Book review for, "The Healing of Natalie Curtis," by Jane Kirkpatrick

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.

But their music is under attack. The US government's Code of Offenses prohibits American's indigenous people from singing, dancing, or speaking their own languages as the powers that be insist on assimilation. Natalie makes it her mission not only to document these songs before they disappear but to appeal to President Teddy Roosevelt himself, who is the only man with the power to repeal the unjust law. Will she succeed and step into a new song . . . and a new future?

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick weaves yet another lyrical tale based on a true story that will keep readers captivated to the very end.

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 

Book review for, "A Deep Divide," by Kimberley Woodhouse

About the book:

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it--including her father's offering her hand in a business deal. She sneaks away to be a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel, planning to stay hidden even if it means always looking over her shoulder.

Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel wanting to impress his father by finding success on his own. Then maybe he can take on more of the family business and do something good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though a friendship forms, she's afraid he's just like every other wealthy man she's known. Then art and jewels go missing from El Tovar and the nearby Hopi House, a mystery that pulls them in and stirs up their worst fears. When shocking revelations come to light, they'll have to question all they thought to be true.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars

Reading a Kimberley Woodhouse novel is like getting a history lesson. Except history is your favorite subject and it's taught by your favorite teacher.

I love every story Woodhouse has told. There's always a lovely cast of characters and a riveting story line. She always includes action, love and faith. And honestly, can you get much better than that? 

 

  My heart went out so much for Emma Grace. At one point I had to set the book down and I told my sister I was done (I obviously wasn't) because of the hurt she had to endure. The hurt inflicted on her by the men who were supposed to protect her.  But with grace she rose above it all and became someone to be proud of. 

  I truly loved Ray as well. The way he was so confident until it came to Miss McMurray was adorable. He had so much growth and I really enjoyed seeing it. 

 The story kept me on my toes for sure. I loved the mystery of the whole thing. It had me turning the pages until sadly I came to the end. I feel as if I never get enough of Woodhouse’s books! 

 I was so happy to hear that this book was a Harvey House girl, it's a storyline I would love to see more of! Learning about the El Tovar and the Grand Canyon was incredible. And I know Woodhouse has visited the places she writes about so I felt as though I was there. One day I'm definitely going to visit. 

Also I may have left this book with many opened tabs on the Grand Canyon, the El Tovar and the Kolb brothers. Seriously if you check this book out definitely listen to the authors note and check this stuff out. It's so interesting!! 

I mean look at that!! If you want to know more about the two men in that photo than I highly recommend checking out A Deep Divide!

  I never leave a Woodhouse novel without feeling encouraged in my faith. No matter what, God always uses her books to help me in my season of faith. Somehow I'm always going through something similar as one of the characters... Gotta be a God thing. But it's by far my favorite thing about reading these books!!

About the author:

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty-five books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 1,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "coolest grandma." Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...
www.instagram.com/kimberleywoodhouse
www.twitter.com/kimwoodhouse

**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. I was in no way required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.**

Book review for, "Since You've Been Gone," by Tari Faris.

 

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. 

Purchase link

**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. 

Let's talk re-reads!

  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 ran from her past...but can she hide from love?

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.

Here's the purchase link!

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.

Purchase link

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.

Here is the purchase link.

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.

Book review for, "To the Uttermost," by Kristina Hall.

 

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