Make Believe by Mac Barnett

Make Believe

by Mac Barnett

Rating: ★★★★★

Audio Book Review:

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Mac Barnett has a friendly and easy way of telling stories that makes it feel like you are listening to a friend talk about books, kids, and imagination. He shares funny and meaningful experiences he has had with children during school visits and story times, and those moments really show how creative and honest kids can be. I liked hearing how the children reacted to the stories in unexpected ways and how those experiences shaped his thoughts about writing.

I especially liked the parts where he talked about Margaret Wise Brown and her approach to children’s books. You could really tell he admired her creativity and the way she understood how children think and experience stories. Those sections added a lot of warmth and personality to the audiobook and helped show why he cares so deeply about storytelling for kids.

The audiobook is funny, thoughtful, and very easy to listen to. His narration feels natural and sincere, which makes the stories even more enjoyable. The ending slowly brings all of his ideas together and leaves you thinking about how important books and imagination can be in people’s lives. Overall, this was a warm, meaningful, and comforting listen that I would definitely recommend.

Big thank you to #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio, #LittleBrown&Company , and author/narrator #MacBarnett for allowing me to listen to the audiobook copy of Make Believe, in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are my own.

Reviewer:  Patricia  N.

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Of Flaw and Scorn by Vera Bell

Of Flaw and Scorn

by Vera Bell

Rating: ★★★★★

I just finished "Of Flaw and Scorn" by Vera Bell, and it was a great story. If you like historical stories that have some actual heart to them, you’ll definitely want to check this one out. It’s set way back in the 700s during the Viking raids in Ireland, and the atmosphere is just spot on.

​The story focuses on Brigit and Reidar. Brigit has plenty of reasons to be bitter toward the Vikings, and Reidar is a warrior who’s considered "flawed" by his own people because he’s a bit too merciful. Watching their paths cross over the years was the best part. It’s a slow-burn connection that feels totally right, not rushed or cheesy.

​The story keeps you moving through about seven years of their lives. It’s not only about the action; it’s about how these two deal with their baggage and their faith. The ending is super satisfying and feels right for everything that they went through.

​If you want a solid, low-key read that stays with you, give this one a go.

​Big thanks to NetGalley, VeraBell author, Victory Editing and the NetGalley Co-op publisher, for letting me read an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are my own.

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Fires of Injustice by Kendy Pearson

Fires of Injustice by Kendy Pearson

Rating: 4 Star review

This is a historical novel set in the late 1800s. It is an emotional story about a dark time in American history. It follows people who are brave enough to stand up for others, even when it’s dangerous. It’s a mix of history, faith, and a sweet "second-chance" romance.

The book takes place in the 1880s in California. It’s a time when there was a lot of prejudice against Chinese immigrants. The main character, Yakira Mitchell, works at a mission home that rescues and protects Chinese girls who have been treated badly. The "Fires" in the title refers to the real-life historical events, where entire communities were threatened by violence and arson. The story is about Yakira trying to save her mission and the girls she loves while the world around her seems to be falling apart.

Yakira has dedicated her whole life to helping others at the Occidental Mission Home. She wants to open her own home to rescue even more girls, but she also has to face secrets about her own past that she didn't see coming.

Grant Campbell is a smart attorney who used to be very close to Yakira before he left town seven years ago. He returns to San Francisco, wanting to make up for his past mistakes. He uses his legal skills to defend Chinese immigrants and wants to win back Yakira’s trust and love.

At first, Yakira is very focused on her work but is also holding onto a lot of hurt towards Grant. Throughout the book, she learns how to forgive and how to trust God even when things look really scary. She grows from being a protector to a leader.

Grant starts out feeling guilty for leaving his family and Yakira behind. He develops from someone running away from his problems into a man of high integrity who is willing to risk his career and safety to do what is right in court.

The ending is very dramatic as the "fires of injustice" reach a breaking point. While the book deals with some sad and heavy history, the conclusion is full of hope. It shows that love and faith are stronger than fear. Yakira and Grant find a way to work together for a bigger purpose, and their relationship ends on a very beautiful, heart-warming note.

If you like historical stories with romance, faith, and forgiveness, this may be the book for you.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #KendyPearson author, and #PearBlossomBooks publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The Psalms by Marty Folsom

The Psalms by Marty Folsom

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You have to check out Marty Folsom’s take on the Psalms! I just finished it, and honestly, it changed how I looked at the whole book. If you’ve ever felt like the Psalms were just too much to get into, you need to check this book out.

It doesn’t feel like a dusty textbook at all. Marty writes in a way that’s super down-to-earth. He doesn't skip over the messy parts of life; he leans right into them.

