Book Review: As Sure As The Sea by Jamie Ogle

 As Sure As The Sea by Jamie Ogle - 5 Stars

Another powerful historical novel that will immerse you in the dangerous world of early Christianity under the Roman Empire's persecution. Set in AD 310, this explored themes of faith, sacrifice and redemption through the lives of Demi and Niko. Jamie Ogle crafts another great historical fiction story - this time in the form of St. Nicholas' story.

I loved her St. Valentine story, Of Love and Treason, and this one was another beautiful faith filled story. The attention to historical detail is great - she really brings to life the bustling city and the dangers of pearl/coral diving. I think fans of Francine Rivers and Tessa Afshar would enjoy Jamie's books because they are early church history style.

In this book, Demitria (Demi) makes a small living harvesting coral and pearls for a merchant. We kick off the book with her and her brother out on their boat when her brother gets hurt. This is when she meets Nikolas and he helps her and her brother. Nikolas (Niko) has guilt from his brother's death and as the new pastor in Myra, he is determined to use his wealth for good. Demi helps Niko retrieve his lost fortune to help others in need. These two form a romance but circumstances happen that separate them and a very dangerous situation ensues. 

Overall, I loved the main message of faith through their trials - no matter what. Demi's ultimate test of faith was shown here and very well done. Niko's strength in his trials and faith not being wavered - absolutely POWERFUL and INSPIRING. The message of the Gospel was also ever present and I so appreciate that!

"The only thing that mattered was the blood of Jesus Christ covered him. There was nothing less, nothing more he could do to affect the love and grace God bestowed on him. On all those who believed."

I loved the ending of this book most of all. I cried. I was moved. Highly recommend! Thank you to Tyndale for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7140307632
Amazon: https://amzn.to/41AhCbR
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/597353

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

Book Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese - 5 Star Favorite

This book is a new favorite of all time. Such a beautiful story that is emotionally rich, exploring themes of love, adoption, motherhood, romance, sacrifice and challenges of family and life in general. This is a Christian Fiction following Lauren, a dedicated Elementary School teacher who has longed dreamed of becoming a mother through international adoption. She feels like this is the Lord's plan in her life. Her adoption process comes with one strict condition --she must remain single until the adoption process is finalized. Lauren has committed herself to this journey but she finds herself questioning what she should do -- where does the Lord intend for things to go? Joshua, a kindhearted substitute teacher, comes along and she wrestles with some difficult choices. 

Nicole Deese has portrayed the depth of her emotions so perfectly, making the reader truly relate and feel everything with her. 

As a special needs Mama, this book especially touched my heart from the aspect of her adopting a child with a health condition. Lauren is relatable and inspiring and seeing her relationship grow with Joshua was perfection as his patience and understanding made him a great guy to root for in this book. The relationship made so much sense as it was a slow build, tender and deeply emotional between them.

I also found Lauren's struggles with her mother and sister very relatable in some ways. Such a rollercoaster of emotions and the ending between them was very precious - making me tear up. I actually cried in several places of this book, as Nicole delivered such a heartfelt story. Lauren trusted God's timing, even when it hurt in the process. 

I highly recommend this book. It's authentic, relatable, emotional, faith filled and just powerful.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4738703584
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3P3HWUM
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38703
  *Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Southern Comfort Reading Challenge Book Recs: March 2025 Prompt - Southern Roots - A Multi-Generational Story

 

YouTube Video Live at 7:00 a.m. central on 2/27/25: https://youtu.be/9iGwLoA9qFk

What is a multi-generational story? A multi-generational story is a narrative that spans several generations of characters—often a family or community—allowing the reader to see how events, relationships, and legacies evolve over time.

Key Elements:
💛Family Legacy: The story may explore how past choices, trauma, or traditions affect future generations.
💛Dual or Multiple Timelines: Some books alternate between past and present perspectives.
💛Interwoven Character Arcs: Different generations may face similar struggles, echoing past experiences.
💛Cultural & Historical Context: The novel may highlight societal changes over time.

