TTT: Books On My Fall 2020 TBR

Top Ten Tuesday!

 I have a huge TBR pile but here are some I am most excited about!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Thoughts on Until I Met You

 About the Book

 When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

Novelist Tari Faris invites you back to the small town with a big heart in this second book in the Restoring Heritage series. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

This was just a fun book to read. I loved the first book and this one was just as good. You need to read book one though prior to reading book two. I loved the characters and all of their flaws. Austin drove me a bit insane the majority of the book but I also understand he had a lot he needed to deal with. The setting is just the best and Otis the hippo I thought was hilarious and a "Gilmore Girl" type thing to add to the story. The writing of this novel really makes me think of Susan May Warren novels. Tari Faris does have her own way with words and I just enjoyed this book so much I didn't set it down until the end. It is definitely a contemporary romance and maybe a bit more on the romance side. My favorite part of this book though is Libby. Maybe it is because I felt like I could relate to her but I really enjoyed reading her character develop within the pages. 

I can't wait to read more by this author! Five stars. 

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

Something Worth Doing Review

 

 

 

About The Book

 In 1853, Abigail Scott was a 19-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When financial mistakes and an injury force Ben to stop working, Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family. What she sees as a working woman appalls her, and she devotes her life to fighting for the rights of women, including their right to vote.

Following Abigail as she bears six children, runs a millinery and a private school, helps on the farm, writes novels, gives speeches, and eventually runs a newspaper supporting women's suffrage, Something Worth Doing explores issues that will resonate strongly with modern women: the pull between career and family, finding one's place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices women encounter when they compete in male-dominated spaces. Based on a true story of a pioneer for women's rights from award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick will inspire you to believe that some things are worth doing--even when the cost is great. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really enjoy Kirkpatrick’s books and I was thrilled to read a copy of this book. I have to say I think this is one of her best books in the way that she wrote the historical details into the story. She really brought the characters to life. Whether you like Abigail or not, this book is based on historical facts and is a great look into women’s life during this time. I researched more about Abigail after finishing the book and was really amazed at how well she did in portraying her life. There are a lot of things in this book that might raise some eyebrows in relation to Abigail’s perspective on life. She was a very opinionated woman. But even though I don't think I could relate to Abigail or necessarily want to I still really enjoyed reading her unique perspective.

There are so many things that we take for granted these days and the extra amount of work women did only a century ago is amazing. We really should be grateful for those who came before us.

The other thing I loved about this book is how it makes you realize people’s personalities really haven’t changed. There are many women who despise housework now just as they did before. I think we forget that even though people did what they did to survive back then it doesn’t mean they loved being homemakers. I think we have a certain image of how women were and this book brings to light a more realistic view on how a lot of women felt at the time.

 

I recommend to history lovers. Five Stars.

 

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

 

 

My Favorite Autumn Book Covers: Top Ten Tuesday

Here are some of my favorite autumn-y book covers. The books themselves were great as well but books that have any kind of an autumn cover grab my attention. Happy September!

 

 

Nine

 

 

 

About the Book

 Zoe Johnson spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Now, against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. The girl knows only one thing: she must reach a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of miles away, before the government agents who are searching for her catch up to them.

Award-winning author Rachelle Dekker throws you into the middle of the action and keeps the pressure on in this page-turning story that, asks Are we who the world says we are--or can we change our story and be something more? (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts

 

This book starts off with a bang and pretty much leaves you holding your breath until the end. This is one of Rachelle's best novels so far. The story line had enough suspense to hold my interest and the way the characters are written was very well done. I wasn't a huge fan of Seeley but he still added a different perspective to the story line. The thing that really is kind of odd is that this book wasn't so far out there to be unrealistic. I could totally see the things that happen in the book happening in real life one day. I loved the tie in with The Girl Behind the Red Rope as I have read that book as well. I loved the book but the ending I still am not so sure about. It all seemed so rushed. All that to say if you enjoy suspense this is a good one to pick up! I also recommend reading Rachelle's other novels as she really is a talented author. 

