"Proverbs Prayers" Book Review

An interesting devotional on the book of Proverbs by John Mason.

This is not something that you necessarily "study", but short readings from each chapter of Proverbs that can be done as a one-month devotional. Each chapter has a chapter that is taken from the New American Standard Bible (unless other wise noted) and a corresponding prayer that really breaks down the proverb itself into a way we can ask God to teach us or speak to us using the focus(es) of that particular proverb. As the wording below the title of the book explains, it really is "praying the wisdom of Proverbs for your life".

I prefer to read the NIV version of scripture. So, I would read in my bible and then read the prayer. There were some differences in the interpretations.

Mason does a thorough job breaking down the proverbs to a prayer form. I liked that he did a Men's prayer and Women's prayer to Proverbs 31--the famous "Wife of Noble Character" proverb.

The end has a section of snippets on major biblical themes, like trust, wisdom, pride, etc.

The book is encased in a peaceful looking cover. Would make a nice gift for someone special, graduate, etc. There is even a "To and From" page in the beginning of the book for such and occasion.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Every Girl Gets Confused" Book Review

Texas gal Katie Fisher is stuck in two worlds: her work world of Dallas and the family ties to where she grew up in the small town of Fairfield. Add to that her new basketball boyfriend and reminders of "what was" in a former beau, Casey from back home, her worlds keep co-mingling and getting this girl--confused...but what will Katie decide or who will make the decision easier?

I know that's not the greatest intro to a review that I've written. I can't really say much more than that because I could not finish this book. But, I skipped to the end and read the ending (basically skipping 100 pages and I think I still got the gist of things--and that's sad.

I've not read any books by Janice Thompson. If this book is any indication of her others, I won't be either. This may possibly be the harshest review I've ever done. I've never not finished a book before. I tried, I really did, to get into this book, but the never ending dialogue just killed it for me. The characters weren't developed. The time-frame took forever. The cast of charters was too big and multiple-named at that (Bessie May and Lori-Lou, etc.).

There was one shining light in the character of Alva, Katie's great aunt (I think). She was a hoot from what I read (over 200 pages of a 331 page book). The type of person that we wish we could all be--minimal on the verbal filter. The touches of humor were nice, but not a saving grace.

The plot was nothing to write home about. I can't really divulge much for giving spoilers, but there wasn't too much mystery and not really any twists.

I give this 2 stars out of 5.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"The Horse Of My Heart" Book Review

A collection of stories of horses and the lives they impacted, this book will make you laugh and cry. I know it sounds cliche, but it really did for me!

I am a horse owner, so I could totally relate to some of the life-lessons that were learned by the authors that penned some of these stories. As I said, some made me laugh and a few made me cry...(I will let you figure out those.)

Even, if you aren't a horse owner, but are a horse lover, you could appreciate this book. Mainly, because lots of the story writers had that initial passion--love. Even if you aren't a "horse lover", I think you could still appreciate the lessons learned. The book reminded me of those human-interest type stores that the news stations put on once in a while that leave you feeling warm-fuzzies--that maybe there is still good that happens and the underdog does triumph.

As mentioned, the book is a collection of stories penned by several authors. Each story is not long in length, a few pages to several pages. The lengths would be good for a short read before bed or even something to read aloud at the dinner table for family time. Content is very family friendly.

Overall, 5 stars. Just a good book that is light and leaves you feeling good.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Murder At The Courthouse" Book Review

In the sleepy town of Hidden Springs, Kentucky, Micheal Keane can appreciate the slower pace of small-town life. But when a murder takes place--on the courthouse steps, no less--the town gets turned on its ear and the events that unfold leave Hidden Springs anything but "sleepy".

Ann Gabhart weaves a tale of mystery in her latest novel. This is the second book I've read by Gabhart. The first was her book, "The Innocent". This book is not historical or about the Shakers. A bit of a change from her other books, it is modern day and has a male protagonist.

I had a very hard time getting into this book. I felt it moved very slowy. The "landscape" didn't change much and the cast of characters was small. And it was a "conversational" book--lots of dialogue. It reminded me a lot of Tracie Peterson's books...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just not what I prefer to read. Gabhart does give depth to the main character, Michael. He does have to come to grips with an event that happened previously in his life that almost is a subplot to the main plot which does add interest.

If you are looking for the romance element, there isn't much of one. But, if you are looking for mystery it's definitely in this book. There are some twist and turns that I was not expecting. I felt Gabhart did well in that respect. When twists started occurring, the book picked up pace and held my attention a lot better. By the end I was guessing, "who done it" and couldn't wait to see who really did. But, getting there was a bit painful for me.

