Books I've Read This Month

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.

5 STARS

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.  

2 STARS

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!

Review ~ To Steal a Heart | The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency 1 | Jen Turano

Paperback, 352 pages

Published November 17th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she'd put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend's innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend—until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he'd be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

Read an excerpt HERE.

Purchase: Christian Book

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My Review ~ 4 STARS

In classic Turano fashion, To Steal a Heart is a funny, heartwarming tale filled with mystery and slightly (okay, maybe more than slightly) crazy antics. I do enjoy the way this author is able to combine unfortunate circumstances and comedy to a degree that I never feel too overwhelmed by emotions. It’s entertainment, pure and simple.

Because this is the first book in a new series, there are a lot of characters. Even though I had a little trouble keeping them all straight in my head, I still recommend this to fans of historical fiction.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. No compensation has been received.

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Drop a comment and let me know if you've read Jen's books. If not, how about letting me know what you're currently reading?

Have a blessed day in the Lord,

Author Interview + GIVEAWAY ~ Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is a Christian fiction bestselling and award-winning author of over twenty books—tagline, “Hearts Overcoming Through Time”. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn’t “cured” by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie enjoys American history, listening to audiobooks, walking the family’s adopted Kelpie, and visiting beautiful places surrounded by water.

Carrie’s novel, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island, won the Maggie Award, and was a Romantic Times Top Pick. Her romance novella, The Steeplechase, was a finalist in the prestigious Holt Medallion Awards. Her short story, “The Quilting Contest”, was Historical Fiction Winner of Family Fiction’s The Story national contest. Her novella, The Substitute Bride was a Maggie Award finalist. All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were long list finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year and The Fruitcake Challenge was a Selah Award finalist.

Connect with Carrie online: 

Facebook Author Page

See images related to Carrie’s books on her Pinterest Boards

Contact Carrie through her website www.carriefancettpagels & sign up for Carrie’s newsletter

Twitter https://twitter.com/cfpagels

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carriefancettpagels/

BookBub

On goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54975504-dogwood-plantation#_=_

Links to purchase:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Kobo

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Welcome back, Carrie! Rebecca, Rachael, and I are delighted you’re here today and sharing with us about your writing journey. We’ve collaborated on some questions that we hope our blog readers will be interested in hearing the answers to. J

Please share with us a little about your current work and/or recently published book.

Dogwood Plantation is one of the first novels that I wrote. It has had a major rehab since then, particularly for the heroine, Cornelia Gill. Anne was one of my original Beta readers for this story! Thank you, Anne!

What is one of the most important pieces of advice you received early in your writing career?

As far as specifically writing, one of the best bits of advice was to write the book forward, chapter-by-chapter, but that wasn’t something that I did early on. I took a ton of craft lessons and attended conferences, etc., but the “write it forward” advice was a game changer. You see, in those craft classes, they often ask you to work on something specific, which could be a scene way down the story path.

Have you seen significant changes in Christian fiction since you were first published? If so, have they caused you to have to adapt the way you write and/or publish your stories?

Wow, yes. The first CF books I read decades ago, were Janette Oke’s and Bodie Thoene’s, both great authors, with very strong Christian themes. What is happening in the market now, is a move to what I will call “Christian light”. As more secular houses take over the CF market, I’ve read or listened to (I prefer audiobooks) too many stories where there is no Christian theme whatsoever. Hasn’t affected my writing, you’ll find Christianity as the basic tenet. However, that being said, I have written a couple of books where I was less “in your face” with that.

Do you keep a journal of ideas for future books? Nope.

Do your ideas for stories come all at once, or do they reveal themselves one character at a time?
Usually, they are revealed through an encounter of some type and they rush at me. For instance, Anne and I were on a plantation tour in Charles City county when we wandered into a B&B on the tour that had this one area with tons of antiques, including lots of really expensive teacups! That inspired my novella Tea Shop Folly.

Do you write during large chunks of set aside time or do you let the ideas run away with you when they feel like showing up?

No. I have RA and am disabled. I only write as the Lord gives me strength. So sometimes He gives me hours and hours and other times maybe half an hour. It’s all in His hands!

What were some of your favorite stories growing up?

Anne of Green Gables was my favorite. Little Women and other stories by Louisa May Alcott, too. I read every single title in my little elementary school’s classroom libraries I kid you not.

Do you have a hobby that helps you de-stress?

Beading used to be that hobby but as my RA has progressed that‘s actually more stressful! I like to bake. I love listening to CF audiobooks. Right now I’m finishing up Becky Wade’s contemporary CF, Stay With Me.

It’s been a crazy year so far for all of us. If you’ve taken a vacation this year, where did you go? If not, is there a local place where you live that you’d like to visit for a day trip?

We went to OBX with family and friends after my son’s not-so-traditional high school graduation. It rained half the week but we had so much fun. We’d already paid the fee and couldn’t get a refund, so we all prayed about it and went forward.

