November Wrap Up

 

Silver Sparrow

This is the second book I've read by Tayari Jones, and I'm on the hunt to read more. I love her writing, but her topics are hard. This follows two girls who are the daughters of a bigamist. It's a totally fictional story, and it's so good. I love that it's set in Atlanta in the 80's. If you don't mind somewhat gritty stories with realistic endings, check it out.

In the Bleak Midwinter

I listened to this on audio. There was way to much language for me to really enjoy it, which was a shame, because I love the premise of the series. The mystery was really good, too, and kept me guessing. If you don't mind profanity, you might want to give it a try. I may try the next book in print.

The Right Kind of Fool

This sweet, gentle book was exactly what I needed. Even though it is essentially a murder mystery, the themes of friendship, first love, family ties, and belonging make it the perfect comfort read. Sarah Loudin Thomas has a lovely writing style. Her pacing is perfect through out. I love the character's growth and the family dynamics. Loyal is a wonderful hero. I hope to see more books that feature main characters with disabilities in the future. His hearing impairment added such depth to the story. I hope we get to visit Beverly, West Virginia again.

 I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

Search for Certainty

I picked up this book after I learned the author had passed away. There are so many hope filled stories in this spiritual memoir. Comparisons are drawn between the uncertainties in the Christian life and the 40 years in the wilderness that Moses faced. There are study questions and scriptures to read at the end of each chapter as well as meditation exercises to make it more of a Bible study. I would recommend this book to any Christian that is struggling with uncertainty in their lives.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for free for the purpose of review.

The Possibility of Prayer

This is a great little book about prayer. Nothing really new or earth shattering, but I really enjoyed reading it.

A Castaway in Cornwall

Julie Klassen is a favorite author, and I will read anything she writes. A Castaway in Cornwall has an intriguing mystery and a lovely romance. I loved escaping to Cornwall, and getting to know the eclectic cast of characters and their fascinating life by the sea. The story was a little long in parts, so I would recommend reading it when you want a richer, longer read. It's perfect for the winter season, so brew a cup of tea and settle in.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.

All I Want

This novella is adorable. It gave me all the feels. If your looking for a feel-good quick read this holiday season, All I Want is perfect. It's number two in a series, but it stands well on it's own.

Book Review ~ Searching For Certainty

 

Searching For Certainty

I picked up this book after I learned the author had passed away. There are so many hope filled stories in this spiritual memoir. Comparisons are drawn between the uncertainties in the Christian life and the 40 years in the wilderness that Moses faced. There are study questions and scriptures to read at the end of each chapter as well as meditation exercises to make it more of a Bible study. I would recommend this book to any Christian that is struggling with uncertainty in their lives.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for free for the purpose of review.

Book Review ~ The Right Kind of Fool

 

The Right Kind of Fool

This sweet, gentle book was exactly what I needed. Even though it is essentially a murder mystery, the themes of friendship, first love, family ties, and belonging make it the perfect comfort read. Sarah Loudin Thomas has a lovely writing style. Her pacing is perfect through out. I love the character's growth and the family dynamics. Loyal is a wonderful hero. I hope to see more books that feature main characters with disabilities in the future. His hearing impairment added such depth to the story. I hope we get to visit Beverly, West Virginia again.

 I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

October Wrap Up

 

If I Were You

This was an entertaining story about two friends, betrayal, and forgiveness. Every time I think I'm finished reading about WW2 I find another fascinating story about it. I love Lynn Austin's writing style, and this story of friendship was comforting to me.

The Shepherd's Wife

This book really pulled at my heart strings. I was rooting for Pheodora and her husband the whole time. I'm really enjoy this fictional look at what life might have been like for Jesus' family, and what life would have been like for ordinary people in the New Testament times. Angela Hunt is a go to author for me for quality, well written biblical fiction. Her books are well researched and her characters are so realistic. This book stands well on its own or you can start with the first book in the series, Daughter of Cana.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

The Sowing Season

This was an enjoyable coming of age meets grumpy old man story.  I loved Rae and was rooting for her to find her way. Garrit was a lot harder to love. Some of his antics were a little over the top, but he had the most growth as a character. I also loved all the animal characters that were in the story. They added a lot of fun. 

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

The Light at Wyndcliff

I love Regency romance! This one had a great slow burn romance and a dangerous mystery. I have loved all of these Cornwall novels, but I think this one is my favorite. It's very atmospheric, and the characters have great chemistry. I highly recommend this whole series.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review, and I also purchased a copy for myself.

As Bright as Heaven

I think I could read Susan Meissner's grocery list and be thoroughly entertained. This story about one family's struggle to survive the Spanish flu broke my heart. I had to put the book down at about the halfway point. I didn't love the ending. I felt like it wrapped up too neatly, but after all the heart break, a happy ending was nice.

Book Review ~ The Light of His Presence by Anne Graham Lotz

 The Light of His Presence

This collection of prayers is a great place to start if you struggle with your prayer life. It covers prayers for every issue you could possibly think of. Whether you are looking for instruction or inspiration, this book will be huge help. Anne draws heavily from scripture to write out her prayers. There's also beautiful art work and quotes through out, as well. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review. 