Overall, I give this 3.5 stars. It just moved to slowly.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"You Can't Text A Tough Conversation" Book Review

Technology. Communication. Can the two go hand in hand?

Mike Bechtle explores these two elements in his fourth book. At first I thought the book would address more the use of technology and ways to combat having and using technology and still be able to have conversation. He does make the introduction with mentioning technology, but shifts to the main element of conversation. Bechtle explores the deeper things that make up conversation, with relationships being at the core: how we interact, how we listen, how we are as individuals, how we relate to others, etc. Those things all influence and are basics of how we approach actual conversation. And conversation isn't actually talking, but listening as well.

I admit, I was a little disappointed on the focus about the building blocks of conversation and not the focus on technology. But, after reading the book I can see how "conversation" needed to be dissected first so we know what things can make or break good conversation. As with other books of this nature, I get a little bogged down in the explanation some times. Examples are great to make a point, but sometimes I feel like saying, "OK, I get it already." I felt that a few places in the book.

Bechtle adds statistics and study information to backup and add credence to his writing, which I always fund interesting and helpful. There were several pages that got "dog-eared" because of points he made or observations that were impacting. Something else that Bechtle does is add quotes from various sources, from famous to anonymous, as a "prelude to the chapter". Some I actually laughed out loud on they were that funny!

Bechtle, does brings the book full circle and concludes with things we can do to use technology for good and not evil in sustaining the life of old-fashioned conversation. Technology is here to stay. It's how we use it (or not) that makes the difference.

Overall, 4 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Taming the To Do List: How To Choose Your Best Work Everyday" Book Review

Procrastination? Fear? Perfectionism? Time Management? Willpower?

All these words and then some are addressed in Glynnis Whitwer's new book, "Taming the To Do List" and when I saw the title up for review, I thought, "yeah that might be good for me." I guess based on the title I thought that it would actually give pointers to refine, breakdown, organize--"tame"--my to-do list. I was pleasingly......disappointed. While Whitwer does address what I thought the book would be about in a small portion, she actually addresses more the psychology behind why the list can or cant' be tamed. Namely, a lot of those words at the top of this review.

You can tell that Whitwer definitely did her homework siting references from books and studies she used to educate herself on this topic. Not only were there scholarly references, but she took it a step further to use biblical references as well.

As a christian, I often wonder how I am doing on God's to-do list for me. For example, she sites fear as one of those reasons we may procrastinate and then sites verses to help us combat that feeling.

There are end of chapter self-help sections where the reader is asked to "list" things and apply what you just read.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It definitely helped me recognize some things about myself that I can improve on. Like this review for example. This was the last day for reviews to be submitted. Its 7:30pm...Can we say, this was a good book for me to read? 5 stars!!!

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Last Chance Hero" Book Review

Jessica MacLeod arrives in Last Chance, New Mexico with hopes of finally having her own medical practice and living part of a childhood dream. She quickly realizes that her city ways, unfamiliarity with small-town high-school football and whether she wants "red" or "green" puts her in the minority.

New head football coach for Last Chance High, Andy Ryan returns to his hometown of Last Chance a hero of the "glory days" of football and Puma Pride. Andy soon finds that the memories and expectations of the past--on and off the field--still linger.

Can this newcomer and a high-school golden boy share enough interests to be friends and possibly more? Or will expectations fizzle this relationship before love has a chance in Last Chance?

Cathleen Armstrong threw me right in to the middle of the Last Chance series. This is the fourth book in A Place To Call Home series. This is a novel on its own, but reading the others in the series would have been helpful just to get a better feel for the town and residents.

The book itself, I felt, was a little more on the lighter side of what I'm used to reading. However, the characters do have internal struggles and issues to overcome. I wouldn't say the the characters are multi-dimensional, but they are easy to relate to--especially since the storyline does take place in modern day.

There were several characters to keep track of, but not too difficult to do so. There are the usual characters that are endearing and the ones you question motives. The setting is in a small town, so characters and their relationships overlap.

Overall, the book moved along at a nice pace.

One thing I experienced while reading this book was an absolute craving for green chile! ("Red" or
"green" is an accompaniment at the local restaurant, The Dip-n-Dine) Literally, I would be reading and my mouth would water! So if you like Mexican food, beware!!

