Posts

Showing posts from August, 2020

Love and a little white lie byTammy L. Gray

Image
I had a hard time deciding if I should read this book. That title kinda threw me because of my opinion is that the "little white lie" excuse to lie doesn't sit with me. Then I learned that this book is completely in the first person pov (not my favorite way to read a story), and it features a love triangle (probably my least favorite trope of all). However I decided to go ahead and try it because I absolutely loved Mecy's Fight by This author.  With all that said, this was a really well written, well done book. While dishonesty is a key element of the story I like how it is addressed (ahem...Dillon). This book explores how when dishonesty creeps into our relationships it never is beneficial. While there was a triangle trope between January and two really good guys I liked how it worked out.  I saw how the author used both guys to teach January something powerful about faith and herself.  I was team Dillon from the moment he was on the page. I loved his brutal honesty

Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund

Image
I have really enjoyed the first three books in this series,  and I was so happy that Zeke was getting his own story! This book started out with me feeling a little disconnected from the main characters.  It's hard to narrow down why, but it just felt rushed in a way. However the author did draw me in. I think that this book was the lightest of the history feel of the series.  This book is all about the growth of character and the relationship between the two main characters.  I had a bit of trouble catching on to the "instant love " angle. I was wondering where the story was going,  and I was really happy with how the story played out in the end. Jody Hedlund always writes the on page chemistry that you can feel! And I love that in a romance.  I enjoyed the way the plot never lagged. Jody hedlund always pulls me in with her stories, and this one was no different. I loved the message of redemption. The story was wrapped up nicely it just wasn't my favorite of the serie

The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt

Image
Wow. This book is a stunning memorial to those that stand for truth above propaganda. And who were willing to face punishment to speak up.  I really appreciated the historical details that made these real characters come to life and they will forever be remembered by me. I was equally drawn into the fictional characters that experienced the real events happening around them. I was crushed, and yet encouraged by this story of, bravery,  loyalty and sacrifice. A reminder to stand for truth and freedom.  Though not my normal reading material I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read this book.  If you enjoy fiction based on true events I would recommend trying this book. I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally,  all my opinions are completely my own.

The London Restoration

Image
This book was a book had a lyrical flow that had me looking up pictures of the bombed churches of London and admiring the resilience of the human spirit.  This book absorbed me into the tale, I really felt like I was there admiring the history and architecture of houses of worship while getting to see a love story that is fighting to weather the scars of war. One thing that I absolutely adored was the deep love and devotion that the two main characters had for each other,  even though they struggled with coming back and how the war had changed both of them, they were resolved to fight for each other.  I do not see that kind of stories much, with already married couples and it was a real treat.  I listened to the audiobook on this one and I am really glad I did,  the narrator's accent helped me to feel more absorbed into this tale set mostly in London. I think the only thing that I wished more for was a bit of a spiritual message woven into it. Theology and churches were discussed, 

A favorite setting

Image
What is one of your favorite settings for a story? I love stories that are set on the high seas in historical times! There is something about those majestic old ships and how the close quarters forces the characters to interact that I always enjoy! And I always love a good ship battle!

Vying for the Vicount by Kristi ann Hunter

Image
Kristi ann hunter begins a new series and I am so happy! I began my love of reading with horse books and I loved how she incorporated that love of horses in this story! This author has a way of drawing me into the Regency world like no other! We get to see characters from previous books and meet new characters that are so fun! I adored Bianca! She was so relatable and sweet, I couldn't help but cheer for her. Hudson was such an interesting character how he came to England and was experiencing his own culture shock, I loved seeing him  grow and come into his own. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

Dust by Kara Swanson

Image
I have so many feelings right now! *deep breath* First of all I am going to disclose that my DNF list is littered with YA and fantasy.  I have even written in some reviews that the characters were too "YA" for me. That being said I chose to read this book because I wanted to join in on a book club experience.  I got a bit caught up in it and blew through it in just a couple days while juggling other books. I will also say that Peter Pan has never been one of my favorite stories (perhaps that is why I liked Clair so much). I never really liked his self centered attitude.  So now that all of the negativity is out in the open I am going to share why I enjoyed this book so much! It is deeply layered- I loved that there wasn't needless drama or a plethora of extra characters,  everyone mentioned serves a purpose and a key roll into how the story plays out.  We get a very interesting version of Peter- as mentioned earlier I never liked Peter as a character.  This book tackles h

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

Image
Amanda dyke's stories beckon not to just simply be read then shelved. They draw you into the magic of the printed word. They beg to be experienced and meditated upon. Her gifting of words insights wonder and hope. Her books are completely different than anything else that I read and so memorable! This book is so well layered, so deeply rich. This book doesn't give you that instant gratification, it encourages you to lean closer and discover the wonder of everyday things and the beauty of discovery. While a tear may have escaped my eye early on this is not the same level of tears that her previous book (Who's waves these are). There is the tiniest connection to that book in this story for those looking and it was pure poetry. I think that is what I love about her style of writing. It is practically poetry. It is a story wrapped within a story, with a message intertwined within.  Its simply stunning. And it calls you to "just imagine "

Mercy's Fight

Image
Um, why is it that I have never heard of this book before????!!!!! I LOVED IT! It so much going for it! The characters go through so much and I loved them both Grace from her sheltered life wants to strike out on her own and make a difference.  Matt has come out of a scared past and is fighting against the hold of his old self. I ached for him and cheered for him at the same time.  These characters felt real and genuine.  I loved that they were both driven to help kids. It has great chemistry between the two main characters,  just the right amount of sizzle.  I really appreciated that though there are heated scenes there is a clear declaration of boundries that they commit to not crossing. I like seeing these lines drawn in a relationship like this.  I loved the element of danger that came into the story,  and the message about honesty and confronting the past. Matt and Grace just fit, even though they came from opposite worlds. I loved Matt's protectiveness of Grace. I loved how d