"NINE" BY RACHELLE DEKKER

"Nine" by Rachelle Dekker

Synopsis:

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

My Review:

Reading and thinking about this book is keeping me awake at night. I've found it difficult to put down and hard to sleep without knowing what happens next. From its first pages it really grabbed my attention with an intense situation, two females frantically running for their lives in the woods while being chased by a large group of armed pursuers with ill intentions. The older of these females is rescuing the younger one from...

I don't want to spoil anything here. I'll just say that if you enjoy an eerie mystery/suspense/thriller story that's fast-paced, with an action-packed theme of good versus evil and a hint of science fiction, I highly recommend picking up this book.

My only complaint is that there is a little too much violence in this story for my liking.

Thank you NetGalley and Revell for sending me this book to read and review!

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

"THE HOUSE ON FOSTER HILL" BY JAIME JO WRIGHT

"The House on Foster Hill" by Jaime Jo Wright

Synopsis:

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

My Review:

Wow! The House on Foster Hill is my favorite kind of escape! This is, without a doubt, one of the best mystery/suspense books I’ve ever read, largely due to the author's amazing writing style. This story is quite gripping from beginning to end, and one that will undoubtedly stay in my thoughts for some time. I really enjoyed its dual-time mysteries, interesting characters, and overall eerie atmosphere. Also, this book's cover is gorgeous and fits its story perfectly!

“Death had a way of creeping up on a soul, and Ivy Thorpe was determined that when it visited her, she would not be surprised…”

My heart really went out to Ivy — the main character in 1906 — with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, feeling so alone in and misunderstood by the world around her, and being stalked and preyed upon by a mysterious and evil man. Kaine — the main character in present day — is dealing with the same types of experiences. I love the ways in which these two women are connected over time, and how they both evolve throughout their stories.

The only problem I had with this book is that I have a difficult time reading about anything having to do with human sex trafficking and/or rape, which is in this book, however, I really appreciate that this is minimal with no real detail given of these criminal acts. Overall, the crime in this book is creepy, but clean.

As what I believe is Jaime Jo Wright’s debut novel, The House on Foster Hill proves she is a masterful storyteller, and I will gladly read any book she ever writes!

My ⭐ Rating: 4.75 stars (rounding up to 5 stars)

Note: I gratefully received a free digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Other Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com.

"ACCEPTABLE RISK" BY LYNETTE EASON

"Acceptable Risk" by Lynette Eason

Synopsis:

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

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

My Review:

"Acceptable Risk" is a military/romance/suspense fiction book that is well written with intense scenery, giving great detail on subjects I find difficult to read at the moment, including gruesome war/terrorist attacks, as well as serious depression, anxiety, and suicide.

In its opening chapter, a woman named Helen Craft is suffering from severe PTSD after experiencing unspeakable war crimes resulting in the death and dismemberment of many children at an orphanage. As a doctor on the scene, Helen did all she could to save the surviving children, but many of them died of their injuries anyway, resulting in 60+ child deaths. This causes Helen to lose her will to live, and she commits suicide, right in front of her sister.

This scene was gut-wrenching to read.

The second chapter opens with Sarah Denning sitting in an Afghani prison cell, "fighting the fear that had been her constant companion" since the previous day—when the Taliban attacked the school where she was a guest teacher, and captured her with plans to "use her and kill her."

The terrorist attacks, at least in the beginning of this book, seem to be primarily targeting children, which is quite disturbing.

With all that has been going on in the world recently, and the steady bombardment of negative news, I can't bring myself to read a book like this right now. That being said, from what I did read of this book, it appears to be very well written and Lynette Eason seems to be quite a good storyteller, so I will keep this book on my shelf to revisit some time in the future.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts, for which I am very grateful.

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

"THE KEY TO EVERYTHING" BY VALERIE FRASER LUESSE

"The Key to Everything" by by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Synopsis:

"After WWII and a family tragedy, Peyton Cabot seeks connection with his troubled veteran father by retracing the trip he'd taken from Savannah to Key West at the same age. The adventure forces Peyton to come to terms with his identity and decide how much he's willing to risk for the girl he loves."

