tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293155754399477942024-02-19T02:37:52.562-06:00Happy Day PaperieI quit work when my daughter was born and have been doing freelance design work from home. I love to design cards and invitations and hope you like my designs. The Lord has blessed me with a beautiful family. I am so thankful! <a href="http://KimsCustomGifts.etsy.com">Kim's Custom Cards and Gifts</a>Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-76738849356565309462018-11-01T09:47:00.005-05:002018-11-01T09:47:50.601-05:00Prayers for the Battlefield Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zJGskd7MORyLmXFhL08e8RpTFyMAARJrKeDMtW7nuhfGKx53XLlWIcCrUIEY-8pd7KqwCIG_5GpQ1ZxDpiAXhDqNjA1qFXh7XpOUvS7XwwNWwn0cMdS032VwdhvGyPZEFr0diE52Z_dW/s1600/978-1-4964-1277-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zJGskd7MORyLmXFhL08e8RpTFyMAARJrKeDMtW7nuhfGKx53XLlWIcCrUIEY-8pd7KqwCIG_5GpQ1ZxDpiAXhDqNjA1qFXh7XpOUvS7XwwNWwn0cMdS032VwdhvGyPZEFr0diE52Z_dW/s320/978-1-4964-1277-5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="cr-widget-FocalReviews" data-hook="cr-widget-FocalReviews"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body-truncated">Admittedly
I don't usually gravitate towards books like this but I LOVED Heidi's
book Becoming MomStrong so when Prayers for the Battlefield came up as an option on the Tyndale
Book Reviewers site I requested it, and I am glad I did. I love how the
book is organized to make it easy to find a prayer for the specific
thing you are going through at the moment. I also appreciate the
introductions and scripture references to go along with each prayer. The
topical index is helpful for finding prayers for specific topics as
well. I most appreciate that the written prayers include many scriptures
so you are literally praying the scriptures. Many of them feel like
what I would pray if I were as eloquent as Heidi, so they resonate with
me. It is also a beautiful book in appearance and would make a great gift.</span></span><br />
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<span class="cr-widget-FocalReviews" data-hook="cr-widget-FocalReviews"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body-truncated">I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in
exchange for an honest review.</span></span>Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-69527027297359986752018-05-04T17:17:00.000-05:002018-05-04T17:17:36.633-05:00Blind Betrayal Book Review<br />
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I really enjoyed this 3rd book in the Defenders of Justice series by Nancy Mehl. Though it is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone book without any confusion. The characters were likeable and there was plenty of action and twists to keep you reading, as well as some romance mixed in. There were several story-lines taking place at once, so you do have to pay attention or it would be easy to get confused. Not my favorite of Nancy Mehl's books, but it was an enjoyable read.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-6416475708434366102018-03-15T10:33:00.002-05:002018-03-15T10:33:33.103-05:00In Places Hidden Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">In Places Hidden is the first book in a new series, </span><span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">Golden Gate Secrets, by Tracie Person. </span>I loved this new book by Tracie Peterson! Tracie has a way of getting you to care for the characters in her books in a short amount of time. I cried over the loss of one of the characters who had a very small role in the book as she had such a sweet, gently spirit. I am so looking forward to the other books in the series, hoping to find out more about the stories of those involved in the current plot-line (there were a lot of loose ends at the end of the book that need to be tied up). I love the truths of scripture that are woven throughout the story and the lessons Tracie teaches through her characters as well (i.e. not being prideful, judgemental, etc.). Really great story that had me reading through it very quickly. History, mystery, romance, great character development and story-line, what more could you want? :) <br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-5505268810796387722018-02-12T13:59:00.001-06:002018-02-12T13:59:17.989-06:00Death at Thorburn Hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Death at Thorburn Hall is the 6th book in the <span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">Drew Farthering Mystery series by </span><span class="author notFaded" data-width=""><span class="a-declarative" data-a-popover="{"closeButtonLabel":"Close Author Dialog Popover","name":"contributor-info-B00E6HG7C8","position":"triggerBottom","popoverLabel":"Author Dialog Popover","allowLinkDefault":"true"}" data-action="a-popover"><a class="a-link-normal contributorNameID" data-asin="B00E6HG7C8" href="https://smile.amazon.com/Julianna-Deering/e/B00E6HG7C8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1">Julianna Deering</a>.