I also went up North to the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I grew up. I do this less as a vacation and more of a change of work location as many of my books are set there.  I have one we are shopping around and while I was there I was offered another contract set in the area (more info coming on that when the contract is in hand!) I do research on projects while there. Also, my health improves while I am there, which is a tremendous blessing!

I know many of us readers snack while we consume books. What’s your favorite snack while you write? Do prefer tea (iced or hot), coffee, or soda?

Tea, tea, and did I say tea? A new fave is Bubbly those flavored fizzy drinks and I add a packet of SweetNLow to them!

Is there something you’d like to ask our readers here at Stuff & Nonsense?

Have you ever visited a big plantation, like Shirley Plantation in Virginia? Shirley is the inspiration for the setting for Dogwood Plantation.

Carrie is graciously offering a paperback or e-book of Dogwood Plantation to one of our blog readers! 

~ GIVEAWAY ~

To be entered in the giveaway, you must complete all three:

1) leave a comment answering the above underlined question from Carrie

2) leave an email address in a non-spammy format (hot at dog dot com) 

3) what country you live in 

The giveaway ends Sept 22nd. A winner will be chosen using Random.org. US only for paperback due to postage costs.

Review ~ A Dazzle of Diamonds | Georgia Coast Romance 3 | Liz Johnson

Paperback, 352 pages

Published August 4th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Best friends Penelope and Tucker have faced their share of challenges. But finding a lost treasure in time to clear his family's name and win him an election may uncover something they never expected.

Purchase:

Revell

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My Review

5 STARS!!!

He was such an idiot. How had he never noticed PJ when she was right in front of him?

I was completely dazzled by A Dazzle of Diamonds! It will be on my top reads list for 2020 because Liz Johnson is a fabulous word weaver. Everything I love in a story is contained within the pages; angst, humor, mystery, and romance. Penelope and Tucker have been inseparable since childhood and go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re best friends supporting one another through thick and thin. When a client of Penelope’s misunderstands their relationship and assumes Penelope and Tucker are a couple, the friends-to-more trope takes off like a rocket into outer space.

In the course of Penelope and Tucker searching for a lost Civil War treasure, they’re given a dairy written by one of Tucker’s ancestors, Caroline, who lived back then. These passages are just wonderful. It’s a two-for-one love story in A Dazzle of Diamonds. I recommend it to all who enjoy a funny yet emotional love story that will bring laughter and perhaps a tear or two. This is only the second book by Liz Johnson that I’ve read but now I must go back and read the first two in the series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. No compensation has been received.

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Have you read any books by Liz Johnson? If so, I'd love to hear about them in the comments.

Have a blessed day!

Review ~ Minutes to Die (Homeland Heroes | Book Two) by Susan Sleeman

 

Paperback, 384 pages

Published August 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

Purchase:

Christian Book

 

I am not affiliated with Christian Book and make no money if you use the link to purchase. 

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My Review

4 STARS!!!

If I let it go, God, then what?

I'm a slow reader and for once I was glad about that. It gave me more time to embed myself with Kiley, Evan and the RED team. They're on an adrenaline-laced assignment with very little time to figure out the logistics of who, what, when, and where a monumental terrorist attack is going to occur. Time is ticking and the big question is will they save millions of lives or not?

The analytical and problem-solving techniques incorporated in this type of investigation boggled my mind. I had a hard time keeping up with the ins-and-outs and everyone involved (there are a lot of characters) but still gained a new appreciation for what our federal law enforcement officers might go through and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. I can't imagine having to coordinate something like this and the immense pressure each team member is bound to be under while optimally performing their duties. Sleeman has created a dynamic atmosphere that kept me completely ‘on the scene’.

I'm looking forward to Mack's and Addison's story in Hours to Kill and the conclusion to the ongoing Montgomery Three case that began in book one, Seconds to Live. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense incorporated with faith themes of trust and forgiveness, I definitely recommend Minutes to Die.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

~ Happy Reading ~

Rachael Reviews ~ A Reckless Love (Daughtry House, #3) by Beth White

Published June 2020
368 Pages, Revell 

These two may have met their match--in each other.

In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister's engagement. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He's tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge's murder.

Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world is out to get him. But just as she's on the verge of cracking Zane's defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

Rachael's Review

4 STARS!!!

This entire series, The Daughtry House, has been wonderful! I hope to eventually read all three in succession to better follow each character.

Each book is based on one Daughtry sister. This book has the youngest as the main character. She has much spunk in her small frame, and she tended to chatter. This led to Aurora frequently saying things she meant to just think. She is a really fun character as is the man she falls in love with, Zane. He is not the typical hero. This one bears seen scars from the war as well as those not seen. He is a well developed character with much depth.

Of course, the characters that the reader so enjoys from the previous books are present in the last. That makes the read even more enjoyable. The suspense is well done as is the historical research for the book and series.

