One More Hour of Daylight by C. M. Gray

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished One More Hour of Daylight by C.M. Gray. It’s a big change for this author since he usually writes fantasy books, but he totally crushed this WWII spy thriller.

The story gets you right from the beginning, in September 1939. A 17 year old British kid named Derrick Sedgley finds a wounded German pilot who parachuted from his plane into a field near an Essex barn. The pilot asks for just one more hour of daylight before he does anything else. Derrick makes a promise to bring him breakfast and protect him but he panics and breaks his promise before morning.

Four years later in 1943, and Derrick is still eaten up by the guilt. He's a hardened spy for the SOE - Special Operations Executive in occupied Europe. He is running routes through Burgundy and sneaking downed Allied airmen to the Spanish border. Everything blows up when a mission in Hamburg goes completely wrong. Derrick goes on the run with a German woman named Lotte Braun, who has secrets that put a target on their backs.

Now the SS are raiding safe houses, and the southern escape corridor is compromised. The original german Luftwaffe pilot from 1939 is back and this time he is the enemy.

Derrick and Lotte end up on a freezing trek up into the Pyrenees mountains being shot at, and trying to survive. The cold of the mountains, and their fear from hiding in safe houses is causing paranoia to set in.

There are no cliffhangers. The ending gives you closure and ties everything up. It's a bittersweet wrap-up that brings the whole 1939 promise full circle right into the final 1943 mountain chase. It will definitely show you how you will feel about the cost of doing the right thing too late. I would definitely recommend this ebook. I love WWII stories, and this one didn't disappoint. Great book.

Thank you, BookSirens, Constance Books, and author C. M. Gray, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Dear Ophelia by Yours Truly

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished reading Dear Ophelia by Yours Truly, and it is a collection of personal letters and poetry addressed to a modern-day version of Ophelia. The text is written from the author voice known as "Yours Truly," with the clear purpose of helping Ophelia push through grief, life trials, and depressed mental status.

What makes it stand out is the way it deals with deep depression. Instead of allowing Ophelia to be a depressed figure who succumbs to her life like in Shakespeare's classic play. This book makes her into a survivor.  

In the middle of the book, it takes the worst of life's difficulties and turns it around. Instead of letting the pain break Ophelia, the poetry acts as a shield, and it motivates her to keep moving on, and it shows what the power of friendship can do to help a person.  

The final pages offer emotional closure. It leaves you with a sense of hope, friendship, and choosing to look forward.

This is a quick read, but it is the best book of poetry that i have ever read. It deals with depression in a special way. I have never understood poetry very much, but this book i can actually read and understand. My only complaint is that some of the poetry seemed repetitive, but i still enjoyed it. I definitely recommend picking this book up.

Thank you, NetGalley, ACTE IV, and author Yours Truly, for providing me with a copy of this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Beyond Words A Poetic Awakening by J. Newman

Rating: 4 star rating

I just finished Beyond Words: A Poetic Awakening by J. Newman. This is a beautifully written, debut collection that reads like a deep, personal journey. The book is driven by the poet's own voice, using a free verse and conversational style. Instead of relying on strict, old-fashioned rhyming patterns, Newman uses layered, modern imagery and concise, punchy lines. It feels grounded, pulling you into deep, reflection without feeling overly complex or academic.  

The journey tracks the full spectrum of emotions we all go through. It starts out heavy, dealing with the raw, messy side of pain, grief, and personal suffering. From there, it shifts into light observations of the quiet, everyday moments we usually rush past, finding peace in stillness, nature, and simple presence. The focus is about waking up to who you are, moving past a crowded mind, and finding genuine self-love. 

By the end, you get a sense of peace. It leaves the pain behind and leaves you with a feeling of comfort, hope, and clarity. It also leaves you with a lasting reminder to live more intentionally. If you like poetry and appreciate this modern, minimalist style, this would definitely be a great book to pick up.

Thank you, NetGalley, Books Go Social, and the author J. Newman, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Skyring Water by Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour

Rating: 4 star rating

This Cold War spy thriller will completely surprise you, if you only know Louis L'Amour for his old Westerns. This story is set in 1961, and starts off with an ex-Navy salvage diver named Mike Fowler, discovers his partner, a German scientist with a dark WWII past, standing over a dead blackmailer. 

They uncover a secret. The location of 30 tons of stolen Nazi gold hidden inside a sunken submarine at the bottom of the ocean. This turns into a global cat and mouse chase. They have to put a diving team together while running for their lives from the CIA, Israeli spies, and a creepy underground Nazi group. The story takes you all over the place; from France and Venezuela to a freezing island right in the Skyring Water region off the coast of Patagonia, South America.

The story itself was good, but honestly, I think it could have been better. My biggest issue is that the book gets way too detailed. It felt like every time a gun or a boat was brought out, the story stopped to give me the exact make, model, and mechanical history. Unless you are a total military or submarine nerd, a lot of this talking just slows the pacing down. 

The book does a great job showing that finding a massive treasure isn't always a blessing. The characters quickly hint at the idea that 30 tons of cursed Nazi bullion might just be an inescapable trap that puts a permanent target on their backs. The final act turns into a brutal, cold fight for survival as they close in on the wreck, and it becomes a question of whether anyone will even make it off that freezing island alive.  

It's a cool, old-school adventure book that the author's son, Beau L'Amour, finished decades after his dad started it. It’s worth a read, just be prepared to skim through a lot of heavy technical descriptions.

Thank you, NetGalley, Ballantine, and the authors Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Out of the Depths by Viktor Rose

Rating: 5 star rating

Out of the Depths by Viktor Rose is a supernatural thriller that I just couldn't put down. It is a fiction book (about 318 pages), but it feels so real because it deals with the true spiritual warfare that happens all around us every single day.

The story is about a woman named Angela. She is struggling in life, fighting a bad drinking problem, and separated from her young son. One night, she gets kidnapped by a very sick, broken man named Marshall. Marshall had a terrible childhood and is actually being manipulated by a demon, though he doesn't realize it. While a detective is trying hard to find Angela, the book shows us the real battle; the spiritual war between angels and demons fighting over these souls.  