💛ICYMI:💛
Southern Comfort Reading Challenge Announcement with bingo board graphics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hop4A3XfPJk&t=2s

💛Books Mentioned:💛
The Vanishing at Castle Moreau - Jaime Jo Wright:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/05/book-review-vanishing-at-castle-moreau.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pmExqM
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/465107

💛The Premonition at Wither's Farm - Jaime Jo Wright:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/10/book-review-premonition-at-withers-farm.html
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/433715
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BGhe0O

💛Echoes Among the Stones - Jaime Jo Wright:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/04/book-review-echoes-among-stones-by.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rwn9AB
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38654

💛Assassin's Apprentice - Robin Hobb:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/02/book-review-assassins-apprentice-by.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DeTsXg

💛Voice of the Ancient - Connilyn Cossette:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/08/book-review-voice-of-ancient-by.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E7j6O6
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/492067

💛Between the Sound and Sea - Amanda Cox:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/08/book-review-between-sound-and-sea-by.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/46Z8ajm
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/553567

💛All My Secrets - Lynn Austin:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/02/book-review-all-my-secrets-by-lynn.html
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UBlx5f
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/540744

💛Waves of Mercy - Lynn Austin:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4708701906
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43eAG0C
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38212

💛Veiled in Smoke - Jocelyn Green:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/01/book-review-veiled-in-smoke-by-jocelyn.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/47O0S0s
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38634

💛By Way of the Moonlight - Elizabeth Musser:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4750661255
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hW9qs8
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/405422

💛Beneath the Bending Skies - Jane Kirkpatrick:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4810074226
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/433718

💛I MUST Betray You - Ruta Sepetys:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/06/book-review-i-must-betray-you-by-ruta.html Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zqbC9Z

💛When the Day Comes - Gabrielle Meyer:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/04/book-review-when-day-comes-by-gabrielle.html
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y0QVJT
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/405425

💛Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4741660828
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hLHhE5

💛The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3D8lfwa

💛LOTR - JRR Tolkien:
Review of the Fellowship: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1022820053
Series link: https://amzn.to/3D9vGQ3

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

Love y'all! Thank you for participating!

- Amanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bookloveramanda
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bookloveramanda 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookloveramanda/

Book Review: Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander

Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander 

Book 1 in the Bakeshop Mystery Series
3 Stars

Small town charm, good desserts & a cozy mystery! We follow Juliet, who is a talented pastry chef returning home in Oregon to help her family's bakeshop. Her homecoming takes a dark turn when a murder occurs and Juliet gets caught up in the investigation. With a cast of quirky townspeople and plenty of twists, you have a pretty good cozy mystery. 

I loved the vivid descriptions of desserts in this one - always one for a good food cozy mystery most of all. While this one was a pretty start to a good cozy mystery series and I do plan to continue sometime since I own a lot of the audiobooks, I found myself not as invested or connected at times.

I think anyone who likes cozy mysteries would enjoy this one though, either way. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6039944426
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QA5DVn

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

Book Review: Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor

 Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor

4 Stars 
Book 4 in the Appies Series

REALLY enjoyed this one! We have another book in the Appie's series and it was SWOON-worthy yall! You know I LOVED a good grumpy sunshine trope and this did not disappoint! Nathan's character had so much depth with the reasons behind his rough exterior and Summer was the one girl who is all sunshine and warmth to break behind his walls.

In this book we have Nathan who is a no-nonsense brooding hockey player for the Appies hockey team - he keeps everyone at arm's length. Summer is determined to break through his icy exterior. Circumstances force them into a fake dating arrangement and Summer sees it at the perfect opportunity to get to who Nathan truly is inside.

The banter, heartfelt moments and chemistry between the characters were great. Loved the forced proximity and her taking care of him when he gets sick. I also loved seeing the other Appies hockey players, they crack me up!

If you love these tropes, check this out!

*Content: Clean romance/closed door, few mild words of language but small.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6597963220
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hRD7ue

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

Book Review: Love and Memories by Mandi Blake

Love and Memories by Mandi Blake 
5 BIG Stars! 
Book 4 in the Love in Blackwater Series

YALLLLL MANDI DID IT AGAIN! These books just keep getting better and better! WOOOOWW! I was SO invested in this one. We have a Paramedic MMC, FMC who loses her memories, HIGH STAKES with TWISTS and TURNS, beautiful faith elements!! ALL. THE. THINGS!

Simba in this picture here explains my SHOCK at the TWISTS in this! This is not like anything Mandi has done from what I have read so far and I just loveeeed it so much.

OK now that I am done GUSHING --- let's get into what this is about:

Paramedic Travis Monroe helps save our girl Isabella Young from a tragic accident. We know from the beginning of the book she was running away from a situation. She's injured and Travis doesn't want to leave her side, even after she goes to the hospital. He feels the Lord telling him to check on her and they start talking through things. She doesn't remember much about herself, other than her name and a few small things. She definitely doesn't remember why she is in Blackwater or events leading up to her accident that brought her and Travis together. As Travis is helping her get on her feet, they start to have feelings for one another - yet TWISTS and TURNS ensue and we are left with QUITE THE STORY! 