I really enjoy the storyline plot and characters, but the hope and faith in this series is what makes it stand out in my book! That was much needed after The War Between the States. The faith theme is well done and incredibly natural to the storyline. This book will go on my forever shelves...along with the other two in the series. This novel can be read alone, but I do recommend reading the series. It makes for a much richer experience. I honestly cannot pick a favorite in this series. I have enjoyed all of them.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Guest Reviewer; Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt

Rachael is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger. 

Rebecca Reviews ~ The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy, #3) by Sarah Sundin

Paperback, 384 pages

Published February 4th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company / Baker Publishing Group

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true? 

Purchase:

Amazon

Rebecca's Review
~4 STARS~

" . . . she hadn't anticipated the danger - the danger of falling for a man destined to die."

Private Clay Paxton is training hard at Camp Forrest, Tennessee; becoming an U. S. Army Ranger is grueling work, but Clay is certain that God has already called him to sacrifice his life for his country . . . . literally. After meeting a young librarian, Leah Jones; tiny in stature, but towering in inner strength, Clay becomes less certain about his destiny; deciding to protect Leah following a vicious attack by giving her his name for protection. The newness of their relationship has no time for roots, for Clay heads for Normandy and Leah is left behind; only their letters hint at a growing fondness that will certainly turn into tragedy, if Clay isn't fortunate enough to return home.

Having read many of this author's books, "The Land Beneath Us" stands out for several reasons. The impeccable historical details are narrowed to a focus that is more pallatable, thus the relational portions of the story have room to breathe and expand. The structure of the story is uniquely suited as well; the two main characters being far apart through-out much of the narrative gives the story an almost dual timeline feel, which keeps the reader happily turning pages until the very last one.

"It's our time to live . . . to laugh, . . . to dance . . to love."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Review ~ Collateral Damage (Danger Never Sleeps #1) by Lynette Eason

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

Learn more about the author ~ Lynette Eason website

Purchase Link
CBD

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Collateral Damage is an intense start to Eason’s new Danger Never Sleeps series. Numerous twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Brooke and Asher are strong characters both reeling from trauma sustained in Afghanistan while serving in the US Army.

I enjoyed getting to know the backstory of each and watching how they navigated murky waters when dealing with PTSD. I felt like I gained a bit of perspective and compassion for our current and past military members.

Eason delves into a deep and dark stratum of society that completely took me by surprise. I was saddened and disturbed that some of the ‘enemies’ would be among those we normally think of as heroes. That left me slightly disheartened (as it should) but I did find the story mesmerizing.

I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense because watching Brooke and Asher’s relationship develop was endearing, and Eason’s criminals are chilling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Review ~ Lessons on Love: 4 Schoolteachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts by Susanne Dietze, Rita Gerlach, Kathleen L. Maher, Carrie Fancett Pagels

Paperback, 448 pages

Published October 1st 2019 by Barbour Books

Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher

New York, 1840s

Her father’s sudden death makes Gilda Jacobs the new schoolmaster, but to teach Christian curriculum she partners with fire-and-brimstone revivalist Joshua Blake, who learns a lesson in love.

Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze

Kansas, 1870

Mary Clarence teaches English to the children of Swedish immigrants, but when her favorite students’ widowed father, Kristofer Nilsson, is accused of robbery, she’s determined to clear his name.

In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894

Desperate for work, Margaret Hadley dresses as a young man to secure a dray driver’s position. When soldiers at the fort threaten her, Mackinac Island’s newest teacher, Jesse Huntington, intervenes.

A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach

Virginia, 1904

Karin Wiles longs to share the uplifting power of music with children. But when she seeks to improve a poorly run school and include orphans, Nathaniel Archer delivers harsh words of opposition from the school board.

My Review

4 STARS!!!

If you enjoy inspirational historical romance then you’re sure to find a few pleasurable hours spent with these four school teachers while they address and work through challenges faced in and out of the classroom. With four unique writing styles, readers are sure to be entertained and encouraged by one or more of these courageous young teachers. 

I have to mention the gorgeous cover. Between the embossing and the cutout, it’s one of the prettiest covers on my book shelf this year! 

I was gifted a copy of the book. No review was required. 

Review ~ Once Upon a Dickens Christmas: 3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England by Michelle Griep

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep

Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:

12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?

The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

Purchase:
CBD

I am in no way affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.

My Review

4 STARS!!!

"I may be uneducated in the ways of business, but there is one thing I know. Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them." 

~Bella, The Old Lace Shop

Griep does a good job depicting Victorian era locales; homes, businesses, countryside. I could 'see' the finery and manners, or lack thereof, of each character. Scruffy and dirty and/or neat and tidy, they all came alive in my mind. Each story is full of drama, mystery, romance, and human condition. Grab a copy of this illuminating trio and settle in for a few hours of Dickensian delight!

I received a copy from the publisher and author. No review was required. No compensation received.