Be Still by Matt Searles - Devotional Recommendation

                              

Be Still by Matt Searles 
A Devotional Recommendation

Thank you to 10 Publishing (10ofthose.com) for the gifted copy to read. All thoughts are my own.

This is a devotional I highly recommend for anyone seeking relatability in the Psalms for their everyday life. This reminds us of many things....slowing down and making time to be present with the Lord, be content in what we have and stop playing the comparison games....mediate on God's word and all He has for you. This year has been a hard one for me and my family and while it's taken me some time to get to this book, I am so glad to be reading through it over and over.

Each day feels like it unpacks the richness of God's word in short but thoughtful devotionals for each day. I don't feel like this is your average, every day devotional. It really is intentional of the topic at hand and I appreciate that.

Buy the Devotional: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781915705167/be-still-paperback
More from the 10 Publishing: https://us.10ofthose.com/

All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon

 

All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon

5 Stars

Spurgeon always brings me back to basics. Thank God for his words all these years later. He takes the most beautiful truths of scripture and brings them back to the heart of what salvation truly is: grace. Not something we earn, work toward, or somehow make ourselves worthy of......but a gift freely given by Jesus. If you want more detailed thoughts on how this impacted me, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63BeXt3KuIk&t=

Thank you Tiffany, Deea and Chrissie for the beautiful readlong discussion here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idcOnuqQTmU

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B095bZnZR

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

Mail-Order Lady by Misty M. Beller

Mail Order Lady by Misty M. Beller
4 Stars

Book #4 in the Lords of the Rockies Series

We got Clara and Robert's romance this time, yay! This series follow 5 sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains. Robert wants to win Clara's heart. When she recovers from an illness that nearly kills her, she is stuck at the Balfour ranch. Herm other demands she comes home for the arranged marriage she wants nothing to do with. Robert steps in and offers to marry Clara in the midst of the discussion with her mother. 

Loved Robert and Clara together. This is a quick read and I have really enjoyed my time in this series. They're always the feel good books I need when I pick them up. Lots of twists, threats and sweet romance. The ending was intense with some action scenes and a nice happy ending. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Misty for a gifted e-book copy of the book. All thoughts are my own. 

Libro.FM Audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798903280599-mail-order-lady

If you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0fqtHWgk

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

 

The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends by Sara Brunsvold

Special thanks to Charity C Photography for the photos at Plenty Bookshop :)

 The Sisterhood of Unlikely Friends by Sara Brunsvold

4.5 Stars 

"Love, affection, and honor are what hold us together," Reva said. "And that not of ourselves, but of the One who designed us for community. When we chose Jesus, we chose his people too, every flawed, beat-up one of them."

"We also recognize that we sit at this table at different points in our Christian maturity," Reva said. "We remember that God is working in each of us in different ways at different times, as our faith is ready to receive it, and we are responsible for guarding each's other's well-being, even if that means we must drag a sister away from things that will harm her."

"Perhaps the most important thing we remember is that the way we one-another is meant to be a dazzling display of Christ's love to the world around us, especially to those whose lives rub against out own."

"I see a child shivering under storm clouds that she doesn't yet recognize contain blessing."

Wow. This is a heartfelt, emotional Christian women's fiction book exploring friendship, the importance of community and what it means to live faith out alongside others. Jess is a 42 year old woman who starts over in Kansas City with a new faith and a determination to make better choices. She befriends her teenage neighbor and starts attending a new church and finds herself surrounded by women who come from different backgrounds, each navigating their own struggles. 

I liked how this explored Christian friendship and the important of loving our neighbors, doing for others, bearing each other's burdens, encouraging one another in the Lord. Some quotes reminded me of the sisters in Christ I have where we have given those little gentle rebukes to encourage us, call us out when needed and share the truth when needed. That is a true friend, with open honest conversation.

Jess and Austie's friendship specifically focused on the balance of grace, compassion and the reality that you cannot make someone else's choices for them. It shows that loving someone through a difficult season isn’t always easy or straightforward.

