𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝟗𝟐, 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲’𝐬 𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐝-𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
I’ll be honest I’m not a huge fan of the Jesus Storybook Bible but this book was cute. It is very loosely based on Psalm 92. Very easy wording for pre-schoolers and the illustrations are beautiful and eye catching. This would be perfect for kiddos 2-4 years old.
I received this book from Zonderkidz for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Book
Author: Nancy Mehl
Genre: Christian Mystery Thriller
Series: Ryland and St. Clair
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: July 11, 2023
Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case that went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.
But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. With a killer on the loose set on finishing the job he started, will River be pulled back into her tormented past or finally face the demons that haunt her?
With her trademark blend of page-turning thrills and intricate plots, Nancy Mehl delivers a spine-tingling thriller that will keep readers up all night.
But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. With a killer on the loose set on finishing the job he started, will River be pulled back into her tormented past or finally face the demons that haunt her?
With her trademark blend of page-turning thrills and intricate plots, Nancy Mehl delivers a spine-tingling thriller that will keep readers up all night.
My Thoughts
I have apparently been living under a rock because this is my first Nancy Mehl book and dare I say I am hooked?! From the very first page you are immediately immersed into the action of the story and it just doesn't let up.
These characters were no joke. River has gone through some intense trauma in her previous job as an FBI Behavior Analyst which has her changing careers. Joining her is her partner Tony who also has gone through some stuff in the exact same FBI case. They both start a private investigators office in a suburb of St. Louis and start their very first case while hoping the past doesn't come back to continue haunting them.
I loved Tony he was loyal, heartwarming, protective and charming. He wants to protect River from getting hurt not only physically but emotionally as well. We not only meet these two characters but we also have the point of view of the villain. A disturbed young man with the condition of synesthesia which I have never heard but was completely enthralled with and as a psychology fan I had to do some more digging on. Truly fascinating. But he's definitely not the only villain in the story... The other character we meet is River's mom which has Alzheimer's and you get to see what life is like for River living with a parent who suffers from this type of memory loss. The author did an excellent job at portraying this for you.
There is a lot going on in this story but it flows together so smoothly you will lose track of time while you are reading it! There is a faith thread in the story and I can't wait to see the growth of River throughout the series. While there is no romance between the characters I think there is potential for some. I hope that as the series goes on they "see" what is right in front of them so to speak. That would make this reader very happy.
Being that this is a series the author leaves you on a cliffhanger so now I need the next book so I am very impatiently waiting!
If you enjoy suspense storylines with creepy characters but a definite faith thread then I definitely recommend you grab this book! I for one can't wait to read more from this author!
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it!
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
Nancy Mehl is the bestselling author of over 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her at www.nancymehl.com and on her blog, the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
About the Book
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Christian Historical DIction
Series: Heroines WWII, Book 11
Release Date: August 1, 2023
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Hollywood Star Turns Spy
In 1943, Movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the ‘Casablanca of the North.’ When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.
The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Finn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?
With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.
My Thoughts
Once again Rachel Scott McDaniel has transported me into a new timeline with amazing characters that I just didn't want to leave. It is no surprise that I have loved every single book of Rachel's she truly has a gift of captivating the essence of the time period that she writes in and think she excelled in writing about the WWII era.
In this story we encounter Amelie Blake, a Swedish Hollywood movie star that everyone thinks is just all looks and no brains. Producer Henrik Zoltan approaches here but not for the role she expected. Rather Amelie becomes a recruit to spy on the Swedish elite without being noticed. Her mission seems simple acquiring lost documents that are crucial to the allies. In the process she is re-acquainted with someone from her past. Finn Ristaffason a gorgeous shipping magnate who definitely pops up anytime Amelie needs rescuing.
Rachel did a great job at keeping me engaged throughout the story. I honestly did not know who the villain was until they came into being. The romance was perfection!! Seriously if you haven't read any of her other books then you are missing out because she writes the most swoony-worthy scenes and kisses!! There are faith elements, witty banter and humor throughout this story that you don't want to miss out on.
Overall I loved this story but it is no surprise to me as I absolutely love this author and I impatiently yet eagerly await her next book. If you enjoy historical fiction and old Humphrey Bogart type movies you will definitely enjoy this book!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!
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.
I think I may have found a family devotional to start doing this year… God’s Word For Families is a 365 day devotional with different activities. It’s designed with different learning styles in mind which is great since not everyone learns the same! My favorite part is how they break it up for a day to day lesson on the Bible passage for that week!
Weekly Overview:
✨Sunday – Introduction (an age-appropriate version of the week’s Bible passage)
✨Monday – “Why?” (activities that show the purpose behind the Bible study)
✨Tuesday – Analytic Learning (“Fun Facts!” and “Did You Know?” activities to dig deeper into Scripture)
✨Wednesdays – Worship (a featured lyric video and other Apostolic songs)
✨Thursday – Real-life Application (a present-day story to illustrate the Bible lesson)
✨Friday – Discussion (questions for parents and kids to ask each other about our faith)
✨Saturday – Family Project (an activity for the family to do to put our faith in action)
Doesn’t that look so good? Definitely will keep everyone engaged every day of the week! I like the family project at the end!
