My Jesus by Anne Wilson

Wow I don't even know what to say. I picked this book up at the right time and it has encouraged me so much. They say grief comes in waves, and that is a true statement. This year it is hitting in a different way. On Sept. 21, 2012 We lost my father in law when his friend was driving and drove off a mountain road. The car hit a tree and my father in law was killed instantly. Reading this book, I could so relate to what Anne wrote because I have walked similar paths. This year as the anniversary of my father in laws death approached there was a few Godthings that hit me. 1)This week the hymn for our homeschool hymn study is “It is well with my soul.” What a powerful hymn and a powerful testimony from the writer of the hymn. Which also as I was reading this book and Anne was talking about this hymn it really struck me the relevance of this. 2) I also had the opportunity to review this book. I was suppose to review it a few months ago, and it got lost on my shelf (sorry). Up until the last two days I could not have told you who Anne was, nor what her story was. After finishing the book today, it was such a powerful book. She talks about how her brother was in a car accident, hitting a telephone pole and was killed on the spot. I could so relate to Anne and her story and where she has come from. Her love for Jesus and telling others about him is such a blessing. This book was such an encouragement that came at just the right time. Thank you for taking time to write this book. It truly touched me and challenged me in few aspects of my faith. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch

A Thieving at Carlton House was the first book I have read written by Erica Vetsch and I look forward to reading more. I was swept up into the story and could not put the book down. It was like watching one of those older BBC murder mystery series. It was an easy read full of vocabulary. The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Philippa and watch her grow, especially in her faith. All the characters were great, and I look forward to getting to see more. The storyline and setting were fun. I enjoyed the mystery aspects. Hunting down the thief and the murder, while also trying to start up a house for women. It was a great storyline. The historical element was great, maybe a little light. I didn’t feel like I was learning too much new stuff historically. But everything has its place. Just if you are a history nerd (which I am not, but I do enjoy learning) it might be lacking. I enjoyed it though. Erica Vetsch did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the book. I was very pleased. It was a great reminder that nothing we can do can get us into heaven, and that everyone is worthy of salvation, no matter our past. God wants a relationship with all of us. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Inferno Benson First Responders #9 by Lisa Phillips

Inferno Benson First Responders #9 was not the first book I have read written by Lisa Phillips and will not be the last. This year was the first time I have read her works, and I have completely fallen in love with her books. I love the overlapping characters between series, but also appreciate that the books can be read as a stand-alone, for those of us who like to series hop. Inferno was very intense. It kept me on my toes. The character development was good. Though lacking in a few areas. There were a few characters that I wish I knew a little bit more about. Though I did enjoy getting to know Samantha and Juilo and watch their relationship rekindle. The storyline was good. Though sometimes a little intense. I really had to hold on for the ride and pay attention to the story line at certain parts. The relationship that rekindled between Samantha and Julio was sweet. I liked that they were trying to rebuild it in a God honoring way, even though that was not the case the first go around. Lisa Phillips did a good job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I appreciated the message behind this book. Trusting in God, even when it feels like He is not there, or maybe in the past He didn’t feel close. It was a good reminder. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Fire Proof by Susan May Warren

Fireproof is not the first and will certainly not be the last book I have read written by @susanmaywarren I signed up to review this book because I was curious why Fireproof and Firestorm looked so much alike. I realized my library at the first 5 books in this series on audiobook, so I listened to them in preparation to reading Fireproof and Firestorm. I was not expecting to love this series so much. I was completely drawn in and 100% invested in the characters. It was a fast and easy read. But beware, once you start this series, you cannot stop until you finish. The character development was powerful. It was really good. Though you might be able to get away with reading this book as a standalone, you might miss a little bit. Crispin’s story is brought up in the other books and gives a bigger picture to who he is. I really enjoyed getting to know Crispin and Jade. The storyline was great. It really kept things moving along and kept me wanting more. The setting was prefect. Having lived in Colorado, I am no stranger to the treat of forest fires and the damage they can do. It really helped pull me in and Invision what was unfolding throughout the series. The relationship that transpires between Crispin and Jade is a unique and sweet relationship. Just as the fire spread quickly, so did their relationship. Even though they felt that they could not pursue each other under the circumstance they were in. I appreciate that it was nothing spicy, just a super sweet romance. Susan May Warren did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. I always appreciate when the author does a good job on intertwining faith. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Testimony of Agent Adams by Alicia Gilliam

The Testimony of Agent Adams is the second book I have read by Alicia Gilliam , and it did not disappoint. Though you could totally read this as a stand-alone, it is kind of a spin-off of another series, Seth Browne. Which I still need to get my hands on and read. The Testimony of Agent Adams was an easy read. The character development was perfect. I enjoyed getting to know Agent Q and Hope a little better and getting to know Red. I loved seeing the difference in characters. Quincy’s journey to faith was fun and encouraging. Hope dealing with her relationship issues. And Red dealing with past trauma and trying to find her way in this world. I enjoyed each character and the role they played in the story. The storyline was great. I always appreciate a good criminal justice story line. So having Agent Quincy on a case, really drew me in. The relationship aspect was perfect. Nothing over the top. Just sweet and light. I always enjoy when an author keeps romance to the perfect amount and doesn’t make it the physical aspect the center of the story. Alicia Gilliam did a wonderful job intertwining faith throughout the book. I always appreciate when faith is intertwined and not just an afterthought. Also showing that faith is not always easy. Sometimes we need to struggle through it. *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

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.