Sunday, December 15, 2019

On the Wings of Devotion, Roseanna White. (Book Review)


About the book:

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.
 

My thoughts: 

The second book in Roseanna White's Codebreaker series was just as phenomenal as the first!
 The book was packed full of action, suspense, romance and wonderfully complex characters. 

 The story as well as the writing was incredible. Roseanna never disappoints me. 

 The characters were well thought out. Each with their own story so well told it felt as if their hearts were beating alongside yours. 

On Wings of Devotion had wonderful characters, a great story line, and a beautiful story of coming to Faith and strengthening faith. 

White always does an amazing job on making all historical facts correct, and displaying life as it was in the 1900s. 

Her characters are amazing and beautiful and all deeply touching and relatable. 

I say bravo. 👌









About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.roseannamwhite.com



Follow Roseanna:
 Roseanna's blog.
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Twitter


On the Wings of Devotion purchase link.


I received a complimentary copy The Number of Love from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

A Christmas Present by Faith Lane: Cover Reveal.



I'm so excited to be participating in Faith Lane's second novelette cover reveal!!
Isn't this cover gorgeous?!
Faith has a way with making gorgeous, cozy, Christmas-y covers with an inside just as beautiful!!
You do not want to miss out on this sweet novelette!!
You can Pre-order now!! Click it if you know what's good for ya! 😉
Anyway, here's the blurb!
-
Noah Murphy only wants two things for Christmas this year; the girl of his dreams and to earn enough money to buy his sister a puppy for Christmas.


Rosemary McCray is oblivious to anything that doesn’t have to do with the no-kill shelter she volunteers at and finding Charlie, a golden labrador retriever a home before Christmas.


But, nothing does as expected this Christmas. Will everything work out for this two or will everything fall apart right before Christmas?
_
#Christmas #novelette #Christmasnovelette #Christianfiction #Faith #romance #Christianreader #Christianauthor #teenwriter #teenblogger

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Roseanna M. White's Newsletter sign-ups. Updates on, "On the Wings of Devotion!"


Want to hear all about Roseanna M. White's new book, "On the Wings of Devotion," releasing January 7th, 2020!?
Don't miss out on exciting #BookNews coming SOON from Roseanna M. White! Sign up for her Newsletter  TODAY!
 #TheCodebreakers #OnWingsofDevotion #SneakPeek

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Faith Lane's, "A Christmas Extravaganza" cover reveal!!

Look at this gorgeous cover!!
I'm so excited to be a part of Faith Lane's cover reveal!!
This beauty is releasing December 17th!! Just in time for Christmas!!!
Here's the book blurb:
 Amanda Evans and Adam Anderson used to be best friends, that is, until he humiliated her during their junior year of high school. Ever since then, Amanda has done everything she can to avoid Adam.


Now, two years later, she’s stuck working on a neighborhood Christmas project with him. Could Amanda possibly move on from the past and give Adam another chance? Or will the holidays turn into a nightmare for these two ex-best friends?
_
Y'all!! I'm so excited about this book!!
_
 #faithlaneauthor #achristmasextravaganza #betterwithyaandcleanromances

Monday, November 18, 2019

God Met Me Here.(Book review.)





About the book:

There is so much destruction and sad news going on in the world today. Many times you hear people ask, "Where is God in all of this?" The truth is God is right here. He has never left us. This book includes stories of exactly where God met the authors in their every day lives. For some it was pulling them out of a bad situation. For others it was helping them when they were lost. In every story, you will experience the deep love that God has for His children.
Read mind-blowing stories of when God shows up in situations dealing with:
  • parenting
  • blindness
  • grief
  • suicide
  • pornography
  • failed relationships
  • fear
  • abandonment
  • marriage
  • drug additction
  • abuse
  • divorce
  • physical ailments
  • being lost in a foreign country
Your hope will be renewed and your faith stirred.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars.

God Met Me Here is an incredible collection of stories about individuals telling their story of when God met them.
   Each person was living a different life. All in various stages and seasons. But the one thing they all have in common is a story of how God met them. Some in miraculous ways. Others in the simple process of life.
   This book touched my life in more ways   than one.
  I enjoyed each of the stories in God Met Me Here. Some hit closer to home than others,  but each was a blessing. I'm so thankful I got to read these stories in their own unique amazing-ness.
  I rejoiced that these people, some in the hardest time of their lives, found God.
   Huge hugs and prayers to the ones who contributed to this book. May the Lord continue to bless you and meet you.

