Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal was Wonderful!

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal
Tyndale

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Book Summary: Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitude gives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

Review: Loved the feel of the book. The pictures were great! Lots of space for journaling. Loved the cover of the journal. It is fun to color in the book and go through the journal. The only criticism is that the book was too short, I like a journal that allows for writing in it for more than 5-6 months. It is easier to keep going after a month and it was disappointing to come to the end so quickly.
I would like to thank Tyndale for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens Rides into the Sunset

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens
Colleen Coble

Book Summary: Kate Mason has always found solace in her family's blueberry barrens. But are they giving her a false sense of security? Kate has devoted herself to keeping her family's blueberry barrens thriving. But when blossom blight devastates her blueberry fields, she's forced to come up with alternative ways to replace that income. Fixing up the small cottage on her property as a rental seems an obvious choice, but it won't be enough. When Drake Carver drives by with his two nieces in tow, looking not only for a place to rent for the summer but also for a nanny for the girls, it's almost too good to be true. Drake is a judge whose brother and sister-in-law died in an accident shortly after he received a threat that his family would suffer if he didn't drop a high profile case. Is there a connection? This remote area of Maine seems like the perfect place for him to keep his nieces safe until he determines if they're in danger. Drake and Kate constantly lock horns; having never been a parent before, he gives his nieces free reign. Kate won't stand for their disrespect and keeps challenging Drake to set a higher standard. Even though Kate has given up on having children because of the chemo she had to take, she finds herself oddly drawn to this improvised family. But Drake begins to fear that he's putting Kate in danger as well. Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a stalker whose sights are set on her, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With danger swirling from multiple directions, it may be a question of who gets to her first.


Review: Fantastic storyline and enjoyable characters. I found this to be the best of the series, along with the book being one that could be read as a stand alone. There was a lot going on at one time. Which made for a fun ride, at times so much was going on it was like an out of control car. It was worth every minute. I found this story to be the best book Colleen Coble has written. The twists were clever and worth every one of them. Kate and Drake were the leads, however the mystery was so intense that it was not until the end that the layers of this onion were so interwoven and well written. The mystery played out so clever that the end was too fast. That is really my only complaint - the end came to fast.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Pitching' a Fit is Worth the Fit!

Pitchin' A Fit (Dearing Family Series Book 2)
Brandilyn Collins

Book Summary: The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong? Christina’s estranged mother, that’s what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn’t invited. Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she’s staying in town for the ceremony. What’s Christina to do? After her abusive childhood, standing up to her parent calls for strength she’s not sure she possesses. Besides, if she tells her mother to leave, the woman could get madder than she already is—not to mention drunk—and shame the Dearing family in front of the whole town. Edna wastes no time making enemies. Highly opinionated Jess Dearing is set on running her out of Justus. Ben wants her gone, too. Even Lady Penelope, the Dearings’ uppity Yorkie, will have nothing to do with her. Meanwhile Mama Ruth is trying to keep the peace. And feed everybody. Blending pathos and humor, Pitchin’ a Fit portrays the constantly shifting emotions between an abusive parent and grown child. How does a Christian forgive someone who doesn’t seem repentant? What is the balance between forgiveness and maintaining healthy emotional boundaries? God is there to guide everyone through this mess of a weekend. But certain people may have plans of their own.


Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun storyline and yet quite serious. When Christina’s mother shows up it changes everything. It is quite easy to go through this book without having read the previous book. I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. In many cases it was easy to empathize with Christina. It was a real pulling on the heart strings at some points. There was humor scattered within the story which gave me a break from the tears. Made me want to read the whole series.
I would like to thank Brandilyn Collins for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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 Raven was Rave Worthy

The Raven
Mike Nappa

Book Summary: As part of his regular street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch. It's harmless fun--until he decides to keep the spare wallet a city councilman doesn't seem to miss, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds not money but compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named, “Nevermore." Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues--and their complicated feelings for each other--to rescue The Raven and save hundreds of lives from a wildcard bent on revenge.


Review: I really wanted to see a fast paced novel like the first one, but for me that did not happen. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline was interesting, but it was not as engaging for me. Trudi and Sam were interesting. I found ‘Nevermore’ to be unexciting. It was the big mystery. Unlike the previous book the shift between events lacked the excitement that Annabel Lee had. The reoccurring theme of Edgar Allen Poe was interesting, however in this book it seemed to be more forced. I did find Raven to be a character of good depth and even the villains were well written with very human characteristic which made the end sad. I did find the characters were so realistic is why I am looking forward to the next book.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Whispers in the Reading Room was Worth the Read!

Whispers in the Reading Room
Shelley Gray

Book Summary: Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart. Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does. Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him. Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked. Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.


Review: This was a great book! Although I am reading it out of order it was a stand alone and nothing was revealed to ruin the previous books when I get around to reading them. I really liked all the characters, although Lydia’s mother was difficult they were well written. The characters had flaws, like real people. This story held enough suspense that it kept my interest, yet as always Shelley Gray is a great writer and I have not yet read a book of hers that I did not like. I am looking forward to reading the first two books.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Magnolia Moonlight Ends the Series!

Magnolia Moonlight
Mary Ellis

Summary: What Sinister Secrets Lurk in the Shadows of Yesterday? Natchez, Mississippi—Private Investigator Nate Price and his new wife, Isabelle, need a vacation. Their coworkers generously team up to surprise them with a belated honeymoon...but the happy trip turns sour when Izzy spies her ex-husband, who appears to have taken up his gambling addiction once again. While the boss is away, Price Investigations remains in the hands of Beth Kirby, a former police officer, and Michael Preston, a former forensic accountant. Hardly a dream team, as Beth resents working with a man who has no experience in his new job. But Beth and Michael must move past their differences if they hope to uncover the truth behind a beloved Southern preacher's demise. The preacher's widow suspects foul play, despite the evidence indicating suicide. With tension escalating between these investigators and local law enforcement—and new threats arising on all sides—how will Beth, Michael, and Nate hold on to faith and bring the truth to light?

Review: Enjoyed the book overall. I had trouble at the start because Beth was just plain stuck up. I was glad that she came down to earth half way through. Isabella was starting to go back to the less than gracious woman from the previous book. It was a little slower than the first and second book. I liked that there were 2 mysteries going on at once. It was an easy read, although it took me till almost half way to really get into the book. I did like Mike and Nate. Nate’s character was the most constant of all the characters.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Harvest House for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Dubiosity Did Not Leave Me Uncertain

Dubiosity
Christy Barritt

Book Summary: Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes. As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust? As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her. Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

Review: I loved the storyline it pulled me in right away. I found Savannah to be very realistic and well written. The storyline flowed very well and the mystery was great. I found the dialogue and the plot were well written. There was enough mystery going on that held my attention. The plot moved at a good speed and before I knew it the end was at hand. So much was happening that it truly was hard to figure out who was the murderer. Clive was just as much of a mystery at the start and as the story progressed the details of who he was were provided. This truly was a great book because little than big mysteries were revealed which kept me hanging on.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Waterfall Press for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.