Easy-reading summertime novels (usually set at the seashore) are the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon of summer vacation. Often these stories have a ‘Hallmark Movie’ feel to them, with a sweet, clean romance plus a gentle and enjoyable plot that wraps up with a happy ending for all. Denise Hunter’s new release from Thomas Nelson fits all my ‘requirements’ for the perfect summery story, and is completely charming and well-written to boot! Continue reading
From the moment I learned about Rebecca Friedlander’s new project with BakerBooks, I knew it was a book I wanted to read! “Finding Beautiful: Discovering Authentic Beauty Around the World” is a lovely hardcover book packed with powerful stories, dramatic photography, and this statement at the core: “Let’s redefine beauty for our world!”. Continue reading
Do you hope to get married one day? If so, how will you and your future spouse prepare for not just the wedding day, but the marriage itself? “Ready or Knot: 12 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have Before Marriage” written by Scott Kedersha and published by BakerBooks is a great launching point to help couples plan, think, and simply talk about the lifetime commitment they are choosing to step into with each other. Continue reading
Amanda Cabot’s “Cimarron Creek Trilogry” has reached its conclusion, as “A Tender Hope” released from Revell Publishers earlier this spring. Although each novel in the series was a complete tale of its own, the overarching storylines that wove the books together are finally tied up in a satisfying conclusion for the characters we’ve already become acquainted with. Continue reading
If you only read a single non-fiction book this year (aside from the Bible), I suggest that it be Jennie Allen’s new release from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Yes, it was THAT good. “Made For This: 40 Days to Living Your Purpose” is the first book I’ve read by this incredible author, but now I want to get my hands on everything she’s written! “Made For This” is not just a regular book, rather it is “a 40-day interactive journey, a step-by-step process to guide you in answering life’s ultimate question.” In a workbook-style format with daily reading followed by exercises, journaling questions, Scripture reading, and more, this book is unique and powerful. If you let it, it can also be life-changing. Continue reading
“Almost Home” is the second book by bestselling author Valerie Fraser Luesse, and was published by Revell in the spring of 2019. Set during World War II, this novel combines the stories of a variety of characters who find their lives unintentionally intersecting in a small-town boarding house in Alabama. Adding to the crazy-quilt storytelling style is a historic tale of a young bride and her legendary river-pirate groom who disappear on their wedding day without a trace. Continue reading
You know you are reading a book by a talented author when the words on the page form a story that is equal parts hilarious and tragic, messy and endearing. Kristi Ann Hunter’s second novel in the “Haven Manor” series from Bethany House Publishers is a close continuation of the first installment, and is entitled “A Return of Devotion”. This charming book draws you into the dilemmas of the characters from the first page, and had me scarcely able to turn the pages fast enough to discover how the heroine would get herself out of the terrible fix she was in! Continue reading
In my reading pile, a new release by Sarah Sundin is always very eagerly anticipated! This absolutely includes her newest release “The Sky Above Us”. This book overlaps in timing with “The Sea Before Us” as all the characters prepare for the same invasion on D-Day. Continue reading
Ever since the release of Sarah Beth Marr’s first book, “Dreaming With God”, I have been looking forward to discovering what her next writing project would be. . . Now, a year later, her second release from BakerBooks is available and entitled “Whispers and WIldflowers: 30 Days to Slow Your Pace, Savor Scripture & Draw Closer to God”. Continue reading
Jaime Jo Wright is a Christy Award-winning author who is quickly becoming more recognized for her incredible storytelling skills. In each of her novels, she brings dark and thrilling stories to life while simultaneously infusing them with truth and light. Usually set in two different time periods and with two casts of characters, the plot of past and present is intricately intertwined (but not fully revealed until the nail-biting conclusion). The newest Bethany House release from Jaime Jo Wright is “The Curse of Misty Wayfair”; perhaps the most haunting, and yet also the most inspiring, of her novels so far. Continue reading