🥳 GIVEAWAY
https://www.blessedfreebies.com/the-family-devotional-book-giveaway.html
Thank you @familydevotional @pentecostalpublishing and @frontgatem for the copy of this devotional to review. All views expressed are my own.
About the Book
Author: Amy Grochowski
Genre: Amish Romance
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 25, 2023
She’ll do what it takes
To keep his family together…
When her dearest cousin passed, Fern Beiler made her a promise—to look after her two young children and keep her memory alive. The obvious solution is a marriage of convenience to their father, widower Nick Weaver. But when spending time together causes lines to blur, can two childhood friends overcome feelings of guilt for a chance at happiness…together?
To keep his family together…
When her dearest cousin passed, Fern Beiler made her a promise—to look after her two young children and keep her memory alive. The obvious solution is a marriage of convenience to their father, widower Nick Weaver. But when spending time together causes lines to blur, can two childhood friends overcome feelings of guilt for a chance at happiness…together?
My Thoughts
Once again Amy Grochowski has transported me to Amish life and I loved every minute of it. Although this book is quite short don't let it fool you it has everything you need in small package. You cannot go wrong with a marriage of convenience, friends to more and second chance at love trope. Yep, she has beautifully combined all three into one and it was amazing! You read the story from both main characters but it is not chopped up like some stories can be rather it flows so easily as you get a peek into their thoughts for each other.
Fern and Nick were such great characters. I really liked how they maneuvered to make sure the kids always came first and that their memory of their mother was not lost. Their relationship developed very realistic throughout the story which is always good. They both had some things to workout for themselves and with God so it was neat to see that growth throughout the story.
One of the things I have loved about this author is how her faith threads are so solid. It was present from beginning to end. I have read all of Amy's books and loved all of them. I cannot wait to read more from her especially from this town of Promise. I would love to see a story on Fern's brother!!
If you enjoy Amish stories with romance and a strong faith element then I definitely recommend you pick this one up and all of her other books!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!
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
Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real-life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.
After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder. Learn more at amygrochowski.com or follow Amy on Facebook.
About the Book
Book: Counterfeit Faith
Author: Crystal Caudill
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, Book 3
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Publisher: Kregel
As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She'll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she's determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don't like to be crossed--and they're willing to kill to get their way.
Gwendolyn knows she can't quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.
Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble--and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he's truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.
As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible--if they can live through this case. At the same time, he's put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?
Gwendolyn knows she can't quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.
Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble--and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he's truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.
As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible--if they can live through this case. At the same time, he's put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?
My Thoughts
Counterfeit Faith was the last book oof the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series and it was perfection! I was so sad to see this series end because the characters and the storyline is so well done. I have enjoyed getting to know these characters even more as they each get their own storyline and Josiah's was so good. Josiah is investigating a counterfeit ring and his sources bring him to the Final Chance House of Refuge where not only does Gwendolyn is matron of, but his nieces and nephew have been placed in without his knowledge. So he has a double investment towards this case.
I absolutely loved the camraderie and love between these two characters. Granted that they are not without past lives. Josiah has been married before to the love of his life, so we see him opening up his heart to someone new. Unexpected for him but he can't help falling in love with Gwendolyn. They both learn a great deal of faith throughout the story.
One of the things I really admire about Ms. Caudill is that she doesn't waver when it comes to the faith threads/elements in her stories. They are solid and make you stop and think. She does it in a way that truly flows with the storyline and doesn't feel forced which tells me that her belief in God is genuine and not something that she has to pen but naturally flows from her.
Overall it was a great ending to the series and very bittersweet that it is over. However... I am looking forward to her next book and I hope and pray that she has many more coming! If you enjoy mystery, romance and faith filled books then I definitely recommend you read the whole series and do it in order!
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
Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.
About the Book
Author: Janine Rosche
Genre: Women's Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: June 6, 2023
After a tragic accident robs her of the last nine years of memories, Lori Mendenhall comes home to a family completely different than she remembers. As her memory returns and past secrets resurface, it will take all of them to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.
My Thoughts
If you have read other books by Janine Rosche, you will find that this one is very different. This is definitely a women's fiction novel with a touch of romance. I'll be honest and say that it took me a few chapters to truly get into the book. It was hard connecting to Lori. She is a character that has suffered tremendous loss and some memories of the past are completely forgotten to her. It was interesting to see how her character developed throughout the story. Lori's daughter Avery is also struggling with a lot of emotions but I think she was a bit more relatable than the main character.
Like I said this is a different book for this author. The topics of that were mentioned may triggers for some but I think the author did a great job at handling it tactfully. She definitely helps you bring forth your feelings wether good or bad towards certain characters.
The only thing I needed a bit more of in this book was a stronger faith thread. There were SO many opportunities I felt like were missed to expand on God's understanding and working in these characters lives. The characters do attend church and they mention someone praying but that was it. So that is my only negative if you see it that way. Again totally my opinion.
Overall I thought it was a good book and very well written. Being it was something new for me from this author I think she did a very good job with the topics she wrote about. If you enjoy Women's fiction then I suggest you grab this one!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her novels. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.
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