Prayers for the Battlefield Book Review

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.

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

Blind Betrayal Book Review

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.

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

In Places Hidden Book Review

In Places Hidden is the first book in a new series, Golden Gate Secrets, by Tracie Person.  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? :) 

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

Death at Thorburn Hall

Death at Thorburn Hall is the 6th book in the Drew Farthering Mystery series by Julianna Deering. 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.

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

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage Book Review

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the 2nd book in the series Tales from Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen. 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.

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

Blind Spot Book Review

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey is the 3rd book in the Chesapeake Valor series. 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.

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

Deadly Proof Book Review

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.

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