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this book so much more than I thought I would!

It is set in Georgia and Florida in the 1940s, with some backstories earlier than that. It follows the very wealthy Cabot family--“one of the richest clans in Georgia”-- in which most of its members are greedy, selfish, pretentious, and treat those outside of their family like total dirt.

The main character, a 15-year-old boy named Peyton Cabot, along with his parents and grandfather, are not at all like the rest of the Cabot family--they believe in working hard for an income, not having everything handed to you, and dedicate much of their lives to helping the needy.

These differences in personalities cause conflict in the family. I especially enjoyed the scenes where certain characters are put in their place for their unkind words and actions.

The story mostly follows Peyton. This is a wonderful young boy that I really loved getting to know, seeing how he handles different life situations, and following his adventurous travels from Georgia to the Key West, where he met some really fascinating and lovable characters along the way. Peyton's great Aunt Gert (not a Cabot) turned out to be one of my favorite characters in this book.

Overall, this is a beautiful story that I can see myself revisiting again in the future.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Note: I received a copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Credits: The book cover seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com, and the synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.com.

"THE GENTLEMAN SPY" BY ERICA VETSCH

 

"The Gentleman Spy" by Erica Vetsch

Synopsis:

"He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?"

My Review:

Not far into this book I realized how wonderful it is. Erica Vetsch is a brilliant storyteller that combines history, romance, and mystery beautifully. "The Gentleman Spy" is an enjoyable read set in Regency England, with quite intriguing characters. This book has gained a permanent place on my shelf and I look forward to revisiting it very soon.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from "Read with Audra" and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts, for which I am very grateful.

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

To enter to win the special giveaway for this book (and extras) seen in the above photo, click here.

THE "UNCOMMON JUSTICE" TRILOGY BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

The "Uncommon Justice" Trilogy by Elizabeth Goddard

Book #1 / "Never Let Go"
My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

"As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk."
Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other."

Book #2 / "Always Look Twice"
My ⭐ Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis:

"At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other."

Book #3 / "Don't Keep Silent"
My ⭐ Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

"Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he just doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her. As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other."

My Review:

I recently received a copy of book #3 / “Don’t Keep Silent” from its publisher in exchange for my reviewing it, for which I am incredibly grateful! This made me read the whole "Uncommon Justice" trilogy, in order, and I really enjoyed it! These books are so packed full of suspense and intrigue, from beginning to end! They were a great escape from reality and I had a difficult time putting them down!

With serious criminals and crimes taking place, I really appreciate that the author kept these books clean, without any profanity, sexual content, or real detailed violence.

More of my thoughts for each of these books can be found at Goodreads.

Note: The synopses seen in this post are courtesy of Amazon.com. 

"THESE NAMELESS THINGS" BY SHAWN SMUCKER

"These Nameless Things" by Shawn Smucker

Synopsis:

"Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet. He and the eight other people in the mostly abandoned town had become friends. They spent peaceful evenings around the campfire and even made vague plans to journey east one day and leave the ominous mountain behind.

But the woman's arrival changes everything. Who is she? How does she know so much about Dan's brother, who is still held captive in the mountain? Why are long-forgotten memories rising to the surface? And why does Dan feel so compelled to keep her presence in his house a secret?"

My Review:

"These Nameless Things" is the first book I've ever read by this author, and to be honest, its cover is what initially sparked my interest in reading it, partnered with the fact that it's been labeled a Christian mystery/suspense/thriller -- a genre combination I love. Not knowing much about this book before reading it, I didn't really know what to expect, and my initial thoughts were along the lines of... What in the world is going on here!? This feeling stuck with me throughout most of this book.

"These Nameless Things" is very mysterious and thought-provoking, where every question answered leads to more questions. In an atmosphere that is quite eerie, filled with utter despair and hopelessness, it carries a strong message of forgiveness and finding light in the darkest of places.

