Thursday, September 30, 2021

Monthly Discoveries: September 2021

I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

What I've read:

A great variety month in September.

What I would like to read in Oct:

Currently Reading:

The Bishop is good!

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

Did I buy any new books?

Another bad buying month - I will need to try and put myself on a buying strike for the rest of the year:

Did I read everything I wanted too?

No, there was a few planned reads I didn't manage to get to this month and a few still on my list which I really hope to still get to in 2021:

ARC/Netgalley update:

ARC/Netgalley books downloaded this month:

ARC/Netgalley books read and reviewed:

How was your month?

Review: The Way of the Brave

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was quite different to what I expected from the normal Susan May Warren Novel, but just as entertaining. What an exciting, adventurous ride. These pages were filled with danger, action, but even more than that, which is why I love this author's work, is the way the characters' physical struggles represented the spiritual struggles and walk with God as well.

“I was pretty focused on the moment.” “And so is God. But he also sees the big picture. That’s why we have to live by faith, not just by sight. Because he is always working on our behalf, in the moment, even if we can’t see it.”

I loved all of the characters, especially HAM, who was just such a solid and supportive team member, knowing when to push and when to just listen. I loved Jake and his almost Superman moment had me laughing out loud.

Don’t assign truth to experiences, or your faith to your feelings. You have to base everything on who God is. Good. Loving. Our rescuer.

The author's research was so detailed. I felt the danger and do not understand why people would like to put them through that for fun. There was a few things I felt I didn't get closure and a few things I felt was a bit weird.

I'm looking forward to this series, especially after that ending with Ham.

View all my reviews

About the book:

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure--and his injuries--has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team, but he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what's needed to prevent another tragedy--but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They'll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren.

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: Autumn by the Sea

Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

I love it when the story within is even more beautiful than the cover.

I still have a few Melissa Tagg novels to read, but to date, this one is probably the best I’ve read. Small town setting, a very close family, mysteries and a great romance.

Some loves take months or years to blossom. But some blow in like a storm over the sea, so fast and furious and wonderful it about bowls you over.

I just loved the Muir family who grew via circumstances and adoption. Maggie was a sweet motherly/grandmotherly figure and so wise. I enjoyed the letters she wrote to Robert and I feel there is still so much to be revealed to the readers.

Lilian and Indi was great secondary characters and I’m hoping that Lilian’s story will be an enemy to love one!

Sydney and Neil - I loved them as individual characters and even more together. Sydney’s quest to find answers about her parents and where she belongs was emotional but captivating. Neil with is quiet strength to protect and provide for everyone, but yet with his own hurts and dreams will make lots of readers love him.

The mystery thread in the plot is new for me with this author, but she should definitely continue! I was intrigued, confused, hopeful along with Sydney and at the end frustrated because I want to know what Maggie remembered!!!

And the teaser at the end makes me want to read Indi’s story now!!!!!

*I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

A captivating new seaside romance brimming with mystery from USA Today bestselling, Christy Award-winning author Melissa Tagg

Abandoned as a toddler, Sydney Rose has spent years wondering who she really is, homesick for a life she's never lived. When a private investigator crashes into her world, she finds herself heading to a tiny seaside town in Maine to meet a woman named Maggie, who's searching for the granddaughter she lost decades ago.

If not for Maggie, Neil MacKean might still be back in Scotland, bereft and alone. Instead, he has a full life in Muir Harbor with an adopted family he loves and a blueberry farm to run. But the farm is struggling and strange occurrences have him concerned. Worse, Maggie's once again caught up in the past, convinced she's finally found her long-lost granddaughter.

Worried for Maggie, Neil is suspicious of the city girl who shows up at the farm. But there's something about Sydney that tugs on him, drawing out secrets he never meant to share. While Neil grapples with the future of the farm, Sydney wrestles with a past that's messier than ever. Together, they're pulled into a mystery complete with a centuries-old legend, unexpected danger . . . and a love as deep and wild as the sea.

About the author:

Also see: Author Discover Melissa Tagg

Melissa Tagg is the Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances, including the Maple Valley series, the Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series, and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.

Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Review: Mission Out of Control

Mission Out of Control by Sara Blackard
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a great introduction to the Stryker Security series. There was action, loss and heartache.

I'm looking forward to reading more about this team. The author did a great job introducing each character and showing their POV in a way to show some of their characteristics, personality and what is important to them.

I received a free copy via the author's newsletter.

View all my reviews

About the book:

It was a mission like any other ... until it blew apart around them.

When the Army's Special Ops team is tasked with infiltrating the Columbian jungle and rescuing a kidnapped State Department family, the mission seems like every other one they've executed. But as the assignment unravels, not only is the mission's success at stake, but all the brothers-in-arms leaving the jungle alive hangs in the balance.