Being locked up forces Angela to sober up and face her demons, literally and spiritually. Instead of giving up, her faith and survival spirit start to break down her kidnapper's control. I won't give away the ending, but the author wraps everything up in a great way.  

There are no tricks, it just shows that God gave us free will, and that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and redemption. It is a dark and spooky story at times, but it left me feeling so inspired about the power of prayer, angels, and God's love. If you love a good mystery with deep Christian themes, you need to read this.

Thank you, NetGalley, V&E Rose Publishing, and author Viktor Rose for this free book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Hard Shadows by J. B. Turner

Rating: 5 star rating

This is for fans of deep state government conspiracy stories.  

This is book 16, Hard Shadows, in the Jon Reznick series, but it feels totally different from the older books. Usually, Jon is blowing things up and getting into gunfights, but this time, it's like an intense detective mystery. Jon has to use his brains and investigative skills more than his fists, which is a different change of pace.

The story starts when Jon gets a call while in New Orleans. A high-level CIA director named Stephen Leahy has been thrown into a secure mental hospital in Maryland, and everyone thinks he has gone completely crazy. But he tells Jon a terrifying secret about dirty politicians in the government and they are planning a fake attack on American oil companies over in Guyana so they have an excuse to blame Venezuela and launch an invasion to steal their oil reserves. Jon isn't sure if he should believe this story at first, but then Leahy’s dad mysteriously drowns right after finding out the truth. That is when the action kicks into high gear. 

Jon teams up with his reporter friend Caroline, who uses her contacts, to get them some help in nailing all this information down. Suddenly, Jon is running from government assassins, getting shot at and attacked. Jon and Caroline are then both running across different states, trying to dodge elite assassins and find secret contacts who are too terrified to talk.

It gets a bit slower in the middle because there is a lot of dialogue, talking to informants, and moving things around. But the tension never stops building. The ending doesn't wrap up every single little detail, but Jon manages to stop the immediate danger and stay alive. It leaves the door open for chaos later, and it sets up the next book Hard Blood, book 17 in the series.

Thank you, NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and author J. B. Turner for this free book review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ by James M. Hamilton, Jr.

Rating: 5 star rating

Masterpiece of Intrinsic Historical Design—How the Whole Bible Fits Together

If you want to understand how the entire Bible ties together, James M. Hamilton Jr.’s book Typology, is an eye opening book. This book is a factual work of biblical theology. Hamilton gives a real, text based breakdown of how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament. His main point is that the human authors of the Old Testament knew exactly what they were doing. They intentionally wove repeating historical patterns into their writing that find their true, factual fulfillment in the life of Jesus.

Hamilton organizes his study into three real world categories: historical people, events, and institutions.

First, he traces the matching profiles of historical figures like Adam, Moses, and King David, showing how their life experiences created a blueprint for the coming Messiah. 

Second, he looks at massive historical events, like the original Creation and the Exodus from Egypt. He explains how biblical writers used these real events as templates to predict a future "New Creation" and "New Exodus." 

Third, he looks at God's established institutions, like marriage and the Tabernacle, showing how they were physical symbols of deeper spiritual truths.

A major highlight is how Hamilton connects the Old Testament animal sacrifices to the New Testament through what he calls "intrinsic historical design." This simply means that the connections between the two testaments are a built in, intentional feature of real history, not a coincidence or something later Christians made up. He shows that the rules of animal sacrifice and the rituals of the High Priest were physically engineered from the beginning to act as a placeholder. These real world practices deliberately trained people to look forward to Jesus, who would become the ultimate High Priest and the final sacrifice on the cross.

Hamilton rejects imaginative guessing. He gives readers tools to find patterns by following Bible quotes, matching sequences of events, and the reuse of specific vocabulary words. 

The book builds to a finish by showing how the first promise in Genesis 3, that a savior would come to crush the serpent, creates a snowball effect through history. The ultimate takeaway is that the Bible is a coordinated masterpiece where every unfulfilled Old Testament pattern hits an absolute resolution in Christ. 

While some scholars debate how conscious the ancient writers were of these long term patterns, this book remains a must read for anyone who wants to see how the whole Bible structurally fits together.

This book was purchase by myself. All opinions are my own.

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Brighter than Before A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again by Courtney Walsh with Patti Murin, narrator

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished listening to Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh. If you need a good, hope filled story, you have to pick this one up. 

Claire, is 46 and an empty nester. After her husband's highly public cheating scandal, she leaves her country club life in Denver behind. She moves to Chicago and gets an apartment and tackles a "Checklist of Fears" from her therapist to reinvent her life. This includes confronting her comfort zone by starting her own baking business.

Her neighbor and landlord, Miles, is a highlight of her life. He has sworn off committed relationships but steps up to support her dreams when she doesn't believe in herself.

The relationship between Claire and her daughter, Minnie, who is studying abroad in London, is very special. Minnie actually takes over her mom’s online dating profile and teams up with Miles to filter out suitors and hand pick her dates. This leads to some of the most hilariously disastrous first dates I've ever read, but through every single flop, Miles there to comfort and encourage her. 

The book gives you the perfect clean ending with complete closure, proving it is never too late to get out of your comfort zone and find yourself. 

Patti Murin’s narration is great. She handles the quick witted banter perfectly and does an amazing job with Miles's voice. I recommend this one for anyone who wants a sweet, wholesome romance with actual emotional depth.

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and the author Courtney Walsh and Patti Murin, narrator for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Learning to Breathe Again: A Novel, Book One of the Work of Becoming Trilogy by Tonya Cam, author with Lily Redfield, narrator

Rating: 5 star rating

Learning to Breathe Again by Tonya Cam is a beautiful, heart wrenching piece of historical fiction. The story follows Mary Simons, a grieving young mother in 1933 Miami whose world is shattered after losing her baby. She spent months recording respiration rates on medical charts instead of baby milestones, and the heartbreak is palpable.

Then there’s Elena Wagner, a woman from New York, who hides behind beautiful silk dresses and an adoring husband, Arthur, trying to run from the painful memories of nursing her late mother and sister. When an unplanned pregnancy threatens to drag Elena back into that caregiver role, she is terrified.