One of the most meaningful parts of Jess’s story was watching her navigate her unexpected health diagnosis. She is so determined to keep everything together and be strong for the people around her, but her own struggles force her to face how difficult it can be to let others in. I appreciated how this storyline highlighted the vulnerability that comes with uncertainty and the reminder that we aren't meant to carry every burden alone. Loved the discussion Reva and Jess had in the end, so beautiful. 

We were never meant to walk our lives alone, community is so important. In today world with all the technological advancements, its so easy for us to back out of those in person meetings, myself included. This book reminded me to step out of those comfort zones. These women were in different walks of life, different seasons and ages. It emphasized the importance of building friendships outside your typical circle or age group. Their differences are part of what make their friendships meaningful. 

This was a good Christian friendship story that I think many would enjoy.

Thank you to the Revell and Sara for a gifted copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Content: alcohol use mentioned, drug use and addiction, chronic illness/serious medical diagnosis, family conflict, grief - all handled with grace in Christian Fiction and faith 

Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798898857592-the-sisterhood-of-unlikely-friends

If you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0j0B5155
Baker: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780800746131_the-sisterhood-of-unlikely-friends
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Malice by John Gwynne

 Malice by John Gwynne
4.5 Stars
Book 1 in the Faithful and the Fallen Series

This was a book completely outside of my comfort zone! I really enjoyed it. High fantasy isn't always my genre but it worked here. While it has a lot of characters and world building thrown at you for the first 50%, after you get there...you ARE THERE and you enter...I NEED TO KNOW territory!

Malice takes place in the Banished Lands which is a world of rival kingdoms, uneasy alliances, ancient legends and a growing conflict between good and evil. Our main character is Corban, a young boy who begins the book being bullied and entering training by a stablemaster, Gar. His coming of age story is connected to something much larger...A prophecy hangs over everything.

Many other characters we follow their POV:

- Corban is easy to root for as an ordinary farm boy with extreme growth as he ages and trains
- Nathair is charming, ambitious and complicated....
- Veradis is loyal to a fault....admirable but frustrating.....
- Cywen is spirited and one of my favs.....
- Evnis is not a good guy right from the start....

Among many other smaller POVs enter the story too. 

While secular in nature, this book had some noticeable biblical themes and influence in the prophecy, spiritual warfare and conflict between a creator figure and a fallen power. These ideas are tied in the fantasy world.

As far as the pacing, it is certain a slow burn story, especially at the start. Gwynne takes time to introduce you to kingdoms, relationships, rivalries....history....everything. While this can feel dense, it is needed to get the scene set. It took me a while to get on with everything but once the action started....man I was HERE.

I am already looking forward to book 2. Glad I read this with Tay, Tammy and Lindsay!

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy classic epic fantasy, large casts, coming-of-age stories, morally complicated loyalties, political conflict and a lot of fantasy battles. 

Content: I will list these I found online below for reference. But honestly, nothing really bothered me in this book, it was just super intense with the violent battles. But as always, listing these below for your reference to decide. 

Violence and gore: Frequent, detailed battle scenes, sword fighting, bloodshed, serious injuries and graphic deaths. Death and murder: Multiple character deaths, including the deaths of loved ones and parental figures. Animal cruelty and animal death. Bullying: Harassment, intimidation, and cruelty toward characters. Abuse: References to physical and emotional abuse. Kidnapping and captivity: Characters are abducted and placed in dangerous situations. Torture: References to torture and physical suffering. Grief and trauma: Loss, bereavement, and the emotional effects of violence. Mild language

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B065TtjYi
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Shortbread in the Highlands by Robin Jones Gunn

 Shortbread in the Highlands by Robin Jones Gunn
Book 3 in the Suitcase Sisters Series but can be read as a standalone 
 Does not connect with other stories in the series.
4 stars

I have loved this series by Robin! Great friendship stories are hard to find these days. Cousins Nora and Allie travel to Scotland to help find their Gran's missing diary after she inherits an old, beautiful library from someone in her past that has been a secret for a very long time....

The journey these girls take was so great. This one is my favorite setting of the 3 so far. I love Scotland and it had a lot of good references from books I read in the past. What made this read for me was the discussion we had in the bloom book club on my friend Keisha's channel (linked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB8AKUx8HrQ)

I really liked the focus and themes on slowing down, taking time to soak in the world around us. So often we are in a busy schedule that we forget to just slow down and see what the Lord wants us to see. Scotland for these girls meant reflection. 

