Daring to Hope Book Review

About the Book

How do you hold on to hope
when you don't get the ending
you asked for?

When Katie Davis Majors moved to Uganda, accidentally founded a booming organization, and later became the mother of thirteen girls through the miracle of adoption, she determined to weave her life together with the people she desired to serve. But joy often gave way to sorrow as she invested her heart fully in walking alongside people in the grip of poverty, addiction, desperation, and disease.

After unexpected tragedy shook her family, for the first time Katie began to wonder, Is God really good? Does He really love us? When she turned to Him with her questions, God spoke truth to her heart and drew her even deeper into relationship with Him.

Daring to Hope is an invitation to cling to the God of the impossible--the God who whispers His love to us in the quiet, in the mundane, when our prayers are not answered the way we want or the miracle doesn't come. It's about a mother discovering the extraordinary strength it takes to be ordinary. It's about choosing faith no matter the circumstance and about encountering God's goodness in the least expected places.

Though your heartaches and dreams may take a different shape, you will find your own questions echoed in these pages. You'll be reminded of the gifts of joy in the midst of sorrow. And you'll hear God's whisper: Hold on to hope. I will meet you here. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

So I have mixed feelings about this book. How can I rate someone's life and personal stories? You can't. I loved reading about Katie and the people she wrote about in this book. It was an up close look at a life very different from what most expect. I love that she is a brave woman taking care of the hopeless and not only helping some of their personal needs but giving them hope as well. I think her story is powerful and I am so glad we live in a time when her world can be put in a book for millions to read. Now the part I didn't love is how some of this book was written. At times I was having a hard time following what she was talking about with the different stories. That being said, I love seeing how God works in the world and uses people for His glory!

Five stars.

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review."

Little Book of Easter Blessings Review

About the Book

Easter time is filled with God’s love!

The Easter season is bursting with fun—baskets full of goodies, hunts for colored eggs, and bright spring flowers. Take time to show your little one that the very best part of Easter is Jesus!

Through the classic Precious Moments® artwork, fun poems, and sweet prayers and Bible verses, Precious Moments Little Book of Easter Blessings will help your children understand that Jesus is alive and that He loves them so much! (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I always enjoy little Precious Moments books and items. This book has some cute illustrations and some great little prayers for kids and poems. I was disappointed on how much emphasis was put on dyeing Easter eggs, bunnies, Easter baskets, etc. There are a few poems and prayers about Jesus and what Easter is really about but I felt the message is geared toward all of the other things that seem to overtake the day. I would suggest talking with your child about these things and discuss what is important to you and your family. The other things aren't bad, but for younger people I feel like all they might get out of it is the coloring egg dyeing etc.

Three Stars.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."

The Melody of the Soul Review

 

Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don't miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna's flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz's prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of The Melody of the Soul
• A garnet bracelet
• A box of Czech Republic chocolate

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

 About the Book

By 1943, Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost everything, including her career as a concert violinist and almost her entire family. The only person she has left is her beloved grandmother, and she's determined to keep her safe. But protecting Grandmother won't be easy--not with a Nazi officer billeted below them.

Anna must keep a low profile. There's one thing she refuses to give up, though. Despite instruments being declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to practice her violin. She has to believe that the war will end someday and her career will be waiting. Fortunately for Anna, the officer, Horst Engel, enjoys her soothing music. It distracts him from his dissatisfaction with Nazi ideology and reminds him that beauty still exists in an increasingly ugly world.

When his neighbors face deportation, Horst is moved to risk everything to hide them. Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals to her might break her trust and stop the music forever. . . .(Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Sadly, this was not the book for me. I have read all of Tolsma's previous books and this one was disappointing. I have read a lot of books set during WWII, and this story just seemed to lack the depth I love in books. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters at all. I didn't really love any of the characters and I was a bit disappointed in the ending.  The setting is great and the idea of the book is fine, though I am not sure how realistic some things were. Needless to say the cover is beautiful and I am curious to read Tolsma's next novel. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for free. All opinions are my own."

