On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

In her latest novel On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor  Jaime Jo Wright brings together her trademark mix of mystery, attraction, and timelines for a complex, keep you guessing until the last page tale.

As someone familiar with Wright's work, I was excited to see that she has stayed true to her familiar style of weaving one mystery throughout two time periods. This time, readers being invited to follow Adria Fontaine in 1885 looking to escape her troubled life by way of missing gold as well as Kailey Gibson in modern times looking to understand a tragedy from her childhood.

This style is truly the strength of the story. Wright has an undeniable skill when it comes to guiding her plot through her chosen eras building mystery and anchoring her plot. As a result of her style, Wright is one of the few writers who consistently keeps me guessing (and turning pages throughout the early hours) in an attempt to figure out the next clue.

Wright also stands out as an author who doesn't shy away from harder topics. In this particular novel, she touches on disabilities, trauma/PTSD, mental health, abuse, and addiction to name a few. My favourite character of the entire story was a resident named Maddie, a delightful older woman living with dementia thanks to Wright's skill teasing out the balance between Maddie's wonderfully realistic spunk in life with the grieving of her reality and disease. 

That said, there were elements of this book that sat differently with me, one being Mr. Crayne. Mr. Crayne bothered me as a male lead. While I appreciated the potential in his character, the timeline felt too rushed for me to be comfortable with the end results. If you've read my reviews before you'll know I'm a sucker for a good redemption arc and Mr. Crayne, initially, seemed to fit that type with his tragic past, his harmful coping mechanisms, and his traumatized mind coupled with his growing desire to change. 

However, and here lies some spoilers, given his traumatic past and Adria's own troubled mindset wrestling with her abusive family and suicidal tendencies, the relationship felt dangerous in the short time frame rather than romantic. It was hard to see the romance over the warning flags.

I also struggled with the feeling that some characters were there less as a part of the worldbuilding and more because the plot needed some form of move ahead. It just left me feeling a little less immersed and a little more disjointed than I'm used to feeling with a Wright novel.

While the structure and the mystery Wright lays out in Foxglove Manor are as solid as ever, there were just a few points that fell short for me this time. 

3.5 out of 5 stars.

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

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."

The DIY Guide to Building A Family that Lasts by Gary Chapman and Shannon Warden

Dr. Chapman is a well familiar name when it comes to topics of love and relationship. So it really wasn't a surprise to see him and co-author Shannon Warden diving into the topic of family life and the 12 areas they felt were most represented by families looking for positive change in their homes.

The book itself follows a very reader friendly format. Comprised of 12 chapters (plus intro and epilogue) each chapter is broken down into an introduction, a planning section, diy, all-in section, review/sweat equity, reveal/conclusion, and questions for reflection. The break down makes each section easy to follow in its repetition and easy for reference once the book has been finished. Stylistically, I felt the authors found a good balance in their working styles, the material certainly reads as a unified front rather than two voices combating the issue on different fronts.

The material itself was interesting. In all honesty, there wasn't any new information within the text. Chapman and Warden have written a self-help guide filled with basic, common sense information so that a family needing help can access and implement the information without creating more issues. This book isn't meant to be a crisis recovery but rather a helping hand for families wanting home life to be more joyful and fulfilling in the everyday and they stay within that bracket well. I do feel as a result some chapters (namely the one on forgiveness) end up a little over simplified, I'm assuming they were operating under the idea that more complex families or those in crisis would be seeking a professional to help them nuance things into their own context.

Overall, it's a great little intro that's easy to read and gives some solid advice to the everyday family who wants to be more impactful in their day to day.

 4 out of 5 stars

I received this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion, the views expressed are my own.

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

Whose Waves These Are is nothing like the books I normally choose to read and was everything I needed to read this summer.

Dykes blends historical and contemporary fiction, romance and mystery to provide a plot that is both engaging and complex.

The plot itself was a joy to read, I was concerned when I realized that the story itself would jump between WWII and contemporary settings that plot threads may go unaccounted for or that the time jumps could feel sloppy, However, Dykes is masterful at incorporating her thoughts and ideas into a cohesive story that flows well and often had me in wonder at the twists and details she includes.

