Thrift haul
I recently did a poll on my Instagram to see what people would be interested in seeing. And thrift hauls was something that a lot of people wanted to see. So, here we go. My most recent haul!
Onto my next stop, I found the cutest little flower shop themed cookie jar. Which I haven't shared yet but I've started collecting! And it fit perfectly with my others. Plus a bonus, the whole store was half off. So I got this cutie for $3 bucks!
Then at the same store I found the cutest picture frames ever. In case you don't know I'm currently trying to make my whole house fairy themed so these are perfect. I got them for $2, $2, and $1.
Then I got the sweetest, homiest poster for $2 bucks, also at a store where everything was half off. I thought it would go perfectly in my craft room!
As soon as I saw these I knew they were coming home with me. The most darling candle stick holders for just $2. Fit perfectly with my fairy theme!
And apparently it was just the perfect day to find fairy items because I got the cutest spoon rest for my kitchen. It's things like this that might actually get me to cook, haha.
Where do I begin?
That's a question I've heard a few times. I'm not an expert in the slightest. In fact there are many reviewers I know that have quite a few more connections and review a lot more than I do. But it can't hurt to get a little advice from everyone in the book world.
My journey as a reviewer started in 2018. I was an avid reader and I'd happen to come across a few Instagram pages that talked about books. Better known as, Bookstagrammers. So imagine my excitement when I found out you could be sent books for free and all you had to do in exchange was talk about them?
I was over the moon.
Fast forward, I start following my favorite authors, Kimberley Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson on Instagram and Facebook. They posted a sign up form to review the second book in The Heart of Alaska series. The first book of which I adored. I quickly signed up and somehow got accepted even though I had zero platform. A blog only my mom read. And basically zero connections to any other bookstagrammers.
But it was thrilling to be sent a book I didn't pay for, to talk to the authors whose words I so adored, and to have them read what I had to say. I won't share what 2018 Bekah had to say about this particular book because I was very cringy to say the least.
So I began looking at the books I saw others reviewing. Started searching online for publishers to review for. And someone suggested Revell.
Again, I don't know how they accepted me with my little to no platform, but I quickly started signing up for almost every book title they sent out.
I began an official Bookstagram and blog that centered around my reviews. And tried to post as often as possible.
I know it's exactly what our therapists tell us not to do, but any time an author would reach out to me to review their book I wouldn't say no. And although that's not exactly healthy.. I do believe it started to help me get noticed.
My advice if you're a beginner reviewer or just coming back to the reviewing world as I myself am, Follow, follow, follow. Follow all the authors. Indie or traditionally published ones. Large or small followings. Follow all the publishing houses. Again, well known or smaller. Some I suggest: Bethany House, Baker House, Revell, WhiteFire Publishing to just name a few.
And boost your engagement. Reply to all of your comments. Reply to your messages, send a few yourself, as well. Even if it's just a simple hi! It's always fantastic to make some connections.
And lastly, be authentic. When I began my platforms they didn't look like everyone else's. For awhile it was something I was insecure about. But it's better if you don't fit in. Because honestly, most people would rather someone that is unique and can bring something different to the table.
My platforms are small compared to others, but I am extremely grateful to each and every person that has supported me for the past four, almost five years. I'm forever thankful for this community and being so welcomed in it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I love you all.
~Rebekah
About the book:
Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can't cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red--and an upcoming contest during Modest's annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she's been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.
Jude Strong is tired of being a puppet at his manipulative father's law firm, and the food truck festival seems like the perfect opportunity to dive into his passion for cooking and finally call his life his own. But if he loses the contest, he's back at the law firm for good. Failure is not an option.
Complications arise when Rory's chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he's been falling for online the past month.
Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one?
My thoughts: 3/5 stars
You want to know what I'm best at? Getting books for review and then completely forgetting about reading and reviewing them. 😬 So sadly to say I have not yet finished Tacos for Two. But I'll be reviewing what I have read.
