Book review for, "Summer time Lilies," by LM Karen.

 

About the book:

There are three things you should know about Brittany Masters:

1. She’s a single mom and a nurse manager at the local cancer clinic

2. She has big plans, a quiet summer

3. She’s convinced that fudge pops are the answer to almost all of life’s most important questions

 A new neighbor, Matt, making friends with her son while simultaneously pursuing a relationship with her blow plans for a predictable summer right out of the water. A chance meeting at the cancer clinic where she works renews a connection with an old friend and gives her the perspective she’s been missing. From quiet nights on her front porch swing in Matt’s company to long talks in the clinic with her old/new friend, Brittany’s summer is anything but routine.

My thoughts: 3.5/5 

I thought the story was super cute! Very lovable characters and a sweet love story.

 I felt it lacked some conflict, but that can be good sometimes. It is definitely a comfort read. Something you curl up in bed with hot cocoa to read. Except it's a summer story, so maybe curl up in bed with some iced tea!

 Brittney is a very strong and hard headed person. But that's why I love her. She's an awesome mama bear to sweet, energetic Grady.

And Matt fits right into their family dynamic. Matt was such a sweet, understanding guy. And that made this love story even better. He's for sure swoon worthy!

 I absolutely love the friendship between Matt's sister and Brittany. Literally everything you can want in a potential sister in law/best friend.

 Overall a sweet read! 

PSA there was minimal swearing and a mention of God's name in vain. But other than that a very clean read. 

Here's the Purchase link for anyone interested! :) 

As well as the Author's website/newsletter sign-up

Her Facebook and her Instagram

  Thanks so much for reading! I hope you guys do something that makes you happy today. 

-Rebekah 

  

Book review for "Endless Mercy," by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse.

 

**if you haven't read the first in the series and are planning to, there are spoilers in the synopsis ⬇️**

About the book:

Madysen Powell has always been a forgiving person, but when her supposedly dead father shows up in Nome, Alaska, her gift for forgiveness is tested. With the recent loss of her mother, she searches for answers, leaning on Granny Beaufort, a neighbor in town, who listens with a kind heart. Still, Madysen is restless and dreams of performing her music around the world. The arrival of a traveling show could prove just the chance she needs, and the manager promises more than she ever dreamed.

Daniel Beaufort arrives in Nome, searching for his own answers after the gold rush leaves him with only empty pockets. Still angry about the death of his loved ones, he longs to start fresh but doesn't have high hopes until he ends up helping at the Powell dairy making cheese. Drawn to the beautiful redhead with big dreams, will deceptions from the past tear apart any hope for the future?

My thoughts: 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Let me start off by saying THIS WAS SO GOOD! 

I related so much to the characters, especially Daniel in his struggle with his relationship with the Lord. At one point in the book Daniel asks himself, "Why can't I be happy?" He feels so cynical about life and happiness. He doesn't truly know when his heart became so hardened. 

All my life I've been a bubbly, joyful person. But for some time now I've noticed these same qualities in Daniel, in myself. And neither of us want them. But thanks to this story I do feel so much closer to God and where I want to be. 

Then there's Madyen. Dealing with a plethora of hurt and anger. Especially towards her father. She's always been the forgiving type. She extends endless amounts of mercy, but does that length include her father? She struggles with feeling cared for and wanted, even while being surrounded by the people she loves the most. 

Like I said, I felt so connected to this group of people dealing with so many diverse but equally important issues. 

"For the first time her two worlds seemed to collide. The world where she lived and breathed, and the world of her dreams. She couldn't have both. She couldn't stay here with her family and sheep and travel and perform."

Not only is Maddy dealing with her forgiveness issues, she's come to a crossroads in her life. She wants a full and exciting life. But she's also terrified to be separated from her family. And all I can say is, I feel ya, babe. 

One thing I absolutely loved and adored about Maddy was how vivacious and cheery she was. Through everything she remained inspiringly full of joy.  Daniel and Maddy's love story had some difficulties for sure, but overall they had a sweet, humor filled relationship. It felt like a breath of fresh air. 

 Of course I learned so much from this story. Peterson and Woodhouse's novels always feel like a history lesson from the cool teacher. Honestly, the learning is one of my favorite parts about reading their books! 

  I've said it before and I'll say it again- Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse know how to give a lesson in faith. Something I know to be a beautiful tribute to their own relationships with our heavenly Father. 

Reading their stories is always a gift from the Lord. It's like He's looking down at me and winking, saying, "Have I got a story for you!"                               Without fail I always find myself battling the same issues and heartaches, in some form or another, as as the new characters I meet. And I always leave the story for the better. Closer to my God and to healing. I will always find their books a blessing and a comfort. 

One of my favorite quotes:

"Like I said, I'm no theologian" - John leaned down to let his horse's neck- "but it seems to me that God needs us to show the people around us what a difference having a relationship with Him makes when we face the same hardships they do."