This is in part due to the strength of her anchoring characters. Annie Bliss is relatable both in her insecurities as well as in her returning to her place of safety in Ansel as she tries to determine her next step in life. Annie has flaws, fears, and failures that give her depth yet still presents the strength and determination that make her easy to root for.

Alternately Robert Bliss anchors the historical sections with ease as he walks through the afternath of the war, what it meant to survive, and how to work through his grief. In many ways GrandBob felt like the most fleshed out character and quickly became my favourite part of the book. Dykes really took the time to point out the moments of Bob's life that gave shape to the man Annie knows and that progression really allows Dykes to have an impactful and emotional conclusion that just wouldn't hit home without the time and effort she spent introducing Bob the way she had.

Actually between Annie, Robert, and the mysterious second male lead of Jeremiah, it wouldn't be a far stretch to say that Whose Waves Are These centers upon a theme of learning to move forward and live after loss, a topic Dykes handles with sensitivity and realism. Dykes takes care to give her characters room for an emotional response and certainly was able to bring about a response from me (yep, this was definitely a book I shoved in hubby's face asking if he could believe it . . . in a good way).

As I said, Amanda Dykes was not on my radar before this book but I'll definitely be taking the time to look her up from now on.

4.5 stars out of 5

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

Loving My Actual Neighbor by Alexandra Kuykendall

As Christians, we know we are called to love our neighbor. We may even grasp that "neighbor" encompasses more than just the people living next door or down the street. But what we too often don't know is how to begin. How do we love our neighbor? Where do we start? What does this look like in our increasingly isolated world?

(quote from back of book)

Honestly, I have a strong interest in books on community. As an introverted geek I love being involved in community but tend to rock the awkward person in the corner or frazzled mom look over coherent person.

In Loving My Actual Neighbor Kuykundell presents 7 practices to help people learn  how to embrace the community they naturally encounter in their everyday lives and there's even a chapter that specifically addresses being awkward (talk about a book that speaks to my heart.)

When I read Kuykendall in the past, I did struggle  to find her central message amid her storied, train-of-thought writing style. Here, Kuykendall takes a far more direct approach to her topic presenting one chapter on each of her practices followed by some practical application appendices to start brainstorming application when you're finished reading. I was surprised and impressed by these changes as I could still see the central heart Kuykendall's style within a more readable structure.

Overall, I was really impressed with the practicality and ease of application of Kuykendall's book. I, honestly wish this was available when I was in college as she takes concepts such as active listening and makes them accessible. There's nothing overly groundbreaking in these pages as far as information goes. Common sense reigns here with topics such as humility, quietness, giving, or lightening up. 

But it's in this common sense and structurally conversational tone that Kuykendall finds her strength. Community should flow out of the natural and sometimes awkward encounters in our lives, there isn't usually a lot of time for complexities in the everyday and this book reflects the everyday reality it's meant to find its life in.

4.5 out of 5 stars

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

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."

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else by Jill Briscoe

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else  by Jill Briscoe has been re-released for new audiences. Although I was familiar with Mrs. Briscoe's daughter-in-law (a gifted speaker in her own right), I hadn't yet become acquainted with Mrs,  Briscoe herself.

Overall, the book is based on a solid premise. Briscoe anchors her book within the story of Moses while branching  out to speak  on different spiritual truths and elements she finds necessary for people to move forward in their faith. I highly appreciated Mrs. Briscoe's use of scripture and the way she  continually anchors her work back within Moses' life. It's obvious this is where her passion lies and an area with which she has well  studied. 

For those who also love studying, Briscoe provides a study section at the end of every section. Consisting of reflection, questions,  prayer guides, additional reading, etc. . . Each chapter offers a strong option of taking the material  further while tying in the chapter focus to scriptural references outside of the Moses' narrative.

Topically, however, I had mixed feelings on Briscoe's work. The variety was wonderful. Between spiritual gifts, prayer, overcoming trials, and so on there was wide breadth of knowledge being shared increasing the likelihood that a reader will find helpful material. The tone at times was frustrating though. 

