Book Review: Healing the Cowboy by Mandi Blake

 

Healing the Cowboy by Mandi Blake 
5 Stars

OK MANDI GOT ME AGAIN WITH ANOTHER 5 STAR BOOK YALL! Healing the Cowboy is her newest release and its SO good! PERFECT to read this Christmas season you guys! 

Read if you love:

❄️Clean Christian Romance

❄️Great Faith Content in Books

❄️Friends to Lovers Trope

❄️Opposites Attract Trope

❄️A Mistletoe Kiss

❄️Found Family

❄️Forgiveness Thread

❄️Horses and Cowboys

❄️He Falls First Trope

❄️She Takes Care of Him Trope

❄️Christmas Setting but also includes Thanksgiving 

❄️Cinnamon Roll MMC

❄️Nurse FMC

❄️Cozy Romance Books

I absolutely loved this! Healing the Cowboy is part of the Christmas Ridge Series but can be read as a standalone. We follow Nora St. James who returns home to find her father's gambling problem has resulted in a detrimental future to the family ranch. With the weight of family responsibilities on her shoulders, she is set firm on keeping life together, leaving little room for romance. Enter in Clint Taylor, her charming best friend who works on his family's farm and is determined to win her heart. We start the book with him being ready to confess his feelings for her but things happen and those feelings don't get told just yet. Clint gets injured and Nora, as a nurse, takes care of him and we see their dynamic build, showcasing the tension between friendship and romance shift, as Nora grapples with her feelings while tending to his injury. 

The setting of Redemption Ridge provides a cozy, festive backdrop in Colorado - y'all know that's bound to be a BEAUTIFUL setting at Christmas time! 

As always, Mandi does a great job showing us what Nora is going through and her journey toward opening her heart. The faith content - perfect, as always. I LOVED Clint and seeing how much he loved her and wanted to share his feelings with her was chef's kiss! This is exactly the type of Christmas book I love to read during the holidays. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Mandi Blake for sending me a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6737988339
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3NLK5Ui
Mandi's Shop (Recommended): https://mandiblakeauthor.com/products/healing-the-cowboy-signed-paperback

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Forever After All by Mandi Blake

Forever After All by Mandi Blake - 5 Stars

Book 6 in the Wolf Creek Ranch Series

What a great wrap up to the Wolf Creek Ranch series! Forever After All is another beautifully crafted romance by Mandi that explores the shadows of the past of our main characters Jess Patton and Lincoln North. Jess is refreshingly straightforward, adding depth to the story. She finds herself rescued by Linc from disastrous blind dates and sparks fly, leading her to question her perceptions of their friendship together. Linc on the other hand is haunted by his past and grapples with feelings of unworthiness, believing that someone as incredible as Jess is out of his reach. But oh boy, does the LORD have plans in store for Linc and Jess. The Lord is ever present in this book. We see so many good moments of faith, doubt and relatable struggles. Mandi ties it together wonderfully in the end, as usual :)

Jess starts to see Linc in a new light, leading us into a slow burn romance between the two, as they are thrown together - stranded. Is this a chance for them to really get to know each other and fall in love, or does a threat from his past steal their happy ending?

I loved these characters, this one really felt relatable for me. As I went through a season of life where I never felt good enough for those around me due to past mistakes ---YET THE LORD PERSUED ME and led me to realize the PLANS He had for me, just as He does in this book for Linc. Seeing Linc come to these realizations was powerful.

Also, Jess was great because she doesn't play any games -- she lets her feelings be known. I cackled at the dates she was going on at the beginning of this story - hilarious! I loved seeing the side characters too we grew to love throughout the series with their children and everyday lives together.

Forever After All is not just a love story, this was a testament to the power of healing and the importance of facing one's inner struggles. I think anyone who has ever struggled similarly will relate to this story. Thank you Mandi for stories like these, they mean so much.

Tropes:

-forced proximity
-one cabin
-horses
-he keeps her safe
-never been kissed FMC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6569793465
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Urp4Cc
Mandi's Store: https://mandiblakeauthor.com/products/forever-after-all-signed-paperback
Series Link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e0eWY0

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

 

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - 2 to 2.5 Stars 

Let me start this review by saying I absolutely LOVED What We Hide by Colleen and Rick and had the opportunity to meet them at a local Christian bookstore when they went on tour for a book signing, they were so nice to meet and chat with. I think I was Murdered was one of my most anticipated releases for the fall time this year, but unfortunately, my honest review is this was a bit disjointed and didn't live up to my personal expectations. This one is a standalone story and not tied to What We Hide. I am still interested to see what happens in book 2 after What We Hide to see what happens next but this one fell flat for me personally. 

