Book Review: The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

Elizabeth Berg is such a delightful writer. The characters in this book were all warm and easy to have feelings for.

Arthur is visiting his wife's grave when he meets Maddy. Each day he goes there to eat his lunch. Maddy, a high school senior, goes there to help figure out her crush. Then there is Arthur's neighbor who is in love, but the family does not share that sentiment about her.

Arthur is open as he reaches out to Maddy, as a friend. Arthur likes to help others reach a goal.

This book is a nice book to read. It is nice not to have to worry if there is a previous book I missed or if I have to wait for a follow-up. This is the complete story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!

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Book Review: Last Call

Jerry Herships has had a calling on his heart for many years. He serves bag lunches and communion to those in need. This is his story where he shows each step along the way to here. He first left home for Los Angeles to become a stand-up comic and is now a minister. I loved the way that he brings some of his humor into the writing of this book. It made it a book that is open to all. Whether a comedian, working in a pub or serving those in need, his voice comes through in this book. He shows that we may not always see what God has planned for us and there may be some discomfort when the plan is laid before us, but when we listen the rewards are plentiful. They may not be earthly but you still know they are there.

This is a wonderful book, but don't be surprised if, during the book, you begin to think about God's plan for your life and be prepared to follow.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster Knox Press in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found HERE!

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Book Review: Freedom's Ring

Freedom's Ring is published by Tyndale House and written by Heidi Chiavaroli. This historical Christian novel begins in Boston in 2015. Annie David was at the Boston Marathon bombing, in fact, she nearly lost her life there. This has caused her to become isolated and she feels guilty because the bombing left her niece crippled. Annie survived by being rescued by a man who she only has a foggy memory of. She also has an antique ring which has caused her to go on a search for the history of the woman who the ring belongs to and the hero.

The story goes to Boston in 1770 where Liberty Caldwell was rescued by Alexander Smythe. He also offered her a job. She discovers much about her employer as time goes on. He loves poetry and he is a protector of Liberty. When the Boston Massacre occurs, her brother is killed. Lost and uncertain what to do she heads towards home, which has its own perils. She has such anger towards the redcoats and especially towards a captain who attacks her. She is able to escape with all she owns plus a ring which had been her friend and employer's.

These women's live separate lives, but each has fear at their hearts. How can they get from here to a point when they can feel strong and secure?

This is truly a historical book and I can tell the author has done research on the time periods discussed. I felt like this book spoke to something within me and it kept pulling me along through each chapter. The past and future are well woven together while including the difficulties, love, hope and more. Each lady suffers grief which was placed upon them by events they could not change.

I was given this book by Tyndale house in exchange for my honest review.

This book is available from Amazon...Here!
This book is available from Barnes and Noble Here!

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Book Review: The Legacy

The Legacy, by Michael Phillips, is the third book in the Secrets of the Shetlands series. I have read the second and now the third books and I love them,

In this final installment of the series the story of David and Loni continues as does the story of Loni's great-grandparents. It tells of how the latter couple met and then grew to love each other. It also tells why Brogan, the great-grandfather, gave up his position as the next Laird and made his home in America.

These stories make me feel like I want to be a part of the story. Once I picked them up, I could not put them back down. Throughout the story, Phillips makes sure to include faith and how faith should be part of the inheritance each person in a family should receive.

The work of Phillips is amazing. He is an author, co-author with Judith Pella, of fiction and non-fiction, plus an editor.

I loved this series and recommend it and the rest of the series, most highly.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!!!

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Book Review: Piper Perish

Piper Perish is a young adult book which would be perfect for the teen who has the creative side. I am an adult and I found this book captivating. The teens in this book dream big and aim for the sky, even when others do not see how they can meet these dreams. They learn how trusting these dreams can lead to situations which make them uncomfortable but if they stick with it they will see great things in their lives

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I was given this book by NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for my honest review. 

This book may be purchased HERE!!

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Book Review: Today God Wants You To Know....You Are Loved

Today God Wants You to Know...You Are Loved by Laura Wegener is a lovely devotional. It is filled with encouraging words each day for 180 days. None of the readings are long, yet they will help the reader feel God's love in their heart.

There are sections dealing with confidence, love, relationship and more. The reader does not need to go straight through the book. Instead, look at the sections and see which speaks to your needs on that day. I feel this book will give each one spiritual help from God.

I received this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This is a wonderful book. The title and cover caught this former educator's attention right off. I know I had a few students that would have enjoyed this book tremendously.

This book was written for third through sixth graders. It has tips which are presented in a humorous way which will help the students remember them. I felt like this age student will also be laughing at the other jokes throughout.

I suggest parents read it first to help the child skip any parts they may find objectionable.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Free Spirit Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!

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Book Review: A Hiss Before Dying

A Hiss Before Dying is a cozy mystery in the Mrs. Murphy series.

During the Autumn, while the world is going about its normal routines of cleaning and preparing for winter, the annual rabbit hunt takes place. During this event the beagles and the hunters come up with a different find of find....a dead body.

Previously a missing truck driver's corpse was found, although it could not be identified. Where these too connected? Harry Haristeen finds some clues which go back to the area right after the Revolutionary War.

Through the help of the cats, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker, the mystery begins to unravel.

I enjoy reading about the likeable characters and the interesting parts about the history involved. I did not want to put this book down once I started.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Bantam in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!

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Book Review: The Essential Guide to Prayer

I agree with the author of the book when he mentions that we must try to think of prayer as a bridge with our relationship with God. We should use this time to build our ties with God. It should also be considered a two-way street, this is a time for Him to know us better, too.