I really, really wanted to love Tacos For Two. Betsy St. Amant is a new to me author and her book sounded absolutely adorable! Maybe it's just a rough beginning but I can't say that I'm really enjoying the story. The story line is absolutely adorable! You've Got Mail is one of my favorite movies so you'd think I'd love a book inspired by the same concept. I didn't really vibe well with the writing style or Rory. But I'm still willing to give it another go. I haven't read all that much so take what I say with a grain of salt.
**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was in no way required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**
Take a deep breath and remember how much you are loved.
-Rebekah
Headstrong Coraline Baxter has worked all her life to be more than the spoiled socialite others expect. When her fellow suffragettes in Tacoma, Washington, suggest that she should climb to the top of Mount Rainier to prove that a woman can do anything, she instantly resolves to do it. And if she can climb Mount Rainier, her mother promises to stop pressuring her to get married to the wealthy Cash Kincaid. All Cora needs is a guide to get her to the top of the mountain.
About the book:
Classically trained pianist and singer Natalie Curtis isolated herself for five years after a breakdown just before she was to debut with the New York Philharmonic. Guilt-ridden and songless, Natalie can't seem to recapture the joy music once brought her. In 1902, her brother invites her to join him in the West to search for healing. What she finds are songs she'd never before encountered--the haunting melodies, rhythms, and stories of Native Americans.
My thoughts: 4/5 stars
The Healing of Natalie Curtis.
It's hit or miss with Jane Kirkpatrick for me. I either absolutely adore her story, or it's just not for me. But this one was luckily a hit! The Healing of Natalie Curtis was so interesting. I loved the characters and the story. Natalie's adventure caught my attention from the very first page.
One of my favorite things is history, so learning about the old west and the Indians was extremely fascinating to me.
Definitely recommend!
**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**
Take a deep breath today❤️
-Rebekah
About the book:
Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.
Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.
Sparks fly in this romantic story of two people who must learn to trust both each other and the one who called them to this journey.
My thoughts: 5/5 stars
I was so excited to read Tari Faris's newest book because she always does such an amazing job. She writes quirky, fun and lovable characters. And her storylines are always top notch.
Since You've Been Gone is a story of two couples; four individuals struggling with their pasts, their faith, and romance. I was only expecting a story about Leah and Jon but Madison and Coby's story was just as lovely. I love when authors write in difficult tropes such as pregnancy, abuse and substance abuse.
Leah and Jon have a difficult past together. As in where one person thinks the other is bullying them but the person's words are actually just coming out all twisted... Yeah, Sounds like a slippery slope. But I loved seeing how they overcame these issues. Yes, they let them get in the way a lot of times, but in the end they learned how to forgive and trust.
And their love story gave me all the butterflies. My favorite part of this book, of the whole series really is that the books aren't just romance. They are friendships. They are relationships with God. They are advice and inspiration. I love a book that gives a lesson.
I loved Madison's storyline. She's a girl who's been misunderstood her entire life. She was treated unfairly. And in turn it made her treat other's unfairly. But I loved her redemption story so much. She struggles with self worth. And when you're told your whole life you're not good enough you start to believe it. But I loved watching her love and be loved. Her realization that she is good enough, that she is worthy and wanted by a good Father was just heartwarming. And getting to see how Coby comes in to her life and remind her of all those things was incredible.
I love the whole storyline about Leah and Jon re-opening Leah's grandparents' business. Because nothing says disaster like a man scorned and an angry woman going in to business together. Their arguments were oftentimes amusing and heartbreaking. Seriously, how can two people have so much miscommunication? I was just glad they always kiss and make up!
I recommend this book for anyone looking to fall in love with a small town full of quirky characters, a good Jesus story and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Disclaimer: there are some pretty heavy kissing scenes but nothing else concerning.
**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. all thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.**
Question of the day: What book/series do you recommend for a good quirky town?
I hope you are having a lovely day. Don't forget to take a second to breathe. Even God rested.
-Rebekah.
Do you like to re-read favorite books? I know the arguments: who's got the time? Why would you waste your free time on a book you already know the ending too instead of reading a brand new, intriguing book?
