt like the story ended with a lot of unanswered questions.

Safe Haven, Rebecca Jepson.
1892—Old Mission Point Lighthouse
Rose Miller was found on the lighthouse doorstep as an infant, and now she must hide her quest to find the child who left her there from Captain Nathan Perry, the man she loves to hate.

My thoughts:
Beautifully and poetically written, I loved it from the start.

 I felt like the story was missing something. It skipped around a lot and ignored stuff

  There were some cute scenes that I really liked. It was a good story, not amazing, but good.

Loves Beacon, Carrie Fancett Pagels. 
1898—Round Island Lighthouse
Valerie Fillman's best hope for a future lies on the tiny island that holds her worst memories. Can Paul Sholtus, the new lightkeeper, and his daughter help bring healing? And love?

My thoughts:
  I did not read this story.   I started it, got a few chapters in and could not read it anymore.

It was odd and there were some upsetting things in it, such as memories of child abuse from when the main character was younger.


The Last Memory, Kathleen Rouser. 
1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her, didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.

My thoughts:
 I don't usually enjoy memory loss books, but this one was different.

 The story was well written. I liked the characters.
 
This story is one of my favorites in the collection.

I was very happy with the content; the Faith content was satisfying but not overpowering. (I know that upsets a lot of people)

Very clean, never went farther than I like.

The Disappearing Ship  Lena Nelson Dooley. 

1902—Whitefish Point Lighthouse
Romance and mystery collide at Whitefish Point Lighthouse when unemployed doctor Norma Kimbell and Drake Logan, owner of a steamship line, search for evidence of a supposed shipwreck.

My thoughts:
This story was alright. It wasn't amazing. It didn't have a lasting impression, the characters weren't memorable. I enjoyed it while I read it. But I don't believe I'll think on it again. 

  Drake made me a little angry with his opinions of women doctors and what women should and should not be. 
He sure changed his tune when he was the patient though. 

   This story didn't really fit with the others because neither of the main characters were lighthouse keepers. In fact, there wasn't really anything to do with the Lighthouse. 

The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turk
1911—Au Sable Lighthouse
Lydia Palmer's dream for happiness as a lighthouse keeper's wife shatters when her fiancé Nathan Drake drowned in a shipwreck, but his brother Jesse survived

My thoughts:

This was a good story. I liked the characters. Jesse was a sweetheart and not just because he shares a name with my favorite dog.

  Lydia was a good character, she had to learn what it means to forgive, not quite forget, but move forward.

This story is my 2nd favorite one in the collection. :)


   I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hope Your Heart Needs, Holley Gerth (Book Review)

About the book:
Understanding more of God's character and how He loves us changed bestselling author Holley Gerth's life in beautiful, powerful ways. She realized that she didn't have to settle for "I'm fine" when there was Someone whispering to her in every moment, "You're Mine." The hope, joy, peace, and purpose she longed for were already there, in the heart of God.

Now in 52 devotional readings, Holley shares with women the answer to the restlessness they feel in their hearts that keeps them hurrying, striving, pushing. She shows them that "the God who scattered stars like diamonds across the velvet of the universe, the keeper of every sparrow, the maker of us all, is inviting us to draw closer to Him. He is the place where our hearts can go on the hard days and the happy ones, in the highs and lows, when we are sad or frustrated or downright giddy. He is what we've been searching for all along."

My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okay, so I didn't actually finish this book. Not for its lack of greatness, because it was really good, but because I kinda forgot about reading the book, and then after a long time after I received the book I'm like
 "Oh my gosh! I need to write a review!!"

    I had a lot of notes from what I did read, I basically had my whole review written on paper, and they seem to have disappeared.
So, in advance, I'm terribly sorry for this review being so... Bleh.
Also, I am so, so sorry to Revell for not getting a review up sooner.
So without further ado, my thoughts on the book.

    Holley brought up some very interesting and encouraging points. I was very inspired.
She definitely has a talent of reaching out to women's hearts.
    She talked about the things people are afraid to talk about. She's not afraid to call out the wrong and set it right.
 
  Holley has an amazing writing style.
I love how she can take simple, everyday things and it turn it into this grand example of how to live for Jesus.
    Holley you are truly amazing!!


"He was there before we were created. He spoke the world into being. As the Lightbringer, Star-scatterer, and Breather of life into the first man's lungs.
He will be there long after we're gone, ashes to ashes and dust to dust. He is the God of the past, present, and future. Ours and all of history's."

I will most definitely be finishing this book, it was seriously sooo good!!!
I definitely recommend this book!!

    As always, I looked around a bit to find the best price, and CBD  won this time!!

   Thank you so much to Revell for a free copy of Hope Your Heart Needs. I was asked for an honest review, all thoughts expressed are purely my own.

Christmas With the Cowboy, 🎄Tina Radcliffe. (Book Review)

Home for the holidays. 
A second chance at love on Big Heart Ranch  

Former Navy  SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots and the woman he couldn’t have. Back to visit his brother's widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past... and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all--love? 



My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What happens when the Queen of Christmas and the scrooge's hearts collide?

  The tall, dark and brooding type, former Navy SEAL Zach Norman is shocked to find out he can handle life or death situations but not working alongside his brother's widow, the woman he's loved since he was a child. 

  Emma Maxwell Norman, completely unaware of Zach's feelings towards her, is all things merry, cheery and bright.
  Aside from co-running Big Heart Ranch,  a place for abused, neglected and orphaned children, Emma is also a single mother to two precious two year old twin daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.

   Although I was super stoked to read this book, it wasn't at all what I expected.  It was a great book of course, I was just a little disappointed. My assumptions led me to believe I was getting something entirely different.   
   I also would have preferred some more faith content. 

 But I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean, Christmas themed, Christian romance novel.

    So, will the 6'5, mass muscle former Navy SEAL find Christmas cheer on the Big Heart Ranch? 

 Find out by getting your own copy of Christmas With the Cowboy, Here. At ThriftBooks, which is where I got mine. 

Or if you prefer getting it brand new for a little extra, you can get it Here.

I also found out that Tina Radcliffe actually served in the Army,  I just want to say a huge thanks to you Tina for everything you've done for our country and everything you do. Thank you, so much. 

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson. Revell Reads Blog Tour. (Book Review)

About the book:
Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.

My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book was amazing!! I loved it!! 
I read most of it in one sitting and didn't have the will to write down any notes because I was too caught up in the story! So notes would have been nice,  now I'm just going off the cuff. 
This book was adventurous, exciting, breathtaking, inspiring and just really really good!! 

Millie was a great character. Funny, sweet, fiery are just a few adjectives to describe her. 
Although at one point I was ready to scream at her!!

Ben was great too! Funny, strong, not your typical hero type. It was fresh and new and I liked that.

I loved learning about the St. Simons Island  History is kind of my thing 😏

A time split novel, I really enjoyed how this book was written.
One world is told from journal entries from the 1920's, I loved learning about Georgia then!
I find history and the way of living 100's of years ago quite fascinating .

I also liked how the focus wasn't just on Millie. Ben had his own set of problems. I liked learning about both of their pasts.
And seeing them both grow from their mistakes.

"Yes ma'am." Millie's voice dipped into a thicker, deeper accent in those words every southern child knew. 

This is the where I first fell in love with this book! As a southern child, I laughed and laughed because it is literally SO TRUE! 😂😂

The humor in this book had me laughing and the adventure and romance had me up until 4 AM.
I definitely recommend this book!

Get your copy here.

❓Do you like humor to play a big part in the books you read?

**I was provided with a complimentary book in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own**

Silencing insecurity, Donna Gibbs (Book Review)

About the book:

Insecurity is easily the most pervasive struggle of women in America today. We have more ways than ever to compare ourselves to others--who are all prettier, thinner, smarter, more successful, and more put together than we are--and our sense of self-worth takes a serious beating on an almost daily basis. We're tired of simply commiserating with writers and bloggers who share their own struggles--we want real, workable solutions about how to find peace with ourselves.

This is what professional Christian counselor Donna Gibbs gives women with Silencing Insecurity. Drawing from her twenty years of experience counseling women, she exposes the many lies that produce insecurities in us starting from a young age, the result of letting those insecurities get the best of us, and, most importantly, the way out of insecurity--for good. Anyone who is tired of letting insecurity snatch away the joy from her life will welcome this practical and freeing book.

My thoughts: ⭐⭐

I'm going to be honest with you all, I did not finish this book.
I think Donna brought up a lot of good points, and there were definitely some encouraging insights, but this book it wasn't... I don't want to say bad, I guess it was too boring. Plain.
Maybe I'm just too young to enjoy it. Now don't get me wrong. That is one of the things I hate the most, being looked down upon for my age. One of my favorite Bible verses is,
  "Let no man despise you for your youth; but be thou an example of the Believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in Faith, in purity."

Jesus taught in the temple at age twelve. Now, I'm in no way saying I'm anything near Jesus, but you get my drift. Hopefully.

Anyway, now that I've veered quite a distance, let's get back to the book.

