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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.

#NetGalley

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#AndréNarbonne

#ThoseArePearls

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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.

#NetGalley

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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.

#NetGalley

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#WaterBrook

#John R. Kelly

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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.

#NetGalley

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#AnneGrahamLotz

#JesusInMe

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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.

#NetGalley

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#SorayaMLane

#TheUndergroundSisters

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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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Healthy Living High-Protein Cookbook by Toby Amidor

Healthy Living High-Protein Cookbook

85 Recipes and Meal Plans to Build Muscle, Balance Metabolism, and Thrive at Any Age

by Toby Amidor

Rating: 4 star rating 

I love Toby Amidor's Healthy Living High-Protein Cookbook. If you are like me and want to get enough protein without eating dry chicken breasts, this book is exactly what you need. Now that I am retired, I finally have the time to focus on my health goals. I personally love using lentils, beans, and peanut butter as my main protein replacements, and this book gives you so many great ways to use them.The best part is how incredibly easy the lentil and bean recipes are to prepare, and they store beautifully in the fridge for easy leftovers. 

The book uses normal, budget-friendly ingredients you can buy at any regular grocery store. It features everything from a great lentil shakshuka to fast sheet-pan dinners and high-protein treats like blueberry muffins.

It is written by a registered dietitian, so she breaks down the science of why our bodies need protein to protect our muscles as we age. She even includes all the nutrition facts for every single meal, which makes tracking your food incredibly simple. She wraps the whole book up with four weeks of ready-to-go meal plans that take all the annoying guesswork out of cooking and shopping. This cookbook is worth adding to your collection.

Thank you, NetGalley, Cider Mill Press, and Toby Amidor for this book review consideration. All review opinions and information are my own.

#NetGalley 

#CiderMillPress

#TobyAmidor

#HealthyLivingHighProteinCookbook

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7 Lessons in Time Management Master Time Management Basics in 7 Steps by Robert Ashton

7 Lessons in Time Management

Master Time Management Basics in 7 Steps

by Robert Ashton

Rating 4 star rating

7 Lessons in Time Management is a quick and simple read. It breaks time management down into 7 basic lessons that are easy to understand and not overwhelming at all.

Such as: It all starts with you, understanding your job, organizing your workspace, managing your workload, coping with your colleagues, communicating effectively to save time, and time management favorites.

It’s not full of fancy systems or anything complicated. It’s more like common sense advice; get organized, focus on what matters, and stop wasting so much time on distractions. I liked that it felt realistic. instead of stressful.

By the end, it just makes you feel like you can actually start getting your day under control without overthinking it.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and the author Robert Ashton for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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#RobertAshton

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7 Lessons in Strategy Master Strategy Basics in 7 Steps by Stephen Berry

7 Lessons in Strategy

Master Strategy Basics in 7 Steps

by Stephen Berry

Rating: 4 star rating

I liked this book. I'm not a business expert, so I was glad that 7 Lessons in Strategy didn't make things more complicated than they needed to be. Stephen Berry explains strategy in a simple way and breaks it down into small lessons that are easy to understand.

The book talks about things like setting goals, knowing your customers, building a strong brand, and staying ahead of the competition. I liked that it included examples and questions that made me stop and think about how the ideas could be used in real life.

By the end of the book, I felt like I had learned a lot without feeling like I was reading a college textbook. If you're curious about business strategy but don't know much about it, this is a great place to start. It's a quick, easy read with some useful ideas you can actually use.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and the author, Stephen Berry, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

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#StephenBerry

#7LessonsinStrategy

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You Are Not from Around Here, Are You? by Clarissa Willis

You Are Not from Around Here, Are You?

by Clarissa Willis

Rating:  5 star rating

Headline: Absolutely adorable! It's such a cozy read.

Honestly, you have to grab this book! It is about a boy named Mack who travels from Texas to Arizona for a family camping trip.  This trip was part of his birthday gift, along with a cowboy hat and boots.

His dog runs off after Mack takes him out to use the bathroom during the night.  Mack chases him, only to stumble upon a genuinely friendly extraterrestrial being. My favorite part is that it avoids all the usual scary alien tropes. It is just pure fun, curiosity, and laughter between the two completely different characters. The ending wraps up so nicely, proving that friendship is just about having a blast together. Perfect for any kid who looks up at the night sky and wonders what's out there!  I thought this was a cute story for kids.  I recommend it.

