In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

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

This book took me THROUGH it! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

 

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

4.5 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FI6PRc

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

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

Iscariot by Tosca Lee

 

Iscariot - Tosca Lee - 5 Stars - A beautiful, thought-provoking biblical fiction about Judas

Tosca Lee's "Iscariot" is such a thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the life and character of Judas Iscariot. We see his life with his family, the tragedy he went through and his life as he walked with Jesus. Tosca Lee truly explores the complexity of human nature, faith and the ultimate act of betrayal. We see Judas who grapples with his loyalty to Jesus but as the reader you find yourself looking at Judas with such sympathy and truly I can see myself in him - I have been a Judas to others in the past and to Jesus. I think that's what Tosca Lee is wanting us to take a step back and think about -- true conviction in many moments throughout this book for ourselves, return to the Gospels in our Bible, return to His living word and humble ourselves because we are not so different than Judas was. As my friend Chrissie said in her review, only two things distinguish me from Judas -- repentance and the blood of Jesus Christ. I am saved by grace through Jesus but have I ever been a Judas? Yes. 

We often think of Judas as a traitor, betrayer, thief etc. This book made me think more about Judas than I ever have before and I truly thank Tosca Lee for taking on such a controversial biblical figure and writing his story. You can see the amount of research she did and I truly appreciated her author's note as well. It makes you think.

The historical and biblical accuracy in this book is also wonderful. I loved seeing the relationship with Jesus and Judas' POV as they walked through the miracles and teachings of Him.

Overall, Iscariot is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most infamous figures in history. Readers who appreciate historical and biblical fiction will find this book very thought provoking and a rewarding read. It's a favorite of all time and one of my most prized books now. 

Thank you to the author for sending a copy of this book to read and review - all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5861744872
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SdBgWQ
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/251316

YouTube:

Wrap Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8 

And Reading Vlog:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Put8LchHLJY&t=

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

Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy

Marshaling Her Heart - Mary Connealy - 3.5 Stars 

Marshaling Her Heart is book 3 in the Wyoming Sunrise Series and follows Becky Pruitt's journey through her successful ranch, relationship with Nate Paxton and her estranged abusive father. Becky has always been a very interesting character to me and I was super excited to follow along in her journey in this conclusion to the Wyoming Sunrise series! I really enjoyed book 1 (5 stars) and book 2 (4 stars). 

I did really enjoy the story and the conclusion for all of our characters because we got to see a lot of their endings from book 1 and 2 - loved that! Loved being back in this town and seeing the ending with the faith content -- the peace Becky experienced. "To live is Christ, to die is Gain." Amen. She was at peace no matter what was going on in those moments. So much action throughout this story with the drama surrounding her father, the deadeye gang etc. I am excited to read more from Mary as this series has been great!

The only things that brought this specific book down for me was the amount of women's suffrage movement information was a bit overdone for me personally, I liked learning about it in general, but again, I wanted more of the relationship between Nate and Becky to be expanded upon versus details with the speaker for the movement, all the little things tied to that. I think this will be personal to every reader honestly. I just think we could have seen more developed with Nate and Becky personally.

We see a lot of hardships Becky had endured with her mother and brothers deaths and the abuse from her father. He does not like a strong female around and would hit her if she did things he didn't like. So we do see some of that abuse on page between Becky and her father. It was sad to see her relationship with him but I am glad we see her resolution and her healing taking place throughout the story. 

I think readers who love a good western story, ranch setting, strong female leads and clean romance will enjoy this series! The ending I think was my favorite part with the faith content. 

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5927513992
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45MZOcv
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/516371

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8

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

Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder - Gracie Ruth Mitchell

 

Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder - Gracie Ruth Mitchell - 4.5 Stars - What a GREAT clean rom-com cozy mystery all in one!

WOW - I loved this book so much! It truly was GREAT! The audiobook was FANTASTIC with a male and female narrator and that truly added to my experience while listening. This has so much I love in books - a cozy mystery with a rom-com twist - AMAZING.

AIDIPER/JUNIPAIDE FO EVA. (Loved those couple names in this!)

We have Juniper Bean who is a fun, pink-haired quirky author with an awesome yellow car who has been through a LOT over the last 10+ years of her life. Her mother passed away several years ago, she never knew her father, she was in foster care due to her mother's neglect - it's been a tough time for our girl here. Her life was completely changed because she met Aiden - and let me just say -- HE IS THE BEST BOOK BOYFRIENDDDD! I truly loved his character. He is 5 years older than Juniper and they have quite the past together. They haven't seen each other in years when it turns out, they are actually going to be roommates! (Forced proximity trope, but completely clean romance!) Aiden doesn't want anything to do with this new living situation because he never saw himself being romantically involved with Juniper after their past together and just how different they are. He's definitely grumpy and she's the sunshine! But things change quickly as they are forced to be around each other, get to know one another and work to solve the murder of the person who was supposed to tell Juniper about her real father she never knew. Aiden is a teacher at the local high school and he is helping Juniper figure everything out surrounding her father and the murder of this missing girl. 