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

The Haunting At Bonaventure Circus Review

 

 

 About the Book

 

 1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend. (Goodreads)

BUY YOUR OWN COPY HERE

My Thoughts

 

Oh my goodness I could not put this book down. I knew it was going to be good but honestly this book was better than expected! The setting is fantastic and I learned a lot about the circus. The dual timeline was written flawlessly and I completely loved both stories. The characters were unique and I felt like I got to know each of them. I love how the author writes about real life tough stuff. The characters aren’t perfect in any way, they are all broken and searching. This is what makes the book all the better because she introduces the reader to hope. The suspense in both story lines was fantastic and the ending did take me by surprise. The romance side of things was interwoven perfectly.

Getting to read a Jaime Jo Wright novel is pure enjoyment. This story was also extra special as it includes a baby elephant!

Everything written by this author is my favorite.



Five Stars.



“I received the book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.” 

Kristy Cambron Two Book Giveaway!

 I am a huge fan of Kristy Cambron. She writes fantastic fiction that is unique and takes you on adventures you least expect. I happen to have extra copies of two of her books and thought it would be fun to do a giveaway. Who doesn't love a book giveaway?! 

So I am going to give one person a paperback copy of The Ringmaster's Wife AND The Illusionist's Apprentice. 

Enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two Rivers Review With Celebrate Lit Tours

 

 

About the Book

Book:  Two Rivers

Author: Michael W. Henry

Genre:  Fiction

Release Date: April 10, 2020

In 1840 Pastor Allen Hartman leaves behind his white-steepled church in New York, and the woman he hopes to marry, to serve as a missionary to Indians in the Oregon Territory. On his epic westward journey, he is plunged into the dark end of spiritual warfare and vital intercession. His mettle is further tested when he’s asked to stay in a village of Arapaho already contending with a malevolent witch doctor—where Allen has to draw upon courage he didn’t know he possessed and discovers ministering to Indians is not at all what he imagined.

Arapaho medicine man Two Rivers knows one thing—the Great Spirit is sending White Falcon to help his people defeat the malicious spiritual forces determined to overpower the tribe. But even as White Falcon teams up with Two Rivers, Allen finds himself enslaved in a cave and in a heaven-meets-earth clash of faith with an evil sorcerer. With his life at stake and his new friends unable to help, will Spirit-led prayers of believers lead to a complete victory, or will something be left undone?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

 

About the  Author

Michael W. Henry’s ministry has spanned from serving as a missionary in Mexico, where he encountered intense spiritual warfare, to planting and pastoring churches in Washington state. A Christian counselor, Michael is certified through the American Association of Christian Counselors and offers spiritual-life coaching to believers searching for deep faith encounters with Jesus. Michael has long been fascinated by Native American spirituality and culture. He and his wife, also a certified counselor, live in Wenatchee, Washington, and enjoy hunting, hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities with their four adult children and two grandchildren.

 

 

 

More from Michael

Two Rivers is a story about courageous faith. I wrote it because as a missionary in Mexico, I had experienced spiritual encounters that I felt needed to be shared. A historical fiction seemed the perfect place to demonstrate the power of prayer and cross cultural respect in an authentic way.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Joanne Markey, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

deb’s Book Review, August 19

For the Love of Literature, August 20

Rebecca Tews, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 23

Connie’s History Classroom, August 24

Simple Harvest Reads, August 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Quiet Workings, August 26

To Everything There Is A Season, August 27

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Two Rivers, a $50 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of the book!!

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

GIVEAWAY

 

My Thoughts

 

I was really intrigued by the idea of this story line. I am always eager to read more about Native Americans and so I was excited to see where this story might lead. To be honest the first part of the book was a bit of a let down. It went a different direction than I was expecting and I will say I wasn't sure I would be able to finish. Then about half way through I started to be more interested in the stories and the characters. I liked the setting and of course the cover is wonderful. I don't necessarily agree with everything in this book but it was an interesting read. 

 

Three 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. "

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acceptable Risk Review

  

 

 About the Book

 

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she's taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.

Strap in for another breakneck nail-biter from bestselling romantic suspense author Lynette Eason that will have you up turning pages long into the night. (Goodreads)

 BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

 

I enjoyed this book because it helped me think about what people in the military might experience when they are discharged. I know this book is fiction but it still gives me an idea into a life I would otherwise know nothing about. I liked Sarah's character a lot and the suspense element held my attention until the end. I thought the concept that interesting and unique and also a bit scary to think about how realistic it might be. I don't want any spoilers so you will just have to read it to find out! This is the second in the series and while the first book is my favorite I enjoyed this one as well. 