Please visit the book's landing page ! I strongly suggest looking in to purchasing it!!

Special thanks to the publisher, Tracy Fagan at Kingdom Publishing, for providing me with a proof copy to review!
**I was given a free copy of, "God Met Me Here", for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Announcing Never Say Goodbye, Sarah Grace Grzy!




Never Say Goodbye by Sarah Grace Grzy, coming Spring 2020!!
Synopsis:
They say time heals all wounds. But he was finding it a poor painkiller.
Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a
paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way.
The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed
him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet,
and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past
has a tighter grip on him than he knows.
Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs.
Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten
years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to
devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her
dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long
ago.
In this sophomore novella featuring beloved characters from Live Without You,
Sarah Grace Grzy explores themes of grief and hope in a story that touches both
the heart and spirit.

Goodreads link.

#Neversaygoodbyebook
#sarahgracegrzy
#bookreveal #coverreveal #sarahgracegrzy #coverlove #reveal #upcoming
#spring2020 #neversaygoodbye #releasingsoon #amreading #bookstagram
#indieauthor #writerscommunity #indieauthorsunite #authorsofinstagram
#bookstagrammer #contemporaryromance #romance #inspirationalfiction
#christianfiction

Saturday, October 19, 2019

A Distance too Grand, Regina Scott. (Book Review)


About the book:

When a spunky photographer wrangles her way onto an 1871 survey crew of the Grand Canyon she thinks nothing can stand in her way. But her mind changes when she finds out she'll be working alongside the one man she doesn't want to fall in love with.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars 

A mysterious and intriguing air kept me turning pages in this book.
A romance between a broken hearted man and a woman with no re idea of love made my heart swoon.
The cast of characters in Scott's A Distance too Grand were all interesting and added to the story in their own way.
 This is the first time I've been introduced to Scott's writing and I must say, I was very pleased with the meeting.
Her stories are told in a simple, yet beautiful way. Her flowery descriptions were just enough to send my heart aflutter.
   Scott set the scene in the wilds of Arizona perfectly. I felt I was riding a horse in the rocky terrain next to Ben and Meg myself.
I believe Regina Scott stories and I will meet again and again.

-Rebekah

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*


The Horse of My Dreams, True stories of the horses we love. Edited Callie Smith Grant. (Book Review)



About the book:

  Where do we turn when work is draining, a friend lets us down, or we can't take any more news stories or political controversies? We turn to animals. We watch and share heartwarming videos of animals and the people who love them. For over a decade, Callie Smith Grant has been helping people celebrate our animal friends with her delightful collections of stories, and she's back with more true stories for horse lovers.

With contributions from both well-known and up-and-coming writers, this heartwarming collection is the perfect way for animal lovers to decompress and remember God's good gift to us in the majestic, calming, inspiring, and even silly horses he created. Horse owners, horse lovers, and horse dreamers will adore these uplifting true stories.


 My thoughts: 5/5


This beautiful collection of stories told by people in all different stages of life whom were all changed by the majestic beast we call horse touched my heart. 
    There were so many inspiring stories and some that broke a little piece of my heart.
 These stories made me realize just how connected we humans are. Something as simple as a horse uniting people at the heart confirms they're not so simple after all. 
  I was touched by each story told and was very blessed to read this uplifting book. 

-Rebekah 


*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

One More River to Cross, Jane Kirkpatrick. (Book Review)


About the book:

 In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial.


 My thoughts: 2/5 stars

 I immediately grabbed this book because 1) It's by Jane Kirkpatrick; 2) the history! 😍

This book definitely did not lack in the history department. I was soo intrigued by this true story of travelers. 
  But this book did, however, lack in compelling, lovable characters...... I didn't like any of them. 
Actually, I disliked many of them thoroughly  

The story was good, the writing was off. 
The book just wasn't as amazing as I'd expected. 

It became boring very quickly and I did not want to finish it. 

- Rebekah 

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Hope's Highest Mountain, Misty M. Beller. (Book Review)



About the book:

 On her way to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, Ingrid Chastain never anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man, she's hesitant to trust him, but the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.


