Search

Search only in certain items:

Where We Begin, (The Berkshires, #1)
Where We Begin, (The Berkshires, #1)
Janey King | 2020
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was my first time reading a book by Janey King, it is the first book in her series titled The Berkshire Series, and it is her debut novel; so a Trifecta of firsts! The main characters, Hannah, and Collin are an interesting mix match of characteristics and so much heart packed into them both. I enjoyed Janey King's portrayal of their lives and the struggles they faced in the past and together in the present. It was a very realistic and blunt (I do mean blunt) portrayal of the struggles we all go through. I did enjoy the overall plot of overcoming your past and finding happiness with where you are at. One thing I did struggle with was the continual emphasis on sex, it was a constant mention in both mental and verbal conversations. Just not my usual cuppa tea as I like to focus on the story. But it is still a good storyline and I 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.
  
Besotted (The Fairest Maidens, #3)
Besotted (The Fairest Maidens, #3)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
With this third book in the Fairest Maidens series Jody Hedlund gives us a wonderful retelling of Sleeping Beauty! Jody Hedlund gave me just what I wanted to end the series, a dashing hero, applicable life lessons, and a story that hooked me from the start. I was caught up in the first chapter of Besotted. Kresten is a dreamy hero, I loved he sense of self, and his caring nature. Aurora captivated me Jody Hedlund did a great job laying out her character and giving her that hint of mystery. Together Kresten and Aurora are perfect they play off each other well and truly seem to be each others other half. They have a strong duty to others and the strength of character to do what's in the best interest of others over what's best for you

I would say this is my favorite book in the series but then again, the others were good too :) I give Besotted 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.
  
I Can Handle It! (Mindful Mantra #1)
I Can Handle It! (Mindful Mantra #1)
Laurie Wright | 2016 | Children, Health & Fitness
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I Love Hedgehogs! (Okay now that I have that out of my system…)
Sebastien is a typical kid dreaming up some funny ideas of how he could accomplish things. It brought to mind the adage “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again." I really enjoyed Laurie Wrights’s style of writing and I can see my classroom of kids loving how it speaks their language. The illustrations also added another element of cuteness and engagement geared towards kids. From Sebastien’s best friend (who is a Hedgehog) to all the creative ways he thinks of ways to handle situations Laurie Wright emphasizes that kids can do things and she leads them to some really helpful ways to process how to do them.

I think that this book is one every kid needs to read and grasp the concepts of. It helps take “I Can’t” out of their dictionaries and replaces it with “I Can Handle It." 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.
  
Dogs + Faith = An Inspiring book!

I have read all the books in the Independence Island series so far and have been enchanted by their realistic approaches to life and the way they each uniquely emphasize our need for a Savior. Tabitha Bouldin is a new to me author that I so glad to have found through this series. I LOVED the way she showed faith through her characters, the struggles of any small business, and her commitment to showing the realities of life. Melody and Zeke played so well off each other and were a great combination. Mishaps off the Mainland is one of my favorite stories so far in the Independence Island series and I am so looking forward to reading more books by Tabitha Bouldin (can you say going on a binge read?)

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the strong faith aspects, the relatable characters, and for leaving me thinking even after I am done with the book.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
I have no idea where to even begin telling you about this sweet story!

V. Joy Palmer put together a wonderful story that brought together two people and gave them a second chance at their dreams, all the while not shying away from mistakes of our pasts and keeping it real, blunt, and honest. One of the few authors I have read who can do it in a non-offensive way, rather V. Joy Palmer did it biblically and with great emphasis on second chances and healing. I enjoyed how Kaylee and Gabe reflected on the past and that they seemed real. They both really grew as the book progressed and I was very happy with the way the story rounded out at the end; Plus, it was nice to see some familiar faces from previous books.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the realistic characters that were easily relatable, the faith filled pages, and for being an honest story.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Sowing Season
The Sowing Season
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Sowing Season by Katie Powner was like getting that first taste of fresh hot chocolate, you want to go slow to savor it, but you also want to drink it all down Because it tastes so good. That is what this book felt like for me, it was so good I wanted to savor it, but I also wanted to see the ending. A book theme this year has been books that make you think, and I have been LOVING it. The Sowing Season fits right in, but also stand out from the crowd.

    This story was deep and thought-provoking in ways many books are not. It touched my mind and heart and I loved how Katie Powner showed the characters through real life, the ups and downs, and everything in between. I also enjoyed how the characters lived out their faith. A fantastic debut novel. Now I am looking forward to what other deep thought-provoking books that Katie Powner has in store. 

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Going into this book I was not sure what to expect, as I do not often read books where the main character is in middle grades. It is the first book in a series about Ginny West and the adventures she goes on while growing up (think Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn, only geared toward a younger audience. So, the book is filled with real-life examples, valuable lessons, and interesting dialogue between Ginny and her crew of characters. This book deals with Ginny figuring out how to get a new mom and making a packed with her best friend Tilly over how to accomplish this goal. It was cute and a good lesson in second chances, dealing with your emotions and growing up.

I enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series to learn more about Ginny’s adventures. 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun characters, and applicable life lessons.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Something I Am Not
Something I Am Not
Cher Gatto | 2019
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WHAT A BOOK!
I am at a loss for words when it comes to describing the power with words that Cher Gatto wields in this book. I went into this book thinking it might be a difficult read because of the subject matter, but Cher Gatto lays it out in a way that is easy to understand and deeply profound at the same time. Throughout the book, she constantly displays the message of grace and salvation to everyone regardless of life circumstances. From the characters that were layered to the even pace and plot twists, this story has something deeply compelling that needs to be read by everyone.

A heart moving book that is marketed as Young Adult but is for everyone regardless of age, it moved my heart and emotions like very few books do.

I truly loved this book and Highly Recommend it. 5 out of 5 stars for the great character growth, the deep issues covered, and for displaying the gospel so readily.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Hannah's Courage
Hannah's Courage
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is my first time reading a book by Molly Jebber and it was an interesting experience. I liked how Molly Jebber was not afraid to show her character's mistakes. Hannah, in particular, took her mistakes and used them to take time and listen to God’s calling on her life, in doing so she was able to help others in need. Timothy seemed like a good guy caught between a rock and a hard place. He had some problems to overcome and he overcame them in an interesting way. I personally did not like how both main characters seemed to blow things way out of proportion to the situation, and how they were not very brave. The story plot was interesting, I love anything to do with baking, and the setting was also interesting. Overall, I would say this was a good read, but not my favorite.
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, for the interesting storyline, the story of hope, and the happily ever after ending.
*I volunteered to read this in return for my honest feed back. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Philosopher Queens
The Philosopher Queens
Rebecca Buxton, Lisa Whiting | 2020 | Essays, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences, Reference
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a really informative and thoroughly interesting introduction to female philosophers. The Philosopher Queens is a series of chapters about 20 influential female philosophers. I say “influential”, but it’s not until you read about them that you realise just how influential they were and continue to be. Anyone would think that there are NO female philosophers for all the exposure that they’ve had in the mainstream. As with so many subjects in academia and society, women were studying and making contributions to philosophy, but it was nearly always the men who were in the limelight. When I read this book though, I could see just how much these women have formed my thoughts and opinions: feminism' politics, morality - as well as things that I haven’t ever really thought or heard of, including phenomenology.

This is a really accessible route into learning about philosophy, whilst at the same time it’s not overly simple either. They’re great overviews, and they explain some quite difficult concepts in a way that I could understand. I’m glad that I read it!

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this.