Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holley Gerth

 


Honestly, if I can only recommend one book this year it would be The Powerful Purpose of Introverts

Throughout these pages, Gerth takes readers step by step through the strengths and weaknesses within an introverted person, with an emphasis on the strengths and how to live a healthy life in balance with the weakness. It was eye-opening.

The first two chapters Gerth devotes to actually examining the differences in how an introverted brain operates and leading readers through some tools to better understand how their personality functions within those differences. I love personality research and still found some great new material in here and personal insights.

The next ten chapters identified ten spectrums from struggle to strength for introverts. I loved how hopeful and proactive these chapters were. Growing up a known introvert, I was made well aware of the struggles introverts face. It was refreshing to see Gerth pair these with strengths for introverts as well as steps and understandings on how to move along the spectrum towards strengths like resilience, solitude, and confidence. 

This isn't a quick fix book or even a ten steps despite the break down of chapters. Instead, Gerth has provided a toolkit full of possibilities and affirmation that fills a long needed space on the shelves. 


While each page clearly shows Gerth's research into personality and processes of the brain, it's her passion for people and her hard won experience in this field that shines through each page and makes the information so relatable. 

5 out of 5 stars.


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

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Home Made Lovely by Shannon Acheson



 Home Made Lovely by Shannon Acheson is a step by step introduction on how to curate your home into the space you desire. Tackling everything from personal style to how to be a good host, Acheson breaks down the basics in all areas of making a home into a thorough introduction to the art of hospitality.

Overall, there were some great points to this book. I really appreciated Acheson multiple idea lists throughout the chapters as they gave great jumping off points for inspiration on things like curb appeal and preparing for overnight guests. I also appreciate how many chapters conclude with worksheet pages allowing readers a chance to respond to the material they just consumed.

One of my favourite parts of the book were the sections on personal styles and colour. Honestly both are sections I've heard a lot about (thank you HGTV) but never really had explained in a coherent manner. The styles pages  with their pictures and key features were fun and informative and gave some great clarity and inspiration. While the colour wheel pages really helped give a wider colour theory and cleared up the difference between hue, shade, tint, and tone, so helpful for this whimsically eclectic Mama.

Now, there were two points that didn't sit as comfortably with this book and I feel they're worth mentioning as well.

First, chapter 3. Chapter 3 is centered on making your home "spiritually ready". Honestly, while some of this was interesting, the author and I come from very theologically different background and some of this chapter just didn't sit with me.

Second, there were definitely sections of the book where I felt either a generational or privilege dichotomy. There were points where she talks about saving coffee money or spending hundreds where designer versions would be thousands. In the communities I know that mentality could be very frustrating as so many don't have the wiggle room to "just skip something" as they live paycheck to paycheck.
I think there's still useful information and inspiration to be taken from the book for a wide audience but felt the need to point out this lifestyle difference as it caught me off guard.


4 out of 5 stars.


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

Saturday, December 26, 2020

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

 



I've been a fan of Klassen for years, but I've never had one of her stories capture my interest and heart as quickly as A Castaway in Cornwall. I feel like Klassen took many lessons from her recent foray into series writing with The Inn on Ivy Hill to provide readers one of her richest stories yet.

First, I couldn't help but fall in love with her world. A Castaway in Cornwall uses the rugged shores of 1813 Cornwall filled to the brim with interesting characters for it's home. I felt like this book definitely makes great use of its setting and cast of characters as there are so many with moments to shine. From Eseld to Jago and Miss Chegwin (who honestly could handle a prequel of their own) the characters draw you in through their well written personalities and story. Klassen also used the characters to explore the interactions between poverty, smuggling, and wreck picking which happened on the coast in a way that highlights the ups and downs of that trade. I've always loved how Klassen uses history to build a solid, inviting world and this effort is no different.

Klassen also stays true to her routes by giving readers some solid leads to fall in love with thanks to the characters of Laura and Alexander. Laura's got the sweet, searching stubbornness that seems quite common to a lead in this genre yet at the same time Klassen brings a different twist. Laura's theme of rescue and redeeming the flotsam adds an interesting dynamic to her character, her struggles for home, and her relationship with Alexander. Alexander's story was delightful in that I honestly had no idea which way the twists and turns were going to land which made for a delightful page turner (until 3 am, oops, don't regret it). 

