Top ten Tuesday: Books I Enjoyed, but Have Never Mentioned On My Blog

 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.

Well, this one is easy since my Blog is only over a year old 😁.  Here is 10 5-star stories I loved and made me want to read more like them - the title will link to my review on goodreads:

1.  The Mark of the King

2.  Finding Stefanie

3.  Pearl in the Sand

4.  The House on Foster Hill

5.  Submerged

6.  Under a Blackberry Moon

7.  Trapped

8.  In Perfect Time

9.  Chasing Sunsets

10.  The Reluctant Duchess

Monthly Recap: February 2022

 

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

This was a short month, but I managed to listen to a few audio books.  Kindle reading went a bit slower, mainly due to new school schedules which means early wake-up for me which ends in early crashing at night:

What I've read:

Paperback:

What I would like to read in February:

Currently Reading:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

Did I buy any new books?

Bad month for buying:

Paperbacks:

None

Kindle:

Did I read everything I wanted too?

No, had to carry over a lot to March and April:

ARC/Netgalley update:

ARC/Netgalley books downloaded this month:

ARC/Netgalley books read and reviewed:

How was your month?

Weekend Wrap-up: February 27th

 

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Finished

Currently reading

Next up:

What are you reading this week?

Book Spotlight Fridays! The Sea Before Us

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.

Sarah Sundin's WW2 stories is always ones I enjoy.

The Sea Before Us

About the book:

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series.

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Book Beginnings

Wyatt Paxton never realized coming home could be as bitter-sweet as leaving.

Friday 56

Too bad he didn't deserve a miracle.  Wyatt gripped the manila line as he climbed.  Bu who did?

My thoughts so far

I'm really enjoying this one, and if it isn't due to extreme tiredness where I pass out next to the kids when getting them in bed, I would have finished this one already!  I do like Wyatt more than Dorothy, but mainly because I feel that Dorothy is blind to the truth in front of her.

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Review: At Love's Command

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

But this one thing I do,’” Matt murmured softly, “‘forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.’”

Starting this story, I have found an opening scene based on historical facts, told with compassion and giving minimal detail but still portraying the horrible events and showing regret. History exist, we can't escape it, we can't ignore it, but we can learn from it and that is what Karen Witemeyer was able to do through her main character Matthew.

True to Karen Witemeyer's work, this story included a great group of characters, a fun, dangerous and adventurous plot, characters to love, some you dislike and some you are hoping will be redeemed. I enjoyed the twist of the main lady being a doctor. Matthew and Josephine's chemistry was there from the start and their relationship developed quickly. I adored Phineas and loved the banter among the Horsemen.

Matthew was a strong and solid leading man, with his own shame and baggage to work through and sometimes not knowing his own worth. I loved how Josie was able to pull out more from him and helping us readers seeing the true Matt.

“I might not know you well, Matthew Hanger, but I’ve seen your heart. The world would be a darker place without you in it.”

View all my reviews

About the book:

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything—even his team—to save her. 

About the author:

Also see:  Author Discovery: Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Recently voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Romance Author by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a two-time winner of the ACFW Carol Award and three-time RITA® finalist. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.

Review: After She Falls

After She Falls by Carmen Schober
My rating: 💛💛

With an opening chapter which included animal and spousal abuse, this was definitely an edgier Christian novel. Then add on a lot of mentions of overnight hookups, this was a dangerous edgy story. I continued reading/or listening to this story with the hope of redemption for the characters.

Did I get it? In some ways yes for certain characters, and in some ways no. I would have liked a more in depth view in the characters' road to God and becoming new, and I did not feel like I totally got that.

There was a lot of fighting scenes, lots of mentions of blood and broken bones, so, probably not a book for everyone. Those scenes did not bother me, since I know before hand what the subject matter would be. What did bother me was allowing children watch the fights - even if it was a parent fighting - that just did not feel totally appropriate.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd. Though I also received a read now copy via Netgalley.*



View all my reviews

About the book:

Strong-willed Adri Rivera always dreamed of becoming a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who smashed everything to pieces. When their tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together as a single mother.

Adri struggles to regain her independence after so many years under the oppressive influence of her ex, but a job opportunity at a local gym gives her hope that she'll be able to stand on her own two feet. The one problem? The man who offers it to her is the handsome but hardened Max Lyons--her former best friend and training partner, whom she left heartbroken years before.

As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, training for a big tournament, can she confront her weakness and avoid the past defining her future?

About the author:

Carmen Schober is a debut novelist, wife, full-time mother to two daughters, avid boxer, and Rocky enthusiast. A graduate of Kansas State University, where she earned a master's degree in English literature and creative writing, she currently lives in Manhattan, Kansas. She has published sports fiction in Witness magazine and Hobart Pulp, and she regularly blogs about faith, family, and fighting at www.carmenschober.com.

Review: Where Two Hearts Meet: Tea For Two / Wherever Love Takes Us

Where Two Hearts Meet: Tea For Two / Wherever Love Takes Us by Carrie Turansky
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a fun, sweet 2-in-1 novella.

Tea For Two - 3.5 stars
Between the two, this one was my favourite story. I enjoyed the sweet story of second chances and to see the growth. I found myself rooting for the romance all the time.

