The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Romance is abloom in this historical fiction novel by Julie Klassen. This is the second book in her Tales from Ivy Hill series. The cover art is beautiful and sets the tone for a reading retreat from reality. Any book lover enjoys a story that's set in a book store or a library and that is the case in this Ivy Hill tale. Main character, Rachel Ashford, opens up a circulating library which is a huge success. She also opens up her heart to love as do many of the other characters in this book. This is one of those reads that have several stories within which keeps things interesting. Readers will enjoy experiencing life through the eyes of Rachel and her friends Jane and Mercy, as well as the numerous characters in this book. This book does not work well as a standalone book, so one should read the first book in the series before starting this one. The ending of this book is also abrupt, setting the tone for the next Ivy Hall addition. This is a nice, cozy read and I look forward to reading more books by Julie Klassen. Thank you to Bethany House for sending me a copy of this book to review! These opinions are all my own.

Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids by Sandy Silverthorne

Laughter awaits in this super silly book for young jokesters! This humorous collection of jokes is recommended for ages 6-12. There are a wide variety of jokes and funny stories included in this book. Knock knock jokes and backward jokes are some of the highlights as well as the classic "chicken crossing the road" joke. Some of these jokes have been heard before and some of them are fresh and laugh out loud worthy. There are also a few illustrations to add a little something extra.

Sarcasm drips from the pages of this funny read. The jokes are guaranteed to put a smile on the reader's face. Every young student will want a copy of this book to learn new jokes and make their friends and family laugh. This book would definitely sell out at a school book fair. Every day should be filled with laughter and this book can provide that. Thank you to Revell for the advance copy of this book!

Praying God's Promises by Linda Evans Shepherd

Praying God's Promises is an inspirational book that can be used as a devotional or can be read all at once. It focuses on many situations in life that we are often in prayer for. But the special thing about this book is that it teaches "the life-changing power of praying the scriptures." Each chapter has a section that focuses on God's promises that are found in His Word and teaches readers how to apply this to their daily lives. Get your highlighter out, because you are going to need it for this one!

I love how this book puts the words of The Bible in terms that are relatable. This book is very uplifting and can be read over and over again. It is also a great tool for memorizing scripture and strengthening one's prayer life.

The cover of the book is also a perfect portrayal of God's creation. This book would be an asset to daily quiet time and would set the tone for a beautiful, faith-filled day.

Thank you so much to Revell for sending me this book to review! These opinions are all my own.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

This book is wonderful. I had never read anything by this author before and I wasn't sold after reading the synopsis, but it greatly exceeded my expectations. It's a treasure hunt story with a romantic and inspiring twist. Tressa is used to living a more than comfortable life and hasn't ever had to worry about being without. But when her father mysteriously disappears and her family is left with close to nothing, Tressa must find a way to make ends meet all while grieving her missing father. The legendary tale of the fortune that is hidden somewhere in the family's estate has relatives and mere acquaintances coming out of the woodwork. But who can Tressa really trust? And will the fortune ever be found?

There are so many lessons to be learned in this book. The book consistently speaks of a literal vineyard that is on Tressa's family's property while metaphorically comparing it to our lives as God's children. He is constantly pruning us and shaping us so that we can bear the best fruit for Him. This book came to me at the perfect time as it lined up exactly with the devotionals I am reading at this moment. It is such a joy to hear God speaking to me through his Word. I read A Rumored Fortune as an e-book which is not usually my method of choice. But in this particular instance, I was glad that it was an e-book because I used the highlighting feature so much. There were just so many quote worthy moments in this book that I want to share with others.

Thank you so much to Revell for sending me this book to review! I enjoyed it so much.