A chance encounter at the Chicago World’s Fair brings Mary and Elena together. But their bond truly cements when economic desperation forces Mary’s husband, Frank, and Elena's husband, Arthur, to take work in the grueling sugarcane fields of Clewiston, Florida. Mary has difficulty living around the oppressive heat and the smoke of the cane burns, due to her bad asthma attacks. So this is part of the ending of the story.

I listened to the audiobook edition narrated by Lily Redfield, and her performance brought so much raw emotion to their struggles. The ending doesn't wrap everything up perfectly, but it provides a satisfying sense of emotional survival and closure. It highlights the saving grace of female friendship and sets up the next book in The Work of Becoming Trilogy. You absolutely need to add this to your TBR list.

Thank you, NetGalley, Hammock Oak Publishing, and the author Tonya Cam and Lily Redfield, narrator for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The Silent Cry by Kenzaburo Oe, author with Kevin Shen, narrator

Rating: 3 star rating

The Silent Cry by Kenzaburo Oe is a really tough read. It follows two brothers, Mitsu and Takashi, who go back to their old family village in Japan, and everything just goes downhill from there.

Heads up: this book is incredibly depressing and has some super messed up sexual stuff in it. Honestly, I couldn't get through the sexual content and had to skip over parts. I almost DNF'd (did not finish) the whole story. The main guy, Mitsu, is dealing with awful depression because his best friend killed himself and his newborn baby has severe disabilities. On top of that, there is some really disturbing stuff involving incest, violence, and a graphic assault on Mitsu's wife.

The story gets wild because the younger brother, Takashi, basically loses his mind and starts a violent riot after recruiting some kids from a soccer team.

I thought Kevin Shen (Narrator) narrator did a great job with the character development and changing of voices.

I would not recommend this audiobook to some people or anyone with triggers. It was not my choice of book for myself.

Thank you, NetGalley, Bolinda Audio, the author Kenzaburo Oe, author and Kevin Shen, narrator for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Tame Your Thoughts Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life by Max Lucado Narrated by Max Lucado

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished listening to the audiobook version of Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado, and it is a practical guide if you struggle with overthinking or a racing mind. Max blends biblical wisdom with modern neuroscience to show how we can actually retrain our brains. Max spends a lot of time focusing on what he calls "mental quicksand," which includes everyday struggles like anxiety, guilt, rejection, and systemic dissatisfaction. 

He uses really interesting examples to show how this plays out in real life, like retelling the story of Amnon and Tamar to dive into the dopamine driven cycle of modern addiction and lust, or showing how King David reframed his fear of Goliath by focusing on God's power instead of the giant's size. He also unpacks the story of Job to help you guard your thoughts when you are puzzled by deep personal pain.

To break free from these toxic mental loops, Max gives you a toolkit of three specific steps. First practice "picky thinking" by carefully guarding what you allow into your mind. Second, learn to spot "UFOs," which stands for Untruths that create a False narrative and cause an Overreaction. Finally, you "uproot and replant" by weeding out old regrets and replacing them with scripture, using a positive framework called "TAP" (Truth, Accurate narrative, Power) to take control when you feel swamped.

What makes this a 5-star listen is that Max narrates it himself with his calming, patient voice. He even shares his own struggles with late night worry, making the advice feel down to worth and worth listening to.  

The audio also includes a companion PDF with questions and a scripture databases for deeper study. It ends with a step by step daily mental routine to protect your peace. I recommend downloading this audio edition if you need to quiet the chaos in your mind.

Thank you, NetGalley, HCCP & HCF Audio, and author and narrator Max Lucado for this free audiobook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Rating: 5 star rating 

An unforgettable, heartbreaking masterpiece you won't be able to put down!

The Women by Kristin Hannah is an emotional ride. It is a powerful historical fiction book that follows Frankie McGrath, a sheltered girl from California who joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 to follow her brother to Vietnam.

The first half throws you into the trenches with her. Frankie becomes an incredible surgical nurse working under chaos, surviving horrific mass casualties and heartbreak. She loses her mentor and crush, a surgeon named Jamie Callahan, and a pilot friend named Rye Walsh. The only things keeping her together are her fellow nurses, Barb and Ethel, who become her lifelines.

The second half completely broke my heart. When Frankie comes home, society shuns her, and everyone tells her that women weren't even in Vietnam. She spirals into severe, undiagnosed PTSD, turning to alcohol and pills to numb the flashbacks. She hits rock bottom until her dad steps in and saves her life, checking her into a hospital. In a huge twist, the doctor running her rehab facility is her ex-fiancé, Henry, who helps diagnose her trauma and gets her on the path to healing.

Thankfully, there is a beautiful sense of closure. Frankie moves to Montana to start a ranch refuge for other female veterans called "The Last Best Place." The book wraps up in 1982 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C., where Frankie finally gets the recognition she deserves, and she even runs into Jamie Callahan, who miraculously survived his crash years ago. It ends on such a hopeful note of true healing and peace. You will definitely need tissues for this one.  

I recommend this wonderful book.

I purchased this book for myself. All review opinions are my own.

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Homecoming by Eleanor Wells Narrated by Hope Mercugliano

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished listening to the audiobook of Homecoming by Eleanor Wells, and narrated by Hope Mercugliano. I just need to talk about how good it was. It is a historical fiction story set in the summer of 1950. If you are into family dramas or coming of age books about healing after a major loss, you are going to want to add this to your TBR list.  

The main plot follows a sixteen year old girl named Rosalie Hastings. Her family used to have an great life in New York, but everything completely fell apart when her dad was killed in World War II. They ended up moving to Chicago for a fresh start, but by 1950, they are all basically drifting apart. 

Her older brother, Sean, gets married to his long-term girlfriend and moves out, which leaves Rosalie feeling totally alone. To keep herself busy, she joins her high school newspaper, discovers she loves writing, and even starts falling for the editor in chief. But as winter gets closer, the memory of her dad's death starts hitting everyone hard again. 

Her mother begins to seriously withdraw into the past, Sean's quick marriage starts tracking toward a breakup, and Rosalie has to figure out how to step up and hold her family together. I liked how the book ended because it gave such a realistic sense of closure. It does not give you some magical, happy ending, but it feels genuine. Rosalie finally learns to handle her own grief and finds her independent voice, and you get the feeling that the family is actually going to be okay and move forward together.  

