As I mentioned before, Nadine C. Keels has a way of writing that truly pulls you into the story and her characters' lives. This is readily apparent inAs I mentioned before, Nadine C. Keels has a way of writing that truly pulls you into the story and her characters' lives. This is readily apparent in just the first few pages of Vicky's Victory. I stared Vicky's Victory, and finished it in one sitting, even though I wanted to savor it. Nadine C. Keels just makes it so doggon difficult to put a book down. See the quotes below as evidence:
"Not everything in life will fit exactly into the first ideas we had. But that's part of the beauty of living. Finding out more than we imagined at first."
In Vicky's Victory, we meet Vicky and a few of her close friends (whom I'm hoping we get stories of in the rest of the Malt Shop Milestones series!), as they navigate school, life, and the stigmas of the time. The post-World War II era stigmas particularly affecting women and their predetermined roles in life. Nadine C. Keels handled the "old-fashioned" ideas remarkably well. Giving nods to both traditional women's roles, while still saying it was okay to follow God's leading to do more for you and your family.
I loved visiting the soda fountain shop, which felt like a local neighborhood hangout, and I wish it were still around today. The nods to jukebox dancing and how songs and their lyrics are a language all their own in the sweetest of ways. The light romance, that was a secondary plot, made me smile at its sweetness, and quite possibly crave a GOOD peanut butter and jelly sandwich (if you know you know).
One of my favorite aspects of this story, though, was Vicky's dedication and thought process in wanting to capture more of history on paper, so we don't forget the stories happening around us with everyday friends. It is something we truly are losing on a daily basis.
"...make sure stuff gets written down. Keep records of who we are. So people will know and remember.”
Can't wait to read more in this series! A good choice for any girl struggling to know where to go in life.
I had no idea that Camy Tang wrote under a pen name! When I found out I knew I had to read her newest series Lady Wynwood’s Spies. This first book ArcI had no idea that Camy Tang wrote under a pen name! When I found out I knew I had to read her newest series Lady Wynwood’s Spies. This first book Archer was an interesting introduction into the various characters lives and missions. There are I believe seven/eight characters including the villain (who gets his own voice!) and I enjoyed each characters unique voice and profession (Spies!). I loved their contributions to the overall story and thought it was easy to keep track of who was who and what was going on, not an easy feat! Plus, that opening scene was a fantastic attention grabber.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters, however, let me warn you, you will want the second book sitting beside you to read after finishing this one as there is a bit of a cliff hanger at the end. 4 out of 5 stars for the interesting plot, the characters, and the overall idea of the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Merged review:
I had no idea that Camy Tang wrote under a pen name! When I found out I knew I had to read her newest series Lady Wynwood’s Spies. This first book Archer was an interesting introduction into the various characters lives and missions. There are I believe seven/eight characters including the villain (who gets his own voice!) and I enjoyed each characters unique voice and profession (Spies!). I loved their contributions to the overall story and thought it was easy to keep track of who was who and what was going on, not an easy feat! Plus, that opening scene was a fantastic attention grabber.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters, however, let me warn you, you will want the second book sitting beside you to read after finishing this one as there is a bit of a cliff hanger at the end. 4 out of 5 stars for the interesting plot, the characters, and the overall idea of the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own....more
I'd like to start this review by saying I am a big fan of Milla Holt's storytelling style and have read almost all of her books. That being said, hereI'd like to start this review by saying I am a big fan of Milla Holt's storytelling style and have read almost all of her books. That being said, here are my thoughts on Home Town Melody the first book in her new series!
Quick review: 5 Things I Loved about Home Town Melody by Milla Holt: ❤️ The setting and how Milla Holt stuck to the UK linguistics and names for things. ❤️ The redemptive Arch that showed we are more than the sum of our mistakes, and often through them we find more grace than we could have ever imagined ❤️ The idea of a family being reunited ❤️ How Levi's personal struggles were talked through and Adria's struggles as a single mom transitioning into actually having help were portrayed ❤️ The knowledge that this is book one in the series because I NEED to know the brothers' stories too!
