Review of "What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer"

When a fire breaks out at Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, Christina Willems turns to the townspeople to give lodging to her flock of charges until their home can be rebuilt. With nowhere else to go, Christina must ask miller Levi Johnson to take in Tommy, an eleven-year-old blind boy. Levi is reluctant, but a bond soon forms between Levi and Tommy. Meanwhile, Christina is busy trying to get the poor home rebuilt despite numerous complications.

Honestly, I didn't think this book was that great. I felt like the main character, Christina, was pretty lame. I probably wouldn't have even finished the book if it weren't for me really liking a couple of the other characters- namely, Levi, Tommy and Cora. I really loved seeing the bond between Tommy and Levi grow and how they both changed for the better because of it. The redemption and love as Cora's story unfolded was really great and one of the best parts of the book.

All in all, this book ended up being okay, but definitely not great. I don't recommend it.

Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

I enjoyed reading this book. It was really interesting and had some very intriguing elements to it. I liked how some parts were like a mystery but not all of the book was. There was enough suspense to keep it a page-turner and the plot/story was realistic. I liked how there was also a focus on rebuilding/restoring relationships between Emily and her dad and Emily and Kieran that gave an emotional side to the story. I enjoyed reading Critical Reaction, and I would recommend it. I think that people who like reading books that have good, solid plots with a bit of mystery would enjoy reading this book.

Thank you to Bethany House for sending me a free copy of Critical Reaction in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: The Jesus Story

Review for The Jesus Story by Dr. William H. Marty:

This book is an easy read, not really in depth, but it is really interesting to read the New Testament in chronological order. Because it is not an in-depth book, I don't think this would be a great read for a mature Christian unless they just wanted to read a simple overview of the New Testament, but I think that a new believer could benefit from reading it because of its simplicity. Because this book uses simple language it would be an easy overview of the New Testament for someone new to the Bible or maybe to read to a younger child.

Reading the Bible is an important part of being a believer and I don't want to imply that you should read this instead of the Bible. You should definitely read the Bible, and this book could be interesting for you to read on the side.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for sending me a free copy of The Jesus Story in exchange for my honest review.  

4 stars. 

Review: The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

GOOD-QUALITY WRITING! 

I really enjoyed this book. Yes, the plot was predictable in that you knew somehow Julia and William were going to fall in love, but it was really well-written, not cheesy (one of my pet peeves is cheesy romance) and it was written in a realistic way. It was believable, unlike some books where the author's attempts at a romance ruin the book. The characters in this book were really well-done too and were really enjoyable to read about. I loved them. Julia was my favorite, of course, and I really liked reading about the growing friendship between her and Sarah. Julia is such a sweet, kind character. The plot of this book kind of reminded me of The Sound of Music but a little bit different- and if you loved that movie, you will love this book. I liked this book a lot and I recommend it. I think that anyone who likes historical fiction, especially from this particular era, would enjoy reading The Governess of Highland Hall.

Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for sending me a free copy of The Governess of Highland Hall in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: The Dawn of Christmas by Cindy Woodmall

After Sadie's heart was broken by her unfaithful fiancee, she went to Peru to do mission work and to heal. Four years later, her father wants her to move home but Sadie doesn't want to give her new life up.
Levi doesn't want to get married yet, but is family is pressuring him to do otherwise. When Sadie and Levi meet, they find unexpected allies in each other. But what will happen as time goes on and they begin to fall in love with each other?
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book, but the romance seemed forced and corny. I had expected better quality writing from Cindy Woodsmall.
This book would make a quick, light read for anyone who enjoys Amish romances. I give it 3 1/2 stars.
I received a copy of The Dawn of Christmas free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Excellent Book!! Review: Martyr's Fire

Book 3 in the Merlin’s Immortals series continues the story of Thomas as begun in The Orphan King and Fortress of Mist.

Fifteen men who call themselves the Priests of the Holy Grail arrive in Magnus, bringing with them supposed “miracles” and taking control of the castle.

Barely escaping, Thomas begins a journey that will take him to the Holy Land, where he hopes to find answers to his questions. But on the way, Thomas runs into unexpected circumstances. Will the Holy Land hold the answers that Thomas seeks?

This book was just as good, if not better than the previous two. I was glued to the pages! These books are incredibly well-written, excellent reading. I would heartily recommend this book as well as the rest of the series. I can’t wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!

Review: An Untamed Heart

Having previously read and LOVED Lauraine Snelling's Red River and Blessing books, I was SO excited to get this book.

The first half of the book seemed almost choppy and was hard to get into, but the second half was excellent and made up for the first half. Having read all the other books in the series, I really liked having the chance to read the prequel and discover the backstory to Ingeborg's decision to go to America.

I would recommend An Untamed Heart, especially to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction or to anyone who has read the Red River of the North series and the continuing books.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!