This book had me in a chokehold - I had to know ALL  the things yall! I loved it so much. Seeing Isabella process through her trauma and stand in her faith was beautiful. Seeing her also take a stand was important. I always love the faith content in Mandi's books and this brought it in such a beautiful way. Travis was such a cinnamon roll who I loved too!

Highly recommended this series you guys! Thank you Mandi for sending me this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7258955766
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Qvpl4z

Mandi's Store: https://mandiblakeauthor.com/products/love-and-memories-signed-paperbook

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

 

Book Review: Defiant Joy by Stasi Eldredge

 

Defiant Joy by Stasi Eldredge

4 Stars 

This was a very relatable book for me. Several moments relatable as a special needs mama and someone who needed to be reminded all about the joyous moments we miss. This book is a good one for perspective - that joy isn't about circumstances by where we place out trust, in Christ, who offers unshakeable hope. 

What I like most about this is how practical it is - she doesn't just tell us to choose joy and leave it at that, she provides real, tangible ways to cultivate joy through gratitude, worship, community and faith. Her insights are relatable and deeply encouraging, specifically for those who are walking or have walked through challenging seasons of life.

If you are feeling weighed down by life's struggles or looking for a faith filled perspective on joy, check this out. It will leave you feeling uplifted.

Thanks Krista at Books and Jams for hosting a readalong for this one!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7287160423
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3D4XgOm
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/25660

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

Book Review: A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh

 

A Run At Love by Toni Shiloh 
(Love in the Spotlight book #2)
4 Stars

Piper McKinney is our main protagonist in the story. She is an ambitious woman navigating a male-dominated world of horseracing. Her determination to win the Kentucky Derby is inspiring and there is an added complexity of her journey as a transracial adoptee. Tucker Hale is a good balance of support and strength she needs, both professionally and personally. We see their friends to more romance grow and their connection was very genuine. When a scandal in the media involving Piper's adopted parents ensues, she doesn't know what to do and we see the events of this unfold.

I ultimately enjoyed this book. Toni always writes good faith content in her books. The first half - I didn't truly connect with Piper - I felt like I didn't know her well outside of her adoption story and struggles, but she grew on me after 40% mark. I loved the connection she had with Tuck and seeing the friends to more come to life was nice. Specifically, Chapter 39  and 42 was super sweet.

I liked seeing how her families drama unfolded - it had me wanting to know more and keep reading. How she handled the forgiveness thread was good too. It was nice to see characters from the first book also, because Niveah and Lamont are my favorites! 

I did also like the ending as it was beautiful seeing Piper process her feelings about her biological family and adopted family. If you like stories with an adoption thread, horses and a faith thread, check this out.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6537625863
Amazon: https://amzn.to/41tsCI7
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/553540

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

Book Review: The Buy-In By Emma St. Clair

 

The Buy-In By Emma St. Clair
(Book 1 in the Love Stories in Sheet Cake Series)
5 Stars 

WHAT A FUN ROM-COM! Truly a 5 star rom-com! I loved this one so much. Pat is an new fav MMC! Excited to read more in the series. 

Pat is such a great guy - a true cinnamon roll but also strong MMC. As someone who has ADHD herself, I appreciated that he talked about his struggles with that too. He really put his feelings out there to Lindy, which was AWESOME! You just don't see that enough in books and I loved it. The marriage of convenience aspect was so great in this book too because they get married to help her custody case for her sister's 5 year old daughter she has raised. Loved the little girl too in this story, I am a big fan of children in books like this!

In this book, Pat's father purchased the town of Sheet Cake, Texas, and Pat tries to win back Lindy, who is the woman who got away many years ago. Seeing him pursue her was chef's kiss! 

In true Emma fashion, there were so many funny moments in this book! I laughed out loud so many times!

Highly recommend yall check this one out! A cute clean romance! Thank you to Emma for sending me a copy of this to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7073461657
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3X4IWfK

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

*Amao

Book Review: Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle 

4.5 Stars (Rounding up to 5 Stars on Goodreads).

A Powerful and Moving Story of Faith, Love, and Sacrifice - A St. Valentine Retelling 

WOW. This is a stunning historical novel. From the very first page, I was captivated by the gripping story of Valentine, a man of unwavering faith who stands boldly against an emperor. He is full of bravery, compassion, and devotion to Christ. There are some beautiful salvation stories in this book thanks to Valentine!