My only disappointment was nearing the end, I was left asking lots of questions of "what happened to..." However, for Armstong to structure her novel that way was a clever tool to lead  you to want to read the next in the series. Kudos on that!

Overall, I would give this a 4 stars out of 5.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"The Memory Weaver" Book Review

In this coming-of-age story of Eliza Spalding, we watch a girl become a woman in the fairly untamed region of the Pacific northwest. Daughter of missionary parents, Eliza carves out her way. Always dogged by memories of abduction from an Indian tribe close to the settlement where her parents ministered, can she find her way and heal from that incident so long ago?

This is the first novel I've read by Jane Kirpatrick. She clearly took great effort in researching the life and times of Eliza Spalding and her family and that of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the mission establishments in what is now Washington state and surrounding areas. The characters were real and Kirpatrick gave them voice and humanized them, even though this is a work of fiction.

I really appreciated the map and the cast of characters section at the beginning of the book. I'm not familiar much with the locale of the setting in the story and this greatly helped paint a picture in my mind's eye.

The structure of the book was a little confusing for me to follow. The "memory weaving" was done strategically using Eliza's mother's diary to almost preface or mirror what was going on in Eliza's life at the time. So, there was a lot of back and forth between memories and current story line. Then nearing the end of the book, Eliza has an epiphany...I can't say much more than that. But, by the end of the book, I found myself wanting to know "so what really happened"? Maybe a short blurb at the front of the book with the actual history surrounding the abduction, etc. would have been good. There was information at the back of the book, but I discovered this after the fact.

The characters of Eliza's sisters, father and Andrew were nicely peppered and unique in their own way adding spice to the story. They too have their own struggles we see.

The book is written in the first person. A nice touch given the intimacy (non-romantic) of the story line between mother and daughter and the inner struggle they each had.

This was a storyline that makes you think and puts you into the minds of two strong women. Put it during an exciting time of our nations growth and in a rare setting as well, you have the makings of an interesting read. I give it 4 stars out of 5.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"The Mistress of Tall Acre" Book Review

As this young country emerges from the grip of the American Revolution, those who made it--either fighting it or waiting at home--try to piece together a new life yearning for normalcy; or a sense of it. But for the daughter of a Scotsman loyal to the crown, Sophie Menzies has it harder than most in Roan, Virginia--given the blight to her family name. Trying to eek out a life on meager means at her Three Chimneys home, Sophie finds hope in the return of Seamus Ogilvy--neighbor, General, war hero, widower and father.

General Seamus Ogilvy returns to Tall Acre a hero, but feeling none of the pomp and circumstance it should entail. Even though battlefield chaos is over, he is mounting an attack to return Tall Acre to its former glory. But perhaps the biggest battle is being a father to the daughter he left the day she was born.

Seamus and Sophie form an unlikely partnership in efforts to forge ahead in this time of healing for our young country. But when tragedy strikes, can they find the strength within and together to press on?

I was saving this review--the best for last, as they say...I must be honest and say that Laura Frantz is one of my favorite, if not THE favorite, of my go-to authors. So, much to my delight, when I found that The Mistress of Tall Acre was one of the books for review this month, I literally bounced in my chair when I read the offerings from the publisher!

Frantz, I have no doubt wove the story of Seamus and Sophie while curled in the arms of a soft chair with nothing but the sound of a crackling fire, scent of a bayberry candle and the scratch of a pen tip on paper to keep her company. As usual, her characters and story lines are developed and layered. She has an excellent way of relaying the angst, confusion, wants and desires of the characters while within the boundaries of social etiquette for the time period. However, we know that love has no boundaries, even in 1784!! I also appreciate that at the end of sections or chapters, she puts these poignant little one-liners or brief thoughts that drive the feeling home. I was pleased to see the quote from the Declaration of Independence at the beginning of chapter one. I hoped the subsequent chapters would have quotes like Frantz used in the Ballantyne Legacy, but sadly they did not. But, that's alright.

My only true "complaint", and maybe that thought shouldn't be titled as such..."concern" perhaps? I was never completely sure what Seamus' actions at Early Hall were all about...(I cant say too much) I re-read from that scene to the end and couldn't find an answer. I'm curious to know what that was all about and also the change in Seamus from wanting to jump into politics and going off to Williamsburg again to then...oops, cant say much more. More development may have been nice there...But perhaps word counts didn't allow? None-the-less, as the reader, you can see through the lines and make assumptions. And it didn't seem to effect the main story line. It just made me quirk a  brow here and there.

