Category: Book Reviews

Jun 22

Sorry For My Absence…..

Just wanted to stop in and say sorry for my absence as of late. I recently lost my mother on June 10,2014. I just haven’t had the heart to blog and read much since then. I took it hard. It was very sudden and very heart breaking. I blamed myself for the first three days after as I felt if I just hadn’t argued with her through the years or if I had told her I loved her that morning instead of our routine nightly hugs and love yous, that she might still be here. But, I know the good Lord was ready for her to go home and see her dad and family and meet my father-in-law to tell stories about my husband and I from our childhood. It’s still very raw and very hard for me from time to time, especially when I read. She was an avid reader and got me hooked on books. But, I will push through and be okay. I had a tattoo that my ex husband gave me, a “homemade” tattoo if you can call it that (it wasn’t good….just a “Y” as he didn’t finish the butterfly…..and my mom and I always… Read more »

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May 29

Book Review: Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury

My Thoughts: As with all Ms. Kingsbury’s books, I look forward to each one. I was highly anxious to read this one. It’s kind of like American Idol meets County Music meets The Queen Of Christian Fiction. And it truly was. Opening the beginning of this book, I was instantly hooked. I became the characters and the story over took my life. Ms. Kingsbury has blended faith, hope, love, and the need to seek self worth and created a story that will make you smile, laugh, and cry all in one sitting. Zach’s character was amazing. I loved reading his story. He was so strong in his faith and was so sure that everything would work out. And Reese. Bless her. I wanted hug her more times than I can count! She has struggles that I wanted to take from her! This is an amazing 5 star worthy book and another hit by the fabulous Queen Of Christian Fiction! If you love a moving story with powerful messages, then this one is definitely a homerun for just that! I am a long time fan of Ms. Kingsbury, and I am looking forward to her next hit! Bring it on Ms…. Read more »

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May 22

CFBA Spotlight & Review: Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGathering ShadowsBethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.” She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita. ABOUT THE BOOK Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn’t take away… Read more »

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May 19

Book Review: A Table By The Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

My Thoughts: Love, family and…..food. What more could I ask for in a book? Nothing really, as I love all these combined! Ms. Lodge became an author I enjoyed way back when I read her Amish novels. I loved her work. She makes you smile, and really connects you with her characters. When I saw this book available for review, I was so excited to try it. I wanted to see Ms. Lodge at work once again and see how a non-Amish novel by her would be. The results? AMAZING! I loved it. Ms. Lodge combines the love, secrets, family and lots of good sounding recipes into a novel filled with faith, hope, determination and characters that will sweep you off your feet. A long distance relationship isn’t easy but Juliette decides to give it a go and through long awaited moments, Ms. Lodge creates a story of a life time with Juliette and Neil. This book read like a movie playing out for me. I loved it. If you want a timeless love story filled with yumminess and twists of family secrets, longing for love and embracing your faith, then this 5 star book is definitely for you! Ms…. Read more »

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May 18

Book Review: Mark Of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

My Thoughts: Unfortunately, I wasn’t into this book like I thought I would be. I love historical fiction and when I hear of new ones, I’m always quick to jump on reading them. So, when I saw this one become available, and read the blurb, I grabbed it. Then, sitting down to read it, I was very, very disappointed. It was definitely not what I was expecting and often times, left me wondering what the author was doing with the story. Perhaps, if I had read book 1, it would be a lot easier to follow along. But, I didn’t and now I’m left hanging. I want to embrace the characters but the author dragged their stories out. I lost interest two-thirds into the story. That said, I still recommend you try this book. It’s a 1 star rating from my personal opinion but to others who have read book 1 will enjoy it. Even if you hadn’t read book 1, grab a copy and try it. You may find that you love it. This will not persuade me to never try this author’s work again. I am actually looking forward to trying her work again, as this may have… Read more »

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May 18

Book Review: Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids by Jill Osborne

