The Guardian Book Review

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis is the third book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. While I enjoyed this book, I found it to be not as engaging as the first 2 books in the series.  It definitely took me longer to get through it.  I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline, but it was not as attention grabbing as the previous 2 books.  I had expected this book to be about how Sarah makes her way home after falling out of the buggy, but it ended up being more about Jodi (the woman who finds Sarah) and Sarah's mom, Maryanna.  I enjoyed reading and seeing how Lewis developed Jodi's character and how Jodi makes her way back to God after losing her sister as well as reading about Maryanna healing and becoming open to romance after her husband's death. I found it to be a sweet story of unexpected circumstances, friendship, and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Icecutter's Daughter Book Review

The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson was a very enjoyable read.  I was especially excited to read it since it is set in MN and I am, after all, a MN girl.  I loved Merrill's individuality and spunk.  She is a very likeable main character.  The mystery of what was going on with Svea and Nils kept me reading and I got through the book very quickly.  I loved Rurik's strong character even in the face of false accusations and a dire outlook.  Overall I like the book very much and look forward to reading the 2nd in the series.

A complimentary copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Shattered Book Review

I recently read the sequel to Submerged entitled Shattered by Dani Pettrey.  This was a good sequel to Submerged.  I was not disappointed, however, I found the "romance" parts to be a bit sappy at times and the "suspense" parts to be a bit lacking.  I still enjoyed Piper's spunk, as I did in the first book, and I also enjoyed Pettrey's new character, Darcy.  It was fun to have Landon and Piper's relationship evolve in this book and find out more about Landon's past.  Looking forward to finally finding out what the "mystery" story is with Jake, which was introduced in Submerged and continued with some new "hints" in this book.  Overall it was a good book, I was just not on the "edge of my seat," so to speak, where the suspense part was concerned.  Still looking forward to reading the new book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Humble Heart a book of virtues Book Review

I recently received Humble Heart a book of virtues book for my review.  I found this book to be a good tool for teaching about different virtues, but it is not a storybook my children have asked to read more than a couple times.  The stories are short, which is good for younger children. The illustrations aren't especially captivating.  I think my kids, and myself for that matter, prefer the Berenstain Bear books to teach about different values and virtues.  This is a good concise option if you want to quickly cover a certain area your child may be struggling with.  Overall I thought the book was cute, but wouldn't necessarily recommend it.  Depending on what your goals are with the use of this book, it could be a great option, just didn't work that well for my family.  Probably best for toddlers and younger children.  My kids are 3 and 5 and as I said, we read each story a couple times and they have not requested it again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wishing on Willows Book Review

I recently read Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert.  It was a good read, but definitely not lighthearted.  I found it somewhat sad/depressing, but it did make me think.  I really connected with a section in the book when the main character, Robin, feels God is asking her to "Be still, and I [God] will fight for you."  The author writes that for Robin, "instead of comfort, the words brought fear and doubt."  I often feel this way.  It is hard letting go of that control, even though ironically we have no control anyway.  Our ideas of how things work out are often not in line with what God has planned for us.  There are many trials faced in this book with glimpses of God's goodness and blessings even in the midst of trials.  Overall it was a good book, but not one I would read over and over again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Tutor's Daughter Book Review

I have not read any of Julie Klassen's other books, so I have nothing to compare this to in regards to her writing.  With that being said, I found The Tutor's Daughter to be an enjoyable read.  There were parts I found to be a bit long, but overall there was enough character development and twists and turns in the storyline to keep me interested.  This was not an especially "happy" book, with family issues both in the Smallwood family and the Weston family, but I found Emma to be very likeable and enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book.  Overall I thought this was a good book and would be interested in reading more of Klassen's books as a result.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Courting Cate Book Review

Courting Cate by Leslie Gould was a wonderful book. I really loved this book, I couldn't put it down.  Cate is a very likeable character, although I did get somewhat frustrated with her stubbornness and sacrificial nature which was sometimes misguided, especially when it came to her sister Betsy.  I went back and forth with my feelings about Pete.  At first I liked him, then not so much, and then liked him again towards the end.  The story took a number of turns and twists that I was not expecting which was part of the reason I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to happen.  I liked the lesson Gould taught through Pete's family, that things are not always as they same and we need to extend grace to everyone regardless of how they treat us.  I wasn't sure if Cate would end up where I hoped she would, but I was pleased with the end of the story.  I am hoping book #2 is about Nan?  Loved her gentle nature.








Here is the summary of the book:
"In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor–until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?
Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series."

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.