Book Review: The Lady in Residence

 

The Lady in Residence

by Allison Pittman

Barbour Publishing, Inc. 

Barbour Fiction

 Christian  |  Romance  |  Women's Fiction 

Pub Date 01 Feb 2021

I am reviewing a copy The Lady in Residence through Barbour Fiction and Netgalley:

Will they be able to break the legacy of sadness at the Menger Hotel?

Hedda Krause is a young widowed musician when she checks into the Menger Hotel in 1915 with a trunk full of dresses, a case full of jewels, and enough cash to pay for a two-month stay, which she hopes will be long enough to meet, charm, and attach herself to a new, rich husband.   Unfortunately her plans end up being derailed when she is lured into a long dark hallway by a ghostly apparition, only to go back to her room to find her jewelry has been stolen.

Hedda falls under suspicion immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but there are true ghost enthusiasts who bring her pieces of jewelry in hopes of luring the ghost to appear again.

Dini Blackstone is a fifth generation musician performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection in 2017.  Her favorite tale by far is the tale of Hedda Krause who, in Dini’s estimation, succeeded in perpetrating the world’s longest con, dying old and wealthy from her ghost story.  After Dini meets Quinn Carmichael the great-great grandson of the detective of the detective who originally investigated Hedda’s case, who’s come to the Alamo City with a box full of clues that might lead to Hedda’s exoneration.

Will Dini be able to see another side of Hedda’s story? One that is worthy of God’s Grace.

I give The Lady in Residence five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Whirl Away Girl

 

Whirl Away Girl

by Tricia Johnson

Atmosphere Press 

 Health, Mind & Body  |  Poetry 

Pub Date 10 Mar 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Whirl Away Girl through Atmosphere Press and Netgalley:

In a powerful collection of poetry Tricia Johnson deals with the diagnosis of her autoimmune condition, and then she attempts to answer the question:  How are you?

In this book she talks about her diagnosis of Lupus, the pain, the uncertainty as she tries to figure out the new life she has been handed.  She can’t help but wonder where it leads .  How do you even feel? Sometimes the pathway ahead is murky, seemingly impossible to pass through. Life throws you a twist you didn't see, know or desire.

In this collection of poetry the author attempts to ask the question In the midst of adversity, how do you cope? How do you process? How do you move forward?

In this poetic journey of intimate details through the ache of life's unraveling, from the maddening free fall of diagnosis, to emerging and seeing the beautiful possibilities of living with chronic illness.

I give Whirl Away Girl, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Praying the Heart of God

 

Praying the Heart of God

Connecting the Bible to Your Daily Prayers

by Donna K. Maltese

Barbour Publishing, Inc. 

Barbour Books

 Christian 

Pub Date 01 Nov 2020 

I am reviewing a copy of Praying the Heart of God through Barbour Books and Netgalley:

In this devotional we are reminded that God has not His Words so they can gather dust, either on a book shelf or in the back of our minds.  He has written instead to let us know that he is not standing in the wings of your life, hoping things turn out well for you, but he is standing there in the thick of it.  We are reminded too that God is speaking to us all the time.

This book reminds us too of God’s goodness as well as he is his strength and shield.  We are reminded too that God listens to us and that he knows our needs.  

Praying the Heart of God reminds us too that we need to have a confidence in God.  And we are reminded too that God thinks we are worth fighting for.  It is also pointed out that God sees us a treasure, and that God wants to take us under his wings.

This book reminds us too of the importance of prayer, as well as the power of surrender.  We are reminded too that the journey we take in Faith is one taken in stages.

It is reminded too that God sends us dreams and visions.  And we are reminded that through God we can find the confidence to conquer the struggles we face.    We are reminded too of the need to truly seek him, as well as of the importance of walking in his way. 

Praying the Heart of God reminds us too that we have have Hope in God.  We are reminded too that God is our strength.  We are reminded too of having a firm foundation in our faith.  We are reminded too that God takes us just as we are.

I found Praying the Heart of God to be an encouraging and insightful daily devotional will give you the tools you need to align your heart and everyday prayers with God’s Word.  Each one of the 365 days of scripture offers wisdom and insight.

I give Praying the Heart of God, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: To Dwell Among the Cedars

 

To Dwell among Cedars

by Connilyn Cossette

Bethany House 

Bethany House Publishers

 Christian 

Pub Date 01 Dec 2020 

I am reviewing a copy of To Dwell among Cedars through Bethany aHouse Publishers and Netgalley:

Eight years prior, the Philistines stole and then surrendered the ark of the covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora left her Philistine homeland in order to follow the ark to the community of Kiryat Yearim.  It is there, the family she was adopted has guarded the ark at the mountain of seclusion. 

