The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

The Summer of Yes is the first book I have read by Courtney Walsh, and I’m not sure why I have not read more by her, but now I must. I follow her on Instagram, so when I saw this book, I thought it would be the perfect summer read, and it was. Not only is the cover cute, but the story is beautiful. It was a super easy read. Hallmark meets Yes Day meets Devil Wears Parada (if we are going for all movie references). The character development is good. I loved that Kelsey wants to meddle in other people’s lives but seems unsure of how to change her circumstances. The idea of saying yes to each opportunity that presents itself, is the perfect thing for Kelsey. Georgina is an interesting character. I totally envisioned her as Meryl Strepp in Devil Wears Parada. The storyline was great. Not very realistic, because who is going to listen to some girl they just met. But I am a romantic at heart. The Hallmark storylines pull me in. I can appreciate a good story that is completely unrealistic when it has good characters and a good moral to the story. We all need that sometimes. I loved the idea of saying yes to things that we wouldn’t normally do. The budding relationship between Kelsey and Hayden is very sweet. I appreciate the closed door, non spicey romance that Courtney Walsh writes. I thought the relationship was a fun dynamic to the rebuilding of Georgina’s relationships with her husband and son. The faith element was there though a little on the light side. But the overall message of the book was good. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Here With Me (Home to Heritage Book 2) by Mandy Boerma

Here With Me is the first book I have read written by Mandy Boerma, but I have read books by both Tari Faris and Susan May Warren. It was so captivating and encouraging. I could not put the book down. It was the perfect hallmark style novel. I look forward to what will come next for Heritage. The character development was perfect. I loved getting inside Sadie’s hear and heart. Seeing her struggle through her situation and learning to lean on God and others. I also enjoyed seeing David’s struggle with his situation. Battling with listening to God and being ok with his calling changing. Opening his heart to the past and the future. Working through the trauma he went through. The characters were truly multi-dimensional. The storyline was perfect. The setting was great. I loved that it had that hallmark storyline and setting, but with the added faith dynamic. The relationship between Sadie and David is sweet. It was the perfect story, the perfect balance with nothing spicy, just sweet and perfect. Just the way I appreciate things. Mandy Boerma did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the entire novel. I was very encouraged by the book. It was the prefect reminder that I cannot do things on my own strength but need to rely on God. Also, that sometimes where God has placed us and the work that God has called us might change. That doesn’t mean we are any less used by God. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Walking On Hidden Wings By Rachel Scott McDaniel

