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! Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn

Title: Becoming Us
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Rating: 4/5
Description from Goodreads: “From the author of the best-selling Christy Miller and SisterChicks series comes a new book of community, friendship, and tackling the hard things of life with God and loved ones around a table.

Five young moms, including beloved Gunn character Christy Miller, gather to share meals and soon become unlikely best friends. The regular gatherings provide opportunities for the women to reveal their stories, and those life stories endear them to each other. They experience their lives naturally meshing as they raise their children together in community. In Becoming Us the group find ways to challenge, encourage, and help each other become the nurturing mothers they wished they’d had when they were growing up. They unite to be remembered for what they do as moms and not for what was done to them.”

Review: This story was such a beautiful and heartwarming story of family, friends, and love. I love stories about close friendships, and the way people care deeply about each other. The way this world is nowadays, it’s refreshing to read about kindhearted people looking out for each other.

I enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s Christmas stories, and I was impressed by how well she did with general fiction as well. She has a talent of drawing me into her stories and keeps me interested throughout the entire story.

I enjoyed this book and am definitely looking forward to the next book!

*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.*

 

The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman

Title: The Summer Cottage
Author: Viola Shipman
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: April 16, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “From the bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet and The Recipe Box comes the perfect summer escape about the restorative power of family tradition, small-town community and the feel of sand between your toes.

Adie Lou Kruger’s ex never understood her affection for what her parents called their Creaky Cottage, the charming, ramshackle summer home—complete with its own set of rules for relaxing—that she’s inherited on Lake Michigan. But despite the fact she’s facing a broken marriage and empty nest, and middle age is looming in the distance, memories of happy childhoods on the beach give her reason for hope. She’s determined not to let her husband’s affair with a grad student reduce her to a cliché, or to waste one more minute in a career she doesn’t love, so it becomes clear what Adie Lou must do: rebuild her life and restore her cottage shingle by shingle, on her terms.

But converting the beloved, weather-beaten structure into a bed-and-breakfast isn’t quite the efficient home-reno experience she’s seen on TV. Pushback from Saugatuck’s contentious preservation society, costly surprises and demanding guests were not part of the plan. But as the cottage comes back to life, Adie Lou does, too, finding support in unexpected places and a new love story on the horizon. One cottage rule at a time, Adie Lou reclaims her own strength, history and joy by rediscovering the magic in every sunset and sandcastle.”

Review: I have loved every book I have read by Viola Shipman. They have always been filled with love, sentiment, and emotion, especially centered around one particular object. I could not wait to dive into this book, expecting the same result. Unfortunately, this book was not the same.

This book had a completely different feel I’m not sure why, but I didn’t find it as moving as the previous books by this author. Maybe I had too high of hopes, but I was disappointed. The story itself was good, I just was expecting more.

This book was well written, however. It was vivid and I did feel as though I was there with Adie in this run down cottage. I also found myself rooting for her throughout her journey.

Overall, it was a good book, but not as good as The Hope Chest or The Recipe Box.

*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! People I Met at the Gates of Heaven by Don Piper

Title: People I Met at the Gates of Heaven
Author: Don Piper
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: November 6, 2018

Description from the publisher: “This is the book you’ve been waiting for! Picking up where bestselling 90 Minutes in Heaven left off, Don Piper reveals for the first time the sacred, intimate details of the people who met him at the gates of heaven and the profound impact they had on his faith on earth.

 In this incredible follow-up to his eight-million-copy bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven, Don Piper shares untold stories about his encounters with people who greeted him at the gates of heaven, and offers powerful insights about the way for us to live our lives on earth.

 Don Piper’s unforgettable account of a horrific car accident that took his life, and what happened next has riveted more than eight million readers. Something happened as he shared his story in the years since. Not only did Piper realize he had more to tell, he had yet to share the most sacred and intimate details of his time in heaven about the people who met him at the gates. “I have never left a speaking engagement without people wanting to know more,” he said in THE PEOPLE I MET IN HEAVEN, Piper takes readers deeper into his experience, which includes never-before-told encounters with the people who met him when he arrived in heaven-those who helped him on his journey that led to the entrance to God’s heavenly home. Even more, Piper recounts the majesty of heaven and the glorious reunion that awaits us there. He offers practical insights, inspiration, and a challenging call that while we’re on earth we need to obey Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations.””

Review: This book was so amazing. After reading 90 Minutes in Heaven, I couldn’t wait to read this book. I was impressed with Don Piper’s story, and how he used his pain and sorrow, to encourage others who are going through tough times.

I have lost people very close to me, and reading this book made me feel so much better about their loss. I have always believed in God, Jesus, and Heaven, but reading this first-hand account of Heaven and greeting loved one was inspiring. I know they are waiting there at the gates for me to come home.

This book is such a wonderful encouragement for anyone who has lost loved ones or is facing death themselves. Knowing what Heaven is like, even just the entrance, is so exciting and makes death so much less scary. When you know where you are going, or where your loved one is, you know you have nothing to fear. To me, and anyone facing this, that reassurance is invaluable.

Recommendation: This book is so inspiring and encouraging; I highly recommend it to anyone grieving a loss, facing an illness, or anyone who fears death.Book Review! People I Met at the Gates of Heaven by Don Piper #partner @hachettebooks #Heaven #90MinutesinHeaven #DonPiper #Death #Faith #God #Jesus*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

 

Book Review! In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn

Title: In Too Deep
Author: Lynn H. Blackburn
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: November 6, 2018

Description from Goodreads: “When the dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren’t prepared to find an encrypted laptop–or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant. 

Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming–a professor at the local university with unparalleled computer security and forensics skills–to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence uncovers a human trafficking ring and implicates members of Adam’s own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.

The truth could set hundreds free–but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn invites readers back to Carrington, North Carolina, where everything is not as it seems and sinister elements lurk behind the idyllic façad”

Review: This is the second book in the Dive Team Investigators series, and it is every bit as good as the first! I was drawn in from the very beginning and was intrigued throughout the entire book. I loved the characters, the plot, and I found it very well written.

I loved Sabrina! She is such a unique and fun character. I love how practical and “bookish” she is. She is so smart and yet cares so deeply about her friends. Adam is strong and also incredibly caring, making them a wonderful team. Their chemistry was awesome and I love how their relationship unfolded.

I found this book very well written. The suspense and Christian aspects were woven well into this romance, enhancing it immensely. It was difficult to put down and I couldn’t wait to pick it back up when I did have to put it down for something.

Recommendation: Overall, I found this a good, clean romance with some excitement and mystery thrown in. I look forward to the next book in this series.

 

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

Book Review! At Home in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne

Title: At Home in Wishing Bridge
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: October 2, 2018

Description from Goodreads: “Ruth Logan Herne, the bestselling author of Welcome to Wishing Bridge, invites readers back to the small town where big dreams can come true.

After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she’d wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge—though Thea can’t afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away…

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own struggles: caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea’s no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan’s personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they’re both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart—and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.”

Review: This was a heartfelt and engaging read. This book was so full of faith, family, and deep relationships that endure. I love the wonderful examples of true friendship in this book. Everyone truly cared about each other. There needs to be a lot more of that in this world.

I fell in love with Ruth Logan Herne’s books when I read her Double S Ranch series. I loved those books so much, I knew I had to read one of her other books. I hadn’t read the first book in this series, but picked this one up anyways. I do wish I had started with the first book because I did get confused a lot when I started reading this. The characters do carry over from the first book, and without having some background on the characters, I was a little lost. Now I am going to find the first book and read that, then reread this one.

 Recommendation: I recommend this book to anyone, however, I do recommend you read the first book first.

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

Book Review! Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

Title: Of Fire and Lions
Author: Mesu Andrews
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: March 5, 2019

Description from Goodreads: “The Old Testament book of Daniel comes to life in this novel for readers of Lynn Austin’s Chronicles of the Kings series or Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series.

Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she’d perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Now, as Daniel’s wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she’s safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear–until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar’s palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Bellili’s tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?
Ultimately, Yahweh’s sovereign hand guides Jerusalem’s captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.”

Review: Although this book was a little difficult to get into, there are so many different names and locations that I find difficult to understand and remember, once I got into it, I loved it.

This book was amazing and addicting. Mesu Andrews has a way of bringing Biblical people to life and drawing me into their lives and struggles. Reading the Bible, I find it difficult to understand the depth of most of the people, but I find that depth in these stories.

Reading this book helped me to understand what life was probably like for these people, and after reading this story, I found it easier to remember the important aspects of the Book of Daniel in the Bible. I was constantly drawn back to the Bible, to compare and contrast the stories, and to reread with a deeper understanding of the time period and struggles they endured.

 

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction, and if you haven’t attempted them yet, give this one a chance. Take your time getting into the story, before long, it will engulf you and you will feel like you are right there with them!

 

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

Book Review! A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johson

Title: A Sparkle of Silver
Author: Liz Johson
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: October 16, 2018

Description from Goodreads: “Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.”

Review: This was an engaging story set in both present time and back in 1929. Usually I do not care for dual time period books, but this was very well done. I was drawn in and didn’t want to let it go.

There was some mystery, a treasure, a search for heritage, and of course some good clean romance. I loved the beautiful backdrop of St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. It gave me a wonderful place to escape to when it was cold at my house. I was able to curl up in a blanket with this book and get lost in a different world for a while.

 Recommendation: This was a fun story to get lost in, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance.  

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

Book Review! A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris

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Title: A Secret to Die For
Author: Lisa Harris
Rating: 4.5/5
Release Date: 09/18/18

Description from Goodreads: “Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret–one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn’t simply suffering from paranoia.

Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan–and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.”

Review: Wow this book was intense. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. It didn’t matter if my favorite show was on TV; all I wanted to do was read this book. The characters were complex, the writing was vivid, and the emotions evoked felt so real.

I loved these characters. They both endured unimaginable grief, and each handled it so differently. It was really interesting to see how they influenced each other.

I felt like I was right there with Grace and Nate. I felt their pain, their fear, and rooted for their happiness. I was captivated until the last page.

Recommendation: This book was amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

 

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

Book Review! A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: A Defense of Honor
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: June 5, 2018

Description from Goodreads: “Forced to run for her life, Kit FitzGilbert finds herself in the very place she swore never to return to–a London ballroom. There she encounters Lord Graham Wharton, who believes Kit holds the key to a mystery he’s trying to solve. As much as she wishes that she could tell him everything, she can’t reveal the truth without endangering those she loves.”

Review: You really can’t help but get drawn into this unique, entertaining, and inspiring novel. I was a huge fan of Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne house series and was nervous about a new series by the author, however, this is starting out to be as good, if not a bit better, than the previous series.

I haven’t read any Christian historical romance’s that tackles this topic. I found this unique and refreshing. Hunter seems to have taken a risk tackling this topic, but she did it with such grace and care that I believe it will definitely pay off.

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next books in this series. Each of these women are so uniquely lovable, I cannot wait to see what’s in store for them.

 Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction.

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