Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

Beloved Hope is the second book in the Heart of the Frontier series. Hope Flanagan is attempting to recover from the tragedy that occurred at the Whitman Mission. She doesn't feel like she will ever be the same and she has given up on ever finding love again. Hope has to learn how to get past her anger and fear and begin the healing process. With the help of God, her family, and a new surprising addition to her life, Lieutenant Lance Kenner, Hope finds light again.

I didn't read the first book in the series before reading this one so I wasn't able to fully know the details of the tragic events from book one. This book is not meant to be a standalone read and definitely needs to be read in order of the series. However, I still really enjoyed this book. It was heartbreaking to read of the traumatic events Hope experienced, but her second chance at life is proof of God's grace and love. God always makes something good out of the bad things in our life. This book is a great reminder of that. Thank you so much to Bethany House for the chance to read and review this book!

True You by Michelle DeRusha

True You by Michelle DeRusha is an escape from the stresses of everyday life. DeRusha strives to motivate readers to "be still" and take the time to notice the little things and enjoy them. She shares a lot about "pruning" both literally and figuratively. It is important that we know that God is always working on us and shaping us into the best versions we can be for the plan He has for us.

DeRusha's work is very poetic, descriptive and appealing to the senses. It's a great read if you want some relaxation time. The cover and chapter art is very nice and eye-catching. The author brings a message of hope and peace with stories from her life and biblical truths. Thank you to Baker Books for the chance to read and review this book!

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Almost Home takes place in the 1940s in a bustling Alabama town. The setting is sweet southern simplicity. The main characters cross paths at a struggling boardinghouse owned by Dolly Chandler. Dolly needs her guests just as much as they need her. Each of her guests have their own issues to work through. During their stay with her, they will experience love, healing, and an abundance of adventure. These characters will steal your heart and your free time as this book is hard to put down.

Valerie Fraser Luesse has an obvious talent for storytelling. Her writing is so vivid and descriptive with many stories within the main story. This type of writing provides for an immediate connection with the reader. The cover of the book is very inviting and perfect for the southern setting. This book is one that you don't want to miss! Thank you so much to Revell and bookishfirst for the chance to review this book!

Can't Make This Stuff Up! by Susannah B. Lewis

If you haven't seen one of "Whoa Susannah's" videos, you have been missing out. I first came across her hilariousness on Facebook and was an instant fan. So when I heard that she was writing a book, I was so excited! I had such high hopes for this book, and let me tell you, this book exceeded my expectations. It is everything I thought it would be and more! I laughed and I cried and I followed Susannah's advice and "cried until I laughed." This book is so funny, but also so meaningful. I felt like I could just hear Susannah's voice telling these stories as I read. I would love to have an audio book of her reading this! Susannah has such a way with words and such a wonderful outlook on life. She is open and real, and did I mention hilarious?? I absolutely loved hearing about Susannah's life, especially her sweet relationship with her mother. Her stories are so vivid and descriptive that it makes you feel like you are experiencing them as well. I also love that Susannah's favorite story to tell is the one about how God gave His only son to save us and there is nothing we can do to change the greatness of His love for us!

Whoa Susannah, you are a treasure and your mama was so right when she said you were a fabulous storyteller. Thank you for sharing all your stories with us!

Intertwined: A Mother's Memoir by Kathleen English Cadmus

Intertwined is Kathleen English Cadmus' heartbreaking and hopeful journey as a mother. Kathleen's true life story is one that will touch the hearts of many, especially mothers. The unthinkable happened when she lost her son, Shawn, in a tragic accident. While trying to sort through her grief, Kathleen felt called to consider adoption. Even though her husband wasn't on board, Kathleen continued the process and was blessed with beautiful baby Laura from Korea. Laura's life wasn't always an easy one, and Kathleen candidly shares her family's struggles and triumphs. Throughout painful situations such as her own divorce and Laura's mental disorder, Kathleen remains steadfast and focused.

Kathleen is such a person to be admired. She is the true definition of a mother. She always did what was best for her children and never gave up on them. She focused on their happiness and their strengths and taught them to thrive as they were able. Without Kathleen's determination and motherly love, Laura's story would have turned out so differently. Intertwined is heart wrenching and relatable and hard to put down. Thank you so much to Kathleen and KiCam for the chance to read and review this book!

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This story is one of second chances and forgiveness. Luke Schrock used to be Stoney Ridge's bad boy, but after going to rehab, he is working through his problems and "mending fences" that seem irreparable. Fern and Amos Lapp take Luke in as well as Izzy Miller, a determined girl who is also trying to move on from her past. Luke and Izzy have more in common than they ever would have thought and the crossing of their paths turns out to be a wonderful gift from God.

Oh, how I love this book! From the cover to the final pages, this is pure delight. This book is the perfect balance of humor and inspiration. I found myself smiling and giggling while reading as well as soaking up the message that Suzanne Woods Fisher has to tell. This wonderful read also has its fair share of surprises. I didn't want this book to end and I am glad to know that there is another book to come in this series. Suzanne Woods Fisher has done an excellent job writing this book and I can't say enough good things about it. This is the best book I have read so far this year(and I read a lot!) Thank you so much to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Love Where You Live by Shauna Pilgreen

Shauna Pilgreen and her family know how to "live sent." What this means is that they know how to serve God in the place where He has sent them. Throughout moves and changes, Shauna and her family learned to adjust and adapt and let God lead the way. Shauna shares that everyone can have this outlook on life. You might not always be in your comfort zone, but you can rejoice in knowing that you are serving God to the best of your ability.

Shauna's message in this book is an important one. Her viewpoint on life and the people that God puts in her path is very admirable. I love her transparency and how she openly shares that though she may not be in the place that she specifically wants to be, she is in the place where God wants her to be. That self-sacrifice is something we all should strive for. I also loved her stories about her neighbors and how she embraced her new community in California. She tells her readers to not wait to be welcomed. Be the welcome that God wants you to be.

While I loved the message that this book offered, I wasn't completely sold on the writing style. I felt like the book was disjointed and all over the place at times. I had trouble with keeping up with whose story was whose. I think this book could have actually been condensed and divided into more than one book. It would be interesting to read about the people in Shauna's life in a more simplified style. However, I did appreciate the section at the end that provided an update on a lot of the people in this book.

Thank you to Revell for the chance to read and review this book!