The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

Travel back in time to the 1700s in this gripping historical fiction by Laura Frantz. This inspirational read will be sure to capture your attention. Main character Lady Elisabeth Lawson is the perfect leading lady, and readers will feel an instant connection with her. Her story of family betrayal, love in the time of war, and struggle for survival will be one that historical fiction readers are sure to enjoy. Laura Frantz does an excellent job with her research as well as her descriptive writing. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Some books are good. Some books are bad. Some books are just okay, and some books can be labeled as a masterpiece. This book is a masterpiece. Beauty flows within this book from the cover to the last line. This story is one that will stay with you long after you close its pages. I usually write a summary with my reviews, but this book will speak for itself once you open it. Just take my advice and read it! And if you are new to this author like I was, go ahead and add all of her titles to your TBR because you will want to read more! Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book. These opinions are all my own.

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart

Come aboard for the adventure of a lifetime in a thrilling showboat story that will leave you breathless. Young Jacci is only five years old when she and her mother are attacked by a stranger in the shadows. Jacci is forced to protect her mother in a way that a young child should never have to. In desperation, Jacci and her mother escape to their family's arms on a showboat full of rising stars. Jacci's mother will have to fight for her life to survive, and Jacci will have to learn to adapt to her new life in the spotlight. The author has done such an excellent job writing this exciting historical romance. The mysteries continue building until the final pages, and the ending does not disappoint. I also loved the inspiration woven throughout and the willingness of the characters to offer forgiveness where it is due. I would love for the story to pick up where it left off as I had become very invested in the characters and their lives. I appreciate the chance to read and review this book. These opinions are all my own.

Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Secret Hope is the third book in the A Season in Pinecraft series. This book focuses on Lilly Kurtz and her move to Pinecraft. Lilly is hoping for a fresh start, and she finds it as a maid at the Marigold Inn in Pinecraft. Her job starts out well, but it doesn't come without problems. Lilly also has a chance meeting with a handsome stranger named Eddie Byler who surprisingly has connections to her hometown. Lilly will have to learn to make her way in life and grow through the joy, as well as the struggles that come her way. As compared to the earliest book in this series, Her Secret Hope kind of missed the mark for me. I couldn't relate to the characters and didn't feel like some of the situations in the book were very realistic. Lilly's decisions were often spontaneous and not well thought through, and I just didnt feel like I could relate. I also felt like the book kind of dragged on at times. Nevertheless, even though this book wasn't for me, I appreciate the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I enjoyed this sweet treat of a read by one of my favorite authors, Suzanne Woods Fisher. Seriously, who doesn't love a book about ice cream!? Readers will be swept away to beautiful Cape Cod as main character, Callie Dixon, attempts to refresh her life in, you guessed it, an ice cream shop. Callie wasn't planning to start over in an ice cream shop, and she also wasn't expecting to find the key to happiness. But as we all know...life doesn't always go as planned. The Secret to Happiness is the perfect cozy read and a great one to pack in your suitcase on your next vacay. 4 star read for me! Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book. These opinions are all my own.

Her Heart’s Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Heart's Desire is the first book in the A Season in Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Readers will go on an adventure with Mary Margaret Miller as she takes a spontaneous trip from her Amish hometown in Trail, Ohio to sunny Pinecraft, Florida. Mary Margaret's trip starts out a little rocky, but not without blessings in disguise. Two of those blessings turn out to be Mary Margaret's surprise travel companions, Betsy and Lily. The girls quickly become friends and look forward to having an amazing vacation together. Fun will be had, lessons will be learned, and lives will be changed forever on this trip of a lifetime. Amish fiction readers will enjoy the first book in this fresh new series by bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray. It is a refreshing and inspiring read, and the clean content is very much appreciated. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next books in the series. This was a 4 star read for me! Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book. These thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Letters from My Sister is an historical fiction book that takes place in Alabama. The setting is vivid to the reader as it is excellently described by the author. I really appreciate this author's talent for descriptive writing. I usually gravitate toward writing like this and recognize the talent it takes to bring a story to life between the pages. However, I felt like it took me awhile to really get interested in this particular storyline, and I felt like the book in its entirety moved along at a slow pace. I also never really established a connection with the characters and didn't care for the plot patterns of "seers" and people who could see visions. Nevertheless, the author's talent is evident, and I appreciate the chance to read this book, even though it wasn't a perfect match for me. Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

I picked this book up to read a couple of chapters while I had a few extra minutes and I could not put it down! I ended up reading the whole book in a few hours. The characters immediately felt like friends and were so easy to relate to. I absolutely loved the sweet road to romance for main characters, Levi and Kelsey. This book is actually the third in the Prince Edward Island Shores series, but it works well as a standalone read. I have not read the other books in the series, but I immediately added them to my list! This is a 5 star, feel-good must read!! Thank you so much to Revell and Liz Johnson for the chance to read and review this book.