I found, in the reading, that Briscoe tended towards a one-size-fits all faith. There wasn't a lot of room for grace for those going through hard seasons just an unrelenting call to measure up. As a result, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this book to some of my friends who are newer to faith and still working out the basics.

3.5 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. 

The Middle of the Mess by Sheila Walsh

The Middle of the Mess is insightful, informative, and filled with the perfect blend of real talk and vulnerability. 

Walsh excels in her gentle combination of story and reflection. Her ability to bring life to her words by letting the stories take their time to ebb and flow adds depth that only an experienced storyteller can bring.

I spend a lot of time with my nose buried in psychology and self-help books (counselling classes tend to do that to a person) but the most impactful are always the ones where the author weaves together heart with truth, a mix Walsh has mastered.Walsh has walked through the darkest of valleys and calls out to readers from a place of familiarity not superiority. I loved this as it makes the book relatable and referable. Let's face it, everyone today is touched by mental health. It's also probably one of the more stigmatized categories of illness. Walsh's book seeks to battle the stigma with information, heart, and humanity, the best weapons. 

Obviously, for those familiar with Walsh's career the presence of a strong faith/theological component will come as no surprise. While there are no startling revelations in her material such as the importance of community, the journey of salvation, God's desire in our lives - the straightforwardness with which she pairs  these truths with the realities facing those battling mental illness is encouraging and a great resource for those in the middle of such a battle or supporting someone who is.

4.5 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.

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

Alright, this review was actually due to be posted  last week but weather, the post, and a mini plague all determined that this week was a much better fit ;) Thankfully, I can wholeheartedly say that The Lacemaker is worth the wait.

Laura excels at drawing readers in through her plot, a point well supported by The Lacemaker. I was on the edge of my seat as Frantz brought forth the bustling, tension-filled streets of the just barely English colonies and the loyalties which  were rapidly changing. Her peaceful painting of Ty Mawr proved an ample setting for character growth, sweet romance, and the inclusion of faith so inherent to the previous novels I've encountered by Frantz.

As far as characters go, I do feel the character development is far more rushed than the typical novels I tend toward. The relationships connected to both Liberty and Noble offered so much material that it would have been impossible to do everything justice. That said, I still felt as though few relationships were explored truly outside  the main duo and even that left me wanting more.

Frantz's true strength is in her stories. While I am  under educated on the politics  that led to the war for independence and cannot vouch for accuracy, I was thoroughly impressed by Frantz's ability to infuse her words with the emotions, urgency, and tensions that I can only imagine were present in that time of change. Frantz has  the ability to make you feel the story and that alone is worth the read.

The romantic aspect of the story was also very sweet to read. I appreciated the theme of redemption that seemed to follow Liberty throughout her romantic endeavors. Again, this is an area of the story which reaps the rewards of Frantz's skill in incorporating feeling into her narrative as readers can join with Liberty and Noble through the loss, fear, and sweet discoveries of love.

Overall, I will recommend this novel and look forward to what Frantz has planned next. 4 out of 5 stars.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Revell and Baker Publishing Group."

How to Fix a Broken Record Thoughts on Vinyl Records, Awkward Relationships, and Learning to Be Myself by Amena Brown

How to Fix a Broken Record has the unique feeling of being both familiar and brand new at the same time. 

Amena comes along side her readers much like a big sister or an older best friend, walking her readers  through the lessons she's learned as she reflects back on the  lessons life and music have brought her way.

To be fair, there are a lot of life lesson/reflections based books on the market these days and Amena's book hits on many of the same topics that have already been discussed. However, there were a few areas that helped How to Fix a Broken Record  stand out from the crowd.

First, Amena brings balance into her discussion looking at lesson from throughout the different stages of her life. While others do this to different degrees the honesty with which Amena looks at singleness, dating, marriage, and infertility is  a scope and breadth not often seen in this type of book. I love how she allows readers to see the beauty and pain of each stage rather than chasing after a single chapter. I appreciated the honesty with which these struggles were presented.

I also appreciated the fact that Amena brings her whole self forward into her lessons:  her life, her experiences, and her culture. I confess, in many ways I am very naive about American culture in general living north of the border and to see Amena paint her life as a minority within the United States was helpful.

