Book Review: Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer

 

Every Woman a Theologian - Phylicia Masonheimer - 5 Stars 

I picked this up as part of my friend's Christian book club read this month and I am so glad I read it! 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and rated it 5 stars! Phylicia covers the fundamentals of Christian theology and this book serves as a valuable resource for addressing many questions and topics believers may have. It has become a go-to reference for me, especially when discussing faith-related questions with my husband. I appreciate the author's inclusion of information on various denominations, beliefs, and their historical context. I believe every woman should read this insightful book, as it will encourage and strengthen their faith and provide guidance for many aspects of one's faith journey.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5879810663
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47y4ogb
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/481517

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

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Book Review: Joy in Christ's Presence by Charles Spurgeon

 

Joy in Christ's Presence by Charles Spurgeon - 5 Stars 

I read Joy in Christ's Presence as part of a group readalong with some lovely ladies and I am so glad they chose this book for the non-fiction November read. This book has been highlighted, written in - and in my top 5 of the year. It left such an impact on me. It was my first Spurgeon read too and I love the way he wrote and explained things. This is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers today and will offer a profound exploration of the joy that stems from a close walk with Christ. Spurgeon's rich theological insights and engaging writing style make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper, more joyful connection with Jesus. 

What more can I say? Any believer in any season of their faith walk will find themselves captivated by Spurgeon's words and inspired to deepen their relationship with the Lord. 

Be ready for the tears when you pick this up - so beautiful!

Goodreads Review: https://goodreads.com/review/show/5955577719
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/49SJNF1
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/35629

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham

The Juliet Code - Pepper Basham - 4 Stars - Book 3 in the Freddie and Grace Mystery Series 

I really enjoyed being back with Freddie and Grace in another adventure together! In book 3 of the series, we see our couple finally reach their honeymoon destination in Italy! However, as things would have it, they are back to sleuthing in a new mystery that needs to be solved. 

This series is always a fun time and full of adventure and makes for a great romantic mystery with some nice faith content along the way. As usual with Pepper's books, the characters truly make the story SO great. I love Freddie and Grace and their interactions together are top notch. Add a little humor and mystery and you have a great story!

While The Mistletoe Countess remains my favorite in the series, books 2 and 3 have been an absolute blast as we followed their journeys in Egypt and Italy! We see them traveling through Venice when they meet up with a friend, Detective Jack Miracle. Jack is investigating a series of art heists surrounding the Juliet paintings and Freddie and Grace work to help out.

Overall a great 3rd book in the series and if you love a light mystery with a little bit of romance, check this series out! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to honestly read and review.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5383847063
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47UvMVH
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/522983

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: To Spark a Match by Jen Turano

 

To Spark A Match by Jen Turano | 3 Stars | Book 2 in the The Matchmakers Series

 I really enjoyed book one in this series. It was one of my favorite books this year. This one, unfortunately, fell a bit flat for me for some reason. I was not able to connect with the characters or the plot really, and there was quite a bit of dialogue in this that made the story drag on for me personally. That being said, I think I am the unpopular opinion, as many people have enjoyed the second book of the series. I definitely plan to continue on in the series as I generally love Jen’s writing and banter between characters, the humor etc.

This book was not bad, it just wasn’t my favorite. In this book, we have Miss Adelaide Duveene Who is a bit unconventional. I liked her character, but just couldn’t connect with her overall. In this story, she is determined to remain a spinster forever. One day she stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott Who is engaged in a covert activity, and she gets involved in this world of intrigue and mystery with him. We see some matchmaking begin and the story goes on from here. 

Miss Adelaide does remind me a little bit of myself because she loves to read and has a special love for cats. The romance in this is particularly sweet, but again I was not really connected with them as a couple. Gideon is a great guy who really just wants to protect Adelaide, and I really liked to see that.

