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A Life Once Dreamed
A Life Once Dreamed
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Life Once Dreamed… Even the name is sigh-worthy…

I think I fell in love with the characters from the first chapter. Both Agnes and James show emotion in tangible ways with strength and love in every move, every decision that they make. It is like a dream. Agnes is like a pillar of strength through every hardship thrown at her she continually relies on God’s guidance and selfless nature. James is described as a tall, dark, and handsome... plus, he is a doctor. I mean with that combination; how can a woman go wrong? But he is so much more than that. His character, patience, and love shine through everything. Both characters grew in this book as if they were growing into themselves. I truly loved theses characters, and not even mentioning the secondary characters… wow. The town, the history, the setting, all rolled together make this a must-read book that needs to make it onto your reading list this fall!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the characters, the writing style, and for making my heart go soft.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Stories That Bind Us
Stories That Bind Us
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was my first time reading a book by Susie Finkbeiner, and I had no idea what I was walking into when I opened up her book. It with so much bittersweetness, and about finding joy in the everyday moments. Susie Finkbeiner took the bad things that happen and made them into a blessing in disguise. This book came out at the perfect time for the world today, it deals with loss, racism, and mental health. It takes those themes and shows God’s love through them in such a good way. A very heart-warming story filled with great life lessons and a great example of faith lived out. The synopsis does not do this book justice. Readers of historical fiction will enjoy this journey down memory lane.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the compelling story, the great characters, and the themes discussed within this book. The only thing that could have made it better was something that happened at the beginning of the book (I am NOT going to give a spoiler) but you will understand when you read it.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Mickey On The Move
Mickey On The Move
Michelle Wagner | 2021 | Children
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mickey on the Move by Michelle Wagner was bright, beautiful, and a book I believe should be in every home/school. It emphasized that we can overcome anything that gets thrown in our path whether it is a disability like Mickey had or a bad grade in class we can work to find solutions to help us have a normal way of life. I loved how Mickey’s mom was not fazed by her son’s diagnosis but immediately started thinking of ways to help his life be as normal as possible and learning sign language right along with him. The illustrations were detailed and helped add more dimension to the story as you could more easily visualize what Mickey was going through. Plus, I liked the look and feel of the paper used, it is a strong durable paper that will last through many hands reading it. The verbiage used in this story is geared towards 3rd-5th grade reading level based on word choice, and paragraph structure. However, I think it still would be fun for even younger readers to follow along with.

I sincerely enjoyed this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
From Sky to Sky (No Less Days, #2)
From Sky to Sky (No Less Days, #2)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
From Sky to Sky was such a different story, from the literal first page you are immersed in this world where a few people have been blessed, or cursed, with long life. Amanda G. Stevens took me on a journey of questioning why we live each day as if we have an infinite amount when we truly do not know how many days we get to live. She presented the gospel through her characters in a very meaningful and honest way, not shying away from the struggles people face. I thought that Zac was an interesting character and that he showed a lot of caring given his situation. The other secondary characters were also well developed, and I hope to learn more about them in the books that follow, as this book left me with a sense of just beginning to know their characters.

I would highly recommend reading this series in order as From Sky to Sky does drop you into an already moving plot, that is easier to understand after having read the first book. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, the consistent characters, and for making me think about how fragile life really is.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
What a neat book!

I loved all the different perspectives in this book. Each couple’s story was interesting to read, they all had different experiences, and they overcame different things. What I enjoyed though, was reading about how they interacted with each other. Each couple’s conversation was uplifting and an interesting view into the lives of people who have been married for many years. It was not just pastors either, it was regular people, from all different walks of life. From Pastors, Military, and remarried couples, each couple all had some great stories to share. Marriage Matters was written almost in an interview type-style and lead to some good conversations between my husband and I. Truly a good book to read when you want to see some different perspectives on the topic of married life.

My favorite quote:

“God moved us around to different states and cultures, refining us, to make us fit for the ministries He had for us all along, and as we walked the path, He gave us many experiences to grow us.”

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the great conversations, the interactions between the couples, and for the wealth of information packed in between these pages.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Shopkeeper's Widow
The Shopkeeper's Widow
Izzy James | 2020
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I love the era that this book was set in! The American Revolution was an is a time of difficult decisions and torn loyalties which Izzy James portrays in very well laid out detail. I believe that this book is standalone.

