Review ~ The Little Women Devotional by Rachel Dodge

Devotional Inspiration from the Lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
 
The Little Women Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, cherished by generations of readers.
Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as His cherished daughter. This beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

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My Review 4 STARS
Dodge has written a darling companion devotional based on one of my most favorite classic novels, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. One of the sweetest things about this devotional is the lovely art work! Faith and family are integral in this devotional, making it one I recommend whether you are a fan of the classic novel or not.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Review | Turn to Me | A Misty River Romance #3 | Becky Wade

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey's life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke's release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he's hidden. Worried that she won't be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke's promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke's help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return--by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he's long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He'll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who's going to shield him from losing his heart? 

My Review 3.5 STARS 

'Luke Dempsey was a tragic and thorny case. Many would say he was a lost cause.'

Wade wraps up her Misty River Romance series quite well in Turn to Me. I was delighted to finally read Luke’s story, and at the same time see Ben get his as a small side story in the book.

The redemption thread here for “bad boy” ex-con Luke is phenomenal! Maybe that is why there was so much emphasis put on his physical desire for Finley. It’s pretty descriptive. I appreciated the author repeatedly, through Finley and others, communicating to Luke that he was not beyond redemption. Our past does not have to define us in the present. This message came across very strong. And it was a beautiful thing to see work out in Luke.

The best part of Finley’s story for me was reading about her dad and how she grew up a “free spirit” and dresses sort of Bohemian. But I’m not a dog fanatic or interested in constantly hearing about animal rights etc. so that really put a damper on this part of the story for me.

All in all, fans of Wade will be satisfied with this series and its ending. I know I thoroughly enjoyed the overall story of The Miracle Five. I look forward to whatever she has coming next year!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ WILLOW (The Metcalfes #2) by Ronie Kendig

About the Book

To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obioma Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.

Purchase: Amazon

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My Review 4.5 STARS

I’ve been anxiously awaiting WILLOW’s story since STONE came out in January. Kendig does a commendable job expressing the horrific circumstances that these victims are under. It is not for the faint of heart. I'm sure it must take an emotional toll when submerging oneself into the research required to execute a story like this. I know my own emotions were ripped during certain scenes.

Willow was not what I was expecting but she surprised me with a strength and dignity that comes out in remarkable ways. While she seems irrational at times, her heart is kind, compassionate, and truly loving toward others.

Chiji has a remarkably strong and resolute faith in God. He is a warrior in more ways than one and is always challenging Willow, reminding her that she can trust in God. His show of strength and abiding faith during some of the most degrading and horrific times is what spurs her on to explore reclaiming a relationship with Christ. And he’s beautiful. Yep. Beautiful. J

Of course, in fiction there will always be some astonishing things taking place that might not be quite believable but this is a potent novel that needs to be read. And more cameos from other Metcalfes take place, best of all Canyon (of course)! I actually teared up when he appeared suddenly in one scene. Kendig managed, once again, to draw out multiple emotions. I highly recommend WILLOW to anyone who is looking for something with a little more grit than roses.

I was provided an early digital copy of the book from the author. I also purchased my own copy. No compensation has been received.

Encouraging Words!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-eBW4yaKNs

Rebecca Reviews ~ The Catch (US Marshals #3) by Lisa Harris

About the Book

After a harrowing attempt on a judge's life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge's wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is in witness protection and the Amber Alert put out for the missing child has put two lives in danger.

Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the men who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.

USA Today bestselling author Lisa Harris concludes her thrilling US Marshals series with this breathless tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and ultimately, justice prevailing.

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Rebecca's Review - 3.5 stars

"Four months ago Madison had been shot in her own home. He'd found her lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood . . . . . But the most puzzling part of her injuries had the been the partial amnesia. . . she still didn't know who had pulled that trigger."

Now U. S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding the killer of another woman shot in her own home; a local judge's wife . . . . except when confronted with video evidence of who had been in his home, Judge Saylor insists that his young mistress could never have pulled the trigger. But case gets even more curious; not only has Becca Lambert gone on the run, but the woman tasked with baby-sitting her newborn son is missing . . . along with the infant.

Being thrown into a new case wasn't exactly how Madison and Jonas had expected to be re-united after Jonas' lengthy absence. They had missed each other during the weeks Jonas underwent rigorous training for a Special Operations Group, and yet Madison was still struggling with the same underlying circumstances; until she solved her husband's murder, she wasn't willing to put someone else that she loved (yes, loved) in the cross-hairs of a killer . . . . and Madison knew without a shadow of doubt that she was being watched.

"I'm learning there is a point where I have to simply let go and let God take over . . . . I'm tired of living as if I died that day as well."

Nearly entirely plot driven, this series conclusion oozes with multiple layers and endless amounts of surprising connections . . . . giving the reader, as well as the characters . . . plenty of reasons to "catch up" to the truth.

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