This was such an interesting read to me, not only from a storyline standpoint, but the history. I actually found the historic tidbits Grandinetti inclThis was such an interesting read to me, not only from a storyline standpoint, but the history. I actually found the historic tidbits Grandinetti included to be fascinating, and found myself googling some of it to find out more information. And how about the fact that we have a female veterinarian!!! That was almost unheard of for this time period, and I love how Grandinetti wove that into the storyline. You could see from the way different townspeople treated her how forward thinking they were (or weren't!).
Grandinetti did a great job of holding my attention, especially when a certain someone came to town looking for Katy and brought some interesting news (Don't want to say who - spoilers!). I actually found his character to be a little creepy lol, but that added to the depth of the storyline. Joey, on the other hand, was a character I could get on board with. His protective nature was endearing, and I felt he was a great match for Katy.
To Stand in the Breach is a great introduction to what I think will be a great novel released by Grandinetti. I can't wait for it to come out! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** 3.75 stars! **
Merged review:
This was such an interesting read to me, not only from a storyline standpoint, but the history. I actually found the historic tidbits Grandinetti included to be fascinating, and found myself googling some of it to find out more information. And how about the fact that we have a female veterinarian!!! That was almost unheard of for this time period, and I love how Grandinetti wove that into the storyline. You could see from the way different townspeople treated her how forward thinking they were (or weren't!).
Grandinetti did a great job of holding my attention, especially when a certain someone came to town looking for Katy and brought some interesting news (Don't want to say who - spoilers!). I actually found his character to be a little creepy lol, but that added to the depth of the storyline. Joey, on the other hand, was a character I could get on board with. His protective nature was endearing, and I felt he was a great match for Katy.
To Stand in the Breach is a great introduction to what I think will be a great novel released by Grandinetti. I can't wait for it to come out! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such an interesting read full of mystery, romance, history, charm, family, and intrigue. Renae has a promising career ahead of her! Although This was such an interesting read full of mystery, romance, history, charm, family, and intrigue. Renae has a promising career ahead of her! Although it had the feel of a debut novel, it was still written well, and I would certainly read another of her books. The characters were interesting, and Renae provides enough mystery to keep readers turning the pages to see how it all comes together.
I thought Della was a a great heroine - not afraid to look into things, no matter if she had to sneak around or not. And honestly, the sneakiness was fun to read. I will say that there was some things that were not really buttoned up by the end of the novel, and I'm not sure if that is because this is the start of a series, or perhaps how the author intended to write it. It did leave me scratching my head a little bit.
All in all, this was a pleasant read, and I look forward to seeing how Kate Renae grows as an author. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I know it seems like such a simple word, but really that's what I've come up with. This book was just wow. It blew me away. I mean I was on the edWow.
I know it seems like such a simple word, but really that's what I've come up with. This book was just wow. It blew me away. I mean I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding after only the first chapter. It was a difficult situation and for sure doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies. BUT it’s so well written. You feel like you’re right there with the character. And it's like this for the entire book. Honestly I couldn't put it down.
Schober tackles a rough topic, as well as brings a profession that we don't see very often in Christian Fiction. There's a couple of messages this gave me. First, who people are on the outside is not necessarily who are they are or how they feel on the inside. Our leading lady Adri is a prime example. She is this beautiful, strong willed mixed martial arts professional - on the outside. But when she is in her abusive relationship, she's not so tough. And I don't mean that she wasn't strong per say, I mean like she didn't fight back for a long time. She took it. She probably could have hurt the guy abusing her, and yet she allowed him to keep the abuse going. Doesn't seem like something a professional mixed martial artist would do, right? Take someone's crap? And yet she does. She has vulnerable moments, insecurities, and she's human after all. I guess my point is that someone can seem like such a tough guy on the outside, but you don't really know what's going on deep down on the inside. Adri had so much going on inside, she just needed some help.
The other message - there are Christian's everywhere. Now I know that probable sounds weird to you, but it's really what I walked away thinking. I think there are some parts of the world that we just don't associate with "Christians" if you will, and honestly, I fall prey to those who probably don't imagine a Christian being in the fighting world. But they are, and in so many other areas that I wouldn't normally think of, and I thank Schober for reminding me of that. We are so quick to judge and make assumptions about people, that we don't stop for a moment and really put thought or effort into who they really are.