Iris truly stole my heart too. Her longing for physical and spiritual sight was beautifully written, and her transformation was breathtaking. The way she discovers faith amidst the dangers of Rome, all while navigating her relationship with Valentine, made for an emotionally rich and deeply compelling story. 

We see such an important focus on standing for Christ in this book. We see how hard it was to be labeled a Christian during this dark time of history. We see the trust in God's goodness here, even when He doesn't answer prayers when we think He should. Specifically in the ending. The ending made me CRY so much because of the beauty shown in sacrifice and faith. 

The author brings ancient Rome to life, from the political tensions to the early church’s desperate struggle to survive. The stakes felt real, and the danger ever-present. It puts me in the mind of the Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers, which is also a historical fiction but it's set during biblical times. This book is not a biblical fiction, as its two centuries after the Bible was finished, but it is more of an early church historical fiction set during Rome, AD 270.

Overall, I loved this so much. While some of the romance elements were not my favorite as the pacing was a bit slower in that part, I completely see why the author added that in there. She needed someone to truly love Valentine for the faith impact at the ending to make sense. This book is an absolute must-read for fans of Christian historical fiction. It’s unforgettable. I know this is not biblical fiction, but I think if you like biblical fiction, this would be one you enjoy due to the early church history side of things in this. Certainly a favorite book of 2025 for me. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6266622296

Amazon: https://amzn.to/40P8f7U

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/540784

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

Book Review: Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge

 

Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge 
3/5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐

Jane of Austin is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, which I have not yet read but know a little about the storyline. The author blended Austen-inspired themes with a contemporary Texas setting. We follow sisters Jane and Celia Woodward as the are trying to rebuild their lives after financial hardship, which forces them to relocate from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX. Lots of tea, food, sister bonds and romantic entanglements are front and center in this book!

For me, the first half to possibly 60% of this book was around 4 stars and really enjoyable. The strength of this book was its atmospheric Texas charm - so many recipes and tea blends - loved that! Also I enjoyed the writing style too! I can see the connections she made to Sense and Sensibility, from what I know of the story anyway.

That said, the romance with Sean was a bit too instalove for me and Jane's character goes a bit off the waysides if you will, because the consistency of her character changed at a certain point. Her actions in response to some things that happened really did not make sense to me for her character. Also, something big that happens felt completely out of nowhere around this point. Additionally, I feel like the ending with Teddy was random too and didn't make sense.

Overall, this was a fun pleasant read for the most part but not particularly groundbreaking. Readers who love Austen, tea and a little quick romance would probably enjoy it, but those looking for a more compelling retelling might find it a little underwhelming. 

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7234343198

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4jZwNlS

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

Book Review: Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

 

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross 
Letters of Enchantment Series - Book 2

3.75/5 - rounding up to 4
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We are back in this duology with Iris and Roman! We pick up a couple of weeks after Divine Rivals, with a story of heartbreak. The stakes and emotions are higher than ever before as Iris and Roman have to find their way back to one another....but Dacre doesn't make this an easy task....

I can't say too much because it's spoilers but what a wild ride! I was invested in the relationship of Iris and Roman and rooting for them the entire time. I don't necessarily care about the politics or war of what's going on, the characters and romance is what makes this story for me! (The politics was interesting about half way in but usually I wasn't that interested lol)

Since I can't say too much...I will say I was in that I NEED TO KNOW/I AM UNWELL mode for most of the book. However, the ending did fall flat for me in a few places where I felt like the pacing went from very fast past to a lackluster slow unsurprising ending. Either way, I still LOVED the romance bits and Iris and Roman are one of my favorite couples now!

Content: mild language 2 times, fade to black married couple scene, war battles but not too much detail

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6415949790

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gQOYrv

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

Book Review: Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

3/5 Stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a long time fan of Becky's books, I was excited to dive into this one! I have loved the Misty River series and Memory Lane is my favorite of this series.

While the premise of Uneasy Street had plenty of promise--second chances, an adoption side story, a missing tiara and a business between the characters reminiscence of kindle unlimited/libby/hoopla/audible etc., - I ultimately had mixed feelings about this one.

Let's start with what I loved about this one: the side stories! The relationship between Sloane and her niece was heartwarming and the subplot involving the search for her niece's birth father added a layer of depth that kept me engaged. Becky's signature emotional depth was present there and the small down Maine setting was charming. It was nice being back with characters from the previous book too.

There was also a very interesting tiara side story involving Max's mother that I liked following.

