Book Review! On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Title: On a Summer Tide
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: April 30, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “When her father buys an island off the coast of Maine with the hope of breathing new life into it, Camden Grayson thinks hes lost his mind. An unexpected event sends Cam to his rescue, and she discovers the island has its own way of living . . . and loving.”

Review: This book was incredible! I loved every second of reading it. It was well written, had engaging characters, and the setting was perfect.

I have only read Suzanne Woods Fisher’ s Amish fiction books before this, so I wasn’t sure what her contemporary romance would be like. It was so amazing!

These characters are easy to relate to and I was rooting for them throughout the book. Each member of this community are unique and I love them all.

I absolutely adore books written on islands and/or beaches. The vivid writing in this book made this setting even better.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance, or clean romances.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

 

Book Review! The Farmer’s Daughter Romance Collection

Title: The Farmer’s Daughter Romance Collection
Authors:  Mary Davis, Kelly Eileen Hake, Tracie Peterson, Jill Stengl, Susan May Warren
Rating: 4/5

Description from Goodreads: “Enjoy five historical novels by some of Christian fiction’s bestselling authors. Meet daughters of prairie farms from Montana south to Kansas who find love in the midst of turbulent life changes. Marty’s nieces are kidnapped. Rosalind’s town is overrun by a railroad company. Amy’s jealousy comes between her and her twin. Beulah’s answer is needed to a marriage proposal. Lilly’s choice puts her at odd with her neighbors. Into each of their lives rides a man who may only make their situations worse.”

Review: This is such a fun and entertaining book. Filled with short books from each of these authors, it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with some awesome new authors, or read more from some favorites.

Each story is less than 100 pages long, making it a quick and easy way to fill time when you aren’t in the mood for a long novel, or if you need something to read while at the doctor’s office or waiting in line.

Each story is well written, entertaining, and grabs your interest from the beginning. I loved reading these stories, and you will too!

 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book Review! The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

Title: The Heart of a King

Author: Jill Eileen Smith
Rating: 4.5/5
Release Date: April 30, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “Four women captured King Solomon’s heart in different ways, and he indulges his desires despite warnings. For all his wisdom, did Solomon or the women he loved ever find what they were searching for?”

Review: This is a very interesting book. I was instantly drawn into this fictional world of King Solomon and his family. I was fascinated by his life and the struggles he endured due to his great wisdom and many wives. This book kept me intrigued throughout the entire thing.

Jill Eileen Smith is a master at Biblical Fiction, and she always stays true to the Bible while adding fictional background and lives to her characters. This book was no different. Comparing this book to the Bible, all the Biblical accounts were there, and none of the fictionalized additions conflicted with it. It is a great way to get a deeper understanding of what King Solomon and his wives COULD have experienced and endured.

The only problem I endured was when reading Queen Sheba’s story. I felt like I was just thrown into the middle of her story and didn’t get enough background to fully understand her life. Jill Eileen Smith has explained that this is due to her previously released books written about each of King Solomon’s wives, and she didn’t want to repeat what was there. I didn’t have this issue with any of the other wives, just Queen Sheba.

 Recommendation: I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction and/or anyone who would like to get a deeper look at King Solomon and the wives who helped shape him.

About the Author: Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

For more information on Jill Eileen Smith visit her social media here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub, Pinterest

To purchase from Amazon.com click Here

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above from the publisher (Revell) in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

 

Book Review! Half Finished by Lauraine Snelling

Title: Half Finished 
Author:  Lauraine Snelling
Rating: 4/5

Description from Goodreads.com: “In bestselling author Lauraine Snelling’s new novel, a group of women realize that life is full of half-finished relationships and projects. However, they discover that the outcome is not as important as the journey.