I know these two points don't really speak of Schober's writing style, but they were just important lessons I wanted to share. So you can see the impact this book had on me. Not for one second did I ever feel like I was reading a debut novel. No, it felt more like someone who had been writing for decades, had an important message to share, and could easily weave together the most well written and beautiful story I have read this year. Even our hero Max made an imprint on my heart. He had his own growing to do, and the fact that he wasn't a Christian honestly worked great. Why? Because it's real life. Sometimes we're friends with people who aren't Christians. Sometimes we even fall for them. And do they always turn to Christ? No. But it's amazing to see the growth in those who do.
Schober is an author to watch for. I'll be stalking her social media until her next book comes out. Her faith themes are amazing, her characters are well developed, and her story lines are intriguing. I cannot wait to see what's next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This story was everything that this Hallmark-loving girl wanted and more. This sweet island has not only swept Celeste off her feet, but mine as well.This story was everything that this Hallmark-loving girl wanted and more. This sweet island has not only swept Celeste off her feet, but mine as well. Jansen has created a warm, welcoming town with heartwarming habitants. Especially our leading man Nathan. There’s something about that widower dad that is appealing to me, especially in these types of stories. This story provides humor, a sweet romance, and a Christmasy feel that will leave you smiling. I could see this on the Hallmark Channel in a year or two, or even the new GAC Channel. I’d watch it in a heartbeat.
Hallmark fans and sweet romance fans will enjoy their visit to Sea Spray Island. I know this reader did! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review....more
I absolutely love it when authors take little known pieces of history, and make them come alive in a book. I found the plot to be simply fascinating. I absolutely love it when authors take little known pieces of history, and make them come alive in a book. I found the plot to be simply fascinating. First of all, I enjoy reading about women in history who made something for themselves in a “man’s world” so to speak. Eloise was so talented, and yet couldn’t even share with her mother what she was doing. But I think the secretness of it made it that much more exciting. I can’t imagine the amount of research Alexander had to do in order to portray this character. To see her reading the letters, trying to pick up any clues, figure out the code, and put it all together. It was brilliant.
Then you have our a hurting hero, upset because he cannot support his country the way he wants to because of his disability. I don’t think I’ve read a color blind character before, and could certainly sympathize with how upset he was. I would have liked to see more of this in the story line honestly. But I also understand that there are only so many words and author can put in a book! I will say the best lesson I learned from Phillip is that God has a plan for our lives, and it doesn’t always match what our plans are. Phillip wanted to fight in the war so desperately, and I think it took him awhile to truly understand that he was fighting in the war, just in a different way. And in the end it ended up being the better way, of course, because he met Eloise. But it took him some time to get there, just like it does us.
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma is a gem of a book that I am so happy I decided to read. It has mystery, excitement, a little romance, travel, and and interesting bits of history along the way. Historical fiction fans will enjoy reading about Eloise and Phillip and their journey to find the letter writer. I highly recommend! I was given a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Heart in the Highlands took me on such a journey that I wasn't ready for, but was totally engrossed in. I adore marriage-of-convenience stories, but tHeart in the Highlands took me on such a journey that I wasn't ready for, but was totally engrossed in. I adore marriage-of-convenience stories, but this was unlike any I have ever read. It's not a spoiler to say that Callum ruined the marriage, it's in the synopsis. But the how - well I thought it was brilliantly done. Yes I was mad at him, of course. But I understood. He had a heart of gold, almost to a fault. And I couldn't wait to see how he was going to make this up with sweet Katherine.
The romance in this book was outstanding. There was flirting, bickering, kissing, oh my! Kimball portrays what a marriage should look like (I mean, obvious things aside here). I love flirting with my husband, and you don't see that a whole lot in books today, because they typically get married at the end unless they are marriage-of-convenience. And not all of those characters have the spark and tension that Callum and Katherine do. It's like they couldn't help themselves. Even when they were mad, they flirted. I just loved it!