While I wanted a bit more back story of the girls in the beginning, by the end I loved the journey they took and think anyone who likes travel friendship books will like this!

Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798899748868-shortbread-in-the-highlands

If you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B05lySVhT

Baker: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780800744847_shortbread-in-the-highlands
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay

 The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay 
3.5 Stars

Thank you to UpLit reads, Harper Muse and author for a gifted physical and ebook copies of this book to honestly read for review. Also a special thanks to Libro.FM for the gifted audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.

I liked this one pretty good. It is a historical mystery set in the 1950s that combines the cozy appeal of a small English village with the intrigue of Cold War espionage. I loved the unique premise, the bookshop setting, and the way the story weaves together mystery, history, and romance. The story has a lot of moving pieces, but it offers an interesting look at belonging, courage, and finding your place in an unfamiliar community. 

I LOVED the bookish pieces to this. For example, one of my favorite quotes: 

“We don’t grow out of the stories we read; we grow through them. Even in rereading them, they point us to our earlier selves and show us how we’ve grown from that first meeting and those experiences. They become part of us.”

I related to that so much in my own personal reading journey.

I also loved the Agatha Christie references. I also loved how this was tied to a real person in history and their true story as a spy.

Gemma is such a fun sleuth because she has a good eye for mysteries and notices things people don't. She is looking for friendship and finds that with Ursula. She really looks into Ursula and she starts questioning her secrets.

Gemma had a romance with Charlie who is the local constable. He helped her in the research and was a great guy. I really liked how that all played out.

From an audiobook standpoint, the narration was great. She did a good job bringing the characters to life, like a movie.

My only hiccup....the pacing was a bit off for me, as I was losing interest, I would find myself tuning out on the audio at times and not as inclined to read it as with other books. That could just be a me thing as I am really struggling to get through certain books with so much going on in my day to day. 

Either way, if you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery to figure out and a touch of romance, this one is worth adding to your TBR.

Libro.FM Audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781400352593-the-undercover-bookshop

If you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0i9SQSly

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

Misfit Mansion by Kay Davault

💛 🎨Misfit Mansion by Kay Davault👻 💛

5 Stars

I really liked this! The artwork is gorgeous and the message of found family was fantastic. I think this would be a great graphic novel to read in the fall time. Thanks to my bestie Keisha for the recommendation. Don't let the monster vibe scare you away, this was perfection for me because of the beautiful message attached to it. It works because we have themes of friendship, family and standing up for others when they may look different. I also felt very attached to the characters. 

Content: No language or graphic content in my opinion. There are some mentions of supernatural things but it was very whimsical to me and lighthearted. A couple of moments with 1 character that appear "somewhat scary" but nothing explicit or gory to me. 

I am looking forward to the next one soon! I have it borrowed from the library.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B072P7epp

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

Orange is the Color of Goodbye by Christian Suzann Nelson

Orange is the Color of Goodbye by Christina Suzann Nelson

5 Stars

Wow. The only way I can express my feelings truly is in the reading vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atmbNGUoG-s&t=

But let me try....

Christina Suzann Nelson has become a favorite author from only reading 2 of her books now. That is truly saying something. Her writing is beautiful and immediately pulls you in. This book was an emotional, through-provoking story about family, grief, forgiveness....complicated mother-daughter relationships....BUT GOD. As always, God shows up in ways we least expect Him to. 

We follow Eden, a mother who has been through difficult experiences with her son's cancer battle. Her son is cancer free and when all seems to be well.....she has to return home from California to Oregon to help care for her estranged, dying mother. She has to be forced to confront painful memories and unhealed trauma. Her husband is the best guy...he stays back with the kids and encourages Eden to do what she needs to do. He offers to help but Eden continues to say she has to do this all on her own.

One of the things that made this book especially meaningful to me was how deeply I connected with the subject of hoarding and the impact it can leave on a family. This isn't an easy topic to navigate, especially when it involves your parents. I grew up in a similar home as what Eden had to deal with and my parents still live in a home similar to it today. It's hard to process at times. I appreciate the author honestly exploring how hard this can be. Sometimes the people we love can leave us with wounds that are difficult to explain to others and healing isn't always as simple as deciding to forgive and move on.

