Friday Fun - October 28, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have a few books to share with you. 

This is not my first time reading the Keeper of the Lost Cities books by Shannon Messenger. I've read them multiple times. I'm currently rereading them because the newest book is being released in less than two weeks. This past week I read books one, two, and three. 

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile 

                                                                                                                                                                     

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:

From the Preface:

"Blurry, fractured memories swam through Sophie's mind, but she couldn't piece them together. She tried opening her eyes and found only darkness."

Having read the book multiple times, I know what is going on here, sadly.

And from Chapter 1:

"'Miss Foster!' Mr. Sweeney's nasal voice cut through Sophie's blaring music as he yanked her earbuds out by the cords. 'Have you decided that you're too smart to pay attention to this information?'"

I wasn't sure what to think of Sophie at first, but I am so glad I gave this series a chance. It is one of my favorites now. It helped that the reader learns quite quickly why Sophie was listening to her music instead of paying attention.

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger:

First from the Preface:

"Sophie's hands shook as she lifted the tiny green bottle. One swallow held life and death -- and not just for her." 

Having read the book multiple times, this scene is now very meaningful.

And from Chapter 1:

'"I still can't believe we're tracking Bigfoot,' Sophie whispered as she stared at the giant footprint in the muddy soil. Each massive toe was as wide as her arm, and the print formed a deep, mucky puddle." 

It sounded like she was intrigued and frustrated all at the same time. But knowing what she ends up finding shortly after this makes it all worthwhile.  

And finally, here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze

And from the Preface:

"The mirror slipped from Sophie's hands, landing on the petal-covered carpet with the softest thud." Both sides of the glass survived the crash without cracking. But inside, Sophie shattered."

Again, having read the books multiple times, this was such a devastating revelation in this scene.

From Chapter 1:

"'What are you waiting for?' Keefe shouted over the howling wind and the roaring sea. 'Don't tell be the great Sophie Foster is afraid.'"

I admit, I had to wonder why Sophie was afraid and what these two were up to.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:
 

"Alden stopped to stare at her. 'We would never have servants. The gnomes choose to live with us because it's safer in our world. And they help in our gardens because they enjoy it. We're privileged to have them. you'll get your first taste of gnomish produce during lunch, and you're in for quite a treat.'"

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger:

"Grady sank into the hug, and an extra second passed before he pulled away, his eyes blinking back tears. He cleared his throat and took her hands. 'Well, then, we'd better get ready.'"

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze by Shannon Messenger:

"Sophie grinned as she turned to face him, but her lips fell when she noticed Alden wasn't alone--not that Sophie didn't like Councillor Kenric. In fact, the red-haired, wide-smiling Councillor was one of her favorites, and he was always one of the first to take her side."

Friday Fun - October 21, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have two books to share with you. 

I read The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans for one of my monthly challenges. I needed a book set in South America. This is a story of two friends who go to Peru as a part of a humanitarian expedition and they get to not only help out in different areas, but they get to explore different sites as well. While there Christine, whose fiancé called off the wedding a week before the date, meets Paul, who oversees am orphanage and has also left the states after dealing with some life-changing events.

I also read A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin for another of my monthly challenges. I needed a book that takes place during World War II, and I loved some other books I have read by Sarah Sundin, so I thought I would try another series. I absolutely loved this story too.

                                                                                                                                                                     

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans:

"Going to the jungle wasn't my idea. Had the thought actually crossed my mind, I would have immediately relegated it to that crowded portion of my brain where things I should do someday but thankfully never will are safely locked away to languish and die."

I will have to agree with this. LOL.

And here is my book beginnings for A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin:

"One whole delicious week together. Allie Miller clung to her best friend's promise and to the train ticket that would deliver it."

Yay, sounds like a highly anticipated adventure.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans:
 

"'This is a list of things that you must do before December second. I suggest that you do not put them off. Especially anything concerning your passport.'
'Look, Chris,' Jessica said, 'lists. You love lists.'

'Shut up,' she said."

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin:

"How did a man who didn't drink, gamble, or chase women have a bad night on the town? 'Do I dare ask what happened?'"

Review of Cross the Line by C.C. Warrens

 

I absolutely, 100% loved this book! I was thrilled to be able to continue Holly's story. The way Imperfect Justice ended, I wasn't sure if C.C. Warrens was planning to continue writing stories about Holly, and Marx, and Jordan, and Jace, and Sam. When I learned that Cross the Line was in the works, I was so excited. I was even more excited to be chosen to be on C.C. Warrens ARC Team, so I could read the book as soon as I could.
Each of these books have been a roller coaster of emotions, and this newest book was not any different. There wasn't as much in the heart breaking, devastation department as some of the other books, but this was definitely a thriller and very suspenseful at times. But the humor was there (especially in the interactions between Holly and Marx, and Holly and Jordan), just like it was in all the other books. I was constantly laughing out loud, causing my family to glance my way in concern. And I highlighted so many hilarious encounters.
But there was definitely a serious side as C.C. Warrens was dealing with the topic of prostitution. But the love of Christ shines through. Holly is Holly, and we see her thinking about others instead of herself, and heading into danger, even when told not to. If you've read the previous books, you know what I mean. And let me say, if you don't like spoilers, make sure to read all the previous books first so you are caught up with the story. And yes, that includes the novellas and the Seeking Justice books.
If you love thrillers, and twists and turns and misdirection, you'll love C.C. Warrens' Holly books, and this one is just as awesome as the rest of the series.
Thanks to the author for the chance to read an advanced reader copy. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Friday Fun - October 14, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have two books to share with you. 