This book is primarily about intercessory prayer, including the priority, plan, person, purpose and so much more.

For those, like me, who find the power of prayer to be beyond words, this is the exact book for you.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Tea Planter's Wife

This book is set in Ceylon with Gwen, a 19-year old bride to a tea planter. She was originally from England, so after the marriage, on her way to her new home, many odd things begin to happen. Ravi was a friend of the family who Gwen's husband begins to act differently to. Then there is the previous marriage of the groom. There are many mysteries which come to the open as the story continues to unfold.

The author has a way of making the reader feel they are a part of the conversation which is going on through the book. I feel like she has a deep grasp of the times and marriages like this that occurred. There was good character development, overall and the plot was well-done. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

I was given this book by NetGalley the publisher in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Book Review: The Captain's Daughter

The Captain's Daughter is the first book in London Beginnings. I enjoy historical fiction. In this book, Rosalyn is leaving her employer, but ends up losing everything she owns, ends up in a brothel and employed at the London theater. While there she comes across a man, Nate, who has his own story. He was part of the army, serving in India when he suffered a hand injury. He goes back to London, his home. While there he agrees to fill in for his brother as a stage hand, as his brother recovers from a broken leg. He knows he will return to his regiment and to his future. The he meats Rosalyn.

I enjoyed this novel but I felt like the pace needed to settle down. the beginning felt rushed and then, partway through the book, I felt like it began to drag. The relationship between Nate and Rosalyn was lovely. It was a joy to share in their relationship.

I also enjoyed the theater story line, including the author bringing Gilbert and Sullivan into it.

For those that enjoy historical romance, I feel like this book is a good choice.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased HERE!

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Book Review: Beach House for Rent

Cara rents her beach house to Heather Wyatt for the summer. For Cara the income will help keep her husband's boat business open and for Heather it gives her a peaceful place to work on her commission of painting birds on stamps.

Read to find how their summers turn out and to find very rich characters throughout the book.

I love the way she creates powerful women who may not realize the strength they truly have. I also enjoyed the descriptions though out the story. I could just envision myself staying some place like this with turtle, birds and sea life. This book was so much fun to read. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Gallery Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book may be purchased HERE!

Book Review: Philippians

I have used Word Writers for my individual Bible Study before and I enjoyed this one while studying the book of Philippians. The writer offers excellent insight into the Word. I was able to find new things as I worked my way through.

This would make an excellent study as a group or as an individual.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: The Power of a Praying Grandparent

Having read other books in Stormie Omartian Power of Praying books, I was looking forward to hearing how she approached praying for grandchildren. I pray for my grandchildren all the time but this book is helping me to see different ways to pray for them. I can see coming back to this book repeatedly to keep my prayers fresh and beneficial to my precious ones.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that is, or is going to be a grandparent. I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Raging Storm

This book, The Raging Storm, is the second book in The Remnant Series. Each book has been well-written and will make the most sense if they are read in order.

A solar flare wiped everything out. Fires are everywhere and smoke makes the air hard to breathe. This is just the beginning. This brings the reader into the book and then you want to stay there until the end. This breath-taking book will make you want to stay put for hours until it is finished. After this, I am ready for the next one.

I was given a copy of this book by Harvest House and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: God-Shaped Hole

This title may seem familiar to many. This is because this is the 15th anniversary reissue. It involves Beatrice Jordan and Jacob Grace who become friends. They each are looking for a way to escape and they find it though each others creative gifts and their insecurities.

I did not read it the first time around and I count that as me great loss. From the first page, the writing caught me and I did not want to let go. There are heartbreaking moments that I will remember for a long time. That is not all, though. There are funny moments also.Beatrice and Jacob's relationship read as a real-life one, including the imperfections. The writing was so intelligent and wonderful. However, even these words do not do justice to this book.

If you did or did not read this book the first time, I most highly recommend you pick up a copy and read it now.

I received this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for my honest review. I thank each of them.

Book Review: High as the Heavens

Evelyn Marche, a nurse during the day and a waitress in the evenings, was made a widow by the war. She also has a third job as a spy for a Belgian resistance group with the British Secret Service.

She is the first one on the scene when a British plane crashes. She finds out she knows the injured pilot, British RFC Captain Simon Forrester. He is taken as a prisoner of war, so Eve hides him. It is very likely that they will be found out or if they do if their relationship can survive the secrets they have had to keep.

Kate Breslin, the author, has written an action-packed novel that was very difficult to put down.The characters are complex and realistic. The storyline has such detail that the reader will want to stay with it until the touching end.I believe that this is a book that should not be passed up. 

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Book Review: Coffee For Your Heart

This book has inspiration on each page. Coffee For Your Heart is made up of forty entries praising the Lord. It shows how loved we are by him. It also has scripture and times of sharing. Each chapter encourages the reader to look at their soul to answers the questions and then pray the prayer provided.

The author, Holley Gerth, has written other books which show her faith in an authentic way which speak to the reader. She knows how to lift you up and give you hope.  Each entry is very quickly read, but the words will stay with you the entire day. There were so many days when I felt that she knew exactly what I needed to hear on that day. Those are moments which keep me coming back to inspirational books.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Siren's Song

This is the third book in The Storm Siren Trilogy. Because of this, I had a little difficulty getting into the story and characters. Once I got into the book, I was amazed at the writing and the way Mary Weber was able to create this world of magic. She also created amazing characters, which were fun and complex.

I believe I am going to go back and purchase the first two books of the series so I can be caught up into this world from the beginning. I would also recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading this book. Overall, I ended up loving this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson - fiction in exchange for an honest review.

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