This story is about a grieving widow, Katrina, who talks to an AI program-chat bot that poses as her husband that passed away. The chat bot has all of her husbands social media accounts, photos, information from his phone etc. So it can truly feel like he is talking to her. One day, the chat bot responds to her "I Think I Was Murdered" and she goes on this hunt to find out what really happened to Jason. The story has some side characters and mysteries going on as well. 

We all feel like AI is a very odd and strange thing in today's world so the plot itself was SO interesting to me. I had not seen anyone write an AI story yet so I was highly looking forward to this one. I think for me, if the story focused more on the Katrina > Jason story, I would have been more invested but we get a bit disjointed going on side stories with other characters and drama with them that I wasn't connecting to. There is a side character in this that is pregnant and there was some very crazy circumstances that occur where it doesn't feel like there is concern for her being pregnant really. Also, I wasn't crazy about the romances in this book. One being a love triangle and the other I just didn't really connect with. 

The ending was the main reason I ended up giving this more so a 2-2.5 star rating (which Star ratings are so subjective anyway, I debated between a 2-3 star but the ending just bothered me so that's why I am at a 2-2.5). I felt like the main story was to figure out who murdered Jason but we spent a long time on other things I didn't care about.

I think if you are in the mood for more of a legal, mystery suspense story and are interested in the AI bits, check this out, but it just wasn't for me personally. I have LOVED all of Colleens books I have read so far so this surprised me but hoping this was just an anomaly for me :).  

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a copy to honestly read and review. I rarely find myself giving ratings like this but this is my honest review and opinions. Take me with a grain of salt :) 

content: no spice, grief from death of a spouse

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6642953346
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e6RBno

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/583638

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

 

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan 

4 Stars
Book 1 in the When Hope Calls Series

What a surprising read! I was so invested and loved this story so much. We have found family, a beautiful sister bond and second chances the Lord provides in this book. This is a heartwarming and inspirational historical fiction that captures themes of faith, love and resilience.  The story revolves around 2 sisters, Lilian and Grace, whose reunion leads them on a journey of hope, discovery and service to others.

This opens with Lilian, who has spent much of her life in Canada with adoptive parents after the tragic loss of her birth family. When news arrives that her long-lost sister Grace, who she believed was dead, is actually alive, Lilian's world is completely changed. The sisters reconnect, and together they embark on a mission to care for orphaned children, opening a home for them in their rural town. Their venture into creating a place of safety and love for children is the heart of the story. 

The faith in this stands out among the crown, the characters face numerous challenges and through it all, their reliance on God shines brightly. The way the story focuses on children in history based on true stories really stands out because it taught me something new from history I wasn't aware of.

Highly recommend and looking forward to book 2.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6867488664
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f7e6cW
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38729

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson

Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson 

4 Stars 

Another great read by Abigail Wilson! My third book by her and I am looking forward to more! This is a very captivating regency-era mystery that blends romance, intrigue and a gothic setting that is very atmospheric in England. Fans of historical fiction, especially those who love a dash of suspense and twists, will enjoy this one.

This book is about Amelia Pembroke, who has a health condition and is constantly at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital. When her doctor is murdered and her name turns up in his will, this take a turn. She receives an unexpected inheritance - a crumbling estate known as Moorington Cross. But to claim it, she has to marry 1 of 2 possible men. And then the guy that is helping her....ends up being the one she would rather be interested in, as things would have it. :) Ewan Hawkins is supposed to help her but they get to know one another and the rest is history.

I loved the slow burn to the romance in this one - they found common ground and truly cared for one another no matter what. Highly recommend! This makes me want to finish the other books I own by Abigail now! 

No content warnings on my end, romance was clean :)

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6867480741
Amazon: https://amzn.to/407QjW3
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/368942

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Finding Kind by Kari Baker

 

Finding Kind by Kari A. Baker - 5 Stars 

Favorite Scripture and Quotes:

"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." - John 9:1-3

"I'm no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God." It gave me hope and exposed the destructive mindset I was in. I had a beautiful, funny, healthy child whose brain worked a little differently. I was not enslaved. I was entrusted. God believed that my son needed to be part of the world, and He picked me to be his Mom. He entrusted me to be his Mom. To what have you been entrusted? What seems like a burden to you today but could be recharacterized as a blessing when you decide you are not a slave to it? The circumstances of your life do not determined your ability to experience joy and fulfillment.....instead of focusing on the circumstance, try to focus on what God is helping you learn or what he is equipping you for. Sometimes, pain has a purpose." - Chapter 7