The Characters: Levi: This man was the definition of a sinner saved by grace. It's not often I get to read CF that head-on deals with (and truly acknowledges) the mistakes we make in life and how we can handle them with grace. But Milla Holt managed to show the ramifications of Levi's sin, and how it affected the lives of those around him, while still showing a way through the darkness.
Adria: I LOVED her. Her strength. Her dedication to her son. The way she wasn't afraid to ask for help when she needed it; I hope I'm a bit like her someday. I also thought Milla Holt did a great job showing how it's okay to question EVERYTHING when deciding to give your life over to Jesus.
Everything Else: The use of UK verbiage was an elegant addition to this book for me, often that dialect gets edited out in US versions of books (because people report it as not being grammatically correct), but I love hearing the difference in my head while reading as it adds depth and authenticity to the characters and their setting :).
When you combine the characters' stories, the estate setting, and the overarching theme of forgiveness you get the wonderful story of two people choosing forgiveness of self and each other to live the life God has called them too.
Milla Holt delivered a wonderful story full of heartfelt characters, hope in the darkness, and the promise of second chances. 4 Stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions within are my own.
This book deals with depression and makes you truly take a step back and think, what if? What if I took a moment out of my day, what if?
As someone whThis book deals with depression and makes you truly take a step back and think, what if? What if I took a moment out of my day, what if?
As someone who’s experienced some of these things, it was beyond my words to see an author clearly and consciously articulate the emotions and feelings of someone with depression in a way that leaves room for hope.
“It starts with accepting yourself. You can’t believe in what you don’t understand. And if you’re still telling people you’re no one, then you don’t understand yet.”
This book does have language and some non-explicit sexual content. ...more
I hope I can convey my excitement for Ronie Kendig continuing her A Breed Apart Series, it is one of my favorites because of the characters and the siI hope I can convey my excitement for Ronie Kendig continuing her A Breed Apart Series, it is one of my favorites because of the characters and the situations she put them in.
This book truly combined all the wonderful things found in the original series (like getting to revisit a few of the characters!) the fast-paced plot along with a bunch of action, and clean romance.
The new characters we’re meeting in this book were engaging and oh so easy to connect with. I loved Crew’s personality, it was like a warm cookie! Tough on the outside and warm/loyal on the inside. Combining him with a character like Vienna and their sassy banter.. A match made in heaven if you ask me; and not to mention the star of the show the book’s namesake Havoc!
Ronie Kendig continues to amaze me with each new book. Her characters are always muti-layered and interesting. I can’t wait to see where she and her fellow authors take the rest of this series.
4 Stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. ...more
Okay, Susan May Warren… This series has been one of my favorites, however, that ending…
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while you know that IOkay, Susan May Warren… This series has been one of my favorites, however, that ending…
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while you know that I absolutely adore Susan May Warrens's style of high-octane adventure and easy-to-connect with characters. This series in particular has been one of my highlights this year.
Creed and Imani were great characters and their on-page chemistry was amazing! Susan May Warren did a great job developing them and their story. They may be my favorite characters in the series (so far). The background on them was well set up and they were just so fun getting to know.
The story overall was wonderful, but there were SO MANY loose ends not finished in this book when it was supposed to finish out the series that I was a bit taken aback. My fault for expecting an actual ending vs expecting more adventures from this series I suppose.
*I volunteered to read this via Justread book tours. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Rekindling Hope was a new to me novella by a new-to-me author! I always enjoy reading novellas between heavier books as they are like pallet cleansersRekindling Hope was a new to me novella by a new-to-me author! I always enjoy reading novellas between heavier books as they are like pallet cleansers for me.
It was neat to see a shy awkward man come out of his shell a bit and overall the story was very sweet and had all the cozy vibes I was needing. Plus I really enjoyed how Alicia Gilliam wove in two stories of two couples in this novella.
Alicia Gilliam had a very unique perspective for me in this story. While Rekindling Hope is a stand-alone novella to Alicia Gilliam’s Seth Browne Novels, I think it would have been helpful to read the Seth Browne novels beforehand so I had a better understanding of the character's background.
