Grace in the Valley by Heath Adamson

Heath Adamson's book teaches you to "awaken to God's presence when He feels far away" by focusing on each section of the beloved twenty third Psalm. Each chapter takes a piece of scripture and delves into it to provide an inspiring view of daily life. Heath Adamson shares part of his life story in this book and his candid approach is very appreciated. Throughout the pages of this wonderful read, Adamson reminds us that the pasture and the valley are the same place. God is always there and God is always merciful.

I absolutely loved this inspiring book. There were so many helpful tidbits to tuck away in my mind. I love Heath's life story and how he overcame his struggles. I also absolutely love his love story with his wife and I would be very interested to hear their story from her point of view. This deeper look into Psalm 23 was chill and tear inducing and will be a book I will want to read over and over again. I will also be eager to recommend this to family and friends. Thank you so much to Baker Books for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful book! 5 star review!

Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

Code of Valor is the third book in the Blue Justice series, but it could easily be a standalone book. This installment in the thrilling series focuses on financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain. When Emily is kidnapped and almost killed, Detective Brady St. John steps in to save the day. But saving Emily may be more than Brady can handle because her problems are deeper than what can be seen on the surface.

Code of Valor is at level ten from page one. This book is filled with thrills, mystery, and mayhem.  At times, the drama and action seem overwhelming and my reaction was inconsistent. I prefer a slow build up when reading a thriller, and this one stayed on the extreme level a little bit too much for my tastes. I also found the conclusion to be too confusing. There were too many "bad guys" and the overall ending wasn't memorable. Some readers may also be disturbed by the graphic content in this book. There are many murders throughout with detailed information. However, there is an important lesson to be learned behind the chaos of this story and Emily's character is a light in the darkness. She does something at the end of the story that seals my admiration for her. I won't give that part away, but it was the highlight of this book to me. Thank you to Revell for giving me the chance to read and review this book! These opinions are all my own.

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

A Light on the Hill is the first book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette. This book continues to share the story of Moriyah. Moriyah is still dealing with the shame that she feels due to the terrible scar on her face. She keeps her face covered at all times and tries to keep to herself as much as possible. Her father wants her to be married so he arranges for her to be wed to a man with two sons. However, a chance encounter with a handsome stranger has Moriyah wishing for a different life partner. When Moriyah makes a careless mistake and harm falls upon her future husband's sons, she has to escape to a city of refuge and her handsome stranger finds himself on the journey as well.

Once again, Connilyn Cossette has written a showstopper. I don't think it's possible for her to write a bad book. The amount of research and detail that has gone into this story is astounding. This book had me on the edge of my seat. It's a thrill ride with a side of romance. The characters are well developed and engaging and so interesting to read about. I absolutely loved the relationship between Moriyah and Darek and I can't wait to read more of their story. Thanks so much to Bethany House for the chance to review this wonderful book!

Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot

In 1952, Elisabeth Elliot stepped into the jungles of Ecuador to serve her first year as a missionary. This is her heartbreaking and inspirational story. Elisabeth literally gave up everything to follow God's calling for her life. Her main goal was to use her training and experience in languages to document the language of the Colorado Indians in order to provide them with Bibles they could understand. Elisabeth was away from her loved ones and living in a strange place with strange people. She didn't waver even throughout devastating circumstances.

It is hard to comprehend the immense hardships people like Elisabeth Elliot have to endure as they seek to completely trust and obey our God. A missionary's life is never easy, but it is always worth it. Elisabeth's story is one to inspire everyone. Her life never went as planned, but she kept going and kept serving. 

This book is one that can be read in one sitting. It's fascinating and heart wrenching and special. It's one that will always be relevant and helpful to its readers. Elisabeth Elliot will be remembered as a wonderful woman of God. Thank you to Revell for the chance to review this book! All of Elisabeth's other books are now on my TBR list. Thank you for inspiring many in your years of life, Mrs. Elliot.

The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler

Katie Stuckey dreams of the day she can marry her sweetheart, Jonas Weaver, and move into their forever home as husband and wife. But Katie's dream world is shaken when Jonas goes against his Amish teachings and joins the war efforts. Jonas feels like it was his only choice to step in and take his brother's place as his name showed up on the draft list. Katie struggles to accept Jonas's decision and tries to muddle through life without him as she prays for the day of his return.

This book does a great job of focusing on a nearly impossible decision. When is it okay to go against what you've always known as right to sacrifice for the greater good?

I enjoyed the thought processes of the characters and appreciated the excellent historical research by the author in this book. I did feel like the beginning and middle of the book were better than the end. The end felt rushed to me, but it could just be because there is another book to follow in this series. I still look forward to reading the follow-up and finishing the journey with Jonas and Katie. Thank you very much to Revell for giving me the chance to review this book! These opinions are all my own.

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a series of books that detailed her life and experiences as a woman out west. In 2018, Jane Kirkpatrick read between the lines of Carrie's memoir and told the things she didn't say the first time around. Kirkpatrick's work is based on Carrie's true story and it is absolutely fascinating.

Carrie's life was one of great adventure and devotion to family, but it didn't come without challenges and hardships. As a wife to a railroad husband, Carrie traveled constantly as she supported her husband's dream. She did things that a lot of women wouldn't dare to and charmed many with her determined and hospitable spirit. Carrie was also a very talented writer as she proves in the writings that inspired this book. Jane Kirkpatrick has done an excellent job of showcasing this important historical figure and her contributions to the growth and development of the west as we know it now. Be sure to read to the very end of the book for more insight and important facts about this true tale. Thank you to Revell for sending me this book to review!

Welcome to Adulting by Jonathan Pokluda

This book is a must read for twentysomethings! I've been an "adult" for a while now and I still loved this book and was absolutely inspired by it. I found myself wishing that this book was around when I was trying to figure things out as a young adult. (I'm still trying to figure things out, but aren't we all!?!) The author offers up so much helpful advice for emerging adults and he does it in such a non-judgmental way. He openly admits to mistakes that he has made in the past and shares wisdom and insight for readers so that they don't make the same mistakes. He gives practical advice in almost every important category including dating, work, finances, and most importantly, eternity. There are scripture references included that make this book Biblically sound and accurate. This book is gold and should be a literary staple for young adults. Thank you to BakerBooks for the chance to review this book! 5 star read!