</span></span>I have read a few of the books in this series and have enjoyed them, but they don't necessarily keep me engaged as much as some other mysteries do. There were plenty of plot twists (I did not necessarily expect the person who was guilty in the book to be who it was) and the characters are likeable, but it was a slow read for me. I like that there is a continuing thread of the mystery of Drew's mother throughout the series and you do get some answers where that is concerned in this latest book. Overall it was an enjoyable read, but I didn't devour the story like I do when I am really into a book and can't put it down.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-86488596286540289972017-12-18T14:07:00.002-06:002017-12-18T14:07:46.418-06:00The Ladies of Ivy Cottage Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the 2nd book in the series Tales from Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen. </span>Once again Julie Klassen did not disappoint. I loved this 2nd book in the series and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. This book focused more on Rachel and Mercy, but we did still get to learn more about Jane's story as well (the focus of the first book). I love the characters in this series and the anticipation of seeing how things will work out for them, relationally and otherwise. Things are still up in the air for Jane and Mercy, but Rachel's situation is mostly resolved within the pages of this story. There are enough questions/mysteries in the story to keep you interested and reading. I highly recommend this author and this series.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-76661560874874842892017-11-30T15:10:00.001-06:002017-11-30T15:10:33.401-06:00Blind Spot Book Review<br />
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<span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body">Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey is the 3rd book in the</span> Chesapeake Valor series.<span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body"> While I
normally like Dani Pattrey's writing and have enjoyed many of her books,
I found this book hard to follow. I wasn't able to sit down and read
through it quickly and consistently but that normally is not an issue as far as picking up where I left off in a book. With this book, that was very
difficult. I found it really confusing keeping everyone straight and
following all of the different story lines that were going on at once. I
read the first 2 books in this series, but it would have been nice to
have some reminders at the beginning of the book as to who everyone is.
Even having read the other books, I had a hard time remembering who was
who and what their background was. The characters are likeable and the
story is interesting, I just found I had to really concentrate when I
was reading so that I could follow the story. Perhaps if you read all 3
of these books in a row, it would be helpful and things would make more
sense.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</span>Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-39187491115347216352017-10-28T15:39:00.000-05:002017-10-28T15:39:40.244-05:00Deadly Proof Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan is classified as a legal thriller. While I enjoyed the characters in this book, I never really got into it. I could easily put it down when reading it and it took me a long time to get through it. The main characters, Kate and Landon, were likeable and I enjoyed how their relationship evolved as the story developed. The plot was also interesting in theory, it was just slowly developed and there wasn't a lot of suspense or twists to keep me interested and engaged. Overall the book was ok, but I'm not sure I would be interested in reading book #2.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-47622856353378472732017-10-04T12:48:00.002-05:002017-10-04T12:48:21.179-05:00Becoming MomStrong Book Reivew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvUaQEo9ob-1w-7vr5JwNH4FB3Kef6ZDzz4SQNOj2j_3He41GyfltMVrXhL8umePdzXOt0UZqjfW_C7BuieIAQJxku9oJVRvK2diXuJnZACpBrZbLhhtYFRmpAENJcyUpZFw_5lWEIWIe/s1600/978-1-4964-1265-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvUaQEo9ob-1w-7vr5JwNH4FB3Kef6ZDzz4SQNOj2j_3He41GyfltMVrXhL8umePdzXOt0UZqjfW_C7BuieIAQJxku9oJVRvK2diXuJnZACpBrZbLhhtYFRmpAENJcyUpZFw_5lWEIWIe/s320/978-1-4964-1265-2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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I LOVED this book, <span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">Becoming MomStrong: How to Fight with All That's in You for Your Family and Your Faith, by </span><span class="author notFaded" data-width=""><span class="a-declarative" data-a-popover="{"closeButtonLabel":"Close Author Dialog Popover","name":"contributor-info-B00MNVETNI","position":"triggerBottom","popoverLabel":"Author Dialog Popover","allowLinkDefault":"true"}" data-action="a-popover">
