We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels

From the publisher:
When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request--that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos--seems like it isn't worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.

At her great-aunt's 150-year-old farmhouse, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.
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This book is well written.  It is a book that is hard to put down because of the story.  Erin Bartels does well in this as a debute novelist. 

This story covers three different time periods, all connected: current, Underground Railroad, and the Civil War.  Readers may or may not enjoy this. But it does allow for there to be a broader picture of racism, war, and love. 

This is not a book that is going to guarantee you a happy ending.  Not every story is tied up, and not every story ends the way you want it to.  But what I can appreciate about that is that Bartels was giving the readers a realistic picture of what life could have been like.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

From the publisher:
Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward. 

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent. 

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving.
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Another exciting and well paced novel by Susan May Warren. The Montana Rescue series is one that I have been enjoying each time another book comes out.  You definitely would benefit by reading the books prior to this one. 

This book is filled with adventure and risk.  Not just with the hearts of the characters but with the lives.  You won't want to put it down until you reach the very end.  Warren writes in such a way that you become invested in the characters and their lives.  The book has more than just Jess and Pete and you will find that each story is riveting in its own way.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Defiant Joy by Stasi Eldredge

From the publisher:

 We all spend a lot of energy reaching for happiness, but we are never quite able to hang on to it. Real life happens, and our circumstances take us on an emotional rollercoaster ride. So the Bible’s call to “be joyful always” sounds almost crazy—and out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be.

Joy is meant to be ours, a joy that is defiant in the face of this broken world. This joy is not simply happiness on steroids; it’s the unyielding belief that sorrow and loss do not have the final say. It’s the stubborn determination to be present to whatever may come and to interpret both goodness and grief by the light of heaven.

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As an individual that struggles with depression and anxiety what I appreciated was the Stasi doesn't come from the side of "I have a joyful life, so should you!" Instead she shares dark and painful things she has gone through and how DESPITE all that she has chose to take hold of joy and hope and beauty.  Her joy is defiant because it seems like she should just despair and give up, but instead she chooses joy. I and thankful that this book is out there and for her perspective as she wrote and shared.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter

From the publisher:

After two years of counseling sessions with Daisy Pendleton, Pastor Jack McReady has earned a permanent spot in her life as a spiritual leader—and nothing more. Jack would never risk losing her trust by exposing the depths of his heart, but he’s hopelessly in love with her.

Daisy loves her southern small-town life and her job at her family-run flower shop, but she doesn’t have the thing she longs for most: someone to share it with. Her recent foray into online dating has been a disaster—until she meets TJ.

Jack could kill his friend Noah for using his initials and some indistinct photos to set up a profile on the dating app Daisy is using. But when he’s finally afforded the opportunity to show her a different side of himself, he’s sucked into the plan before he has time for second thoughts.

Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace.

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This is the 3rd book in the Blue Ridge Romance series.  I definitely recommend reading the other two books before this one, as it will help you know the characters and town better.  

These books are fun and engaging to read.  I liked having the story between Daisy and Jack develop over two "timelines" so to speak as they get to know each other in different way.  If you enjoyed old classics like The Shop Around the Corner this will be a good book for you.  Characters falling in love without realizing it.

There are lessons to be learned by each character, forgiveness to give, and that is something that any reader can relate to.

As always, Denise Hunter is a fun read!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin

I heard about Shannan Martin when I listened to a podcast that she was interviewed on. Her story, her ministry grabbed a hold of my heart. So I was excited to get this book. 

Shannan Martin makes ministry attainable.  We often think we have to go far away or be "extraordinary" to do ministry.  But Shannan writes to open our eyes to what is right around us.  How to love and ministry in what is our ordinary lives.  Are you ready to have meaning in your life?  I am.  Are you already full and busy in your life?  Me too.  But in this book you will be challenged to see the areas of ministry right at your doorstep. 

This book is full of personal stories and ways that will touch and change your heart and lives. 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I AM: The Names of God for Little Ones by Diane Stortz Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer

I love this book and the way it introduces children (and adults) to the different names of God.  Each name of God is rooted in a story.  Each two-page spread it beautifully illustrated.  My two year old daughter loves to have me read this to her over and over.  I think what engages her are the simple words.  There aren't too many words on each page, yet each spread is enough to tell a story.  She is intrigued by the pictures and I love that they are teaching her names about God.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson

From the publisher:
When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

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Having read Melody Carlson before I was excited to read this sweet Christmas story.  The characters in the story are enjoyable.  The town too, was enchanting and made one want to go visit.  As a shorter book there wasn't as much time to develop the characters and their relationships.  That is always a bit difficult for me as a reader because I want to see the characters really work through things, and with a shorter book that just isn't always possible.  The ending seemed a bit quick but it was still a sweet read.

