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.