I think many people will enjoy the story and find lots of laughs but for some reason I struggled overall reading this one. I loved the bookshop aspects and the mystery of the hidden journals we had here. There’s some aspects of blackmail and trying to figure out who is involved, which I did enjoy in the ending. Overall, not a favorite but glad I read it overall. I will definitely check out the next book in the series either way! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy to honestly read and review. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5768713381

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sUa70G

 Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/516365

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

 

Dear Henry, Love Edith - Becca Kinzer - New FAV Christian Rom-Com!

Ya'll, this is the CUTEST Christian rom-com!! I finished it in less than 24 hours! This would make the best movie too! So heartwarming and funny!

We have Edith who needs somewhere to stay and as circumstances would have it, Henry has an extra room available but they each think the other is an elderly person! They never have the chance to really meet due to schedule conflicts so they start writing notes back and forth in the kitchen for each to read -- SO CUTE. The letters were the best. I loved how genuine, open and honest they both were!

The best part is they end up meeting, not knowing who the other is, while they each in town and they start to like each other. It is SO funny to see how it all plays out and the side character misunderstandings made me laugh out loud so many times! LOVED that!

I appreciate how these characters were in their 30s (like myself) and they were so relatable. The small town was so great - I love a good small town since I grew up in one myself. It really felt like a character in itself with all the funny characters and gossip going on - hilarious.

This is a book that I needed this week - one of those books that when you pick it up, you will NOT want to put it down and it will put you in the best mood. 

I loved the ending and I think anyone looking for a cute, clean, sweet and funny rom-com will LOVE this! 

I also was so excited to be able to meet Becca at our local bookstore this weekend and it was such a blessing! She is so sweet and I loved hearing more about her writing process. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5335615154

Amazon: https://amzn.to/46mXXvc
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/480360

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twz8jnk1Nvg&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

 

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - Stuart Turton - 4 to 4.5 Stars 

WOW - what a WILD ride with this CRAZY story! I am so glad I pushed through and finished it! This was one I had to really sit with and think about as I read it and I took notes for the first part of it, at least the 1st 8 chapters. This is a very complex story and hard to explain but I am going to try! I had the best time sharing my thoughts with my friends Holly, Chrissie and Lindsay too!

Quick takes:
- Blackheath Manor is our location.

-  You spend each day in the body of a different character from another's POV - so it's like a "repeat the days events each day but in the body of someone else each day" kind of thing to see all the events that occurred from the other characters POV.

- When I first started this, I wasn't sure exactly who the character was or what was happening but by chapter 8 I realized and things start to get explained.

- The synopsis basically tells you about the host occupying thing anyway but I had not read that when I started so I wasn't exactly sure until around chapter 8-9 haha.

- The story is all surrounding how Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered and you have to figure out who killed her by the end of it. We are at an event that is a memorial for her brother who was murdered 19 years ago to the day of the event basically. There are so many twists and characters - so be prepared to read slowly and pay attention to the POVs you are in. 

- Each day you see how things came together from each "hosts" you are occupying and their POV to try and piece together and learn about the deaths.

- There is this evil character called "the footman" and he continues to try and kill your host characters each day and then we have a Plague Doctor who it basically like the "tour guide" if you will of the entire situation. He explains the rules and how everything works etc..

SO that's the details of the plot, story and things I felt like I could share. It was a bit too long for me so that's why it's more of a 4 to 4.5 star but I was so interested in the story - I kept on going! I had to know what happened and who the killer was etc.

I feel like the audiobook is great but I needed to physically look at the pages many times too and refer to the character list in the front of the book several times to keep people straight. 

Content: This is a secular book so there is mild language, odd descriptions of male anatomy and his body when a character occupies one of their "hosts", discussions of sexual assault, murder scenes, mention of suicide, torture and substance abuse. Those are some triggers I noticed and others I found from other reviewers that I may have missed.

If you like a whodunit with a twist - this may be for you!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5839894667
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sNTgN3
YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

 

 The Santa Suit - Mary Kay Andrews - 4 Stars 

What a super cute Christmas read! Overall clean (closed door) with minimal language. This book is all about newly divorced Ivy Perkins who buys an old farmhouse sight unseen and is looking for a fresh start in life. The Farmhouse needs a lot of work but she is optimistic about the change. Ivy finds an old Santa suit that appears decades old and finds an old note that appears to be from a child many years ago for their Christmas wish of their father to return home from the war. This discovery has Ivy on a mission to figure out who the Santa suit belonged to and who wrote the note and about those who owned the house. We see Ivy start to make friends, help others with their businesses (since she is a Marketing expert), and a little bit of romance with the guy next door, Ezra. 

