“Pearl in the Sand” 10th Anniversary Edition by Tessa Afshar – Review

“Pearl in the Sand” by Tessa Afshar

10th Anniversary Edition

Review copy through the publishers/author

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.

This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…

A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith… of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.

My Thoughts:

How has it been ten years since this beautiful novel first released? I have such fond memories including Pearl in the Sand. I just happened upon it after it first came out, sitting on our library’s New Release shelf, and it was my first foray back into the world of Christian Romance after taking a break. I’m so glad I picked it up, and I devoured it that first time. It touched me so much, I got my own copy and read it again…and again…and here I am now, having the absolute delight of reading the new revised edition. This beautiful story touched me as much now as it did each of the previous reads of it.The author does such a brilliant job of telling Rahab’s story – her life as a harlot and what led up to that point is delicately told in a matter of the first few chapters. It is never explicit, or summed up with no meaning; it truly is handled with care and grace. Each of the characters are so realistic and so multidimensional. We are engulfed in their struggles right alongside them, and it is a joy to become a part of their journey.I love this novel so much. The message is so touching. It’s not just about Rahab and Salmone, it is about God’s pursuing, redeeming, and precious love for us. He woos us, and calls us worthy. I tear up every time I read Pearl in the Sand, because these truths are so wondrously told – it impacts me every time.The author’s note in this new edition also had me misty-eyed. She writes so from the heart, and that heart is so for the Lord that it translates vibrantly to the page.This will remain one of my favourite reads for ever, I am quite sure. I love how God uses it, and how the author allows the Lord to use her! <3

“Until I Met You” by Tari Faris ~ Book Review

“Until I Met You” by Tari faris

Book Two in Restoring Heritage Series

Review copy from the publishers

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town’s new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints–and possibly even his heart?

My Thoughts:

I love discovering new authors! This was my first book to read by Tari Faris, though it is the second in the series. I seem to have a habit for doing that…but I do plan on catching up on the first book soon as I can. :) “Until I Met You” tells the story of Libby and Austin, as well as Austin’s brother Nathan, and Libby’s roommate Olivia. I really enjoyed how the novel played out, displaying each character’s story with care and attention. It all read very smoothly, and I enjoyed my visit to their little town of Heritage. ^.^ 

While primarily a light hearted read, Until I Met You also contains a great message of the importance of God’s grace. That was lovely. I think this book stood well on its own, but I think reading them in order would be the best way to enjoy it, as there are return-characters. I like when books interconnect, even if I haven’t had the pleasure of catching up on the first book(s) XD

I liked all the characters, though I’ll admit Austin could frustrate me. I understood his struggle with forgiveness, and appreciated his journey to arrive at that point, but I just had a bit of a hard time with his anger sometimes. But again, we get to see him grow so that was nice.

All in all, a fun, sweet story. :)

“Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish” by Bethany Turner ~ Review (and MBTI mention!)

 

@vikinglady10

 

 

Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner

RomCom: Releases Tuesday, May 5th (TODAY!!!)

Review copy from the publisher/author as apart of Launch Team

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanaugh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel’s other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.
When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he’s sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public’s good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.
Fan-favorite Bethany Turner serves up a heaping helping of humor and romance with this thoroughly modern story centered on cooking, enemies, and second chances.

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I don’t cook or bake. At least, I don’t particularly enjoy it. So one might ask, why are you reading a very Foodie Novel? And the answer to that, besides the fact that the story itself sounds amazing obviously, is because Bethany Turner wrote it. As soon as I read her debut novel, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, I was hooked on this author’s writing style. It is so unique, and fun, and witty. So of course I could not miss out on another book by her!

And of course, I utterly enjoyed this one too. Surprise! ;) The story plot was really good, and the characters fabulous. The dynamics were a joy to see played out, and seeing Max transform was especially nice. Hadley was a sweetheart of a character, and I could relate to her on many levels (except the cooking/baking… haha). Max was detestable at first, and I really wondered how we would grow to love him. But we did, we really did.

I will say that I wish there was a bit more emphasis on faith. It was very subtly present, and I still feel that the author was respectful of that, but I think Max’s transformation could have had a lot more ‘oomph’ had the emphasis been more on God’s tranformation in us.

Still, I vastly enjoyed this book, and I’m sad to see it’s over. That just means I have to wait AGAIN for another Bethany Turner book…and that is quite difficult.  I guess I will just have to appease myself with rereads of the authors three published novels so far. ;)

I don’t actually know if I’ve mentioned here on my blog yet, but I’ve been studying personality types for a while now, and am in the middle of a series on my Instagram where I type characters from books and movies every Monday (God-willing, of course!). It’s been a lot of fun, and yesterday I typed Hadley and Max from this wonderful book! You can check that out on my Instagram – my username is @vikinglady10 . :)

 

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ Book Review

 

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

Haven Manor Book 3

Review copy from the publisher as apart of the launch team

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the book:

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.
Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can’t resist the urge to solve the puzzle.
As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family’s enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I’m feeling very inadequate to write this review. I just can’t believe this series is over, and that this particular story is over. I didn’t want it to end! Still don’t, but I suppose I must come to terms with that fact at some point.Readers of the Haven Manor series have been anticipating Jess’ story for quite some time. And oh goodness did it satisfy!! Right from page one of “A Pursuit of Home”, I was drawn into the story, and became even more entwined withe the characters. It was so nice (and sad too) to finally understand Jess and her past. Her snarky character really is marvelous, by the way. Every hardship only made her stronger and more resilient, and I just love her sarcasm. And Derek! Oh my word, was he fantastic too. The banter held between these two was beyond exemplary. I laughed numerous times, and I just loved their chemistry. A sentence that had me grinning:
“Unless you’ve an axe for me to use, I can’t go any farther,” Derek whispered. “And I feel I should warn you, before you produce an axe from some random corner of your person, I haven’t the ability to chop wood silently.”
At first, Derek irritated Jess, and that made for some very humorous situations. Jess was used to being hardened, and the thought of actually caring terrified her. And sometimes I could understand this. “This made her feel vulnerable. This was terrifying”  – I get that. ^.^ Truly, I was just very impressed with the characters as a whole. Beautifully done!The plot was exciting, and I loved seeing how everything unfolded. The mystery, the journeys, the danger, and the growth in each character – it was all just marvelous and I felt right at home within the pages. I also loved the knife-throwing aspect. That was extremely fun as knife-throwing is one of my hobbies  – and I was just flabbergasted to read the acknowledgements and find my name listed there. THANK YOU Kristi Ann Hunter! Being able to share info about knife-throwing was a delight and having my name in the acknowledgements an extreme honor. I’ve been squealing over it for days! :)But yes, in conclusion, this book is amazing, it never disappointed, and I adore these characters. I loved this book so much and am truly sad to see it end. But what an ending it was. I highly recommend this fabulous series! <3

 

 

 

Quotes:

 

“The problem with inevitability was that no matter how much effort one put into avoiding them, they still happened.”

 

“Derek loved the scent of books. Paper, ink, leather, and dust created an aroma that always made him feel at home.”

 

“Interesting thing about opinions. They tend to vary from person to person. If they didn’t, they would be facts.”

“This made her feel vulnerable. This was terrifying” — I feel ya Jess.

 

“God had given the sacrifice she needed, not the one she’d asked for. That was the sacrifice love demanded. It wasn’t sacrificing to make someone else happy; it was sacrificing to provide what they needed.”

 

 

 

**I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.  

Book Sleeve Review – Lulu Book Design//Minnie and Mickey Mouse print

LuLu Book Designs Book Sleeve, Minnie and Mickey design

 

 

 

I had the extreme privilege of receiving this Minnie and Mickey Mouse pattern book sleeve from LuLu Book Designs for review! So without further ado, here are my thoughts about this sleeve:

First off, it is so adorable! I may be in my twenties, but I have a major soft spot for Minnie and Mickey Mouse. :) Minnie was always my favorite when I was younger, and I have many Minnie Mouse themed items. Which was one of the reasons I was so excited to add this to my collection. The print really is just darling – the different travel themed Minnies and Mickeys …so cute! And it is exceptionally well made! The padding is thick and strong, without being too stiff, and it is super durable. I’ve been using it a lot since I got it, and I can say that I am so pleased with it! The quality really is excellent. And I love the inside fabric being such a cheery yellow – it really brings the whole sleeve together!

I definitely recommend LuLu Book Design sleeves – they are gorgeous, well made, and affordable too!

Very thankful to add this beautiful sleeve to my collection. :)

 

 

 

(this photo is taken from the etsy listing)

 

 

 

 

(I share more pictures on my instagram – @vikinglady10)

“Finding Lady Enderly” by Joanna Davidson Politano – Book Review (I loved it!!)

“Finding Lady Enderly” by Joanna Davidson Politano

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

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I loved this book, so so much. It meant so much to me, the message and everything, because it is something I am learning too – my identity in Christ. During the reading of it, I even wrote a poem that, if Rania were real, I’d love to share with her. I will include it at the end of this post, but first read on for the description of this beautiful book and my “official” review! :)

 

 

About the Book:

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Oh my word, this book. Wow. It floored me in its gentle beauty and remarkable message. It is no coincident that I read it when I did, and took my time to savor it, for the message lined up with what God has been showing me lately, and that just blessed me so much.

I fell so utterly in love with this story, that it will long remain on my favorites shelf. How it is written is so beautifully smooth and captivating, and the plot was fantastic as well, with characters that will just sweep you off your feet.

Truly, I don’t know how I could write a review that would do this book justice. I loved it so much. Dear sweet Rania went through such a journey. And that ending! Not quite what I was expecting, but so much better and full of redemption. Gorgeous prose, amazing characters, and truth about identity that is sure to bless any reader who stumbles into its pages.

The absolute heart that is woven through the story is touching, and that it all shines back to our Creator, is astounding. I’m so in love with this book and its characters. The author did a beautiful job, and I am in awe of her ability to turn it all back to God. <3

I marked SO many places in this book that it would be nearly impossible to share them all. I so badly wanted to make a graphic for each one, but our computer has been so slow that I’m not sure I can even get one made. But the quotes were fantastic and I will savor them for a long time. Hopefully I can get them typed up soon and perhaps I will devote a special post to them in the near future. :)

My Worth // by Raechel Lenore

I’m building my courage

One strand at a time

I’m lifting my head

by the inch

Healing can come

not all in a wave

but in soft whispers of strength

A Change slowly happening

A change still occuring

My eyes ever upward I raise

Coming to learn

and coming to know

that I reside in a place of grace

Beauty and truth,

they shine from within

they rely not upon another soul

I need not look to another’s face

to know my worth is whole

A crown slowly forming

upon my head

I let it there reside

Not knowing its strength

yet feeling its weight

I’m learning to accept it as mine

My worth to you I do not owe

My worth secure within me

I used to look towards anothers face

to change what grew so simply

Freedom’s glance

feels just wihin reach

and I’m starting to stand taller now

Knowing I am enough on my own

this truth is a new beginning, allowed.

I’ll raise my head another inch

I’ll lift up sparkling eyes

I’ll look into my reflection close and say ‘You are dignified.

My Father has put His crown on you

to His children He has given all

The garments are complete on you

Dignified and without pall

Raise up, you daughter of courage

raise up and continue to mend

Your worth is not held by anothers hands

Your worth is found in Heavens stead

You are worth

all on your own

You are worth and enough

You are a beauty

a pearl all desired

treasured by heavens touch.’

My worth is not measured by others opinions

my worth does not fluctate by anothers whims

My worth cannot be tossed by the wind

when I’ve found it secured within.

I do ask that you respect that this poem I shared belongs to me and is copyrighted as such. I would be pleased as punch if you wanted to share it linking back to me, just please don’t steal. :) Thank you!!

“Light from Distant Stars” by Shawn Smucker ~ Revell Reads Review

 

“Light from Distant Stars” by Shawn Smucker

Review copy from publishers

My rating: 3.5/4 out of 5 Stars

 

 

About the Book:

 

When Cohen Marah steps over his father’s body in the basement embalming room of the family’s funeral home, he has no idea that he is stepping into a labyrinth of memory. As the last one to see his father, Cohen is the primary suspect.

Over the next week, Cohen’s childhood memories come back in living color. The dramatic events that led to his father being asked to leave his pastoral position. The game of baseball that somehow kept them together. And the two children in the forest who became his friends–and enlisted him in a dark and dangerous undertaking. As the lines blur between what was real and what was imaginary, Cohen is faced with the question he’s been avoiding: Did he kill his father?

In Light from Distant Stars, master story weaver Shawn Smucker relays a tale both eerie and enchanting, one that will have you questioning reality and reaching out for what is true, good, and genuine.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Well that sure was interesting! This is one of those books where once you’ve finished it you kind of just sit back and think, “What exactly just happened?”!

The writing style is captivating, and everything about it pulls you into its pages. The story was interesting, and the back says it well with “one that will have you questioning reality”. To be honest, I’m still not exactly sure what all happened in this story – I “get” it, but there was a lot left unexplained – left to the imagination, I suppose.

I enjoyed it.  But I guess I was left a little bewildered! So much that was real and not real, and it all morphed together, in twisted threads wound so tightly that you’re not sure which end is which.

A captivating ride to be certain. ^.^ This was my first book to read by this author, but I would definietly like to catch up on his past works. Very interesting!

That cover – gorgeous! I love the starry artwork!

*I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.  

 

 

“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.” 

“Jesus Calling” Fabric Cover Edition ~ Book Review

Jesus Calling Daily Devotional

Sarah Young

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

My Thoughts:

This edition of the beloved devotional, Jesus Calling, is stunning! I am in love with the Jesus Calling devotionals, and I especially love the larger versions which include the whole verses at the end of each devo instead of just the verse references in the smaller sized devotionals.

The content is fantastic, as I’ve stated before in past reviews, so I will primarily be focusing on the outside of this edition. Which is beautiful, truly! I love the fabric feel to the hardcover, and the design is lovely. It is simple yet captivating, and I think it compliments the amazingness of the inside very well!

I highly recommend these devotionals, and definitely love this edition!

I received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review; all opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

“A Hero for Miss Hatherliegh” by Carolyn Miller ~ Book Review

“A Hero For Miss Hatherliegh” by Carolyn Miller

A Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley Novel

Review copy through Kregel Publications

My Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society–and she’s always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her–and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?
Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected–especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister’s secret.
When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers’ cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences–or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

*

*

My Thoughts:

 

“A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh” is a regency novel with a very definite Jane-Austen-book tone to it. This was my frist introduction to a novel by Carolyn Miller, and I found her voice of writing to be quite similar to a Jane Austen novel. It took me a bit to adjust to at first, but once I got into the novel, it was pleasant.

I am a fan of the Regency era, and that was depicted very well – I loved the setting and time period, and found it to be descriptive without too bogged down.

The main hero character was unique when it came to profession – I haven’t read a book where the main character was a undergroundologist on the hunt for fossils. That was quite interesting! I will admit that I didn’t care for the heroine, Caroline, at first, but as she progressed, she became more likeable.

Personally, I didn’t greatly connect to this book, but I do think that is due to when/how I read it. Had life been a little more even-keel and calm when I read it, I might have delved deeper into it.

I did appreciate the faith-aspect. That was very clear and evident, and well-done. I was quite happy about that, and thought that aspect refreshing.

There was a scene towards the end that felt very…well, unrealistic, and over-dramatized. It’s one of my least favorite troupes in fiction, but I know it could be another person’s favorite.

So while I didn’t deeply connect with this book, I don’t blame the story at all, and am quite sure it will be a favorite of many! I plan to continue on with this series, and look forward to reading more by this author! :)

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