We meet Ronen too a Levite musician who is determined to hide away at the Ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies.  He could never have imagine that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he's tasked to deceive.

Ronen attempts to charm Eliora which leads them into unexpected directions, while betrayal leaves Eliora with strained family ties, and also has Ronen ask himself questions about his own loyalties.  Eliora and Ronen are caught up in the battle battle for the soul of Israel and its future under the leadership of Samuel, the last judge before the era of the kings begins.  

If you are looking for a good historical novel To Dwell Among the Cedars is definitely one I would recommend.

I give To Dwell Among the Cedars five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: So Worth Loving

 

So Worth Loving

How Discovering Your True Value Changes Everything

by Eryn Eddy

Baker Publishing Group 

Baker Books

 Christian 

Pub Date 19 Jan 2021 

I am reviewing a copy of So Worth Loving through Baker Books and Netgalley:

Being humans mean there are going to be times that we try and fail, their will be times that we love and loose, and times that we may take a risk we end up regretting.  There are those times that we realize that it was our choices that brought us where we are and we find ourselves being afraid to be honest with ourselves, with others and with God about how we're really feeling and how we got to where we are.  We worry: What if no one understands?  What if they think less of us because of what we admitted?  We worry about whether or not God is disappointed in us.

In So Worth Loving Eryn Eddy wants you to know that no matter what our past mistakes are, our relationship choices or career choices, or even how we are feeling nothing can change the truth that God thinks you are so worth loving.  

So Worth Loving is an open hearted book where the author takes you by the hand and helps you look in, look up, and look out, exploring your relationship with yourself, God, and others.   In this book Eryn Eddy gives us permission permission to feel deeply and openly before God, who isn't afraid of our feelings, no matter what they are. And she lovingly reminds you that you are not crazy, you are not alone, and you will get through this.

I give So Worth Loving Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: My Cup Runneth Over

 

My Cup Runneth Over

Everyday Blessings and Devotions for Women

by Donna K. Maltese

Barbour Publishing, Inc. 

Barbour Books

 Christian 

Pub Date 01 Apr 2021

I am reviewing a copy of My Cup Runneth Over: Everyday Blessings and Devotions for Women through Barbour Books and Netgalley:

In my Cup Runneth Over it is pointed out that every day God gifts us his wonders , blessings, peace and promises.  But to often we focus on the ugliness in the world instead of the goodness!  

We are reminded too that God has been blessing his creation from the beginning of time.  Not only does God bless us, but he provides for us as well!

Rest is one of the blessings God has given us.  We are blessed with words, the words in the Psalms, the Proverbs, the new and Old Testaments.  We are reminded too of the importance of focusing less on stuff, and more on God.  

This devotions reminds us too that we serve a God of second chances.  He has given us second chances.  We are reminded too that nothing is to hard for God.

My Cup Runneth over reminds us that we need to honor God above all.  We are reminded too that life can be more than difficult at times, but God is always faithful, even in the midst of our struggles.  

A Cup Runneth over reminds us to be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.  We are reminded too that God appreciates laughter, he has a sense of humor.  We are reminded too that God wants us to be able to relax as well. 

We are encouraged to listen, to wait and to watch.    We are also encouraged to, to be contended in our faith.  

I give my Cup Runneth Over five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Roots of Wood and Stone

 

Roots of Wood and Stone

by Amanda Wen

Independent Publishers Group 

Kregel Publications

 Christian  |  General Fiction (Adult) 

Pub Date 26 Jan 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Roots of Wood and Stone through Independent Publishers Group/Kregel Publishers Group:

Sloane Kelley is a historical museum curator who was abandoned at birth, leaving her family and her roots.  When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact, until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth century diary.Now she's on the hunt to find out more.

All Garrett Anderson wanted to do was to clean out his Grandmothers historic, but tumbledown’s farm house attic so he can sell the house to pay for her medical care.  She has advancing Alzheimer’s so he can’t afford to be sentimental about the old family home.  But Garett finds that his best laid plans come up with two large obstacles, Sloane has fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and he has fallen in love with Sloane.

A century and a half earlier, Anabelle Collins who was Motherless embarks on a once in a lifetime journey with her Aunt and Uncle, as they settle in the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas.  The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love--and a God who faithfully carries her through it all.   Going through the diaries together Sloane and Garrett go on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.

If you are looking for a beautiful split-time novel that speaks beautifully of family and how God works in our lives then I recommend Roots of Wood and Stone.

