Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Read During a Storm

Top Ten Tuesday! 

Books to read during a storm. I just picked the books that came to mind. They are all different but I leaned more towards atmospheric of dark and gothic or mysterious. A few are just cozy reads. Enjoy! 

 

This is a fun time travel read. 

One of my favorite's by this author. Mysterious. 

Delightful mystery with a fun setting. 

I love this book and it is perfect for a stormy day! 

Gothic and unexpected love story. 

One of my very favorite novels by this author. 

A story that sticks with you long after the last page. 

One of my favorites. 

This book is creepily delightful. 

Cozy winter read. Short read but so good.


 

Abide from Guideposts: Be Still + Know Gift Set

 Abide from Guideposts has faith inspired gifts curated to bring joy.

From beautifully designed mugs and inspiring journals to jewelry and candles, find the perfect item to uplift and encourage you!

Use code SOCIAL20 for 20% off your entire order!

Be Still and Know Soy Candle: Indulge in a moment of tranquility with our "Be Still + Know" Soy Candle. Expertly crafted in the USA, this candle offers a serene blend of sea salt, jasmine, wood, and cream, creating a soothing ambiance for any space.

REST Beaded Stretch Bracelet: Embrace the comforting words of Matthew 11:28-30 with this elegant bracelet. Featuring a gold tag engraved with the verse reference, it serves as a daily reminder of Christ's promise to provide rest to the weary. Designed to fit most wrist sizes at 6.75 inches, this stylish accessory is a meaningful Christian gift for women and girls.

GIVEAWAY 

$10 Amazon gift card

ENTER TO WIN HERE!

 US entries only please!

My Thoughts

This really is a very nice gift set! It comes in a sturdy box that is well packaged in a gift box. While there are many gift sets that you can choose from I was excited to smell this candle! Typically I am not a candle person but since this one is soy and so simple yet pretty I wanted to check it out. It is an interesting combination of scents so I wasn't sure if I would like it but I actually REALLY love how this candle smells! It is so pretty that I really hate to burn it which is also why it makes a great gift! The bracelet is pretty but not as high of quality in my opinion. The gold tag makes it worth wearing and adds a little something to an otherwise pretty basic bracelet. 

All that to say I had no idea Abide from Guideposts sold gift sets and I am pleasantly surprised! It can be challenging to come up with a good gift like this for birthdays, holidays, etc. but you could order one of these and it is pre-wrapped and ready to go! Thoughtful and convenient! 

Check out their online store for all items and don't forget to use the code SOCIAL20 for 20% off your entire order! 

Many thanks to Guideposts for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#GuidepostsMIN #AbideShop #AbideFromGuideposts #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Lady Anna's Favor Review

About the Book

 Lady Anna Clifton will stop at nothing to find her missing brother—even if it means working alongside the dashingly handsome but sometimes infuriating Mr. Jennings, who just might steal her heart.

Lady Anna Clifton has arrived in London with a purpose known only to a few. Her soldier brother has been reported wounded and missing in France, and if he is dead, his title and their family’s estate will go to a horrible distant cousin, and Lady Anna will be homeless. Desperate to find her brother alive, she contacts old family friends, the Bledsoes, who vow to help her in any way they can. However, Lord Bledsoe’s efforts come up empty, except from the Duke of Aylesham, who offers his yacht to carry her to France when Anna decides she must look for her brother there herself.

James cannot board the Duke of Aylesham’s yacht to take him to France fast enough. After his sister’s rushed marriage to the duke himself, James wants nothing more than to enjoy a relaxing journey back to Paris before rejoining England’s diplomatic war efforts against Napoleon. When he boards the ship, he cannot deny his instant attraction to the strikingly beautiful young woman who will be joining him across the sea. But when he receives only a cold reception from her, James dismisses her outright—until he learns the tragic reason she has set out on such a perilous journey. As infuriating as Lady Anna’s brash behavior and indifference to him is, her search seems much too dangerous for a young lady of the ton to undertake alone, so James reluctantly offers to assist her in her quest.

Together, they embark on a search that will take them across the sea and through France to uncover the truth all while trying to reconcile their differences and the preconceived notions they have about each other. With every step, they come closer to solving the mystery surrounding Lady Anna’s brother’s disappearance—but each step also pushes their hearts closer together. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really like the idea of this story. Anna going in search of her missing brother and the adventures and romance possibilities posed as an exciting premise. Unfortunately I really struggled with this novel. It moved dreadfully slow for me and even after getting to know the characters a few chapters in I just didn't love them. I wanted Anna to find her brother or at least find out the truth with him of course but the plot just didn't capture my attention like I had hoped. The romance didn't really feel romantic but rushed. The last few chapters were okay and the ending interesting but I didn't love this book. Nonetheless I think there are many who will find this to be a pleasant and fun read.