So many Christmas vibes in this books! I loved the details with holiday candy, food, decor, new beginnings with a bit of mystery and romance! Some parts were a bit odd - like the girl who had an online relationship with a guy that was like a big catfish relationship haha - but I did overall enjoy it. I did want a little more with the main romance of the story but that's ok! It was a cute, quick Christmas read and I am glad I read it!

Content: The main couple has a closed door sex scene - not explained really but want to mention. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5962837855

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Qsr8qI

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Super cute Christmas read ya'll!  I love a good story with a grandmother figure and Joy, one of main characters who is 85 years old, does NOT disappoint with her humor and spunk! She tells her neighbor Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in christmas decorations from Chicago to her new retirement home in Phoenix. Miranda goes with Joy in fear of what she might find out on the road in the dead of winter by herself and the trip becomes a very interesting one as they help others during Christmastime along the way!

The romance at the end, I could have done without, a little bit instalove but not too bad. I did like the guys little girl as I always love a good single Dad finding love again trope so it wasn't too bad :)

My favorite part of this was the friendship that Joy and Miranda form together. It really goes to show you can find true friendship, no matter your ages. Joy will filled with wisdom and this was a delight to read during the Christmas season! 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/25512493
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46zN0pY
YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing - Matthew Perry 

I've decided not to rate memoirs anymore but I hearing about his life and story was so thought provoking. I truly hope people will continue to become free from addiction after reading his struggles. I never knew how much he went through with his addictions, especially when he was on the show Friends. Friends was show my family and I would watch all the time growing up. It was a staple in the household, as I am sure it was for many of you. But Matthew Perry didn't want to first be remembered as Chandler Bing - he wanted to be remembered for helping others living in their addictions to get clean. I have read many have checked into rehab after reading his book and I am so glad to hear that.

His discussions about how God saved him from his addictions were very interesting to hear about. Some of what he stated with the use of language in regards to God were not exactly what I felt was appropriate but I hope and pray he truly had a relationship with the Lord and is with Him today.

I think many will be inspired by his story regarding addiction. It was sad to hear about all the trauma he went through and even after so many tries in rehab, hospitals etc., he still struggled with the addiction - it had a hold on him and he spent so much time and money trying to get clean. Your heart breaks for him as you read through it. Some of the reviews mention he blames many others for what happened to him - I can see some of that - as ultimately we are responsible for our own actions but I admire how he was so open and honest about his struggles with alcohol and drugs. I did not personally care for the "lovers" part of this book where we learn all about his sexual partners, sex life and how he treated other women. BUT in a lot of celebrity memoirs, that is something very common we see so it is what it is. I was more interested in learning about his recovery than those things personally.

Trigger warnings for content: As I mentioned, He does discuss a lot of his sexual relationships. He also uses a ton of language - lots of F and S words - so be warned. I don't really discredit his story for the use of language because this memoir did feel very real, raw and just truly who Matthew Perry was, what he went through and how he overcame addiction in the end in recent years. Other content: He does also discuss the hospital experiences in detail and severe alcohol/drug addiction/trauma but that was part of his true story and what he went through.

Overall, I am glad I listened to the audiobook (as he narrates it) and got to know more about who he was and what he went through.

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5951839147

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SyQSV0

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

In A Far-Off Land - Stephanie Landsem - 4.5 to 5 Stars

This book took me THROUGH it! 

This book is a heartbreaking but beautiful prodigal daughter story - THAT ENDING has me in tears! The good kind.

Minerva goes to Hollywood from the Midwest in an effort to make it big to make money to help her sister and father from their debt so they don’t lose everything they own.