Hope Mercugliano did an amazing job narrating the audiobook. She captures Rosalie's quietness and shyness perfectly without making it sound too overly dramatic or sappy. The absolute best part is that the whole audiobook is less than three hours long. It is the perfect length for a busy weekend or listen to on a long drive, and I highly recommend picking it up.

Thank you, NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and author Eleanor Wells and narrator Hope Mercugliano for this free audiobook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

A Thousand Souls A Novel in Stories by Catherine Tudish

Rating: 4 star rating 

If you like books that make you feel like you actually live in the town, you'll definitely enjoy this one. It’s a novel of short stories set in a beautiful town called Neptune, Vermont. It follows a bunch of different people over three generations, which shows how everyone’s lives are connected in ways they don't even notice.

The characters themselves are really interesting. You have Stewart, the local mailman dealing with a tough marriage and a tragic past. There's a sheriff who gets in trouble for doing the right thing, a little girl with a bad stutter who somehow befriends a wild bear, and a kid named Isaiah who takes a long train ride with his mother to meet his real dad for the first time.

The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because it's a multi character driven story. It jumps around to so many different stories and people, it took me a little while to get invested every time the focus shifted. I sometimes found myself wishing it just stuck to one or two main storylines so I could stay with Isaiah or Stewart a little longer.

The ending wraps up in a way that connects the older generation to the younger generation. It leaves you feeling like you really know this town. Definitely worth a read if you like good small town drama.

Thank you, NetGalley, Acre Books, and author Catherine Tudish for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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Artsy Rambler Mindful Journeys to Paris and Beyond by Evy Journey and Rich Journey

Rating: 5 star rating

Oh my gosh, you seriously have to read Artsy Rambler. I just loved this travel art tourist book. It is nothing like those boring, traditional travel guides. Instead of rushing around to snap photos of tourist traps, this couple moves to Europe for months at a time just to soak it all in. It is written by a woman named Evy and her husband, Rich, who used to be a therapist.  

Evy actually got her love for travel from her mom, who always dreamed of seeing the world. Once Evy and Rich got together, they started traveling "slow." They will rent an apartment in Paris for months, buy groceries at little neighborhood markets, and just wander around with no real plans. Paris is the main focus, where they hit up cool tourist spots like the massive Centre Pompidou art museum and gorgeous Gothic cathedrals. Since they love local food, they dive into regional French cuisine and dynamic open-air markets. 

They even lived near a 100 year old cheese shop on Rue Mouffetard where the shopkeepers wear white coats like scientists and let you gently squeeze the cheese.

They also take quick trips to places like Prague, Florence, and Munich, exploring historic buildings like the Art Nouveau Obecní dům. Rich even uses his psychology background to keep them calm and mindful when things get stressful. By the end, they talk about how much they learned from living this way. They compare their peaceful lifestyle to those, rushed tour groups where everyone is stressed out.  

It made me realize that travel isn't about checking off a bucket list. It is about slowing down and changing how you look at the world. It is a cozy read that made me want to prepare my own itinerary, and travel somewhere.  

If you would love to travel, this is definitely the read for you. I love how they tell a story, and even if you can't travel, you feel like you have been there, just by reading this book. You must check this book out, it's a great read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Books Go Social, and the authors Evy Journey and Rich Journey for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch

Rating:  5 star rating

I just finished reading The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch, and I loved it so much.  It’s a sweet historical romance about a girl named Lily who was sent away on an orphan train when she was little.  She lived with a family in Wyoming for over 10 years, but she never felt like she belonged, and the family was not very good to her, so she finally runs away to find her real mom.  

Shortly after getting on the train in Wyoming, she meets Francis "Frank" Basnett, and they become traveling companions.  When they get to Chicago, the police catch up to her because her adoptive mother tried to charge her with stealing money. Frank sticks right by her side through the whole mess.  Luckily, Lily clears her name by explaining that she secretly made all that money doing sewing work on the side, and they prove she is telling the truth.  

After they part ways, they meet up again later when Frank helps her get a sewing job at the traveling circus where he works.  Frank is a really nice guy, but he is secretly losing his eyesight. They grow really close, but a disaster strikes when a troop train crashes into their circus train, leaving everyone fighting to survive. The story is a beautiful, emotionally moving journey that tests their relationship and their trust in the future.  

This is a wonderful, clean historical fiction novel about resilience, romance, and discovering what it truly means to find your family. I highly recommend picking this book up, if you want a nice clean historical romance.

Thank you, NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, and the author Naomi Musch for the book review consideration.  All opinions are my own.

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Amoura Awakened The Veiled Flame Series, Book One by Meg Kramer

Rating: 5 star rating

Amoura Awakened by Meg Kramer is a really good ya fantasy book envolving magic and witches. It is the first part of The Veiled Flame Series and takes the classic magic school story and makes it feel exciting. The book takes place in San Francisco and mixes normal teen problems with big, dangerous secrets. Anyone who likes clean fantasy books about tough main characters should read it.

The story is about sixteen-year-old Amoura Renly. She is adopted and has two dads. Her life changes when a school bully picks on her. She gets so mad that her hidden magic comes out and sets her classroom on fire. Since people think she is dangerous, she gets sent to Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined. This is a secret school hidden right under San Francisco. But the school is not safe. Amoura does not fit in. The other teenagers have a lot of angst with one another, and they constantly bicker and look down on her for being raised by regular humans.

Worse, her magic does not work like theirs. The other kids can throw fire or water, but Amoura’s magic comes from inside her own body and breath. A scary group called the Purity Champions guards the magic world, and they get rid of anyone who is different. There are also powerful characters at the school who are dangerous and against her because they want to protect their own status. This puts a huge target on Amoura. Then she finds an old diary that shows the leaders of the magic world have been hiding secrets and getting rid of people for a hundred years.

The ending moves super fast and solves the school mysteries. It explains how Amoura’s magic works and sets up the next book, Amoura Ascending. Amoura stops being scared, accepts her weird powers, and fights back against the bullies and dangerous people, making the book a fast and fun read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Candid Crow Press, and author Meg Kramer, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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The Gilded Girl by Lorna Cook

Rating:  4 

I just finished The Gilded Girl by Lorna Cook and I couldn't put it down. If you love drama and historical fiction that has a dual timeline, you will need to read this one. 