This book had some good parts, just too business like. Too technical. (I can't think of the word I'm looking for right now XD)

It had great reminders that other people's opinions can't define us. Maybe people have told you their negative opinions of you, and you've let that define you. (Guilty)
Or maybe they haven't told you. You just think you know what their saying. (Guilty of that too.)
You see their silent stares and wonder, "Are they judging me?"
You compare yourself to them, and you let yourself believe they are better. You feel inferior, but you let it slide because it's better than feeling superior. You'd never want to make someone feel the way you feel.
That inferiority then leads to sadness, hurt and even depression. Well guess what? That doesn't define you. Not. At. All.

    I will probably finish this book at another time, just not right now.
  I apologize if this post is too long. I get carried away because fighting insecurity and not letting things like opinions and mean words define us is what I'm passionate about. Thank you if you stuck it out to the end ❤️

As always I was asked for an honest review, all thoughts expressed are purely my own. Thank you to Revell for a free copy of Silencing Insecurity. 

If you do want to get your own copy of Silencing Insecurity, I've looked around for the best price. :) 

The Light Before Day, Suzanne Woods Fisher (Book Review)

About the book:
After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when they should marry and whom--a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father's thieving business partner.

As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will's conditions, they'll be faced with obstacles on every side--and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher surprises and delights with this story of hope and renewal, love and redemption, arriving just when most needed.


My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happiness or wealth? Love or money? 
Those are questions Henry and Hitty are left to ponder after their grandmother's untimely death. 
Throughout the book Henry and Hitty are faced with trials, and questions, with no answers in sight, but the ultimate question is, Will they stick to their faith, and let the Light guide them through? 

I fell in love with these two characters in Minding the Light, the second book in the Nantucket Legacy series. 
I didn't get the chance to read the first one in the series. Long story short, by the time I had realized it was a series it was too late, I'd already gotten the book, and given my word for a review.  Yeah. That's me in a nutshell. 

I always feel as if I've learned a lot of new things after reading one of Suzanne's books. Her books are always so interesting, and fascinating! I'm learning things in the best kind of way! 
 I really enjoyed learning about Nantucket Island. I hope one day I can visit it, feel the history, and breathe it in like an autumn mist.

He'd had enough of coaxing a living from the sea. It was no wonder the sea was oft likened to a fickle woman. Men fell head over heels in love with her yet she loved none of them back. 


Get your copy of The Light Before Day here.

As always, I was asked to give my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are purely my own.

Thank you to Revell for a free copy of The Light Before Day. :)

Here's a great Deal Suzanne is having.

Everything She Didn't Say, Jane Kirkpatrick. (Book Review)

About the book:


In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn't Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.

Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn't insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.

With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living--the laughter and pain, the love and loss--to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story. 


My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An interesting and intriguing story. Had me laughing and at times had my heart breaking.
My heart ached for a woman who died nearly 100 years ago as she faced the hardships of life in the West with a strong-willed husband.
A beautiful woman who lived an extraordinary life. One of the most selfless, caring woman I have ever known through the pages of a book.
Carrie inspired me to stay positive, or in my "Happy lane," as she would have said.
She dutifully cared for others, and put everyone before herself. She was a great example of a Christian woman.
The author, Jane Kirkpatrick, has a beautiful talent of description. I felt like I was with Carrie and Robert at Yellowstone. I could see the grandeur mountains. I could see the 26 men they had to bunk down with. I could hear the water dripping and could smell the earthy must as Carrie was lowered into a mine shaft.
Jane is very talented author. Bravo!

What I really longed for was purposeful activity. A life without a purpose is a story without an ending. - Carrie Adell Strahorn 

Landscapes ask us to ponder our inner being. Dutch painters coined that word- landscape-when they moved from painting seascapes to capturing the beauty of the interior of a land, her mountains and valleys and rivers. Wish I could paint what feelings the West's grand landscapes inspire in me. October 10, 1880

I felt such clarifications with that statement. Because that is what happens in my soul when I look across an open field that goes as far as the eye can see.
I connected with Carrie on a deeper level.
She spoke not only to my heart, but to my soul.

Get your copy here.
I looked around a bit and this is the best price I could find :)

Not the Boss of Us, Kay Wills Wyma (Book Review)

• My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  It orginally took me a bit to get into this book, I guess I just wasn't very inspired. But that all changed quickly!

  This book was so beautiful, and so, well, life changing. It has given me a new passion for life with Jesus and just being a kind person in general.

  Laced with some heartache, but joy in the midst of pain, this book was encouraging. I am completely in awe of how Kay Wyma puts overwhelmed in its place.

    I actually requested to review this book at a time when I was feeling overwhelmed, about book reviewing i

  ironically.

  This book was a reminder that people are just people. We all struggle with the same things. We have the same joys, hurts, expectations and Longing to belong  We all struggle with the same self worth issues and peer pressures.
• in the after math of devastation, a battle cry has gone out and a line has been drawn in the sand, at least in our house. We're suck of Overwhelmed. Tired of it weighing down the people with whom we live life. Tired of it labeling people, then duping them into thinking all is okay only if or when. Worn out by the stress bombs that steal life and replace it with scrambling at best--isolation at worst. We say no more to stress induced  pressure laden Overwhelmed. It is not the boss of us. Every aspect of Overwhelmed, the big, the small, and all its sneaky attempts to steal peace and joy--has been put on notice. - Kay Wills Wyma.
  
  I urge you to put overwhelmed in its place and be overwhelmed by God and His truth.
  
  
  Prayerful yours,
  Rebekah❤️
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Author Interview: Annie Louise Twitchell.

Today I'll be interviewing Annie Louise Twitchell, Author of Through the Pages.

Welcome to the blog Annie!
Q: What most inspired you to write Through the Pages ? 

• Last summer, my mom and I got a bunch of old, old books from my grandparents barn. They were from my great-grandmother Stella, who I never met, and had been sitting in their hay loft for years and years. While sorting them, I found myself wondering about old books in general, and then I started to visualize someone who watched out for the old, old stories. Someone who treasured them. Someone who probably liked the books more than the people around them. 

  
  

  When I asked God "What do I write next?", He said, "Write a book for your mother." And I knew it would be a story about books, and a book about stories. I knew that person who kept the old books would be in it. And I knew it was a terribly important story for me, for my mom, and maybe for other people.

  
  

  Q: What is your number one inspiration when it comes to writing? 

  
  

  The world around me. I live in a little village and I grew up with books, and I wander around the woods and fields and the riverbanks around here. I watch for things and people that are interesting, exciting, and I make notes of things that catch my fancy. 

  
  

  Q: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? 

  
  

  Well, Through the Pages is my first novel, but actually my seventh published solo piece. The others are poetry books and short stories and a novella. Way back in May 2017 when I published Spinner of Secrets, my entire world flipped upside down. I wasn't writing just for myself anymore. I mean, I always write for myself, but after publishing that first book I was writing for other people to read, too. I had to change how I communicated through my writing, so I made more sense. And I had to learn to actually follow through with a project. 

  
  

  Q: What does literary success look like to you? 

  
  

  Oh goodness, I don't know. 

  
  

  I want to impact people's lives. That was the biggest goal when I decided to become an author and have that be 'what I do'. I want to touch them. And I guess I've done that already. I just want to reach more. 

  
  

  Q: How do you select the names of your characters? 

  
  

  I don't. They usually walk on page and inform me what their name is. Occasionally they change names partway through. In Through the Pages, for example, Misty's real name is Miranda, but she won't be called that. I couldn't write her like that. She's Misty, all the way through. 

  
  

  Q: What advice do you have for writers? 

  
  

  There's a blog post I wrote for a teen group I'm involved in, that's here. I also would tell them that it's okay to fail. It's okay to have bad reviews. It's okay to fall down. But that's not the end of the story for you. Cry a bit, be hurt and disappointed, then take a deep breath and stand up and own it. If you do the best you can do, that's all anyone has a right to ask of you. Do your utmost and no more. Don't push too hard for perfection. That's a relatively unimportant thing.

  
  

  Q: What's next for you?

  
  

  My mind is buzzing with possibilities. I've spent much of the summer working on a YA urban fantasy duo of books, and while I'm making progress, it's going slow. I've also been working on my contemporary novella series, The Importance Books. 

  
  

  What's most likely to be published next? I have no idea. At this point I just follow where the wind blows. 

  
  

  I'm really hoping I'll be able to present at my state homeschool convention next spring. I want to talk about doing something even when it's hard and you think you'll fail. We'll see if I get to!

I wish you all the best of luck Annie! 

Through the Pages (Blog Tour), Annie Twitchell (Book Review)

Through the Pages is on tour!

You can check out the launch post and the other stops Here! :)

About the book:

Spring will always follow Winter.
Misty doesn't know who she is. Nineteen years old, she's trapped inside who she has been, with no idea who she could be.

When she goes to Mill's End to take care of her stubborn, book-loving grandmother, she finds herself torn between past and present. The answer to who she is lies hidden in her grandmother's library. Her path to find herself takes her through the fading pages of dusty books and the memories of a woman who has lived a full life. It is up to Misty to write the final chapter to the dearest story of them all.