I read this whole series in a matter of three days. It was that interesting.
The Desolation Series is one I've had on my reading list for MONTHS. I thI read this whole series in a matter of three days. It was that interesting.
The Desolation Series is one I've had on my reading list for MONTHS. I think because all my friends read it and really hyped it up.
It was something I wanted to savor...
Each book is definitely intertwined so you cannot just pick up one without reading the previous books (or without wanting to read the next one).
Favorite things: * This series was fascinating from an otherworldly perspective, I truly wish that I could go into the future and read these books again to see if any of what Kortney Keisel said comes true. * The characters were humorous at times, and I loved their individual personalities. * I liked how every book had a HEA * The romance was sweet and clean * Definitely a true YA series
Things I wish were a bit different: * I wish the characters were more deeply layered. However, this may just be because this series is truly aimed at a YA audience that doesn't always need deeper connections. * That the female characters (and male ones sometimes too!) would grow a backbone and be a bit more feisty. * That there were more books!
Overall though, this series was wonderfully adventurous and really let my imagination dream. Highly recommend it to the teenagers in your family who want a clean adventurous story with a lighter romance. ...more
Under the Blue Skies by Elly Gilbert and Tricia Gilbert is a wonderful story.
I have really enjoyed reading the Big Sky Amish series, it has a wonderfuUnder the Blue Skies by Elly Gilbert and Tricia Gilbert is a wonderful story.
I have really enjoyed reading the Big Sky Amish series, it has a wonderful small-town feel with interesting circumstances in each book. Plus, the characters are well laid out and believable.
Amish fiction is not a genre I typically read, however, I loved the cover and decided to give it a try. In Under the Blue Skies, Elly Gilbert and Tricia Goyer take some interesting principles and apply them to their characters in an intriguing way. Both Thomas and Lovina had to see past what other people told them to discover the truth. I thought it was a strong presentation and I did enjoy the presentation of the concept since I think it is a reminder that we do need to be very careful about who we let influence our life choices.
They both also had to deal with some unpleasant people, something many of us do in our day-to-day lives. Which I thought was a great connecting point.
Overall, this was a sweet story, it is the third book in this series, but I don’t think anyone would have a problem picking it up as a standalone book.
My thanks to Justread Tours for letting me read it. ...more
Sacred Fire by Karen Grunst. Sacred Fire by Karen Grunst was truly an epic fantasy tale. From the first page, Karen Grunst’s voice is clear and invitiSacred Fire by Karen Grunst. Sacred Fire by Karen Grunst was truly an epic fantasy tale. From the first page, Karen Grunst’s voice is clear and inviting, I was hooked. Karen Grunsts’ descriptions were vivid, “A broad decorative mantle, crafted from the same dark, rich wood as the furnishings, crowned an unlit fireplace with a heap of dead ashes in the grate.” Karen Grunst’s way with words truly painted pictures in my mind so I could easily envision the things her characters saw. The characters were wonderful to get involved in too. Sarah’s emotions, her thoughts, and her style of thinking were very believable, and I enjoyed the journey of getting to know her. Jacob was equally as well laid out character. Though I did have a harder time relating to him. The storyline references some biblical names and prophecies which was interesting and not something I’ve read before in this setting. I also enjoyed the allegorical nature of some of the passages Karen Grunst wrote. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see how this adventure continues to unfold. Readers who enjoy Sharon Hinck or Heather Frost would enjoy this book I think.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. **Note: Some people may consider this book to have cursing, however, it is things like “he cursed” or “shouts and curses could be heard” No four-letter words are used, and when those phrases are used, it is not the main characters who are using those phrases from what I remember.