The present day timeline is so interesting.  We follow Zennor Trelenna, who is busy fixing up her family's old mansion over in Cornwall. While working on the house, she finds a hidden old letter that starts a massive mystery. 

The book then jumps back to the 1920s to follow Grace Pascoe, a poor maid at that same mansion. Grace falls in love with Laurie, the young son of the estate's owners, but he completely betrays her, or so she thinks. Enter Andrew, a kind butler at the estate who steps up to help Grace escape England and get to America. They end up getting married and later they fall in love.  Together they build an empire running a successful restaurant business during New York's Gilded Age.  Andrew sadly passes away, leaving Grace with a massive fortune.

Later on, Laurie has a son named Edward with another woman that his parents make him marry. In a wild twist of fate, Grace and Andrew's daughter ends up marrying Edward. This forces Grace to finally return to England and face her past, which blows the whole mystery wide open. 

In the present day, everything wraps up perfectly at the end with a great ending.  Zennor uses all these puzzle pieces to uncover the truth about her heritage, giving her the courage to make a big choice about her own life and future. It is just such a comforting, emotional read that ties up the loose ends. 

Here is a heads up for readers looking for something clean: this book features some sexual content, including a pregnancy out of wedlock, so it definitely isn't a clean book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK/Lake Union Publishing, and the author Lorna Cook, for the book review consideration.  All opinions are my own.

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#AmazonPublishingUK

#LornaCook 

#TheGildedGirl

#HistoricalFiction

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Gutted, How an Old House Remodeled Me by Maida Korte

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished, Gutted: How an Old House Remodeled Me by Maida Korte. If you love funny stories dealing with life changes, surviving a nightmare home renovation, or just trying to overcome your own inner control freak, you will love this book. It is such a down to earth read.

This story is about Maida, a super organized interior designer from Chicago who leaves the city because her husband, Andy, wants to live out in the country. They buy this large, 100 year old Victorian farmhouse in Woodstock, Illinois. She thinks it's just going to be a fun, easy design project, but the place turns out to be a money pit full of crumbling plaster, awful wiring, and actual bats in the attic.

But the story isn't about the construction. As the workers tear down the walls of the house, Maida starts tearing down her own emotional walls. She is a perfectionist who has dealt with anxiety since she was a kid. Watching her handle the absolute mess of a gutted house while looking back on her stressful years raising four daughters is so relatable.

In the end, through a ton of hard work, they save the crumbling house and turn it into a gorgeous home. Andy gets his country living dream, and he stays the steady, patient guy who got Maida out of her comfort zone in the first place. The four daughters stand behind them, and the finished house becomes this amazing place for them and all eight of Maida’s grandkids to hang out. 

Maida changes the most by finally letting go of her need to control everything, learning to slow down, and finding some peace with herself. It is a great book that I would definitely recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley, She Writes Press, and the author, Maida Korte, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Gandy Dancer by Doc Richter

Rating: 4 star rating

I read Gandy Dancer by Doc Richter, but this type of story is just not for me. I am giving it 4 stars because the writing itself is actually good, but the actual content was tough to get through.

The story follows a 17 year old kid named Josh Spark during World War II. He takes a tough job fixing railroad tracks in the freezing Alaska wilderness. A "gandy dancer" is old slang for these track workers. 

While Josh is working, a serial killer called "The Wolf" starts murdering local women in the small towns along the line.The main reason I struggled with the book is the intense violence against the women, including graphic details about the butchering of the victims. It also features a lot of harsh cursing, including language and using God's name in vain.  

Josh eventually fights the killer, and everything wraps up at the end. The mystery is solved, the bad guy gets what he deserves, and Josh survives. The crew finishes the railroad for the war, and Josh ends up finding love and friendship.

The author is a talented writer, and the book gives complete closure with zero cliffhangers. However, due to the heavy subject matter and the violence, it just wasn't the right book for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, Atmosphere Press, the author Doc Richter, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Like Wafers in Honey A Novel by Leah Eskin

Rating: 5 star rating

This book is a beautiful historical fiction novel based on the real life of Edda Servi Machlin, the woman who wrote the cookbook,"The Classic Cuisine of the Italian Jews."

The author, Leah Eskin, is a food columnist, so her writing makes you feel like you can actually smell and taste everything on the page. She includes over 40 real recipes inside the chapters.

The story moves back and forth between two very different times. First, you follow a young Jewish girl named Stella Fortuna Servi in 1943 Italy. Her family lives in a mountaintop town, but when the Nazis arrive, a kind neighbor gives them a warning, and they have to run for their lives. Stella rushes into the countryside with her older brothers and her little sister, Marcella. They spend months hiding out in forests and caves, running from danger, and relying on the kindness of strangers. To keep her spirits up through the fear, Stella focuses on the memories of her mother’s cooking.

Decades later, in the 1960s, we see an older Stella, now going by her real name, Edda. She is now living as an immigrant housewife in suburban New York. She is dealing with culture shock, and she can't stand how bland and unauthentic American versions of Italian food are. 

While her husband, Eugene, gets involved in the civil rights movements, Edda realizes that her childhood culture is fading away, so she makes it her personal mission to write down her family's ancient recipes before they are lost forever.

Since this story is based on true events, the ending feels genuine.  Stella, her older brothers, and her little sister Marcella all survive those terrifying months in hiding and make it through the war safely by sticking together. Her dad, the town rabbi, sadly refuses to leave his community early on because he wants to keep helping his neighbors, but the family ultimately manages to escape the worst of the deportations all together and live to see the end of the conflict. 

Years later, in America, Edda's recipe saving project becomes a huge success, turning into her famous, real-life cookbook, and giving her life a beautiful sense of purpose. The two timelines wrap up showing that even if your original home is gone, you can keep the people you love alive through tradition. It is a comforting and moving read that proves heritage can outlast the forces trying to destroy it. I loved the story and highly recommend it.

Thank you, NetGalley, Levine Querido, the author Leah Eskin, for the free book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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#LeahEskin

#LikeWafersinHoney 

#JewishItalian

#WWII

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Finding My Way: One Man’s Spiritual Quest For The Divine Presence by Marc A. Crowley

4 star rating

Finding My Way: One Man’s Spiritual Quest For The Divine Presence by Marc A. Crowley is a poetry collection that is a warm and comforting read. 