"My pain was real, but it was also self-induced. I was clinging desperately to my broken plan, unwilling to accept that maybe, just maybe, God's plan was better. I was sacrificing the joy I had in front of me for the bitterness of misplaced entitlement to a life that never belonged to me. I was in chains of my own making, refusing to recognize that what I thought was holding me back was really leading me to a new purpose." - Chapter 7 

When I say the Lord put this book in my path, I truly believe He did. When the publisher reached out for me to early review this one, I couldn't say no. It's hard to find many Christian Non-Fiction Autism Mama books out there and this one is one I truly needed. This author wasn't even on my radar. I am so thankful to have read this one as an Autism Mama, I needed it. Kari tells us the story of her journey with her 13 year son Brady, who is autistic. She provides immense encouragement from a place of faith. I smiled, I laughed, I cried. The true relatability I found in her story in my journey with our little man. She gives me hope on the other side of things, where we aren't there yet. Her story gives me a different perspective. She is vulnerable in sharing her story, her mistakes, her grief, her past judgmental moments, her perspective changes and her coming to the Lord is prayer for her family and their journey.

Her story about her son finding his faith in God and his baptism touched me the most (see below quotes). 

More favorite part of the book:

"It's ok Mommy. I believe now. God told me it was true." "What is on paper isn't the final word for God. He can work in us and through us to produce result you could never expect and in places you would never imagine."

"Perhaps most importantly, without autism, Brady wouldn't be Brady. He is fearfully and wonderfully made. He is smart, funny, kind, truthful, faith-filled and fearless. He is exactly the child I prayed for an more. He is a gift to me, and to the world. He was put on this planet for a purpose, so the world could see the works of God through him, just like John 9 promised." 

I highly recommend this book to any Mama who is going through anything similar in their own journey. Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Finding Kind releases on October 22nd. 

Amazon Ebook: https://amzn.to/3YdxePJ

Hardcover: https://findingkind.myshopify.com/products/finding-kind-hardcover (May be on Amazon closer to release day)

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Honest Faith by Charles Spurgeon

 

Honest Faith - Charles H. Spurgeon - 5 Stars

Wow, another great Christian Non Fiction by Spurgeon. Always a great read. So glad Tiffany, Deea and Chrissie have done this readalong this month. This is a compelling exploration of faith. Spurgeon always has great metaphors that really make you think. The way he represents the struggles of the Christian walk and maintaining our faith in a world filled with uncertainty - absolutely amazing. The writing is poetic and understandable at the same time. 

I love how this really challenged me while reading to really sit down and think about what he was saying and confront my own faith journey. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6867481925
Amazon Kindle Version (Free as of this review): https://amzn.to/3C0pd94

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens

 

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens

4 Stars 

Fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy this one! 1956 England - Naomi Stephens weaves an intricate and atmospheric mystery in The Burning of Rosemont Abbey. The story centers on Louisa Everly, a young woman determined to uncover the truth behind the smoldering ruins of the abbey and the disappearance of her twin brother, Paul. Everyone in the village accuses her brother of being the arsonist but Louisa is certain of his innocence - as she felt as though her twin died before it was set ablaze.

This book was so engaging to me - they mystery really reminded me of a classic Agatha Christie like story. Lots of side characters and small-town dynamics, where suspicious spreads like wildflower. Louisa stands out as a determined woman to figure out what happened with her brother, balancing possible grief with her unwavering devotion to prove his innocence. 

The setting of Rosemont Abbey felt like gothic ruins with mysterious history and will appeal to readers, specifically during the fall time with its haunting atmosphere. Light faith elements add a layer to the story as well.

Overall, a perfect read for fans of British mysteries with a modern twist. Thank you to Bethany House for proving a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6867499425
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/579800
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eNZboh

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: The Fight for Female by Lisa Bevere

 

The Fight for Female by Lisa Bevere - 4 Stars

A very important and well needed book for today's world. Lisa dives right into the ongoing cultural, spiritual and society challenges in today's world. She goes through many things the enemy is doing to distort and twist biblical truths and gives us messages of hope. It calls for women to unite, embracing their God-given identity. She emphasizes the need for open, honest conversations, both with God and within communities to find solutions that are rooted in truth. "The Fight for Female" is a compelling call to action, urging women to rise up and fight for the very core of their identity, not only for themselves but for the generations to come.

Really enjoyed this one. Not a favorite of all time, but really glad she published this at such a time when what she talks about is needed.