Recognizing how common it is for crafters to start many projects and finish few, a group of women join together to form a guild–Unfinished Projects Anonymous to keep each other on track and accountable. Three friends are tasked with the job of home visits for their guild. They are laughingly called the Cartel as they do visits to snoop around craft rooms and knitting baskets to report on progress for the members. The guild has even expanded to checking on half-trained dogs and half-weeded gardens.

Over the course of the story, this ensemble of women discover that much of life is half-finished–relationships, the raising of children, even our very relationship with the Lord. And that may be perfectly fine.”

Review: This book was so wonderful! I was drawn into this adorable group immediately. Anyone who easily gets distracted or loses interest in a project part way through will be able to relate to these characters so easily.

I found these women hilarious and inspiring. The way they banded together to help each other out was fantastic. We need more of that in this world, and I love it in my books.

This book was really well written and the characters were easy to relate to. The story was very entertaining and would make a fabulous beach or lazy summer weekend read.

Recommendation: I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good, clean, heartwarming read.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book Review! Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

Title: Driftwood Bay
Author: Irene Hannon
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: April 2, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room–until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn’t worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it’s least expected?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.”

Review: This book was amazing! It was filled with love, healing, faith, and hope this book hooked me from the beginning.

Irene Hannon’s writing is truly wonderful. I have not found a book of hers that I haven’t just fallen in love with. She has a way of drawing the reader into the story and making them want to stay long after the last page.

All the characters in this charming town are so wonderful, and the kind of people I would love to know. They look out for each other and truly care for one another. I with I could live in this town forever.

Recommendation: I recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian Fiction, Romance, Heartwarming books, or clean wholesome books.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book Review! Walking with Henry by Rachel Anne Ridge

Title: Walking with Henry
Author: Rachel Anne Ridge
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: March 5, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “”Readers will be clamoring for more.” Publishers Weekly on Flash

Just when you think it’s the end of your story . . . grace shows up.

Sometimes it arrives as a moment of joy in the middle of despair. Sometimes you find it next to a trusted friend along an old, well-trodden path. And sometimes, grace has fuzzy ears, a bristled mane, and hope for a new start.

Join Rachel Anne Ridge, author of the beloved memoir Flash, in a journey back to the pasture. As she adopts a second rescue donkey as a little brother for Flash–a miniature named Henry–she finds that walking with donkeys has surprising lessons to teach us about prayer, renewing our faith, and connecting to God in fresh ways.

Readers all over the world fell in love with Flash and with Rachel’s thoughtful, funny, and poignant stories about what life with a donkey can teach you. Now, meet Henry and join him on a walk that could change everything about how you hope, trust, and move forward from past regrets.”

Review: I love animals, and I absolutely adore donkeys, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I know there was a previous book by this author, but I have not read that book yet. I didn’t feel like I missed too much without it, so I think this can be read as a stand alone book.

I love Henry and Flash. They sound so adorable and fun, and I really enjoyed “spending time with them” in this book. Henry completely stole my heart from the very beginning. I love that he walks backwards! How incredibly adorable is that!

I was inspired by Rachel’s faith and the way she endured difficult times. I always enjoy reading other’s testimonies and their faith stories. We are all unique, and yet we suffer very similar issues. The way each person deals with them in their own way, intrigues me.

 Recommendation: I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who loves animals.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book Review! When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams: Hope for Today from 12 Women of the Bible by Jill Eileen Smith

Title: When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams: Hope for Today from 12 Women of the Bible

Author: by Jill Eileen Smith
Rating: 4/5

 Description from Goodreads: “Life is full of twists and turns. Relationships falter, careers fizzle, health fades. We may be faced with choices we never wanted to make or have situations pushed upon us we’d never expected. Yet, in all of it, God is at our side–even when he feels far away.

Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith turns her pen to the lessons in trusting God that we can learn today from women like

– Eve
– Noah’s wife
– Sarai
– Hagar
– Lot’s wife
– Rebekah
– Rachel
– and more

Readers will learn from what these ancient women did right–and even what they did wrong–when faced with dashed expectations and deferred dreams. And they’ll come away with the confidence that ours is a faithful God who loves us and is forming us through our trials into the women he longs for us to be.”