I received this book. All opinions are my own.

I Call You Mine: Embracing God's Gift of Adoption (A Six-Week Study) by Kim de Blecourt

From the publisher:
I Call You Mine is a six-week study focused on revealing the incredible spiritual insights available to those who embrace God's heart of adoption. Just as Jesus used stories to engage and teach, the Scripture passages and personal stories in this study uncover greater truths about adoption as God s children. Caring for the unwanted is a privilege, and the perspective gained when working with God in this way is humbling. Realize anew what it means to be chosen and redeemed.

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I was so excited when I heard about this six week study.  As an adoptive parent I have read books deciding to adopt, books on connections, and brain development.  But I have not read a book like this.  I love that it takes an adoptive parent (or anyone interested in adoption) through different weeks that really can open up the readers eyes to think about adoption differently as well as how we see God.  

There is a lot of beauty in adoption, and Kim shares about that. There is also a lot of hard and broken, and Kim also shares about that.  But the whole time each study has Bible verses to study and see what God and His Word says about these situations.  

I can see this book as a gift for those thinking about adoption, beginning adoption, or home with their child.  No matter where you are this study will open your eyes to what God says about caring for the vulnerable.  I love the last week where Kim delves into the ministry of caring for orphans.  Such a powerful study on how we are all called to do something.  

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Not the Boss of Us by Kay Wills Wyma

I have felt recently that I am overwhelmed by life. Yet, here in this book Kay Wyma shares about Truth that we can share with ourselves and others so that we can fight back from being overwhelmed. 

I love how the title and content of each chapter shares with the reader one way they could be overwhelmed and how instead to focus their thoughts.  This is so important. As one who struggles in this area, I want help to know how to focus my thoughts, and this book does just that.  The end of each chapter has "Water Stations" where you are given practical tips with stories to help the reader to get another view of what the author is trying to share.

I recommend this book to other readers.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids by Sandy Silverthorne

This is book for kiddos who love jokes.  The book is for ages 6-12 and definitely is for that age range.  There are a variety of jokes to make you laugh.  Question and answer ones. Knock, knock jokes.  Stories.  It is a fun way for kids to laugh and joke with each other. 

The only note I have is that a few times the jokes said "dummy" or references to being stupid.  That's definitely not something I would want my kids sharing or talking about. 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

From the publisher:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

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I love the cover of this book.  It sets a feeling for what you will read.  There is this dawn of hope that come in the book, even though there is a lot of hardship for Em.  I appreciate that things weren't all "neat and tidy" in the story.  It allowed for realism even while there were beauty and good happening.  

I enjoyed reading another view point of the orphan trains and Fordham allows the reader to see into the time period and what many orphans faced.  Orphans and those who adopt them or become their guardians are often seen as a fairy-tale "happily-ever-after", even today, and it is good to bring about understanding historically and today.  

Caleb and Em's relationship is enjoyable to read and see how Caleb learns and grows as he comes to know Em.  Often what we think we want is not what we need and Caleb learns this as he gets to know Em.  

A good debut novel from Racehl Fordham!

I received this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

From the publisher:
Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.
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Something I really enjoy about Fisher is that you are always learning about history and culture in his books.  Things I hadn't known before about a time period are brought to my knowledge.  

This is the second book in a series but it is okay and doesn't really matter if you don't read the first one.  However, if you enjoyed this one, then you should pick up the first one as well!

Today we are often discussing social justice issues and such and it is wonderful to also read it in a book and see how all culture and generations deal with these things and how each generation must do the right thing.  

This book does go back and forth between time periods but it wasn't disruptive to the story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

From the publisher:
Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.
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The plot and idea of the story for this book is very interesting. It was different to read about a child's situation and then becoming and adult and how those early events shaped her.  It is moving to watch Adria's character fight for Louis' freedom from slavery.  

This story has another main set of characters, Ruth and Adria live together and I felt a bit frustrated at their lack of relationship.  I understand that attachment on either side isn't easy or natural but it felt like it could have been easier.  

The writing of this story also seemed a bit simplistic.  Although I enjoyed the book more as it went on, I found it hard to get into the story due to the simple nature of the writing.  

I do think that having the other characters added to this story.  And readers who may not enjoy one storyline may enjoy another.

I received this book free from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

From the publisher:

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth-century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred-acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.

But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.

As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?

A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

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Joanne Biscof is a masterful writer.  Her writing places you into the Appalachia mountains and the farm of this family.  It is the way you feel the mist of the morning as she writes, or the smell of apples as they are pressed into cider.  The written becomes tangible in her beautiful writing.  

But it is the emotions and relationships that are really captured by Biscof's writing.  From the first scene with Aven the reader will feel the hope and crushing disappointment in what follows.  You will journey with her to adjust to a new family and watch as her heart is opened to love again.  The softness of her character and yet strength is easy to appreciate.  

The three brothers each have strengths and weaknesses that you get to know through the book.  At first glance you can make judgements but as you continue to read Biscof shows that there is more than meets the eye.  

It was fascinating to see how Thor's thoughts, words, and actions were portrayed.  I loved reading a book about a deaf and mute character.  Bringing this into a main character and the struggles and triumphs associated were amazing. It was brilliant the way Biscof chose to incorporate this.

There were more relationships, with secondary characters, that were also of great interest to me.  The African American families, the KKK...all of it was very well written.

There are a few intense scenes in the book, so just to make readers aware.  I can't wait to read the second book in the series when it comes out!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Dinner for Dinos by Ben Whitehouse

This is a short board book about dinosaurs getting to get together for a meal. This funny book is supposed to encourage children to enjoy meal time and eat healthy.  While it isn't directly telling them to eat a balanced diet it could be another way parents can say, "hey! See, even dinosaurs want to eat healthy food to grow strong!"

Overall cute, but just not a favorite book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

From the publisher:
Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children--firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

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This is the second book in the Orphan Train series.  I did not read the first book but this one definitely makes me want to.  That being said, I didn't feel that I was lost at all.  Jody Hedlund does a great job of filling in what you need to know in a natural way.  

Marianne Neumann at once captured my interest.  Her honest expressions and big heart  make her easy to love.  I loved reading her grow from someone who only saw herself as weak to being strong in a variety of circumstances.

Andrew Brady was a wonderful hero in the story.  His light-hearted actions yet intentional way with the children and Marianne endear him to the reader right away.  The chemistry between Andrew and Marianne was fun and thrilling to read.  

I was truly touched by the stories of the orphans and appreciated the research that Jody Hedlund did in writing this book.  As an adoptive parent I felt these situations were handled well and I think it is wonderful that she is writing about this topic.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Create: A Girl's Guide to DIY, Doodles, and Design

What a fun and beautiful book!  Do you have a young girl in your life who enjoys creating with her hands?  This is a great book as a gift.  I love how the book has three parts.  Not everyone is creative in the same way and this book allows the readers to enjoy the areas they are best at, and at the same time have areas to grow and broaden themselves.

Each DIY, doodle, and design is clearly laid out.  What is needed, how to do it, and even how to make it a little more complicated (if you want) is in the layout.  There are pictures for each craft so you know what you are looking for in the end result. 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Devotions from the Lake

Do you love the peace of nature, the quiet of the lake at any season?  This book will be a short time focused on the nature around the lake and the tranquility therein. 

I love the cover of the book and the idea that even though we might be busy in concrete buildings, we can take these few minutes of devotions (early morning, mid-day, evening...or even just a few minutes in the car alone) and be transported to the lake and the peace of God that resides there.  Personally, I find that I wanted to go and be at the lake, in that quietness to have my own devotions.

Each devotional is short, and it doesn't go into depth -- but I believe it can be a quiet time to reconnect to the God who created the lake.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Breaking the Fear Cycle by Maria Furlough

From the publisher:
It seems there is more to fear now than ever, but fear and anxiety are nothing new to human beings--or to God. The Bible calls us to not be afraid on many occasions, and of course we all want to live without fear. But just how is that accomplished when every news item seems designed to get us wringing our hands?

Using her own story as a catalyst, Maria Furlough shows readers how to overcome fear for good. She calls readers to make a list of their fears, to choose to bring those fears to God rather than acting on them, and to trust God with the future. She shows how when we give God full control over our lives, choosing his sovereignty over our own ability, we can break the cycle of fear, grow through suffering, and trust God to fulfill his promises of protection and peace.