The main characters Delany and Field were very interesting. They made some very hard decisions, and by the end of the book, you could vividly see their growth as a character. I liked Delany’s strength and fortitude through her trials in life (I can only hope to weather life like her!) and Flint really seemed to come to life through the story. I enjoyed Izzy James’ portrayal of what indentured people went through and how some of them overcame their circumstances. Mixed along with the ever-increasing threat of war, I thought this book was very intriguing. I will say that I had a hard time getting into it at first, I think due to the way the characters speak, but after a couple of chapters, I started to enjoy the flow of their words.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the themes presented, the interesting time period, and the well-done characters. I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
I totally enjoyed this story! It is my first time reading a book by both Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse writing together (I have read them separately!). It is the second book in their Treasures of Nome series, and I believe it can be read as a standalone since I personally did not read the first book and I was not lost in this one.

   I thought that both authors brought so much to this story and that it flowed just like a story should. Immersing you in with details, emotions, and best of all relatable characters. Endless Mercy is about what its name implies; God’s endless mercy on us and how we are called to show that same mercy time and time again. The characters were realistic, and I liked their thought processes and communications in this book. I also truly enjoyed the setting of Alaska (I mean come on, it’s ALASKA), the small-town community, and the emphasis on family always being there for you through the thick and thin. A great book that I enjoyed, I give it 4 out of 5 stars and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series (and going back to read the first!).


*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Pepper the Salt Potato
Pepper the Salt Potato
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Pepper the Salt Potato was a lovely, illustrated book that was fun to look through, plus, the feel of the paper and overall look of the book was beautiful. The pages had cool eye-catching colors, transporting scenes, and easy to read words. I enjoyed reading about Peppers trip to the State Fair in New York and all the places he and his friends went on the way. I also enjoyed the authors history note in the front and the recipe on the back which added an interactive aspect I like seeing in children’s books. The overarching message of the book is good as well “I am who I am”, is a great reminder to just be yourself.

The only thing that would have made the story better was that the storyline itself seemed to be missing scenes. From one page to the next, there was not always a clear flow or thought process to lead the reader. However, it was still enjoyable, and I think Lenora Riegel and the publisher Siphre Books did a great job with the overall look and feel of the book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading more books from Lenora Riegel.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
An Unlikely Proposal
An Unlikely Proposal
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Let me say this book definitely surpassed all my expectations!!

I know we've all been there... that isle of books at the store with the Harlequin titles trying to decide if we want another feel good, know how its gonna end type of story. LET me advise you. This book IS NOT your typical Love Inspired book (of which I will admit to reading ... almost everyone published). I had to do a double check of the page count with this one honestly. Toni Shiloh managed to fit SO much depth of character, layered background, and faith based elements that I was enamored of the book from the beginning and scratching my head wondering how something so marvelous could come out of such a tiny package!

I loved the plot, a true friends-to-lovers/ girl-next-door/ marriage of convenience story that I have.. uhem already reread. I loved Omar's little ones that Toni Shiloh filled with life and love. Plus, I really enjoyed the circumstance that Toni Shiloh put Trinity and Omar into! Great chemistry and awkwardness between the two of them.

Overall, one of my favorite reads ever in terms of modern character development and storyline. A definite 5 star read you DO NOT want to miss!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
What a much-needed book this is! I love Nicole J. Phillips perspective and background about kindness, from her opening thoughts to the ending, the whole book has her unique style of writing and narrative that pulls you in and makes you really sit up and listen. She speaks from personal experience and I loved her story, I think so many people can see themselves in her story. I also believe that we all can use more kindness in our lives, and it all starts with how we treat ourselves like Nicole J. Phillips points out. We must be kind to ourselves before we can show kindness to those around us.

<b>“They (people) need a way to feel powerful and important, and kindness can give them that feeling” (p.85). </b>

The Negativity Remedy is one book I think everyone needs to read, it shows real life and how we need to make little changes each day to spread kindness to others; it is one book I know I will read again just to keep the ideas fresh in my mind and in the minds of those around me. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.