I'm really on the fence with rating this book 3 or 4 stars, my reason being that although I enjoyed reading this book, I feel that its pacing is a bit slow, with most things super drawn out, and its ending seems too rushed, leaving many unanswered questions. I can't say much about this without spoiling the book.

My ⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I received a copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for my reviewing it, for which I am very grateful.

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

"STORIES THAT BIND US" BY SUSIE FINKBEINER

"Stories That Bind Us" by Susie Finkbeiner

Synopsis:

"Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.

In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts."

My Review:

Having been struggling with COVID-19 symptoms, "Stories That Bind Us" was a welcome escape and helped me get out of a reading slump. 

I love the character development seen in this book, and the way things unfold primarily through the voice of Betty Sweet, a kind and loving soul who has a wonderful outlook on life, despite her hardships. I really enjoyed getting to know this main character and found her to be quite inspirational. I also loved reading about Betty's relationships with her in-laws and her nephew, Hugo.

An emotional and heartfelt tale, "Stories That Bind Us" made me smile, laugh, and shed tears of sadness and joy. This book carries a strong message of finding strength, hope, and faith amid life's most difficult moments.

This is a book I would like to revisit with my book club some time soon, at which time I will add more thoughts to this review.

My ⭐ Rating: 5 stars

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Revell in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

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

"COMPARISON GIRL" BY SHANNON POPKIN

"Comparison Girl" by Shannon Popkin

Synopsis:

"Do you constantly compare yourself with others? On social media, in your neighborhood, at church, or in the school drop-off lane, do you push yourself to prove that you measure up . . . and then feel ashamed when you don’t? Measuring yourself against others isn’t healthy. And it isn’t God’s plan. In fact, the way of Jesus is completely upside down from this measure-up world. He invites us to follow him and be restored to freedom, confidence, and joy.

Join Shannon Popkin as she shares what she has discovered about her own measure-up fears and get-ahead pride. With her trademark humor and straightforward honesty, she’s created this six-week Bible study to explore the conversations Jesus had and the stories he shared with people who--like us--were comparing themselves.

Leave measure-up comparison behind and connect with those around you by choosing Jesus’s me-free way of living: lifting others up and pouring yourself out!"

My Review:

I've been suffering from mental fog due to COVID-19, which is making it difficult for me to read, however I am making my way slowly through this book and I'm loving it! I can already say that I would highly recommend this book to any female that struggles with negative thoughts and feelings that stem from comparing herself to others. I will update this blog as soon as I finish the book and gather my thoughts on it.

My ⭐ Rating: TBD

Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

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

"THE LOST LIEUTENANT" BY ERICA VETCH

"The Lost Lieutenant" by Erica Vetsch

Synopsis:

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?
Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

My Review:

I've been quite sick recently and really enjoyed spending these last few days cozied up in bed reading this book. Wonderfully written and a great escape from reality, "The Lost Lieutenant" has a perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, historical details, and romance, and I love the way faith has been woven throughout this story. This book is a definite keeper and one I will likely read again in the future.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!

Credits: The synopsis seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.

To enter to win the special giveaway in the image seen above, click here.

"HAPPILY EVER AFTER..." BY DEBBIE TUNG

"Happily Ever After & Everything in Between" 
by Debbie Tung

Reading this warmed my heart and brought me so much joy and laughter at a time that this was much needed! Happily Ever After is incredibly charming and funny, giving the reader a unique inside look at the life of an introvert and an extrovert in their first years of marriage. With sweet and awkward everyday moments, I appreciate that the scenes in this book are mostly lighthearted and wholesome.

I typically have a hard time getting into graphic novels or comics, however I absolutely love and can really relate to the imagery and messages conveyed in all of this author's books, including this one (although I am not yet married). Over the last year and a half or so, I have become such a huge fan of all of Debbie Tung's written and artistic works, all of which are inspired by her own life as a book loving introvert.

Note: I received a digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback, for which I am very grateful.

My ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Credits: The cover image seen in this post is courtesy of Amazon.com, where you can now pre-order this book.

"THE COMMON RULE" BY JUSTIN WHITMEL EARLY

"The Common Rule" by Justin Whitmel Earley

Synopsis:

"Habits form us more than we form them. The modern world is a machine of a thousand invisible habits, forming us into anxious, busy, and depressed people. We yearn for the freedom and peace of the gospel, but remain addicted to our technology, shackled by our screens, and exhausted by our routines. But because our habits are the water we swim in, they are almost invisible to us. What can we do about it? The answer to our contemporary chaos is to practice a rule of life that aligns our habits to our beliefs. The Common Rule offers four daily and four weekly habits, designed to help us create new routines and transform frazzled days into lives of love for God and neighbor. Justin Earley provides concrete, doable practices, such as a daily hour of phoneless presence or a weekly conversation with a friend. These habits are “common” not only because they are ordinary, but also because they can be practiced in community. They have been lived out by people across all walks of life―businesspeople, professionals, parents, students, retirees―who have discovered new hope and purpose. As you embark on these life-giving practices, you will find the freedom and rest for your soul that comes from aligning belief in Jesus with the practices of Jesus." (Amazon)

My Review:

It is difficult to put into words all of the ways this book spoke to me while reading it. This is such an age of distraction, as this book says, and it is so easy for distractions to rule our lives, taking us away from the things that matter most in life. I love how this book teaches the importance of our habits and how to control them to change our lives for the better.

"The Common Rule" is very inspirational and educational, and has inspired so many good changes in me and my life. This is likely a book I will turn to often in the coming years.

My ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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

THE "CANADIAN WEST" SERIES BY JANETTE OKE

The "Canadian West" series by Janette Oke

Synopsis of Book #1, "When Calls the Heart":

"Nothing in her cultured East Coast upbringing prepared Elizabeth for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. Yet, despite the constant hardships, she loves the children in her care. Determined to do the best job she can and fighting to survive the harsh land, Elizabeth is surprised to find her heart softening towards a certain member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading the entire "Canadian West" series by Janette Oke, which I read for the first time in 2019 and will definitely read again in the future—at which time I will add more of my thoughts on this series to my blog. For now I will say that this has become one of my favorite book series, and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy western historical fiction with a bit of romance.

The series order:
1. When Calls the Heart
2. When Comes the Spring
3. When Breaks the Dawn
4. When Hope Springs New
5. Beyond the Gathering Storm
6. When Tomorrow Comes

Note: As a devoted fan of the "When Calls the Heart" television series on the Hallmark channel, I must say that other than having one or two of the same names for characters, and being set the same time period in Canada, this book series shares very few similarities with Hallmark's series.

My ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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

"BEST FAMILY EVER" BY KAREN KINGSBURY

"Best Family Ever" by Karen Kingsbury

Synopsis:

"Brooke is the perfect older sister. For that reason, Kari and Ashley work hard to make their parents just as proud of them as they are of Brooke. Each girl has her own talents. Brooke is an excellent student. Kari is a great soccer player. Ashley, a talented artist. And they are always there for each other.

But when the news comes that Dr. Baxter is moving the family from Ann Arbor to Bloomington, Indiana, and the Baxters need to leave the only home and friends they’ve ever known, no one is happy. Saying goodbye is hard but the family still has what’s most important—their faith and their love for each other. 

The first book in the Baxter Family Children series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury and Tyler Russell tell the story of what it was like to grow up in the Baxter family, the best family ever."

My Review:

"Best Family Ever" is packed full of wonderful life lessons and its characters are incredibly relatable. The Baxter kids in this book experience all sorts of normal childhood things, including social and academic struggles and successes, friendships, bullies, balancing hobbies and schoolwork, and the difficulty of moving long distance. They get through all of these things and more relying on their family and their faith in God.

This is such a great book for people of all ages, but especially for kids ages 8-12, grades 3-7. I wish so much that I had a book like this to read as a kid.

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.

"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.

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"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.