The other favorite part of the book happened to be a secondary character and the way Callum interacted with this character. Now unfortunately I cannot really go into detail about this, because spoilers. But let me say this. Kimball can write some fantastic secondary characters. She weaves them into the story so seamlessly, so effortlessly, that they don't feel like secondary characters at all. They don't steal the show, but you cannot take your eyes off of them. I'm hoping this one special character may get a story of their own (hint, hint).
Characters and romance aside, Kimball writes a beautiful historical novel about grace, second chances, hope, and redemption. Not only is the cover beautiful, but what lies between the pages are too. This may have been my first novel by Kimball, but I promise you it will not be my last. I highly recommend reading this!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I think the thing I liked most about this novel was the way the author showed 3 POVS from different generations. It just really enhanced the story by I think the thing I liked most about this novel was the way the author showed 3 POVS from different generations. It just really enhanced the story by giving viewers a peek into how the circumstances from the way affected each generation. I didn’t find the switch between POV’s to be disruptive to the story at all, but thought it flowed nicely.
Ryan weaves a tale of heartache, hope, family, loyalty, and surprise. Watching Gabrielle try to save her family, their land, and their goods kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much emotion and danger throughout the story. I can’t even share my favorite parts, because they contain spoilers. But let’s just say they involve a secret almost caught, a shocking discovery that Gabrielle made, and of course the ending. Have I talked into reading it yet!?
This is the first novel from Ryan that I’ve read, but I can tell you that it will not be my last. In fact, after researching how many books she has, I wonder what has taken me so long to read her! Historic fans will truly enjoy this beautifully written novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
One Transforming Love is a beautiful story of God's redeeming grace, love, and patience while He waits on us to submit to a life following Him. As I wOne Transforming Love is a beautiful story of God's redeeming grace, love, and patience while He waits on us to submit to a life following Him. As I was reading this, I could totally connect with Aubrey's character. I made so many mistake before submitting to Christ, which by the way was as a young adult. As I'm reading Aubrey's story (which for the record really read more as an auto biography for me than a fiction story - I want to connect with the author and see how much she added for story purposes), I could see myself in almost all of the situations. And honestly, I think that is fantastic. This book can help adults, and young adults alike (there is some content I find is not appropriate for those under the age of 18-21).
Kiu makes Aubrey an honest, raw character. Yes she wants to follow Christ, but she also struggles with things she shouldn't do. And don't we ALL have that issue!? Like I mentioned, there is some content that some may find disturbing - drinking, partying, drugs and sex are all mentioned, although not in graphic detail - however is it pertinent to the story and the growth of Aubrey. I prefer that Kiu kept Aubrey realistic in all of these avenues for a couple of reasons. 1 - readers can connect. Lost people will connect. 2 - it creates dimension to the story. And 3 - as a reader you see just how powerful and merciful God really is.
If you're a reader looking for something a little different then your textbook fiction story, I think you'll find this novel to be something you enjoy. And I hope it is such an encouragement to you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This book is such a beautiful reminder that we need to cling to God and trust Him to get us through life. There were several moments that brought tearThis book is such a beautiful reminder that we need to cling to God and trust Him to get us through life. There were several moments that brought tears, but mixed in with those were joy and laughter. Audra is a character I think many people will be able to relate to. Especially when it came to her having to depend on other people. Like not telling your sister that you're having a biopsy because she's caught up in her own drama and you don't want to worry her - I am like her in so many ways.
I enjoyed the blossoming friendship turned romance between Audra and Dann. It was sweet and simple. At times I found Heather (meddler) to be a bit much, but there was a point in the book where her character went in a different direction and calmed down a bit which made her more tolerable. I would love to see Heather have her own story one day - showing us her thoughts and complete back story.
I think readers will be uplifted by reading Audra's story. And realize the value of family, friends, and trusting the Lord. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I am super picky about the fantasy books I read. Sometimes they can just be so far fetched and out there, that I cannot enjoy them. That was not the cI am super picky about the fantasy books I read. Sometimes they can just be so far fetched and out there, that I cannot enjoy them. That was not the case here. Fischer tells a wonderful story, one that has my attention early on and keeps it until the end. There were lots of twists and turns – everything I want in a fantasy novel. Her writing is vivid, and makes it easy to imagine the surroundings. It was like a mini screen in my mind while I was reading.