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

About the Book

 1956: In the quiet village of Wilbeth Green, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of being the arsonist. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames. Knowing no one will believe her, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the skepticism of her neighbors and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, is torn between his duty and a lingering loyalty to Paul and warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core. Award-winning author Naomi Stephens presents a gripping whodunnit--reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales--of love and redemption set in a quaint British village. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this story! I had pretty high expectations going into reading this and I think they were exceeded. The characters are an absolute delight all the way around. The setting is fantastic and the author added so many things for the reader to understand what decade this book is set. It is really fun to read a novel in this time period! The mystery had me questioning until the end and I really enjoyed the small romance plot line that isn't the main focus but truly just fun. It does give you Agatha Christie feels but is set apart with its own unique style. This is such a refreshing read for the Christian fiction market and I can't wait for more by this author. I highly recommend!! 

Five Stars!

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

TTT: Oldest (aka Earliest Published) Books On My TBR

 This is a fun idea for Top Ten Tuesday as I have quite a mix of newly published books on my list but also much older novels! I will never reach the end......so here are just a few! 

Published in 1937

Published in 2008

Published in 1922

Published in 2017

Published in 2019

Published in 2019

Published in 1910

Published in 2021

Published in 1931

Published in 2015

The Wandering Season Review

About the Book

 Unraveling the tangled roots of her family takes her places she never expected.

Veronica Stratton, a specialty food broker with a business riding close to the margins, visits her parents in idyllic Estes Park for Christmas. With the holiday comes a DNA test from her younger sister and an engagement ring from her longtime boyfriend. The test confirms her secret she's adopted. The ring rattles her even more, and she realizes that she might not be as ready to commit as she'd thought.

With so much that she'd counted on suddenly falling apart, Veronica is looking for an escape. Inspired by her best friend, she plans to go to Europe to see four of the places listed on her DNA ancestry report. She treks to County Mayo in Ireland; the Dordogne region of France; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Tuscany in Italy. She hopes to learn a bit about where her family lived and to make more connections for her struggling business, but she finds that each stop brings her visions of her ancestors that raise more questions than they answer. And among those pressing questions is how brooding Irish restauranteur Niall Callaghan will fit into her visions for the future. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was hooked by the premise of this story and I started in with pretty high expectations. This novel had a bit of an Eat Pray Love vibe where Veronica travels to the different countries and finds romance and food etc. The first half the book is the best and I enjoyed it immensely. The ancestry twist is interesting and while there is humor there is a lot of heart between family and also friends. There is an adoption thread that takes unexpected twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The last part of the book moved a bit slower for me but was still enjoyable. There is a little bit of a time travel element in the form of "visions" of the past. Is this realistic? Of course not. Yet, isn't this fiction? I enjoyed it because it is a unique idea and just imagine if you could see your ancestors from so long ago?! The food conversations and details are delightful and add so much to the story. Be warned, this book will probably make you hungry! Overall I found this to be an enjoyable read with some fresh character perspectives. 

Four Stars.

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Art of Us Book Review

About the Book

 Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist in a local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I enjoy a good young adult novel so I was excited to dive into this one! I really liked how the book deal with homeless teens. It is very eye opening and the author did a great job writing this into the story. The characters I liked okay, I struggled to fully love Kal. The "romance" doesn't take up the entire plot which I appreciated. I also really like the layers of the secondary characters. The author really dove into different situations that come up not only in the world of teens but also adults who aren't in school. I do wish there was a bit more to the story and I felt like it just ended suddenly but overall this is a decent read. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Hope Like Wildflowers Review

About the Book

Book: Hope Like Wildflowers

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2024

An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.

Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.

Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

More from Pepper

It’s pretty easy to overlook wildflowers.

I mean, until they show off all their pretty colors, especially in the middle of a barren place, then they’re noticed and usually appreciated but did you know there’s a lot more to wildflowers that…meets the eye?

Apart from providing food and shelter for smaller animals and/or insects or assisting bees in pollination, wildflowers can be used as an ingredient for healing remedies and contribute to soil health and reduce erosion.

Especially in places where other plants aren’t likely to grow. They’re known as “hardy” because they can survive all sorts of weather conditions, extreme temperature, animal damage, even drought.

So why am I talking about wildflowers??

Because, in lots of ways, wildflowers are a great example of what hope looks like.