This book was just what I needed to read for a Christmas in July Challenge. It had a great small-town feel and dealt with a couple working on their roThis book was just what I needed to read for a Christmas in July Challenge. It had a great small-town feel and dealt with a couple working on their rocky relationship. I liked the characters. Rachelle Paige Campbell did a great job describing them and giving me a great handle on the situations the characters found themselves in right from the start. I loved Hannah and Daniels's Daughter Olivia, she was so sweet and earnest. I also enjoyed the small-town dynamics and the cool bakery! It was a clean romance, with angst aplenty, the communication between Hannah and Daniel at times frustrated me because of their communication, or lack thereof. However, It was a quick enjoyable story. I would give it 3.5 (rounded up to 4) for the warm cozy feelings. *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. ...more
Going into this book I wasn’t sure if I would like it, James, the main character, has not been all that likable in the first two books. However, he diGoing into this book I wasn’t sure if I would like it, James, the main character, has not been all that likable in the first two books. However, he did a lot of growth in this one. I think one of the reasons I started actually enjoying his character and that of his love interest was because of the emotions they went through. There are lots of thoughts along the lines of living up to expectations and being afraid to disappoint those around you. Here are three reasons this book may intrigue you too! 1. It is like being immersed in the world of trains! You feel like you are definitely going on an adventure. 2. The character's thoughts and emotions are something that really stood out to me in this story. 3. Karen Baney gave some great historical detail, and really brought out the character's individual stories. **Again Bonus: It’s a FAMILY Saga! Overall, I started not sure if I’d like this story because of the main character, but I did end up enjoying it. 4 Stars. *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.
I read the first book (and Cara Grandle’s debut) last week and I enjoyed it so much. So, going into The Ribbon I was definitely looking forward to reaI read the first book (and Cara Grandle’s debut) last week and I enjoyed it so much. So, going into The Ribbon I was definitely looking forward to reading the story of another of the characters mentioned in the first book. Cara Grandle laid out the characters and the setting for the series in the first book so I do recommend reading The Rock first to have a better understanding of the background of the sisters of the Porcelain Doll; even though this one can be read as a stand alone.
The Ribbon starts a bit after The Rock ends and dives right into some difficult choices for the main character Heather. They were very realistic and I thought how Heather worked through those choices was very believable and easy to identify with, even if you have not been in those exact circumstances.
The Ribbon really is a book that has it all, historical prose, sweet romance, secrets, a bit of mystery, and an overarching story that tugs your heart strings. It was beautifully done. I definitely enjoyed it and I am looking forward to seeing how the next book in the series unfolds.
4 Stars. *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. ...more
This book is not a "light" read, it is not an easy read, but rather one you need to reflect on to see the true beauty of.
I went into this book expectThis book is not a "light" read, it is not an easy read, but rather one you need to reflect on to see the true beauty of.
I went into this book expecting to immediately fall in love (I mean hello Beauty and the Beast fanatic!). But I honestly didn’t fall right in love with it. It was a slow fall into me enjoying it, as it is laid out very differently than I expected—more of a reflective prose—than a straight-out fairytale. But I think that is the beauty of it.
It caused me to honestly ponder and reflect on the characters’ actions hoping to find their secrets out before they did. And not many books cause me to do that.
The characters both grew through the story, and I thought Elizabeth Lowham did a great job paying homage to the struggle many women face after dealing with sexual trauma. It was handled delicately without going into too much detail, yet it still conveyed the gravity of the situation and the realities of the aftermath of something like that happening.
This book was truly one that makes you stop and think. And I think the inner beauty of the story and the moral of it—are what made it a story to remember.
Though as I said, it is not an easy book to get into.
**TW: Sexual Abuse (Not very descriptive but still there). *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own. ...more
I think I am a sucker for a good time travel romance, add in a dash of humor and I’m sold.
This was my first time reading a book by Izzy James (ElizabeI think I am a sucker for a good time travel romance, add in a dash of humor and I’m sold.
This was my first time reading a book by Izzy James (Elizabeth Chevalier Hull) and I really enjoyed being thrust into this short whimsical tale!
The banter between Max and Olivia was sweet and sassy.
Reading about Max’s adjustments to the time he found himself in were interesting and thought provoking (I mean how would you handle being through hundreds of years in the future?)
The only negative I had with it was the length. I totally felt like it could have easily been a full length novel as the characters were primed for it.
