"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.

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.