I read Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund last year and have been patiently waiting for the second book to arrive in my library system. I finally decided to ask my other library if they could get it in. I was thrilled when I realized my "Blind Date with a Book" book for October was Come Back to Me, because I realized they had gotten Never Leave Me in as well.

When I went in to grab my "Blind Date with a Book" selection, I also grabbed Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund as well. I've been waiting so long to get to read this. 

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund:

"'Your father is in a coma.'
'What did you say?' Marian Creighton fumbled with her phone and almost dropped it. 'I don't think I heard you correctly.'"

Quite the shocking beginning for poor Marian.

And here is my book beginnings for Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund:

"'I'm dying, and we can't change that.' Even though Ellen Creighton spoke as softly and gently as possible, she could do nothing to soften the harshness of the truth."

Sadly, if the reader has read Come Back to Me, they already know this. I won't say any more for fear of giving something away.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund:
 

"'So you think the second seed from the Tree of Life ended up in Canterbury?' What was she saying? Did she believe in the seeds now too? Was she going crazy right along with Harrison and her dad?"

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund:

"She almost didn't recognize his face without his thick glasses. He seemed younger, his cheeks and jaw more defined, his eyes more intense. 'Did you see Marian?' His expression was completely serious, as though seeing dead people was a normal, everyday occurrence."

Review of The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

 

I absolutely loved this newest book by Jaime Jo Wright. I admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, knowing that spiritualism was going to be a part of the story. But, having read her previous books, I figured the focus would be on the biblical truths, and that trying to communicate with the dead would be frowned upon.

I enjoyed both time lines and learning how they related to each other.

The characters were well developed and I grew to care for them and the struggles they were going through. Perliett lives in 1910 and it is her mother who delves into spiritualism and trying to communicate with the dead. Perliett herself is seen as a “quack” by the local doctor because of her use of home remedies. The book begins with a murder in their small, rural farming community.

In the current timeline we learn that Molly and her husband have just purchased the “murder house” which is related to the murder in 1910. Molly is dealing with depression related to her miscarriages and is experiencing visions related to what she presumes are murders from 1910 along with a murder that happened just down the road.

The author’s typical creepy story with the inclusion of biblical truths was there. I loved the suspense and the twists, and love how the truth is slowly revealed.

Another wonderful book by Jaime Jo Wright!

Friday Fun - October 7, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have one book to share with you. 

I set Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman aside because I received my ARC of The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright! I'm so excited to be on the Launch Team for this book. It's the first book of Jaime Jo Wright's that I actually own. And I am loving it so far. I'll be sharing my review soon. 

 

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright:

"When death came to visit, no one ever prepared tea and cookies. Still Perliett Van Hilton sipped her tea and eyed the good doctor over the rim of the white china cup."

So, who was dead and why was the doctor visiting Perliett?

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here is my Friday 56 selection.

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright
 

"Perliett scanned the darkness. The shadows. The cornstalks weaving back and forth in a subtle motion like the thin arms of a skeleton man. She could imagine them reaching for her, straining through the night, until bony fingers wrapped around her, digging into her skin."

Reading Challenges 2022 September Update

Here is what I read for my reading challenges in September: 

                             

For September, I read Cross the Line by C.C. Warrens. It also counted for the 75 book challenge below as it was written by an Indie author.

I read Secrets in the Mist by Morgan L. Busse. I shared my thoughts on Goodreads.

I read The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel. It also counted for the 75 book challenge below as it is considered "women's fiction."

I read When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer. I shared my thoughts on Goodreads.

Plus someone in my Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group came up with this challenge:

Pick which level you want to do and choose from these prompts! Happy reading!

Level 1: 12 books- success!

Level 2: 25 books- success!

Level 3: 50 books- success!

Level 4: All 75!

I read 7 books in January for this challenge.

I read 7 books in February for this challenge. 

I read 9 books in March for this challenge (I can't count Keturah or Veiled in Smoke yet as I haven't finished them.)

I read 10 book in April for this challenge.

I read 8 book in May for this challenge (I can't count The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus yet as I finished it in June)

I read 7 books in June for this challenge (I can't count When Twilight Breaks as I haven't quite finished it yet.)

I read 5 books in July for this challenge. (It's getting harder to fit all the books I read each month into these different challenge categories.)

I read 10 books in August for this challenge. 

I read 3 books in September for this challenge.

Red: No clue

Blue: Have a book in mind 

Green: Read

Orange: Can be for more than one, need to choose

Read a book...