Heidi St. John</span></span>. I have been recommending it to all of my mom friends. I think I highlighted half the book. It covers so many topics that there is sure to be something in this book that connects with each and every mom out there. I love how she emphasizes hearing from God more than hearing from people and the importance of spending time in God's Word in order to grow in our faith, wisdom, and our role as a mom. There is so much truth and encouragement in this book. <br /><br />My favorite section of the book, as someone who struggles with anxiety, was this: "The question isn't whether our children should see our struggles and burdens. The question is, 'Does our response to trials point our children to Jesus Christ even as we stumble and struggle along the way?' If we tell our children that we trust God but we're living in a constant state of panic and distrust, what are we saying with our lives? Through our actions we put our trust in God on display for our children.... Does your life demonstrate a trust in God's provision? In His goodness? In His Word? In His timing? It's critical that is does. Why? Because we can't give our kids what we don't have." I do believe in God's grace and mercy in our areas of weakness, but this part of the book was so convicting to me and such an important reminder. I see evidence of my anxiety showing up in my kids and that is something I want to overcome as a family. <br /><br />This is a book I know I will come back to over and over again for encouragement and prayer prompts (each chapter has good prayer prompts at the end with verses that go with each prompt). <br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-26286920472594744212017-09-11T14:24:00.002-05:002017-09-11T14:24:35.380-05:00Crisis Shot Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Crisis Shot by Janice Cantore is the first book in her new series <span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">The Line of Duty. </span><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body">While I
enjoyed this book, it wasn't one of my favorites of this author. With
exception to the end of the book, I could easily put it down and not
pick it up to read again for a few days (that is very unusual for me if I
am really involved in a book). I liked the characters, but I didn't feel like I really "got to know" the characters very well and the story
line didn't keep me all that interested. Even with the main character, you don't learn that much about who she is. I will likely still read the
other books in the series when they come out because I did enjoy
the characters and would like to see how they evolve.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</span></span><br />
<br />Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-87246913240156099362017-08-05T21:14:00.003-05:002017-08-05T21:14:52.417-05:00Dark Deception Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl is the second book in her Defenders of Justice series. I hadn't read the first book in this series, but that certainly didn't detract from me loving this book. I loved the characters and the pacing of the book. I figured out some of the things along the way but others kept me guessing til the end. I got through it quickly because I wanted to figure everything out. I love how Mehl wove Biblical truths and lessons into the story so it didn't feel forced but fit seamlessly into the story-line. I am looking forward to reading book 1 and book 3 when it comes out. A great mystery/suspense story!<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-43839532199761141092017-05-23T16:10:00.002-05:002017-05-23T16:10:57.896-05:00Kingdom Family Devotional Book ReviewWe have been enjoying Kingdom Family Devotional by Tony and Jonathan Evans so far. The topics are interesting and have good application. I would say that the activities they sometimes have you do are better for kids ages 5-12. Also, we usually do family devotions before bed and because of some of the activities they suggest you do in this devotional, it doesn't work well for before bed devotions. Some of them can take a bit to complete. Overall I am happy with the devotional and it covers some topics that other kids/family devotionals seem to avoid, like spiritual warfare. I was given a complimentary copy of this devotional by the published in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-42735377343567638222017-05-23T09:37:00.000-05:002017-05-23T09:37:12.611-05:00Threads of Suspicion Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyDE4YJMB35ytulItGbemkaPSTB7eYDSB9r90QCmFIL8O70ALdX9OeIz3jf4WSoXpWhqpQ93zhk5GXgUdx-w-xnAm1LTosDmAU0LqjyeXTCw0lGNp2DmOYhya1Vsxo1pWoAKk4MqeSeXy/s1600/51tM%252BvJKwPL._SS300_.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyDE4YJMB35ytulItGbemkaPSTB7eYDSB9r90QCmFIL8O70ALdX9OeIz3jf4WSoXpWhqpQ93zhk5GXgUdx-w-xnAm1LTosDmAU0LqjyeXTCw0lGNp2DmOYhya1Vsxo1pWoAKk4MqeSeXy/s1600/51tM%252BvJKwPL._SS300_.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Threads of Suspicion is the newest book by Dee Henderson in the Evie Blackwell <span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">Cold Case series. </span>I wanted to love it, but it wasn't one of my favorites of hers. I once again got bogged down with too many details (as I have in some of her more recent books). I feel the book could have been shortened, as some of the details seemed unimportant and, frankly, made me bored at times. It was an interesting book but it had a slow start...and middle. The end was my favorite as it got more interesting and the plot moved along at a faster pace. I like Evie and the characters in the book but I think I liked the first book in the series better than this one. Overall, an ok book. I would recommend reading it still if you liked the 1st book. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-22509632154594440002016-12-26T18:21:00.001-06:002016-12-26T18:21:16.401-06:00Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife Book ReviewLetters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife by Barbara is a beautiful book so it may make a good gift for a new bride. I only got through about a third of the book, so I can't speak to the entire content of the book. I didn't find it engaging enough, so I can't necessarily recommend it. The part I did read had decent advice, I just found the way the book being written as letters seemed choppy and didn't flow well so it didn't capture my attention enough to want to finish the book. That being said, the style may appeal to others just not so much to me.