Review: This book was really well written and informative. I really learned a lot about these women’s struggles, and the fact that nothing I am facing is new or out of God’s reach. Through the eyes of these women, and Smith’s ever insightful and knowledgeable testimony, I feel like I am better able to endure, overcome, and live the life God has planned for me.

I have read about these women in the Bible, and yet I never sat down and just thought about what they must have went through beyond what is written on the pages. Their stories are so much deeper, and thanks to Jill Eileen Smith’s research and tenacity, we can better understand their lives.

 Recommendation: I recommend this book to any woman, especially if you are in a dark or tough time in your life. You are not alone, and this book will help you see that.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book Review! Breach of Trust by Rachel Dylan

Title: Breach of Trust
Author: Rachel Dylan
Rating: 4..5/5

Description from Goodreads: “Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to seek justice and make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn’t add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more than the criminal prosecution to worry about, however. She is tasked with taking over her friend’s last case and learns he was hiding secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion on the homicide case. Can he win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?”

Review: This book was really good. I have been in a reading slump for a while and it’s been taking me weeks to finish a book. This book I picked up and finished in 3 days. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down.

I loved that we got to see the characters from the previous books again, but if you haven’t read them, you can still read this as a stand alone. This series is so good though, I highly recommend reading them all.

The storyline was amazing and I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going on. There were some plot twists I definitely did not see coming. The writing was vivid and I truly felt like I was in the story.

I loved the Christian elements to this book. They fit into the story well and I didn’t feel like it was forced in. It just webbed and flowed throughout the story naturally.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and/or Romantic Suspense.

 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book Review! Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

Title: Code of Valor    
Author: Lynette Eason
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: January 1, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend’s cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe–and catch those who would see her dead.

Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn’t trust many people. And even though she let the detective who saved her life in on a few pertinent facts about why she was being attacked, there are some things you just don’t share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that the secret she is keeping just might get them both killed.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason sends readers on a race for the truth in this heart-stopping story of risk, regret, and redemption.”

Review: This book was remarkably well written, it was thrilling, and exciting. Once I picked it up, I did not want to put it down.

The Blue Justice series focuses on one member of this crazy family (mostly cops, with a doctor thrown in) in each book so far, but you still see the other members of the family as well, so I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series.

 I was so excited to read Brady’s story. He is such a strong, protective man. The way he looks out for everyone, especially the women he cares about, makes him a dream for women.

Emily was such a strong character, and I loved her immediately. The way she held her own and faced danger head on was inspiring.

The chemistry between these two was intense and I loved how hard they both tried to fight it!

Lynette Eason has a knack for writing gripping stories that make you just want to curl up with her book and not get up again until you finish it. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

 

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

Made for the Journey: One Missionary’s First Year in the Jungles of Ecuador by Elisabeth Elliot

Title: Made for the Journey: One Missionary’s First Year in the Jungles of Ecuado

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: December 4, 2018

Description from Goodreads: “In her first year as a missionary to a small group of native women in the Ecuadorian jungle, Elisabeth Elliot faced physical and spiritual trials. In Made for the Journey, Elliot captures the mysteries and stark realities surrounding the colorful and primitive world in which she ministered. More than just a recounting of her early days, this is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal reflection on the important questions of life and a remarkable testimony to authentic Christian obedience to God.”

Review: This book was incredibly well written and inspiring. This is the first book I have read by Elisabeth Elliot, and I was really impressed with her writing style. It was so vivid. I was able to truly imagine the story, seeing the world she experienced as I was reading the words.

Elisabeth Elliot experienced incredibly difficult circumstances and held on to her faith. I was so inspired by her. Even when she felt as though her work amounted to nothing, she didn’t lose her faith.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in missionary work, or who just wants to read an inspiring story about how amazing God is.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*