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard

Cold Light of Day is the first book in the thrilling Missing in Alaska series by Elizabeth Goddard. The cover of this book pulls you in and keeps you wondering within the pages until the very end. Autumn Long is the police chief in a small Alaska town. Autumn wants to keep the peace, but that becomes nearly impossible when disturbing events start happening around every corner. She will have to fight for justice and even fight for her own life, as she works to restore normalcy to small town Shadow Gap. One thing Autumn didn't plan for on the path to justice, is town newcomer, Grier Brenner. Just who is Grier, and why does he seem to want to help her figure out what's going on during this neighborhood crime spree? Autumn has to figure out just who she can trust before more lives are lost at the hands of a dangerous criminal. This was a very exciting read and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. I really like how the author would often end the chapters in a cliffhanger, which made it impossible for me to put the book down until I found out what happened next. Well played, Elizabeth! I did feel like the book got a bit rushed at the end. I started getting confused on the minor character's names because there were so many of them. Overall, I still enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the others in the series. Thank you to Revell and Elizabeth Goddard for the chance to read and review this book. These opinions are all my own.

Second Time Around

First, let me say that the cover of this book is very beautiful and inviting. Looking at the cover definitely makes you want to read this. I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't get into it. The plot just seems kind of rushed and unbelievable. The main character uproots her whole life within a short period of time and I just couldn't relate to that part of the story. I also didn't relate to any of the characters. However, this is a clean read, which I always appreciate. It also has a Hallmark vibe going on which other readers may enjoy. I appreciate the chance to read and review this book from Revell. These opinions are all my own.

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon

Ashley Scott is an historian with a brand new project on her hands. She has a vision to restore the beautiful Edgecliff estate in Oregon. Driving across the country and uprooting her life wasn't exactly in Ashley's plans, but she will soon find out that God's plans, though often unexpected, always work out for our good. When Ashley meets two special people that are used to hiding in the shadows, she finds herself hoping to shine a light on their beauty and place them both in the spotlight where they belong. And in a town called Hope Harbor, anything is possible. Windswept Way is an absolutely beautiful love story written by Irene Hannon. The lessons and inspiration weaved throughout are absolutely compelling and refreshing. Readers will be reminded that beauty comes from within and things are not always as they seem. This is a book that you will want to last forever, yet it will stay with you beyond the last page and make you better for reading it. Thank you so much to Revell and Irene Hannon for the chance to read and review this amazing book! These opinions are all my own.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

Another amazing read from Rachel Fordham! Loved the characters, loved the plot, loved it all! This is a historical romance set in the late 1800s that begins with a flashback of main character Hazel's life in a women's reformatory. A few years later, Hazel has been released from the reformatory and must make a new life for herself all on her own. Hazel takes a job as an assistant to a shy and quiet dentist named Gilbert Watts, but she is afraid to reveal her past to him. Appearances can be deceiving, and Hazel and Gilbert's true selves must be revealed. Will the truth set them free or will the past continue to haunt them? This book gave me all the feels! Rachel Fordham has thought of everything...romance, suspense, inspiration, and so much more. Her character and plot development were spot on and this book is just filled with so much substance. My only regret is that I left this book on my TBR shelf for so long before I read it! I cant wait to read the rest of her books. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this wonderful book!

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

For Ella Blythe, ballet is a family affair. You see, Ella is the daughter of Delphine Bessette - the legendary ballerina with the riveting red slippers. Ella finds herself following the same path as her famous mother when she becomes a dancer in the same ballet company. Ella's journey doesn't come without hardships and the secrets she unveils will change her life forever. Never will I not read a book by JDP. She is definitely one of my favorite authors and I always look forward to her new releases. I can't say that this was my favorite of her books just because the book had a slow start for me and I never really felt a strong connection to the characters. Nevertheless, Joanna's writing style is beautiful description and I will continue to support her work. Thanks so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Season on the Wind is another great read by Suzanne Woods Fisher! This book draws you in from the first page. The writing is descriptive and engaging and the plot is so interesting. I loved learning about the Amish birding community and all of the different types of birds that are found in nature. I think that anyone who is interested in birds will especially love this book. This was one of my favorite reads in 2021 and Suzanne Woods Fisher continues to be one of my favorite authors. Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book.