Overall, this was a solid book and a great option for readers looking for a read focusing on life experiences.  Those who read extensively within the genre may find their attention wavering at times as the uniqueness is centered mainly upon the fact that it is Amena's story rather than broader concepts or aproaches.
4 out  of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen

Blessed are the Misfits is one of those books that has two clear audiences: anyone who has ever felt like a misfit in the church and anyone who has ever known someone who has felt like a misfit in the church. 

While Brant may be known to some thanks to his radio work, Misfits  was my introduction and what an introduction. Brant brings a straightforward, dry humour to his material that is both engaging and readable. He doesn't dumb down his material but chooses to lose pretense for the sake of openness and vulnerability. While I suspect this is more an authenticity of the author rather than a crafted stance it lends gravity to a topic that is so overlooked.

Let's face it, admitting the church is full of misfits, and boy is it ever, is  generally something the church doesn't like to regularly  take a look at. So, the misfits continue on not realizing that they  aren't alone and believe me, by the time you're done this book the fact that no one is alone should be abundantly clear.

Brant explores a variety of topics and personalities from within the church: skeptics, doubters, the lonely, the  mentally ill, the wounded. Everyone's invited to this party and Brant strikes a careful  balance between exploring the issue while constantly reminding readers of the  hope  there  is in Christ and the necessity of welcoming all these parts of the church into the body. At times, the book almost feels as though it could be too heavy if not for the wise use of reinforcing personal stories, external quotes, and Brant's trademark humour.

That said, there were some things I felt the need to push back on. In the chapters regarding woundedness and mental illness, I felt that Brant may have glossed  over the need and acceptability for some people to seek psychological and medical intervention when dealing with the  ramifications of trauma and mental illness.Considering this can be  a sticking point in  the  church community I was sad to see this didn't get the same attention as some of the other chapters in the book.

Overall, this is  a book I highly recommend.

4.4 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Be the Gift by Ann Voskamp

Ann Voskamp's new book Be the Gift is not an easy read, I think, however, it is one with an important message for those who are able to read it.

Ann's style appears to be a collaboration of story and parable, honest vulnerability and hard truth. It's this hard truth that makes this book so very valuable.  

I loved Ann's honest look at brokenness,  her passionate pointing back to Christ, communion, and the church when it comes to  the hard and the messy in life. This message of hard and messy things needs to be paired with the beauty of giving, koinonia, and eucharisteo to be real in our messy,human lives.  In light of Ann's gift in storytelling and parable this message comes across in a way that blends this truth with everyday experience and emotion in a venue that makes her words seem tangible.

That said, I know  some will (and do) struggle with Voskamp's writing style.With her unconventional presentation, wordy vocabulary, and unusual transitions some readers may find Voskamp's work difficult to track with which is okay, not everyone learns from a storytelling perspective. Voskamp's work requires patience and alertness (this is definitely not a midnight binge read) to absorb the full impact of her words, not to mention the possibility of a second read through.

The book, itself, seems to be aware of the weightiness of its words and the time required to process their meaning. As a result, the text is inter-spaced with beautifully shot pictures of life and light that give balance to the message which surrounds them.

Overall, I appreciated Be the Gift   and found its message to be one that I will return to again.

4 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leaves Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater putting on the most popular show in the city. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. That is, as long as the shadows from her past don’t catch up with her.

(excerpt from press release)

Jennifer Delamere's newest series brings adventure, romance, fun historical tidbits and yet, I found myself not loving this story as much as I wanted too.

First the good. 

I enjoyed the concept of the plot and  for anyone who enjoys theater, Delamere has included fun little details that help bring the world of the stage alive. Using Gilbert and Sullivan as an anchoring point was so much fun (although I've had Modern Major General stuck in my head since I finished reading the book). Having done some amateur stage work I loved the backstage details, the tech work, and the way Delamere captures the  life and hard work behind the scenes.

I also found the many plot lines to be engaging and varied enough to give the series enough interest for a healthy start. Although the love triangle is often overused within historical romance, Delamere adds a few twists and turns along the way to make Rosalyn's suitors stand out from other contemporaries.   