Re-reading books and re-watching old tv shows is the same for me- comforting. When you feel anxious and depressed it can be so nice to just read (or watch) something you already know the ending to. No worry. No added stress cause you get to skip past your least favorite parts.
Here are four books I've re-read the most:
Secrets, by Robin Jones Gunn.
Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the place to start over—Glenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meets—including the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her.
Will Jessica’s deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all?
This heartwarming bestseller, book one in the Glenbrooke series, introduces the fascinating people of Glenbrooke in a compelling tale of romance and spiritual truth.
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Secrets is just the most incredible, satisfying book I've ever read. I still get butterflies with every re-read! And the beginning- oh man does it start out with a bang! I think that literally everyone needs to read this masterpiece. It's on my top five of favorite books.
Here is the purchase link for you guys who I know are intrigued by this killer opening!
Marrying Miss Marshal, by Lacy Williams.
She's no lady...
Danna Carpenter is town marshal. And a darn good one. Even if she has to handle saloon brawls and rustlers alone. Who needs deputies anyway? All right, she’d welcome the help if any of the men in town would offer it. When a bank robbery goes bad, she has no choice but to accept the help of a city slicker...
He’s on a quest for revenge.
Chas O'Grady came West in search of cattle rustlers and found himself on the trail of a killer--one who took everything from him. Crossing paths with the pretty marshal was happenstance, but he can't leave her deputy-less when she’s facing such grave danger.
Everything changes when Chas and Danna are stranded together in a snowstorm. The town council forces a marriage. And attraction turns to something more...
Will Chas give up his quest for revenge? Or will he lose the woman he loves forever?
MARRYING MISS MARSHAL is a Wild West marriage of convenience story.
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Y'all already know I'm sucker for marriage of convenience stories. But this one is by far my favorite of any I've read. I could never get tired of Chas and Danna's beautiful love story. I stayed up all night to finish it the first time I read it and I immediately wanted to start it pver. Again, I still get butterflies with every re-read. Speaking of, I think it's time to crack open the cover again, haha.
Christmas Letters, by Debbie Macomber.
Katherine O'Connor often spends her days at a cozy cafe on Blossom Street in Seattle--where she writes Christmas letters for other people. She's good at making their everyday lives sound more interesting. More humorous. More dramatic. But for Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who also frequents the cafe, Christmas means lies and deception. In fact, the renowned child psychologist recommends that parents bury Santa under the sleigh. Katherine, however, feels that his parenting philosophy is one big mistake--at least, based on her five-year-old twin nieces, who are being raised according to his Free Child methods. She argues with Wynn about his theories, while he argues that her letters are nothing but lies. They disagree about practically everything--and yet, somehow, they don't really want to stop arguing. As the days--and nights--move closer to Christmas, Katherine and Wynn both discover that love means accepting your differences. And Christmas is about the things you share....
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A girl who's first love is Christmas and a guy who thinks the holiday should be put to death. What could go wrong? But even better, what could go right? This is the most adorable Christmas book I've ever read. I re-read it every year. Wynn and KO's love story is filled with hilarious bickering as they work to overcome their differences when it seems like fate just keeps pushing them together, It's frustrating for the couple to say the least, but oh boy is it entertaining for us readers!
Disclaimer: This book is secular with some intense kissing scenes.
Love Finds You In Sunset Beach, Hawaii, by Robin Jones Gunn.
Sierra came to Sunset Beach for relaxation--not for world-class surfing and certainly not for romance! When a wealthy friend offers Sierra Jensen a vacation at an oceanfront beach house, she envisions a quiet retreat where she can plan her next move. Instead, she arrives at the start of the noisy surfing competitions and is surprised to learn that her friend had an ulterior motive--namely, introducing Sierra to Jordan Bryce, the tenant staying below them. Jordan is a photographer whose lens and attention are focused on the surfers, and he is not willing to let anyone get in his way of landing the next cover shot for Surf Days magazine. Sierra and Jordan came to Sunset Beach looking for different things. But as the surf pounds the North Shore, will they discover something better than either of them had imagined?