As with most of Frantz books, I find myself befriending the characters. And inevitably, I feel a sense of loss when I must let them go. But in the back of my mind I wonder, what will the next adventure be for them? In wanting to join the characters in the next novel, I feel a little like Sophie before heading to Annapolis... "Her wayward heart was already counting the hours till she'd be back."

5 stars. I'd feel guilty giving it anything less!

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Through Waters Deep" Book Review

The United States is on the cusp of entering World War II. Anti-German feelings are running thick amongst the country--as well as the Boston Navy Yard. Quiet but gutsy secretary Mary Stirling uses her shorthand and love of Nancy Drew to piece together clues surrounding possible sabotage to a brand new ship being built at the Navy yard. With a large number of suspects and a mystery at hand, Mary finds help and an ally in Ensign Jim Avery. Can Jim and Mary help catch the saboteur? Can they learn how to overcome pride and to not be content with wherever the waves take them--and risk career, life AND falling in love along the way?

This is the first novel I've read by Sarah Sundin...She can definitely pack a lot of historical detail and mystery into a novel! As I said, the storyline is set on the brink of the US involvement in WWII. Most all chapter headings include a date, so you can track progress. Sundin provides much detail to the historical events and I did check some for accuracy and the ones I checked were correct. However, on the flip to that, there was some explanation that read a bit like a history book or there were times when it almost felt like the author assumed you knew the role of what the Axis and Allied powers were doing at the time. I literally had to read-up on the time period to get a handle on things. Not something I really want to do when reading a novel...That being said, there was a lot of naval jargon as well. Some of the battle scenes or military maneuver scenes bogged me down in the lingo. Same with the ship jargon. I mentioned in a previous review of another book, that maybe give a diagram or something for those of us he don't know Aft from Starboard. And for this novel (or next) possibly preface the novel with a brief "history lesson"? I would have found those things helpful.

As far as the plot...wow! Very involved and lots of thought went into it. I was guessing well into the book "who done it". However, there were a lot of characters to keep track of and I found myself getting characters mixed up. However, the characters of Jim and Mary did seem developed fairly well. Besides the actual plot, the subplot of Jim and Mary working through things in their past was a nice change. Add to that their budding romance and I just had to keep reading to see how it all worked out.

Overall, I would give this a 3.75 stars. Some of the jargon was a little daunting and the history lessons were daunting as well.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Hope Harbor" Book Review

Tracey Campbell, a cranberry farmer by day, accountant by night. A true jack-of-all-trades, Tracey attempts to keep her family's cranberry farm afloat on the outskirt of Hope Harbor, Oregon.

Non-profit director Michael Hunter escapes to Hope Harbor as a final homage to his late wife...

Add in a town recluse, an ornery uncle, an overly-friendly seagull and out of this world tacos and you can watch as Tracey and Michael's worlds collide. Each harbors a past with vast differences but underling similarities that threaten to undo them both. But with God's intervention will they also find hope, in this harbor town?

I've come across books by Irene Hannon, but this is the first one I've read from her. She does an excellent job at bringing the psychological depths of the two main characters, as well as secondary characters, to life. All things that many of us can probably relate to. Maybe not exactly like what the main characters went through, but losses none-the-less. And we see how God helps them through these trials and how they cope with acceptance, forgiveness and love. They definitely have some "a ha" moments, just as we do in life and our walk with God.

On the negative, I found myself getting a bit frustrated with some of the plot elements that focused on secondary characters. I realize that it was essential for the entire story to unfold, but sometimes I just wanted to move on to see what was going on with Tracey and Michael. I am not one to skip ahead though, so I kept going and was rewarded!

Overall, I would give this book 4 stars. It was a little slow in places, but had enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to turn the pages.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

My Country 'Tis of Thee...

From a post I put on  Facebook July 4, 2015...

"See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:1-10...

As I read these verses written by Moses for God's people, I could see where these same words could have applied to those brave men and women who sailed to this great land to begin a new life in a new land. Life that had a foundation on faith and God. That same faith and belief in God that our founding fathers kept near and dear as we declared our independence more than 200 years ago.

Yet somewhere along the way something has happened...God has taken a back seat, and it saddens me to see that. We've become a self-absorbed, afraid-of-offending, cater-to-feelings-rather-than-values country.

Before some of you get your knickers in a knot over that, no where did I say I was a racist or homophobic or anything like that...I can't call myself a Christian and not love all--if I am to be like Christ, I must show charity or love. Just as when I was a sinner, God may not have liked my ways, but he still loved me.

