Tag Archives: Christian Contemporary

On a Summer Tide

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Fisher, Suzanne Woods. On a Summer Tide: Three Sisters Island. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Paul Grayson, retired and following a dream while also harboring an ulterior motive, buys an island. Renaming that island to now be known as Three Sisters Island, Paul invites his three daughters to join him on his new quest. Siblings, Blaine, Maddie and Camden, all struggle with their own issues and don’t always agree on life; however, as the island progresses, life takes some interesting turns…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
What a perfect summer vacation read! An island, water, romance, sisters and challenges all combine for a fun, fast, lively and charming story. With all 3 sisters facing situations in their personal lives, it was so real watching them unite for the best of intentions when it was needed. With an adorable dad added in the mix along with a mess of an island, it was endearing to see Camp Kicking Moose evolve. On a Summer Tide is definitely a book I would recommend taking to the beach, the cabin, the pool or the hammock; this newest contemporary novel from author Suzanne Woods Fisher is sure to be a highlight of the summer. With a delicious recipe and discussion questions rounding out the book, I hope we have not seen the last of the Three Sisters Island.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a compimentary copy of On a Summer Tide from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

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Whose Waves These Are

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Dykes, Amanda. Whose Waves These Are. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2019.

SUMMARY:
With a storyline centered around twins Roy and Robert Bliss, Whose Waves These Are tells the tale of family, truth, hope, faith and forgiveness over years of time. Using rocks as a foundation to build something great, Robert Bliss needs to finish before it is too late. Years later, called home by her GrandBob (Robert), Annie Bliss finds herself back home in Ansel-by-the-Sea, discovering mysteries revolving around stones, a poem, and family. Working to uncover the history involved, Annie stumbles upon much more than she imagined…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Full of beautiful imagery and skillful writing, I so appreciated the manner in which this book was written. Through the word choices, the deep visualizations, the dual timeframe, and the eloquence of speech, author Amanda Dykes had me from the first few pages with her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. Surrounding the theme of water and waves, the quote “Every wave…is a story” is carried throughout the book, resulting in a seamless circle-style story. Savoring this book while at the same time not being able to put it down, it was touching, heartwarming, sensitive and moving. Definitely a book I will recommend as well as an author I will read again.

RATING: 5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Whose Waves These Are from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

The Secrets of Paper and Ink

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Harrel, Lindsay. The Secrets of Paper and Ink. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Split between England in the 1850’s and here in the present day, The Secrets of Paper and Ink travels on a journey with three women who connect in the process of finding forgiveness, redemption and love. Sophia, dealing with the guilt of an abusive relationship, Ginny, trying to pick up the pieces after her husband left, and Emily, discovered by the other women through her diary written many years ago, all relate in a manner unforeseen. With a dual timeline story surrounding a journal found in a bookstore, author Lindsay Harrel shares the struggles, challenges, heartbreaks, and friendships of life.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Loving the idea of a story involving a bookstore with lots of books, a bookstore owner hoping to keep her store, a cute literature professor and a written journal found among the shelves, I knew I had to read The Secrets of Paper and Ink. Filled with a bit of mystery, 3 interesting women characters with real-life issues, a bookstore filled with books (can you tell I love to read?), and a storyline which bounces back and forth in time, I truly enjoyed this novel by Lindsay Harrel. Reading it in just two evenings, it flowed easily, kept my interest, and was relatable to everyday life. I hope for a sequel to this novel, allowing me to catch up with Sophia, Ginny and Emily.

RATING: 4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Secrets of Paper and Ink from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

The Memory House

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Hauck, Rachel. The Memory House. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Another dual timeline story by award-winning/ best-selling author, Rachel Hauck.  In her newest novel, The Memory House, two women share grief, sorrow, loss, hope, love and faith through a common strong connection. Everleigh Applegate and Beck Holliday, though separated by over 50 years, find solace, answers and a future through the “Memory House”.  Set in the 1960’s yet also the present day, as the timespan starts to shrink between them, the bond grows deeper between the women while they search for forgiveness, overcome guilt, learn to trust again, and listen to their hearts…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Yet again author Rachel Hauck conquers the difficulty of successfully writing between two timeframes. Leaping back and forth while connecting the women in a common thread, I wasn’t sure she could do it again (but she did)! As a favorite author of mine, I knew I would read The Memory House and am certainly glad I did. With real characters, a strong message, an interesting connection and subtle faith, the newest novel from this author may just be her best. Beautifully written in a readable style, I am already waiting for her next story.  Success…again!

RATING: 4.75 (out of ) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Memory House from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Never Let Go

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Goddard, Elizabeth. Never Let Go: Uncommon Justice- Bk 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Following in her late grandfather’s footsteps, Willow Anderson takes over a cold case of 20 years. Trying to find answers concerning an abducted baby, Willow must keep her own life (and heart) in order. With attempts made on her life, Willow must turn to ex-FBI agent, Austin McKade, who just so happens to be her ex-boyfriend as well. When things heat up, both professionally and personally, Willow and Austin must decide to work together to solve the case while putting their hearts on the line…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
An interesting, quick, suspenseful read, Never Let Go was enjoyable, clean and worth the time. With a few unexpected twists and turns, I needed to finish the book to reach the conclusion which wasn’t an issue due to the writing style. As the first book in a new series, author Elizabeth Goddard did a remarkable job of creating pursuit and suspicion which piqued my interest in continuing with this series. Perfect for those not-so-heavy reading times, I would definitely recommend this novel (and author) to others.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Never Let Go from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Secrets at Cedar Cabin