The View from Rainshadow Bay Review

 About the Book 

After her husband, Jack, dies in a climbing incident, Shauna has only her five-year-old son and her helicopter charter business to live for. Every day is a struggle to make ends meet and she lives in constant fear of losing even more than she already has.

When her business partner is murdered, his final words convince Shauna that she’s in danger too. But where can she turn? Zach Bannister was her husband’s best friend and is the person she blames for his death. She’s barely spoken to him since. But right now he seems her only hope for protecting her son.

Zach is only too happy to assuage his guilt over Jack’s death by helping Shauna any way he can. But there are secrets involved dating back to Shauna’s childhood that more than one person would prefer to stay hidden.

In The View from Rainshadow Bay, suspense, danger, and a longing to love again ignite amid the gorgeous lavender fields of Washington State. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is one of the most beautiful covers I have seen! I love lavender and since the story is somewhat set around an area that grows, the setting is perfect! This book kept me turning the pages, I really couldn't figure out who the main killer guy was. There are a bunch of other side stories that Coble seemed to tie up at the end okay. I didn't totally love Shauna's character and to be honest the romance side I didn't like. This book could have been better without the romance in this story and don't get me wrong, I like romance. I just felt it was a bit too cheesy and distracting from the rest of the story. The mystery and suspense made this a great read! I think perhaps this could be a tad more graphic than her other novels, but once again Coble writes a fantastic mystery! 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from BookLook for free. All opinions are my own."

Live Lagom Book Thoughts

 About the Book 

An inviting exploration of "the new hygge": the Swedish concept of lagom--finding balance in moderation--featuring inspiration and practical advice on how to find a happy medium in life, home, work, and health.

Following the cultural phenomena of fika and hygge, the allure of Scandinavian culture and tradition continues in the Swedish concept of lagom. From home design and work-life balance, to personal well-being and environmental sustainability, author Anna Brones presents valuable Swedish-inspired tips and actionable ways to create a more intentional, healthy lifestyle. Instead of thinking about how we can work less, lagom teaches us to think about how we can work better. Lagom at home is about finding balance between aesthetics and function, focusing on simplicity, light, and open spaces. Health and wellness in lagom is a holistic approach for the body and mind--including connecting more in person, caring for self, managing stress, keeping active, and embacing enjoyment in daily routine. Live Lagom inspires us to slow down and find happiness in everyday balance. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I got this book because it revolves around simplicity. And adding a little non fiction to my book reading habits is really good for me. So I started off reading and I had to put tabs in the book before I even got out of the introduction! I so enjoyed reading this book and I think it is a great reminder on how we need to slow down, unplug from technology, and de-stress. The author talks about how we are always in a rush and looking for the next thing or promotion etc. "We can work to find happiness in who we are, not who we plan to be. (pg 36) Now in my opinion we always should be growing in Christ and working on that relationship. But in the aspect of regular life and jobs we always have this idea that we need to make this much money and have a bigger house and more things. Really we need to be thankful in the now and learn to appreciate what is now. 
"Taking breaks from social media, or even removing ourselves for large chunks of time, can help us to focus inward on what matters instead of focusing outward and constantly comparing ourselves to others." (pg 65) 
This is something I was just talking about with my co workers. We HAVE to unplug especially those of us who work on computers and with technology all day. This book really covers it all, from health, food, decor, fashion, etc. I found it to be really encouraging and interesting to learn more about Swedish ways. This book isn't about any weird spiritual type thing, it is simply explaining how another culture lives and how we can learn from it. Also, in Sweden they have fika which is a Swedish coffee break, they take it serious-the coffee and the break. Needless to say I highly recommend this book if you need a little different perspective and encouragement.

Five stars. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free. All opinions are my own."














 

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage Review

New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance
Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?  (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I highly recommend reading the first book written previous to this one as the setting and people will make more sense. I enjoy the setting and this small town is such a fun idea to imagine. This book moved a bit slow for me. I have enjoyed many of Klassen's books but this one was difficult for me to get into. The characters didn't pop out to me and it was just a slow mover. For those that love this time period and books by Jane Austin, you will enjoy!

Three Stars.

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own."