Fischer not only gives readers a fun story, she gives a powerful message. Her faith thread is beautifully written in between the pages, and not in an in-your-face way. I think this would be a fun book to even share with non-Christians. Yes the faith theme was evident, but not so much that a non-Christian would get scared off.
Overall I enjoyed this story and think fantasy fans will enjoy it as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I always enjoy finding new authors to read, and so I jumped at the chance to read Unsettled Shores by Kelsey Gietl. What a beautifully written story. I always enjoy finding new authors to read, and so I jumped at the chance to read Unsettled Shores by Kelsey Gietl. What a beautifully written story. I was easily drawn back in time with Gietl's vivid descriptions, and intriguing storyline. Plus, I learned a thing or two, which has become kind of important to me when reading historical novels.
I loved the concept of this secret postal service. I know that's not the main theme of the book, but it's something that really stood out to me. I mean, I can imagine there were things that were blotted out of letters to family members back home. Just think of how you would feel to receive something from a loved one overseas, only to have bits and pieces of it blotted out!? It's crazy to me. And yet here is this secret little "underground postal service" they have, trying to just get normal letters back to family members. It blew my mind, and made me want to dive in to read about it on historical websites.
The thing I also enjoyed was that there was kind of two different love stories. Amara and Emil, and Josie and Peter. Two totally different circumstances, and yet each story captured my attention. Poor Amara....she has some things to deal with (sorry no spoilers!) that I can totally relate to involving children. But then she gets this letter from her brother, and that completely changes her course of action (and thinking). She may or may not lie to her husband about some things, and while that seems to somewhat complicate things at one point, I can understand her reasoning behind it. No excuse though for the record :)
Then you have Josie. She is just this independent woman who falls in love. It doesn't make her weak, but it does kind of show why she made some of the decisions that she did. I loved the early scenes between her and Amara. They made me chuckle! Anyways, Gietl brings great characters to the story that I would enjoy visiting again if given the chance.
Like I said, I love finding new authors to read. I'm so glad I decided to read this book! I look forward to reading more by this wonderful author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Love Ordained was a powerful story full of emotion as main character Gina struggles with moving on with her life after the loss of her husband and chiLove Ordained was a powerful story full of emotion as main character Gina struggles with moving on with her life after the loss of her husband and child. Taffera writes this character in a realistic way that readers can not only sympathize, but understand a little bit. Throw in the worst possible monkey wrench - a mother in law who blames you for it all. And while at first I thought the idea was a little far fetched, but the more I read and tried to understand that character, the more I could see it. When tragedy strikes, people react in so many different ways. Some more extreme than others.
But somewhere in the book, Taffera shows hope. Hope in forgiveness, reconciliation, moving on, and second chances. More importantly, hope that the One who created us will not turn His back on us, and will be there to help comfort us and get us back on our feet when we need it the most. There was even a small twist that I sort of saw coming, but still enjoyed reading about! While Love Ordained is not a fluffy read, and you will need tissues when you're reading, it is a story that will touch hearts and perhaps help those who are in the midst of tragedy themselves.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
CAUTION - when you’re going through a lot personally, and it’s the day of your husbands surgery, maybe reading such an emotional, thought provoking, bCAUTION - when you’re going through a lot personally, and it’s the day of your husbands surgery, maybe reading such an emotional, thought provoking, beautiful and heart wrenching story is not the best idea ever lol, because you might find yourself trying to hold yourself together in the waiting room in front of a bunch of strangers.
But reading this book IS a good idea. Yes there are some hard topics. Yes there are some tough parts that speak to your soul, and make you rethink everything you ever knew about the issues presented. Yes there will be moments where you want to scream at the characters because they should be doing X, which is how we would handle it today, but then have to remind yourself that this book is set in the 80s and they just didn’t know better then.
But there’s also joy. Laughter. Hope. Loyalty. Faith. And so much more. T.I. Lowe has written the most beautiful book I think I have ever read. It is that good. She reminds us how important it is to treat others well. When the world may throw harsh words their way, be the person who reaches out with a loving hand. Treat others with love and kindness. You have no idea what their journey was or is. And they need love. They need encouragement.