Anyone who is filled with anxiety over their personal circumstances, the state of the world today, or even their fear-clogged social media feeds will welcome this hands-on journey from fear to freedom.

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You'll know if this book is for you in the first chapter.  As author Maria Furlough describes her thought process going from a question to full blown panic attack you may well see yourself in the scenario.  Loving, caring, functioning Christians can find themselves obsessing over the "what ifs".  This book isn't just a formula or plan.  This book tells of Maria's personal journey through fear and anxiety on a daily basis when her worst fear was realized.  She shows how even when we don't get a miracle that God still knows how to heal us deep down.  There's a lot of practical advice between the pages of this book.  There's a lot of scripture quoted too.  But there is also one woman's personal testimony of a loving God who showed Himself to still be love in the midst of her worst nightmare.  Maria's story is one of hope for anyone who has chronic fear/anxiety.  She claims the peace that passes understanding through her relationship with a God who is intimately aware and involved in the details of our lives.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

First Impressions (A Contemporary Retelling of Pride and Prejudice) By Debra White Smith

While this is a retelling of the classic book Pride and Prejudice there is enough surprises and twists to make it seem brand new.  However, I found it a bit redundant to have the characters in the book who are each based on an Austen character also acting as those exact same characters in Aunt Maddy's Pride and Prejudice play.  For example Smith's character Dave Davidson is based on Austen's character Mr. Darcy.  Dave Davidson also acts in his aunt's play of Pride and Prejudice as Mr. Darcy.  That's just too much Mr. Darcy for me.  It has also made the plot of the story move a bit too slowly for my taste.  There is also too much mention (again redundancy) about Dave Davidson's vast wealth.  I get the picture!  But as reader am told over and over of this fact.  The best part of the book is the mystery behind Davidson's pseudonym and the Barclay sister's unique individual journeys.  If you are a Pride and Prejudice fan I think you will either love the retelling in a modern setting or perhaps find it disappointing as it cannot match Austen's work of art.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Embraced by Lysa TerKeurst

I love to just hold this book.  The cover, the design, the weight of it is perfect.  There is a bookmark inside to mark your days as you go along.  In this world where we find ourselves questioning who we are and what we mean, this is just the devotional we all need to read. 

Each devotional is a few pages and ends in a short prayer.  This book can be kept in your car for when you have a few minutes while you wait for your kids after school, or when you are a few minutes early for an appointment.  While the devotional isn't long, it can be just the pause and space you need to change how you view God's love. 

I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Night Night Jungle by Amy Parker Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

This board book by Amy Parker is a fun addition to any family's nighttime reading.  I love how ti includes a variety of animals that aren't "common" for children's books as it is centered around jungle animals.  The sweet cadence of the book will draw adults and children in.  Then Virginia Allyn's illustrations will keep them engaged as they enjoy the friendly and colorful images.  There is a sweetness of the book as each animals says night night as then is acknowledging that God made them.

I received this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Then Came You by Becky Wade (A Bradford Novella)

This novella!  Oh wow! I have not loved a novella like this in a long, long time!
Garner's character is swiftly developed but you feel a deep kinship with him, even though it is quick.  Through his journal entries you understand his thoughts and actions and the things that happen to him.
Kathleen is a spunky and yet winsome character who also grows through the years the novella passes through. 

I wasn't sure about the book being written through letters but Becky Wade did such an amazing job that I truly felt I knew these characters.  This made me eager to read the series that comes after it. 

After I read the book I was able to listen to it an audio.  What a treat!  The voice for Garner was perfection.  He was what I imagined him to be and his voice  made the novella even more engaging.
Kathleen's voice I felt grew on you as you got to know her more and she too matched the character that Becky Wade had written for us. 

I cannot tell you how much I loved this novella!

Falling for You by Becky Wade

From the publisher:

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.
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This is the second book in the Bradford Sisters Romance series. I am captivated by Willow and Corbin's story.  The first time around they did not have a perfect romance and the problems that lay before them are still there.  I love the tension, the choices they have had to make.  

There is a fun aspect to this book that makes it different from some other of Becky Wade books. In this book there is a mystery that brings Corbin and Willow together.  This will keep you on your seats as well as watching what is developing between the two.

Becky Wade is seriously a master at contemporary romance.  Each time I pick up one of her books I am drawn into the story and find myself looking for each opportunity to read.  I get hooked in her books.  