My Thoughts: Sadly, this is my first adventure with Riley Mae. Happily, I loved it! I am big on the adventures of young folks. I love the situations they find themselves in most all the time. Sure, I’m a 30-something mom of two boys, but I love that feeling of exhilaration I get when I follow a kid on an adventure. With Riley Mae, we meet lots of fun along the way, lots of sadness and lots of mishaps, but in the end, we get a powerfully inspirational message from Riley Mae, God and a sweet little boy! This is definitely a 5 star worthy faith-filled book that will teach young children and teens alike, the importance of embracing life and cherishing each moment God gives to you. Sunday’s character was amazingly created and had me in awe of all he tackles on a day-to-day basis. Definitely inspiring and eye opening for sure! If you are a kid at heart, love reading or know of a child who loves to read, get them a copy of this book. It’s book 2 in a series but definitely fun to follow along with! I can’t wait to go back and read the… Read more »

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May 13

LitFuse Blog Tour Review: Love Finds You In Sugar Creek, Ohio by Serena B. Miller

My Thoughts Double bonus for me with this novel! First, it’s a WONDERFUL addition to the Love Finds You collection, AND it’s a GREATtastic Amish novel! It’s not your ordinary Amish story….I know,I know. I’ve said that about other Amish novels and that’s true for them, as well, in their own way. This one, though, is a really sweet novel written by an amazing talented lady. Serena B. Miller has a fan for LIFE now! Set in Sugarcreek, Ohio, Miller takes us on a whirlwind of a ride as we meet Rachel Troyer, a half-Amish woman who is super close with her Amish aunts and protects them, along with their town by being a cop. Things are going good for her and her aunts. That is until Miller introduces us to Joe Matthews and his sweet, adorable, lovable little son, Bobby. I fell in love with that little boy instantly! Not to mention that his dad was a good character for the story, too. The plot line of Joe Matthews having a mysterious past and moving into the cabin and then the daadi house at Rachel’s aunts’ Inn was fantastic. Rachel’s cautious and protective character really came into view when… Read more »

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May 01

Book Review: Frisky Business by Tawna Fenske

My Thoughts: Unfortunately, this is my first in a long time posted DNF review. For some reason, I just couldn’t get into the novel. Ms. Fenske had a wonderful writing style, yes, but the plot line itself was throwing me off. I just wasn’t captivated enough to stay focused, therefore, leaving me unable to completely finish the book. That said, I will not be thrown away from Ms. Fenske’s work in the future. I will continue to read more of her work, in hopes that this was just an “off” read for me.

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Apr 25

CLP Blog Tours Review & Excerpt: When Girlfriends Take Chances by Savannah Page

Excerpt: “That’s a fantastic idea!” Jackie blurts out. “How come I didn’t think of that?” Sophie says. “That’s not a bad idea, Claire,” Robin says with a nod. “Perrrrrfect,” Claire sings, returning to her position on the floor by the coffee table. “Such a superbly perfect idea.” She claps her hands together several times. “What do you think, Emily? Brilliant idea, right?” There are two words that incite major worry and panic, even in someone like me who’s as open to dating, well, just about anyone. One is “blind” and the other is—you guessed it—“date.” God help me. We’re not just talking a blind date, but several—hear me, plural—blind dates. “Think about it,” Sophie says, abandoning her wine, her eyes going all star-gazey. “You could meet all sorts of guys. You could dispense with the annoying and time-wasting ‘nice to meet you’ stuff.” “Yeah!” Jackie cuts in. “Like you wouldn’t have to waste your time on meeting someone and striking up that first conversation that would lead to a date. It’s just, BAM, a date!” BAM is right. All right, I’m single, and I have been for a while. And, sure, it’d be nice to find someone I could really connect with and, yeah, fall in love… Read more »

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Apr 25

ARC Book Review: Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My Thoughts: I loved this book. After becoming hooked on Jennifer L. Armentrout’s work recently, I knew I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. I am so excited to have had the chance to do just that. I devoured this book. In like less than 24 hours. Seriously. I was hooked. Hooked, hooked, hooked. I didn’t want to look back on my time before reading this book. Because it’s an amazing novel. From start to finish. Yea. Reflecting…….. Mysterious and witty, this book is awesome. Everything about it is awesome. Everything. I mean, instantly, we get the mysteriousness. Sam’s character is amazing. From the first page, she doesn’t know what happened, where she is, or even who she is. That. Is. Awesome. From then on, Ms. Armentrout added roller coaster ride, after roller coaster ride of ups, downs, twists and turns. I smiled, I yelled, I did it all with this novel. It was just that fabulous! Seriously, if you want a novel that will hook you instantly, characters that will wrap themselves around you so much that you become a part of them and the story, if you want an author who will make you fangirl over her… Read more »

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