The mother-daughter relationship in this book was another aspect standing out to me. The book explores toxic family dynamics, generational wounds....the difficulty to break cycles of dysfunction. I appreciate the author doesn't try to wrap everything in a neat little bow or give us a cookie-cutter ending. Instead, the book feels raw and real. She recognized that complicated relationships don't always have a simple resolution and that healing looks different for everyone.

The faith weaved in this book, even in painful circumstances, prove there is possibility of finding beauty in the ashes. We can lean on the Lord and allows others to support us through difficult situations. God sends people to help us even when we least expect Him to. Melody and Alyssa were true friends that the Lord sent to Eden in her time of need.

Overall, this was an emotional heavy read that gave me so much to think about. I think if you love realistic family stories that explore difficult relationships, grief, forgiveness and the messy process of healing will have a lot to appreciate here. It's a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, the Lord is with us.

Content note: This book explores parental illness and end-of-life care, a child's cancer journey, hoarding, toxic family relationships, past sexual assault, domestic violence, and generational trauma.

Thank you to Christina Suzann Nelson for providing a ebook copy to read for review. I have purchased a physical copy for my shelves, as this is now a favorite book of all time for me.

All thoughts are my own.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0cvCJgtV
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

High Exposure by Kelly Borjas

 

High Exposure by Kelly Borjas

4 Stars

If you like Christian romantic suspense, you'll like this one. This is first in a new series and the first book I have read by Kelly. This is set in snowy mountains of Colorado and has a lot of secrets, drugs, danger and high stakes. 

I really liked the suspense element and the romance between Julia and Cade. Julia's faith journey was also really great to see throughout the book. Her parents never gave up on her and knew the Lord would continue to pursue her through her grief of losing her sister years ago. She turned from God in all of this hardship...but she sees how good He has been in the craziness of everything that happens. 

Julia is a travel blogger on a final assignment in Colorado. She is trying to rebuild her life and career in journalism but gets caught up in a murder investigation leading to more series stakes and puts her in danger.

Cade is a former DEA agent and has secrets he keeps from Julia, trying to keep her safe. As things unfold...danger increases and Julia and Cade grow closer.

While I didn't love Cade keeping things from her, I get it. It's a pretty good start to the series as I always love the fast paced suspense books. Looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to the publisher and author for a gifted copy to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

Content - no spice, kisses only, grief from loss of loved ones mentioned, intense action, drugs, violence, death, dangerous situations - nothing explicit but just general things like this in the suspense bits.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0gYFjVT5
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780825452635_high-exposure

Libro.Fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798895642603-high-exposure

If you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

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

Autumn Kissed by Deborah M. Hathaway

 

Autumn Kissed by Deborah M. Hathaway

5 Stars

Thank you to the author for a gifted e-book to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

“What I said is true though. I am falling for her—harder and faster than I’ve ever fallen off any bull. It should be alarming. Unsettling, even.”

“I’m flirting with fire. No. Worse than fire. I’m flirting with the mayor’s daughter.”

LISTEEENNNNNN! I LOVED THIS BOOK! Maybe it was right book, right time, but the romance was everything I needed! Archer and Juliet were the BEST. Archer being a cowboy added to my enjoyment because I love cowboy romances. Juliet had a long time crush on Archer when she was in school and younger and many years later after coming home from college....she realized real fast she didn't leave her feelings behind...

Archer and her start talking, getting to know each other...the only issue...her protective Dad who hasn't had a good first impression of Archer. Archer has changed but her Dad isn't buying it. He is the mayor of the town and very protective of her.

This book had depth too....we had characters who had been through some tough things, like grief, losing loved ones, dealing with guilt from those losses. The way they processed these hardships together was powerful to see.

Overall, I loved the series and this was a great ending to it. I need to go back and read some of the ones I missed but after reading 4 of the books in the Falling for Autumn series, I loved seeing the character connections along the way and how the cozy fall activities and town flowed together.

Highly recommend.

Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781956091304-autumn-kissed

If you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0gKo2GdC

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

Prime Day Sales

I will try to keep this updated with deals as I find them! - Amanda

 ESV Spiral Bound Set - I have a YouTube Video walking through these here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtU6jMfFsAY&t=111s

https://link.amazon/B05RV9OWc

https://link.amazon/B00VZVA67

Individual New Testament https://link.amazon/B04eZJ63h
Journaling Bible On Sale - https://link.amazon/B03nVfX2z

Brighter Than Before - Courtney Walsh - Loved this book:

Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B0gjxQVLd

Under the Magnolias - TI Lowe - ON my TBR:

Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B01Rn8vNW

Spies, Lies, Alibis - Natalie Walters - Loved this book:
Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B0fRlSuN6

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures - Angela Bell - Loved this book:
Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B03WGZ5tD

Sense and Suitability - Pepper Basham - loved this book:

Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B0a3x3wkU

Everything's Coming Up Rosie - Courtney Walsh:
Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B0aYH6rwJ

If All Else Sails - Emma St. Clair - loved this book:

Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B06hRsEn5

And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie - loved this book:
Sale Link: https://link.amazon/B01WtjcCF

New Kindles - not on sale but in case you missed it, Amazon launched new Kindle models. The purple one is so cute!

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B05M3KanF

If you want one on sale, the colorsoft I have is on sale! Its not the newest, but I love mine and the bundle is a good deal.
Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0dgDG9aZ

Kindle Deals I have found:
The Girl Upstairs - Jessica R Patch - a wild ride: https://link.amazon/B03Fc0v3g 

The Summer of Yes - Courtney Walsh - love this: https://link.amazon/B0aUmdh8C

A Voice in the Wind - Francine Rivers - lovedddd this! https://link.amazon/B09Kwa1Mb

Jaime Jo Wright has SEVERAL $1.99/$2.99 sales! Check them out here:
- The House on Foster Hill: https://link.amazon/B09jZMBhh
- The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus: https://link.amazon/B05pdLvCU

- The Curse of Misty Wayfair: https://link.amazon/B0gPlMxDN

- The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond: https://link.amazon/B0hgSpEY0

If you want to check out my Amazon storefront with fav books, beauty items, bible study items...kindle things.... check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/bookloveramanda

And if you want to support your local Indie bookstore, sign up for Libro.FM Audiobooks. I love them and my subscription supports my local indie store. https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402

ALSO don't forget The Daily Grace Company's Advent study is still available - get ready for Christmas Bible Study - 10% off your order with code BOOKLOVERAMANDA - shop here:

❤️Shop ALL Daily Grace Co Items: https://thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links. Deals are current as of the posting and may change at any time.

Forbidden to Fall by Martha Keyes

 

Forbidden to Fall by Martha Keyes

4 Stars

Martha sure does know how pull you in a storyyyy! Loved James and Sadie in this book. James basically left town years ago because of some "misunderstandings" and hasn't been back...until now. He made Sadie's brother mad, among other people in town, and does not want to see anyone locally again....until he comes back and runs back in to Sadie....Sadie had the biggest crush on James years ago and she realizes quickly that hasn't fully resolved with his return. 

She works alongside James at Carver Maple Farm and they get close...but what happens when the truth comes out and what everyone thought wasn't as it seems? 

I loved the camping, baking and closeness they had together. I neeeeed to try the recipes in this book too! I am not much of a baker, but Sadie inspires me for sure! James was the SWEETEST guy. He didn't deserve all the hate he got from the town and her brother for sure. 

My only real hiccup was the ending because I wanted a bit more resolution, and the final conflict took longer to wrap up than I personally prefer. Since it leaned on misunderstanding/non‑communication trope (not my favorite), the payoff didn’t land quite as strongly for me. Still, it’s a sweet, cozy fall romance and a solid addition to the Falling for Autumn series. :)

Thanks to Martha for a gifted ebook ARC copy for me to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B06sfpxC4
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

*Libro FM Audio:  https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798349148132-forbidden-to-fall

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Strong in the Lord - Multi Author Devotional Edited by Winfree Brinsley

 