This first novel from Annie Louise Twitchell has been described as "stunning..." "a heartfelt story of finding yourself..."

My thoughts: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Annie. You. Have. Outdone. Yourself. 
 I can't even describe how much I love this book!!!! It is so amazing!!
It was beautiful and magical, and soulful, and just incredible.
 This was definitely my kind of book! I felt like God had put this book in my hands at just the right moment.
I loved the characters  Misty, Jeremiah, Gamma, and all of those other spectacular characters sprinkled in. They were so fun and quirky!

Misty had so much soul, so much potential for becoming an amazing person. I loved her character growth throughout the book. 

Jeremiah was a good character. Maybe a teensy bit too pushy at times  and he occasionally treated Misty like a child. But I guess sometimes she acted like a child. Hmmm. 🤔😂

Gamma was an incredible and very odd person. I definitely loved her love of books. A great character with a whole lot of soul! 

The only thing I didn't like about the book was some of the language. A few of the characters would say God's name in vain. But if you don't mind that than all is great. And it only happened a couple of times :)
But all in all this was a clean, deep, soulful, eye-opening book about finding yourself and your place in this world. It was so good. I adored it!! Absolutely stunning!! 


About the Author:

Annie Louise Twitchell is a homeschool graduate who is obsessed with dragons and fairy tales. She enjoys reading, writing, poetry, and many forms of art. When she’s not writing, she can often be found reading out loud to her cat, rabbit, and houseplants, or wandering barefoot in the area around her Western Maine home. In addition to seven published works, she has several poetry awards and pieces in four anthologies.

Links:

Annie Louise Twitchell Blog

Amazon – Annie Louise Twitchell

Facebook__Annie Louise Twitchell

If you're looking to buy Through the Pages, Annie has lowered the ebook price to $2.99 for the tour! Definitely go grab your copy now!! :)

Secret of the Codex Melissa Frey (Book Review)

About the book:

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  Somewhere, buried deep underground, lies an ancient Secret... 

  
  

  When archaeology professor Kayla Harrington heads to Belize for the summer, she discovers a collection of Mayan hieroglyphs detailing stories of a powerful Secret. But when her colleague, Grady McGready, joins in the search, she begins to realize that there’s more to this secret—and to him—than she thought. 

  
  

  But secrets don’t stay hidden by chance… 

  
  

  As Kayla and Grady get closer to uncovering the Secret—and the power it promises—they, along with grad students Mandy and Justin, are thrust into the hands of a ruthless Clan determined to prevent the Secret from being released at all costs. Through deadly rainforests, raging rivers, and hidden passageways, the four embark on a journey to bring to light a Secret that has been hidden from the world for far too long.

  My thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book. Man. This. Book. 

It had me turning the pages late into the night. (well I suppose it would actually be swiping my finger! I had an e-book.)

  Secret of the Codex was thrilling, entertaining, romantic, SO EXCITING. 

I felt right along with the characters.

Oh and the characters!! I love them. Grady was so sweet to Kayla. Their relationship was so indescribably good. I love them.

 I also loved Mandy and Justin, a couple who had been together for so long they just forgot the magic of them. I loved seeing their love reblossom. 

  While this book wasn't exactly the kind of book I usually read, it was still really enjoyable. If you're a fan of archeology and mystery, then this book is for you.

If you're a fan of nonstop excitement and the possibility of the supernatural, then I recommend this for you.

There was some content I didn't like. Melissa had told me the book was "pretty clean," it was that "pretty" part I was a little concerned about. But it was pretty clean. There were two scenes where I was like, "Okay, please don't go any further!"

And it didn't. Which I was happy about.

For the readers who like to stick to Christian books, I wouldn't recommend Secret of the Codex. 

Secret of the Codex is actually releasing TODAY! So go grab your copy at Amazon! 

I'm not sure whether I should be scared or excited about the 2nd book. Probably a little bit of both! Haha😂😉

*I received an e-arc copy from the author, I was asked to give an honest review, all thoughts expressed are purely my own.*

Introduction Post. 🖐️

I thought I would introduce myself to those of you who don't know me. :)
 My name is Rebekah Lewis. I am 15 years old. I live on a small farm in a little town in Texas.
 I am a huge animal lover, I own lots of animals.
 I'm a hoarder (mostly with books), a huge optimist (that'll come out a lot!), Jesus obsessed, craft-a-holic, occasionally crazy, country music lover, weirdo. Welcome to my blog. :)
I'll be reviewing (mainly) Christian, but always clean books.
I hope you'll stick around for the fun. :)