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-81543901679744736162016-09-09T17:10:00.000-05:002016-09-09T17:10:02.954-05:00The Wish Book ReviewThis was not one of my favorites by Beverly Lewis, but it was still good. The premise of the book is interesting, 2 Amish girls become like sisters and then one of the girl's families moves away after her father is shunned. The main character misses her sister friend terribly and continues to wonder what happened to her and hopes for her to return. A few years later, she receives a letter from this friend and the story continues from there. The way it was written made me fearful that the main character, Leona, would make some poor choices which kept me reading. The book ended the way I had hoped, but I was wishing for some resolution with Gloria's family. Overall a good story and worth the read if you enjoy Beverly Lewis or Amish fiction.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-8641791423378657892016-05-26T18:49:00.001-05:002016-05-26T18:49:11.745-05:00Traces of Guilt book reviewI enjoyed this new book by Dee Henderson more than some of her other new books. I found the characters to be likable and well-developed. There were many stories to follow within the story so it makes me wonder what will happen in the books following this one. While not necessarily suspenseful, it did keep me reading to find out what happened in the cold cases they were trying to solve. Overall it was a good read and I will likely read the next book in the series when it comes out.<br />
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I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-38229618054973153552016-04-11T20:40:00.000-05:002016-04-11T20:40:15.917-05:00The Atonement Book ReviewWhile I enjoyed this book, it is not one of my favorites from Beverly Lewis. I found myself kind of lost in the beginning, trying to figure out what was going on and who was who. Therefore it was a slow start for me. About 1/3 to halfway through the book, the plot picked up a bit and started making more sense to me. I like the characters in the story and the message of God's grace and forgiveness and the importance of forgiving yourself. I was concerned the story would go in a different direction, but was so pleased with the outcome. Overall it was a good read, it just took me a while to get into it. <br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-82558943705121053642016-03-09T10:27:00.003-06:002016-03-09T10:27:50.528-06:00More than Just the Talk Book ReviewThis book is a great resource for parents, I wish my parents had had a similar resource to help guide me through what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior in the world of relationships and dating as a teen/single person. I love how blunt he is about things and that he doesn't dance around the tough issues. My one question/complaint is that I didn't even know what one of the terms he used in the book meant. I am not sure how I am supposed to be my kids go-to person for questions about sex when I may not even know some of the terms they are being exposed to. Do I google it (the thing he said we should try to keep ours kids away from having to do) and expose myself to the junk that may come up? I don't know.... Food for thought. Overall the book was really helpful and had a lot of Q&A examples, which I liked. I am prayerful that I will be able to discern when I should start talking to my kids about these things, they are still fairly young (6 and 8) and don't attend public school so I know they are exposed to less than some kids, but I don't want to miss the boat on some of these issues. It is a delicate balance...either way the book will be a helpful tool to use when the time comes.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-45458337546979669812016-03-01T14:46:00.001-06:002016-03-01T14:46:10.463-06:00Dressed for Death book reviewDressed for Death by <span class="author notFaded" data-width=""><span class="a-declarative" data-a-popover="{"closeButtonLabel":"Close Author Dialog Popover","name":"contributor-info-B00E6HG7C8","position":"triggerBottom","popoverLabel":"Author Dialog Popover","allowLinkDefault":"true"}" data-action="a-popover"><a class="a-link-normal contributorNameID" data-asin="B00E6HG7C8" href="http://smile.amazon.com/Julianna-Deering/e/B00E6HG7C8/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Julianna Deering</a> is the latest edition to the</span></span><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"> Drew Farthering Mystery series.</span><br />
While I enjoyed the other books in this series, this one left me a bit depressed. So much deception and murder. The writing was good and the plot was well developed. I personally just don't like to end a book feeling sad, just personal preference. I liked that it was not easy to guess who was to blame in the murders, I was completely thrown off the trail and suspected many other characters before the real murderer. It was a good mystery, I just didn't appreciate all of the deception and murder amongst the friends and family members.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-77085103079820789362016-02-16T15:28:00.002-06:002016-02-16T15:28:23.673-06:00Cold Shot Book Review<br />