Even though the Psalms are individual songs, Marty shows us the personal journey of the individuals walking through life. He focuses on the "Psalmist" as a real person dealing with some heavy stuff—betrayal, fear, and those nights where you feel totally alone. It’s so relatable because he uses words that we actually use today.

You get to see the individuals move from literally screaming at the ceiling in frustration to slowly finding a sense of peace.

 

The ending shows us how all that pain eventually turns into a "Hallelujah." It’s not a fake or forced happy ending, but a real sense of hope that things are going to be okay.

I loved this book because it’s so honest. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something to read during your quiet time or to talk about in a small group. It’s short, punchy, and makes you feel like you aren't the only one who has ever felt overwhelmed or doubtful.

If you want a book that speaks to your heart and makes the Bible feel alive and personal, grab this book. It’s definitely one I’m going to be recommending to my friends and family.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #MartyFolsom author, and #MorehousePublishing publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Genesis by Mary Healy

Genesis by Mary Healy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – Clear, engaging, and spiritually rich study of Genesis

Mary Healy’s Genesis is an accessible and thoughtfully written commentary that helps readers engage deeply with the first book of the Bible. It combines solid biblical scholarship with a devotional tone, making it suitable for both personal study and group reading.

Healy brings the major figures of Genesis to life—Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph—showing them as complex individuals shaped by faith, failure, and gradual transformation. Their stories are not treated as isolated accounts but as part of a united whole that traces God’s covenant plan unfolding through generations.

A key strength of the book is how clearly she explains the major theological themes such as creation, sin and its consequences, divine promise, and redemption. She also provides helpful historical and cultural content that clarifies difficult passages without being overwhelming. The progression from early humanity to the patriarchs and finally to Joseph in Egypt shows the story of both human weakness and God’s persistent faithfulness.

The final chapters on Joseph stand out for their emotional and theological depth, especially in the forgiveness, providence, and reconciliation. Healy shows how Genesis ends not with full resolution, but with anticipation of God’s continued work through Israel.

While more advanced academic readers may desire a deeper study with critical scholarship, the book’s clarity, organization, and spiritual insight make it effective as an introductory-to-intermediate level commentary.

Overall: This is a very strong and readable guide to Genesis that balances faith, theology, and narrative understanding.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #Mary Healy author, and #BakerAcademic publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Blood Bound

Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blood Bound ended up being one of those books that was really hard for me to put down. I picked it up because the dragon rider and magic elements sounded interesting, but I honestly got attached to the characters much faster than I expected. Astrid, Skylar, and Prince Zryan all had their own personalities, struggles, and emotional moments that made them feel real instead of just typical fantasy characters.

I really liked the atmosphere of the story, too. The dragons, magic, royal politics, and hidden dangers gave the story a tense feeling throughout, but it never felt overly complicated or hard to follow. The fantasy elements blended really well with the relationships and emotional parts of the story, which made me even more invested in what was happening.

What stood out most to me was the character growth. Nobody felt perfect, and the choices they made actually carried emotional weight. There were several times I meant to read just a chapter or two and ended up reading much later than I planned because I needed to know what happened next.

The ending felt satisfying while still leaving me excited for more. If you enjoy fantasy romance with dragons, strong characters, magic, and emotional tension, I’d definitely recommend Blood Bound. It was such a great read.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #EllisHunter author, and #AtriaBooks publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Patricia N, Reviewer

The Apothecary by the Sea

The Apothecary by the Sea 

by Victoria Bennett 

Rating: 5 star rating

The Apothecary by the Sea is a beautiful and thoughtful memoir about starting over, healing, and finding peace through nature. Victoria Bennett shares her move with her family to the remote Orkney Islands in Scotland, where she creates a garden filled with herbs and medicinal plants while also trying to rebuild her own sense of purpose and happiness.

The book is not fast-paced or full of dramatic twists. Instead, it focuses on personal growth, family life with her husband and son as a big part of the story, the changing seasons, and the calming rhythm of island living. Bennett honestly shares her struggles with grief, illness, loneliness, and change, which makes her story feel very real and relatable.

One of the strongest parts of the book is how the setting almost becomes a character itself. The sea, storms, plants, and landscape all reflect the emotions she is going through. As the story moves forward, you can clearly see her becoming stronger, more settled, and more connected to both the island and herself.

Gardeners and people who enjoy herbs, plants, and nature will especially appreciate the detailed descriptions of growing and caring for a garden in such a rugged environment. The gardening aspects add warmth and beauty throughout the story.

The ending is quiet but satisfying, showing that healing is not instant but happens slowly over time. Overall, this is a warm, calming, and inspiring read for anyone who enjoys nature writing, gardening, herbal traditions, or personal stories about finding hope and belonging.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #JohnRhodes author, and #RoundelHouse publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Triumph and Tragedy

 Rating: ★★★★★

Breaking Point: 

Triumph and Tragedy by John Rhodes

This was a strong and emotional WWII novel that felt more personal than a lot of war books. Instead of only focusing on battles, it also shows the stress, fear, and hard choices people had to make near the end of the war. 

