Strong Brave Loved by Holley Gerth

At first glance Strong Brave Loved looks like many other devotionals currently on the shelves. Each chapter consists of an opening focus verse, 2-3 pages of personal story and explanation of the verse, a short prayer, and a reflective section consisting of story and room for notes. Wrapped up in a hard cover with attached bookmark (seriously one of my favourite inventions ever), it's a familiar presentation.

However, it's Holley's presentation and communication that make this devotional stand out. Holley presents bold truths wrapped up in a grace so fierce you can feel the care she holds for her message and her readers. Holley's not afraid to get into the messiness of identity and societal lies carefully drawing her readers back to scripture and pointing out the unflinching mercy and love spoken out again and again.

This feels a little like a basic truths theme, things we should know but often forget in the face of life. Holley's clear writing style and open vulnerability make the lessons accessible as she presents each reading as a partnership something not to be done alone but with other women in faith.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I received this book through the Revell Reads Book Tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

I'm always amazed by Camden's ability to weave historical events into a solid foundation for her novels and The Spice King lives up to her skill. 

Set in Washington in the year 1900, The Spice King follows the story of Annabelle Larkin, a young woman from Kansas filled with great optimism that is tinged by self-imposed burdens. Desperate to repay her father's and sister's sacrifices, Annabelle tirelessly works to earn a permanent position in Washington and repay her families efforts. This introduces her to Gray Delacroix, a reclusive spice magnet fighting his own battles. But what starts as a business venture soon turns to romance, intrigue, espionage, and betrayal. 

As usual, Camden includes a lot of historical background to her story. I, personally, find that while the story may take longer to engage with because of this groundwork, Camden's research and writing skills always lead to a far richer story as a result. Getting a peak into early food regulations, life for those who were disabled, and the politics of the time was fascinating and definitely left me curious for more about the time period. 

I actually quite enjoyed Annabelle and Gray as lead characters. While Annabelle had a plucky optimism that is typical of the genre, I appreciate the struggles she had to remain true to her loyalties when faced with a multitude of bad decisions. I also loved the interplay between Annabelle and her sister showing some of the realities of life with a disability and some of the fears and triumphs that can happen for those involved. 

Additionally, I appreciate how Camden was not satisfied giving a straight forward romance. While the attraction is obvious to readers, I appreciate Camden's willingness to let the characters sit with their consequences and allow the relationship to proceed accordingly. Neither Gray nor Annabelle conform for plot but stay true to the character Camden developed making for a much more satisfying story.

Now, on a final note, this does say Book 1 of the Hope and Glory series so while I did feel some of the story was left incomplete (particularly Luke's fate) I expect that will be addressed in book 2. So I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt until Caroline's book is released in mid 2020. 

4 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.

A Distance too Grand by Regina Scott

In A Distance Too Grand Meg Pero takes on the position of military photographer for an expedition hoping to find a suitable pass through the Grand Canyon. Being a female photographer is the least of her problems as former flames and new intrigue follow her into the wild.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. While Scott uses a few familiar plot devices with the reconnecting romance and young woman fighting for her place, the characters themselves add endearing qualities that keep the plot enjoyable. The mystery of the missing Colonel added to the level of interest by expanding the plot from just another coming of age or historical romance.

Honestly the setting holds it own just through the sheer magnitude and power of the Grand Canyon itself. Given Meg's profession of photographer I felt Scott worked hard not only to help readers capture the mood of the landscape but also stay true to the vision and awe Meg would notice with her artistic view of her world.

The characters themselves were well written with Meg and Ben both believable in their ability to carry the overall novel. That said, Dot and Hank are one of my favourite secondary couples of the year. The way Scott wrote in Dot's fault just made her jump off the page in all the right ways while Hank's obvious love for her over the years was so sweetly written in all its ups and downs. I love when authors take the freedom of a secondary character and let them step into their own and Scott's managed this wonderfully.

As for the leads, as I said Meg and Ben carry the plot well with the romance, mystery, and scriptural threads all mainly interwoven through their characters. I appreciated Scott's confidence in allowing her characters to explore their changing lives in their own pace. This really allowed the spiritual and romantic plot lines to feel more natural. I like how Meg wrestled with her identity and how that played into romance rather than just jumping headlong. I also appreciated how Scott established this as a character trait as she explored faith in the same manner.

