The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter
1956: In the quiet village of Wilbeth Green, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of being the arsonist. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames. Knowing no one will believe her, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the skepticism of her neighbors and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, is torn between his duty and a lingering loyalty to Paul and warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core. Award-winning author Naomi Stephens presents a gripping whodunnit--reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales--of love and redemption set in a quaint British village.
Purchase:
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BHB has terrific deals on their titles though!
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My Review 3 STARS
‘Louisa felt him die.’
While it may not seem like I read books other than fiction or devotionals, on occasion I am intrigued by a book advertised and pick it up. In this case, I borrowed the non-fiction book Unoffendable by Brant Hansen from the Libby app.
About the Book
It turns out giving up your “right” to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things you can do. It’s a radical, provocative We’re not entitled to get offended or stay angry. The idea of our own “righteous anger” is a myth. It is the number one problem in our societies today and, as Dallas Willard says, Christians have not been taught out of it. But what if Christians were the most unoffendable people on the planet? In Unoffendable you will find concrete, practical ways to live life with less stress, In a humorous and conversational style, Unoffendable seeks to lift religious burdens from our backs and allow us to experience the joy of gratitude, perhaps for the first time, every single day of our lives—flourishing the way God intended.
Well, let me tell you...It. Is. Excellent! Anyone calling themselves a Christian needs to read this book. I listened to the audio edition read by the author. Such a great experience. I found myself verbally agreeing with his statements while at the same time remonstrating myself for doing what he plainly and compassionately states that we should not do as Christians. I mean really, what is the point of going around being offended all the time? Be UNOFFENDABLE!!!
This is a book that I will definitely order a paperback copy of, and that doesn't happen too often for me, especially when I'm not required to write a review. But this book is so good, I want to be able to make notes in the margins.
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The first fiction book I listened to this year on the Libby app was Country Bride by Debbie Macomber.
She is a secular author but her books are considered clean with moral teachings. I've read several before and enjoyed them. But this one...
No. Just no. But saying that didn't work for Kate. Luke is a bully. Macomber has written some great stories but this isn't one of them. It sends all the wrong messages about how a healthy relationship is supposed to be. I listened to the audible version, which the narrator did a good job on, hence my two stars.
It pained me to have to give such a low rating. I think it's only the second time in about 12 years I've done that. It's only 5 hours on audio and I kept hoping something would happen to redeem this story, but for me it didn't.
Why leave a low review you may ask when I wasn't obligated? I don't always. Macomber is such a popular women's author and her books aren't cheap. I would have been extremely disappointed had I actually spent money on this one, so that is why I left the review. Of course, you can go look at the number of 3 star and under reviews and see how they outnumber the 4 and 5 star reviews.
I won't discourage anyone from borrowing her books from your local library, an online app where you can get them for free, or borrowing from a friend. Most of her books I've read, I liked. But read the mid-range and negative reviews and carefully consider the amount of them.
My two cents worth which probably isn't even worth that! :-)
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I already posted my review of The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham in a separate post because that was an 'official' review.
You can read it here.
I want to say that Pepper Basham has become one of my favorite authors to read. She is able to write across a pretty wide spectrum of subjects/genre and always does such a fabulous job on her stories, both contemporary and historical. If you're looking for romance, adventure, down-home folks, and faith look no further. Grab one of her books today!
Beekeeper Beckett
Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until
his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must
deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the
property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to
lose everything they built together.
When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a
man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has
just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting
into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial
situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone
else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her
the stability she's always craved.
As these two women navigate their present
conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and
the potential for a brighter future for both of them.
My Review 4 STARS
I was 100% drawn to the cover since my husband is
a beekeeper!
I was hoping for a more upbeat story, and less
about the psychology/trauma that shadowed every main character in this story.
It is heavy, indeed. Some will find it infinitely appealing, and that’s fine. I’ve
read some terrific reviews on the book and can agree with most of what is
highlighted. It certainly has its place in literature and will undoubtedly be a
conduit or starting place for healing to some. Cox is an excellent writer and
brings her counseling experience to the forefront in He Should Have Told the Bees, although I could not figure out why
it was titled so. LOL
I’m giving it four stars because I know that
psychology this heavily presented doesn’t interest me but I am well aware it
does others. So in that, I am biased, but I won’t let it get in the way of
recognizing this authors talent in weaving an intricate plot and showing each
characters growth. That made it worth reading. If you are a fan of heavy women’s
fiction, then I recommend this book to you unabashedly. J
I saw a *trigger* warning in another review and
wholeheartedly agree that this book could be a trigger for some women BUT the
author goes about these hard topics in a graceful and sensitive manner.
