Always Enough, Never too Much is probably one of the more uniquely constructed devotionals I have encountered. With 100 entries, Connolly and Morgan have covered a variety of topics that fall under the overarching themes of "always enough" and "never too much"

Personally, I love flip books. I find them whimsical and that makes me grin.
I also appreciate the flexibility of this devotional. Thanks to the index for either side, it is simple to scan through and find a reading that fits with your circumstances or day. The absence of a daily schedule also allows readers to pick and choose when they read. It was simple to read a few entries one day, or pick up back up again after reading nothing while down with a week long virus.

I do wish, however, that this devotional had struck a better balance between story and Biblical exploration. I loved Wild and Free and am well aware of the talent both these  women possess for sharing their hearts and faith through story and written word. That said, I think my hopes were just a little too high on what I expected vs what was presented (which is still good)


4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

(Official synopsis)

I came looking for a good novel in late 19th century and found an amazing cast of characters who drew me in completely. If I had to choose one strength within Mason's writing it would be her ability to capture the emotional drama and growth within her characters that help a character leap off the  page.

Nolan Price is a strong lead to carry this novel. His relational triangle between the Earl and Hannah is what will keep the pages turning. Honestly, he feels like just the type who would be a lot of fun to watch on the big screen. Nolan serves as the readers eyes and ears within the novel providing natural and intriguing unveil the setting.

I also enjoyed Hannah in the opposite lead. I like it when both characters have flaws to work through and Hannah's emotional struggles hit the right balance for me. I also appreciated that her struggles helped remove the damsel in distress element that many period novels can fall back on. 

The story itself  is well paced; Mason pays close attention to the hows and whens of revealing information through some wonderful secondary characters. Iris and Bert were absolutely delightful in the life/faith mentor role and Iris' disregard for social  convention brings some much needed smiles throughout the narrative. 

My only complaint about this book is the climax. With all the emotional build up between Nolan and the Earl as well as Nolan and Hannah, when the villain is finally revealed with their true intentions I just didn't care as much. I didn't have any emotional investment in that plot line to be concerned aside from its interrupting of the points I was invested in. Considering the care Mason gave throughout the rest of the novel with her characters interaction the villain just feels like an afterthought.

That said, I enjoyed the novel itself thanks to Mason's work on bringing out the emotional drama between her true main characters I could not bring myself to put this one down until I was sure it was safe for the characters if i did (just ask my husband, hairdresser, etc.)I definitely recommend this one for any fans of the  upstairs/downstairs dynamics in old estates or those seeking an against the odds romance.

4.5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears is back and inviting readers to return to Teaville  in third novel-length offering of the   Teaville Moral Society Series

Now, the good news is, that if you're like me and somehow missed  book 2 and the novellas for this series, A Chance at Forever has a strong and solid plot all on its own and is easily followed for those unfamiliar with the characters history. 

A  Chance at Forever centers upon the lives of Mercy McClain and Aaron Firebrook. two solid characters who easily carry the story. 

I  found myself surprised, however, when it was Aaron's story that drew me in over that of Mercy. While I expected some of the story's general direction having already been familiar with Teaville and  its featured red-light district, I appreciate how Jagears laid out the long term effects of  abuse on male figures through Owen, Jimmy, and of course Aaron.  I was impressed with the nuances she brought to each character's arc and the way she  highlighted some  of the very different reactions people can have to trauma early in life.

At the heart  of this book though are the themes of redemption and mercy. Jagears has the ability to lock onto her themes and weave them into each story she coaxes out of her novels. The most obvious example of this is the relationship between Mercy and Aaron, although Jagears skillfully weaves it into the stories of Jimmy, Caroline, and Sadie as well.

While that sounds like a lot to follow Jagears also knows how to balance her characters, the story never felt draggy or over-complex with too many ideas. Instead, Teaville feels like the lively little town it is. Jagears has the wisdom to take those extra characters and pour them into novellas for readers who like the extra history and background.

In the end, Jagears has once again given readers a  satisfying page turner from Teaville. Now,  I'm off to find Book 2 :)

4.5 stars out of 5

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

A Memory A Day For Moms

Kids grow up quick. It seems like every day holds a collection of moments, big and small, that you wish you  could hold on to as they fly past.

This is why I love A Memory a Day for Moms. Each page is divided into 5 sections, one for each year, where moms can write down a memory based on a prompt listed at the top of the page. With  four lines allocated for each  year, it is simple enough to squeeze in five minutes to write down your memory and the idea of being able to compare each year  as  you go is already bringing on the  nostalgia for this Mama.

The book itself is a solid hardcover- perfect  for  the heavy usage ahead of it. The cover itself, however, is a beautiful blue embellished with shiny  gold leaves. I appreciate how design and durability are equally evident. For those of us who are a little scatterbrained, there is an attached bookmark allowing for quick navigation for the day's writing.

The only downfalls with this book are for those who  prefer a lot of control over  their  writing. As there are only 4 lines per date, there isn't a lot of space to go into details or to write details for multiple children (my  tiny cursive finally found a place to excel). Also, the daily  prompts may not always be relevant for a mom, breaking the day's theme for future entries.

Cons aside, this is a great option for Mama's looking to preserve glimpses into the ever  fleeting  years of  childhood. 

4 stars out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.