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I loved this new book by Dani Pettrey. I thought the characters were very likable and the plot kept me guessing. Just the right amount of romance and suspense to keep me engaged. I am looking forward to finding out more about the characters in the coming books. Yes, there could have been better development of the characters, but the info we were given was enough even though it may have been better if there was a bit more detail. Overall I felt the book was a great, quick read and, as I said, I am looking forward to the other books in the series.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-70508670099641509652015-12-26T13:57:00.004-06:002015-12-26T13:57:48.239-06:00The Painter's Daughter Book ReviewWhile I normally LOVE Julie Klassen's books, I had a couple of problems with the Painter's Daughter. It didn't grab my attention right away, but I did get into it soon enough and finished it rather quickly. The biggest issue I had was I felt like the scenes of sexual tension between characters were too detailed and too often. It was an unnecessary addition to the story line. She could have conveyed the same feelings with much less detail. I would think twice before allowing a teen to read this book, probably best for a mature audience, though even with a mature Christian audience I felt the scenes were a bit much. All that being said, I did enjoy the story overall. As usual, her characters were well-developed and the story had enough tension/unanswered questions to keep me interested and reading. Klassen is still one of my favorite authors, I am just hoping she tones the romance down a bit in her next book.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.<br />Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-88785663035056597902015-11-28T19:38:00.003-06:002015-11-28T19:38:44.704-06:00Rising Darkness Book ReviewI really enjoyed this 3rd book by Nancy Mehl in the Finding Sanctuary series. I had read the first book in the series, but not the second, and I was able to read this one without feeling like I had missed something from the story line. The mystery elements were enough to keep me reading and I enjoyed watching Sophie transform and soften her heart towards God as the story unfolded. I also enjoyed reading more about some of the characters from the first book in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian fiction with a bit of mystery and romance woven through.<br /><br />I was given a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-66380987778109442692015-08-28T19:46:00.001-05:002015-08-28T19:46:31.742-05:00Not By Sight Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the first book I have read by Kate Breslin and I loved it! The characters were well developed and very likeable. There was enough mystery in the book to keep me reading and interested. I loved how Grace's character evolved and matured as the story progressed as did Jack's. It was fun to read as Jack and Grace's relationship developed into friendship and then something deeper. The twist with Grace's lady's maid/friend, Agnes, was sad but added depth to the story. As did the other Women's Forage Corps members stories in the book. Overall a great read! I look forward to reading her other book. <br />
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I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-18571306542709157222015-07-20T14:28:00.000-05:002015-07-20T14:28:26.196-05:00Taken by Dee Henderson Book ReviewThis was another interesting read by Dee Henderson. While not really suspenseful
like I was hoping, it was still a good read. I did not get through it
as quickly as I would a suspense story, however. The mystery part of figuring
out what happened to Shannon Bliss and who had her kidnapped was enough
to keep me interested in the story. Characters from Dee's other recent books were in this one, which was fun as well. Overall a good read with good
character development.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-66104522262955844032015-03-17T21:11:00.001-05:002015-03-17T21:11:50.781-05:00Worry Less So You Can Live More Book Review<span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold"></span><span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">Worry Less So You Can Live More by Jane Rubietta introduces a tool in every chapter that may help you in overcoming your worries. Each chapter ends with discussion questions/journaling prompts so it can be read alone or in a small group. </span>While I connected with some of the stories Jane shared (the red shoes story and a few others), I got bogged down in her writing style at times. I love that each chapter is about a tool that may help you in overcoming your worries. I am going to counseling for anxiety right now and one of the things we discuss is having tools in your toolbox to help with different levels of anxiety. This book reinforced some of those tools and also gave me a few new ones to try. I think this book is good, but as I said, I just didn't connect well with her writing style. Not sure how to describe it, but she can be kind of "flowery" at times, too wordy for me.<br /><br />I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest reviewKim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129315575439947794.post-7071665826707058562015-03-17T20:53:00.000-05:002015-03-17T20:53:24.065-05:00365 Moments of Peace for a Woman's Heart Book Review<span class="a-size-large a-color-success a-text-bold">365 Moments of Peace for a Woman's Heart is a daily devotional with a scripture, writing, and prayer for each day of the year. </span>While this is a nice book, I didn't connect with the daily readings like I did with Susie Larson's devotional Blessings for the Evening. While some of the devotions in this book were comforting/thought-provoking, there were many that didn't make an impact on me one way or another. The daily devotions are a nice quick read, a nice way to start your day if you don't have a lot of time, but if you are seeking peace/comfort/inspiration I would suggest Susie Larson's Blessings for the Evening or Blessings for the Morning.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Kim's Custom Cards and Giftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08296155609554153384noreply@blogger.com0