 My thoughts: 5/5 stars

  My first immediate thought for Hope's Highest Mountain is AWWWWW.
I've always been a huge fan of Beller's huge-hearted heros and endearing heroines.
This book was no different; plus there was a cute little dog thrown in. :)

 Ingrid Chastain had this immense amount of strength and trust for her God. It made me question my own amount and realize that maybe I put too much trust in my own limited abilities, and not enough in my limitless God. 
  I loved the faith content and this undying trust in God. 
My heart ached for Micah Bradley who still struggled so much with his past and fear.

 I believe Beller's relatable characters could inspire many people with similar experiences heartache. 
Plus there was an amazing story in there with Beller's usual incredible writing abilities. 
 The way she describes the rugged land of Montana so beautifully, you'll never lack a picture in your mind of the scene.  

  I'm a huge fan of her descriptions and lovable characters. 

This book gave me some much needed encouragement and I believe it will for you too! 

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**

-Rebekah 




Tuesday, September 24, 2019

What Comes My Way, Tracie Peterson. (Book review)

About the book:

 
Only while trick riding can Ella Fleming forget the truth about who she really is--the daughter of a murderer. Phillip DeShazer buries the guilt he feels for his father's death in work and drink, and his guilt continues to grow the more Ella Fleming comes to his rescue. Will they be able to overcome their pasts and trust God to guide their futures?



My thoughts: 4.5/5 stars

 
I was so excited to welcome the Brookstone Troupe (plus meet a few new ones) back into my life!
   The troupe is back on tour which, of course, means new adventures and troubles.

I was slightly disappointed some of my favorite characters were not further along in their lives and were still struggling with things I'd thought we'd gotten past in the previous two books.
   That being said, I was very pleased with how much Phillip Deshazer changed and grew throughout this story.
In the previous books, and beginning of this one Phillip is a struggling alcoholic with a past he refuses to share. He believes he's unforgivable and that if the people he cares about knew the truth they'd hate him. Fortunately the people he cares about have a heart for Christ and His forgiveness.

 I was equally impressed by Ella Fleming's ability to overcome. She's endured a lot of heartache where her family is concerned and in this installment of the Brookstone Brides it may have been worse than ever. We're finally given the answers to questions asked in When You Are Near and Wherever You Go.

What Comes My Way was a delightful tale of forgiveness, family and Faith. 

  **I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**




Saturday, September 14, 2019

A Redesigned Life, Tracy Steel. (Book Review)



About the book:

 The very existence of HGTV, the DIY movement, and Pinterest proves we love great design. We adore plans and perfectly staged rooms. But what happens when we discover we are living a life we did not design? When our dreams lie in tatters or when we experience loss of any kind? What happens when life feels like one big Pinterest fail? Where is God in the midst of what doesn't make sense? Does he care?

Drawing from time-honored design principles such as movement, contrast, and pattern, former interior designer and Bible teacher Tracy Steel offers frustrated and discontented women the assurance that God is their ever-present, caring Designer. With a mix of wit and wisdom, Tracy proves through biblical examples and personal testimony that God remains true to his plans and purposes, accomplishing them in and through us in every season of life. She helps us recognize God's design principles, enabling us to embrace our sometimes messy lives, especially when they're ones we never would have designed for ourselves.


 My thoughts: 5/5 stars


 Tracy Steel took two of my favorite things and put them together into one awesome book 
 She gave great tips on designing and even greater tips on living your best life for Christ.

 Steel pointed out some of the exact things I'd been struggling with. That was a real God thing for me. 

While reading this I just felt God in my presence.

Steel writes beautifully in the a way that points us back to the direction we should go. 
 She gives us inspiration from key events in her life that I believe we can all relate to. 

I also really enjoyed the excerpts from a few other women's stories. I found myself relating and being immensely encouraged by them. 

I 10/10 recommend this book! 

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**


I did not finish this book through no fault of its own, but because of lack of time to finish and review the book. Which was also completely my fault.

-Rebekah




You Belong With Me, Tari Faris. (Book Review)



About the book:

 Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.


My thoughts: 5/5 stars

Tari Faris took a story full of broken people and turned it into a beautiful tale of redemption, faith, and love. 