Thank you to Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6741815432
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4dNR6ia
Baker Book House (Recommended):  https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/553560

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

 

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright 
5 Stars 

WHAT A GREAT STORY YALL! Jaime Jo does it AGAIN! I am always so invested in her stories. She knows how to write a great book to keep the reader engaged, and I love that. The Premonition at Withers Farm is a great blend of mystery, suspense and historical intrigue. She seamlessly weaves together two timelines that keep you hooked from page 1. Jaime Jo always has dual timeline in her stories and I LOVE how she interconnects the characters in each timeline. I also love how she combats the supernatural type elements with faith in God in her books. Very well done here!

In this story, we have present day - Molly Wasziak - who, alongside her husband Trent, moves to a remote farm in the countryside, hoping for a fresh start after a series of miscarriages they have experienced. However, the Withers Farm holds dark secrets and Molly's discovery of a connection to a series of unsolved murders from a century ago sets the stage for a chilling exploration of the farm's history. 

Then in the other timeline, set in the early 1900s, we follow Perliett Van Hilton, a self proclaimed rural healers. Her mother claims to be a "spiritualist" but the local doctor is convinced they are bother involved in quackery. We see Perliett become involved in a string of murders at Withers Farm. Her character is fascinating as she straddles the line between skepticism and belief. 

The story goes on from here and Jaime Jo pains a haunting and eerie atmosphere, creating complex characters who grapple with deep emotional wounds, making their journeys feel raw and authentic. The exploration of grief and faith in this book was phenomenally well done. 

Overall, this book is perfect for lovers of Christian suspense stories with eerie backdrops that aren't too scary but just the right among of mystery, history and faith. Highly recommend!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6522441041
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/433715

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BGhe0O

 

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

*content warnings for miscarriages, grief with the loss of a child, grief with the loss of a parent.

Book Review: Mistletoe Season by Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller and Pepper Basham

 Mistletoe Season by Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller and Pepper Basham - 4 Stars Overall

3 Christmas Novellas

Overall, these 3 novellas are charming and heartwarming holiday romances that perfectly show the magic of Christmas. I really enjoyed each of these, with Kathleen and Sheila being new to me authors! Looking forward to reading more by those authors. Pepper is one of my favorite authors and her's was my fav because we had Luke show back up! :)

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller - 4 Stars

This was a unique Christmas romance between two characters in their 40s. I really liked that because you don't see those ages of characters portrayed much.  In this one, we have Emmy Banks, who is fully rooted in her community with her antique shop. Set in Mistletoe, Missouri, the shop add an extra layer of charm to it. Kieran O'Neill has spent years abroad, renovating an old Irish castle, but returns to Mistletoe for his mother's 70th birthday. We see him reconnect with Emmy, his sister's close friend, and spend time helping her in the shop. A romance ensues and the rest is history. :) I really liked the characters and small town - a very cozy read. I loved that he was Irish too, added a nice layer to the story.

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham - 4 Stars 

We are back with our Skymar characters and this time Princess Ellie's brother is getting his romance! Prince Arran St. Clare lost his fairytale life in exchange for a 3 month "punishment" in the small town of Ransom, North Carolina. He has to prove he is ready for royal life so he has to participate in the Christmas charity fundraiser, The Mistletoe Wish. The fundraiser not only forces Arran to get involved but also allows him to interact more deeply with the locals, helping him grow as a person. For anyone who LOVED the Skymar series like I did, this is a MUST read yall! (Specifically Loyally, Luke readers will love this the most!) We see Luke and Ellie again - which were lovely! Really enjoyed the faith elements in this too. A must read for those who enjoyed a mix of royalty, small-town charm, and a holiday romance.

Say No To Mistletoe - Sheila Roberts - 4 Stars 

This one made me laugh out loud several times! I loved the mistletoe mishaps here. It's giving Christmas rom-com. We have a romance author, Hailey Fairchild, who always has a disaster under the mistletoe. Her handsome neighbor, Carwyn Davies, star of the basketball team, kissed her under the mistletoe many years ago and it was an embarrassing moment. Now, back home, she is determined to say no to mistletoe, until a second chance erupts between her and Carwyn. :) I really liked this one. I really needed the laughs and this one delivered!

Overall, this anthology is a great one to pick up during the holiday season. Very lighthearted, hallmark like novellas that are bound to be enjoyable!

Thank you to the Thomas Nelson for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6712042004
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/583641
Amazon: https://amzn.to/487UaUN

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

 

 Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn - 4 Stars 

This story is a heartfelt journey of friendship, faith, and self-discovery that takes readers on an emotional safari through the stunning landscapes of Africa. Centered on the friendship sister bond between Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden, the book truly captures the essence of a long-term friendship that has weathered the trials of time and distance.