4 Stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback....more
As I’m sure you are aware by now, I love a good fantasy book. I am somewhat obsessed with them in fact. However, there is always a bit of apprehensionAs I’m sure you are aware by now, I love a good fantasy book. I am somewhat obsessed with them in fact. However, there is always a bit of apprehension when I pick up a new (to me) author in the fantasy genre; I have had several interesting experiences to say the least.
But after reading the synopsis I was vastly intrigued by the way the plot was set up. It seemed like Pamela Hart was going with an allegorical sci-fi/fantasy bent and I was not wrong or disappointed in this!
The characters were lovely! They were well thought out and truly conveyed their thoughts and feelings without telling me everything. It is not an exact allegorical tale but one that hints at it, but definitely gives no doubt as to whom our hope is found.
It is a YA novel but I think anyone would enjoy it. It is clean, has a good plot and is mostly a quickly paced storyline. Pamela Hart also hinted at more books coming to follow this one up and I would be very curious to read what other adventures she comes up with.
Overall, I totally enjoyed this story and its enchanting characters, easy to follow world building, and allegorical style.
4 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. ...more
This book had everything I LOVE about sweet contemporary Romances. Compelling Characters, Small town feels, and a HEA.
This was my first time reading This book had everything I LOVE about sweet contemporary Romances. Compelling Characters, Small town feels, and a HEA.
This was my first time reading a book by Melissa McClone and I think I might be slightly addicted. The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane just has so much happiness and warm feelings inside. From the matchmaking dog to figure skating and a meet cute… ah this just was the perfect book to help me feel more of the holiday spirit this year.
Overall, this book was a cute afternoon read for me. I really enjoyed the characters and I had have already started going back and reading other books she has written (and they are just a sweet!)
Totally worth a read if you want a good warm fuzzy feeling romance.
4 Stars. *I read this book via Kindle Unlimited. ...more
This story is what Christian Fiction should all strive to be—a reminder of the lessons and truths found within the Bible.
This was my first time readiThis story is what Christian Fiction should all strive to be—a reminder of the lessons and truths found within the Bible.
This was my first time reading a book by Heidi Gray McGill but I am now eagerly going back and reading the rest of the books she has written. Matters of The Heart was very well written and will go down as one of the best books in 2022 that I have read.
From the characters that were so lovely detailed, how they overcame their struggles, and how Heidi Gray McGill wrote them with so much biblical truth. Just wow. I cannot believe that I hadn't read her books before.
Truly a book I recommend reading.
5 Stars. *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. ...more
As a recent move took me to Tennessee, I was ecstatic to see that Barbara M. Britton's new book, Christmas At Whispering Creek, took place there! I haAs a recent move took me to Tennessee, I was ecstatic to see that Barbara M. Britton's new book, Christmas At Whispering Creek, took place there! I had the pleasure of having Barbara M. Britton as a guest earlier this year with her book Defending David!
As one of my first, and probably only, Christmas reads this year. It was jam packed with the whimsical wonder of the Joy of Christmas.
I so enjoyed how Barbara M. Britton made her characters realistic. They had real relatable struggles and life decisions that many of us have had to make. The thoughts going through Sam's mind were some of which that have crossed my own mind. The way Barbara M. Britton developed the characters even through their struggles was great. They were well laid out and still had a joy about them and a readiness to overcome rather than buckle under. And their faith shines through in a spectacular way!
Overall this story was just what I craved to get into the Christmas spirit. It was faith filled, joyful, and the romance was beautiful. I had a wonderful time reading this one and getting to relaxed into the small town of whispering creek.
4 Stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback....more
A good amount of suspense, intrigue, characters that were well developed, and there were DOGS.
I have read a few of Kathy HaThis book was everything.
A good amount of suspense, intrigue, characters that were well developed, and there were DOGS.
I have read a few of Kathy Harris' other books and I have enjoyed all of them immensely. She crafts her stories with a bent toward a wonderful fast-paced, action packed, mystery, that hooks me every time.
Add in her great character development and the layers that every character carries, and I can't help but want to read more. I was sad to see that this is the end of this series because I loved getting to se the characters grow. But I am also looking forward to seeing what else Kathy Harris writes next!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own. ...more