Contemporary Fiction
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Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels
MY REVIEW You know it’s a great book when you think about it while you are at work and can’t wait to get home to finish it! If I were to describe this book in one word, I’d say, “visceral” because although there are themes of redemption in this book, the storytelling provokes visceral emotions in both the characters and in the reader. At least, that’s what it did for me. It’s a wild ride of unconditional love contrasting with imperfect pasts with hurts and rejection and how these form and make the characters into what they are on the page. The power of love and friendship and family shine…
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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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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…
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In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh
A swoony romance? Yes, please! MY REVIEW There has been a lot of anticipation in the book world for this book, and I could not wait for my copy to arrive! Well, let’s just say, from the first pages, I was invested and this book did not disappoint. In Search of a Prince is a delight and at some points, I just could not read fast enough to find out what the outcome would be. I read late into the night. Would Brielle get her happy-ever-after ending? Why do I need to sleep anyways? When I woke up, the book was straight back into my hands. The hero of this…
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All That Really Matters By Nicole Deese
I have been looking forward to my schedule clearing enough for me to read this book for a while. SO GOOD! Here is my review: MY REVIEW After I got over the sadness that I’d finished this delightful book, it took me a few days to gather my words together to try to express how much I loved this book. First, it was just the right balance of humor and depth I needed. If you don’t fall in love with these characters, are you even human? Second, I want to know what happens to Miles. And I’m excited that we will get to read his story too. But back…
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The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin
If you have not read the first book in this trilogy, you still have time to do so before The Letter Keeper comes out in June 2021. You can find my review for the first book, The Water Keeper, HERE. There is so much I could say about The Letter Keeper, but I feel like saying too much would just spoil your journey of discovery. This trilogy is Martin’s best work to date. I’ve read many of his books, and this series hits you right in the heart, in your core, and leaves you wanting more. So here is my review: MY REVIEW When you turn the last page…
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Where Hope Begins by Catherine West
Let me just start by saying, THIS BOOK! It's a keeper. Where Hope Begins is the latest from author Catherine West. Also, linked to this post is my exclusive Q & A with author Catherine West. Okay I will keep my gushing, and sage advice for the actual review which you can read right
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The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix
The Space Between Words was not at all what I expected, it surpassed my expectations by a mile. Michele Phoenix effortlessly had me glued to the pages, devouring each word. What a masterpiece. Watch for the release coming September 2017. In the meantime...