✨✝️STRONG IN THE LORD - a 30 day devotional on the armor of God✨✝️ 

Multi Author Devotional Edited by Winfree Brisley

Thank you to Crossway books for a gifted copy of this devotional for honest review. I love this devotional. This one was a great one to compliment the Stand Firm Bible study by the Daily Grace Co that my friend Keisha hosted this month❤️‍🔥 I love that each section breaks down each piece of the Armor… section 1 is Take up the Armor of God, then we have The Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Readiness Given by the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit and ending in Prayer. Each section has different authors and coordinates so well. A great reminder to put on the armor of God daily. We are in a spiritual battle but God hasn’t left us to face the enemy without protection! Highly recommend ✝️❤️‍🔥🙌🏼

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B03BWetVb

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/books/strong-in-the-lord-tpb/
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

The Emma Special by Mandi Blake and Tasha Hackett

 

The Emma Special - Mandi Blake and Tasha Hackett

5 Stars

Book 1 in the Kiss & Tell Series

This is a Christian Rom-Com and I ATE THIS UP!!! I loved it so much. Emma and James were the best. What are my immediate feelings? How do I put this into words....I laughed, I cried....I found so much relatability in Emma's life with her mother and their home situation - it hit me unexpectedly and I felt so seen in James' response to her life in that moment.

I also loveeee Marriage of Convenience trope and James was the perfect cinnamon roll guy in this book for that situation, he stepped up and made sure to help Emma no matter what. They had history together and that made it better too when it came to the MOC trope.

Emma's mama was wildddd and her friend group really gave her the courage she needed and encouragement to not let her mama walk all over her. The friendships in this were chef's kiss and the text messages cracked me up! 

Loved the co-working bits too, of Emma and James working together at the beginning of the book, love a good workplace romance.

Obviously I am just gushing about this and have no cohesive review LOL But I just cannot recommend this enough, I loved the faith, romance, friendship, depth....just pick it up! My friend Melissa and I read this together so I recommend reading with others too!

This releases October 2nd on KU so be sure to check it out.

Thank you to Mandi and Tasha for sending me an early e-book copy to read for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Book's Synopsis:

One hitchhiking fairy. One lawyer late for work. Enter: Confetti.

Emma Glass might pretend to be a princess for birthday parties, but her life is anything but a fairytale. Too bad princess gigs don’t pay into a 401K or provide health insurance—something she desperately needs for an old knee injury.

James Moore’s life changed the day he stopped to give a fairy a ride to book club. Now his high school crush is the new assistant at his law firm, and he’s falling for her all over again.

And when Emma won’t accept his money for knee surgery, he proposes another, totally reasonable solution—marriage.

They couldn’t be more different, and this marriage is supposed to be…convenient. Neither of them is prepared for when it starts to look less like a business agreement and more like happily ever after.

The Emma Special is a Christian, smalltown romance with depth and lots of laughs. The Kiss and Tell series centers around a hilarious group of women who stick by each other through thick and thin and should be read in order.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B00jBHPRw

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

Daily Grace Company's New ADVENT Bible Study Available NOW!

Daily Grace Advent Bible Study 2026

Hey friends! I recently got Daily Grace Company's newest Advent Bible Study in the mail and wanted to share the box with y'all! I unboxed it on my YouTube video that is live on my channel today, but will be also adding a blog post with all of the new items you can check out today, September 21st!

I love the Daily Grace Company's bible studies and am looking forward to this beautiful advent study leading up to the Christmas holiday, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. 

Thank you to the Daily Grace Company for the gifted box of Advent goodies!

          

✝️Daily Grace Company's New Advent Study - On Sale NOW 

🛍️Get 10% Off Your Daily Grace Co Order with Discount Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA 

❤️Pen Set:
https://collabs.shop/9ucy9p




❤️Daily Encouragement: https://collabs.shop/n87nh2

❤️Advent Prayer Journal: https://collabs.shop/jxcxgn

❤️The Advent Study: https://collabs.shop/uwm13a

❤️Shop ALL Daily Grace Co Items: https://thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

To see the full unboxing, watch my youtube video here at time stamp for Daily Grace Co:

https://youtu.be/rzI07RFRsZ4

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Bible Study Discounts The Daily Grace Company 10% Off with Discount Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA (Updated September 2026) Shop Here: https://thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA