“All Manner of Things” by Susie Finkbeiner ~ Review

 

“All Manner of Things” by Susie Finkbeiner

1960’s Christian Fiction

Review copy through RevellReads program

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

 

When Annie Jacobson’s brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know. 

In Mike’s absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike’s safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family’s home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.

 

My Thoughts:

I didn’t want this book to end. And I don’t just mean that flippently. I am quite sure I could live in this book and not grow tired of it. I have been wanting to find Christian fiction set in the 1960’s for quite some time, and author Susie Finkbeiner didn’t just deliver, she knocked it out of the park with this amazing novel. Will there be more? Please tell me we can see more of Annie and her family? Because that would be amazing.

“All Manner of Things” didn’t feel like an ordinary story – it felt so real right to its very spine. The characters were so much like real people – as one of the endorsers said on the back, they are the kind you want to write a letter to and see how they are doing. I agree, and wish that were possible! I don’t want to be done with this special family.

And speaking of letters, it was such a delight to this letter-writing-fan (me XD) for many of the chapters to end in exchanged letters. It added another beautiful level of depth to the already fantastic story.

This wasn’t a fluffy, lighthearted book, yet it wasn’t too heavy either. It was the perfect amount of sorrow and hope combined, in such a realistic way. Everything that played out was so realistic, and sometimes there were tears.

“All Manner of Things” is a book that will stick with me for a long time. It is one of those books that I don’t mind if it becomes worn from many readings, because it is special.

The characters amazing, the plot superb, and can’t forget that perfect cover. <3

I’m so thankful I had the chance to read this book!

Quotes:

“Live today and then tomorrow and then the next day…the same way you’ve lived all the other days.”

“Don’t duck and cover. Keep your eyes open.”

“Achter de wolken schijnt de zon: Behind the clouds the sun is shining. If only we have eyes to see it.”

“Sometimes He feels so far, as if to never reach us. We call for Him, we beg Him to come. And when He seems to stay away, we might even ask where He is. Then we see His power on display and remember, He has gone nowhere. And He’s lost not one bit of His strength.”

 

“Irrelevant” ~ A review and post about Autism

 

I am going to talk about why I loved this book.

Mallory.

The plot itself was great, and I can’t wait to begin book two to find out what happens, but what made this book special to me is main character, Mallory.

I have definitely identified with characters in the past. And I feel like as we grow as people, our character-choices grow too. With Mallory, I felt like I found a character just like me. Yes, I’ve felt this way before regarding other characters, but as I read “Irrelevant” and got to know Mallory more, I related more than before. Because most of the characters we read in books are primarily “normal”. They can act and react in the world normally, and handle what comes with ease (and that’s good too). But that’s not my reality, and it wasn’t Mallory’s either. She is labeled as Autistic. And I am too.    My…”quirks” were always assumed to be related to what was diagnosed when I was young which is sensory-integration-dysfunction. But as I learn more and more about Autism, I find more about me that makes sense.

I don’t care to live under labels. Labels do not define who we are. Who God has created to be. It is not “Who am I?” but rather, “Who HE IS”. I firmly believe that. But learning how to cope in this world, I think, is also important, and I am thankful that God has allowed me to find so much information about autism, and then proceed to give me the opportunity to read “Irrelevant” and discover Mallory. She is my kind of normal. She sometimes gets overwhelmed, she doesn’t feel ‘normal’, she cries a lot. All of these things that I can relate to. Oh, and she loves dragons. I was so excited when I found that out. :)

Another thing that made me attached to Mallory was that her character wasn’t written as ‘odd’. Who she was didn’t make her any less of a person. Sometimes I think there is some sort of stigma surrounding the word Autism. People think that only the most severe cases are Autistic and that makes them different. Accepted, but still different. High-functioning Autism is still a thing, though. It can get swept under the rug. We’re not so Autistic that we can fit under that assumption in people’s minds, but we’re also not so normal that we can be defined as, well, normal. But with Mallory…she…well, she was unique and accepted, and she made me feel normal too. What is normal, right?! A word I get caught up on. :) There is no normal, really, because God made us all unique. But I think you know what I mean when I say all this. And all this has become quite the long-winded post! But I just wanted to share why I probably won’t stop talking about Mallory. Because she has become a friend to me, in my mind. ;)

Another thing I am learning is that autism is what I have. It is not what defines me. My identity is not autism, my identity can only be found in Christ. No matter what we battle, or have, or deal with, it is not solely who we are – who were are is solely rooted in Christ. It is He that lives within us, not we ourselves, for we have been crucified with Christ.

I don’t mind saying I have autism – I am not ashamed of this. But I want to be clear in that only God matters. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” He defines me, He makes up who I am, and as long as I keep my face turned toward Him, I will be radiant and no shame shall be found on my face (psalm 34:5).

My “official” review of “Irrelevant” by Sarah Addison-Fox:

If there ever was a cliffhanger ending, this book has it. “Irrelevant” is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I love her writing style. It is so captivating that I can hardly put the book down. I wanted to get to this book even sooner than I did, but life events happened that challenged that. However, the author was so kind and understanding about that, for which I am very grateful! <3

This story is action-packed. Not exactly in the way that I would think of when using the words ‘action packed”, because there isn’t a great deal of fighting or fleeing involved (though there is some!), but everything that happens – it all happens quickly and seamlessly, and as I said, I really did have a hard time putting it down.

I want to focus on the characters. They are what drew me to this story in the first place. Mallory is Autistic – and oh my word, the author wrote her character SO well. I absolutely fell in love with Mallory, and could relate to her so much.I am on the Autism spectrum as well, and do I was just really able to relate and understand her so well. It felt really good for me. Everything about her was so realistic and believable, and spot-on. She is so unique, and loveable. One of the things that stuck out to me was that Mallory cried a lot. I cry a lot too, and I don’t know…I just found this added detail comforting to me. And how Cristan (the hero) handled her, especially in her tears – I loved that. He didn’t like to see her cry (not many men like tears at all…), but he knew how important it was for her to let her emotions out and he was so gentle with her. I just absolutely loved and appreciated that. He was so…respectful as a whole. Yes, he has some problems. He has anger issues, and he doesn’t deny that. But his respectful manner really stood out to me as well.

I want to know more about them, more about their story and their backgrounds – that cliffhanger was just cruel! XD

But really, the characters are brilliant. Mallory won the whole novel for me. She is priceless, and I just have to thank the author for writing her so well.

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As in all my reviews, I do like to give content warnings – this isn’t a Christian book, per-say. There was only one or two references to religion and God (and to be honest, one comment Cristan made about God/faith made me sad. Maybe we’ll see a turn around in the following books?), but it is not an overall theme in the book. There are also several swear words spoken throughout. Nothing too terrible or shocking, and it did fit the characters who spoke them. Personally, i am not a fan of swear words, but I was able to pass over them in this story.

There were some innuendos, and one scene at the end that was a little too close to a sex-scene for my particular comfort, but again, respect won out, and I appreciated that.

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All in all, I quite enjoyed this book, and again: loved Mallory!! Looking forward to the rest of the series.

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Pssssst. There’s also a paperback giveaway for Irrelevant happening! Enter HERE.

“Cross My Heart” by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Cross My Heart
Series: Legacy of Faith #2
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Split Timeline

Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | ChristianBook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love.

Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

CONNECT WITH ROBIN: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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MY REVIEW

Only my second novel by author Robin Lee Hatcher,  I am quickly becoming a big fan of her writing!

“Cross My Heart” is a beautiful book with a fantastic story of faith and trust in the Lord. The plotlines themselves are amazing, but my favorite part is the heart of the novel – the overwhelming, encouraging, and satisfying message of God, soaked into each page. It was truly beautiful, and I can’t express how much I appreciate that in a novel! This wasn’t just a Christian book in theory or title – it was fulfilling, and I loved that.

I also love how the duel-timeline was presented, with the present day story being the focus, but at the end of each chapter we receive a glimpse of Andrew Henning’s story in 1940’s. So enticing, and so good.

I will admit that I am not a huge horse person (I know. Gasp.). I love my sister’s horse and adore my own mule, but horses have never been a huge passion of mine. However, that theme in this book was delightful and I really liked seeing what it meant to both Ashley and Ben. And how they related over their shared interest and love of horses, and helping people. That was great.

I was just really impressed with the whole book, and greatly look forward to the next book in the Legacy of Faith series!!

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive Book 1 & 2 of Robin Lee Hatcher’s LEGACY OF FAITH series (US only) – Who I Am With You & Cross My Heart

Copy the following phrase to claim your bonus entries for this stop:

“My times are in Thy Hands” Psalm 31:15 KJV

Each host on the tour (excluding the launch pages) has a “timeless” verse or phrase for you to enter on the Rafflecopter form for bonus entries!

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 21, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

“Midnight on the River Grey” by Abigail Wilson ~ Book Review

 

“Midnight on the River Grey” by Abigail Wilson

Review copy from the authors/publishers as apart of the launch team

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . . 

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I love the author’s writing style. I found the writing of this book to be just as captivating as her debut novel, “In the Shadow of Croft Towers”, and I was easily enveloped within its pages right away!

The mystery and intrigue were marvelous and kept you on the edge of your seat, just waiting to find out the whole truth. And once we did…goodness! This book will certainly bring you on an excellent adventure!

The characters were very well written, and I enjoyed Rebecca’s relationship with her Aunt Jo. That was very endearing. I liked Rebecca herself quite well, although she could aggravate me with some of her strong-willed (and a tad bit selfish) characteristics, and she made some dangerous decisions that I wanted to shout at her for XD But I did love Mr. Browning’s character a great deal. He wasn’t all that he appeared to be, and he had an excellent heart and sense of honor.

This was a clean, wholesome book, but very sadly was lacking any real Christian thread. There was no mention of the Lord at all, and I think a message of trusting God could’ve been perfectly woven throughout the story. Rebecca loved the stars and they brought her great comfort – I kept expecting her to remark on how they were God’s creation and how it connected her to Him.

It was a vastly entertaining book – were it to have a strong faith strand, it would have been perfect!

Looking forward the next book this author blesses us with! Her talent is enrapturing and I love how easy it is to lose myself within the pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.

“The Number of Love” by Roseanna M White ~ Book Review

“The Number of Love” by Roseanna M White

Book #1 of The Codebreakers // Historical Fiction

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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About the Book:

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

 

My Thoughts:

 

Another amazing book by Roseanna M White to add to my favorites list! Everytime I think I can name my favorite book by this author, I read her newest and change my mind. ^.^ They are all so very good! And “The Number of Love” is no exception. What a marvelous story! I was captivated from page one, and immediately fell in love with the characters. They were so very vivid in this book. And seeing a couple other characters whom I recognized from previous White books – what a fun treat. :)

Margot is such a fascinating character. I loved her so much, and Drake too! Another major favorite was Drake’s sister Dot. I could relate to her in many ways, and wish she had her own full-length novel! :D She was lovely.

One of my favorite things about this book (and there were many!) was Margot’s relationship with God. Throughout the book, faith wasn’t just a religion interwoven through the pages – it was relationship displayed through the characters hearts. And Margot’s relationship with God was so real, and present, and personable, right down to the very struggles that she thought hindered that relationship at times. It was just remarkably well-written, and so beautifully real. I really appreciated that.

One thought at the end that I had…I would have liked to have seen Margot also realize that sometimes God does ask us to sacrifice our own dreams – but that He gives us new ones that are so much better. I think this was touched on a bit, and I am still very happy with the ending how it was (it was very sweet and beautiful!), but this was just an added thought I had, knowing that God does often ask this of us.:)

The whole book was beautifully written, truly. The plot was amazing and detailed, and so interesting, and the characters, as stated, absolutely marvelous. I loved “The Number of Love” so very much – it definitely is a favorite of mine already!

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**I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own. 

“He always spoke. Always. And she listened, because God was smarter than she was – the only being about whom she could say that with certainty. She didn’t always understand His ways, but she’d learned to trust them.” 

“It doesn’t heal. We’re never restored fully, whole again, after we lose someone. We must learn to go on with the pieces missing.” 

“Sometimes running away does speak to courage instead of fear. To wisdom. Sometimes running away is necessary. Though I certainly hope not in this case.”

“Sometimes God let people die. Let His children break. And then pieced them back together into something new. Something that He could use for His glory instead of theirs.” 

“Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” by Bethany Turner – Review!

I am so embarressed by how late this post is. Among all the shuffle and trials life has been throwing at my family and I lately, I somehow missed posting this even though I wrote the review immediately after finishing this amazing book. So I am very sorry, Bethany, for my delay! But at long last, here is my review…

 

“Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” by Bethany Turner

Christian Rom-Com

Review copy through the author/publisher as apart of the launch team

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn’t love her in the “forever” way she loves him, Cadie believes it’s time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing.

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie’s favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It’s a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?

Bethany Turner is back with more of the heart and humor readers love. Anyone who enjoys a good romance or binges romantic comedies on Netflix will devour this delightful story.