Where the book fell a little flat for me was the romance. Enemies to lovers is a tricky trope for me personally - I need the tension and chemistry to feel natural without being rude to one another to a certain extent. In this case, it was hard for me to get past their rudeness to one another and root for them as a couple.

Also, it was hard for me to love either of their actions regarding the reasons they went their separate ways in the business venture they had together. Her sister had passed away and she didn't tell anyone - which led to her panic attack, leading to her inability to continue to work in a key moment in their business. She didn't tell Max, which led him to being unaware of what was going on, leaving him upset about the consequences from the panic attack.

While I do think it's important to let your co-workers know big things like that in your life since it would affect your job, Max should have also had more compassion for her and he didn't really have that like I wanted, even when they met back up many years later. Their romance didn't quite deliver the emotional payoff and the connection to characters that I was hoping for.

I found myself just more invested in the side characters and their journeys than in the central romance. It was nice to see how it all ended though and wrapped up with characters loved in other books in the series.

The romance was clean, no language, small faith elements throughout the story. While it wasn't my favorite, I know many other readers may adore this. I will continue to support Becky in her books and look forward to reading more of her backlist.

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7033129237
Becky's Site: https://beckywade.com/home/uneasy-street/

Southern Comfort Reading Challenge Book Recs: February 2025 Prompt - Sweet As Southern Tea - A Book with Sweet Food or Drink

YouTube Video for Prompts Specifically Physical Books on Shelves:
(Live at 7:00 a.m. central  on 2/5/25) 

https://youtu.be/K22p2oKeyJY

Books with Cooking and Chefs Recs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX8wZCnHHp8&t=8s

Cozy Mystery Recs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2tnlTmQ2Uw&t=46s

Southern Comfort Reading Challenge Announcement with bingo board graphics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hop4A3XfPJk&t=2s

Here are the links for the books and reviews.

Those I have Read and Reviewed from the Videos Above:

Seaside Cafe Mystery Series Live and Let Chai Book 1 -Bree Baker:
Review with Purchase Links: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/06/book-review-live-and-let-chai-by-bree.html 

Death by Bubble Tea - Jennifer J. Chow: 

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5100674080 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q4CMZa

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder - Valerie Burns:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5006893972 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jH3vZh

Assaulted Caramel - Amanda Flower:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5518455388 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WNp1S9

My Phony Valentine - Courtney Walsh:
Review with Purchase Links: 
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/02/book-review-my-phony-valentine-by.html 

Love & Gelato - Jenna Evans Welch:
Review with Purchase Links: 
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/05/book-review-love-and-gelato-by-jenna.html

The Divine Proverb of Streusel - Sara Brunsvold:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/03/book-review-divine-proverb-of-streusel.html 

It's Boba Time for Pearl Li - Nicole Chen:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/03/book-review-its-boba-time-for-pearl-li.html 

The Queen's Cook - Tessa Afshar:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/11/book-review-queens-cook-by-tessa-afshar.html

Tea with Elephants - Robin Jones Gunn:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/10/book-review-tea-with-elephants-by.html

Britta and the Beach Boy - Brittany Larsen:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/10/book-review-britta-and-beach-boy-by.html

When in Rome - Sarah Adams:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/02/book-review-when-in-rome-by-sarah-adams.html

Rocky Road - Becky Wade:
Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2024/02/book-review-rocky-road-by-becky-wade.html
Becky's Site: https://beckywade.com/home/rocky-road/

Live and Let Chai - Bree Baker:
Review with Purchase Links:
https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/2023/06/book-review-live-and-let-chai-by-bree.html

Apple Cider Slaying - Julie Anne Lindsey:
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5032366191
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gvtY9t

Those I Have Not Yet Read by Showed in the Video:

Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe - Carla Laureano:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EmEFxD
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/148014

Of Literature and Lattes - Katherine Reay:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aQW5P1
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/22934

Death by Food Truck - Novella Collection:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpT1up
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/498047
 
The Sweet Life - Suzanne Woods Fisher:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Q60ILw
Baker Book House:  https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/405225

Pint of No Return - Dana Mentink:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/42HqNIz

Easy as Pie - Carina Taylor:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gwKztk

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Love y'all! Thank you for participating!

- Amanda

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bookloveramanda
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Book Review: Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar 
 4.5 Stars (Rounding Up to 5 on Goodreads)

What a powerful biblical retelling of the story of Rahab. Tessa reimagines the life of the woman whose faith and courage changed history. In typical Tessa Afshar fashion, we see great storytelling and emotional depth. She breaths life into this ancient story. I always love Tessa's stories and this was a new favorite for me.

