BOOK REVIEW: To Everything a Season

To Everything a Season

BY Lauraine Snelling

I loved this book.  I will admit the first 20-30 pages were a little tough getting use to the unusually names but once I had that figured out really enjoyed getting to know each character and their history and reason for being in Blessing, North Dakota.  

I really felt Miriam and the heartache and how it was such a tough decision for her to go to Blessing.  I could feel the weight that Astrid took upon herself caring for the town of Blessing and for her family.

I did not enjoy the cliff hanger at the end of the book.  Now I really do have to read book 2 in the series!  It would have been nice to have a little bit more closer on each o the side stories going on but I guess I just have to read book 2 to find.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about his book:

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/to-everything-a-season/344613

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House publishing for review.  But I told the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Book Review: With Every Breath

With Every Breath

By Elizabeth Camden

I really enjoyed this book.  It kept me on my toes and wanting more.  I read it in record time for me.  (I have 3 young children so reading is for when they are sleeping, lots of sleep lost to this book.)  I fell in love with Kate and Trevor separately.  I loved Kate and her devotion to her work, her family and to others.  Trevor I loved because of his history.  I felt for Trevor.  At first I was disappointed because he was so secretive but as Kate worked on him as a friend, I saw what Kate saw.

I besides the main characters I loved the little side stories of the boarders at Kate’s parents house and Kate’s brother.

I realized after reading this book the importance of being a true friend.  Letting others getting to know but also what makes me who I am my history, family, my interests, etc.

I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars

To Read more about this book:
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/with-every-breath/348640

And yes, I received this book for free from Baker publishing for review.  But I told the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Book Review: Appalachian Serenade: A Novella

Appalachian Serenade
By Sarah Loudin Thomas

This little Novella made me want to read more books by Sarah Loudin Thomas.  It was short and to the point and sometimes I just wanted more.  But I knew since it was a "novella" this is how it would be.  with that said I still loved this story!  I fell in love with the characters and their struggles and I wanted to keep reading more!  I loved watching them grow and learn and seek knowledge and love in their challenges!

Cant wait to read more by Sarah!

I give this novella 4 our of 5 stars

To read more about this Novella
http://sarahloudinthomas.com/2014/06/05/appalachian-thursday-serenade/

And yes, I received this novella for free from Bethany House for review.  But I told the truth and nothing but they truth.

Book Review: Truth Be Told

Truth Be Told
By Carol Cox

I really enjoyed this book.  I fell in love with Amelia.  I could feel her struggles with family.  I enjoyed watching her tackle her challenges head on and and watching her grow and learn.  It was fun to experience her falling in love.

I really pondered Amelia and her fathers manta of the Truth.  The truth was always more important than getting the paper out on time.  I love that she stuck to this.  It made me ponder how the truth in my life matters.

This was a fun and enjoyable read.  I would recommend this book highly.  I fell in love with all the characters - Ben, Amelia, etc.

I give this book 5 our of 5 stars.

To read more about this book:
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/truth-be-told/330610

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for review.  But I told the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Book Review: Here to Stay

Here to Stay

By Melissa Tagg

I really enjoyed this book.  I fell in love with Whisper Shore and the Kingsley Inn.  I want to go stay at Kingsley Inn so I can meet all these people!!!  I was drawn to Autumn as she tried to follow her own dreams but was also trying to please and make sure everyone else was happy. I can relate to Blake.  There are times I wish I could just run away from my problems but realize that running does not solve anything.

Autumn made me reflect on my life and ponder if I have dreams what they are and am I putting them first or am I putting others first.  Finding that balance is so hard.  And sometimes you have to chase your dream to realize you need a new dream.

I also enjoyed how to people who are suppose to be enemies came together and work together to create a festival that brings the whole town together.

I give this book 4 out of 5.

To read more about this book check out here:

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/here-to-stay/346020

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review.  But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

Book Review: Get Your Teenager Talking

Get Your Teenager Talking
By Jonathan McKee

I really found this book very useful and practical.  I loved the first chapter with the five tips to get your teen talking. They seemed like easy enough times to implant.  The rest of the book was great.  I will use it as a reference for sure.  The rest of the book is topics of conversation with questions to answer to get the conversation started.  it even included a thought or scripture from the Bible also.

My oldest is only 6 but I felt that I could use a lot of these suggestions with her to get her even more involved in conversations.  I also work with Youth at church and now I will reference this book regularly.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about this book check out here:
 http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/where-courage-calls/350913

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review.  But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

PS If you want to review books too check out this website www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers

Book Review: A Beauty So Rare

A Beauty So Rare
By: Tamera Alexander

I really enjoyed this book.  I felt Elenor's challenges.  I felt her fears.  I understood her thinking when facing a challenege and making a decision on what to do.  I wanted the best for Eleanor but knew she was learning and growing as she was faced with the challenges of her father, her financial situation and her love life.

Marcus was another character I fell in love with.  As he was trying to start a new life for himself she he could discover who he was.  His struggle with trying to please his family and country and still find himself was an eye opener.


Elenor is a wonderful example of someone who grew from her outward and inner challenges.  She never thought she was pretty enough for marriage so instead of getting her down she used her inner beauty to help others!

I really enjoyed this book.  It was a fun, fast read.  There were times I was very emotional involved in this book and could not put it down.  It made me want to clean and care for my kids faster so I could keep reading!



I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about this book check out here:
http://www.tameraalexander.com/upcomingreleases.html

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review.  But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

PS If you want to review books too check out this website www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers

Book Review: Death by the Book

Death by the Book
By Julianna Deering

I enjoyed this book the moment I started reading.  I loved the characters and the storyline.  this book kept me on my toes.  I would think I had the mystery solved and than another fun twist would happen and I would be wrong.  It was an easy fun read.

Drew was the character that held the plot together but I loved Aunt Ruth.  She was a character.  Always disapproving but yet you could tell she wanted the best for her niece and than at the very end how she opened up about her life.  Ruth really loved her niece and just wanted the best for her.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about this book check out here:
 http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/where-courage-calls/350913

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review.  But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

PS If you want to review books too check out this website www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers

Book Review: Where Courage Calls

I enjoyed this book the moment I started reading.  I loved the characters and the storyline.  I fell in love with Beth.  You could tell from the beginning it was time for a change for her.  How she was willing to move west to start over.  Beth had quite the change of perspective and heart as she grew and became not only an individual but overcame personal afflictions.   As Beth left the control of her family, mostly mother, and realized the change this was having on her she was able to help others even more.  She realized with her students and their families teaching them and having them work to get ahead was better than just handing them them the money.  I enjoyed the little bit of love that was present in the storyline but did not overpower the plot.

I hope there is a book two, I want to know what Beth decides to do after her summer home...

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more about this book check out here:
 http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/where-courage-calls/350913

And yes, I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review.  But I told the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!