"A TREASURY OF CHRISTMAS MIRACLES" BY KAREN KINGSBURY

"A Treasury of Christmas Miracles" 
by Karen Kingsbury

Synopsis:

"There are times when a seemingly random event in life is suddenly revealed as a truly miraculous moment. And no time lends itself more to the possibility of miracles than Christmas season-that special time of year when the hand of God seems to touch the mundane world.

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles is a heartwarming collection of stories for and about the holidays-true stories of ordinary people touched in extraordinary ways: a man whose plane is guided to safety by an unknown radio voice, a woman experiencing the unconditional love of strangers, and the phone call from a loving father who happened to have died many years ago.

These and others are the stories that reveal the undeniable proof that God is with us."

My Review:

This is such a great book to read any time of the year, especially at Christmas!

The true stories in “A Treasury of Christmas Miracles" are wonderfully told and bring awareness to some of the amazing recent miracles God has performed. This book really touched my heart and soul and brought tears to my eyes several times. It shows that God is always looking out for us, keeping us safe from so many things, many of which we may never know. This is definitely a book I'll want to revisit time and time again!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Credits: The cover image and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of the author's website, karenkingsbury.com.

"CATCHING CHRISTMAS" BY TERRI BLACKSTOCK

"Catching Christmas" by Terri Blackstock

Synopsis:

"As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.
The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.

When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it."

My Review:

“Catching Christmas” is a wonderful holiday read with realistic characters and scenarios that made me feel a wide range of emotions. With very minimal romance toward the end of this book, this story's main focus is on the moving and amusing interactions between cab driver Finn and the old lady with dementia, Miss Callie, which I loved to read about. I found this book difficult to put down and didn't want it to end.

If you like endearing and inspirational Christmas stories that make you laugh and cry, and that really tug at your heartstrings, I highly recommend you read "Catching Christmas."

Note: I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Credits: The cover image and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of the author's website, terriblackstock.com.

NIV BEAUTIFUL WORD COLORING BIBLE FOR GIRLS

My Review: This is an absolutely magnificent bible for girls, really of any age with the ability to read and understand its text, especially preteen girls with creative interests and skills. Its pages provide ample lined margins and ready-to-color line art for readers to take notes, color, and draw. This allows readers to really personalize their bible. The art in this book is stunning and the pages are thicker than those seen in most other bibles, to prevent notes and markings from bleeding through the pages. I really love this bible and cannot say enough good things about it. I highly recommend the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls as a Christmas or birthday gift.

The book cover seen above is courtesy of Amazon.com, where this bible can be purchased. 

Note: I received a free copy of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls from Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) in exchange for this review. This post is sponsored by Zondervan.

Click here to download some of the coloring pages from this bible.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls and a similar coloring bible...

Enter here: https://www.audrajennings.com/2019/12/nivbeautifulwordgiveaway.html

"THE BUTTERFLY RECLUSE" BY THERESE HECKENKAMP

"The Butterfly Recluse" by Therese Heckenkamp

My Synopsis & Review:

Following traumatic events, Lila has become a recluse, sheltering herself in a home away from other people, where she finds solace in raising and photographing butterflies. She maintains her own private butterfly garden and sells her butterfly photographs online. She is also earning a college degree online, and does all of her shopping online, doing all she can to never leave her little sanctuary… until a stranger shows up and her life begins to change in many unexpected ways.

This story has heartbreaking, heartwarming, funny, romantic, and suspenseful scenes, stirring up an array of emotions. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, especially the shocking plot twist at the end that I never saw coming!

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Notes: You can find my review of this book on Goodreads, here.

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com. I received this book from its publisher via BookSirens in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about this author and her books, check out her website, ThereseHeckenkamp.com.

"THE ESCAPE MANUAL FOR INTROVERTS" BY KATIE VAZ

"The Escape Manual for Introverts" by Katie Vaz

Synopsis:

"Trapped in an airplane seated next to a chatterbox? Are you hosting a dinner party with people who just won't leave? Katie Vaz has the key to your escape. The Escape Manual for Introverts guides readers through different scenarios with themed chapters ("Friends," "Relatives," "Strangers," etc.). Each chapter covers a range of situations, from an invitation to karaoke night to group lunchtime. And she offers a number of escapes for each scenario: bringing odoriferous foods to lunch for a while, having a pet (real or imagined) that "requires" frequent check-ins, and even investing in a jet pack. This book features Vaz's full-page illustrated spreads, hand-lettering, and spot illustrations. From the silly to the sincere, Vaz's clever, hilarious escape plans and bizarre excuses speak to the introvert in all of us."

