Source: Booklook Blogger Program

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Aug 04

TLC Book Tours Review: The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

My Thoughts Rachel Hauck has been a long time favorite author of mine. She is incredible with her work. I was super excited to get the chance to read and review this new book by her, and let me tell you something. I didn’t just like the book. I loved it. I loved, loved, loved it. She took me on the most incredible whirl wind ride beside these incredible chiseled people. That’s right, people. Not just characters in a story, but people that felt real to me. With scenes and emotions that pop of the page, this book was absolutely fantastic. As a daughter of a cancer survivor, this book just had all the feels to me. I loved the way Ms. Hauck alternated the story between history and contemporary. Not all authors can do that and keep me hooked. But, with an antique desk, two wonderful women who have writing in common and some twists, turns, and emotional happenings, Ms. Hauck did it perfectly. Tenley, Birdie, Jonas, and even Elijah all stole a piece of my heart and refused to give it back. I felt their confusions, their struggles, their dreams and hopes, and their love of God. It… Read more »

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May 25

Review: The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston + GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts Amy Clipston has always been a favorite of mine. Her books are always tenderly written, drawing me to the heart of each story. The characters she creates always become like family, leaving me with all their emotions. The Beloved Hope Chest was no exception! The Beloved Hope Chest is the final Amish Heirloom book, making it an even more emotional book for me. I’m not ready to say goodbye yet! But, that said, this conclusion was a beautiful one. The story that captivated me instantly isn’t one I’ll soon forget. Mattie, Leroy, and all the sweet loving characters in this book, stole my heart for good. They are simple, as Amish are, yet extremely complex. The emotions they share jump off the pages, cocooning the reader in warmth and grace, and sometimes sorrow. I loved that! This book is in my top 10 reads of 2017. Amy has taken a story of grief and heartache and turned it into a story filled with longing, hope, faith and understanding. It is the 4th and final book in the series, and while I recommend readers to read all four books (they are all great!), it is easy to read this… Read more »

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May 23

BookLookBlogger Review: This Life I Live by Rory Feek

My Thoughts I didn’t just love this book. I loved this book. It’s moving. This book isn’t just a biography of Rory Feek’s life. It’s the story of a true love, that will last beyond death. A love that is strong and unbreakable no matter the circumstance. It is a book that left me smiling, and left me with tears. This is a book that will be with me forever and I will turn to it many times over. As a woman who is married to her best friend, I couldn’t imagine going through what Rory did with Joey. I wouldn’t be able to stay strong and move on. It would be too heart shattering, in my opinion. But, through reading Rory’s story, I know I can do it. I know I can remember the good things, the fun times, the inspiring moments that my best friend left me with. Rory’s story is filled with hope and faith. The way he talks about Joey is incredibly moving and I loved feeling a part of his life, if just for a little bit. Reading this book, however, opened new feelings for me! I followed this story closely, especially since my husband… Read more »

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May 01

Review: Beyond Justice by Cara Putnam

My Thoughts: I absolutely love Cara Putman and her whirlwind rides she gives us with each new book. Beyond Justice is a wonderful addition to her work! From the first page, Ms. Putnam had me, hook-line-sinker, right in the middle of an intense story that she filled with soul stealing characters and a roller coaster ride! Ms. Putman weaves a story filled with not just wonderfully created characters, but edge-of-seat, heart-pounding suspense with a dash of romance, and a whole lot of seeking out God. I was biting my nails, pulling my hair, sliding to the edge of my seat…..well, let’s just say I could not sit still through this entire book. Just when I would think I had it all figured out, praying to God I had it right, Ms. Putnam would throw in a new page turner and bam. I’m swept right back up in to the roller coaster. This is definitely a 4 star book. Anything less would be a disgrace to this amazing suspense novel! Ms. Putnam’s Beyond Justice is definitely one I recommend if you are looking for the perfect blend of everything rolled into one. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in… Read more »

