BookLoverAmanda

  Prowl by Colleen Coble 4 Stars Book 2 in The Sanctuary Series Really enjoyed book 2 after Ambush! This is a Christian Romantic Suspense series and delivers fast paced suspense, emotional depth and a romance you just can't help but root for. We had a CRAZY introduction to this book. A body is found in the tiger enclosure and RIGHT AWAY you just need to know ALL the things! I listened to the audiobook and love the narration. Colleen always has a good narrator for her books that keep you engaged.  We are back with Blake and Paradise from book 1 with their second chance romance continuation as their relationship grows amid alllll the chaos around them. We are following multiple mysteries in a way with Paradise's missing DNA results and the murder of the woman from the beginning of the book. Definitely recommend this series by Colleen, really good! Especially if you like animals, fast paced suspense, faith moments and a sweet romance. Thank you to the publisher for a complimentar...

 Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright 4 Stars Another great autumnal read from Jaime Jo Wright! A very haunting book starting out on the shores of Lake Superior into a dual timeline mystery to present day......a very emotionally charged book. The ending TOOK ME OUT. I did NOT see that coming. We follow Rebecca who is a battered woman in 1874 who wakes up with no idea of her past. Then we follow Shea in modern day who is an author seeking refuge from her crumbling marriage. Both women find themselves drawn to the isolated lighthouse with a lingering presence of Annabel. This had a theme of gothic suspense because you have a tie in with Edgar Allen Poe as it's inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's haunting poem of Annabel Lee. I loved that because I knew nothing of Edgar Allen Poe and it caused me to research a bit about the history of that poem. I can't say a ton because I don't want to spoil anything, but wow, what an ending.  Trigger warning: suicide mentions...

 Playing for Keeps by Mandi Blake 4 Stars  This was another great Christmas read by Mandi! She always brings the faith and sweet romance that I enjoy in books! This is a second chance romance story between Justin McKinnon and Caroline Taylor. Their families have hated each other for decades and when Caroline asks Justin to pretend to be her boyfriend one day many years ago, their spur of the moment kiss turned into a secret romance...just like Romeo and Juliet with their feuding families.  Cut to many years later....they still love each other but as things would have it, they went their separate ways unwillingly. Caroline owns the bakery in town but no guy she has dated since Justin has worked out for her. She has been hung up on her first love (Justin) in the back of her mind for so long. Justin is back in town after escaping his abusive father years ago, and is ready to work things out with Caroline, if it be in the Lord's will for them. Really enjoyed the Christmas ele...

  Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer   Book 4 in The Timeless Series 5 STARS A FAVORITE OF 2025 Watch my dedicated reading vlog here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9oct9SJ7MA YOU GUYS. GABRIELLE DID IT AGAIN. It took me long enough to read book 4 that we have books 5 & 6 out but I GOT IT DONE! :)  This book is a NEW FAV in the series now for me. This is a Christian Historical Romance Time Travel Series and to me, it is my favorite Christian Fiction series of all time. In each book of the series, you have someone or multiple people who time travel. The person wakes up each day in a different time and before a specific birthday, they have to stay awake past midnight in that time and they will remain there forever, forsaking the other life and timeline forever.  This was the first of the series that our main character had no idea how the time travel piece worked.  We follow Caroline, in 1927 and 1727. She is searching for answers about why she has this...

The Beatitudes by Charles Spurgeon  5 Stars  Once again, a great Spurgeon read! This short but deeply rich work is a gem. Spurgeon takes Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Blessed are the poor in spirit....) and unpacks each verse with depth and conviction. What I love most about his works is how timeless his teaching always is. Even though he spoke/wrote in the Victorian Era, his reflections on humility, mercy, righteousness, and peace speak directly to us today. So much is relatable in our time now.  Every page reminds you that the Beatitudes are not just poetic lines but calls to live with Christlike character in our world today.  His words are easy to understand and reading two chapters per week was perfect for the weekly discussions with Tiffany, Chrissie and Deea for our readalong.  If you are looking for a devotional or bible study companion that goes beyond the surface and gives you deep reflections....read this! Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/revie...

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost 4 Stars  Book 6 in the Christmas Tree Farm   Another cute Christmas cozy mystery in this series! :) We follow Holly White and her husband Sheriff Evan Gray as she is expecting! Holly agrees to take it easy because she has elevated blood pressure. There is an attempted robbery of an antique ornament. The thief manages to escape....but they find their body later.....someone was in town to kill them and now they have another mystery to solve. I really liked the romance with Holly and Evan continued in this book. It's natural, sweet and clean. The small town and side characters in this book are SO cozy and you just love seeing them try to figure out what happened. Only a couple of small swear words, no explicit content, making this an overall clean series to get into. Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7949483450 Amazon:  https://amzn.to/47f2K5z *Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be e...