I loved reading about these characters' as they went on a journey to discover being broken is not as much of a flaw as they thought, but actually, quite beautiful.

My heart went out to Hannah and Luke so much as we discovered the pasts they've worked so hard to not let define them.

They both chastised others' for seeing only their pasts, but when they looked in the mirror, that was all they could see.

 I related so much to Hannah's story and especially to Luke's struggle to realize his worth.

Hannah's pain from the past that seemed like a constant cloud hovering over her life broke me and touched me. 

These were very beautiful, very broken characters who allowed God to remake their stories into something incredible. 

The faith threaded throughout every aspect of the story was very wonderful and encouraging.

There were  many life lessons we can all be encouraged by.

Through many ups and downs, there was two things constant, and that was God and good writing. 

Faris' writing was simple yet elegant and full of humor and swoony sweet moments.

I would recommend this book to everyone!

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**

-Rebekah








Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Always We Begin Again, Leeana Tankersley. (Book Review)



About the book:

 None of us wants to be sidelined, stuck, shamed, or silenced. But the difficulties of life have a way of putting us in a corner, and we don't know how to move forward. We see brokenness in our communities, our relationships, and our spirits. It's so easy to blame ourselves or our circumstances, to get bogged down in discouragement and toxic thinking. But that's not what we were meant for, and that's not how God wants us to live.

Leeana Tankersley has good news if you're struggling: each new day is an opportunity to begin again. In her warm tone and with her signature humor she offers 100 short readings to encourage and motivate you to begin again in your relationships with God, your family, your friends, and yourself. Because there is always a hand reaching toward you, there is always grace available, and there is always a chance to begin again.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars

 Leeana Tankersley really delivered in this beautiful and encouraging book that gives key inspiration to begin again.

 Each passage made me think a little deeper, feel a little braver, and love a little more.

 I had some passages that did not apply or stick out to me in just because of the season I'm in. 
 But then there were some that felt like God reaching a finger down from Heaven and saying, "Here, read this "

 It was amazing how much God used this book to speak to me and help me grow. 

 One particularly hard night I picked this book up and flipped to where I'd left off. I looked at the title of the passage and just went, "Whoa."
It was exactly what I'd been crying about earlier. 

 I 100% believe God uses books to reach us in a way spoken words cannot.
And I believe God will use this book to speak to you like He did for me. 


 Purchase Link.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**

*I did not finish this book but only because I ran out of time before my review needed to be posted.*

-Rebekah 




Saturday, September 7, 2019

Finding Lady Enderly, Joanna Davidson Politano. (Book Review)



About the book:

  Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.


My thoughts: 5/5 stars

 Finding Lady Enderly was a tale of secrecy and lies, laced with a fear of becoming someone you are not, and forgetting who you are.

  I was deeply intrigued by this story told in first person by Raina, a mere rag woman rescued off the streets to play the part of a refined Lady.

But there is more to the tale she was told; now she's forced to stay and discover what happened to the true Lady Enderly.

What Raina discovers is not what she expected at all. She's unsure of how to get out of the mess she's fallen into, but she must soon, or all of the woman she used to be will be gone forever. Crumbled into a pile of lies.

   This book kept me awake well into the night.
My heart raced and I called out in literal agony over what should become of Raina and her true love.

 This is a tale of twists and turns and gut wrenching, wretched beautifulness.

 The emotions that swirled through me will stay with me for time to come.

 I shall never forget the beauty of the real lady whom was hidden under the rags of poverty.

 This tale speaks of loss and love in an unexplainable kind of way, so beautiful were the words Politano wrote that now remain in my heart.

 I cannot tell you what an adventure my heart and soul went on through this beautiful story where love always wins.

This book utterly destroyed me at every turn and then made me completely whole. 

It enraged me at its worse, and completely melted my heart at its best.

I recommend this book which tells a tale of true love and reminds each reader of their true identity in Christ.

Honestly it was such a gorgeous story of faith and renewal where our sins hold us back.

100% clean and I recommend to everyone.

