Shadows of the White City

I really enjoyed this well crafted and exciting novel. There was so much interesting history and fascinating information about the Chicago World's Fair. I also loved seeing characters from the first book in the series, Veiled in Smoke. There are also new characters and a really sweet older romance. The literary references were a lot of fun too. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, but you will want to start with the first book.

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

Other editions

 

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 ~ 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.

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.

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.

August Wrap Up

Here are some quick reviews of the books I read this month.

The Jane Austen Society

This story was an absolute delight! I love historical fiction, Jane Austen, and World War Two settings, so this checked all my boxes. If you enjoy unlikely friendship stories, you'll enjoy this sweet novel with damaged characters in a charming setting. Highly recommended.

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

Dust

This was a lot fun. I enjoy the Peter Pan story, although I'm pretty limited to the Disney version. This is a little bit darker. It's very YA. Lots of angst, but very readable.

The Words Between Us

This was a really enjoyable book about books. It's a bit more literary in style, and character driven. It's published by a Christian publisher, and it's clean. However, there's very little faith content, so if you're looking for true Christian fiction, I don't think this qualifies. It is a really interesting story, though that I would definitelyrecommend. 

Emma

This was delightful. I highly recommend especially if you struggle with Austen. It's like listening to radio theater. Very well done with and excellent cast.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

I thoroughly enjoyed this marriage of convenience story set in Regency England. There is lots of spy drama and intrigue, and the story moves along at a good pace. I also liked the fact that the main character was an unwed mother. That's something we don't see much in historical fiction, and I thought it added a lot to the story. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance with a little mystery thrown in.

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


The Heiress of Winterwood

I have enjoyed all of Sarah J. Ladd's books so far, but I haven't read her original series, Whispers on the Moors. I finally picked up her debut, and loved it. I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience, and people thrown together in unlikely circumstances, so this was right up my alley. The heroine could be a little frustrating at times, but she meant well. I'm excited to read the next book in this series.


Mercy Road

I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. The romance and story line fell a little flat for me. I have enjoyed this author in the past, so I was a little disappointed. It was just ok.


The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter

This was a fun historical romance that I read on vacation. It was clean with great banter. Mimi Matthews has been a hit with me twice now, so I'll definitely be going back for more.

Have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments.

July Wrap Up

My reading has slowed down somewhat this summer. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty far off of my goal for eighty books in 2020. I'm going to try to read a lot in August. Maybe I'll hit my stride. I read four books in July and overall, enjoyed them. Here are my thoughts.

The Last Train to Key West

I loved the setting and the background story in this novel. For some reason this author's books always fall a little flat for me. I'll continue to read them because I feel they get continually better, but I wish I could get as lost in them as other people seem to.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

Jaime Jo Wright is my go to author for split time thriller/mysteries. Her books are so unique. Circuses are a little creepy anyway, but throw in a serial killer and a ghost, and it will keep you up at night. Her characters have great chemistry and tension, and her male leads are the right mix of brooding and swoony. The mystery kept me guessing the whole time. I had my suspicions, but wasn't able to figure things out at all. So well done! I recommend this book to readers who enjoy edge of your set mysteries and split time novels.

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


These Nameless Things

This is a complex and atmospheric novel perfect for fans of the TV show Lost and The Shack. It has themes of  grief and redemption that really make you think about eternity. Much of it is based on Inferno, which I've never read, so a lot of the symbolism went over my head. That didn't keep mt from enjoying the story and wanting to find out what was going to happen. Some parts of the story didn't have answers, so if you like everything to be neatly wrapped up, you may be disappointed. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy speculative novels.

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

Love and a Little White Lie

This was a delightful contemporary romance. I enjoy books set in churches, so this one had me right from the start. There were plenty of moral dilemmas to work around and lessons to be learned that kept things interesting. The chemistry between the main characters was lots of fun. Such great banter! You can't have a good romance without a little angst. Highly recommended!

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

How has your reading been going this summer? 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:

I'd Give Anything

These Nameless Things

Up next:

Love and a Little White Lie

What are you reading this week? 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:

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

Up next:

These Nameless Things

Love and a Little White Lie

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

It's Monday! What are you reading?

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

Just finished:

Like Flames in the Night

Don't Overthink It

Up next:

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

Chasing Vines

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

February Wrap Up

Here are my February reads and reviews.

The Dutch House

I listened to this on audio. Tom Hanks did the narration, and he was amazing. I could listen to him narrate anything. I loved the book, but did I love it because I loved the story or because I love Tom Hanks? I have no idea.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

This one was a miss for me. It started out slow, came together in the middle, and then slowed down again in the end. It tried really hard not to be your typical epic fantasy, and it succeeded. However, it was also a little pretentious. There were mixed reviews on Instagram and the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, so I don't feel alone.

The Room on Rue Amelie

This was a pretty straight forward WW2 romance. It had love and tragedy, and things wrapped up nicely in the end. The writing was a little plain, but that was a welcomed relief after The Ten Thousand Doors of January. I'm interested to read more by this author.

More Than We Remember

This was very well written woman's fiction. I enjoyed the story line. There is an interesting mystery, and a little mystery. Grief, trauma, and substance abuse are all explored in three different POVs. The author did a good job of making each voice distinct and individual. I recommend this book to readers of contemporary women's fiction.

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

Don't Overthink It

This book has so much good information in it, I think it really could help anyone. I didn't think of myself as an overthinker, but I am a chronic worrier. That tends to lead to overthinking. I also realized I probably do spend more time making decisions than I need to. There were so many helpful tips in this book. I especially enjoyed the chapter on rituals. I am such a creature of habit, and it makes me feel better knowing this can help me declutter my mind. I highly recommend picking up this book. You don't even need to think about it.

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


Like Flames in the Night

I love Connilynn Cossette's writing style, and I have loved this series. I would recommend starting with the first book in the series, A Light on the Hill, so you can start at the beginning of this family's story. This book is well researched and the characters are complex. There is lots of action and intrigue that keeps the story moving. Highly recommended!

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

Wuthering Heights

I really didn't expect to like this book at all. It has a depressing love story and unlikable characters, but I found myself turning the virtual pages to find out what was going to happen. I really wanted some redemption for the next generation. If you haven't read Wuthering Heights, give it a try. It's a fairly easy read, and the Amazon Classics edition had a good audio that I switched back and forth to.

Can't Wait for Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel

I'm linking up with Wishful Endings to share an upcoming release I'm excited about.

 

Don't Overthink It

Release Date: March 3, 2020

I don't feature much non-fiction on this blog, but I highly recommend this one. I got an early copy, and I plan on reading it again soon. So helpful, not just for overthinking, but for worrying in general. Check it out!

Can't Wait for Like Flames in the Night by Connilynn Cossette

I'm linking up with Wishful Endings to share an upcoming release I'm excited about.

Like Flames in the Night

Release Date: March 3, 2020

I love Connilyn's biblical fiction, and I'm really excited about the conclusion to this series. Each book has gotten better and better.