1. With a verb in the title: Lost in the Land of the Midnight Sun by Christina Cattane (my thoughts)

2. With an infant or child on the cover: Then Sings My Soul by Amy K Sorrells (my thoughts)

3. With a tree on the cover: Forsaken Island by Sharon Hinck (my thoughts)

4. With a pink cover: The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

5. Set in the mountains: Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks (my thoughts)

6. Set during your favorite season: Firefly Diaries by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

7. That includes your favorite holiday: Holly Jolly Christmas by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

8. With a building on the cover: Captives by Jill Williamson (my thoughts)

9. Published the month you were born: Bookshop by the Sea (my thoughts)

10. That has a dual timeline: The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jamie Jo Wright (my thoughts)

11. Recommended by an author you enjoy

12. With little to no romance: Crossed Off by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

13. Published in 2022: Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn (my thoughts)

14. That is a debut novel: The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello (my thoughts)

15. Written in first person POV: Luminary by Krista McGee (my thoughts)

16. By a male author: Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti

17. Written by multiple authors: Cast the First Stone by David James Warren (my thoughts)

18. By an author who writes with a pen name: Sticks and Stone by David James Warren (my thoughts)

19. By an author who has multiple award winning books Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks (my thoughts)

20. That is also a movie or tv series: Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

21. That you choose because of the cover: Dust by Kara Swanson (my thoughts)

22. Reread a favorite

23. That makes you laugh: Meet me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson (my thoughts)

24. A genre outside your comfort zone: Counted With the Stars by Connilyn Cossette (my thoughts)

25. That has been on your tbr list for a long time: Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn (my thoughts)

26. A book with multiple POV: The Tinderbox by Beverly Lewis (my thoughts)

27. Less than 250 pages long: Tributary by Lisa T. Bergren (my thoughts)

28. Written before the year 2000.

29. That has a number in the title: A Hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke (my thoughts)

30. Set in Asia or Africa: Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry (my thoughts)

31. Based on a true story or event: Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green (my thoughts)

32. That is part of a series: Revolutionary by Krista McGee (my thoughts)

33. With a title that doesn't include the word "the": Injustice for All by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

34. Set during WWII: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin (my thoughts)

35. That is considered fantasy: Magnify by Stefanie Lozinski (my thoughts)

36. A novella of a series you enjoyed: Bourne by Lisa T. Bergren (my thoughts)

37. With a main character that is a POC: Imperfect Justice by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

38. Set somewhere you've been: A Mosaic of Wings (first part set in Ithaca NY) (my thoughts)

39. Over 400 pages long: Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke (my thoughts)

40. Featuring a teacher or principal: The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright (my thoughts)

41. With a main character over the age of 50: Who Murdered Mr. Malone by Hope Callaghan (my thoughts)

42. A book that could be considered scary or intimidating: The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright (my thoughts)

43. That features a game (chess, tag, board game, etc) or sport

44. By an indie author: Cross the Line by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

45. With a title or story element that relates to the ocean: Windward Shore by Sharon Hinck (my thoughts)

46. Featuring a coffee shop or cafe

47. With a musician, singer, or songwriter: A Song Unheard by Roseanna White (my thoughts)

48. With a dystopian or utopian theme or element: Anomaly by Krista McGee (my thoughts)

49. That is historical fiction: A Name Unknown by Roseanna M White (my thoughts)

50. With a main character that has red hair: Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

51. With a character that has a mental or physical disability: Cross Fire by C.C. Warrens (my thoughts)

52. A feel good book: The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson (my thoughts)

53. A beach read: Turtle Box Memories by Chandra Lynn Smith (my thoughts)

54. By an author who shares your last initial: Outcasts (my thoughts)

55. Featuring an artist, writer, or photographer: Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks (my thoughts)

56. That includes dance: Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck (my thoughts)

57. That has your favorite color on the cover: No Unturned Stone by David James Warren (my thoughts)

58. With a rainbow or multicolored cover: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

59. Set at a tavern, inn, or hotel: A Stranger’s Game by Colleen Coble (my thoughts)

60. By an author you’ve never read before: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (my thoughts)

61.That is a graphic novel or has illustrations: Chosen Graphic Novel by Ted Dekker

62. A book that involves a fortune or treasure: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

63. With a fruit or vegetable on the cover

64. That involves a family feud: In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh (my thoughts)

65. With the enemies to lovers trope: Raspberries and Vinegar by Valeria Comer (my thoughts)

66. A book that is a best seller: When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin (my thoughts)

67. With royal or noble characters: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

68. By an author who is no longer writing

69. That is considered women’s fiction: The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel (my thoughts)

70. That is a tearjerker: Jennifer by Dee Henderson (my thoughts)

71. Featuring a character that is in politics: Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren (my thoughts)

72. With a women in a STEM career field: Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren (my thoughts)

73. With a sun or moon on the cover: Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren (my thoughts)

74. A book with a one word title: Rebels by Jill Williamson (my thoughts)

75. Written by a European author