Crowley blends free-spirited, lyrical free verse with reflective prose essays. It has a rhythm that forces you to slow down and breathe. He presents nature and is attentive to the natural world. He uses simple images, like wind blown grass, to anchor big, heavy thoughts about life. He explores a quiet, resilient faith, looking at both good times and bad, childhood wounds, and the pain of divorce.

He speaks of many different things that lead from one thing to something else. He speaks of spiritual ideas, to nature, to life, and even to his surroundings.

The book builds toward a beautiful sense of spiritual closure and absolute peace. It moves away from needing all the answers and lands on total acceptance.

Marc A. Crowley isn't just a poet; he’s a retired Arizona history, government, and writing teacher. He also has a degree in religious studies, plays the trumpet, and loves hiking the desert. You can really feel that multi-layered background in every line he writes. If you love introspective, nature-focused spiritual memoirs, this one belongs on your bookshelf.

Thank you, Atmosphere Press, author Marc A. Crowley, for this book review consideration. All review opinions and information are my own.

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#MarcACrowley

#FindingMyWay

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Water from a Deep Well Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries by Gerald L. Sittser

Rating: 5 star rating

I picked up Water from a Deep Well, thinking it might be a dry book on church history, but it turned out to be much more interesting than I expected. Gerald Sittser, an evangelical Christian, historian, and theology professor, looks at believers from different time periods and what they can teach us about faith, prayer, worship, and following God.

I especially enjoyed reading about people like Thomas Aquinas, the monks, Francis of Assisi, Melania the younger and Pinian, and Poly Carp. Sittser doesn't just give facts about their lives. He explains how their struggles, sacrifices, and devotion to God can still encourage Christians today.

What I liked most was how easy the book was to read despite covering so much history. It made me appreciate the wisdom of Christians from different traditions and centuries. By the end, Sittser brings everything together and encourages readers to learn from these believers while growing deeper in their own faith.

If you enjoy Christian history, theology, or spiritual growth, I think this book is well worth reading. It left me encouraged and with a greater appreciation for the people who helped shape the Christian faith.

Thank you, NetGalley, Inter Varsity Press, and author Gerald L. Sittser, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#GeraldLSittser  

#InterVarsityPress 

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The Ties That Bind An Amish Romance by Linda Byler

The Ties That Bind

An Amish Romance

by Linda Byler

Rating: 5 star rating

I just finished The Ties That Bind by Linda Byler, and I think it is a wonderful amish story. If you want an Amish romance that feels real instead of fake and perfect, you have to read this. What makes it so incredibly authentic is that the author, Linda Byler, is an actual active member of the Old Order Amish church. She writes her books by hand with a pen and paper, so she truly knows this lifestyle inside and out. This is the second book in her Seekers series, and the drama is just so good.

The main guy is Amos Beiler. He used to be a total outcast in his Amish group, but now he lives out in the regular "English" world working for a nice couple named Joseph and Lila Smith. 

He likes his new life, but he is super lonely and still hurt by his past. Meanwhile, his family back home is completely falling apart. His sweet dad, Raymond, tries to keep everyone calm, but his mom, Lydia, is so anxious and controlling that she drives everyone crazy. Amos’s sisters, Lavina and Cathy, are also stuck in the middle, trying to deal with their own lives and mistakes. 

Amos is totally torn between two different girls, Anna Riehl and Sarah Yoder, and has to figure out who he actually wants to be with.

Here is exactly how everything wraps up for everyone in the end:

Amos finally stops running from his problems and faces his fears about who he is. Instead of picking a girl just to please his parents, he makes his own choices about his faith and his future. 

His mom, Lydia, finally realizes her control issues are ruining the family, and she starts to let go, with the help of her church and her husband, she seeks help for her mental health issues. Raymond manages to bring peace back to the house, and the sisters, Lavina and Cathy, finally get the breathing room they need to fix their lives. 

The book ends on a super happy note of forgiveness, showing that you can fix broken family ties if you are brave enough to be honest, and seek help from others, when needed. I recommend this clean Christian book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and the author, Linda Byler, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own..

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#LindaByler

#TheTiesThatBind

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Demolishing Doubt Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video Discover How Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to Life-Giving Faith by Cliffe Knechtle; Stuart Knechtle

Demolishing Doubt Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video

Discover How Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to Life-Giving Faith

by Cliffe Knechtle; Stuart Knechtle

Rating: 4 star rating

If you have ever felt bad for having tough questions about God, you seriously need to check out Demolishing Doubt. This five-week workbook by father-and-son team Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle treats your doubts with respect instead of making you feel guilty for asking hard questions.

The setup is very straightforward. It is a 176-page book that comes with access codes to stream five short, 20-minute videos. The authors break down big topics like science, the accuracy of the Bible, and why suffering exists. They write in plain, everyday language.

The study guide builds toward a powerful conclusion in the final session on why faith matters. The authors use simple examples to show that real faith is a confident step based on solid historical evidence, not a blind guess.

It wraps up by showing how your biggest questions can actually help you build a much stronger relationship with God, which you will be able to share with others.  I personally found this bible study hard to follow. Listen to other reviews for a more rounded review.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Christian Resources, the authors, Cliffe Knechtle, and Stuart Knechtle, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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#HarperChristianResources

#Cliffe Knechtle

#Stuart Knechtle

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Where We Belong An Orphan Train Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Where We Belong

An Orphan Train Novel

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Rating: 5 star rating

I enjoyed Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This was a heartwarming story that quickly had me invested in the characters and their lives.

Hester Haak is a widow who owns a small general store in town and lives in a modest little one-bedroom house. She has a kind heart and looks after people who need help. Years earlier, she took in Scotty, an elderly homeless man who most folks saw as nothing more than a hobo. She gave him a small room in the back storeroom, fed him, and treated him with dignity when nobody else would. In return, Scotty helps with deliveries and odd jobs around the store. Their friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The story also follows thirteen-year-old Evelyn Holbrook, who is angry, scared, and struggling to trust anyone after her and her little sister were separated from their father. Her father, Callum Holbrook, is a hardworking man who falls on hard times after losing his wife on childbirth, and is determined to find his daughters again. Watching these characters grow and connect made the story hard to put down.