That said, I did find myself struggling with a few issues. 

The pacing. The first day takes a full third of the book. The issue that drove Rosalyn to run through the early chapters? Resolved in mere paragraphs without warning or preamble. This seemed  to be a common styling leaving the book feeling too brief and rushed in some areas while simultaneously too slow regarding alternate plot points throughout the course of the book.

I also found the title confusing. While each Bernay girl is a "Captain's daughter" there was very little mention of the  absent sailor, nor did the Captain factor in significantly to the plot. In fact, many of those mentions actually focused on the youngest sister's grief   at his unknown fate not Rosalyn, the title character.

While not the strongest novel I've read this year, there is definitely promise for the remainder of the series.

3.5  stars

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

With you Always by Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is one of those authors who sits on my to read list without ever getting off. With the release of her newest novel With You Always it seemed the perfect time to rectify that oversight.

While there are some plot points that were left frustratingly open for this completionist, if the following books match the interest and skill of With You Always Hedlund has gained another fan.

I really enjoyed the attention Hedlund gives to her plot lines. This could be a weakness if the author doesn't follow through in subsequent novels, however, I found the hints and lead ups for upcoming plots  to be tantalizing in their leading and encouraging in helping me as a reader question and explore how the characters world could expand following the covered events. Characters like Isaiah, Elise's sisters, and the alternate Mr. Quincy all have the potential to hold their own story lines in later books. I appreciate the forethought that these lead ups hint.

I also appreciated Hedlund's skill in research. While I was familiar with the history of orphan trains, I was unfamiliar with the stories of women such as Elise and Fanny during this era and the way Hedlund has fictionalized their realities sparks interest while giving voice to what seems an overlooked aspect of history.

As for the central story, I loved Elise. Honestly, her care and concern for her sisters, the allowance for a slow building relationship over months rather than days, and the inclusion of some friendly sarcasm gave Elise a fuller character. This really helps her to stand out amidst the events she faces in ways that feel true to character rather than mere plot devise.
Yes, the ending does feel a bit rushed but I'm curious how that pacing will play out in light of the sequel.

4 out of 5 stars (with potential to go higher if some loose ends are wrapped up later in the series)

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

The Imperfect Disciple by Jared C. Wilson

Too many discipleship books are written for perfect people who know all the right Sunday school answers.

This book is for the rest of us–people who screw up, people who are weary, people who are wondering if it’s safe to say what they’re really thinking. With incisive wit, warm humor, and moving stories, Jared Wilson shows us how the gospel actually works through us and in us, even when we can’t get our act together. The result is a faith that weathers storms, lifts burdens, and deepens our friendship with God.

(excerpt from the back of book)

The Imperfect  Disciple takes what  most  readers expect in a book on Christian discipleship and turns it on its head in all the right ways. I have read many books in the last few years and most books on discipleship and life growth are at best engaging and at worst exhausting in their never-ending list of things to do. Wilson strikes a fascinating balance in his simplicity - keep pointing back  to the gospel while sharing what you know best. The result is a book that is not only engaging but eye-opening, encouraging, and unflinchingly honest in it's message.

I loved Wilson's method of delivery. 

He's not one to pull punches, stating his case without pretense. However, this directness is tempered  by the  ever present infusing of grace, openness, and vulnerability as Wilson invites readers into the gospel as it  interacts with every day life.

Wilson's background in preaching definitely comes through within his writing as the book is less a to do list (as many books on this topic are likely to fall  back on) and more teaching intermixed and conveyed through story. This allows the teaching not only to feel more personal but also more achievable. Wilson makes the concept of discipleship  not only a possibility but impractical and harder  to not involve in daily life as a Christian.

I really feel this is one of those  books that can be reread multiple times with different gleanings each time one goes through it just due to the  scope of material and the practicality of how life changes as we journey on.