My Thoughts:

Is it really over? Bethany Turner sure knows how to write a spectacular romance book that gives you all the happy-tingly feels! Seriously, that ending…I just want to spend a bunch of time awwwwing at it all.

The story is adorable. Really truly it is. But it’s not just adorable. It’s full of real-life struggles, and real-life mistakes and how said mistakes affect life, and yet bring us closer to God through His forgiveness. That message was very sweetly and aptly portrayed in “Wooing Cadie McCaffrey”.

The characters, Cadie, and Will, and Darby, and Kevin, and Ellis (do you want me to go on?), were all so much more than just characters. I loved them all so very much. Will Whitaker is absolutely amazing, and I while I know where Cadie was coming from, I also don’t know how she could even possibly entertain thoughts of resisting him after all he did to show he cared. Okay, as I said, I do understand where she was coming from. Totally. Their misunderstanding was real. But Will is such a sweetheart, and I certainly wouldn’t turn him away if he showed up at my door reenacting favorite rom-com movies. XD Adorable.

There is sex mentioned frequently in this book. And while in some cases that might have been a “turn off” for me, this wasn’t. It certainly wasn’t glorified, nor was it explicitly shown or talked about – it was real life. And I must say, I am incredibly impressed how the author handled it all – with such grace and tact, and real-ness. Nothing about this book felt ‘dirty’ or ‘inappropriate’ in any way to me. I know every reader is different though, which is why I thought I should mention that this book does involve that subject. But trust me when I say, it is all handled extremely well. And really, I don’t think this story could have been what it is without that element, because it shaped the situation. While what happened may not be my ‘normal’, I know it is normal, and seeing how it affected the various characters was realistic, and again, handled so well.

I loved all the movie references, even if I haven’t seen a couple of the ones mentioned. Just knowing what they were was an extreme delight, and it was just such a fun element!

Also, I simply cannot leave this review off without touching on the cover…Oh.My.Goodness.!! It is adorable!! So, so beautiful, and meaningful, and stunning. Definitely a favorite. <3

I love this author’s writing style. So very much. Waiting for her next novel is going to be hard!

“I’m just saying I’m doing this because I love her, and I happen to think you’re what’s best for her. And clearly you can’t handle it on your own.” -Darby to Will

“I researched. Believe me. You haven’t known a wild Friday night unless you’ve been at Kevin Lamont’s house watching 27 Dresses, and Odell Beckham and Alex Rodrigues show up, because Kev forgot to let them know a cocktail party had been rescheduled.” 

Darby gasped, but it quickly turned into a laugh. “That didn’t happen!”

“Oh, I assure you, it did. But it worked out okay. With Alex there, we breezed through Maid in Manhattan and The Wedding Planner too.” 

“A Marvelous Redeemer” by Aleigha Israel ~ Blog Tour Spotlight

Good morning, one and all! Today I am pleased to spotlight what looks and sounds to be an amazing book, “A Marvelous Redeemer” by Aleigha Israel! I had hoped to have my review to share today as well, but a family emergency occured making that impossible. But I will be sharing my review as soon as I can. For now, enjoy discovering more about this beautiful book!!

 

 

About the Book

She knew the decision would change her life. But she didn’t know she’d have to fight to survive. When Amira put her faith in Christ, she knew life wouldn’t be easy. But hiding her conversion from her Muslim family soon becomes the least of her worries. Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she travels to the island of Gabeburough, trying her best to make a fresh start. Two escaped convicts and a treasure map. A leafy paradise that becomes her home. Amira begins to wonder, where is her Redeemer when she needs Him the most? Caleb Haddington is prince of Carpathia. Life should be perfect, but he can’t get a certain dark-haired girl out of his mind. Amira was his best friend when he lived in France, but her letters to him have suddenly stopped. Her last letter is filled with terror that her faith will soon be discovered. Only a single hope keeps him alive; when the time is right, he’s going after her. He’ll bring her back and prove to the kingdom that he’s a man. But the journey proves to be more perilous than he’d ever imagined. Ridicule, comfortless days and the threat of a hurricane are just the start of his problems. Lying becomes easy for Caleb until his own life crumbles before him. Brought to his knees under the pressure of his actions, he comes to realize the sweetness of his Savior. Forgiveness, grace, and mercy are granted fully to those who ask. Caleb and Amira soon discover that they don’t just serve a gracious Savior, but a wonderful, magnificent, marvelous Redeemer.

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

 

About the Author

ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of multiple books and enjoys sharing God’s love through the powerful art of storytelling.