Mission Out of Control is the prequel short story for both the Stryker Security Force Series. It is available for free at Sara Blackard's website.

About the author:

Sara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.

Review: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was such a beautiful story. This is only my second book by this author, but I really enjoyed it and have now added another author to my 'read-all-books' list.

The relationship of the three brothers were strong, but also challenging. Thor was such a dynamic character, and I totally understand the 'team-Thor" going around in the reading world. His struggle to be better, overcome his challenges and also know that he deserves more, was a captivating journey to read.

I loved how Aven interacted with the three brothers and how she learned to not only see Thor, but truly listen/hear him as well.

I definitely want to read the second book, because I do want a great redemption and hopefully reconciliation story for Haakon.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job with bringing an entertaining and captivating story.

View all my reviews

About the book:

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.

About the author:

An ECPA Christy Award winner and an ACFW Carol Award winner, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered

fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. Joanne’s 2016 novel, THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews among other critical acclaim. Joanne has a long-standing passion for romance and a budding fervor for theology. She is more and more awed by how wondrously the two go hand in hand. She lives in the mountains of southern California with her three children and is represented by Sandra Bishop of Transatlantic Literary Agency.

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Can't Wait Wednesday! Lights Out

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I'm looking forward to this new series by Natalie Walters coming November 2nd. I'm expecting lots of action!

About the book: Lights Out

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite couples

Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

So, today is my 8th year wedding anniversary, so I thought I would make today's Freebie post all about Love, and specifically fictional couples whose relationship inspired me. Not all of these relationships was perfect, but the couples learned, overcame and grew together. And some of the romances was just worth lots of 😍😍😍😍

1. John and Elizabeth Baxter and almost all the author couples in this series

2. Andrew and Helen

3. Logan and Amelia

4. Casper and Raina

5. Travis and Meredith

8. Rem and Eve

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Book Spotlight Fridays! The Way of the Brave

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

Back to some comfort reading - a favourite author and my favourite genre.

The Way of the Brave

About the book:

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

He should have never left Alaska.

Friday 56

"Please tell me that we're not going to die on that Mountain."

My thoughts so far

So excited for this series and though I barely started this book, I'm already enjoying it. Looking forward to the adventurous reading weekend ahead.

*************************************************************

Review: A Midnight Dance

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Oh, this was such a beautifully written story. The story developed so well and had this reader intrigued by the mystery of the theater and shocked by some revelations.

I loved how the author used Ella's journey to learn to let go and dance with grace, passion and love to be a picture of our journey with God - how if we will just let go on things we so desperately try to perfect and manage the best outcome, we will soar like eagles if we let God set the wind.

Oh, I loved Jack! The way the author made this reader fall in love with him as we, along with Ella, get to see glimpses of who Jack really was.

I had a feeling there was a story behind the North Wind, and very glad I was right.

If you enjoy Historical novels, and yet to read this author's work, pick up this story and you will be in for a treat.

*I received a complimentary novel from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

All theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most--and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. Yet as she struggles to maintain her tenuous place in the ever-shrinking ballet company, win the attentions of principal dancer Philippe, and avoid company flirt Jack, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the dead ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past?

Mystery and romance make the perfect dance partners in this evocative story from fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano.

About the author:

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Review: In This Moment: A Novel

In This Moment: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This book was scary at some parts to read, but also left me with hope. After reading this book, I was left with that verse: My children will perish due to a lack of knowledge.

There was so many characters in this story which thought talking about God and their faith was illegal - which kept them from speaking their faith. And I appreciated people who fight for religious freedom.

I also loved how through the law suit, God worked on the heart of the plaintiff and change them through this process. In this difficult times, we really need to keep trusting that God is in control and nothing is impossible for Him.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it.

View all my reviews

Review book 1

About the book:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a brand-new Baxter Family novel about a beloved high school principal who starts a Bible Study to improve the lives of his struggling students, only to become the national focus of a controversial lawsuit.

Hamilton High Principal Wendell Quinn is tired of the violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancies, and low expectations at his Indianapolis school. A single father of four, Quinn is a Christian and a family man. He wants to see change in his community, so he starts a voluntary after-school Bible Study and prayer program. He knows he is risking his job by leading the program, but the high turnout at every meeting encourages him.

A year later, violence and gang activity are down, test scores are up, and drug use and teen pregnancy have plummeted. The program is clearly working—until one parent calls the press. Now Quinn faces a lawsuit that could ruin everything.

With a storm of national attention and criticism, Quinn is at a crossroads—he must choose whether to cave in and shut down the program or stand up for himself and his students. The battle comes with a high cost, and Quinn wants just one attorney on his side for this fight: Luke Baxter. In This Moment is an inspiring, relevant story about the nuances of religious freedom and how a group of determined people just might restore the meaning of faith in today’s culture.