5 out of 5 stars

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

The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

After a sheltered life in Pittsburgh, Hope Irvine is ready for a new adventure. When her father takes a position as a preacher in a railroad car converted into a traveling church, she’s thrilled at the chance to accompany him. While accommodations in their new chapel car home are tight, Hope couldn’t be happier putting her musical skills to good use and ministering to the people of West Virginia alongside her father. But when their chapel car arrives in Finch, West Virginia, they find a coal mining community that has hit hard times and is suspicious of outsiders

(excerpt from back of book)

The Good:

One thing I know I can count on from Miller is at least one character who will grab my attention. The Chapel Car Bride  is no exception. The character of Luke is so refreshing as Miller chooses to have him visibly wrestling with how to live out his faith in real life scenarios. Luke's imperfections are so relatable (jealousy, family concerns, love) that his character leaps off the page to the point of overshadowing the rest of the cast.

I also appreciated the details Miller put into  the town of Finch to help it find it's foundation. While I am unfamiliar with the realities of coal mining and the towns that sprang up from the workers, Miller walked a careful line to bring her characters realities to life without exiting the narrative. While I appreciate a good world-builders it is so much sweeter when you don't have to exit your immersion in the story to get the details and Miller captures this wonderfully.

The Interesting:

The character of Nellie fascinated me. Although a secondary character, Miller easily allowed Nellie the most character growth and a sequel featuring Nellie would certainly not be outside the realm of possibility. 

The Frustrating:

While I found the plot interesting with  the  mining safety, the love triangle, and the illegal activity threatening the main characters. I found Hope and her father became overshadowed by  Luke and their own story line. This made  them  forgettable at times and left feeling more like plot devices at others rather than the central characters they should have been.

Overall I enjoyed this read. There was ample plot line and world building for an enjoyable afternoon read, however, thanks to the main  character getting overwhelmed by her own plot line, this is probably a one time read for me.

3 out of 5 stars

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

Indescribable By Laura Story and Jesse Reeves

Confession time, I'm a  life long fan of colouring books. Whether it was at Grandma's house as a child or curled up with dormmates in college, there is something relaxing and inspiring at bringing pictures to life with vibrant colours. This also means I'm always on the hunt for a good colouring book to add to my collection.

Indescribable by Laura Story and Jesse Reeves tries hard to live up to  its name but I'm going to do my best anyway :)

First Impressions.

 For the sake of full disclosure, I squealed when this book arrived. It is a paper cover but still weighted and feels like solid quality. The  colours are vibrant and shiny (which my two little ones immediately spotted and were drawn to like magpies). The pages are durable with the wonderful added bonus of perforated pages for easy detachment or simple laying flat which can make a world of difference for colouring in small spaces.

Closer Inspection.

One of my annoyances with adult colouring books is their extremes. Either a book is so detailed it takes forever or it's so simplistic there isn't any challenge. Indescribable has pictures on both ends resulting in variety. I love that I can find a picture regardless of my time frame, tiredness, or attention span.  There is also a strong variety in the themes of the pictures. Indescribable takes its cues  from Chris Tomlin's hit song. This means that each page brings to life different lyrics  and elements of the beloved song adding interest and selection that is an unusual highlight for the genre.

Downsides.

I'm not convinced the paper is thick enough to keep some of my darker markers from bleeding through (although pencil crayons colour like a dream). You may also be at risk for humming  Indescribable after colouring for too long ;)

5 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Stranger at Fellsworth by Sarah E. Ladd

A Stranger at Fellsworth is the third installment of Sarah E. Ladd's  Treasures of Surrey series. As one unfamiliar with Ladd's work, I can safely state that reading the previous two novels are not a requirement for full enjoyment of this book but if they are of the same quality they are definitely worth looking up as well.

I found myself enthralled by the plot. First, I loved how relatable I found the characters. Although originally from better circumstances, Annabelle comes across as a relatable woman trying to find her way in  the world. Her struggles, while both frustrating and amusing for former servant Crosley, seemed all to familiar after living in a girls dorm during my college years.
The relationship between her and Owen Locke also seemed far more natural than the genre usually allows. Ladd's ability to pace out her characters interactions adding in understandable obstacles from personality and history allow characters to breathe and grow. 