4 out of 5 stars

I received this book through the Revell Reads Book tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson

Homeschooling is on the rise and the opinions on homeschooling are skyrocketing accordingly. In her new book, Erickson strives to address some of the most common naysaying voices both internal and external.

For the most part, as a homeschool mom on their second year, I can see how this book would bring encouragement to those new to homeschooling and veterans alike. Erickson addresses a wide variety of topics including schooling multiple children, qualifications to school, and avoiding comparison. These practical lessons are infused with Erickson's passion and a wide knowledge of scripture to help families find their footing. 

I also appreciated the perspective Erickson brings as one trained in formal education. This gives her a unique perspective when addressing some of the more common fears by those in opposition to homeschooling and paints a picture of grace when seeking to understand those fears while responding in love.

My biggest concern with the book was how little room Erickson leaves for re-evaluating your family's decision to homeschool as time passes. Erickson's book, with its black and white thinking, doesn't leave much room for the messy grey that often makes up family life.  I know homeschool families that have switched back to more traditional schooling due to work, health, or other commitments who would feel nothing but guilt and condemnation from Erickson's connecting of homeschooling with calling. That worries me.

Overall, I think this book has a lot to offer. It's biblical perspective can help homeschooling families zero in on their purpose and help them frame their homeschooling to their individual family's strengths and weaknesses, offering practical advice from one who has been there. However, the firm black and white thinking could be harmful to those who are struggle in circumstances outside of their control due to the interweaving of faith, calling, and homeschool commitment which leaves me feeling a bit wary.

3 out of 5 stars 

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

Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong

Every once in awhile I read a book that feels different. The words leap off the page and feel less like text and more like sitting in the kitchen over coffee with a friend sharing and learning more about life. Back Roads to Belonging is one of those kitchen conversation books.

Honestly, Kristen has a way of cutting right to the heart of the matter within this conversational tone, weaving hard earned wisdom, grace, and humour through her narrative while anchoring everything with Scripture. I especially appreciated the structure of her work, each chapter including introducing the chapter's theme, sharing a story from friend or personal past, and ending with a blessing. 

I also appreciated the way in which Kristen unpacks the topic of belonging, one often charged with so much meaning and emotion in our lives, in such a clear and gentle way. There's no denying each chapter clearly points to a central theme of belonging but each chapter also stays true to exploring belonging from a different perspective that both builds and expands understanding.  

This constant fleshing out and broadening means that most readers, will find a chapter that resonates with their own journey of belonging while also simplifying the ability to use this book as a reference. 

If I had to choose one book to recommend this year, this would be it.

5 out of 5 stars

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

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

A rag woman, a country estate, and intrigue around every corner combines to create a highly enjoyable read from Joanna Politano.

Joanna Politano knows how to deliver a plot that is both fresh and engaging to readers. There really was so much to love within these pages. The characters were well fleshed out and had flaws that made them feel more realistic. I appreciated how Rothburne Abbey was able to take some of these on itself as it mirrored Raina's personal journey throughout the plot. Sully was a great romantic lead with his passion and drive, though I wish he had recognized his own identity as more than rescuer earlier in the book. 

I also appreciated the detail Politano put into the layers of her plot. The depth within the themes of renewal/restoration, the meanings of identity and names, the challenges of pursuing freedom and truth all made for a riviting read where the plot pulled readers in without revealing all of its secrets before their time.

Now, all that said, there were two points that detracted from the story slightly for me personally. During the transitions from Raina to Sully were a little jarring as the timing felt off but was never specifically mentioned. Now, admittedly, I was reading late at night which happens when you can't put a book down ;) but I do wish there was more clarity in those pov changes.

I, also personally, feel that the romantics will find the ending a wonderful conclusion but I would have preferred a more realistic end. Everything clicked into place just a little too neatly in the final chapters for my own taste and I was intrigued by the other path Raina had available to her which felt more plausible. 

Politano knows how to weave story and characters with meaning and message to create an engaging narrative for readers to fall into, that said, the ending does feel a little too clean for the story that was told and I'll probably be pondering Raina's what-ifs for awhile.

4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.