What I liked most was how real the people felt. Hester's kindness, Scotty's loyalty, Evelyn's stubbornness, and Callum's love for his children all made me care about what happened to them.

By the end, families are reunited, hearts are healed, and everyone finds the love, acceptance, and sense of belonging they've been searching for. I finished the book feeling happy for the characters and glad I had read it.

If you enjoy orphan train stories, historical fiction, and uplifting Christian fiction with a satisfying ending, I highly recommend this one.

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing/WaterBrook, and the author, Kim Vogel Sawyer, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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1 Peter Sustained by a Living Hope, A 5-Week Study by Mariel Davenport

1 Peter

Sustained by a Living Hope, A 5-Week Study

by Mariel Davenport

Rating: 4 star rating

This is a Bible study that you’ve got to check out. The book is: 1 Peter: Sustained by a Living Hope by Mariel Davenport. It is a 5-week workbook from Our Daily Bread Publishing that helps you read and apply the book of 1 Peter to your own life without getting overwhelmed.

The author uses a simple 4-step method called the "TEND" method for your daily reading:

Take time to pray.

Examine the verses.

Notice the lessons.

Do what it says.

It takes away the intimidation of reading the Bible. Instead, you get to write in the book, circle keywords, and figure out what the verses mean for you today.

The whole study is about finding hope when life gets messy. Mariel connects the dots between the Apostle Peter and the stuff we deal with today. She also talks about her own life, like how she went from being an atheist to finding faith. It makes her feel like someone you can relate to, not a boring teacher.

The book is about 144 pages and comes with some great features:

This needs to be shorter and prepared more like you were talking to a friend about this. It needs to be able to used on Amazon or goodreads.

Note Space: You have room to scribble down your own thoughts.

QR Codes: You can scan them with your phone to watch quick video clips of Mariel teaching.

Group Guide: A section in the back if you want to do this with friends.

By the time you finish week five, you will have a plan to give your worries to God and keep moving forward with your study. It’s a great tool if you want to get deeper into your faith.

Thank you, NetGalley, Our Daily Bread Publishing, and the author, Mariel Davenport, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#OurDailyBreadPublishing

#MarielDavenport

#1Peter

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Those Are Pearls by André Narbonne

Those Are Pearls

by André Narbonne

Rating: 4 star rating

I really appreciated how Those Are Pearls by André Narbonne takes a century of history and anchors it to the messy reality of one family. The saga begins with Harry Short, a poor boilermaker who goes off to fight in the Boer War in 1895 just to prove himself to a wealthy doctor's daughter named Margaret Roll. What I though was hilarious, was the irony of his choices, because nearly twenty years later when World War I breaks out, Harry enlists all over again, only this time it is specifically to get away from her. 

From that volatile, complicated foundation, the book follows their descendants through decades of survival and rebellion, navigating everything from prairie homesteading to the chaos of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, and even a terrifying wartime torpedo attack at sea.

While I genuinely enjoyed the story and found the characters to be intensely human, it became a bit frustrating. The story constantly bounces back and forth across three different generations and three distinct time frames. This frequent jumping around made it difficult to maintain a steady momentum, and I felt it disrupted the flow of the family saga.  

Personally, I would have liked a double timeline much better, as tracking just two alternating eras would have provided a cleaner focus without so much bouncing around.

Without giving away how everyone's story wraps up, the ending does bring a sense of closure to the multi-generational timeline. It leaves you reflecting on how a single person's choice at the turn of the century can quietly dictate the lives of people a hundred years later. 

It is a mature, grounded piece of historical fiction, and despite my issues with the pacing, it is a story that stays with you long after you finish it.  

I would not consider it a clean book, and if you dont mind the triple timeline, it has a good storyline.

Thank you, NetGalley, Literary Press Group of Canada, and the author, André Narbonne, for the free book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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After Amen 50 Days of Poetry and Prayer by Tyler Staton Narrated by Tyler Staton, Yinka Dawson

After Amen

50 Days of Poetry and Prayer

by Tyler Staton

Narrated by Tyler Staton, Yinka Dawson

Rating: 5 star rating

I really liked After Amen: 50 Days of Poetry and Prayer. Tyler Staton shares personal prayers, poems, and thoughts about faith, suffering, hope, and learning to trust God during difficult times, including his battle with cancer.

I listened to the audiobook. Yinka Dawson starts each day with a Scripture reading, then Tyler Staton reads a poem he wrote, followed by his reflections and prayers. The soft background music playing throughout is very soothing, and combined with the readings, it makes for a really beautiful and calming audio experience.

I don't usually read much poetry, but this book was easy to get through because the daily sections are short and relatable. 

By the end, Tyler has come through his cancer journey with a deeper faith, and the overall message is hope and learning to trust God in every season of life. 

I finished feeling encouraged and more intentional about prayer. I think the audio version is the best because you can listen and meditate while listening. I recommend this audio version devotional. 

Thank you, NetGalley, HCCP, and HCF Audio, the author, Tyler Staton, and narrators Yinka Dawson and Tyler Staton for the book review consideration All opinions are my own.

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#TylerStaton

#Yinka Dawson

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This is a review of the audiobook.

The Inklings Detective Agency by John R. Kelly

The Inklings Detective Agency

by John R. Kelly

Rating: 5 star rating

I really enjoyed The Inklings Detective Agency. The book takes real-life authors Tolkien, Lewis, Agatha Christie, and Dorothy Sayers and turns them into a team of detectives investigating a series of ritualistic murders in 1930s England.

Tolkien is the careful thinker of the group, while Lewis is more willing to follow dangerous leads. Christie and Sayers use their sharp observations and knowledge of crime to help piece together the clues. As they dig deeper, they uncover secret societies, hidden motives, and a murderer who is always one step ahead.

I liked how the mystery kept moving without getting too complicated. The historical setting was interesting, and it was fun imagining these famous writers working together. By the end, the killer is revealed, the murders are explained, and the case is fully solved. Tolkien, Lewis, Christie, and Sayers all play important roles in bringing the investigation to a close, and their friendships are stronger because of what they went through.