Book Review ~ The Shepherd's Wife by Angela Hunt

 

The Shepherd's Wife

This book really pulled at my heart strings. I was rooting for Pheodora and her husband the whole time. I'm really enjoy this fictional look at what life might have been like for Jesus' family, and what life would have been like for ordinary people in the New Testament times. Angela Hunt is a go to author for me for quality, well written biblical fiction. Her books are well researched and her characters are so realistic. This book stands well on its own or you can start with the first book in the series, Daughter of Cana.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

What I'm Reading This Week

 I'm linking up with Book Date to share what I'm reading this week.

Currently Reading

The Shepherd's Wife

Up Next

The Sowing Season

The Light at Wyndcliff

I hope you're having a great reading week. Let me know what you're reading in the comments.

September Wrap Up

 

The Book of Lost Friends

I love Lisa Wingate's writing style. It's so flowing and gentle. I put this book off for a while because I was afraid I would enjoy it as much as Before We Were Yours, but I loved it. It has some hard moments, but the payoff is worth it. Highly recommended.

The Last Year of the War

This was a reread for me. This was my favorite book from last year and has become an all time favorite as well. It's a very emotional read for me. This family goes through so much and it's just heart breaking. definitely give it a read, but have some tissues ready. 

The Edge of Belonging

This was a solid debut, and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. I liked the main character and thought she had good chemistry with her love interest. I would have liked to see more drama between her and her ex, and I also would have liked to have learned more about her relationship with her parents. Still, she was someone to root for. The faith elements were strong throughout the story. Themes of redemption and grief were prevalent, but so was faith in God. There are a lot of heavy topics dealt with in this story such as suicide, domestic violence, depression, and homelessness, but they are all handled well. I would recommend this book to readers who like women's fiction and romance.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

The Poet X

I have mixed feelings about this one. Overall I liked it. It's told in verse which makes it very interesting. It's also pretty heavy. It covers all the issues a teenager can face and wraps things up fairly quickly. I did appreciate the sympathetic religious father figure. It was a nice balance to her hyper religious mother. 

Transcendent Kingdom

This was another book that touched on religious themes, and for the most part, it did it well. It also deals with grief, drug addiction, and family relationships. The writing style is more literary and character driven. This one also ended rather abruptly, but the ending was more ambiguous. I wish I could sit down and have coffee with the main character. She is someone that will stick with me for a long time.

October Cover Love

 Here are some of my favorite covers coming out in the month of October.

The Colors of Truth

The Red Ribbon

The Light at Wyndcliff 

The Love Note

The Conqueror

The Key to Love

There are so many books coming out in July, I only picked my favorites. If I had to pick one it would be The Love Note. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

What I'm Reading This Week

 I'm linking up with Book Date to share what I'm reading this week.

Currently Reading:

If I Were You

Up Next

The Shepherd's Wife

What are you reading this week? Let me know in the comments.

Can't Wait for The Shepherd's Wife

 

The Shepherd's Wife

Release date: October 6, 2020

Check out more upcoming releases at Wishful Endings.

Top Ten Tuesday ~ My Fall TBR

 I'm linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl to share my fall TBR.

Fall Reads 2020

If I Were You

The Sowing Season

The Light at Wyndcliff

The Promised Land

The Right Kind of Fool

The Shepherd's Wife

 

A Castaway In Cornwall

An Ivy Hill Christmas

A lot of these books are for review. Many of them are from favorite authors. I'm excited to do a lot of comfort reading as the temps drop and it gets dark earlier. What are you planning to read this fall? Let me know in the comments.

What I'm Reading This Week

 I'm linking up with Book Date to share this week's TBR.

Currently Reading

Mr. H.O.A.

Transcendent Kingdom

Up Next

Anxious People

I am HATING the new Blogger interface. It's awful. This post took forever to get finished, and I can't get it how I like it. Anyway, Let me know what you're reading in the comments. Have a great week!

Book Review ~ The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

 

The Edge of Belonging

This was a solid debut, and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. I liked the main character and thought she had good chemistry with her love interest. I would have liked to see more drama between her and her ex, and I also would have liked to have learned more about her relationship with her parents. Still, she was someone to root for. The faith elements were strong throughout the story. Themes of redemption and grief were prevalent, but so was faith in God. There are a lot of heavy topics dealt with in this story such as suicide, domestic violence, depression, and homelessness, but they are all handled well. I would recommend this book to readers who like women's fiction and romance.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

Can't Wait for The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd

 The Light at Wyndcliff

Release date: October 13, 2020

Check out more upcoming releases at Wishful Endings.

September Cover Love

I'm linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl to share some of the beautiful covers coming out in the month of September.

An Ivy Hill Christmas

Transcendent Kingdom

Anxious People

 

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

The Edge of Belonging

 I'm kind of in love with Julie Klassen's Christmas book. I can't wait to revisit Ivy Hill soon. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.