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Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham
My Review I could just imagine this book made into a stunning movie. (Yes I know the book is mostly always better than the movie, but still!) Rachel Fordham writes in such a vivid way that I could almost smell the scents in this book – the dust of the land, the freshly baked goods from the bakery and so much more. Norah is a strong character who faces her fears and overcomes them. Quincy, oh, dear Quincy. Sometimes I wanted to pat him on the shoulder and give him some advice. But all the while, I’m turning the pages to see what he’ll do. The man has heart, that’s…
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All That It Takes by Nicole Deese
What a fantastic conclusion! Here’s my review: MY REVIEW It’s taken me a while to be ready to attempt to put into words what I thought of this book. Another book hangover kind of read – in a really good way. The first book, All That Really Matters, was special right from the start, and Pastor Miles McKenzie’s story in All That it Takes is the PERFECT follow-on. I’m so happy we get to read more about Val’s backstory as she was a supporting character. Molly McKenzie’s from All That Really Matters also features in All That it Takes. Yay! Miles is, of course, Molly’s sister. All That it…
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The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kip by Sara Brunsvold
MY REVIEW This book was nothing like I’ve ever read before. Partly because of my recent experiences with my mother-in-law’s last days before she passed, making this a bittersweet read for me, and because of how well this story is told and so unabashedly honest about imminent death and what it’s like, the beauty and the ashes. I absolutely loved these characters, of which Mrs. Kip wins the trophy for spunk and resilience. Aidyn Kelly’s character development in this story is so relatable and honest. I love how these two worlds collide. I thoroughly enjoyed how this tender story unfolds. It’s raw and honest and dignified. Highly recommended. The book…
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The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
MY REVIEW I admit it. I had a severe book hangover with this book, as I do with all of Charles Martin’s books. This man is a genius and the conclusion to this trilogy was no different. This trilogy is a collection of books that are by no means fluff and giggles. They cut to the heart of the matter. Murphy Shepherd and his mentor, Bones are compelling, gritty characters that take us on a journey of courage and hope. These books address the hard truths of human trafficking and essentially the battle for redemption. The idea that leaving the 99 to go rescue the one is always worth it.…
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The Element of Love by Mary Connealy
I’m excited to begin the Lumber Baron’s Daughters, book one. Here’s my review: MY REVIEW The Stiles sisters and their mother are a force to be reckoned with. This story jumps right into action and keeps going until the last satisfying page. This book is the story of all three sisters, but mainly, we get to know the chemistry and science-loving Laura Stiles in The Element of Love. The sisters run from an abusive stepfather who is determined to marry them off for his own gain. Shudder, he is a nasty piece of work. Fall in love with this cast of characters and enjoy the quirky sisters who rattle…
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Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham
Heads up, book gush incoming! MY REVIEW I have long been a fan of Pepper Basham’s romances, but this one is my all-time new favorite of hers. Drop everything, clear your schedule and get it now! (Okay well, pre-order it until November) Let me tell you why: This epistolary novel is full of swoony romance, heartache, self-realization, and literary, authentic bookish fun – not necessarily in that order. Family is a big thing in this book and both Brodie and Izzy’s families are quirky and adorable, with the obligatory difficult…er…misunderstood family member. This book will have you laughing out loud, sighing with happiness, and occasionally yelling at a character to…
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The Master Craftsman
This is the first Kelli Stuart book I’ve read. Here is my review: MY REVIEW I love a dual timeline story and The Master Craftsman did not disappoint. I also love it when a book transports me to a time and place that I didn’t know I needed to learn more about. Getting to know about the history of the house of Fabergé in the pages of The Master Craftsman was interesting and satisfying. The characters, both in the historical timeline and in the present-day timeline were fascinating and engaging. Although they all had obstacles to overcome, the culture and atmosphere of the day came through vividly. I had a…
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More Than My Scars by Kechi Okwuchi
MY REVIEW I had not heard about Kechi Okwuchi before I read this book. I hadn’t heard about the plane crash or the circumstances surrounding it, nor had I seen her on America’s got Talent, so it was with a clean slate that I began reading this book and wow, Kechi’s story blew me away. I’m glad I read the book before going to search the videos of her AGT appearances. Not only is More Than My Scars the journey of healing for Kechi as a severely burned victim, but her road to survival and recovery both in body, mind and spirit. Her faith journey is relatable and real. I…
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The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels
Wowza! This book packs a punch. Here is my review. MY REVIEW When a Very Disappointed Reader sends her a letter, Kendra Brennan, a novelist moves to Hidden Lake to do something about how the letter has affected her. This book and the story are intertwined through friendships and relationships that span three generations. Tragedy and triumph are at a tug of war as the story behind these characters, both in her novel and in real life are revealed and the story unravels. Bartels is a master at giving us just enough information to keep us wanting more with each page, I could not put this book down. Touching on…
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Shaped by the Waves by Christina Susann Nelson
I’ve read Christina’s Swimming in the Deep End, and was impressed by her powerful storytelling. I’ve just finished reading Shaped by the Waves. Here is my review: MY REVIEW Shaped by the Waves is such beautiful and heart-wrenching story about origins and destinations in life. Where life begins and where it ends. Cassie George comes home to care for her aunt Shasta and we get to know their unique story. When a manuscript shows up in a brown manila envelope things get interesting. In a way this is a story within a story that comes to a satisfying end. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I…