This is a Christian contemporary women's fiction story that I truly felt connected to. I loved the writing style, faith content, travel elements and the characters. This book opens up to the teenage years of Fern and Lily, who first connected while  volunteering in Costa Rica. 20 years later, here they are, embarking on a long-awaiting trip to Africa - a dream trip that they talked about many years ago. This trip soon becomes one of emotional growth as each woman carriers their own struggles. The author intertwines their personal stories well with the beautiful backdrop of Africa. 

We see Fern dealing with struggles as she lost her job at a Christian publishing company and is unsure of what her next steps in life are, just as Lily is worried about the hardships within her marriage. Both ladies experience personal growth and lessons that challenge their perspectives and encourage them to surrender to the Lord's plan in their lives. 

Overall, this is more than just a safari story among friends - this is a story filled with lighthearted moments and deeper reflections between two friends who are more sisters than friends. I loved the side characters they met along the way that encouraged them in their faith and challenges. Anyone who loves good faith filled, travel, contemporary adventure stories will like this! 

Highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher for providing an early copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6712043391
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eD1I4s
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/579829

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on any items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Britta and the Beach Boy by Brittany Larsen

 Britta and the Beach Boy by Brittany Larsen - 4 Stars

(Book 1 in the Love in LA Series)

What a great marriage of convenience rom-com! I really enjoyed this one. We have layered characters, a couple who communicates and a story all about chasing your dreams. This was my first Brittany Larsen book but will not be my last! I am looking forward to more rom-coms by her. In this story, Britta is looking for something more in her life. We see her go from her small town, coffee shop life to Los Angeles, where she meets Dex, a famous Australian professional surfer. They hit it right off but circumstances find themselves tied into a marriage of convenience trope. 

Dex needs American citizenship to compete in the 2028 Olympics and Britta could really use the money he's offered for her coffee shop to continue the legacy her mother left behind. What they both don't expect? Catching the inevitable feelings that come with a fake marriage. :) 

I loved this story and how layered it was with our characters. Britta is still struggling with the grief from her mother passing away too soon, so she is trying to figure out what she should do next in life. Dex is right there with her along the way with her. They just have a chemistry from the moment they met. 

My favorite part of this book was every time they were together and all the little moment's they were getting to know each other. This book is all about taking a chance, following your dreams and making sacrifices.

Looking forward to reading more from Brittany! If you like books with a cute romance, the marriage of convenience trope, coffee and surfer vibes and family elements, check this out!

Thank you to the author for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6898371475
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZOskLo
 
*Amazon links are affiliate links. A commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Reckless Love

Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin - 5 Stars 
Wow, what a story. Beautiful. Redemptive. 

This book is a Hagar and Sarah inspired story with a contemporary spin. Amina (Amy) finds herself a single woman, pregnant with no where to go. Melissa has always wanted a son to carry on her husband's family legacy. When Melissa is told she is going through Menopause and her pregnancy test is negative, she feels her entire hope of having a family has gone. As barrenness pushes her to a breaking point, God seemingly drops the answer on their doorstop - or so they think. Amina and Melissa's arrangement doesn't go to plan and they are both put to the test. And Melissa's thoughts of what's to come gets changed by the true plans of the Lord.

I was thoroughly impressed with this biblical retelling. I love how Kate put this contemporary spin on it and you really felt empathy with the characters and the heartbreak they were going through. The grace and mercy given in the end of this book was absolutely beautiful. 

Seeing Amina's story and her coming to Jesus was very impactful. I loved Loretta and Tom as they were the hands and feet of Jesus in the moments Amina needed it most. Seeing how the Lord worked in these families lives in the end made me cry - such a beautiful, emotional ending. Absolutely lovely faith content.

If you like biblical retellings or contemporary stories by Francine Rivers, this would be a perfect read for you. 

Thank you to the author for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6867497223
Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3Y9Fql1
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Book Review: The One by Kiera Cass

 

The One by Kiera Cass - 4 Stars for Entertainment Value 

Ok, we are back with the ending of Aspen, America and Maxon's love triangle and the Selection process itself. We follow battles, more selection drama, and the love triangle stuff but also more depth here with the girls and reconciliation - which I liked. BUT THE ANGST yall - so much of it, hilarious really.

This gives what it needs to give in 2024 for this 34 year old gal -- entertainment value lol.

I am glad I finished the original trilogy and saw this through with my friend Lauren. We buddy read all 3 books back to back and it was a wild ride. The ending of this was WILD. It really popped off. 

I would probably have liked this a lot better if the romance love triangle stuff was wrapped up sooner and America communicated more to avoid certain situations but overall it was really an entertaining story. 

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6898920293

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Bu2Mct

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.