Finding Lady Enderly  is on sale now!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*

-Rebekah 

Friday, August 23, 2019

Wherever You Go, Tracie Peterson. (Book Review)




About the book:
    
   Mary Reichert is one of the best sharpshooters in the country, and in the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza her skills are on display in every performance. But unless the man responsible for her brother's death is brought to justice, Mary's fame and accomplishments seem hollow. She feels helpless in the face of the murderer's money, power, and connections. The only bright spot in her days is the handsome journalist who keeps attending their shows. 



My thoughts: 4/5 stars

  Adventure and romance and faith stories are what kept me in this book from morning till night

The characters each have these deep and emotional  stories to tell and each one of them has to figure out they can't move forward on their own. They need God and the people He designed to help them.

So much healing and redemption was found among these pages.

I think I was most impressed with journalist Chris's character growth. He grew from this scared, hurt young man into this strong and godly man who no longer was ashamed of his past.

Chris and Mary's love story was... rocky. But beautiful. They were both broken people in need of their true Father's healing. I was so happy to see them find this healing together.

I was equally as pleased to read more of Wes and Lizzy's love story! I'd been rooting for them since day one in When You Are Near (the first in the Brookstone Brides series) and it was wonderful to see how much their relationship had grown since the first book ended.

I was also very intrigued by Wes's younger brother and Lizzy's friend, Phillip and Ella's story line. And I look forward to reading their story in What Comes My Way!

As always, I very much enjoyed the wild west show setting and learning facts about England, and trick riding and Montana!

  Tracie Peterson's books are always full of fun and interesting facts and tidbits to pull out at random. Which is always fun. At least for me, you'd have to ask my family how they feel about me randomly spouting off things about random things at the most random-est moments about places and characters they do not know. ;)

  I was so, so happy to read this beautiful book and I really hope you'll consider grabbing it for yourself!

 *I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*

Thursday, August 22, 2019

A Glitter of Gold, Liz Johnson. (Book Review)


About the book:
  
  When pirate wreck tour guide Anne Norris finds evidence of an undiscovered shipwreck, she seeks the help of museum director Carter Hale to uncover the truth and treasure that could save her business. But can she trust him with her secrets and her heart?


My thoughts: 5/5 stars


First of all, this book was absolutely incredible.
Second of all, I'm nearly speechless. I cannot capture how good this book was in words. 

 I adored A Sparkle of Silver, the first in the Georgia Coast Romance series and was overjoyed to read and review A Glitter of Gold!! 

The characters in this novel were absolutely beautiful. They had so much depth and each had a story to tell.

  I adored Carter and Anne's love story. 
They both had so much healing to do but they helped each other change and grow past their past with God leading them.

And I of course enjoyed the historical side of the story of Rebecca Jones and Samuel Thackery.
I'm learning I love split time novels more and more!

The book was extremely interesting; I loved the facts about pirates and shipwrecks and Savannah, Georgia's history!
I really loved and appreciated the author worked so hard to ensure complete accuracy for the readers!

A Glitter of Gold is a story of Faith, romance, heartache, redemption and healing. It is a must read!!

And bless your heart if you choose not to read it. ;)

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Book of Secrets, M.L Little. (Book Review)



About the book:

  After Gabriel Draven smuggles home the Stone of the Seven Realms, his fear of facing consequences launches him and his oddball family on a rollicking run for their lives across the world they only thought they knew. As his journey takes him out of his realm and into another, Gabriel discovers that the deepest mystery lies at the heart of his own family, and he must do whatever it takes to find his way back home.

Strong and unapologetic, full of vivid, well-timed simile and lilting rhythm, bright with humor, at times bursting into a depth of pure simplistic beauty, The Book of Secrets looks far beyond the typical medieval swords-and-sorcery and, instead, introduces mystical creatures, absurd new worlds, and, at its heart, a hymn of praise to the complicated bond of siblinghood.


My thoughts: 5/5 stars.
  
Gabriel has rejected his mother's way of life.
 He doesn't like talk of wizards and witches and seers and avoids it at all costs. 
So why does it keep choosing him?
First he finds a mysterious stone which holds more power than he can imagine. Then he finds a book full of secrets hidden away in an old bookshop. 
 His journey after that is epic to say the least. 

The Book of Secrets took me on an adventure of a lifetime. Through different worlds, and imagined creatures. I was entertained with every word. 

I had a grand time with Gabriel, Ren, Patch and Hollis as they traveled through uncertain times and learned having a brother is no small thing. 