We start the book with Rahab as a young girl, thrown into the harsh realties of life when she is forced into prostitution to support her family. Tessa does not shy away from the pain and shame of Rahab's circumstances but it is written with such compassion. She truly writes a Rahab as a strong and resilient woman. Such a story of brokenness to one of faith. We see the a moving portrait of God's transformative power! 

When Rahab meets Salmone, a leader among the Israelites, their relationship becomes the emotional heart of the story. He struggles to leave Rahab's past behind, but through the help of God, he moves on as he truly cares about her. Seeing their love story unfold with tenderness and honesty was beautiful as it highlights different challenges they overcame together. Some of the moments in the second half though, I did want to hurry up to get to the end so I think that's why it wasn't fully a 5 star but its certainly an honorable mention of 2025 for me!

I loved seeing Joshua as a mentor as well for Salmone and others in this book. Tessa really brought these biblical figures to life in this story of what Rahab's life could have been like.

This will uplift readers in a beautiful way. Highly recommend! 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5943019435
Amazon: https://amzn.to/42EhJUF
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/33885

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Book Review: Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk

 Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk
4.5 Stars  (4 Stars on Goodreads)

This was a pleasant surprise read for me! Recommended by my friend, Tammy, I am so glad to have read this one. This is a Catholic Fiction Contemporary Romance story, and while I am not Catholic, my friend is, and I really enjoyed learning more about Catholicism, their traditions and faith. This couple was a very raw and real one to read about in their relationship and I really enjoyed the writing style too!

We start with Rebecca, who has a "meet cute" with the guy working at the grocery store - Chris. Chris is Catholic and Rebecca is Protestant (Non-Denominational) in their faith. They both get to know one another and their affection for one another grows into a beautiful relationship. Rebecca has had a hard life with her father though, who is very overbearing and domineering. He doesn't want Rebecca to date Chris because he is catholic, yet her sister Abby's encouragement allows Rebecca to move on with her life and Chris as they figure out their relationship together. 

The writing style of this book was very engaging, it was quick and I found the chemistry Chris and Rebecca had to be very well done. The faith elements blended in this book were very natural and realistic as they work through their beliefs together and grew in their faith.

Rebecca's sister Abby was hilarious too - seeing her encouragement for Rebecca to live her life was nice to see since their mother had passed away and Rebecca really needed that.

The depth this book had - let me explain! So, there is a sexual scene in this book where its not explicit but they do have sex. To be clear, this is not glorified - this is acknowledged as sin and the characters lean in to their faith for repentance and grow through their relationship and faith. You see these characters struggling through temptation throughout the book and it goes to show humans are not perfect, but we have the Lord who is and can forgive us. This showed more of  Catholic repentance in their faith together and I respect the book for sharing a raw, real moment between these characters. There was a lot of discussion about the importance of waiting before marriage to have sex and I think that is important to recognize here.

Rebecca grew so much in this book as her father was quite the piece of work - I would rather say some other choice words for his character, but that's what I will say. He was abusive and controlling and to see Rebecca get out of that situation was amazing. 

Rebecca also had been almost sexually assaulted in the past, so she struggles in her relationship with Chris from the past trauma she has from that experience. Chris is patient and kind throughout the entire experience. 

Also, Father John was a great side character who gave good advice that I loved.
Overall, I am glad I read this as my friend's recommendation!

Some Favorite Quotes:

"If you're dating because you're looking to get married, then you've got to think about her in the context of marriage and children, not just how she looks when she's seated across the table from you or how much fun you have together." (Good quote regarding dating someone from the same faith)

"You make me feel free. I know now what it is to really be alive. So, when I say 'I want to live with you,' I mean it in the best way. I want to experience everything with you." Chris to Rebecca 

"God's voice. Who has spoken to you in love and truth? Whose words make you free to love and whose words hold you back?" To Rebecca about whose words/voice is she listening too. Her friends, family or God?

"She said that marriage isn't the happily ever after. It's the rocky brush-covered path that'll get you there. You're going to trip and fall. You might even take a side trail that gets you lost and confused and you'll have to fight your way back. Every last vice, fault and rough edge will be explored, but you'll never have to travel alone, and if you hang in there, it'll be perfect like a refiner's fire." - Abby to Rebecca

Content: 1 scene where the characters have sex, mild language (situational), mentions of previous sexual assault and casual social drinking.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7140310503
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gt4lWC

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