Again, I'm not terribly surprised as Klassen's research and characters have always been solidly drawing me in novel after novel and have only strengthened with experience. The big surprise, for me, in this book was the plot itself.

Klassen manages to keep a quick pace weaving in shipwrecks and war, romance and grief, old rivals and new beginnings. I loved the faster pace and the depth of her plot. 

On one side the historical aspect was exciting. Alexander's connection to the war and unrest kept me guessing throughout. The inclusion of the smuggling was an aspect I had read some on before but through her characters Klassen added a human element. I was also intrigued by the island of Jersey of which I was unfamiliar. It's Klassen's ability to take that historical framework and breathe story into through the emotion, dreams, and sorrows of her characters that makes her work so memorable. Themes of loss and regret were very present within her characters yet not heavy handed and the way that Klassen constantly wove in hope and restoration makes for a very satisfying read at the end of a very long year. 

Honestly, if you only read one of Klassen's books make it this one.

5 out of 5 stars


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

Friday, November 13, 2020

Where I've been

So you may have noticed there haven't been as many posts this year.

Can I just say pandemics suck?

As a family with disabilities, the pandemic has meant lots of time in isolation, lots of adjustment, and lots of creative flexibility to meet our kids unique needs in a time where no one really knows what's going on.

Thankfully, we're hitting our groove and the addition this week of Christmas decorations, cookies, and music has made us a much jollier bunch.
Oh and cookie decorating totally counts as art class, right?

I'm still reading, I'm still reviewing, however, there will probably be a few more posts in the future about our lives homeschooling because that takes up a huge part of our lives at the moment.

We may also have a surprise in our family that I may write about in the New Year, depending on how things fall into place.

Either way, I hope to write more and not fall into a blogging self isolation. 

See you soon (promise this time)

Friday, October 30, 2020

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott

 






Regina Scott has once again invited readers to journey with her to the early days of the national parks. This time it's the Geyser Gateway hotel, lead by the widowed Kate Tremaine who serves as the readers (and Calvary's) guide to Yellowstone.

As far as lead characters go, I enjoyed Kate as a main character. Scott gives readers a well balanced character in Kate between her determination, her humour, and even her trauma. Scott gives a character who is both quick wittedly able and equally capable of evoking empathy as readers are drawn in to root for Kate, Danny and the hotel.

Scott provides an equally capable counter in the character of Lt. Prescott. I appreciated how Scott teased out his backstory and how completely the character felt to act within his motives.

One thing that can't be overlooked in this series is the setting Scott paints an amazing picture of the beauty of Yellowstone on every page. There are few authors I can think of that capture the wonder and awe of creation like Scott consistently has and this national park series is the perfect vehicle for her skill.

Plot wise, I was engaged with the story of Kate, Will, and the Geyser Gateway. The romance was fairly straightforward and I was pleased that the characters trauma was acknowledged in the plot allowing for richer interactions amid the heart and adventure.

I did have two points that detracted slightly from my overall perception of the story.

First. Private Smith was definitely written as a well balanced contrast to Lt. Prescott but his story left me feeling unsatisfied. Scott does an excellent job building up his past and dropping hints without giving a full picture as to his motivation or a satisfying conclusion. After all the build up I was eager to find out what was driving this character only to be left dangling. Now, I do realize this is part of a series and Private Smith's story may come out in a different section of the American Wonders series, one of the tensions in an ongoing series.

Secondly, and this is completely personal preference, but the book felt more romance first historical fiction second which was a reverse of what I expected. The book is well written it just felt the historical aspect was more to build up the romantic tension. Readers going in for a more historical story should be aware of this.

Regina Scott has provided a unique series with her exploration of love and life against the backdrop of the beauty of the national parks in their early days.

4 out of 5 stars 

This book was provided as part of the #RevellReadsBookTour, all thoughts are my own.

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Line by Line by Jennifer Delamere





Alice McNeil is determined to remain a spinster pursuing a life of purpose through career and hobbies despite her mother and society's expectations. Douglas Shaw is equally determined to use his intelligence and ambition to rise above a childhood of poverty regardless of what his heart may be saying to the contrary.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jennifer Delamere is a solid writer. She paints her world well, she's easily established a trilogy here with characters like Emma, Rose or even Mavis poised to take their own time in center stage. I even thoroughly enjoyed her little forays into the scientific advancement of the day and age showing the importance and procedures of the telegraph and the new found promises of the telephone.