I received a copy from the publisher. My opinion
is my own.
416 Pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023, Bethany House Publishers
About the Book
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3.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed binging on this contemporary rom-com!! Lots of fun to read with engaging characters, captivating plot twists, and amusing dialogue. Complete delight in this debut novel!!!
A friend loaned me the book. I was under no obligation to write a review.
Has anyone else read this one? If so, let me know in the comment section. And offer a recommendation if you've read a good book this spring!
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My Review 4.5 STARS
‘Molly ducked her head. She watched a tear fall,
dropping onto the wood floor, staining it. Yes. She knew. She knew, deep in her
heart, she had to move on. To be healthy again. To find healing. To
find…meaning. But when an earthly hell came to visit you, it didn’t just go
away. It dogged your feet until—Molly glanced at the attic window—until maybe
you actually started to see physical ramifications of it. Evil. Abandonment.
Loss. It haunted you until it enveloped you entirely.’
The
Premonition at Withers Farm is thick with darkness, one in
particular that afflicts many women. I did not like Molly as a person but this
contemporary aspect of the story is actually what kept me reading. Don’t get me
wrong. The historical timeline is so incredibly well-written that it makes the
book hard to put down. It does have spiritualist content that was extremely
hard for me to read but again, this author is a master at bringing all the
pieces together and making them fit.
Wright always, always makes sure the
reader knows even though there is darkness, the tiniest bit of light shined in
will devastate it, and she brings Christ into this story beautifully.
I received an early advanced reader copy from the
publisher through NetGalley, and also purchased a copy.
About the Book: To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the *Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.
Returning from the devastation of World War 1
emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain
alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or
it was, before Cora Taylor arrives. Now, she seems to show up at every turn,
bringing her ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her. Their mutual
understanding of the costs of war leads to an unspoken bond that develops into
a hesitant friendship. As Cora turns her nursing experience and determination
on establishing hygiene and education for women in the Appalachian community
while also attempting to rescue Jeb from his own ghosts, Cora and Jeb’s partnership
turns into a project of celebrating the gifts within Appalachia. But when the
past sweeps back into their lives and an outbreak of scarlet fever threatens
the future, will Cora and Jeb find a way to work together – even if it means
unplanned matrimony – or will their different lives and brokenness tear them
apart.
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My
Review 5 STARS
‘As
she stepped from the house, her bag in hand, she looked back over her shoulder.
Their gazes held for a few seconds as the door closed, and Jeb knew, sure as
shootin’, he was ready to take all this lip itchin’ and put it into action.’
If you know anything about pivotal moments in
romance novels, the heroine looking back at the hero is important. Cora
definitely looks back. J She and Jeb are one of the best “on
paper” couples. I did so love the interaction between them, their obvious
differences and yet some striking similarities.
Basham is queen when it comes to writing Christian
historical romance, in my opinion. Ticking all the boxes for me—witty dialogue,
satisfying character growth, uncertainty and bravery, laugh-out-loud humor and
lots of strong emotion—this novel made for a riveting story, along with lovable
and not-so-lovable secondary characters.
I will journey time and again to my beloved Appalachian
Mountains and immerse myself in whatever story this author writes. She brings
the essence of the mountain folk to life with entertaining vernacular while
painting lovely word pictures of the sights and sounds of life in Appalachia!
Historical fiction with deep faith encircles
these mountain folks. Fans of this genre will be deeply satisfied and left
longing for more stories set in The Heart
of the Mountains.
I received an early copy of the book in
electronic form from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review.
About the Book
When Leah Miller's
entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible
took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force.
Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes
clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.
As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper,
work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the
killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts
begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this
is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an
innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean
for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?
USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you
guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to
forge a brighter future--together.