It warmed my heart to read about these quirky siblings and their story made me feel closer to my siblings. 


 I also really loved that the author wove her faith into this story in a creative way. 
It was refreshing to see that in a genre that usually struggles with that in my opinion. 

Little's writing was often quite well, gorgeous! Sometimes she described the simplest of things in the most amazing way. I adored it. 


P.S I totally recommend for fans of Harry Potter!

Order the book now!

-Rebekah

**I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own. 

Monday, August 12, 2019

The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey. (Book Review)

About the book:
  
When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My thoughts: 5/5 stars

 Whoa. Buddy. This book was incredible.
From the first page my heart was racing and I don't think it stopped racing throughout the entirety of the book.

Whether it was a gun fight, or a hot chase, or the sweetest little moments where I asked, "Are you going to kiss her yet?" I don't think my heart calmed down at all during the story.

I'm not usually totally satisfied by suspense novels but this one did the trick.
The suspense was grueling, (in the best sort of way,) and it was not overpowered by the romance and Christian themes. They were all balanced perfectly.

Now the short chapters irritated me and I didn't appreciate the constant jumps in POVs but it's something I can live with.

The story line was incredible. The characters were amazingly built.
The character growth for both Finn and Gabby was truly satisfying.
Not only their growth as individuals, but in their relationship.

They dated back in the day or almost started dating or something, but the feelings were there, as evidence by their inability to stay away from each other.

Their relationship was very pleasing, though there were times I wanted to slap them both on the head. Especially Finn. But then again, especially Gabby. XD

I personally would prefer a heavier Christian theme but I know a lot of people prefer it to be at a minimum. I think there was good balance between the two.

    I can't say say enough about the suspenseful moments. The mystery had me never wanting to stop reading.

Hearts and lives were on the line throughout the whole book and it had my heart racing probably above a healthy level.

By the end of the story I was speechless
  It pained me because I knew I'd never be able to get out the words to explain how  friggen awesome this book was!!

-Rebekah

Grab your copy now!

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**


Monday, August 5, 2019

The Express Bride, Kimberley Woodhouse. (Book Review)


About the book:

The Wilderness Is a Great Place to Hide

Jacqueline Rivers manages a Pony Express station in 1860 Utah territory after her father’s death. There are daily stresses placed on her in this unconventional role—and now a government official is asking her to sniff out counterfeiters. When Elijah Johnson passes through on the stage while on an exhausting quest to find his boss’s heir, he doesn’t want to leave the beguiling station manager. In fact, he may never leave when caught in the crossfire of the territory’s criminal activities. Jackie can’t decide if Elijah is friend or foe. Can she remain strong when secrets of the past and present are finally unearthed?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

My thoughts: 5/5

There's something about Woodhouse's books that make me fall in love with storytelling all over again.
The way she researches everything to perfect detail just so it can be accurate for the readers. 
The way she explores her characters and finds their deepest vulnerabilities so we can connect to them. 

Mrs. Woodhouse inspires me to do the same. 
  She's a dedicated author, one whom I'm proud to be reviewing for.

I adored the book from the beginning. Starting with a heart racing escape, I knew this book was bound for adventure.

My assumption was correct.

Criminals and spies and treasure hunts filled this book, but did not cloud the romance and friendships and the faith stories! Rather, they were all ingredients to a special recipe.


  Learning about the Pony Express was truly a treat. I have admired the endeavor for awhile and was so excited to learn the Express Bride focused on a woman running a way station.

It was incredible to be able to read about the riders and their experiences, (though I'm sure a few were exaggerated. ;) )


  Woodhouse has a way of placing you in the scene--I love her descriptions. Both of people and scenes.

Though at times I felt some story lines could have been expounded upon more. I felt like they were rushed in a hurry to end the book and were resolved too quickly.

But overall the major storyline ran throughout the book and I didn't have any problems with it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Jackie and Elijah's story of redemption; their willingness to find out the past, but move on with the future; and their deep ability to love.

I close this book with a sigh and a thank you to the author for this beautiful story.

I will cherish it always.

-Rebekah

I highly recommend you grab The Express Bride now!

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**



You like what I thrifted?

I've gone thrifting a few times this month so here's some of my favorite finds from each trip!                                      ...