That said, I struggled with this book. I did not connect with Alice or Douglas at all as story leads until the very last pages of the novel. Alice's character seems so focused on her spinsterhood it's hard to see the character underneath.It also makes the expected ending feel more jarring as Alice's character has to 
undergo a complete inner shift in a very short time to reach the anticipated conclusion (while well written, the format did feel very familiar to the genre). Douglas' ambition also leaves out a lot of his personality until his acquaintance with Carnegie.  I felt like I spent more time searching for a character to lead me into the story over enjoying the story itself.

Honestly I feel like this is still an enjoyable book just not a match for me.



3 out of 5 stars

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

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes





After reading Dykes latest book Set the Stars Alight I am convinced she is not a story teller but a story weaver, combining plot threads and ideas into a wondrous narrative that draws readers into a world of her creation.

Dykes starts weaving her threads by introducing two stories, that of Lucy Claremont and Dashel Greene as well as that of  Frederick, Juliette, and Elias two hundred years prior. I've seen these alternating time periods done badly, I've seen them transition well but, again, Sykes weaves the time periods together in an almost dance as each shift in era doesn't leave you jarred but simply reveals the next step in the story (and yes this does make it ridiculously hard to keep the one more chapter promise before bed).

I'll admit, it took me awhile to get into the pacing and narrative that Dykes creates at first. It was hard to connect the two stories in my mind. 

On one hand we had Dash and Lucy, one looking to the stars, the other to the past grieving the loss of Lucy's father and reuniting after years apart to chase down The Jubilee, a long unsolved naval mystery. On the other, you have Fredrick a privileged son weighed down by guilt, Elias the peasant he was press ganged into naval service with, and the young woman who connects them Juliette.  However, slowly but surely, Dykes weaves her connectors bringing past and present into light to create a rich, engaging story.

Dykes doesn't shy from deeper themes within her work, in fact, she uses the different eras and their context to further hone in on them. Here readers are invited to explore grief, identity, and restoration with a wide range of characters who feel fully fleshed, making readers feel invited into their world. Honestly, the little details like the dove, the star parties, or even the ball just added so many honest elements which made the book better.

I'm also glad to say this was one of the most satisfying conclusions I've encountered in a novel this summer (and honestly this is the year where I crave a satisfying ending). Dykes ability to weave her narrative meant that the characters plots were well resolved with a few twists at the end that made it extra sweet.

4.5 out of 5 stars

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

Sunday, August 16, 2020

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson

 



I generally love Liz Johnson's books  (for a sweet contemporary series go check out her Red Door Inn!) but A Dazzle of Diamonds felt like a mixed bag for me.

As usual, Johnson focuses readers through the primary female character, in this case, Penelope Hunter an event planner with more than she could have planned for. Her job is in trouble as she attempts to plan her ex fiances wedding while helping best friend Tucker Westbrook run for Sheriff. The problem is that Tucker's family has been accused of being traitors in the war and now Penelope's only route to clear his name is helping him find the missing treasure from centuries past.

All in all, this novel had all the components I like in a summer romance. Old friends who don't realize they're in love (I'm a sucker for those as it mirrors my own romance), missing treasure, ties to the past, and an absolutely amazing supporting character.

So, why the mixed feelings, looking at the cover Penelope looks like ever other female lead, pretty and young. Tucker's inner monologue more than once appreciates her legs, her lips, and her curves. However, there was extra attention to mention Penelope's eating her feelings in brownies or wedding cake, the way her corset dug into her ribs, the special ordered size for her wedding gown. The dialogue in the book was written as a woman uncomfortable with her weight but the cover contrasted that greatly. The way her appearance and weight was addressed just felt uncomfortable and out of place in the way it was addressed and how Penelope was portrayed in the art.

Now that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy part of the book. Honestly I'm a firm, firm believer Aunt Shirley needs her own book. Honestly she was wise, intelligent, and loads of fun. Her sections of the book shone and I want more Aunt Shirley!