If you enjoy historical mysteries and seeing famous people placed in fictional adventures, this is a fun and entertaining read. I'd definitely pick up another book featuring this group of detectives, I think this would make a great long-term series.

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing WaterBrook, and the author, John R. Kelly for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Recommended Clean and/or Christian Mystery/Thrillers

Recommended Clean and/or Christian Mystery/Thrillers

If I Run by Terri Blackstock

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Squeaky Clean Mystery Series by Christy Barritt

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason

Forget Me Now by Alana Terry

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower

Always Watching by Lynette Eason

Blind Spot by Danielle Grandinetti

If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

The Apothecary by the Sea by Victoria Bennett

Here is alist of books that may be clean.  I haven't checked them all though.  

Similar books to:  Clare PooleyIona Iverson's Rules for Commuting.

Readers who enjoyed it should check out these:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/similar/92990626-the-people-on-platform-5

Daughter of Stone The Prophet Chronicles: Book 1 Carolyn Jacobs

Daughter of Stone

The Prophet Chronicles: Book 1

Carolyn Jacobs

Rating: 5 star rating

If you love clean, Christian fantasy and ancient history, you will like this one. I just finished the first book in The Prophet Chronicles, and it was great. I loved it. It's an adventure that meets Biblical historical fiction, think King Josiah’s reign.

The book starts with Abighayl she is a princess of Ariel, she is taking care of her mother while she is dying. Ariel is later determined to be carrying a secret curse, she’s literally turning to stone. Aysah is her incredibly loyal childhood friend who has his own hidden battles. He is also Chief Advisor to her brother, King Hosha. Who is a good king but is overwhelmed by the evil and worshipping of other gods in his country.

There is a sweet childhood friend to lover, slow burn romance, between Abighayl and Aysah, but they don't want to admit to it, for quite a while, so be patient.

There is another friend of theirs, Yimri. He is like the scribe and religious leader who tries to remove the evil and foreign gods from the country, with the help from the king and friends. He is afraid Ehveh will bring a curse on their land. If they dont get the one true God, Ehveh, back to being worshiped in the land. Ehveh is another name for God or Lord to them.

It ends with a beautiful, inspiring spiritual victory and major emotional closure. It has an epilogue that you will love. It leaves an ancient hope, with a perfect setting for Book 2. I closed this book feeling so encouraged and uplifted. I can't wait for book 2, and I highly recommend this series and author.

Thank you, BookSirens, author Carolyn Jacobs, for this free book and book review consideration. All review opinions and information are my own.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

#Bookstagram #ChristianFantasy #HistoricalFiction #CleanRomance

#DaughterOfStone #CarolynJacobs #BookSirens #Goodreads #Amazon

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Jesus in Me Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz

Jesus in Me

Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion

by Anne Graham Lotz

Rating: 5 star rating

A beautiful reminder that you are never truly alone. If you have ever felt like the Holy Spirit is just an abstract, confusing topic from church, you really need to read this book. Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) shows how He is a real, personal companion right by your side. 

She shares her true story of surviving a brutal season; losing her husband of 49 years, losing her famous father, and facing a severe breast cancer diagnosis. Anne details how the Holy Spirit became her literal caregiver and friend during horrific chemotherapy treatments.

The Holy Spirit is the main subject of the book. Lotz unpacks His identity by exploring seven specific names given to Him in Scripture: Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby. In doing so, she completely busts the myth that He is just a spooky cloud or a vague emotional feeling. 

The book ends beautifully by handing you the keys to your own spiritual growth with practical, step-by-step study guides in the back. It is comforting, easy to understand, and perfect for anyone going through a lonely season

Thank you, NetGalley, WaterBrook and Multnomah, author Anne Graham Lotz, for this book review consideration. All review opinions and information are my own.

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The Underground Sisters by Soraya M. Lane

The Underground Sisters

by Soraya M. Lane

Rating: 5 star rating

I really liked "The Underground Sisters" by Soraya M. Lane. This World War II novel is about Aletta, a Dutch school teacher who worries about the Jewish children in her classroom, her caring mother Emma, and Chloe a young French woman who sacrifices her own freedom to protect her family. Their separate journeys eventually bring them together in the Ravensbruck concentration camp.

The women formed a family of their own when everything else had been taken away. They shared stories, memories, recipes, and words of encouragement to help each other survive. 

I liked Emma because of her quiet strength and the way she encouraged the people around her. Aletta was dedicated to protecting children, and Chloe's loyalty to her brothers made me care deeply about all three women.

This book is heartbreaking at times, but it is also full of courage, friendship, and resilience. The ending provided closure and left me feeling hopeful for the sacrifices these women made.

If you enjoy historical fiction about ordinary people doing extraordinary things during World War II, I highly recommend this book. It is emotional, inspiring, and a reminder of how powerful friendship and hope can be there even in the darkest of times.

Thank you, NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and the authors Soraya M. Lane for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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ACT Science Practice Questions by Toby Amidor

ACT Science Practice Questions

by Vibrant Publishers

Rating: 4 star rating

I got this ACT Science Practice Questions by Vibrant Publishers to help my teenager study, and thank goodness I did because this science section completely terrifies me. My kid is way smarter than I am and usually handles school easily, but their strict study routine; doing 30 minutes of prep every single night after dinner, was starting to stress her and me out, because of the timing on the science section.

According to her, this book fits into her nightly schedule because of how it organizes the 500+ questions. Instead of wasting time flipping through a big, confusing book, she could easily target her weak spots during her study blocks. She used it to drill specific passage types; like those awful conflicting viewpoints, and she told me the answer key is a lifesaver because it actually explains why the wrong answers are wrong. It definitely saved me from having to pretend I knew how to help.

The only real downside we noticed is that it only includes one full-length practice section at the end. To help her practice her timing for the actual exam during her weekend practice sessions, I still had to go online and print out official, full-length ACT tests. Also, just be aware that this is strictly a practice book, so it won't teach your child basic science from scratch.

Overall, if your child already has a good study routine but needs a ton of realistic practice to boost their speed, this book is totally worth it. It definitely gave this worried parent some peace of mind.

Thank you, NetGalley, Books Go Social, and the author, Vibrant Publishers, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#BooksGoSocial

#VibrantPublishers

#ACTSciencePracticeQuestions

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