The rest of Deuteronomy 4 goes on to establish God's command (not suggestion or wish) to His people, which began with the basics lined out in the Ten Commandments--which Oklahoma is taking down...so, sad.

My only fear is what will be next? Where will it end?

I am flying my flags today with pride...When I see Old Glory wave, I am reminded what that field of blue and those 13 stripes and those 50 stars represent. I am also reminded of those who bled and died and will die for that "ragged ole flag". I am also reminded of the faith this country was founded on and Who was the center to that faith...

Ya'll can curse me and unfriend me if you like...but for my family, like in the book of Joshua, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord".

"The Innocent" Book Review

Waiting for news of her missing Union-soldier husband, Carlyn Kearney is managing to eek out a life--undefined as married or a widow. Two years have passed since the Civil War's end and still, no word on the status of her husband. Without means to keep her home, Carlyn relents and takes refuge in the nearby Shaker village of Harmony Hill for shelter, food and comfort--and protection.

However, Carlyn's past and need for protection follow her to the peacefulness of Harmony Hill. Intrigued by Carlyn's move to the Shaker village, sheriff Mitchell Brodie investigates some shady dealings in his town that begin to involve him and Carlyn in ways he--or she--hadn't planned...

Very intriguing! That is the bust summation I can put to Ann Gabhart's latest work, "The Innocent". I was completely hooked from the beginning. This is the first novel I've read that adds the society of the Shakers as an element in a novel. I've seen the Amish in several, but not Shakers. Very refreshing!

What I related to most was the similarities to the Shaker faith and my own Apostolic faith. There are glaring differences as well, don't get me wrong. But, I could very much relate to Carlyn's upbringing in the Christian faith and then being thrust into the Shaker faith and questioning practices that she was unfamiliar with. I had/have some of the same struggles myself.

Ms. Gabhart seems to really know her scripture as well. The book wasn't "preachy", but you can definitely tell that Carlyn's life was Christ-centered even if she didn't always realize it. This comes through in Carlyn's inner dialogue, memories and questioning of the Shaker faith.

Overall, I felt the book was very thought provoking. It also had some twists and turns that made for some late nights as well. The writing style reminded me of Laura Frantz's works. So, if there are any Laura Frantz fans out there, give this a try! I am definitely looking forward to getting more books from Ms. Gabhart.

Despite how much I enjoyed this book, I had two complaints...First, "Carlyn" at first glance, I kept wanting to read as "Carolyn". Then, I would also think of the comedian George Carlin--not a good mental image to have when trying to picture a young woman in Shaker attire...Second, the ending, which was OK, just seemed too abrupt. I can't really expound more on that because I may give some goodies away. I just wish the ending was more soft after coming of a climactic build. Long enough for me to get my breath back.

(I was given this  book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Love's Rescue" Book Review

Can a young southern woman of a higher class have a future with a man who is a step above a pirate?

Christine Johnson tells the captivating tale of Elizabeth Benjamin, a young southern woman raised in Key West, who returns home to take her station in her childhood home. Accompanied by her Aunt, Elizabeth struggles to find her place in the household among a brother, a father and servant--all of whom have a past. All the while, she pines for the man she had left behind four years earlier. Rourke O'Malley, the object of Elizabeth's affection, searches to find his place as well--in society and on the water--and struggles to make sense of the feelings he has for Elizabeth.

As I said, there are characters with a past and Ms. Johnson does an excellent job of weaving the characters and their histories all together. There is some mystery as well and I was even guessing and wondering how all the pieces fit in the puzzle.

The backdrop of Key West is a refreshing twist. It seems there are lots of historical fiction novels that are set in New England, out West, the wilderness...but this is the first I've read in Key West. As refreshing as that is, it had its drawbacks. I didn't really know about the setting and had trouble picturing it. For instance, I don't' really know what a mangrove tree looks like. Also, in the beginning of the book there is a heavy emphasis on the nautical setting of the book as well. With nautical there is usually boats and I don't know aft from starboard to bulwark to spar. I don't know if it would have been considered tacky or not, but some books print maps of the town or diagrams at the front of the book. For those of us who haven't  been to Key West or know our boats, maybe a diagram or map could have been helpful??? It would have helped me anyway. I guess I could have Googled it...

Character development was good overall. At times, Elizabeth seemed a little on the simpering side. I wish she would have just taken her Aunt to task a few times. But, it gets better--and that's all I can say. Rourke...who wouldn't love a male lead like Rourke? (insert sigh and eyeflutter here)... I actually felt Charlie and John were secondary characters that "spoke" volumes with little dialog.

