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Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama

The Shenanigans of a Bookish Mama journeying through Motherhood, Homeschooling and lots of Books!

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Windswept Way by Irene Hannon ~ Book Review

April 30, 2023

 



About the Book 


Book: Windswept Way
Author: Irene Hannon
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Series: Hope Harbor, Book 9
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: April 4, 2023

Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.

Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.

Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms.




My Thoughts 


Although I have other books in this series on my TBR shelf this is my first Hope Harbor book and I loved it. This also is my first Irene Hannon book ever. I know what is wrong with me?! Apparently I have been living under a rock. I have heard great things about this author, hence why I own several of her books but sadly I haven't gotten to any of them but I definitely will be changing that! 

This book takes us back to Hope Harbor and I can say that they can definitely read it as a stand alone. I didn't feel like I was missing anything but I will definitely be reading them in order so that I can meet the different characters that popped in throughout this story. 

In this story we meet Ashley and John. Two very different people, from different backgrounds but both carried with them scars from the past. Some visible and others not so much. The story definitely reminded me of Phantom of the Opera/ Beauty and the Beast and I loved that this was incorporated towards the end of the story ( you will love that part!!) We also meet Rose who is the owner of the house in which Ashley wants to restore and repurpose. Rose was probably my favorite character of all. I loved that she came out of her shell throughout the story and welcomed herself into society. She also had a bit of a mystery going on with her and I must admit it took me the whole story and I did not have it figured out but I loved how this older lady just had a zest for life. 

Overall I really enjoyed this story. I really liked how Irene weaved God's faith throughout the story and how some of the characters were used as the vessels to portray God's infinite love to the characters. If you enjoy Christian contemporary novels I definitely recommend this one. I for one can't wait to return to Hope Harbor!

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really liked it

I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author


Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 60 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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A Summer at Sagamore by Lisa M. Prysock ~ Book Review

April 25, 2023

 

About the Book


Book: A Summer at Sagamore
Author: Lisa M. Prysock
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Release date: March 14, 2023

Can summer love survive amid mystery and mayhem?


When Abigail Greenwood and her cousins settle in for their annual summer retreat at the stunning and impressive Sagamore Resort in the Adirondacks,  all she wants is to spend as much time as possible plunking out stories on her typewriter. But when her cousins insist she join them in the tradition of choosing a beau to adore from a distance during their stay, she reluctantly plays along, setting her sights on a mysteriously quiet and aloof guest. What started as harmless fun soon changes as Abby finds herself captivated by debonair—and handsome—Jackson Gable. Who is he, and why does his arrogant amused smile exasperate her so much?


When a series of events causing mayhem and mischief begin to occur at Sagamore, journalist Jackson Gable is determined to get to the bottom of it, since his father is an investor of the resort. Jack has a nose for mysteries, but he may have to use his recently earned law degree and some of his posh family connections to sleuth out the culprit. Are the events connected? Why are they happening? And why can’t he get the beautiful Abby off his mind?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


My Thoughts


This was a good story with a great setting. I enjoyed visiting the Sagamore Resort in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in 1907. Just when you think this is going to be a sweet romance the author throws you a twist with a mystery.

I really enjoyed that this author had the storyline filled with lessons from the Bible and it is mixed in a way that truly flows with the story. It never feels forced or preachy which is a gift for authors to capture. 

The main characters of Abby and Jack were great in the story and kept you smiling as you saw their growth throughout the story. 

Overall I thought this was a great story and despite it being part of a series I felt like it read great a stand alone. If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you grab these books!

My Rating: 4 Stars/Very good!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.





About the Author


Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

 


More from Lisa


Behind the scenes at A Summer at Sagamore


When a dear writing friend approached me about writing a contribution for Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts, my heart leapt. The Gilded Age is my favorite time to write. Ask me to write anything from 1870 to 1910, and I’m hooked. I love the way traditions are colliding with progress and changing the world in this era.

 

An exciting time for women, I knew the heroine, Abigail, would be a writer, enthralled with her new, clunky, heavy manual typewriter. Independent, set to inherit her grandmother’s wealth, she would not be looking for romance. I wanted Abby’s grandmother, cousin, and sister to give us plenty of humor and fun along the way. Meanwhile, Abby, would portray a young woman on the brink of writing about her faith, inspired by a few pioneer writers and a previous experience to join the endeavor to pave the way for others to do the same.

 

Along comes our hero, Jackson. Jack has this Clark Gable kind of vibe, only younger, more handsome. He has strong faith, but it’s quiet, stifled by his position in society. Abby brings out the best in him. I loved watching their romance blossom and their trust in God grow amid the mystery of all the happenings at the Sagamore. More themes came out of the book than I expected. I can’t wait to share it with you.




Blog Stops



Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 16

Texas Book-aholic, April 17

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 21

Mary Hake, April 21

Connie’s History Classroom, April 22

Cover Lover Book Review, April 23

Holly’s Book Corner, April 23

Book Looks by Lisa, April 24

Sylvan Musings, April 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Blogging With Carol, April 27

For Him and My Family, April 27

Splashes of Joy, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29

Pause for Tales, April 29


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2566e/a-summer-at-sagamore-celebration-tour-giveaway 




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You are Loved ~ Product Review

April 20, 2023

 



I have been on the lookout for something like this journal for a long time! Here is a journal that you can write a Bible Verse and reflect and pray on what you have just read. I know there are other journals out there but this one is simple and to the point which is great for a busy mama like me! I’m not saying we need to rush through our time with God but it’s nice to not have all the “extras” when you just want to focus on the one thing and for me it’s reflection on what I just read and making sure it stays in my mind and heart throughout the week!