I also quickly found myself more engrossed in Caroline and Josiah's story. The way Johnson unraveled their tale with the old letters gave their story a great sense of pacing and I quickly became more invested in their story than the main characters. I actually confessed to my husband I would read the whole book just for their Civil War romance and intrigue.

3 stars out of 5

I received this book as part of the #RevellReads summer tour, all opinions are my own.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham


Aggie Pratt has a secret that has shaped her adult life, pushing her to the frontier, and away from those she loves. I thoroughly enjoyed A Life Once Dreamed and was even more impressed at how Fordham not only wove Aggie, James, and the town of Penance into life but also managed to keep me guessing on Aggie's secret until half way through the book.

I appreciated how well Fordham wrote Aggie as part of her small town. As some one who also moved out west to a small town for a time, her interactions brought back so many memories. From the neighbours who seem to nose into the details of life, to the community that grows, to the beauty of the landscape Penance and Aggie's experience of it read true. Additionally, Aggie's growth and struggles as a young woman felt real and believable as Fordham built up the small details within the character and her environment.

Fordham's writing feels so inviting, in part, due to her attention to detail. While I would put her novels as more character centered over world building she doesn't ignore Penance as merely setting but makes it its own character. The people themselves have quirks and personality (McHenry was a particular favourite in Penance for myself).Fans of her work with keen eyes will notice a shout out to her previous novels adding some continuity within her library that brought a smile to my face.

Let's not forget the plot. While the romance one expects from this genre was definitely front and center, Fordham also took the time to explore other more serious issues. Illness, fire, child loss, class divide, and illegitimacy are all touched upon in varying degrees. The handling always feels gentle (honestly the whole book including the epilogue does to a point but after the way 2020's been I kind of need/like that) which did leave me wishing for more depth at times but I overall I felt that Fordham stayed true to he writing style and the story's feel.

4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the #RevellReads book tour. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

An Appalachian Summer by Ann H Gabhart




An Appalachian Summer is just what this summer calls for. Now I admit, I may be biased. Ann H. Gabhart has slowly worked herself into my absolute favourite authors thanks to her ability to craft relatable characters, engaging plots, and a setting that leaps off the page to invite you home and An Appalachian Summer is no exception.

This time readers are invited into the life of Piper Danson, a debutante who dreams of a life with purpose and an old friend who disappeared from her life following the stock market crash.Swearing off her debut season for something more meaningful, Piper volunteers as a courier for the Frontier Nurses. I really enjoyed this on two fronts. First for those who have read These Healing Hills, An Appalachian Summer  feels like revisiting a friend as Mrs. Breckinridge and the frontier nurses come back again this time through the lens of a courier. Second Piper is a great lead character as she learns life outside her father's house and away from many of the conveniences and  distractions. It's easy to root for Piper as she chases chickens, navigates the hills, and muddles through what her life should look like.

Gabhart helps give Piper life by placing her in a setting that thrives all on it's own. She infuses life and in a summer like this one it's nice to have a book so inviting it whisks you away to another time and place. I will admit some of the slang the characters used felt a little modern but, I'll confess, my knowledge of thirties slang is fairly scant. Otherwise it was refreshing to imagine walking along swing bridges and up and down the mountains.

For the romantics in the crowd Gabhart delivers on that front two as Piper finds herself facing two opposite paths with her father's choice of Braxton Crandall and her heart's wonderings regarding her childhood friend Jamie and Piper's Aunt Truda also faces down her own regrets from her past. 

Honestly, An Appalachian Summer  was the at home escape I needed thanks to Gabhart's consistent ability to spin a world that invites you to get lost in it. I would definitely recommend this and it's predecessor These Healing Hills.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

A Reckless Love by Beth White





Sometimes I'm almost nervous to pick up the end of a trilogy. Will the ends be tied up, will the writing stay consistent? I'm so happy that I took a chance as White delivers a thrilling end to The Daughtry House Series that is sure to keep readers engaged to the last page.

Now, confession, I still haven't gotten my hands on book 1 and honestly, while Aurora holds her own as the female lead, White has delivered such an exciting and intricate plot that I'd definitely recommend reading through all three books to get the full impact.