The story takes off here. 

This book made me laugh, feel all the emotions, and Aiden stole my heart! I loved how he was truly a caring guy and involved in the food bank organization, and his past with Juniper was so beautiful. Juniper and him have so much fun back and forth banter - it really reminded me of my husband and myself! I cracked up a lot! 

The mystery element comes in around the 20% mark when we have gotten to know our characters pretty well and I was like WHAT with the ending. I did NOT guess who it was! GREAT ending. I can't wait to read more of Gracie's books. I will be thinking about AIDIPER for a long time! One of my favorite couples now.

The only reason this is not quite a 5 star read is there were some things I didn't love in regards to the fate discussions, higher power, yoga stuff mentioned but it really didn't impact my reading experience and in a secular read it wasn't something I really discredit the book for. Just a personal preference in content. 

Overall, I highly recommend this for my rom-com cozy mystery lovers!

Here are some trigger warnings and content information:
This is a cozy mystery technically, but it did have a bit more intensity, specifically in the end, then some others may have. I would say it was very minor gore related to a murder / attempted murder. I was fine with it personally, but want to mention. There are mentions of grief, visiting her mother's grave, parental death, parental neglect, alcoholism, mentions of a previous sexual assault and food-hoarding. The sexual content is completely clean - the characters do live together but nothing happens other than kisses. No language that I recall. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FuLESC

YouTube Review Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8


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

To Have and To Hold - 3 Autumn Novellas

 

To Have and To Hold - Three Autumn Love Stories by Betsy St. Amant, Becky Wade and Katie Ganshert.

Individual Novella Reviews Below:

Love Takes The Cake - Betsy St. Amant 
4.5 Stars 

This was so cute and just the right amount of hallmark cheese I wanted this weekend ❤️ This is book 1 inside the To Have and To Hold Novella bind up book. I really enjoyed the story, characters and depth that was in a small short novella. We have Charlotte who has her own bakery and has been eyeing Will over the last 3 months as her weekly customer. She is a single mom to a sweet little 5 year old girl so she hasn’t had any developments or interest in the relationship department until Will comes along. Will keeps buying bakery goods for this girl, Melissa, and Charlotte assumes it’s his girlfriend but it’s really his sister(the reader knows this quickly but Charlotte doesn’t) 🤣 So things go on from here as Charlotte works through her wedding festivities and gets to know Will throughout the process as Will is the best man in the wedding she is working on.

Super cute like I said — I love how we had a layer of depth with Will and his sister’s disability and his past, also with Charlottes past. There was a little faith content that was nice to see too. Overall a cute fall romance 🥰

The Perfect Arrangement - Katie Ganshert
3.5 Stars 

Amelia meets Nick accidentally by running into his car when she is spying on her ex's wedding. She ends up sending a lot of emails back and forth with the Nick and they start getting to know each other. Really sweet story, if you like You've Got Mail type storyline, this is for you. I didn't connect with the characters as much here like I did in the first book but still a cute fall novella.

Love in the Details - Becky Wade 
4.5 Stars 

Second chance romance that had a great ending ❤️💕 So cute. Holly and Josh broke up many years ago when Josh’s mom asked her to so he could focus on his career and college life at MIT. Fast forward to their late 20s and a Josh is back in town to help his best friend get married. He runs in to Holly since she is the church wedding coordinator and sparks start to fly all over again. Neither have gotten over each other but Josh never knew the real reason she broke it off so long ago. The story takes off here and she helps plan the wedding and they start to rekindle what they had.

Really enjoyed this💕💕

Overall, this novella collection is a fun one for the fall and great for the hallmark movie lover, cheese but not too much!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tHi4Xp

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8

The Sisters of Sea View - Julie Klassen

 

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen - 3.5 Stars 

Julie Klassen does such a great job with the research of her settings and history in her books. I can always see that come through in her stories. In this one, we see 4 sisters, but we follow 2 more closely then the other 2 in this book. We do see all 4 sister's POVs throughout the story, which I think hindered my enjoyment since I listened to the audiobook - I should have physically read this since there were so many POVs but I did overall enjoy the story. 

The sisters are Sarah, Emily, Viola and Georgina. In this one, we see mostly Sarah and Viola's story. I related a lot to what Viola was experiencing through her scar and being self conscious. Loved her ending in this book and how she grows throughout to tell her story and help someone from this bad surgeon. Sarah is the oldest and is trying to keep the family together pretty much - they are all suffering from bad finances where their father had passed away and the house was entitled to someone else. So they turn the home into a place where guests stay to make some money in the meantime and start a family business. We see Sarah start to form a romance with a Scotsman so I liked that as well. :)

We see a LOT of Jane Austen references so if that is something you love in books, pick this up! I loved it. 

As far as faith content goes, we saw some references but it was light and natural in the story. Many people have said this would be great for fans of Little Women as well, and I can definitely see that, especially as I have started to read that book recently for myself. 

If you like a good family story, with some romance and an England setting, pick this up!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4926656780

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/433696
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Qv7QlT

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8