I give Roots of Wood and Stone five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Deliberate Duplicity

 

Deliberate Duplicity

A Detective Sasha Frank Mystery (Detective Sasha Frank Mysteries Book 1)

by David Rohlfing

Greenleaf Book Group 

River Grove Books

 General Fiction (Adult)  |  Mystery & Thrillers 

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021 

I am reviewing a copy of Deliberate Duplicity and Greenleaf Book Group/River Grove Books and Netgalley:

After bodies start to appear on the Constitution Trail in the twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, Illinois, dedicated detective Sasha Frank is on the case.

In Deliberate Duplicity the reader is able to follow Sasha’s attempts to track down the culprit, the killer is calculating and methodical killer who glues open his victims’ eyes and poses them along a park trail. He has a complicated web of clues leaves Sasha and his team with more questions than answers. 

What’s the killer’s motive?  How are the victims connected to one another? As the story starts to unravel, Sasha who is ordinarily calm and collective starts to feel the great pressure of the case.  Will he be able to solve the mystery before time runs out and bring justice to all who were affected?

If you are looking for an exciting, enthralling read is an exciting and well created mystery.

I give Deliberate Duplicity, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Tidewater Bride

 

Tidewater Bride

by Laura Frantz

Revell 

Christian  |  Historical Fiction  |  Romance 

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Tidewater Bride through Revell and Netgalley:

Travel back with me to Seventeenth Century James Towne, Virgina County.

Selah Hopewell is seemingly the only woman in Virgina County who does not seem to have a desire to wed.  It’s true that there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family's shop.   Now Selah also finds herself responsible for an incoming ship of tobacco brides, who must be looked after, as they go through their many suitors.

Xander. Renick is likely the most eligible tobacco Lord in the settlement.   He owns vast land, he has prized crops and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable.  But Xander is webbed into his business and is grieving the loss of his wife, who was the daughter the Powhatan chief.

Will two fiercely independent be able to find happiness and fulfillment on their own?  Or will they find out that what they have been missing has been right in front of them all along?

If you like Christian Historical Romances you will love Tidewater Bride!

I give Tidewater Bride five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Clay County

 

Clay County

by Randall Floyd

BooksGoSocial 

Mystery & Thrillers  |  Romance 

Pub Date 24 Nov 2020 

I am reviewing a copy of Clay County through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:

Clay County is set in 1944 east Tennessee, the story is about four teenagers Amid war, corruption, violence, greed, and growing into adulthood, each navigates through the challenges to escape a life that holds them in repression.  They have no idea that their guardian angel is an eighty-year-old preacher who lives in the woods with his dog Sampson. Preacher Monroe is a mystery.   He shares tidbits of his life and mission along the way.  They face corruption, war and death is all around them.  Each of the teenagers face peril  as the death Angel awaits their fate.  Clay County is rich with local customs, era genre, superstition, faith, love, and hope. Each character comes alive with their own story, some good and some bad, but all intriguing.

Cap finds himself having to cope with his mother's death, as well as seeking his father's attention and the love of a girl who continually walks the pathways of his mind.   With a soulful imagination he loses himself in fantasies. The girl accompanies him in every imagination, her character changing to fit the story.

Lenny must fight the behavior of an abusive father. He has accepted the responsibility to protect his mother and siblings.  He struggles with his Faith in God asking the same questions people have sought since the beginning of civilization.    He has a burden so massive the strongest would struggle to carry.

Dempi,  is the girl from Chicago and she is trying to fit in an environment different from what she had ever known.  From the fast-paced setting of the big city to the slow methodology of southern country living.  She has grown to love the people here and wants to be a part of their lives.

Abby is a feisty, stubborn breathtakingly  beautiful young lady.  Abby’s dark secret influences her attitude, decisions, and behaviors.  She feels as if God has abandoned her as well as misunderstood by her friends , so she locks her feelings inside, trying to hide them away.

I give Clay County five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The One Before

 

The One Before

by Miranda Smith

Bookouture 

 Mystery & Thrillers 

Pub Date 04 Nov 2020 

I am reviewing a copy of The One Before through Bookouture and Netgalley:

She loves him, and trusts him, but what if that’s a mistake?

Madison and her Fiancé Cooper hope that Whisper Falls will be the new start they both want.  Whisper Falls is a safe, and quiet town that’s on the shores of a beautiful lake is the perfect place to spend the rest of their lives.

But before long Madison learns that Cooper’s high-school girlfriend Celia disappeared after a party, and then her body was found in the lake.

The town does not believe that Celia’s death was an accident.

Madison loves Cooper, but she needs to know the truth, did he kill Celia?

If she starts answering questions what other secrets will be revealed?    Will she end up meeting the same fate as the woman who came before her?

If you are looking for a powerful, fast paced, psychological thriller, I highly recommend The One Before!

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!