1. Hope nourishes. Romans 15: 14 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” When we recall and reflect on what the Bible says about who we are in Christ, our hearts are encouraged and given the spiritual energy they need to remind ourselves of truth in the middle of hard times and wilderness-living.
2. Hope spreads – Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” A heart filled with the knowledge of the love of God is a heart filled and “overflowing” with hope…and that hope is contagious. When we know whose we are and what our future looks like because of the One who loves us, we live in joy…even when the storms come.
3. Hope restores and heals: “Isaiah 40:31 reads, “For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
4. Hope protects – Psalm 62:5-6 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Life is hard. Sometimes, bone-achingly, soul-shakingly hard. If we’re reliant on our own ability to protect our faith or mind or soul, we will fail. We’re not strong enough and neither is any of our human defenses, but God is amply able to protect us from the storms, trials, and droughts that mean to wither our hope. HE is the hero of our heart’s story and he is armed to overcome so we can trust Him with our hope and our futures.
5. And hope grows in the hard places. Hope does not consist of weak or wishful thinking, it grows out of nutrients squeezed from the soil it has. Hard-won, many times. Romans 5:3-4 “ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” A life with Christ doesn’t mean that pain is taken away, but there is a promise and purpose in the pain. The promise that God is with us and a purpose that He is making us more like Him.

Hope Like Wildflowers tells the story of hope, but the main character, Kizzie, isn’t relying on her own abilities to keep her hope strong. Oh no! She learned to trust in the only One who is strong enough to BE her hope. He nourishes her heart when her life has turned upside down and she’s been forsaken. He restores and heals her when she’s been broken and cast out. He protects her from dangerous men who try to hurt her, but also he protects her heart from choosing the wrong path. And through the hard places of life, Kizzie’s hope overflows in joy to touch the lives of those around her.

And it’s beautiful and unexpected.

Like wildflowers.

How has God helped bring hope to your life? What trials has His hope helped you through?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Devoted To Hope, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Wishful Endings, November 4

Book Looks by Lisa, November 4

Sylvan Musings, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blossoms and Blessings, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Labor Not in Vain, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

An Author’s Take, November 8

Back Porch Reads, November 9

Inklings and Notions, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

Just Your Average reviews, November 11

To Everything There Is A Season, November 12

Vicky Sluiter, November 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY ENTER HERE

 My Thoughts

My goodness this is such a story! The best part about it is that it is based on real life history! There is so much hurt and healing that take place within these pages. Kizzie makes some life choices at the start of the book that are hard to read. But dear reader keep reading until the end. There is such a wonderful redemption story. I loved the secondary characters so much and there is a sense of found family that warmed my heart. I love "visiting" Appalachia and Basham does such a great job at writing with this as her setting. The author includes details on her family history in the back of the book that you don't want to miss. I really enjoyed this book and recommend! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Review & Giveaway!

About the Movie

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

LEARN MORE

Buy tickets today to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters starting November 8!

$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

ENTER HERE

(USA entries only please)

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this movie. I haven't read the book in many years so I hadn't remembered much of the storyline. All of the child actors were excellent and as the story unfolded on screen I was more and more surprised. The details and the script are so good! There is a lot of humor but there is also a lot of heart. So much of this film is real to life. Poverty and judgement and not talking about certain things but then realizing it is in the Bible. Do we really know the Christmas story? Do we really read our Bibles? Do we treat others as we should? This movie will make a great conversation starter on so many topics with your family. There are many instances of the kids taking the Lord's name in vain. It is brought up multiple times as not being okay. So if you are watching with kiddos know that they will hear that and also see the kids acting out terribly at the start. I don't think younger kids would enjoy watching this (they might get bored) but for kids a little older I think this would be a good Christmas movie to see together.

Enjoyed! 

#TheBestChristmasPageantEverMIN #TheBestChristmasPageantEver #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Tea With Elephants Review

About the Book

 Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young.

Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.

Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was excited to see that Robin Jones Gunn had a new book! The setting is what really caught my attention on this one because rarely is a book set in Africa. The author truly does take the reader into an adventure. Giraffes included. I thought the setting was really well written and the friendship between the two women is so great. There is typical real life issues brought up in this novel that both Fern and Lily have to deal with. I also appreciate the different ethnic backgrounds on some of the characters. Overall this is a good read that shows that friendship can last years and still be good. It also shows that it is okay to wrestle with the hard questions on past choices and current decisions. Some parts move a bit slow but it is still a decent read. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Gentleman's Confession Review

About the Book

 Inexperienced in love, Jemma seeks help from her best friend, Miles, unaware that he has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Trapped by his own selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever. (Goodreads)

GET YOUR COPY HERE

My Thoughts

I love stories that involve the friends to more trope. It is what drew me to this story and also the fact that Miles is a rector. The Matchmaking Mama's are hilarious and really add a lot to the story. I wish there was more of that group in these pages because it is a joy to read! The start of this book had me hooked and I was curious to see what twists would abound as we get to the predictable ending. There were a couple of fun things that added to the plot but to be honest this one was a bit slow for me. I really wanted to love it but by the end of the book it was just okay. I really like Miles character and he really pulls things together while Jemma just isn't my favorite. All that to say there are some fun moments and the setting is great. I think many will love this it just wasn't my favorite but still a nice read. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."