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LFYI Sunset Beach, Hawaii is technically part of a series (The Sierra Jensen series) but can be read as a stand alone. I've adored Sierra since her high school days. All her crushes and boyfriends through-out the years do not compare to Jordan.
Jordan is just the most perfect person for our Sierra. It was so incredible to see her get her happy ending. This is an incredible story about love, friendships, adventure, and a new found love for God. I seriously recommend this story.
Have you read any of these books? Do you like to re-read and what are your favorite books to re-read?
I hope you take the time to just breathe today.
- Rebekah.
About the book:
How far will he take his quest for vengeance? Owen Lockart will track down and kill the man who murdered his three brothers and left him to die in the Colorado wilderness. And no one will get in his way.Sally Reiner doesn't know a stranger. She thinks nothing of befriending Owen, her family's new ranch hand. Little does she know he's won her trust to gain information about her no-good murderer of a brother.
Will deceit and vengeance destroy Sally and Owen, or will they trust in the only One Who is able to deliver them?
My thoughts: 4/5 stars
I have a fondness of books that get right to the point. Dragging things out just isn't always my style. So I was very pleased that To the Uttermost started out with almost immediate action and danger.
Gun fights, outlaws, and cowboys are three of my favorite things in stories. So I enjoyed Kristina Halls story about all three!
I didn't instantly connect with Sally, but more with Owen. He's got a self inflicted purpose that pushes him to his limits. And watching him come to terms with the fact that it's not the purpose God gave him was pretty cool.
Although, Owen called Sally infuriating, it was he that was such. He blames Sally for things she has no control over. And I never quite understood that anger. But he did redeem himself in end.
There wasn't a lot of romance but Sally and Owen definitely had some sparks. (even though they'd both deny it)
At first I wasn't sure how I felt about To the Uttermost but I came to really enjoy it and get into it. It had a really good storyline, deep characters, and the best faith content.
I was really encouraged on my walk with the Lord through these characters and their respective walks. The way they all cherished their relationship with God and each other just made me realize that I was lacking in my own. And how badly I wanted to change that. And any book that changes my relationship with the Lord for the better is a good book to me.
100% clean and 100% recommend.
**I was given a free copy of the book by the author. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.**
Here is the purchase link! :)
As always, I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend. Take care of your mental health this week. <3
-Rebekah
About the book:
Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?
Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.
As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?
Saddle up for a heartfelt story of love--love of family, love of place, and the love of a lifetime--from bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart.
My thoughts: 4/5 stars
Along a Storied Trail is very much like "The Waltons." which I grew up watching and loving!
The mountain people were so fun to get to know and learn their stories.
The writing wasn't my absolute favorite but it was very fitting to the story. The story line was cute and I was very interested in the traveling librarians. I absolutely loved learning about that part of history!
I must confess I did not have time to finish the story before the review was due. But I'll definitely be finishing it soon!
**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own. A positive review was in no way required.**
-Rebekah
Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.
Happy release day of Bridge of Gold!!
About the book:
Repairs on the Golden Gate Bridge Uncover a Century-Old Murder
Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?
My thoughts: 5/5
I love time split novels. So a time split novel by one of my favorite authors? Count me in!!
I fell in love on the first page. There were characters I instantly connected with, an epic story all about an interesting period in history.
I love that Kimberley Woodhouse is such a history buff. Her passion for the subject adds such a rich element to every story she tells. As a fellow history lover, I've learned so many fascinating things!
I never wanted to put the book down honestly. I finished it in two sittings. The story was fast paced, intriguing, and had me turning pages long into the night.
Kayla and Steven's love story was the sweet, comforting type. And it was such a healthy relationship! It was honestly super refreshing.
But it was the mystery and the suspense that had my heart. It was so good! It had me devouring every word.
I encourage anyone looking for, Historical, Christian, romance, mystery to go check out Bridge of Gold! 100% clean.
Please check out the books Launch page where you can find purchase links as well as the authors social media links.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read this review! I hope you do something today that makes you happy.
Love, Rebekah.
**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.**