The main character, Eleanor Shaux, was the most interesting part of the story for me. She’s a tactical analyst who gets pulled away from Europe and into the Manhattan Project, where she has to wrestle with the moral questions surrounding the atomic bomb. She’s smart, exhausted from years of war, and struggling emotionally from personal loss and everything she has seen. 

The story also includes major historical leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin as tensions rise between the Allies even while victory is getting closer. That part made the story feel bigger than just one person’s experience. 

What I liked most was how the book balanced triumph and heartbreak. There’s action and suspense, but also quieter moments that show the emotional cost of war. The ending was powerful and thoughtful without spoiling everything or trying to wrap things up too perfectly.

Overall, this was a memorable historical fiction read with strong characters and a lot of emotional depth. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy WWII stories with both action and human drama.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #JohnRhodes author, and #RoundelHouse publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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The Appearance of Impropriety

Headline: A Compelling L.A. Legal Drama with a Heartfelt Slow-Burn Romance

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh is a captivating blend of courtroom tension and a slow-burn romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The story is soaked in the atmosphere of Los Angeles, following Judge Mahalia Jackson as she navigates the high-pressure world of the L.A. judicial system. The city itself feels like a character—from the gritty reality of personal injury billboards to a pivotal, high-tension moment during a classic California earthquake. 

Mahalia is forced to work with JD Cash, a lawyer whose fame as billboard lawyer clashes with her refined professional world. When a major case and a natural disaster force them together, the professional lines they’ve drawn begin to blur.

I loved the contrast between Mahalia’s rigid personality and JD’s down to earth approach. Having put her personal life on hold to climb the ranks in L.A., Mahalia lives by a strict rule to never date a lawyer. Watching her deal with the intense chemistry between them, makes the story even more impactful. Their journey feels earned, and with their integrity and faith—including Mahalia's return to her roots—adds a beautiful layer of depth.

Narrated by Alyx Monroe, the performance perfectly captures Mahalia’s transition from a guarded professional to someone more vulnerable. 

Regarding the content, this is a wholesome, clean romance—the tension is palpable, but the relationship remains focused on emotional connection and shared values.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #JaynaBreigh author, and #RBMedia audio publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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More Than Friends

More Than Friends

by Denise Hunter

Rating: ★★★★★

Book Review: 

Denise Hunter has done it again. 

"More Than Friends" is a great friends-to-lovers cliche set against the beautiful view of Chincoteague Island. It’s a story about coming home, finding yourself, and realizing that the person who has always been by your side might just be the one you've been searching for.

Story:

The story follows Jenna Greene, who returns to her hometown on Chincoteague Island after a disastrous breakup that also costs her career. She’s looking for a fresh start, but things get complicated when she discovers her widowed mother has a new boyfriend, Gordan Smith, who seems a bit too good to be true.

Jenna teams up with her childhood best friend, Tyson Parker, to look into Gordan's background. As they spend time together investigating, their competitive, one of the guys' dynamic that they’ve had since they were kids starts to shift into something much deeper. The story balances a sweet romance with a touch of mystery and the unique local culture of the "saltwater cowboys."

The Characters:

 

Jenna Greene: She is sharp, competitive, and incredibly resilient. Watching her navigate the loss of her professional identity while rediscovering her roots makes her a very like able lead.

Tyson Parker: Tyson is a dream hero, a volunteer firefighter, and a "saltwater cowboy" who looks after the island's wild ponies. He’s dealing with his own scars from a past divorce, which adds a layer of vulnerability to his character that is really moving.

Jenna’s Mom & Gordan Smith, the mystery man: The side plot involving Jenna’s mother adds a great deal of tension and gives Jenna and Tyson a reason to lean on each other.

The Ending

The ending is pure Denise Hunter magic.

This is a clean, heartwarming story that still handles real-life struggles with care.

It’s a slow burn that leads to a deeply emotional and satisfying conclusion. The resolution of both the romantic tension and the mystery involving Jenna’s mother feels earned, leaving you with that perfect happily ever after feeling as you close the book.

This is a straightforward, heart-tugging story that doesn't get bogged down in fluff. The tension with Jenna and Tyson is natural and believable. It’s got a great setting, characters you’ll actually like, and a plot that keeps you moving. If you’re a fan of Hallmark-style stories with a little more emotional depth and a great coastal vibe, which presents a beautiful setting on Chincoteague Island with the wild ponies. This makes for a wonderful story that you will enjoy reading. This is a must-read.

Thank you, #NetGalley , #DeniseHunter author, and #ThomasNelsonandZondervanFictionAudio publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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