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My Review 4 STARS
Among the Innocent is a riveting thriller set in St Ignatius, an Amish
community in MT. This novel has all the creep factors multiplied by 10. While
the crimes are revolting, I couldn’t put it down.
Leah’s family was
murdered in front of her but the killer let her live. Now he’s back and he
wants her. But he’s going to play a little game first. The psychological aspect
captured my full attention and I felt like I was solving the murders right along
with Leah and Dalton. Their stories are entwined as well and that was an
interesting plot twist. I liked both of these main characters a lot.
This was my first
book by Alford but it won’t be my last. Fans of Amish and non-Amish suspense will
enjoy this one.
I received an
electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. No
compensation has been received.
About
the Book
Rebecca's Review 3.5 stars
When Kendra
Brennan moves into her grandfather's old cabin on Hidden Lake, she has a
problem and a plan. The problem? An inflammatory letter from A Very
Disappointed Reader that's keeping her from writing her next novel as long as
its claims go unanswered. The plan? To confront Tyler, her childhood best
friend's brother--and the man who inspired the antagonist in her first book--in
order to prove to herself that she told the truth as all good novelists should.
What she discovers as she delves into the murky
past is not what she expected. Facing Tyler isn't easy, but facing the truth of
her failed friendship with his sister, Cami, may be the hardest thing she's
ever had to do.
Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels searches the
heart with this lyrical exploration of how a friendship dies, how we can face
the unforgiveable, and how even those who have been hurt can learn to love with
abandon.
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My Review 4 STARS
“Did
you ever consider that antagonists have stories of their own? Or that in
someone else’s story you’re the antagonist?”
This is the first book by this author that I have
read. While this book addresses some pretty gritty subject matter, it is
written in such a manner that I had a hard time putting it down. I found myself
waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about the story, compelled to
read more until I was bleary eyed.
The style the book is written in is quite
interesting. I did not find it to be a fast read in spite of the fact I did not
want to put it down. It is more slow and steady, taking the reader into past
and present, showing the development of friendships, betrayal, abuse, and so
much more.
The author did a good job of heightening the
tension in the story between Kendra and Tyler, and Kendra and Andreas. There
are a couple of extremely well-done twists too! I cannot say that I have ever
read a book quite like this one. I was impressed with the writing and fully
engaged with the storyline and characters from beginning to end.
If you are looking for an engrossing read that is
not your typical cookie cutter story, this is the book. It is not wrapped up in
a neat little bow but then most times life is not that way either. I would classify
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
as more Women’s fiction than Christian fiction. There could definitely be
triggers in this story for someone who is a victim of sexual assault or
physical abuse but there is also hope for healing. I highly recommend reading
the authors note at the end!
I was provided a digital copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley for review purposes. This is my honest opinion of the story. No compensation received.
While I wasn't any kind of marathon reader in 2021, I did read some really good books! I
had set a goal on Goodreads to read 20 books. I managed to exceed that and read
36. Now mind you, they weren’t all fiction. I actually read and reviewed
several non-fiction titles that consisted of devotionals and journals, an Amish
cookbook, and a lovely photography book. I only read 28 fiction books in 2021,
of which three or four were audio books.
My husband and I officially moved back to NC just
before Christmas after six years in VA. We just couldn't let our little "hobby farm" go over the years so we're back in the same place we fell in love with almost 23 years ago. There is a lot to do to get rid of
extraneous items we don’t need so we can start back a couple of the things we
enjoyed so much the first 18 years we lived here, like raising chickens and
starting our greenhouse back up.
Oh yeah, back to books, right? In no particular order, I’ve listed seven books that I would highly recommend to my friends. One author made the list twice!!! Each book title is a hyperlink to my review on Goodreads, in case you want to see what I thought. J
When
Forever Fades (Spencer Family 2) by Andrea Boyd
Sword of Trust (Winds of Change 2) by Debbie Lynne Costello
Hours to Kill (Homeland Heroes 3) by Susan Sleeman
Let It Be Me (A Misty River Romance 2) by Becky Wade
Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong
Hope Between the Pages by Pepper D. Basham
The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper D. Basham
Thanks for hanging in here! If you’ve read any of these books, let me know in the comments. If not, share what you read this year and enjoyed. Do you have any recommendations for me?
Have a blessed New Year!!