Walking on Hidden Wings was the first book I have read written by Rachel Scott McDaniel and I look forward to reading some more of her books. Walking on Hidden Wings might be one of my favorite books so far of 2024, and that is saying something. This year has been filled with some amazing books so far. It caught my attention from the very start and sucked me in. I had a hard time putting it down. It is really well written and rich in vocabulary. The character development was powerful. It really sucked me in. I was right there with Geneva flying that plane. I loved getting to know Geneva and Warren. Geneva had a lot of layers to her. I loved that the book was written from her perspective. The storyline was outstanding. Rachel Scott McDaniel did an amazing job. Having Geneva’s flash backs to paint the full story was a unique way for the reader to get the full picture. Even if the flashbacks weren’t that far in the past. The relationship between Geneva and Warren was sweet. I loved watching them fall in love. The chemistry between them was perfect. Overall, it was the perfect balance. Not too much that I felt uncomfortable. The historical element was really great. I loved stepping back in time. I could really picture what it was like to be alive during the roaring 20s. Rachel Scott McDaniel did a really great job intertwining faith in with fiction. Pointing the reader back to God. It was really encouraging. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Home from the Storm was the first book I have read from Laurel Blount. When I first choose to read and review this book, I did not realize that the book is number four in the series. With that being said, there is enough overlap that you could get away with not reading the other three books. I personally will be going back to see what all unfolded with the murder of Caleb’s parents and the relationships between Caleb and his siblings. Looking at the descriptions, each of the books is from the perspective of the siblings. That is why there isn’t a whole lot you miss. It has been a while since I have read any Amish books. That is what drew me to this book. This book was well written and captivating. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the use of Pennsylvania Dutch sprinkled through out. Some of the speech could come off confusing if you are not used to the language and culture of Amish. The character development was great. I loved seeing Caleb struggle with his own stubbornness and having to decide for himself if he was going to return to the church. The emotions of finding out he was a father. Rhoda’s struggle with trusting Caleb was a very real struggle and was a great aspect. I loved Laurel Blount’s intertwining of faith, prayer, and scripture throughout the book. This was a great book. I look forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount, and going back and reading the other parts to this story. *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This was the first book I have read written by author: Grace Hitchcock; and I must say it will not be the last book I read from her. The Finding of Miss Fairfield was very well written. It really captured my attention and drew me in. I could not put it down. (Especially near the end) It was an easy read, but rich in vocabulary, which made it very enjoyable. The character development was great. I loved getting to know Sophia and watch her leave her nest and soar on her own; learning the value of hard work, money, and the hard lesson that not everyone can be trusted. Carver was an interesting character and was always surprising me with his abilities. Sheriff Kane surprised me the most. I did not peg him for such a scoundrel. The relationship between Sophia and Carver was sweet, though not ideal circumstances (Sophia engaged to Carver’s stepfather). Overall, I appreciated that the romance was not ‘spicy.’ I am always on a hunt for a good wholesome Christian romance novel, and The Finding of Miss Fairfield did not disappoint. The story line was fairly good. Though at times seemed a little all over the place. (Charleston, Las Vegas, New Orleans) With a lot of moving parts- forced engagement, falling in love with another man(future stepson), running away, learning to become a Harvey Girl, life in the wild west, interacting with all the other Harvey Girls, getting engaged, helping Nora out from social ruin, being kidnapped, escaping, marriage to Carver-the author does an amazing job keeping things going. The historical aspect was great. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it really took me back to the 1800s. The social pressures of the times was portrayed great. The social classes and the desire for better shone through. I enjoyed the little pieces of wild west that came through, but appreciated that it didn’t over take the story as some stories can do. Grace Hitchcock’s intertwining of scripture, prayer and pointing to God was the perfect touch. It really drew the reader back to the whole point of our life and reminder that we need to rely on God. I always appreciate when Christian Fiction points us back to our creator.

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers (Mark of the Lion Series)

This was a great book, very well written. I applaud Francine for the imagination and history behind this book. I can see a lot of work went into writing this book. Though I have to wonder, this being 7th larger book that I have read from Francine Rivers, it seems a trend that the character has to test out every path in life before getting it right. Julia....oh my word! Is there really people out there that selfish? Yeah there is, and it blows my mind. She has an arranged marriage, then married a guy she loves, then marries a homosexual so she can live how she wants. (I feel like she's bound to remarry in one of the other books) Then she is pregnant and aborts her baby, then pregnant again and orders her son killed (though he is not killed). When will she get it right. I feel like the book was a little long. It could have been shortened. I feel like I need to take a break before I start the next one.
On the other hand I want to be like Hadassah. Her devotion to God even though she went through all those trials, and even to be sentenced to death. The love Hadassah has for Julia is incredible. Without God she would not have been the woman she was. It made me think, am I that devoted to God? Would I stand up for Christ even if it meant my death? Would I love my master just as unconditionally?
I love Francine Rivers telling of the story and how she incorporated John and the other Christian's of that time. She does a really great job with incorporating scripture, history and her own imagination.
Definitely worth the read. Though I will admit it took me a few months to finish this one. With the my two kids, and life. I hope the next one takes a lot less time. I also hope to write more frequently.

Book look Bloggers

 I have just joined the booklook bloggers. Looking forward to getting back to reviewing some more books. I've taken a break since having my kids, and getting ready to get back to it. :)