She finds herself on the streets, making mistakes and with the wrong people very quickly. She meets Max and things get better as he is helping her figure things out along the way….until she ends up waking up next to a dead film star and being blamed for the murder. She finds herself hiding out in Oscar’s (Max’s Cousin and a Mexican Gardner in danger of deportation) home while Max and Oscar battle their past together and try to help Minerva’s name get cleared and keep the family safe.

Minerva went through such hardships in Hollywood. So much sadness, hurt and she made some really bad decisions. But God was with her the entire time. Even when she didn’t see it. Her father is worrying about her the entire time, going to the bus stop every week to see if she has returned. She doesn’t feel like her father will ever forgive her when or if she goes home. She doesn’t feel good enough for Max or anyone else because of the things she has done and things that have happened to her. But she is enough. Because God is enough.

Such a good message about forgiveness. The authors note says her hope is that through this reimagining of the Parable of the Lost Son, we can see ourselves in one - or all - of the characters. Some are seeking redemption and forgiveness — “For aren’t we all wayward children going to return to the arms of our Father? And don’t we long for him to say, “I forgive you, my child. I love you. Always. No matter what.” Amen.

I am so glad I read this and this book will truly stick with me. This book is a Christian, historical fiction- with a little romance but mostly a historical fiction story. There are trigger warnings of sexual assault, prostitution, smoking, drinking, closed door scene not graphic. There may be other things I missed but it’s was basically Hollywood in the 1920-1930s so you see what I mean with the content to expect. But, the ending with the forgiveness and faith thread - beautiful and worth reading for. I would say this is for adult readers 17+ because of the subject matter but the content was definitely there for a reason to show everything she went through.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5951862291
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QNmk0B
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/264781

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t= 
*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

Book Review: Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

 

Return of the King - J.R.R. Tolkien - Book 3 in the Lord of the Rings trilogy

4.5 stars

What an epic conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This book is a masterful conclusion to a story that has truly captured the hearts of so many - including myself. Tolkien truly had the best storytelling, world-building and character development in his stories and I see why this series is a favorite of many generations, one that people of all ages can enjoy.

We see Frodo and Sam's journey to Mount Doom with many emotions as they grapple with the weight of the ring and the toll it takes on their friendship and their very selves. Sam is a true hero in this story - we see how much he cared for Frodo as his friend and would do anything to keep him safe and finish the journey they set out to do. Specifically, the moment he says how he may not can carry the ring, but he can carry Frodo - my friend Lindsay noticed this was Christian allegory moment and I am so glad she mentioned this to me because I would have missed it. Context: Sam is carrying Frodo up Mount Doom in the final stages of their journey to destroy the One Ring, helping him to complete his mission, and carrying his burden as he struggles to fulfill his purpose - just as Jesus carries the struggling believer.

There are many Christ-like traits of characters in this series you will notice and I love that. Sam is the suffering servant and faithful companion. One website correlates Sam as a suffering Christ who loves his friends so passionately that he will never abandon them. I truly see this in Sam's character.

We also see the true corruption that the One Ring did to Gollum and was trying to do to Frodo throughout the story. This ring represents the evil or sin that lurks within all humans - those who come near it are lured by its power, promise -- and it can become an idol so easily to the person that carries it - and we see the true destruction it can do.

We also see Aragorn, the rightful king of Gondor, start to step into his destiny with honor and duty that is truly inspiring.

Middle Earth will always be my favorite fantasy world because it truly comes to life in vivid-detail with the grand cities of Minas Tirith and the Shire to the dark lands of Mordo and Mount Doom. Such an immersive world.

The only reason this wasn't a full 5 stars from me was because some of the parts with Sam and Frodo felt a bit long for me personally, and the Scouring of the Shire part was a bit randomly thrown in after they got back (glad that wasn't in the movies personally, that would have been oddly placed for the plot and ending).

Regardless, whether you are longtime fan of Middle Earth or someone new to the journey, this series is a must read and an all time favorite for me.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1816023896

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FI6PRc

*All amazon links are an affiliate link and a small commission may be earned if purchases are made from that link.

YouTube Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw_MGwskxR4&t=