Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Provide a Much-Needed Escape

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Provide a Much Needed Escape!

Well I would say most all fiction is an escape of some sort. These are some books that I thought about off the top of my head that felt like a good escape into another place. 

 

This story is set in a delightful small town that I wouldn't mind living in.

I loved the fall vibes and humor from this story. I also just enjoyed being taken to another town that has a hockey team. Very fun!

I am not a "sea" person but this book is a delightful journey that takes you to the English seaside.

This story is SO different from what I typically read and it was good to be in a totally different fantasy world.

Prince Edward Island---need I say more?!

This is a cozy creepy escape that would be perfect to read on a rainy or chilly fall day.

I have read this book multiple times and it makes me smile every single time.

This whole series is a fun escape to Scotland.

1750s frontier adventure and it is a perfect fall read!

A chilly suspense kind of escape.

Lady Flyer Review

  

 About the Book

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE!

My Thoughts

 

I was so excited to read this book because I didn't know anything about this history! Nancy Harkness Love led quite a life and this book is so well written that it captivates your attention. This is fiction but reads a lot like a biography. The author takes us from when Nancy was young up until her later years and then adds a TON of historical facts and tips at the end. I didn't know anything about the "lady flyers" or WAFS or WASP. Most books set during WWII are in Europe and not what was happening in the USA during that time. I really loved reading from Nancy's perspective on flying but also cultural events and historical accounts. There are SO many details and clearly is a well researched novel. I also really enjoyed the portrayal of Nancy and her husband. Their meeting and life together made me smile often. 

This is historical fiction at its finest! I highly recommend! 

Five 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."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Involving Food

 Top Ten Books Involving Food!

This one was pretty tricky and I had to think to books I read LONG ago! 

So True a Love Review

About the Book

 Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I have been anxious to read this story ever since I first heard it was written! Barker has such a way with writing characters and all of her books are just a delight to read. This story exceeded my expectations! I loved reading every page! Verity and Nathaniel are wonderful and written with depth and emotion that seems very real to life. There is humor that is sprinkled throughout that made me smile often. The romance is superb because it is sweet and true. Ohmygoodness there are some very well thought out scenes that might be my favorite ever! The author added certain touches that just made this book all the better. The mystery is well written and developed and reminded me a bit of Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Needless to say I was hooked after the first chapter and couldn't put this one down. If you enjoy regency historical fiction with some romance and mystery in the plot thread this is a must read! 

I highly recommend!

 

Five Stars!

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

White Bird Trailer

 This looks like a good story! 

#WhiteBirdMIN

Average Joe Trailer

 

This looks like it could be interesting!

Never Forgotten Review

 

 

 About the Book

 

 All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.   Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.   Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.   Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?  Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah His Silence When Tomorrow Came Garden of the Midnights The Girl from the Hidden Forest. (Goodreads)

PRE-ORDER HERE

My Thoughts

This is one of my favorite books by this author. She does a great job at portraying what was likely reality in this time period. The cover of this book makes it look like it will be a light and happy story  but it is very mysterious and heavy and gothic. Linder does not shy away from really hard things and this book is no exception. While it isn't graphic there is murder and references to rape along with a lot of anger and grief. There is a good redemption story line also that made this book have a lot more depth. I really love the characters and the mystery is well written. Overall I enjoyed this book and I recommend if you are up for a little mystery that spans continents! 

 

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 Cloverton Charade Review

 

 About the Book

 

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

(Amazon)

 

 BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts

I always enjoy a Sarah E. Ladd novel because I never know what to expect. There is usually a mystery and a hint of romance and this story brought both. The setting is a house party and Olivia is "undercover" so to speak to try and assess the value of items in the house while attending the party. I enjoyed the mystery side of things and Lucas is probably my favorite character. The first part of the book moved a tad slow for me since I was eager to get to the mystery and find hidden treasures. But once I got past the middle of the story things started to pick up and I enjoyed the rest. The ending isn't shocking as it wraps up the loose ends but enjoyable just the same. 

Fans of regency fiction should pick this one up!

 

 

 Three Stars.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Unshakable Moxie Bible Study Review

 

 Unshakable Moxie is an episodic video series that invites you to discover what it means to live a life of resilient faith. 

LEARN MORE  

Unshakable Moxie is a powerful Bible study and 6-episode video series from Our Daily Bread Ministries that explores tough topics including forgiveness, disillusionment, and hardship. When answers don’t come easy, these resources press in deeply to see what Scripture reveals to encourage women to grow in their faith amid challenging circumstances. Lina AbuJamra, who shares her heart in this Bible study, is a woman of moxie who draws inspiration from her life experiences and teaches women how to build their own resilient faith. Each chapter contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more. 

 

 GIVEAWAY

• ​​Prize: Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card

• Study Pack includes: 

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Bible Study w/QR code access to the video series.

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Prayer Journal

• (1) Unshakable Moxie Scripture & Encouragement Cards Pack

• Territory: Limited to US winners only.

• How to Enter: To enter for the chance to win the Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card, participants must do the following: 

• Follow Our Daily Bread Ministries and God Hears Her on Facebook or Instagram. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodHearsHer 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godhearsher/ 

   

  ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

   

• Repost/Share the giveaway with the hashtag “unshakablemoxie”. 

• For a bonus entry, subscribe for God Hears Her emails. 

• For a bonus entry, tag a female friend that lives life with “unshakable moxie”. 

 ORDER HERE

  #UnshakableMoxieMIN #UnshakableMoxie #ourdailybread #god-
hearsher #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 

My Thoughts 

I have led women's Bible study for the past few years so I am always on the lookout for something that we can do next. I was excited to look into this study because I saw that Joni Eareckson Tada was a part of it and her story is amazing. I had never heard of this author before reading this study.

The Bible study itself is a small book size which I love. The layout is really nice as it breaks everything down in an organized way and isn't too much information overload. There are questions, you watch the video, and then more questions and deeper study. There are multiple Bible references that you have to look up and that is wonderful! The only thing is that I can not fully back the people being interviewed and promoted in the videos. I recommend that you do your own research but I didn't realize who all was included as Biblical examples/testimonies. There is also a section on scripture meditation, which is fine, obviously we need to meditate on scripture daily. But many of the questions are in regards to our feelings which I don't think is helpful or necessary especially in a group setting. 

I recommend that you do your own research on this study and those involved before picking it up for yourself. I won't be using it for our group study. 

The prayer journal is a nice addition and it is like a hardback binder type journal that is a bit unique and not like a typical journal. The encouragement cards seem to be a popular thing these days. The ones in the kit are nice quality and have great verses on them. I don't really use the cards but I am sure many people will love them!

Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for
this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced my monetary compensation.

A Kingdom to Claim Review

About the Book

Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.

Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

Oh how I enjoyed this book! The history and the setting and the characters just jump off the page into your imagination. I love how much of this book is historical fact, most of which I had never knew until reading this. Aisley is a strong character and Brecc is a great hero. As the Vikings tear apart their world these two remain strong and remember the past. I really loved the tidbits about King Alfred the Great and the real history of his strong faith in Christianity and the Lord. I thought this book did a great job in showing that and I found it fascinating. There is sweet romance that is simple and true. There is great adventure in battling against the Vikings and protecting the fellow countrymen. I really couldn't put this book down and I highly recommend if you enjoy history and specifically this time period. 

Five 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."

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust Movie Trailer

 Coming September 12th!

 #InGodWeTrustMIN