 

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love's Mountain Quest Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book:  Love’s Mountain Quest

Author: Misty M Beller

Genre:  Historical romance

Release Date: June 30, 2020

 

After losing her husband in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler’s Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing–and the sheriff dead–she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.

Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who’s behind the kidnapping and murder, and if he’s right, he knows all too well the evil they’re chasing.

As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

 

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.

More from Misty

The Story Behind the Story: Love’s Mountain Quest

Love’s Mountain Quest was one of the hardest books I’ve ever written, even though I LOVE Isaac and Joanna and their story. What made this book so hard was the fact that I wrote most of the story during my third trimester of pregnancy with our son!

 

Our little Matthew is our fourth baby (and first boy), so I was VERY heavy with child during the last three months I carried him, and that was the time that I’d scheduled to write Love’s Mountain Quest. Needless to say, the words were not flowing very well. My creativity was as exhausted as the rest of me! I could see Isaac and Joanna’s story in my mind, but showing it for readers using real words was the hard part.

Thankfully, I have an amazing editor at Bethany House (waving at Jen Veilleux!) who helped me massage the first draft, pushing both me and the story to be the very best we could be. Unfortunately for her, the edits for this book were the first bit of writing I did after taking a short maternity leave after the birth, so my brain was still a bit mushy from all the post-partum hormones and lack of sleep a newborn always brings. Jen’s patience through the process was remarkable, yet I so appreciate her determination not to stop until we had the very best book possible.

Our little Matthew just turned one, and Love’s Mountain Quest is finally making its way out into the world. Because of Jen, I’m so excited to share it with you! I can’t wait for you to meet the characters and story I love so much.

Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 31

Connect in Fiction, July 31

lakesidelivingsite, July 31

Emily Yager, August 1

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 1

Simple Harvest Reads, August 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Inklings and notions, August 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

She Lives To Read, August 3

Genesis 5020, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Read Review Rejoice, August 4

April Hayman, Author, August 4

Betti Mace, August 5

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5

Life of Literature, August 5

For the Love of Literature, August 6

Adventures of A Travelers Wife, August 6

Daysong Reflections, August 7

Labor Not in Vain, August 7

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 7

Older & Smarter?, August 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Just Your Average reviews, August 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 10

Blessed & Bookish, August 10

Hallie Reads, August 10

Wishful Endings, August 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 11

Lighthouse Academy, August 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Bizwings Blog, August 12

To Everything There Is A Season, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of Love’s Mountain Quest, Hope’s Highest Mountain, and a bath bomb!!

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

 ENTER HERE

 My Thoughts

Misty M. Beller is a new to me author that I have really been enjoying! This is the second book in the series but I would say you could read it as a stand alone. The cover is stunning and there is non stop adventure from the first chapter. While I enjoyed book one a bit more I still was intrigued on what was going to happen to Samuel! The setting for her books are also some of my favorite so I enjoyed that in this story. 

If you enjoy historical fiction you might want to read one of Misty's stories. 

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. "

Love And A Little White Lie Review

 

 

 

 

 About the Book

 January Sanders grew up believing karma was more reliable than an imaginary higher power, but after suffering her worst heartbreak in 29 years, she's open to just about anything, including taking a temporary position at her aunt's church. Keeping her lack of faith a secret, January is determined to use her photographic memory to help Grace Community's overworked staff, all while scraping herself off rock bottom.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist, who not only is a strong believer, but has also dedicated his life to Christian music. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping secrets isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past and present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds incapable of coexisting, can January find the healing that's eluded her or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness? (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

I have read a few of Tammy L. Gray's books so I was excited that she got a publishing contract with Bethany House. I have to say this book wasn't quite what I was expecting. The cover is really fun and there were some good points made throughout the book. I really didn't care for any of the characters. I tried to like January but even in the end I just struggled with her. There is a twist in the plot that I didn't really see coming and to be honest was a tad confused when I realized what was going on. All that to say many people have loved this book but it simply wasn't for me. I do recommend Gray's other novels as she is a talented author. This story line I just didn't care for at this time. 

Three 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."