Even beyond the suspense and romance--I really love the relationship with the three sisters.  It's like Little Women for modern readers, in the sense that the relationships between the sisters is at least half of the story woven in between the lines.

I highly recommend this book (and the series) to others.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

This book is for now.  This book is for you and me.  I wept reading much of this book and not only because I felt the emotional pull of Katie Ganshert's authentic writing.  I cried because these are the things happening now.  The ways we treat each other and brush it off. This book takes you into the lives of three different women who are all a part of the same school, the same world.  This is based on true events and was you read the stories of Camille Gray, Jen Covington, and Anaya Jones you will find yourself opening your eyes to how we sweep injustice under the rug.

This book will be hard to read. And it might make you angry and frustrated.  But let that be away to see all that is going on around you and what you can do to make a difference.  Katie Ganshert doesn't leave you with the end of the book. She offers resources to help you continue to open your heart and voice to help others. 

I am incredibly thankful for this hard book. I needed it to open my eyes and heart again and again to what I don't always see.  I want to be a voice for God for others. I believe this book will be a major impact in that for others as well.

I received a book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears

As part of the Teaville Moral Society series this book can stand-alone, yet there might be a few part of the story that would be more meaningful if the reader has read the other books in the series.  That being said, readers will enjoy this story of Aaron and Mercy.

I am glad that Melissa Jagears chose to write about a bully and one of those who was bullied by this person.  It is important to see bullying from both sides.  To see those hurt by the bully and how in many circumstances the bully is how they are because of their own hurts and trials.  This doesn't make the actions right but it does show that bullying needs to show care for both parties and both need help.

I love how the story includes a local orphanage.  While those are commonplace in other countries this can help show that the need was, and still is, out there to care and love orphans.

There are a lot of deep themes in this book but it is not a heavy read.  Enjoy this book and melt into the story of Aaron and Mercy.

I received this book from the publishers. All opinions are my own.

I Can Only Imagine: Picture Book by Bart Millard with Laura Neutzling; Illustrated by Sumiti Collina

This is a fun picture book.  It goes through a lot of the fun questions children have when thinking about heaven. If you have ever been around a child, and talked about heaven with them, they  have tons of questions about heaven and who God is and what we will do in heaven and what God does in heaven. 

What I really appreciated was the ending of this book.  Yes, there are fun and interesting questions about heaven and God, but the books ends with how we don't have to wait until heaven to spend time with God.  I felt that this enabled the children to not just be waiting for heaven to have a relationship with God but instead begin that close relationship here and now.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting by Eryn Lynum

From the publisher:
On the day of their baby dedication, Eryn and her husband were given a jar of 936 pennies. The jar contained a penny for every week they would raise their child until graduation, and they were instructed to remove one penny each Sunday as a reminder, placing it into another jar as an investment. 

At some point every parent realizes time is moving swiftly, and they ask themselves, How am I investing in my child? Through personal stories and biblical examples, 936 Pennies will help you discover how to capture time and use it to its fullest potential, replacing guilt and regrets with freedom. Meanwhile, your kids will see how simple choices, like putting the cell phone down and going on a family hike, will make all the difference. Together you will stretch time and make it richer. 

Craft a family legacy in tune with God's heartbeat as you capture a new vision for your children and learn the best ways to spend your pennies.
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There are many books on parenting.  What makes this on interesting is being able to think about our children's lives in terms of weeks.  Eryn Lynum takes the way we look at time and expands it.  She breaks down time into different categories and share personal stories on how she did this. Occassionally there are questions to reflect on at the end of a section. These allow the reader to go deeper into the concepts shared. 

What also sets this book apart is how she focuses on the joy we can have in intentional parenting. We aren't to be bogged down in this intentional parenting.  The stories shared allow them to be translated into something the reader can relate to and implement themselves.

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

The Way of Abundance: A 60-Day Journey Into a Deeply Meaningful Life by Ann Voskamp

This is a precious book.  A beautiful devotional.  Each devotional is only a few pages long with a few questions for reflections. This is just right for a quiet time in the morning or evening while reading a hot drink.  Ann Voskamp writes in a lyrical and heart-felt way that will call and speak to the deep places of your heart.  Brokenness is in all of our lives and I love how Ann begins to share her journey, which can be ours, into the way of abundance.  This is not just a devotional to enjoy and walk away.  Instead this is a devotional that will change you and give light to the darkness you find yourself in.

I cannot wait to give this to loved ones!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.