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Coble, Colleen. Secrets at Cedar Cabin: Lavender Tides- Book 3. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Literally running for her life, Bailey Fleming flees Michigan to the safety of Cedar Cabin in Lavender Tides. Not quite sure how she truly fits in, nor even for sure her true identity, Bailey soon discovers even Cedar Cabin may not be safe. Meeting FBI agent Lance Phoenix, who believes she may be involved in illegal activity, Bailey must decide if she can help Lance find his missing sister, if she can protect herself from a murderer out to find her, and if she needs to keep track of her heart in the process…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As usual with author Colleen Coble, the action and suspense begins right from the start of the story and Secrets at Cedar Cabin is no exception. Full of identity mysteries, a murderer at large, a missing teenager, a human trafficking ring, suspicious activity and evolving emotions, Secrets at Cedar Cabin is an attention-grabber ensuring late reading into the night. As book 3 in the Lavender Tides series, I did not have a problem following the storyline though I haven’t read all of the previous novels. Definitely an author I read often, I will continue to look for new books from this author as well as continue with this series.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Secrets at Cedar Cabin from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Who I Am With You

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Hatcher, Robin Lee. Who I Am With You: A Legacy Of Faith Novel. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2018.

SUMMARY:
Dealing with the sudden and tragic death of her husband and daughter, Jessica Mason is not only grieving but awaiting the birth of her next child. Hiding from the media, Ridley Chesterfield takes refuge in Hope Springs, not intending to meet anyone while he is there. Through invitations, consequences, unexpected situations, a generational Bible, and an adorable dog named Kris, Ridley and Jessica connect in present day but Jessica also makes a connection with her past. Forgiveness, faith, and friendship soon help hearts heal…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Told alternately between two time periods, a connection grows deeper with the past while affecting the present and determining the future. Well written, as well as gracefully told, Who I Am With You tugs on the heartstrings while being enjoyable to read. Though not an enormous fan of contemporary fiction, the mixings with the past provided an interesting storyline with just the right sprinkling of surprises to keep me engaged to the end. Romance, forgiveness, healing, and strength all combine in the first book of the new A Legacy Of Faith series by author, Robin Lee Hatcher. Definitely a series I will continue reading.  (Side note: I absolutely love the title of this book!)

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Who I Am With You from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

We Hope for Better Things

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Bartels, Erin.  We Hope for Better Things.  Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing.  2019.

SUMMARY:
Taking place in three different time periods, with three very different characters, and three exceedingly different points of view, We Hope for Better Things intertwines all of these while tackling social issues, cultures, politics, generations, and beliefs. Meeting Mary during the 1860s, Nora from the 1960s, and Elizabeth in the present, through research and history, a common thread emerges. Heartbreaking yet inspirational, togetherness yet loneliness, unique yet brilliant, author Erin Bartels makes a dramatic entrance with her debut novel.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Wow. Filled with emotional baggage, We Hope for Better Things provides a journey across a vast timeline. Able to control that timeline effectively, as well as create well-developed characters with a deeper message within, debut author Erin Bartels does an excellent job with her first novel. As a photographer and artist, her work carries over into her writing as she paints the story. (She even reads with a spastic Chihuahua-mix on her lap…we have one of those, too!) Truly a book I enjoyed reading and an author I look forward to reading more of; so very well done!

RATING:
4.75 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of We Hope for Better Things from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

The Ultimate Bible Knowledge Challenge

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Toler, Stan (Editor). The Ultimate Bible Knowledge Challenge: A Collection of Bible History, Trivia, and Fun Facts. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. 2018.

SUMMARY:
Organized into 4 parts, (Bible Knowledge and Learning, Things We Say From the Bible, Bible Knowledge Challenge, and Essential Bible Verses), The Ultimate Bible Knowledge Challenge provides pages of Bible information set in easy to access lists and explanations, Bible quizzes complete with the answers, and a listing of Bible verses arranged by topic. Efficient, easy to read, and full of useful knowledge, general editor Stan Toler hopes to enhance the impact of the Bible on people’s lives.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Great as a review for people already familiar with the Bible, a wonderful resource for beginner Bible readers, or filled with interesting facts for any Bible user, The Ultimate Bible Knowledge Challenge was actually quite enjoyable to read and use. A general review of the Bible including people, books and events, as well as some very fun information regarding everyday things we say- “Wolf in Sheep’s clothing”, “Blind leading the Blind”, and “Burning the Midnight Oil” are explained and included. Inviting to browse, engaging to play, satisfying to learn, and comforting to know, I found this book perfect for travel, quiet time, or just a few available moments. This would be a great addition to a church library, classroom or personal shelf, and would work well with groups of people or individuals. An awesome resource!

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Bible Knowledge Challenge from Harvest House Publishing for my honest review*

Under a Cloudless Sky

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Fairy, Chris. Under a Cloudless Sky. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Moving smoothly and logically between 1933 and 2004, best-selling author, Chris Fabry, pens a fascinating novel surrounding a mining town in West Virginia. With a character involved in both time periods who is harboring a secret which could change everything, the believable plot takes twists and turns that spin until the end. With an embedded message about a relevant topic, this novel is full.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having read several of Chris Fabry’s previous books, his newest one, Under a Cloudless Sky, was definitely on my list to read. As with all of this author’s books, the message is deep, the writing is solid, the story is interesting and the book is captivating. Not a “fluffy” read but one with a message concerning aging parents, the characters, plot, events and surprises all seem as if they could be real. Complete with discussion questions for group use, this would be wonderful for a book club, a library or perhaps even a ministry. Excellent author; excellent book!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies
*I received a complimentary copy of Under a Cloudless Sky from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review*