This is by no means a light read. But not all books need to be. Sometimes we need a raw, real, gut wrenching look at the flaws of the world. Of ourselves. Maybe. Just maybe that will make us all look in the mirror and remember that we are as much as a riffraff as Austin Foster.
Highly recommend this book. It is my favorite of the year and probably belongs on my top ten ever. Book hangover coming. I can’t even think about looking at another right now!!
This was an interesting read to me, probably because it is unlike any amish novel I’ve ever read. Our wonderful heroine has a way with horses. Horses!This was an interesting read to me, probably because it is unlike any amish novel I’ve ever read. Our wonderful heroine has a way with horses. Horses!! She trains them, which really blew my mind. It’s not often in the Amish community that you see a working woman. I really enjoyed reading about Grace’s love for all things horses. The fact that she was out there working with them was amazing to me, and inspiring!
I have to be honest, all eyes were on Isaac while reading this. He had a story to tell, and I was perfectly content to sit back and watch him figure Grace out while I was waiting to hear it. They had some good banter, and some laughable moments which the story enjoyable to read.
There were times the plot went a little slow for my taste, however that may not be the same for everyone. But overall this was a story I enjoyed reading with lovable characters, fun, laughter, and maybe even some cute animals! I think Amish fiction fans will love this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I thought this was a unique take on my favorite Disney story ever – Beauty and the Beast. Clarissa Kae gave it her own voice, which is what I want in I thought this was a unique take on my favorite Disney story ever – Beauty and the Beast. Clarissa Kae gave it her own voice, which is what I want in a retelling. And while I did enjoy reading the story and about the characters, I didn’t find myself connecting with any of them, and that is what I want in reading a book. Now, please understand this is just me and what I want from reading. Not everyone wants to connect with characters, and that’s totally cool! Sometimes I do want to read a story just for fun. But whenever there is a “Belle” involved, probably because of how much I know and love her character and connect with her already, I want to connect with the newer “Belle”.
That being said, it was a fun story to read. The plot line was interesting to me. I felt there were a couple of things I didn’t have the answers to when I was finished reading, but I don’t know if it’s because I overlooked them, or they weren’t there. I think this calls for a reread (when my list isn’t so long). And who knows, maybe next read I will absolutely love it because at that moment, I won’t feel the need to connect with the characters. That’s the negative part about being a mood reader – if I’m in the mood for something when I’m reading, and I don’t get it, sometimes that can distort my view of the book. And again, that doesn’t mean this wasn’t a well written book, because the author has talent. She’s descriptive, and able to take you on a journey. And she took a well known tale and made it her own. For that reason alone I would reread this book.
For those of you who love a unique historical novel, I think you will find yourselves enjoying this book. Clarissa Kae is a new to me author, and I will definitely be looking for other books like her (like book two in this series which comes out later this year!). I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This is the first I've read from Anna Schmidt and I can certainly say it will not be the last. Schmidt easily pulled me into each storyline - contempoThis is the first I've read from Anna Schmidt and I can certainly say it will not be the last. Schmidt easily pulled me into each storyline - contemporary and historical - with her thoughtful dialogue, descriptive writings, and interesting plotline. I can't even tell you which time period I liked more because they were both so wonderfully written.
Lucinda's story was just mesmerizing. This poor thing, I could certainly sympathize with how she felt after being tricked by the person she thought loved her! But oh to have an unexpected hero was just fabulous. And though a difficult topic to broach for sure, especially for that time period, Schmidt did a fantastic job of talking about pregnancy, adoption, and everything in between.
And Chloe! Oh that girl had such heart. I appreciated how Schmidt sort of changed her character as the story went on. Yes she was an author, and yes she was really just researching for her book. But as this story went on, and she learned more about Lucinda's story, the importance of her novel kind of went to the side and the truth of her family lineage came to the forefront, and I was so pleased that Schmidt chose to write it in that fashion.
I highly recommend the latest book in this fabulous series from Barbour! It has a little something for everyone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
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