Troubled Waters Review

About the Book

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I always enjoy reading anything by Susan May Warren. I was curious to see what she was going to do with Ian and Sierra since tidbits have been in the past books. (Note: you should read these books in order or you will miss a lot!) I am not sure how much I loved the setting of this novel. Out in the ocean and on a ship, along with how everything flows in the book seemed a tad off. I enjoyed seeing more of Sierra's character and how she grew over the course of the series. I really liked the parts with Esme and for those who have been waiting-get ready! Also, of course the ending leaves a bunch of loose ends so honestly you can't help but wait eagerly for the next book! While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed it a lot.

Four stars.

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own."

The Roanoke Girls Review

About the Book

Allegra behind. Her homecoming may mean a second chance with the boyfriend whose heart she broke that long ago summer. But it also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be strong enough to run from again.

As it weaves between Lane's first Roanoke summer and her return, The Roanoke Girls shocks and tantalizes, twisting its way through revelation after mesmerizing revelation, exploring the secrets families keep and the fierce and terrible love that both binds them together and rips them apart. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I feel like there should have been a better description that came with this book. Maybe a warning? I wasn't prepared for this story that honestly made me sick to my stomach. I know that incest and sexual abuse happen, but this book not only shows the awfulness of it but doesn't necessarily bash it. It almost makes it as if it is okay. It is not okay! I never would have requested this book if I knew how graphic it was. I wouldn't recommend this book. I think this topic could have been written more tactfully.

I really can't rate this I don't recommend.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free. All opinions are my own."

Top Ten(ish) Books of 2017

Top Ten(ish) Books I Read in 2017

I read some great books this year, it was difficult choosing ten!

I am excited to see what comes out in 2018! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Until We Find Home Book Review: My Thoughts

About the Book

For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the storylines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores, with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.

With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees . . . if Claire will stay to help. Though desperate to return to France and the man she loves, Claire has few options. But her tumultuous upbringing--spent in the refuge of novels with fictional friends--has ill-prepared her for the daily dramas of raising children, or for the way David Campbell, a fellow American boarder, challenges her notions of love. Nor could she foresee how the tentacles of war will invade their quiet haven, threatening all who have come to call Bluebell Wood home and risking the only family she's ever known.

Set in England's lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.  (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have loved every book Cathy has ever written. I was thrilled to be able to read this book! The first part of the book takes you right into France and England during WWII. Action starts from page one and you become engrossed. But things got a little slow for me about midway. From there I sadly didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. The writing is great and the setting and secondary characters are wonderful. Claire is a character I simply could not stand reading. Even until the end I just didn't like her at all. Perhaps at the end she gets a little less snobby but otherwise I had a difficult time reading the pages about her. I wish this wasn't the case but I did enjoy many other parts of this novel.

Four stars.

"I received this book from Tyndale House for free. All opinions are my own."

Capital Gaines Review

About the Book

The funny and talented Chip Gaines is well known to millions of people as a TV star, renovation expert, bestselling author, husband to Joanna, and father of 4 in Waco, Texas. But long before the world took notice, Chip was a serial entrepreneur who was always ready for the next challenge, even if it didn’t quite work out as planned. Whether it was buying a neighborhood laundromat or talking a bank into a loan for some equipment to start a lawn-mowing service, Chip always knew that the most important thing was to take that first step.

In Capital Gaines, we walk alongside him as he relives some of his craziest antics and the lessons learned along the way. His mentors taught him to never give up and his family showed him what it meant to always have a positive attitude despite your circumstances. Throw in a natural daredevil personality and a willingness to do (or eat!) just about anything, and you have the life and daily activity of Chip Gaines.

Capital Gaines is the perfect book for anyone looking to succeed not only in business but more importantly in life. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I will be honest in saying I really don't know a lot about the Gaines, though I have watched the show a few times. I like reading books like this because it gives you a better idea of a person, versus how they are on TV. I really enjoyed this book. It isn't very long, it's funny, clever, and packs a punch. I appreciate Chip's honesty throughout the book and I found his stories entertaining. If you are a fan of this family and want to learn more about them, I recommend this book! Great for men and women alike.

Five stars!

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."