Aleigha loves being a Community Assistant at the Young Writers Workshop and teaching writing classes to her talented students.

When she’s not daydreaming about a new story idea or playing with her sidekick “Marley” (a Pomeranian mix) she can usually be seen traveling with her family’s gospel bluegrass band, “Fret Not” or making personalized author swag for her business Literary Treasures.

She doesn’t have to search very hard for inspiration.

Living in the Israel household, it’s guaranteed there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!

 

More from Aleigha

I’m beyond excited to finally share Caleb’s Song with you all!!

Something I love doing with my stories, is writing songs that become the character’s life songs.

I’ve done it for most of my books.

In A Marvelous Redeemer, Caleb suffers his way through learning several valuable lessons. But His Redeemer never left his side for a single moment.

We don’t have to try and make it through this world alone, because Jesus walks beside us all the way.

Through Jesus, we can find freedom, victory, peace, love and forgiveness. We can find ultimate joy in the sweet presence of our gracious, Marvelous Redeemer.

I hope you enjoy Caleb’s Song!

You can also check out his song on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXykDvOTGVc

And read an exclusive interview with Caleb Haddington and more of the royal family on my blog: https://thepenofthewriter.weebly.com/character-fun.html

(And even have the chance to ask Caleb a few questions of your own!!)

Caleb’s Song:

“A speck on the horizon, nothing big, nothing tall.
Just an ant on this earth,
trying to break down this wall.
A trembling wind, a small ship on the sea,
Understanding this world is not all about me.

Trying to fix all my problems, trying to right all my wrongs.
I just need someone stronger to carry me along.
I can build up walls, and hide within,
but the pain is still there, with no way to win.

I need love,
I need a Savior,
I need the Prince who was born in a manger.
I need strength, in all my weakness.
I need a light to chase all my darkness.
I need Jesus, I need Jesus.

My well is so empty, my spirit is dry.
No relief from this pain, though I try and I try.
I can’t do this anymore, my life is a mess,
I just want to win this battle, nothing more, nothing less.

This world offers answers that only appease for a day.
But I’ve finally found my life source, the only One, the only Way.
My burden’s now been lifted, I’ve found a life boat on the sea.
My walls are broken down, I’ve found victory!

In His love, in my Savior, in my Prince
who was born in a manger.
He is strength, in all my weakness.
He is the light to chase all my darkness.
I’ve found Jesus, I’ve found Jesus.”

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Note from Raechel (blogger):

Isn’t that song so inspiring? I absolutely love that the author would write a song for each of her stories. How cool, and beautiful!

Don’t miss out on entering the giveaway, and you can get more enteries by commenting on the various participating blogs!

 

Click on the image above to enter the giveaway or enter HERE.

 

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Blog Stops

Real World Bible Study, May 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

Bigreadersite, May 31

janicesbookreviews, May 31

Carpe Diem, June 1

Girls Living For God’s Glory, June 2

Through the Fire Blogs, June 3

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, June 4

Mary Hake, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Inspired by Fiction, June 6

For the Love of Literature, June 7

Pause for Tales, June 8

For The Love of Books, June 9

A Reader’s Brain, June 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

Aryn the Libraryan, June 11

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, June 12

Inklings and notions, June 12

“Living Lies” by Natalie Walters ~ Book Review

“Living Lies” by Natalie Walters

Harbored Secrets #1

Review copy from publishers/author

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name–but no one knows your secret. At least that’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton’s newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she’ll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I love getting the opportunity to read an author’s debut novel. It feels so special, to be trusted with their first book baby. :)

“Living Lies” is a romantic suspense title, and I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense plot – it was really well-written, and I enjoyed seeing how the whole thing played out and worked together in the end.  That thread was my favorite for sure.

The characters themselves were great, and nicely written. I appreciate how  Lane dealt with depression and anxiety, and that message of the book was definitely handled very well and with care.

The romance didn’t really ‘click’ for me, personally. Not that the two characters weren’t good for each other – they were, and I certainly didn’t dislike them as a couple. I don’t really know why I wasn’t getting engaged in the romance thread. Sometimes it felt a little like insta-love but it wasn’t exactly like that because the main character had some things she felt she needed to overcome.

Charlie was a fantastic guy. I loved how patient he was. And little Noah was a cutie. Also, I had a soft spot for Miguel. His character was really well-written.

The story flowed so nicely, and was an enjoyable read to be sure.

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*I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own.