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Have you ever opened a package and immediately felt giddy over the book that popped out? Well, I will be honest that is how I felt about this book. The cover pulls you in, the weight and feel of the paper further builds up the hopes in your mind, and then to cap it all off, the description is intriguing! Did I mention I got a hardcover edition? 

  Bryan Litfin is a new to me author with a very great writing style. He pulls you in with vivid characters, drama, battles, and dreams. I loved the period and setting, and I am so thankful for the research Bryan Litfin put into making this book believable and accurate. The characters were pretty realistic, and they chose believable courses of action. Although at times I marveled at their courage! The Religious aspects of the book were spot on for the period (but more on that in a bit), and I truly felt like I was back in time facing off against the lions with the characters. Both Flavia and Rex captured me from the first page, and I enjoyed getting to go on their journey (But I am curious to see what happens to them next).

  On the religious aspect. I usually only review Christian Fiction. This is not your normal overtly Christian Fiction. It does not mention God in the sense of having a personal deep abiding relationship with him. He is thought of more as a deity and mostly mentioned in passing. He is not the focus of this story, as most people expect from Christian Fiction. Yet to clarify it is not primarily listed as Christian Fiction, but Ancient, Historical, Romance with a Christian fiction genre thrown in there. Personally, if this book were to be marketed directly to a non-Christian audience, I could see it doing very well (maybe even having a movie made of it) but directing it towards Christians… I do not think it will go well. Also, because it has sexual connotations throughout the story, as well as taking an odd (period correct though) stance on women.

Overall, I give it 2 out of 5 stars for the great research, interesting story plot, and vivid characters. But I would NOT recommend it to anyone who is not sure of their faith, has problems with reading sexual references, or an impressionable audience. I would also recommend the publisher Revell not label it as Christian Fiction.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Edge of Belonging
The Edge of Belonging
Amanda Cox | 2020
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<a href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/2020/09/10/the-edge-of-belonging-lone-star-lit/">Travelers Wife 4 Life</a>
The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox was like a breath of fresh air amid uncertain times that cause you to reflect inward to who you really are. It is listed as a dual timeline, but I think it reads just like a complete story of getting to know a person from beginning to end, with some very thought-provoking moments.

<b>“What if this whole thing is really about finding your missing pieces?”</b>

This book and the characters in it made me go on a roller-coaster of thoughts, emotions, and feelings. I was hooked from the very beginning and read the book in one sitting because it was so good. I loved how Amanda Cox used the dialogue to make me feel as if I were in the story observing everything unfolding. She also used everyday life situations to convey hope for every situation tastefully touching on topics like depression, abandonment, abuse, PTSD, and death. It was masterfully done and quite hard to believe that this was her debut novel! (I cannot imagine what she will write after getting “practice” under her belt). The Edge of Belonging has some of the most poignant moments in it that I have ever read before in a book. Ivy Rose, Harvey James, Reese, and Pearl brought to light one of life’s most resounding questions… Who are you?

<b>“You are Braver than you know. And more Loved than you realize.”</b>

The plot is a dual timeline, I do not always like them because they can be kind of wonky, but wow, this one was done to perfection. It was really like looking through a window and watching the characters interact on the other side, definitely one of the best (if not the best) dual timelines I have ever had the pleasure of reading before. Interwoven with great landscape descriptions and interesting background on all the characters plus, the 20 years kept secrets… well this book is one I will be recommending for a long time to come.

While diving deep into the different characters' lives Amanda Cox managed to give many happy endings and bring you on a journey of discovery that I think everyone can relate to and enjoy. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars. Great job on your first book Amanda Cox, I cannot wait to see what you write next!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
What Momma Left Behind
What Momma Left Behind
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<a href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/what-momma-left-behind-lone-star-lit">Travelers Wife 4 Life</a>
A new to me author Cindy K. Sproles created a vivid view of life on the Appalachian Mountains. Her descriptions of the scenery, the mountains, and the geographical location of the characters were very engaging and interesting to read. I enjoyed Cindy K. Sproles's way of engaging my imagination with the world she created for her characters, it reminded me of Pepper D. Basham and Joanne Bischof’s style of writing. I truly loved the environment she created and was sorry to see the story come to an end.

The plot was very unexpected for me. Whether due to the synopsis not doing the story justice, or my preconceptions going into the book. Either way, it was a surprising storyline that turned out to be a sweet and encouraging read on how to find your place in this world, and where you should place your trust.

Favorite Quote:
“The mountain air brings newness, seeps down deep, and cleans out the things that weigh heavy on a body’s soul. Despite how hard things are, it’s like the mountain is forgivin’. It demands a man’s hard work to survive, but then it wraps its soul and spirit around you, claimin’ you as its own child.”

The characters in this story were interesting and relatable. I enjoyed getting to read about Worie Dressar and loved seeing her growth progress throughout the story, I thought she was a unique character and I enjoyed her journey. Throughout the story, she overcomes much sorrow and pain, mixed in with some truly joyful moments. Worie learns who God wants her to be and the plans that He has for her and her family. The other secondary characters added some much-needed layers to this story, they were interesting, and I would love to read more about their personal stories as well (Hint, hint). Worie Dressar has some very thought-provoking thoughts in this book, and I have written down many of them as reminders for when I need God’s guidance in something. A good book overall.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the deep thought-provoking lessons, the vivid descriptions of mountain hardships, and the moral of trusting God through it all. The only thing I would have like to see more of would have been a better developed secondary character for Worie Dressar.

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