About the author:

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller,

with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Can't Wait Wednesday! Deadly Target

Excited for this second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage Series. Releasing November 2nd:

About the book: Deadly Target

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: The Inn at Walker Beach

The Inn at Walker Beach by Lindsay Harrel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

For me, there is always something powerful when women comes together, support each other and motivate each other to be what God planned for them to be. This series has that feel and promise and I'm excited to see where the author will take us.

This series follows on the Walker Bay Romance series. You don't have to read that series to enjoy this book, but, you will understand some of the struggles of the main characters and appreciate the growth.

Elise was a new character introduced (I don't remember her from the other series). First of all - raising sextuplets and not losing your mind! Her story was sweet, heartbreaking and filled with hope! Her struggles were real and I hope we see more of her and her reconciled relationship.

Jenna I liked from the Walker Bay Romance series, and totally loved her story and finding out her true worth and what is important. Cameron I adored and I enjoyed their friendship to more relationship.

I want to see more of Jules and the rest of the group.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

Start of The Walker Bay Romance series

About the book:

A dream years in the making becomes reality with the inaugural meeting of The Barefoot Sisterhood...

Jenna Wakefield has been through a lot in her twenty-seven years—losing her mother, becoming a teen mom, and battling depression, just to name a few. And working a dead-end job, barely paying her bills, and fighting unrequited feelings for her boss aren’t exactly part of the life she always imagined.

With her six children grown and her husband constantly traveling for work, Elise Griffin finds herself utterly without purpose for the first time ever at age sixty-three. But “retirement” isn’t as wonderful as it might sound—it gives her far too much time to think about the affair her husband had a year ago ... the one she’s never told anyone about.

When both women are invited into the mysterious Barefoot Sisterhood and asked to help restore an old beachside inn for a good cause, they find themselves supported and encouraged in new and exciting ways. This inspiration leads to dream seeking ... and new romance as well.

Discover what happens when women give each other the space to finally dream—and in doing so, make the world a better place.

About the author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, September 20, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall 2021 To-read List

So, here in the Southern Hemisphere, spring is coming! With spring I always feel like new season, new beginnings! But it is also the last quarter of the year, so a last opportunity to read those planned books I've not yet gotten time for. Some of these I carried over from my Winter/Summer and Fall/Spring lists, because I can't believe I've not read these yet!

From my Winter/Summer:

1. Sidetracked

I really can't believe I haven't read this one yet.

2. Justice Betrayed

Really hoping to finish this series still this year.

3. Two Reasons to Run

Again, this series was high on my TBR for 2021, can't believe I have not gotten to it yet.

From my Fall/Spring:

4. Three Missing Days - First, I need to read book 2!

Books I still hope to read:

5. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn

6. Paper Hearts

7. The Heart of a Hero

8. The Price of Valor

9. On Wings of Devotion

10. Dangerous Mercy

So, here is some top ten books on my Winter read list, to provide me with that adrenaline rush for extra warmth when in reality I will run around two kiddies in the cold!

1. Sidetracked ❎ - carried over to Spring/Fall list

Brandilyn Collins is an author I found more towards the end of her career (meaning lots of books to catch up on and she hasn't published in years), and looking forward to getting back to some of her books.

2. Shadow in Serenity ❎ - carried over to 2022 reading list

This is one of only a few books I have left to read by Terri Blackstock to be completely caught up.

3. False Pretenses ✅

Kathy Herman is also a suspense author I'm still getting caught up on. I hope to get to this series still in 2021.

4. The Bones Will Speak ❎ - carried over to 2022 reading list

I gave up on this series after I didn't really like the first book, but this series won a lot of rewards and I've enjoyed a recent book by this author, so will go back and retry this series.

5. Justice Betrayed ❎ - carried over to Spring/Fall list

I'm enjoying this series, and hope to finish the last two books still this year.

6. Smoke Screen ❎ - carried over to 2022 reading list

This is another one of only a few books I have left to read by Terri Blackstock to be completely caught up. With this author being one of my top favourites, it is one of those catch22 things - can't believe I haven't read it yet, but if I do read it, then I have to wait for when she publish new books.

7. Stands of Truth ✅

I've seen a lot of great reviews about this book by another one of my top favourite authors, so I'm really hoping to get to this one soon.

8. Flight Risk ❎ - carried over to 2022 reading list

I really enjoyed the legal suspense I've read by this author. So looking forward to catch up a bit again.

9. Two Reasons to Run ❎- carried over to Spring/Fall list

I enjoyed book one and would like to complete this series soon.

10. Vendetta ❎ - carried over to 2022 reading list

This series' place on my TBR needs to be moved up.

Well, technically it is fall here, starting to get some cooler weather but still a lot of warm days as well. Here is some top books releasing in the next 3 months which I would really love to read - would I get to each and every one of them, probably not, but it is always good to have goals: