Live in Love by Lauren Akins

I loved this book! It was so interesting to read about Lauren and Thomas Rhett's life. It was refreshing to know that they may look like the perfect couple on the outside, but they still have problems just like the rest of us. Lauren was very brave to open up and be vulnerable in order to help others that may be going through similar situations. I also expected this to be mostly about Lauren and Thomas Rhett's marriage and children, but it is also about their childhood together so I really enjoyed hearing about that part of their lives as well. The pictures are also great. They really add such a personal touch to the book. I was in tears while reading this book, and I found myself being thankful for my own family and the fact that I have my own Thomas Rhett in my life. Lauren and Thomas Rhett's love story is not perfect, but it is God ordained and so very special. Thank you to Lauren for being so open in this memoir and for trusting God every step of the way. This book is headed for the top of the bestseller list!

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional by Rachel Dodge

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional is the perfect companion to the classic book by L. M. Montgomery. If you are an Anne fan, you will love this book. The author has written devotionals to go along with each chapter of Anne's story. If it's been awhile since you've read the original book, you will revisit wonderful memories. Or if it's your first time visiting Anne's world, you will be delighted and refreshed. This can be read alone as well, but for the full experience, I would recommend reading the devotional together with the classic. This is also such a beautiful book and would be a perfect gift idea. I hope to read more devotionals by this author that go along with the other books in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Moonlight School is based on the real-life story of Cora Wilson Stewart. Cora worked to promote literacy in 1900s Kentucky. Her Moonlight School was established to teach illiterate adults how to read in the evenings after their daily chores were done. The supporting characters in this book are fictional, but Cora's impact on literacy is true and evident. 

Lucy is one of those fictional characters in this book. She has traveled to work with her cousin, Cora, in the fight to improve literacy. Lucy is in for a culture shock as she has to learn the dialect and unique ways of the inhabitants of the mountains of Kentucky. Lucy has no idea what is in store for her and just how life-changing this trip will be.

Once again, Suzanne Woods Fisher has written an unforgettable read. This journey to the past is both educational and inspiring. I learned a lot about what it was like for people dealing with illiteracy. I also saw the lengths that Cora Wilson Stewart and others went to in order to make sure everyone had an education. A person is never too old to learn.

I know I say this in every review about Suzanne Woods Fisher's books, but she is one of the best and I will continue to read everything she writes. Thank you so much for the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

A Distant Shore by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury's newest book is quite different from some of her others, but it's as compelling and powerful as ever. Karen deals with the scary subject of trafficking that is unfortunately, very relevant in our world today. Eliza is one of the main characters in this book and she is a victim of trafficking. Thanks to an undercover agent named Jack, Eliza finally has a chance at escape and a somewhat normal life. What Eliza and Jack don't know is that they have an unbelievable connection that could only be orchestrated by God.

This book is some of Karen's best work. While this subject is one that is hard to read about, Karen handles it well. This book has more suspense then some of her other novels and I really enjoyed that aspect. Karen weaves a beautiful tale that captivates and inspires. This is why her books are always at the top of my list. Thanks so much to the publisher, netgalley, and Karen Kingsbury for the chance to read and review this book!

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

Blackberry Beach is a fun, light-hearted read for the summer. Katherine Parker and Zach Garrett both find themselves trying to escape their daily lives for something different. When their paths cross, they find out that some people are worth rearranging your whole life for.

This book started off great, but I felt like it got a little slow in the middle. It picked back up towards the end and captured by attention again. I enjoyed the vivid and descriptive writing throughout this book and could feel myself visiting the shores of Blackberry Beach along with Katherine and Zach. The book really appeals to the senses. I think readers would enjoy throwing this in their bag for a vacation read. Thanks so much to Revell and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

The 40-Day Social Media Fast by Wendy Speake

This book is so needed in our world today. After participating in Wendy's sugar fast, I knew I definitely needed a social media fast as well. I am so guilty of wasting time through "mindless scrolling." In this book, Wendy shares many tips and inspiration for breaking the addiction to social media. While social media definitely has benefits, it can be such a distraction when it is used too much or in the wrong way. This book is a great starting point for learning how to spend more time with God and less time with a screen. I plan on reading this book often to stay reminded and refreshed. I am so thankful to Wendy for writing these life-changing books! 

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Minding the Light is the second book in the Nantucket Legacy series. This book takes place in 19th century Nantucket. Captain Reynolds Macy has been away on a voyage for six long years. When he returns, he is overwhelmed to learn that he is a father to six-year-old twins. His homecoming welcome doesn't last very long as his beloved wife falls ill and he is left to pick up the pieces. The captain doesn't know where to begin in the journey of parenting, but luckily, he has the blessing of Daphne in his life. Daphne is his sister-in-law and is there to help as he maneuvers through his new way of life.

I absolutely love all of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books. If her name is on the cover of a book, I'm reading it! The best thing about her is that she can write in so many different time periods. I love that she doesn't just stick to one period of time in her books. She does historical and present day writing well! I would recommend any of her books to readers who want to enjoy a clean, inspiring read. Thanks so much to Suzanne and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

The town of Spiveyville is full of bachelors, but they aren't exactly what you would call eligible. However, most of the men are desperate to find wives so they call on the services of Bingham's Bevy of Brides to find their perfect match. Mrs. Bingham agrees to find brides for them on one condition: the men must go through a series of lessons to teach them the proper etiquette for being a good husband. Abigail Grant is chosen by Mrs. Bingham to teach classes about all sorts of subjects from table manners to dancing and everything in between. Abigail learns so much about herself during this process and she finds out her life will never be the same after her time in Spiveyville.

I loved this book. The plot and characters were so engaging. I also loved the humor that was weaved within the story. I highly recommend this read! Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette

To Dwell Among Cedars is the first book in Connilyn Cossette's new Covenant House series. In this series opener, siblings Eliora and Lukio are forced to flee from life as they know it when they find themselves in serious danger. They trust their aunt's guidance and begin to follow the Ark of the Covenant. They are welcomed into a Levite family where they become settled and happy. Years later, they find themselves in trouble again when a group of misguided Hebrews plan to steal the Ark and transport it to a new location. Eliora does not know who to trust and she must find her way with God's help as she tries to help herself and her brother.

I always enjoy Connilyn's books. Her Biblical fiction is the best I have read. I love how she uses her imagination to fill in the blanks while still staying Scripturally sound. I also really appreciate her talent for character development as the characters in her books are always relatable and interesting. I especially enjoyed Eliora's character in this book and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!