Jack vs. the Tornado by Amanda Clearly Eastep

10-year-old Jack loves his life on the family farm. However, change is just around the corner. When Jack's farm life gets traded in for suburban life, he immediately formulates a plan to get things back like they used to be. Jack is in for a big surprise as he learns life long lessons in his new town and finds out that change isn't always a bad thing. This book is a great book for ages 8-12. This age group will appreciate the humor throughout the book and will learn age appropriate lessons that they can use in their own lives. It's very refreshing to be able to hand a book to your child and not have to worry about them reading something inappropriate. Parents and children will both enjoy this read and can enjoy family time by reading this book together. Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book. These are my honest opinions.

A Bible Study Journal for Women

The Bible Study Journal for Women is everything you need to help you further dive into God's Word during daily study. It has a beautiful floral cover that is very sturdy which makes it a perfect option for on-the-go Bible study. There are 5 short chapters at the beginning of the journal that help you prepare your heart and mind for Scripture reading and studying. These chapters give you tips for preparation, interpretation, classification, collaboration, and motivation. This journal is based on the popular book, How to Study the Bible, so it would be a good idea to pick up a copy to read alongside this journal. In the pages following the preparation chapters are beautiful floral enhanced blank canvases for writers to pen their thoughts. These lined pages have a space to record your study topic and date, but the rest of the page is blank to record your creative and inspired thought process. There are many pages available for journaling which makes this a long-lasting journal to use during your Bible study time. Ladies will love the beauty and simplicity of this journal and will enjoy its purpose of bringing them closer to God and improving their spiritual journey. This is a great gift option as well as a staple for your own library. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishers and I was under no obligation to post this review.

Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

Bridge of Gold is an exciting read that is part of the Doors to the Past series. The interesting thing about the books in this series is that there are multiple stories involved from multiple time periods. This book travels back and forth between the 1930s and the present day. However, the characters from these time periods are connected in a mysterious way. There is a reason I labeled this book as "unputdownable" on my social media page. It's well-written, well-researched, and well-received by me as a reader. Books that go back and forth between time periods and different characters' point of view can be tricky, but Kimberley Woodhouse handled it well. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great summer read. The elements of surprise, romance, and inspiration will be appreciated by all who read it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

"Loving you is the best rush of all." 😍 Grab a blanket and find a cozy spot to read this sweet book! Sophie is a girl with a dream of opening her own beach book store. She has been through a lot in her life, including a break-up with daredevil Aiden. When Aiden comes back into her life unexpectedly, the sparks between them are unmistakable, and they decide to take another shot at love. This was such an enjoyable read! I am always up for a book that takes place in a bookstore because what reader doesn't love that!?! This is just a really sweet and inspirational love story that is the perfect summer read. I loved Sophie's character and how caring and selfless she was with her family. And my favorite part of the book was when Sophie realized that her mom encouraged the bookstore idea so that Sophie would have something to give her hope and joy while dealing with her mother's passing. Just beautiful ❤️ Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and netgalley for the chance to read and review this book!

Growing Up Social by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane

"Now is the time to equip your child to live with screen time, not for screen time." Technology can be a great tool, but it can also be an unwelcome distraction in the life of you and your family. This book teaches you how to show your children that screen time is not a necessity and it should be limited and supervised. The authors of this book give great tips for reducing screen time and increasing togetherness time. One of the methods used in this book focuses on skills known as A+ skills. These skills include affection, appreciation, anger management, apology, and attention. Learning to improve these skills can make all the difference in your journey of parenting. The authors also talk a lot about just how much screen time can affect your children in a negative way. Parenting is a challenge and in the long run, too much screen time can make parenting even more challenging. This book also explains how parents should set the tone for positive results by being cautious of their own screen time. Parents must practice what they preach in order to gain positive results. I especially enjoyed reading the tips for parents because I have definitely been guilty of having too much screen time. I hope to use this book as a resource for my family and I know I will see improvements if I work towards using these tips in daily life. I would highly recommend this book to any parent. Thank you so much to the authors and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

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!