In A Reckless Love readers get a chance to follow Aurora's journey as the youngest of the Daughtry girls trying to find her own place amid her changing family and town life. Aurora really is the perfect sister to finish out this trilogy with her mix of sunny outlook and spitfire personality, her newly realized maturity fits well into a world that was trying to find it's feet. 

Aurora certainly has a lot to sort out too as she helps her sisters establishing their hotel, inherits a saloon (complete with saloon girls), and finds herself in the middle of increasing tensions in her hometown as the klan's web effects continue to throw the town into strife.

I'll admit, given recent events the plot lines surrounding postwar racial tension was a bit sobering. Themes like justice, racism, and revenge are explored throughout the trilogy but the feel more prominent here as White seeks to bring the Daughtry sisters story to a close. I felt for the most part they were handled well as they were mostly presented to the readers through the sisters eyes.

Zane also provides a strong male lead throughout the story as he wrestles with his desire to see justice done after a years long man hunt. I have to admit well a quicker romantic plot than I usually enjoy, White does such a wonderful job writing the interaction and inner wrestlings of both Aurora and Zane that their story line was absolutely delightful to read and possibly my favourite pairing of the series.


For fans of historical fiction of this era, White's trilogy is a perfect balance of romance and intrigue.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I received this book as part of the #RevellReads summer tour. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Stay by Anjuli Paschall



Stay is a mix of wisdom and vulnerability, conversations over coffee and life earned lessons.
In Stay Anjuli Paschall shares the lessons she's learned over her life about the beauty and growth that can come from staying and meeting with Jesus in the moments that would typical kick us into fight or flight.

Paschall covers a variety of topics throughout these pages with some more lighthearted reflections like engagements that don't match our expectations and decades old Christmas traditions while other reflections may touch on fears or even triggers as Paschall talks about helping friends through addiction, the realities of aging and death, or even pregnancy trauma. The theme tying these together is Paschall's willingness to stay in her vulnerable truth and point herself and her readers back to Jesus in the middle of life's chaos.

Although Paschall has a notable online presence I wasn't familiar with her or the mom's we love club before reading this book. There were moments when the writing style felt too conversational as thoughts trailed more than I expected but that's also more a personality thing than a quality thing (and I read late at night when my patience isn't at it's peak).
I did, however, appreciate the obvious love and earnestness with which Paschall shares not only the biblical truths she has obviously wrestled with her whole life but the journey it took to get her there and I think that's what makes this book worth reading, Paschall's willingness to acknowledge the journey of learning and living with Jesus. She doesn't just tell her readers to stay with Jesus in the middle she shows them how she's repeatedly found him there when she looked. I love leading by example.

4 out of 5 stars.


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

Saturday, July 4, 2020

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy




A Mosaic of Wings  by Kimberly Duffy is a historical romance/coming of age tale centered upon Nora Shipley, a young entomology graduate struggling to find the next step in her life.

Duffy was a new author to my bedside table and I was interested to see what her style would bring. Duffy creates a wonderful world for readers to explore. Her descriptions were vivid and engaging and the world easily leapt of the page as Duffy leads her readers through Ithaca New York to the jungle in India. I appreciated her ability to world build and her attention to little details felt authentic and well researched.

The story itself also was well presented. Duffy has broken the story into three separate sections which is helpful as they all have distinct feelings, settings, and supporting characters. I found her plot line following Nora on her quest for a resolved direction in life after her father to be well constructed and the plot lines were all wrapped up to varying degrees by the time the last chapter closes.

As far as characters go, Sita was a joy to read and easily the highlight of the story. Duffy gave a well balanced story line between Sita's joy and talent in contrast to the serious issues she was faced with despite her young age.

There were, however, two personal sticking points I encountered while reading.
First, while Duffy's use of scientific names for the different insects was completely within Nora's character, I found it to be jarring to my engagement as I would leave the story mentally and attempt to remember what particular bug was being hunted this time (and to be fair that wasn't a unit I paid much attention to in science). While it added authenticity it just disrupted the story's flow for me.

Secondly, I had a hard time connecting with the characters until the introduction of Sita. While Nora and Owen were well written and you could see the care and detail Duffy crafted into their personalities, I struggled to find any emotional investment with them until their interactions with and regarding Sita.

While this isn't a book I would reread, Duffy has a clear skill and love for her craft and characters that leaves me confident A Mosaic of Wings will find its way into the hearts of many readers.

3.75 stars out of 5
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Friday, June 26, 2020

Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon



There's something comfortable and familiar about Hope Harbor and its residents that welcomes readers, new and old, into her stories.  This was my third foray into the lives of Hope Harbor's residents and I was thrilled to be reintroduced to some of my old favourites while following along with some more serious discussions Hannon presents through the lives of Holly, Steven, and those closest to them.

As someone previously introduced to this town I was thrilled to see Hannon has maintained the continuity and charm I hoped for in this novel. I loved finding Charley and his seagulls at the taco stand, reading about Eleanor's fudge cake, and seeing familiar names like the clergy on the streets. It adds so much to the book's small town feel when these little things naturally flow into the story. Hannon's a master at making Hope Harbor feel like a character all of its own. 

As a disabled person, I also appreciate Holly's character as a story lead and Hannon's willingness to show Holly as multidimensional, independent, while still being aware of where accommodation was needed within the needs of her disability. It's rare to see the disabled character in a lead plot instead of  the plucky encouragement (a stereotype that gets old). It also provided a reasonable foundation for Holly's beliefs on sanctity of life to contrast with Steven's own past. 

Aside from the obvious central attraction between Holly and Steven, Hannon spends much of the book exploring issues of sanctity of life through various issues including: abortion, assisted suicide, warfare, etc. This does give the book a more political feel then previous novels in the series. Some of the plots also touch on depression and finding meaning in life again adding an unexpected heaviness. That said, while it was a lot to put into a single novel I didn't find it overwhelming as everything still felt like it tied into those overarching themes of life and meaning. It also felt very true to small town, everything looking great on the outside but people working through a plethora of life altering situations behind closed doors. I think, to a degree, seeing those struggles have endeared Hope's Harbour to me even more.

While this isn't the light summer romance I was expecting, this may be the Hope Harbour outing that I find myself returning too.
4 out of 5 stars.



I received a copy of this book as part of the #revellreadsbooktour in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Monday, April 6, 2020

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green





In the past, Green's work has been hit or miss for my personal tastes. However, Veiled in Smoke reminded me why I keep returning. Here Green weaves romance and mystery, hope and loss, against the backdrop of the great Chicago fire for an engaging read.

One thing I appreciate about Green's narratives is her willingness to dive into difficult topics and Veiled in Smoke is no exception. Aside from the aforementioned mystery surrounding Hiram's murder Green also weaves in disability, PTSD, and mental health care in the 1800s as driving elements within her story. As someone with a disability, I appreciate that there were no quick fixes for Meg and the care Green took for her journey. I also appreciated the contrast she provides within the asylum and Dr. Gilbert's approach to treating their patients in regards to mental health through the care of Stephan Townsend.

Grieving and new starts were two themes that came up repeatedly whether on a large scale within the city or within the characters themselves. Green presents a variety of multidimensional characters who each offer their own perspective into these themes. This allows Green to come at her topics in both broad and nuanced ways without feeling over explored. Although Meg was the main character, Sylvie, Nate, and Stephen are all given such attention to detail and character each easily carries the story on their own in varying sections adding to the grand scale often found in Green's novels.

As far as the plot goes, despite the amount of characters and detail, Green does provide a satisfying story arc for Meg while still providing a solid lead in for the next book in the Windy City Saga.

4 out of 5 stars

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

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Broken and Beloved by Sammy Rhodes

Broken and Beloved: How Jesus Loves Us into Wholeness by Sammy Rhodes





In Broken &Beloved Rhodes combines pop culture, relatable stories, and thoughtful analysis to bring his readers to a place of reflection and timeless truth. Exploring concepts such as identity, value, and wholeness Rhodes has a gift for taking large concepts and presenting them in ways that are both accessible and memorable.

One of the things I appreciate the most about Rhodes writing is his ability to teach while coming alongside. At no point does Rhodes ever come across as a lecturer but rather a fellow traveler in life with some perspectives that may not be always observable on the main road. As a result, Rhodes is able to speak into both the mundane and the extraordinary, weaving the gospels presence into both.

This is definitely a book to enter into with an open mind. Part of Rhodes style is to ask question that demand reflection to fully engage the text. Questions about wholeness, one's reaction to self and other, and the need for grace which require honesty and vulnerability.  However, again, thanks to Rhodes own vulnerability and personal stories this feels like entering into a journey of reflection rather than being sent out on one's own.

While this is not the first book on this topic I have read, Rhodes humour, conversational tone, and ability to structure and build his argument make this a book I could easily recommend to my friends looking for more insight into these themes.

As an aside, I admit, personally, it was odd seeing all the quotes from Vanier's work within the novel given the recent revelations. That said, I recognize that Rhodes would have been writing well before Vanier's case came into public knowledge and I can acknowledge that Vanier's personal issues don't detract from the contributions of his life long career. I'm just personally still working through it myself and may have just skimmed the quotes from that particular author on this read through.

4 out of 5 stars



I received a copy on this book in exchange for my opinion on the book, the thoughts are my own.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson




For people familiar with Peterson's work there probably won't be a lot of surprises in Secrets of My Heart. In fact, for long-term readers, there will even be a few familiar characters making an appearance. However, this also means, unsurprisingly, that Peterson has penned a tale full of characters you'll want to journey along with once again.

I really appreciate Nancy as a lead in the ways Peterson explores grieving both from Doug and Albert as well as against God and with herself. Nancy may be set in a specific time period but her emotional struggles feel relatable. Grief is complex and I appreciate how Peterson presses into it for Nancy.

Nancy also brings a host of characters with her borders. Now, recognizing that this is book one of a new series (most likely trilogy) I truly hope some of these characters find their feet in future endeavors. The sisters and Mrs. Weaver added some interest and it felt as though their secrets were merely introduced not resolved and my sense is that Clementine and Gabe could easily step up as book two's central figures maybe allowing Mimi to shine a bit more. 

I think it's a mark of skill for an author to not only leave a satisfying main story but leave you with questions about the rest of the cast. I have some theories on Mrs. Weaver.

As I said earlier, the main plot feels familiar as Nancy and Seth seek the truth about Albert Pritchard's dealings and demise but I still enjoyed Peterson's pacing of the plot and inclusion of details. Honestly, I think given the current chaos the familiarity made the novel that much more inciting.

Finally, I appreciate Peterson's working in of the Gospel. Nancy's interactions with her family and mentors never came across as sermonizing but rather as a natural mentoring and care letting the words and their message move seamlessly within the story, never jarring but encouraging interaction with the story and reflection on meaning.

4.5 out of 5 stars


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

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot





I have no problem stating it upfront. Out of the Embers is hands down my favourite book by Amanda Cabot to date.

While Cabot provides all the usual character growth and romance possibilities with her main character Evelyn, she has filled in her plot with twisting turns, lots of heart, and some of the best narrative timing I've seen in this genre when it comes to Evelyn's growth.

Evelyn easily holds this story as a lead character thanks to the personality and resilience she's developed in the face of a past filled with loss and fear thanks to the ongoing presence of one she's deemed "the watcher." I like Evelyn, she's a strong lead but not one who's isolated from her past, Cabot took the time to make sure her insecurities were realistic given her history and that she had the support in the narrative to work through them.

Wyatt and Polly were amazing secondary characters. Polly's backstory kept me guessing as it was unfolded and her innocence provided a good counter to Evelyn and Wyatt's concerns.
Wyatt was interesting as a male lead and I appreciated Cabot's notes explaining how he changed a few plot points on her thanks to his personality. This freedom Cabot gives her characters to grow and change as the narrative speaks really makes for a solid and engaging cast.

Second the romance. I've said before it annoys me when two character meet and fall in love immediately. So, I was a little concerned when Polly and Wyatt first meet. But, my fears were soon eased. Cabot really does a masterful job keeping her characters motivations in line and provides a satisfying romance for Evelyn with her three potential suitors. Also, side note, she does an excellent job capturing the environment of falling in love in a small town, the nosy but caring neighbours, Polly's opinions, everything just rings true in Evelyn's journey and made it such a joy to read.


I will admit, I'm curious to see if the charm of Mesquite Springs continues without Evelyn anchoring the plot, not to mention how one characters journey for mental health treatment will be handled in future stories but with Dorothy already confirmed to be continuing the story in book 2 I doubt fans will have too long to wait.


4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the #RevellReads book tour. All the opinions are my own.