I also really like that this has these affirmation cards with Bible verses. They are perfect to hand around on the fridge, bathroom mirror or office as a reminder not only for yourself but others in your household.

This would make a perfect gift… (hint, hint Mother’s Day is coming…) use this link ➡️ https://www.warnerpress.org/you-are-loved and code BLOG30 to save 30% off your purchase!

Thank you @warnerpress for sending the items for review! I was not required to post a positive review. All views are my own!

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The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids ~ Review

April 15, 2023

 





Looking for a new Bible for your 4-8 year olds? Transitioning from a picture Bible to a more traditional one is hard but a necessary step as kiddos grow. Right now that is exactly what we are doing and while we still will use our picture Bible for my beginning reader they each received one of these for Easter to make the transition.

Here are the features:

o Designed for kids ages 4-8

o Early readers can read the full Bible in a single column format in a very readable font. Chapter and verse numbers have been removed to provide a distraction-free reading experience.

o With nearly every page, children will encounter over 750 full-color illustrations and kid-friendly maps that bring the Bible to life for them.

o The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) text, written at a third-grade reading level, make it possible for kids to read the Bible on their own.

o The NIrV is based on the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV), today’s world’s most widely read Bible translation.

o Whenever possible the NIrV uses the text of the NIV but where necessary uses shorter sentences and words easier to understand. Throughout the translation, each verse has been meticulously evaluated in light of the meaning of the original languages in which the Bible was written.

The like that it has a few illustrations to help them with the stories and while they can’t read the whole thing on their one yet it is still easy to understand when I read it to them. It will be a good Bible for them to grow with.

🛍️ https://bit.ly/nirvillustratedbibleFG

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After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot ~ Book Review

April 14, 2023


 



About the Book 


Book: After the Shadows
Author: Amanda Cabot
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Series: Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: March 21, 2023

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.




My Thoughts 


This was a great introduction to the town of Sweetwater Crossing. We meet sisters Emily, who is the true main character of this story and Louisa who leaves to a town in which is the setting for another of Amanda Cabot's book. I think it's neat when authors can interweave their other stories into their current ones. Let me knot get sidetracked though... there is mention of another sister but she is off in Europe so we don't really get to know much of her. 

Emily comes from an abusive marriage. She comes home after her husband dies only to find out her mother has passed and her father supposedly commits suicide. She however believes this is not correct and tries to find out the truth. In order to make ends meet she opens up her home as a boarding house. Craig and his son are one of the boarders along with Mrs.Carmichael. There is another boarder Beulah who has down syndrome and comes and stays with them so she can attend school. I absolutely loved her character and thought it was a nice addition to the story. 

I must admit that this story was a slow one. It took me quite a few chapters to get into it. Although I felt for Emily and her situation I felt like her storyline dragged and even though I wanted to get to the culprit of her father's murder that took way too long to be figured out. 

Overall I thought it was good. I really like Amanda Cabot as a writer so this story won't deter me from reading her other books. If you enjoy historical fiction and a Dr. Quinn type of setting then you will definitely enjoy this story. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.



About the Author




With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
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Blind Trust by Natalie Walters ~ Book Review

April 13, 2023

 








About the Book 


Book: Blind Trust
Author: Natalie Walters
Genre: Christian Romance Suspense
Series: Snap Agency, Book 3
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: April 11, 2023

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolas Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.



My Thoughts 


I cannot believe this series is over (insert crying face). Listen I have been waiting for Lyla and Garcia's story since reading book 1. I just needed to know exactly what was going to happen to these characters and let me tell you Natalie Walters did not disappoint. I wasn't sure where the story would go and what situation these characters were going to be immersed in but boy was it good! There is no hesitation or easy intro into this story. Right from the start you are thrown into the thick of it. We see Lyla being her usual confident, "no fear" self and Garcia trying to protect her from any danger that may come upon her.

If you have read the books from the beginning I can divulge that you will get a look into the past of Garcia and Lyla. Definitely helps you understand why they are the way they are to each other. I really can't tell you too much without giving the story away but know that this book is full of suspense and twists I was not expecting. I completely enjoyed seeing the SNAP team together again and their relationship with each other is as stronger as ever. 

I have really enjoyed all the books in the series and I recommend you read them in order (starting with the prequel!). This was absolutely my favorite one but I think its because I just fell in love with these two characters. Natalie Walters is definitely a talented writer. I love that although she writes a story filled with suspense it's also filled with funny encounters and banter that will make you chuckle and laugh out loud, but most of all she infuses a faith thread into her stories that flows seamlessly. 

Overall I absolutely loved this story and I definitely recommend it to everyone who loves romantic suspense! 

My Rating: 5 Stars!! LOVED IT!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.



About the Author




My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.


Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cxla3i
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kQ4UgN
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3l39V63
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/30buJju
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