 I have to share a trigger warning. There is a sexual assault in this book. I know how traumatizing it can be to have absolutely no warning about it and just come across it. So please keep that in consideration.

As always, it's been lovely sharing my thoughts with you guys! I hope you do something today that's good for your mental health. 

Love, Rebekah. 

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

When you don't meet that Goodreads goal.

I'm not proud of the fact that I've missed a few deadlines here and there. I'm not proud of the fact that my Goodreads goal wasn't met the first year I tried it so I refused to make another one the next year. I'm not proud of the fact that it seems I can't put an ending to a story. I'm not proud of so many things.

 But you know what? I shouldn't be ashamed of those things either.

 I used to get so much anxiety over the things I would post here and on my bookstagram. If I didn't have the most perfectly shot and edited photo to post, I just wouldn't post anything. Or I would and I would write a degrading caption about myself and the photo. (Talk about annoying.) If I couldn't think of the best caption that would draw people's attention and make them want to comment, I wouldn't post.

Sometimes, my  posts flop. Sometimes I don't get any comments and only a few likes. And I start ragging on myself. "You used to do so much better before you took a break from posting" and "People don't want to comment and invest in your time because they know how shaky you've been with putting out content."

Do I actually think people are saying those things about me? No. Bookstagram and authorgram have led me to meet some of the most amazing people. People I know are way too kind to speak hurtfully behind my back. But those thoughts all lead back to anxiety.

 My struggle with anxiety and depression is something I'm fairly open about on my page. I don't like this thought that we should hide our feelings. But that's something society shoves down our throat. 

So my thought is don't be ashamed when you don't make a deadline. Don't feel terrible if your post flops on Instagram or you get little views on your blog post. Don't feel like you're a bad person if your Goodreads goal remains unmet for the next year and a half. (or whatever time line) IT'S OKAY.

You are only human. And sometimes our mental health takes priority over the expectations we put on ourselves. I hope I can convince you of that as much as I try to convince myself. 

Give yourself a break. You deserve it. This world is a crazy place full of unreachable expectations and our bodies need a chance to rest from that. 

I hope you guys are doing wonderful and do something today for your self care. 

Love, Rebekah. 

Book review for, Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson.

 

About the book:

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he's quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn's plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late?

My thoughts 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a story of forgiveness. With accounts told from first hand experiences from the authors. All told in a really incredible way. 

I became attached to the Powells and John Roselli very quickly. I'm so looking forward to book two! 

 I loved how passionate Hayvn and her sisters, Madysen and Whitney are. About music, and family and life. It really showed those things in a beautiful light. 

 I related a lot to Hayvn and her struggles. I found myself praying along with her. It seems whenever I read a tale told by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse I connect so so much to the characters troubles. And many times I'm able to heal along with them. That's my absolute favorite thing about this duo's books. I get so much inspiration and encouragement from the testimonies they write! 

  Plus there was a lot of cute chicken anecdotes thanks to Kimberley Woodhouse! 😂

  The only thing I didn't love was things started out a little slow and there wasn't a ton of drama. (But maybe I'm just too dramatic. 😆) 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own. 

I hope you do something today that makes you happy! <3

-Rebekah. 

Book review for Marriage, Melodies and Rewritten Conclusions by V. Joy Palmer.

About the book:

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she’s lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited as packing material.

Then Kaylee’s ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he’s been brought back to the area for the unforeseen future. And he’s in need of new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe’s offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them…and the hope that maybe God’s rewriting the conclusion to their story.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 A boy who doesn't believe in love and a hopelessly awkward girl who struggles with forgiveness. Definitely the makings of an epic story.

 Kaylee and Gabe's story is one I've been looking forward to since reading the start of this series. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! It was everything I hoped for and more.

Quirky, humorous, filled with references I loved. And characters I fell head over heels in love with. 

This is a story of forgiveness and rekindling a love once lost. The love between man and woman intertwined with finding God's grace and redemption again. It was an incredible book. 

First of all, I'm experiencing major book hangover from this story. These were characters I'd bonded with and now I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do knowing this was the last book I'll get to about their lives in.

 However, don't let that intimidate you. Yes, there are two books that come before this story, but they call all be read as standalone. 

"In a way it's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who wears their " Christian" mask and hides their struggles and hurts. Is that horrible of me? It just helps me to know, to see, that the people I view as perfect and/or horrible are so much more. We've all got junk." - Kaylee Mcgrurd.

This story is filled with pearls of wisdom such as this. V. Joy Palmer's books never fail to make me feel seen. Her characters and their struggles really show life as a Christian perfectly. They show real doubts, and real struggles, and real pain.  But it always draws them back to the Lord. I love how the author deals with serious real life issues. Putting our own life experiences and "junk" into our stories really helps the reader connect. And that's something I love about these books. I felt so, so connected.

I 100% recommend Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions. As well as Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations; and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations. All three books are super clean, very quick and fun reads with a lot of heart.

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

I hope you guys are having a wonderful day/night. Do something this week that brings you happiness. 💗

Always, Rebekah.