My Review:

This is quite an entertaining little guide for introverts. I love how this book mixes truth with humor, while teaching introverts how to escape energy draining situations. The hand drawn illustrations are especially charming—some of which are sincere, many of which are quite funny. This is a quick read that I finished in about an hour and really enjoyed.

"The Escape Manual for Introverts" is a super cute book that I highly recommend to all introverts as well as those who want to better understand the introverts in their lives.

Note: I received a digital arc edition of this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful. I have since purchased a physical copy of this book that I have on display in my office.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Note: If you like this book, I highly recommend following its author at Instagram.com/KatieMarieVaz.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"ASTRAY" BY J.F. ROGERS

"Astray" by J. F. Rogers

Synopsis:

After a lifetime with no knowledge of her parents, troubled seventeen-year-old Fallon Webb receives a necklace once belonging to her mother. The amulet leads her on a life-changing journey through a portal to a foreign land where she encounters unusual creatures, shape-shifters, and something she’s always longed for—family.

In Ariboslia, Fallon learns her mother is alive. Vampire-like creatures have her, and many others, captive. Most distressing is the prophecy that devastated her family. Can she trust it? Because if it’s right, Fallon must destroy the vampires’ leader—her uncle—to rescue her mother and free her people from the threat.

Unprepared and afraid, Fallon sets out on the journey, with no skills to assist her quest and no other way home. In her travels, she learns about the One True God and how desperately she needs Him. Perhaps, with His help, she’ll find a way to fulfill her destiny and stay alive.

My Review:

I love love love this book! It is now a favorite of mine in the fantasy fiction genre…

"Astray" is the first book of the Ariboslia series. The fantasy elements in this book remind me of: "The Chronicles of Narnia”—with characters stepping through a portal between the human realm and a realm where magical settings, beings, and creatures exist; and “The Lord of the Rings”—influenced by folklore, mythology, and the Christian bible, with a selected group of characters sent on a quest to save the world from evil forces.

What appears to be her debut novel, "Astray" reveals its author’s amazing imagination and storytelling abilities. Something I really enjoyed is the way she uses comparative descriptions that are quite creative, fun to read, and help form vivid pictures in the minds of readers, such as: "The hairs on my arms stood up like meerkats on the lookout for danger" as a reaction to a creepy environment; and “The clouds let loose, as if God had tightened His fist around them and squeezed” in reference to a downpour of rain.

The characters of this book are quite interesting with great character arcs. Multiple races (humans, shapeshifters, vampires, and others) can be found in this book, and I love the balance of good and bad shown in every race, with a powerful story of redemption. I especially enjoyed seeing the growth and development of Fallon (the main character) throughout this book. Being in the realm of Ariboslia and surrounded by its natives changes her a great deal, for the better.

Some of my favorite quotes from "Astray" are: “No matter where you are, no matter what has happened, there is a greater purpose for everything” and “Through it all, you are loved by the One True God.”

“Astray” is an inspirational and imaginative fantasy fiction book that teens and adults are sure to enjoy!

I now look forward to reading anything J. F. Rogers ever writes! 😊

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: You can find my Goodreads review of "Astray" here. Also, I received a free copy of this book from its publisher and author, for which I am incredibly grateful, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

If any of you would like to learn more about J. F. Rogers and her books, check out her website, JFRogers.com.

"QUIET GIRL IN A NOISY WORLD" BY DEBBIE TUNG

"Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story" by Debbie Tung

Synopsis:

This illustrated gift book of short comics illuminates author Debbie Tung's experience as an introvert in an extrovert’s world. Presented in a loose narrative style that can be read front to back or dipped into at one’s leisure, the book spans three years of Debbie’s life, from the end of college to the present day. In these early years of adulthood, Debbie slowly but finally discovers there is a name for her lifelong need to be alone: she’s an introvert. The first half of the book traces Debbie’s final year in college: socializing with peers, dating, falling in love (with an extrovert!), moving in, getting married, meeting new people, and simply trying to fit in. The second half looks at her life after graduation: finding a job, learning to live with her new husband, trying to understand social obligations when it comes to the in-laws, and navigating office life. Ultimately, "Quiet Girl" sends a positive, pro-introvert message: our heroine learns to embrace her introversion and finds ways to thrive in the world while fulfilling her need for quiet.

