Monday, June 24, 2019

Peaches and Creamed

Peaches-N-Creamed (The Dinner Club Murder Mysteries Book 6) by [Whalen, Karen C.]This cute mystery is a part of a series but I had no difficulty getting into it. The characters and the writing are fun.
In this book, Jane and Dale have gone to Colorado, staying in a B&B while they look for a place for their wedding. As is normal with Jane a murder is coming her way, as usual. With Dale there with her, they go about exploring the circumstances of the death.
I loved the way the murder was solved little-by-little while Dale and Jane continue their courtship. Also as usual, Karen C. Whalen includes recipes in the book. I now look forward to reading more by this author.
I recommend this book for those that enjoy cozy mysteries.
I received this book from NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

The Inn at Hidden Run

The Inn at Hidden Run (Tree of Life Book 1) by [Newport, Olivia]This book tugs at the heart strings.
The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is the first of a series.
Nolan Duffy and Jillian Parisi-Duffy are father and daughter. He is a lawyer and she is a genealogist.
In this book the past and present are presented in a pleasing way, with humor and faith. The story line from the past shows how a generation were able to deal with an epidemic with faith. The past generation deals with Eliza in 1878, the present story deals with Meri but they are blended in a way that shows skill and love for the story.
I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all readers.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review reflects my opinion on this book.

Friday, June 21, 2019

The Start of Summer by [Walsh, Alison]This is my kind of summer reading. I like to read books in the summer that I want to pick up and read again at any time.
This book revolves around four women who are each trying to find out who they are after having a child. I like how each character evolves throughout this book which is set in Dublin. 
In the beginning of the book three of the women had already formed a tight group, Gracie, Jane and Lina. Elise sees them at the park and tries to join the group. The others know each other from antenatal classes so Elise has some mountains to climb to become a part of the group.
I feel that the author is able to keep the book moving by following each character and adding unexpected twists throughout. This book tugged at my heartstrings as I could relate to each and wanted to make their stories part of me, even though each woman's story was unique.
This is the first book by Alison Walsh that I have read but I will look forward to reading more in the future. 
I received this book from NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

The Nurses of Lark Lane by Pam Howes

The Nurses of Lark Lane: A heartbreaking Liverpool saga by [Howes, Pam]I was given this book by Bookouture and NetGalley. The review and opinions are my honest words.
This book is part of a series by Pam Howes. I had not read the previous ones but I still enjoyed this book.
This book is set in 1955 in Liverpool, England. Alice has an abusive alcoholic for a husband who uses all of her wages to drink. Cathy is her eldest daughter. Cathy's desire is to be a nurse but the family budget does not allow it. She leaves school to find and work at a job, without qualification.
The characters in this book are very interesting and easy to relate with. Cathy is created with amazing determination and inner strength.
The time period was reflected well throughout the story, also as well as friendships which are built.
I feel that this book is a book that can draw the reader in easily. I didn't want to put it down, once I began it. It definitely left me wanting to know more about the other ladies.
I recommend this book highly.




Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Book Review: While You Were Mine

While You Were Mine by [Creel, Ann Howard]I was given this book by NetGalley with the understanding that I will give an honest review.
This book drew me in by being set after WWII, plus the fact that it is historical fiction.
Gwen Mullen, a nurse who left her family in Colorado, moved to New York City to find other women who are taking care of wounded soldiers, like herself. She finders herself caring for a friend's baby, giving it love and care like a mother. When the child's father returns from the war, she feels torn apart. She and the father, John McKee, begin to spend time together to the child can be comfortable with him. As she spends more time, Gwen finds herself falling for John, knowing that he could take what has become her world away.
This was a endearing book, which made it difficult to put down once I began reading it. I like being reminded of what it was like when I first fell in love. Even though it is listed as historical fiction, I don't believe that is the correct heading. Historical romance would be a better fit. It was a fun book to read which is nice when facing stressful to not-so-pleasant days. If the reader is looking for a light-read, then I would recommend it.


Saturday, June 8, 2019

Core 52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year by [Moore, Mark E.]I love finding books that can help me to find a new or different way to look at the Bible. Core 52: A fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year is that book.The format of the Bible Study keeps me going. There is an essay centered around a key verse. Then there is also scripture to memorize or read, a challenge for the overachiever and suggestions for books which fit the week's theme. This book started with The Creation and moved on to themes that include prophesy, The Holy Spirit, grace and heaven along with others. 

I enjoyed taking my time with the essay at the beginning of the week and then they idea that we can meditate on this essay and the verse in different ways throughout the rest of the week. I admit I did not read the book in the way suggested because I could not wait to share this book, in a review, with others. However, it has also inspired my husband to use the book in their Wednesday Bible Study.
I believe this book will help others to increase their IQ in Biblical ways.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah in return for an honest review.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Dear Lily, by Drew Davies

Dear Lily: An absolutely charming, emotional novel about learning to love and taking chances by [Davies, Drew]
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher for the purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Joy, in her mid 30s is looking for a new life. She is tired of her boyfriend, her anxiety and depression, many of the things that used to comfort her (cigarettes, food and drink) and she is greatly tired of her job. She has asked to go to the Copenhagen office. As is her nature, Joy is overthinking each step of her life and she is sharing these details in letters to her sister, Lily. Through these letters the reader comes to care for Joy and the changes she is facing.
At first, she does not want to quit her bad habits thinking these changes are to difficult especially when everything else is changing. I found this book so funny as I followed Joy's changes. Joy was very well-written and the author was able to give her a voice and presence.
I do not usually enjoy books about women that are written by a man, but in this case, Drew Davies' writing was smooth and he created a character that feels real an I didn't feel the usually feeling of disappointment when the male perspective is very different from what I think it should be.

Be prepared to be engaged and to laugh when beginning this book