The Forgotten Chapter - Pam Jenoff

 

The Forgotten Chapter - Pam Jenoff - 4 Stars - Short Story 

Really enjoyed this one, it makes me want to pick up more by this author. Historical fiction short story and you know when you want more to a short story that it's a good one indeed! Pam packed so much in these short pages of history and romance! Set in 1943 London, Paige Miller, a worker at the fabled department store Selfridges falls in love with Danny, an american soldier who comes by the books counter every day to see her. As they fall in love, she finds out he holds a secret that could change the course of the war and their lives. We see how Paige's decisions impact history in that moment - this had some sad moments but was also very impactful so I want to read more by Pam for sure!

*There was one closed door - fade to black scene here but nothing was not described.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IiQKmk

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

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne

 

Rosie and the Dreamboat - Sally Thorne - 3 Stars

This was a cute concept - Rosie goes with her sister to an exclusive spa day and gets stuck in a floatation tank when a handsome fireman comes in to rescue her from it. She is having a panic attack inside because of a past experience when she was locked into a trunk by bullies but this guy - Leo - keeps her calm while they work to get her out and it was cute and funny banter in a short story. I didn't love the language though - a bit much for me. Several F/S words and 2 GD. Short story about 1 hour audiobook and 44 pages.

Lights Out by Natalie Walters

 Lights Out by Natalie Walters - 5 Stars 

WOW - what a WILD ride ya'll! A great start to a romantic suspense series! This one is more fast paced, action packed suspense with a dab of a great second chance romance included and I can not WAIIIITTT to see how book 2 goes! The end of this with the romance though was TOP TIER!

I am such a suspense girl now and this one is SO unique where we see this awesome team (the SNAP or Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency) work together to combat terrorism and cyber crime - something I normally don't read about. Loved it so much because it really kept me on edge where I "NEEDED TO KNOW ALLLL THE THINGS" and getting to see everything from behind the scenes was so interesting to me! 

This follows Brynn and Jack, who have quite the history together. They haven't seen each other in years and now all of a sudden they have to work together to bring down a missing spy. Jack doesn't trust Brynn for past reasons but they make it work throughout the story as their past comes to the forefront and they discuss everything. It's obvious there are still feelings between the two of them but they have a job to do with so much happening and they make sure to put the focus where it needs to be! Terrorist attacks loom among their case and things pop off left and right as they are trying to track everything down.

This felt like an episode of a show like NCIS or something like that - so engaging and fast paced, with a little bit of possible romance between our main characters - loved!

Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good romantic suspense!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6189305136
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49nC4y5
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/277381

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

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

 Book Review: Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly 5 Stars 

I loved this one ya'll, a new favorite middle grade. So heartwarming and uplifting. This is about a young 12 year old girl who is deaf, Iris. She is struggling in school as the only deaf person there. One day in Science class, Iris learns about Blue 55, a whale who sings at a different frequency than other whales, categorized as a lonely whale because they can never find him and he doesn't run around with other whales because they can't understand him so he isn't accepted. She feels so connected with Blue 55! She makes a song for him, gets in touch with the researchers and makes a point to try and see him, even though he is so far away....Iris and her grandmother embark on an adventure and the story goes on here.

This book was great. I absolutely love Iris' character - you will LOVE her. The author really shows us what it's like to be deaf in school and how is can be for parents and students alike. Loved her Grandmother too!

Absolutely precious and one of my favorite middle grade books now!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5375825668

Amazon:https://amzn.to/3uWqbQy

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

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai - Middle Grade 3 to 3.5 Stars 

This is a middle grade story told in verse (poetry style) all about a young girl and her family who go to America (Alabama) as refugees at the end of the Vietnam War. I think this story is a powerful testimony of what they went through. So many struggles trying to learn English, how to interact with others, eating new foods, attending a new school, dealing with bullies for their differences and prejudices as well. Their father is missing from war and the their family is grieving not having him around. We see them working through their pain and struggles and how to learn living in America. This brings awareness to what refugee families go/went through and is a powerful, moving story.