Thank you, NetGalley, Solander Press, and the author, Clarissa Willis, for the book review consideration.  All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

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The Unwinding Path A Soothing Stroll to Slumber by Betony Coons

The Unwinding Path

A Soothing Stroll to Slumber

by Betony Coons

Rating: 5+ star rating

I really enjoyed The Unwinding Path. A Soothing Stroll to Slumber. This isn't a regular story with lots of characters or action. Instead, it takes children on a peaceful walk along a winding path that they can trace with their finger while listening to calming words and looking at beautiful illustrations. The artwork is beautiful. 

I thought the book did a great job helping kids slow down and relax before bed. The nature scenes, animals, and gentle reminders of God's love create a comforting atmosphere. By the end of the journey, everything comes together in a calm and reassuring way that feels perfect for bedtime.

If you're looking for a sweet bedtime book that encourages quiet moments and helps little ones settle down for sleep, this is a lovely choice.

Thank you, NetGalley, Inter Varsity Press, and the author Betony Coons for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#InterVarsityPress

#Betony Coons

#TheUnwindingPath

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Spies, Lies, & Alibis A low-spice, thrilling spy romance by Natalie Walters, author Narrated by Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion

Spies, Lies, & Alibis

A low-spice, thrilling spy romance

by Natalie Walters, author 

Narrated by Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion

Rating: 5 star rating

I really liked Spies, Lies, & Alibis by Natalie Walters. It was a fun and easy to follow mix of action, mystery, and romance. The story follows Cybil Langford, who is brave, smart, and determined to uncover the truth about the dangerous people around her. When she reconnects with Ben Bradley, her childhood friend, and the guy she never completely got over, things get even more complicated because he's working undercover and keeping secrets of his own.

I enjoyed watching Cybil and Ben learn to trust each other again while dealing with criminals, lies, and constant danger. Lorenzo Ramirez was a strong villain who kept the tension high throughout the story. I also liked the teamwork between the different agents and investigators as they tried to put the pieces together.

The audiobook narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life. I found myself wanting to keep listening to see what would happen next. Overall, this was a clean romantic suspense with plenty of action, likable characters, and a satisfying ending. If you enjoy spy stories with a little romance and a lot of suspense, I think you'll enjoy this one. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, the author Natalie Walters, and the narrators Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio

#NatalieWalters

#AndrewEiden narrator 

#DominiqueSalvacion narrator 

#SpiesLiesAlibis

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This is a review of the audiobook.

Caput Mundi by B.R. Kang Narrated by Laura Clifton

Caput Mundi

by B.R. Kang, author

Narrated by Laura Clifton

Rating: 3 star rating

This book started out really strong for me. The opening immediately caught my attention, and I was intrigued by Niil Terra and the world he lived in. One of the most interesting parts of the story was the Enarii, a black liquid metal that people can absorb into their bodies and shape into different tools and weapons using their minds. It was a unique idea, and I enjoyed learning how it worked and how it affected the people who used it.

Niil Terra was an interesting character to follow as he became caught up in the larger mysteries and conflicts surrounding the Enarii. The world-building was detailed, and there were plenty of questions that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The author clearly put a lot of thought into the setting and the magic system.

Unfortunately, about halfway through the book, the story began to feel repetitive to me. A lot of the focus stayed on the Enarii, the environment, rain, fire, and similar themes. While those things are important to the story, I found myself wanting more variety in the plot and more scenes showing everyday life and interactions between the characters. It felt like the story spent too much time circling the same ideas instead of moving forward.

I also felt the book could have reached its conclusion sooner. The ending wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped, and I would have liked a stronger ending after all the buildup. By the time I finished, I wasn't sure I was interested enough to continue with the next book in the series.

I originally started with the audiobook narrated by Laura Clifton, but I only got through Chapter 2 before I ran into an error and couldn't continue listening. The narration was perfectly fine in the chapters I heard. Because I enjoyed the beginning so much, I bought the ebook and finished it that way.

Overall, I think Caput Mundi has a lot of potential. The opening chapters, Niil Terra's story, and the concept of the Enarii were all very creative and kept me interested. I just wish the second half had moved a little faster and offered more variety before reaching the ending. I do hope the author keeps writing because there is definitely talent here.

Thank you, NetGalley, APCreativeLLC, and author B. R. Kang and Laura Clifton, narrator, for this book review consideration. All review opinions and information are my own.