My Review:

This is a book after my own heart. Page after page after page, I felt this book was reading my mind and very reminiscent of my own life story, for the most part. I felt the same way while reading "Book Love" by the same author. I absolutely love Debbie Tung's honesty, vulnerability, sense of humor, and artistic talents seen throughout her books!

"Quiet Girl in a Noisy World" is a delightful collection of comics that tells a story most introverts can relate to, and would make a perfect gift for introverts.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Note: If you like this book, I highly recommend following Debbie Tung at Instagram.com/WheresMyBubble.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"BOOK LOVE" BY DEBBIE TUNG

"Book Love" by Debbie Tung

Synopsis:

"Book Love" is a gift book of comics tailor-made for tea-sipping, spine-sniffing, book-hoarding bibliophiles. Debbie Tung’s comics are humorous and instantly recognizable—making readers laugh while precisely conveying the thoughts and habits of book nerds. "Book Love" is the ideal gift to let a book lover know they’re understood and appreciated.

My Review:

Bookworms rejoice! This is the first graphic novel I can remember reading. I haven’t really had an interest in graphic novels, comics, or manga, however I love love LOVE this book! From start to finish, I was absolutely hooked. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting — every page pulling at my heart strings. Debbie Tung’s illustrations and text are positively charming, and I feel like nearly everything in this book describes who I am.

I received a digital copy of “Book Love” from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am incredibly grateful. Since I first read this book in January of 2019, I purchased a physical copy of it, have had it on display in my office, have read it a second time, and flip through it often. I cannot get enough of this book! This would absolutely make a perfect gift for any book lover!

Here is a super cute trailer for this book by its publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Note: If you like this book, I highly recommend following Debbie Tung at Instagram.com/WheresMyBubble.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com.

"DEAD LAKE" BY DARCY COATES

"Dead Lake" by Darcy Coates

My Synopsis & Review:

A young professional artist named Sam stays alone in her Uncle Peter’s cabin for a week to gain creative inspiration and create several paintings, without interruption, for an upcoming exhibition. Her uncle built this cabin himself about 10 years ago as a beautiful place to escape to on occasion, and when he offered it to his niece, she gladly accepted thinking it was just what she needed to get away from all distractions and focus on her art for a bit.

The cabin rests on the shore of a large lake, surrounded by densely wooded mountains, a two-hour drive from the nearest town. It has no electricity, no phone reception, and no running water. In this place, the only method of communication with the outside world is via a battery powered two-way radio. Sam had looked forward to this isolation and believed it would help her, however her fear of this place gradually rises as eery to downright horrifying things occur, both natural and supernatural.

I read this as I was in the mood for a creepy and quick read, and although I enjoyed reading this book, how it was written, and its pacing... it was more terrifying than I imagined it would be and scared me enough to give me some nightmares.

I recommend this book to those who love stories that make your heart race and your skin crawl. To those who frighten easily or somewhat easily, I recommend not reading this book at night or in the dark.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Notes: If any of you would like to learn more about Darcy Coates and her books, check out her website, DarcyCoates.com. Also, you can find my review of Dead Lake with my book highlights at Goodreads, here.

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"THE KILLING TIDE" BY DANI PETTREY

"The Killing Tide" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Review:

The opening line in this book really grabbed my attention.

So this was how she was going to die….

The Killing Tide has all sorts of dangerous criminals posing a threat to the main characters from the very beginning. This book contains many of the things I love most about Dani Pettrey’s Submerged (one of my favorite books)—interesting family and friendships, action and adventure, thrilling suspense and mystery, an exciting water/dive rescue theme, and a cast of brave heroes and heroines.