For content purposes: Parents should be aware before their children read this of the following:

- The religion discussions in this book reflect the refugees culture back home. The mother says they are Christians to ensure a better chance to being allowed to come to America as refugees. They are also baptized to appear as Christians in an effort to make their neighbors like them better because of all the prejudices they are facing. However, their religion is not Christianity and there is situations of chanting, being made fun of for Buddah and the child yells back "Jesus" to the kids, worship of idols is shown and use of incense etc. I just want to mention this so parents are aware before their children read this so they can have conversations about these things before they go in blind. This way parental guidance can be given since it's technically a children's book. Additionally, some of the content I didn't personally agree on but I certainly understand it is culturally appropriate and enjoyed the overall message of the story. I think it's a very important message to be shared.

Other content includes war violence mentioned and refugee struggles that may be hard for some readers to read, but it's important to the narrative of the story.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6288186442
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bLF1dr

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

Unlimited Motherhood by Jessica Hurlbut

 

Unlimited Motherhood - Jessica Hurlbut - 5 Stars - Releases March 19th 

As a Autism Mama to a beautiful 5 year old boy, this book was everything I needed in this season of life. Relatable, understanding, faith-filled, vulnerable and wonderful. I often need to remind myself Jesus knows exactly where we are in this moment. Jessica's book reminds me again that He is wanting us to come to Him. He hasn't left us in the lonely seasons of life when your struggles as a special needs Mom come to the forefront and you feel like you can't leave your home. He hasn't left us when you compare your life to the other families all over social media and wonder if you're not doing enough. He hasn't left us when our fear feels paralyzing for our children's future. He's right there with you in the middle of EVERYTHING and this book reminded me once again, how JESUS is right there in the midst of it all. Every struggle. Every worry. Every fear. We desperately need Him every day. We are fully loved by Him. Fully known. And this book has 12 beautiful chapters that provide insights to everyday practices we can do as mothers for our families and how the Lord can use us even in seasons of isolation, hiding or loneliness. 

I often feel the Mom guilt and like I am not doing enough for my son - this book also reminds me: Every one of us is in need of God's grace and we all struggle in being parents. We are doing the best we can. 

My son's Autism diagnosis has been a rollercoaster of emotions. We don't know what his future holds but we continue to work with so many at school to help him be the most successful. We have good days and bad days. This book reminds me that "God is on the battlefield with us in every situation. Jesus fought for us 2,000 years ago and won. He will supply the strength we need to stand." Reading Jessica's stories about her children's autism diagnosis and the journey she and her husband went through has been extremely relatable and encouraging to me. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to read Jessica's book and believe fully it is a must read, Christian non-fiction for all Mama's no matter what stage of parenting you are in. Specifically special needs Mama's like myself will find extra encouragement, but I truly believe all Mama's will appreciate this book. 

Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6274710097
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SOUZuG
Baker Book House (I preordered here and plan to highlight so much!):  https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542741

The Radiance of the Moon by Ashley Worrell

 

The Radiance of the Moon - Ashley Worrell - 4 Stars 

Had the best time reading this! Releases on February 27, 2024.

- Clean, Christian Medieval Romance 

- Scottish Protective Hero & Irish Widow Finding Love 

- Scottish dialogue, history, political intrigue and clans 

- Ruth and Boaz Inspired (Not a Retelling but some elements inspired a unique story)

- Great faith content, forgiveness and redemption

- Author's debut novel

- Looking forward to the next book!

This book is set in 1383 and if you love a good Medieval Scottish romance, pick this up! I became interested in this story when one of my friends recommended it to me and it did not disappoint. It felt like such an original story to me and as someone who LOVES Scottish stories, I was here for it! The faith content in this was so beautiful, it blew me away. We see Chieftain Hector and Irish widow Cara. They each have been through so much. Hector struggled with drinking and a past reputation less than to be desired and Cara went through spousal abuse for 10 years. When her husband passes away, it seems she has a new start is among her as she follows her mother-in-law to a new area. She had some traits reminiscent of Ruth and I loved that. Hector is betrothed to someone he doesn't want to marry for political reasons but when he meets Cara, they fall in love and he has to decide what to do. I enjoyed seeing them get to know one another throughout the process and their romance was sweet, even if I did want a little more communication between them at times. :)

I loved the faith and hope throughout this story the most and how the Lord was with our characters to help them overcome their trials and tribulations. I also love the faith elements were pulled from some of Ashley's own story as well. Solid debut from Ashley and look forward to the next book in the series.

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

Content notes: Some scenes of Cara's previous husband being abusive, Hector's alcoholism shown but also shown is his story being redeemed by Jesus, attempted sexual assault, romance is clean and no language.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6007538374
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SSX48K

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