The book moved well and had some mystery and twists that kept you engaged till the end. Overall, a promising start to the Keys of Promise series. I say, 4 stars out of 5!

(I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"Untangled" Book Review

I don't normally read the "self-help" sort of books out there. I view reading as more of a brain candy or lose-myself venture. So, when I signed up to review this book, I knew I was taking a chance. But, God must've known that I was going to need to read it!

I must say that I'm cutting the wire close on this review because the past week has been daunting--to say the least. So what better book, aptly entitled "Untangled", should go with my stress-ball of a week? Divine intervention at its greatest!!!

Carey Scott provides a short length (approx. 200 pages) book that focuses untangling the mess we make of things in our life from marriage and kids to friendship and social media. She tackles serious issues with frequent doses of humor that left me literally chuckling out loud--because real life is funny stuff.

I am hesitant to expound too much in fear I may spoil some topics or explain too much. Most of the book is very enlightening and broken down into useful advice and anecdotes. However, some issues she tackles don't really pertain to my life right now (like raising kids). And in other  places, I felt she had made her point and I was ready to move on, but she wasn't. Those parts I got a little drowsy on, but overall the book was very informative and there are several dog-eared pages that I want to go back and highlight sections, points or quotes. Overall rating is 4.5 stars out of 5.

(I was given this book free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"In Firefly Valley" Book Review

It's one of those left-home-for big-city-dreams-only-to-get that-dream-shattered-and-have-to-move-back-home kind of stories...However, for the characters of Marisa St. George and Blake Kendall, this isn't a run of the mill "coming home" novel.

Located in Texas Hill Country, Marisa St. George comes back home to Dupree, Texas after her job in Atlanta has ended. Dismayed, she returns, but soon finds interest in Blake Kendall, friend and guest of her new employers. But, Blake and Marisa have skeletons in their closet...Can Marisa learn to forgive and forget and can Blake learn to share himself with the world?

This is the third novel by Amanda Cabot that I've read. It is the first contemporary Christian fiction book of hers that I've read, and I must say. I was very impressed! Ms. Cabot has developed characters that are like onions: they have many layers, provide some reading flavor and can even make you cry.
The lead characters are not perfect--as none of us are, which in turn makes them believable--even tho Blake has an interesting profession (and that's all I can say...) Even the secondary characters have those onion layers as well.

In Firefly Valley is the second in Ms. Cabot's "Texas Crossroads" series. I have not read the first one, but this one can be read out of sequence and it still make sense to  the reader.

I would not consider this a light read, as there is excellent character development and some plot twists, as well as recognition given to some serious struggles with effects of alcoholism. Much thought was also given to how we can lose track of our journey with God and we witness that restoration in this book. We also witness characters with a strong faith already.

Overall, it was a very good book. My only complaint (and I've observed this in some of Ms. Cabot's other books) is her use of throwing two helping verbs together, like "Blake had had a good time." (that is totally an example and not a line from the book). I know what she is saying, but to read it, I stumble over it. Maybe just eliminate one of the "had"'s? I'm not a grammar aficionado by any means, but one "had" I think would still be correct and give the same past tense thought. Other than that, an excellent book. I would say 4.75 stars (out of 5)!!!

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

"As Love Blooms" Book Review

We read of the last Gregory sister, Tessa, a young horticulturist trying to enter the man’s world of gardening. Along with Como Park gardener, Reese King, she hopes to see dreams realized in work—and maybe love…

I'm just going to start with the "negative"... Normally I try not to be too rough on the author but, for a faith-based book, the deceptions and secrets that Tessa and Reese and some other family members committed and harbored were disappointing. I understand it added interest to the story and we are all human and make mistakes… But for BOTH lead characters and secondary characters as well to do this? That just didn't sit well with me.

The overall flow of the book seemed long for about the first 200 pages. There seemed to be a lot of words but not really “saying” much. There was a lot of opportunity to describe Como Park and the gardens more. I’ve never been to those parks and I can’t say I got a good description. I think there could have been a lot more detail given and less on the back and forth between Tessa and Reese.

However, moving to the "positive”, the last 100 pages really picked up speed and kept me engaged as things started coming together.

I appreciated the author using pop-culture references and the societal happenings for 1913 America.

Overall, I feel the book would be considered a “light read” and was a shorter, cute, faith-based publication.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review)