#NetGalley 

#APCreativeLLC

#CaputMundi

#BRKang author 

#LauraClifton narrator 

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The Writer's Process Getting Your Brain in Gear (10th Anniversary Edition) by Anne Janzer

The Writer's Process

Getting Your Brain in Gear (10th Anniversary Edition)

by Anne Janzer

Rating: 5 star rating

I have wanted to write my own book for a really long time, but honestly, I’ve just been too afraid to even start. Staring at a blank screen is intimidating, and I always felt stuck. But reading The Writer's Process completely changed things for me and gave me so much hope.

The absolute best part of this book is how she explains that your brain has two modes: the "Muse" mode, which is the creative, messy side that gets ideas, and the "Scribe" mode, the strict side, that fixes spelling and grammar. 

I realized my biggest mistake was trying to write and edit at the exact same time. That is exactly why I kept freezing up! Learning to separate the two made it much easier.

This is the new 10th-anniversary version, so it also has a great section on how to handle AI tools responsibly without losing your own voice. 

The book is short, super easy to read, and doesn't feel boring. If you are afraid of writing or just don't know how to take that first step, you should get this book. It gave me the confidence to finally start chasing my dream.

Thank you, NetGalley, Cuesta Park Consulting, and the author, Anne Janzer, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#CuestaParkConsulting

#AnneJanzer

#TheWritersProcess

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Gaudi God's Architect by Peter Stanford

Gaudi

God's Architect

by Peter Stanford

Rating: 5 star rating

I really liked this book. Gaudi: God's Architect tells the story of Antoni Gaudí, the man who designed some of the most beautiful and unusual buildings in Spain. Before reading this, I knew very little about him, so I enjoyed learning about his life.

The book talks about his childhood, his health problems when he was young, and how spending time in nature inspired many of his designs. It also shows how important his faith was to him and how he put his heart into every building he created. As he got older, he lived a simple life and spent most of his time working on the Sagrada Família church.

 I liked seeing the person behind the famous buildings. Gaudí wasn't just an architect. He was a hardworking man who stayed true to his beliefs and devoted his life to what he felt God had called him to do.

This was an interesting and easy to read biography. If you enjoy history, faith related books, or learning about real people who made a difference, I think you'll enjoy this one.

Thank you, NetGalley, John Murray Press US, and the author, Peter Stanford, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

#JohnMurrayPressUS

#PeterStanford

#Gaudi

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Realm of the Fae by S.J. Kadile

Realm of the Fae

by S.J. Kadile

Rating: 5 star rating

I really enjoyed Realm of the Fae by S.J. Kadile. This was a fun fantasy adventure with magic, danger, friendship, and a sweet romance.

The story follows Clara, a young nurse whose life changes when her father sends her a family heirloom while he and her mother are traveling. Before long, Clara and her best friend, Melrik, find themselves pulled into the fae realm of Avenora. Suddenly, they're surrounded by magic, strange creatures, and dangers they never imagined existed.

One thing I really liked was the friendship between Clara and Melrik. They stick together through everything, and it was fun watching them learn how to survive in this new world. Ashael, a fae warrior, helps train them to fight and defend themselves. Some of my favorite scenes were when Clara and Melrik were practicing with Ashael because you could see them growing stronger and gaining confidence.

I also enjoyed the romance. There is an obvious attraction between Clara and Ashael, but it develops slowly as they spend more time together. Their relationship felt natural and added another layer to the story without taking over the adventure.

The world-building was easy to picture, and this kept me interested and turning pages. There were plenty of magical creatures, secrets, and surprises along the way. By the end, some questions are answered, but Clara learns that her connection to the fae realm is much bigger than she ever imagined. The book leaves readers with enough closure to feel satisfied while also setting up the next adventure.

If you enjoy fae stories, magical quests, loyal friendships, and clean romance, I think you'll really enjoy this one. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Thank you, NetGalley, Teal Ink Press, and S.J. Kadile for this book review consideration. All review opinions and information are my own.

#NetGalley 

#TealInkPress

#Realmofthefae

#SJKadile

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Book Club Brochure Vol. 21 by Various authors

Penguin Random House library resources

Book Club Brochure Vol. 21

by Various authors

Rating: 5 star rating

If you are like me and never know what book to read next, you need to check this out. It is basically a cheat sheet that tells you about a bunch of really popular books so you can find something good to read without searching forever. In total, this sampler highlights 29 different books that are perfect for groups or solo reading. It covers some super famous titles that everyone on Goodreads loves. Here is a sampling of what is in the sampler

First up is Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, which sits at a high 4.52 star. It is a deep but easy to read book about race and how people treat each other.

Another one is the Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi at 4.09 stars. This one is a really moving story about a girl balancing science and faith while dealing with family drama.

Next is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig at 4.02 stars. This is that popular book about a magical library where you see how your life would change if you made different choices.

Then there is The Opium Prince by Jasmine Aimaq at 3.79 stars. It is an incredibly tense thriller set in 1970s Afghanistan about a diplomat who makes a terrible mistake and gets blackmailed by a powerful drug lord.

You also get a look at Glamour Girls by Marty Wingate at 3.72 stars. This one is a really fun, cozy historical mystery about a woman who joins the British air transport auxiliary during World War II and has to solve a murder.

Finally, it covers Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia at 3.66 stars. It is a super spooky, creepy thriller about a girl visiting a weird mansion in Mexico.

The guide gives you a bunch of discussion questions that you can use to talk about all of these books with your friends. If you want an easy list of awesome books to read with your friends or by yourself, this is super helpful and simple to use. Definitely recommend it!

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Library Resources, and the various authors from the Book Club Brochure Vol. 21 for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

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#Various authors

#BookClubBrochureVol21

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Penguin Random House Excerpt Sampler Spring 2016 by various authors

Penguin Random House Excerpt Sampler Spring 2016

by various authors 

So, I’ve been digging through the Penguin Random House Spring 2016 Excerpt Sampler, which is basically just a giant book of first chapters to get you hooked. It doesn't finish any of the stories, which is very annoying! But one of the previews was so good I had to go buy the actual full book to see how it ended. It’s called "Anna and the Swallow Man" by Gavriel Savit. It’s pretty short; about 240 pages, published by Alfred A. Knopf. If you like historical stories like "The Book Thief" but want something that feels like an old, dark fairytale, you seriously need to read it.

The story takes place in Poland during World War II. A little seven year old girl named Anna Łania is left all alone because the Nazi Gestapo arrested her dad, who was a university professor. While wandering the streets, she meets this bizarre, super-tall guy she calls The Swallow Man. He is kind of like a magician—he can trick birds into landing on his hand, and he speaks a ton of languages. He won't tell her his real name because he says names are too dangerous in a war zone. Anna just starts following him, and they spend the next four years hiding out and living in the woods to stay alive.

To keep Anna from getting traumatized, the Swallow Man dumbs down the war and makes up a secret language using animal names. He tells her the Nazi soldiers are "Bears," and the Soviet soldiers are "Wolves," and they just have to avoid them both. Along the way, they meet a Jewish guy named Reb Hirschl, who plays the clarinet and travels with them for a bit. He brings some normal happiness and music back into Anna’s life before the scary reality of the war forces him away.

What blew me away was how the characters swap roles as time goes on. The Swallow Man gets super sick, and his brilliant mind starts to break down from all the stress and winter cold. Little Anna has to grow up fast and become the one protecting him. Without spoiling the actual ending, it is a total tear-jerker. The Swallow Man makes a huge sacrifice to get Anna onto a boat so she can escape to a safe country. The book has an open-ended finish where you don't know exactly what happens to the Swallow Man, but you get total closure knowing Anna is safe and survives. It is a beautiful, sad coming of age story.

The sampler also includes six other sneak peeks if you want to check them out:

The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry sits at 3.91 out of 5 stars on Goodreads and is a medieval historical tale about a girl running from a heretic hunter. 

Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye has a 3.88 rating and reads like a dark reimagining of Jane Eyre, where the governess is a vigilante serial killer. 

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson has a 3.79 rating and is perfect for fans of slow, gorgeous Edwardian village drama right before WWI. 

The Travelers by Chris Pavone sits at a 3.63 rating and offers a fast-paced, modern spy thriller setup. 

Behave by Andromeda Romano-Lax has a 3.54 rating and dives into a true-history drama about the early days of controversial psychology experiments. 

Finally, Smoke by Dan Vyleta has a 3.27 rating and delivers a unique fantasy where people's wicked thoughts physically leak out of their bodies as soot.

Overall, checking out the sampler was a great way to discover "Anna and the Swallow Man," which I highly recommend putting on your reading list!

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Library Resources, and the various authors for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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