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Apr 21

BookLook Blogger Review: You’ll Think Of Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

My Thoughts: I love Ms. Hatcher’s writing style. She is one that will pull you in from the very first page. She’ll grip you, captivate you and keep you in the center of the story and not let you go until you’ve turned the last page. Sitting there reflecting on what you’ve just read. Her writing never bores the reader and keeps them highly entertained and filled with lots of emotions! I loved sweet Brooklyn. Bless her, she is broken and doesn’t know who to trust or how. My heart wept for her on more than one occasion! Seeing her with her daughter and what she’s trying to do really pulled at me. When she learned of what her estranged husband did, it was a whirlwind of ups and downs as I followed Brooklyn to Thunder Creek. Derek’s character is one I’m not sure whether I love or hate. Maybe a little of both. He was put off with Brooklyn in the beginning and I wanted to throttle him more than once! But, Ms. Hatcher redeemed Derek’s character for me when promises were revealed and by the end of the story I was in love! If you want a story… Read more »

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Apr 14

BookLookBlogger Review: The Woman’s Study Bible, NKJV

My Thoughts: I love getting a good Bible, or a really good study Bible. One can never have too many of them! So, I was quite excited for the chance to see what this new Woman’s Study Bible was all about. Boy, let me tell you! I was not disappointed! I love this study Bible. It has a little bit of everything to help you understand the books of the Bible. Complete with areas to mark down your family tree, your marriage, and the women in your life that are important to you, this Bible is not only great for studying, it’s beautiful on the outside and the inside. It’s colorful and has beautiful flowers on the hardcover binding. The pages within are beautifully done and are broken down to help you study the Bible more thoroughly. The New King James version is easy to read and understand. If you are looking for something simple to carry with you, this is not the Bible for you. If you are looking for something 5 star worthy, that will not only be easy on the eyes with it’s large print wording and the lovely flowers on the outside but also easy to… Read more »

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Mar 27

BookLookBlogger Review: If I’m Found by Terri Blackstock + GIVEAWAY

Molly’s Thoughts: A long time fan of Ms. Blackstock, I was excited to pick up this book. I wasn’t disappointed, that was for sure! From first page to last, I was on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense long in to the night. The rush of anticipation was strong with this book! Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist. Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn… Read more »

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Mar 09

BookLookBlogger Review: An Amish Home Anthology

As an Amish fiction lover, I couldn’t wait to read this anthology! These 4 authors are absolutely amazing and I have been a fan of their work for many years. These four stories are beautifully written and so full of wonderful characters and messages. Each page turn brought more inspiration and by the end of the book, I was sitting there reflecting, thinking about my own life and the simple things we tend to take for granted. I loved all four stories, but Beth Wiseman’s story, A Cup Half Full, really stuck with me. Sarah’s disability and her doubts and fears and having trouble accepting God’s will really is something I’ve dealt with. Beth Wiseman’s attention to Amish simplicity during trying times and weaving God’s understanding grace into the story really was a wonderful experience. This book is worthy of 5 stars and highest recommendations. If you love wonderfully written stories, faith inspired plot lines and authors who love their readers, then this is a book just for you. I can’t wait for another beautifully written anthology by highly talented authors!

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Jun 29

Review: Daisies Are Forever by Liz Tolsma

My Thoughts: I went into this book with an open mind. I loved historical books, but generally though, I love those centered around the Civil War and WWI. Don’t get me wrong, I love books from the WWII era as well, but only if they are well written and superbly captivating. This book fell slightly short of completely captivating me. That said, I did enjoy this book and was glad that I gave it a shot. It’s a story written from a female German’s perspective. The need to escape, and to survive, and to save those around her is strong and evident. Definitely poignantly written. Gisela captures and steals your heart from the start. The story line, however, is what left me lacking in completely being captivated. There were times that I became a little confused and couldn’t follow along very well. Ms. Tolsma is a talented author who will be on my continued Must Read list despite the lacking story line. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work in the near future!

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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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