Wherever Love Takes Us - 2 stars
I didn't much care for this story.
“A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.” Proverbs 19:13
This is what came to mind and how I felt. Also, I hate it when there is marriage issues and then a third party wants to take advantage of that.

View all my reviews

About the book:

Two Sisters, Two Heartwarming Romance novellas

There’s no better place for romance, forgiveness, and second chances than the Sweet Something Teashop.

Tea For Two

Allison Bennett, co-owner of a financially strapped teashop in Princeton, New Jersey, receives a large anonymous check that saves her business. But she has no idea who sent it. Could it be from Peter Hillinger, the wealthy businessman who owns the shop next door and wants to win Allison’s heart? Or is it from Tyler Lawrence, Allison’s old boyfriend, who returns to town claiming a renewed faith and a changed life. Allison doesn’t know whom to trust. Should she follow her head or heart, or is there Someone else who can guide her toward the best path for her future?

Wherever Love Takes Us

After twenty-five years of marriage, Matt and Tessa Malone are struggling to recover financially and rebuild trust following a business failure. Then Matt inherits property in Oregon, and he wants to move the family there to make a fresh start. But Tessa can’t imagine giving up the cozy teashop she co-owns with her sister, or leaving her friends and family in Princeton. Whose dream will they follow, and how much will it cost their family? Can they resolve their differences and rebuild a love that seems lost?

Tea for Two was orginally published in Kiss the Bride, and Wherever Love Takes Us was originally published in Wedded Bliss. These two novellas have been expanded, updated, and put together in one book.

About the author:

Bestselling Author Carrie Turansky writes inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas set

in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "A touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written" . . . "My new favorite author!" Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook and Instagram.

Can't Wait Wednesday! All That It Takes

 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.

We've briefly met Val and Miles in All that really matters: and will be able to see their story coming April 22: 

About the book: All That It Takes

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier finally agrees to a cross-country move with her nine-year-old son to take a job with her best friend, Molly, everything she had planned for the future unravels within the first week. After pushing aside her anxieties about renting an apartment from Molly's twin brother, whom she barely knows, she accepts an invitation for an elite filmmaker's mentorship. Caught between her insecurities and new possibilities, she feels completely unprepared for the challenges ahead.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from abroad to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's been banished to a ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he pursues a relationship with Val without stopping to consider the timing or asking God to direct his steps.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Dynamic Duos

 

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.

1.  Anne and Gilbert

Can you have Anne without Gilbert?

2.  Rem and Eve

These two.  But then also have to mention Rem and his partner Ralph.

3.  Pat and Tessa

I loved the growth between Pat and his stepdaughter throughout this series.

4.  Leif and Iskra

Together they were quite a force.

5.  RJ and York

Loved their chemistry and partnership.

6.  Maddy and Quinn

These two really had to work as a team to escape a horrible situation.

7.  Bree and Samson

Okay, so Samson is a partner with 4 paws, but you can't think of Bree without her rescue dog Samson.

8.  Beth and Sheridan

Oh I loved these two!

9.  Jackson and Kit

Loved this thief and constable duo.

10.  Darius and Nicole

These two was perfect for each other.

Review: Where the Heart Leads

Where the Heart Leads by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was another great story which was focused on great character growth. I loved catching up to Peter and Summer - Peter was one of my all time favourite male leads and still ranks up there high on my list.

I loved Thomas as a 10 year old boy, and it was good seeing him all grown up and on a journey to find his own feet and carving out his own path. This is now the second novel I've read by this author, where she introduced two possible love interest, and again goes against the one her readers would want.

I loved how faith was such an intricate part of this story.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

Review book 1: Waiting for Summer's Return

 
View all my reviews

About the book:

After his graduation from college, Thomas Ollenburger is filled with big dreams and many questions. What will he do for a career? Should he marry? Where will he call home? Torn between his Mennonite roots on the Kansas prairie and his love for the big city of Boston, as well as his affection for a girl in each location, Thomas is unsure of his place in the world. He has always sought God's leading in his decision-making, but now it seems as if God is staying silent. Has Thomas's heart led him astray?

About the author:

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people

would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.

Weekend Wrap-up: February 20th

 

 

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Finished

Currently reading

Next up:

Jip, the same as last week - my planned reading got derailed. 

What are you reading this week?

Book Spotlight Fridays! After She Falls

 

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.

This is a debut author, and a bit different since fighting is the sport front and center.

After She Falls

About the book:

Strong-willed Adri Rivera always dreamed of becoming a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who smashed everything to pieces. When their tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together as a single mother.

Adri struggles to regain her independence after so many years under the oppressive influence of her ex, but a job opportunity at a local gym gives her hope that she'll be able to stand on her own two feet. The one problem? The man who offers it to her is the handsome but hardened Max Lyons--her former best friend and training partner, whom she left heartbroken years before.

As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, training for a big tournament, can she confront her weakness and avoid the past defining her future? 

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

Book Beginnings

Adri doesn't turn on the radio or pull up Eva's playlist on her phone.

Friday 56

"Hi," he says, extending his hand.  "I'm Boom."

"Oh."  She's confused, but still shakes it.  "You're not Levi?"

My thoughts so far

This one is a bit different to what I usually read...some mentions of physical abuse and lots of fighting (sport), but I am intrigued on where this debut author is going.

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