I also loved the breadth of characters. Aside from our stalwart hero/heroine there were some wonderful characters to flesh out the different levels. Hannah added an innocence to the story and helped move the plot along without feeling like a mere plot device. The villain(s) of the story were more complex with some even drawing curiosity or sympathy for the choices that led them to their position. I really enjoy when a secondary character doesn't feel like a plot device  and Ladd makes sure to give each of her players their own history to drive them.

There were a few loose ends related to the story, things like the eventual outcome of the wrongdoers and what exactly happened to Locke in the past. However, I acknowledge these may have been previously answered and only are minor notes for someone like me who wants all the answers :)

Sarah E. Ladd delivers a strong tale filled with living breathing characters who are driven by story rather than device. I cannot wait to journey along with more of her creations.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

First off, I love the versatility of this book and if my thoughts  are somewhat disjointed I apologize sometimes information takes more time to come out fluently  than time allows  :)

(Re)Union at it's heart has a simple message, easily condensed into 30 words or less and yet has  the ability to touch hearts and shift the worlds of its readers be they   "seekers, saints, and sinners."This is because Cavey presents not just  a book about the church,  or evangelism, or religion  instead he presents  a book about Jesus and how everything about faith points back to God in all his wholeness not just aspects and facets.

I was struck  by the versatility with which Cavey opens up his message. Filled with easily relatable cultural references alongside solid Biblical and theological understanding, Cavey doesn't insult his readers intelligence but simply introduces them to Jesus in ever increasing measures  (for example the one, three, and thirty words sections exploring the good news). This result in a book that is truly reader friendly in layout and material (although application and reception may be harder), and  is easily accessible to anyone willing to take a look, which,in my option, is how the gospel should be given.

For some more conservative or traditional evangelicals, the message of( Re)Union may come across as shocking. Though acknowledging many traditional ways of presenting the gospel (Romans Road, 4 laws) he also acknowledges the  sense of incompleteness the bring to the gospel and the need to broaden the picture. For some, it may be difficult to adjust to this new presentation of a Jesus-centered gospel rather than an Easter-centered one. For those who are patient enough to get through any reservations they will find Cavey presents a well-thought out and obviously well researched message of hope and  maybe even healing.

Bruxy Cavey is a talented writer who presents engaging stories, a sincere heart for people and faith, and a solid gospel message that it accessible to all. I cannot wait to see how the study version unfolds  during it's  release next year.

5 out of 5 stars

"An Advanced Reader Copy was provided courtesy of Menno Media and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine.

(excerpt from back of book)

Sandpiper Cove is Irene Hannon's second installment in the Hope Harbor saga.  Hannon does a solid job of creating a new and separate story within the familiar faces and space of Hope Harbor. In fact, I was surprised to find that BJ and Eric were barely mentioned within  Lexie's story but was pleased to see it gave both Lexie and Adam their own space to grow and develop as characters.

Now, don't get me wrong, I was pleased to see personal favourites from Hope Harbor's first installment were back . I was surprised to see how easily Hannon introduces new facets to both Luis and Charley as readers see them through the new eyes of Adam and Lexie (and can I just say, still not a fan of fish but Hannon makes Charley's tacos sound amazing!) It's so gratifying to read further into a series and see secondary characters who were so beloved in previous editions finding their own  ways to grow through the series.

The story itself I found to have a much more  solid pacing than its predecessor. I found Hannon to employ wonderful pacing when it came to unraveling Lexie's history, Adam's growth, and Brian's wrestling. Each of those stories could have easily felt out of place in the predominantly romance based book but Hannon allows the deeper plots to support her central story while also allowing a more natural entry point for discussion on faith.

Unfortunately, the general awkwardness that I found in following BJ and Eric's mental processes in the first book were still present in Lexie and Adam's story. While I felt the characters were more in line with their given age and life experiences, the awkwardness (which in fairness does seem prevalent in the genre) made reading jarring at time and caused me to have difficulty engaging the story until the internal monologue was finished.

Hanon's books are consistently easy reading and show wonderful skill in her ability to build world and environments for her characters. For fans of contemporary romance, Hannon's books are great for curling up with on a rainy, Spring day.  Non-fans of the genre may find themselves struggling with the awkwardness this genre seems to promote.

4 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Revell and Baker Publishing Group."