Sadly, I feel the main characters of this book (Gabby and Finn) are lacking depth, making it difficult to get invested in them. Their romance is also quite superficial and a bit too heavy for my liking, with more of a focus on physical/sexual attraction than their personalities or internal traits. After finishing this book, I felt like I didn't really know or care too much about these two characters and found myself a lot more interested in the side characters.

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors, and while I didn't love The Killing Tide, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the Coastal Guardians series. I’m especially interested in finding out more about the secondary characters, Noah Rowley and Rissi Dawson.

On a side note, the cover of this book is amazing!

My ⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Note: You can find my Goodreads review of "The Killing Tide" with my highlights here. 

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.

"SUBMERGED" BY DANI PETTREY

"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.

Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?

My Review:

Reading this book, I found myself wishing I could be a part of the McKenna clan. I really enjoyed getting to know this fictional family. The camaraderie and playfulness between siblings and how they all look after one another is quite appealing.

The characters of Submerged are all well developed with varied personalities, ranging from really likable to really detestable. The story plot is very well-paced and the crime elements are mysterious and thrilling, with a bit of a Nancy Drew vibe. I really love the rescue diving theme in this book!

One of my absolute favorite things about Submerged is its message that no one is undeserving of love and forgiveness. This is especially evident in the wonderful character arc of Bailey Craig, as she undergoes a quite significant internal transformation from the beginning to the end of this story. I loved seeing this character evolve and heal from her brokenness.

Submerged is Dani Pettrey's first published novel, the first book I ever read by this author, and one of the first Christian suspense books I ever read (now a favorite genre). I love this book and can't wait to read the rest of Pettrey's written works.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This book belongs to the "Alaskan Courage" series. My reviews for the rest of books in this series can be found on Goodreads, which there is a link to near the top of my blog. Also, you can find my Goodreads review of "Submerged" with my book highlights here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com, and if any of you would like to learn more about Dani Pettrey and her books, check out her website, DaniPettrey.com.

"DECEIVED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Deceived" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #3)

Synopsis:

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

My Review:

Yet another well written suspense novel by Irene Hannon with richly developed characters and a captivating storyline.

This is the final book in the "Private Justice" trilogy. Each book in this series focuses primarily on one of Phoenix, Inc.'s private investigators and a case he is working—Cal in "Vanished" (book #1), Dev in "Trapped" (book #2), and Connor in "Deceived" (book #3). I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this series, and I loved the close friendship between these three investigators.

I found "Deceived" to be a gripping read and an excellent conclusion to the "Private Justice" series!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Deceived" with my highlights here.

Credits: The book covers and synopses seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"TRAPPED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Trapped" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #2)

Synopsis:

When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

My Review:

This is quite a chilling story with just the right amount of creepiness and complete terror, alongside a heartfelt budding romance. Hannon is rather talented in creating thrilling stories with well-developed, intriguing characters.

I read "Vanished" and "Trapped" (books 1 & 2 in the "Private Justice" series) back to back and these two books share numerous similarities, including many of the same character introductions, relationship details, and very similar plots and settings. For this reason, I recommend putting a bit of time between each book, to avoid the feeling of repetitiveness. The books in this series were written as stand-alone novels that have some connections to one another, but can each be read on their own.

"Trapped" is well written and very well-paced, with suspense building more and more as the story progresses and details are gradually revealed about its villain. I found this book to be highly enjoyable and difficult to put down.

Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

My ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Trapped" here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.

"VANISHED" BY IRENE HANNON

"Vanished" by Irene Hannon

(Private Justice #1)

Synopsis:

Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

My Review:

This book has all of the things I now look for in a good suspense novel... A mentally and emotionally captivating plot driven by dangerous circumstances that keep you on the edge of your seat, with compelling characters, and subtle elements of faith and romance, without any profanity, graphic violence, or sexual content.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "After that, I started laying my problems and needs before God and asking for grace and guidance and whatever other virtues he thought I needed..."

"Vanished" captured both my mind and my heart. I found this book to be thrilling, uplifting, and truly entertaining. This is the first book I've read by Irene Hannon, and I very much look forward to reading more of her suspense work!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Notes: This is an older review (2017) that I'll be updating when I read this book again. You can find my Goodreads review of "Vanished" here.

Credits: The book cover and synopsis seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. Also, if any of you would like to learn more about Irene Hannon and her books, check out her website, IreneHannon.com.