Friday Fun - November 24, 2023

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and I just discovered First Line Friday over at Reading is My SuperPower.

This week I have three books to share with you.

I just finished  Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller. This is the first book in her Wyoming Sunrise series. I am on the launch team for When Love Comes, book #3 in the series, so I wanted to make sure to read the previous books first. You can read my review of Forgotten Memories here.

I am currently reading Love's New Beginnings by Penny Zeller. This is a Wyoming Sunrise Prequel. I debated reading it first, but wanted to read it in the order the author published them. 

I'm also currently reading The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green. I have wanted to read this book for a while and had used birthday money to purchase it several months ago. I just haven't had a chance to read it. This month I realized it would work for a couple of my reading challenges.

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(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.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller:

"A fleeting movement caught twelve-year-old Annie Ledbetter's attention."

Hmm, what is it that caught her attention? 

Love's New Beginnings by Penny Zeller:

"Lydie Beauchamp stalked down the dusty streets of Prune Creek, her skirt swishing against her ankles."

Oh dear, what's got Lydie stalking down the street?

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green:

"Dead people were easy to talk to."

Um, why is she talking to dead people??

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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.

Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller:
 

"On one hand, she was grateful she wouldn't have to worry about a chicken coop built next to her desk when she returned the next morning, and she would have a hilarious story to share with Hetty. On the other, the entire experience had been a bit of a discomfiture."

Love's New Beginning by Penny Zeller:

"His involvement in the pranks did not endear him to her. A man of his age, likely twenty-one or twenty-two, out to know better. And his statement, 'the prank was to help everyone be at ease on their first day of school.' vexed her greatly."

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green:

"'Touchy lot, these artsy types,' Joe mumbled.

Lauren didn't deny it. 'If you're going to earn these people's trust, you'll have to put in the time to listen to their small talk. Ready to be charming?'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below. 

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by A.M. Heath

Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt Review

 

Wonderful, powerful, but intense book. So eye-opening. The author did a wonderful job sharing a part of WW2 that I never knew about. That of the occupation by the Nazis of Warsaw, Poland. Seen through the eyes of two fictional characters, twin sisters, the author opened up this time period, with all its horrors, yet also the bravery and resilience of the people of Poland. I can't even begin to fathom the tragedy that took place in this city, the evil that was done by Hitler and the Nazis.

The story is seen through Antoninas and Helena eyes. Antonina ends up helping children who have been smuggled out of the Jewish ghetto. And Helena joins the underground army. Sadly they grow apart, but that sister bond is still there. They both face horrors and wonder if they will ever see each other again.
Of course there is a lot of death, and there are definitely some graphic descriptions of circumstances. That was to be expected.

What I wasn't hugely fond of, was how much time the author would jump, but then she would fill in some details as memories. There were times I felt I was missing something because months would pass with the turn of the page.

That said, I loved this book and it was very emotional, you might want tissues handy. Highly recommended, especially for fans of WW2 era novels.

I received this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

Where is My Sister by Jane Daly Review

 

Wow, what an awesome book. I needed to know what was going to happen, and literally couldn't put the book down, especially toward the end. I believe I was up past 2am to finish it.

The book was different than what I thought it was going to be in one sense, but I figured out quite early what was going on in the grand scheme of things. I don't think it was meant to be a huge surprise honestly.

The book is told from the viewpoint of both Brianna and Morgan. They are sisters who until recently were living together. But Brianna had been thrown out and was now living on the streets, until she is befriended and taken in to a Woman's Leadership Program. Morgan hadn't really given her sister a second thought at first, figuring she was doing okay with friends. So, while Morgan doesn't know where Brianna is, we see Brianna going through this "leadership" program. But, is everything as it seems? There are definitely suspicious things going on, things that I suspected from the get-go. So, yes, this book is suspenseful, but there isn't the mystery I assumed there would be from the title. The reader knows exactly WHERE she is, but because we do know, we know what she is going through and get the sense of suspense from realizing this. And on Morgan's end, we can feel the tension grow as she realizes her sister is probably in grave danger.

I did see on Amazon that this book is rated as being for teens, and I don't think I'd want my younger teens reading it. There is nothing sexual in detail, but there is mention of rape, and making out but not going all the way, and of having a certain physical exam to check for virginity. Also when I think of books for teenagers, to me the main cast of characters would be teens. However the majority of the characters in the story are young adults.

Yes an awesome book, clean reading, great focus on Scripture and the Lord, including parallels to two biblical stories, just not one of want my teens reading, so I wasnt sure why it was listed that way on Amazon.

Definitely a book I highly recommend.

I was given this book as a part of the launch team but was not required to write a positive review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby Review

 

Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby was my first book by this author and it sure whet my appetite to read more of her books set in early church history. I’ve been told that her books are stand alone stories though there are connections between them, so I will probably start with her first published book and read them in the order they were published. But, this book is a novella that sets the stage for her next full-length novel which releases in 2024.

The main character is Lusario, who is a slave. He is loyal to his master, but finds himself being sold to a horrid master who treats him abysmally. But, that’s okay, because according to the law, he is just property. He had such plans when with his previous master, and was looking at one day being able to buy his freedom. Suddenly that future is taken from him. But, he has a friend, Timon, also a slave, who is secretly a Christian, and has been encouraging him. And also challenging him to think about the truths of Jesus and Christianity. 

I loved that he would question and Timon would give answers. And then events come about that lead Lusario on a better path. And then there is the philosophical question of who he has to thank for this.

I loved learning more about the Roman Empire back in early church history, and about Alexandria in Egypt (part of the Roman Empire) where the majority of this story takes place.

I can’t wait for the next book to see where their friendship will lead and to see what Lusario does with this information about Jesus.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it if you are a fan of stories taking place during the times of the early church or in ancient Rome. 

Friday Fun - November 17, 2023

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 three books to share with you.

I read  It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by A.M. Heath. This is the third novella in the Christmas in Garland collection. You can read my review here.

I also read Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath. This is the fourth book in her Christmas in Garland collection and it released today! You can read my review here.

I'm currently reading The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt.

              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 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by A.M. Heath:

"Holding my breath, I strained to hear what had put that sticken look on Aunt Maggie's face."

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. 

Here is my Book Beginnings for Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath:

"I forced a smile and clapped along with my family as my soon-to-be brother-in-law stood to his feet and kissed my younger sister."

I'm getting a sense of jealousy here. Or maybe not jealousy, but she is definitely not too pleased with her sister being engaged. 

And here is my Book Beginnings for The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt:

"Antonina-and-Helena. That was how I remembered our names."

This didn't really say much to me. Except I had forgotten details from the description of the book, and I realized the main characters were probably twins.And if that was how she was remembering their names, was something going to happen to their bond?

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by A.M. Heath:
 

"'I'm sorry,' he whispered, turning away and limping toward the doorway.
'For what? The crackers?'
'Yeah,' he said, not sounding half so convinceing.
'Or for almost kisssing me?'

His step faltered, then stoped.
My heartbeat roared in my ears as I stared at his back."

Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath:

"His knowing eyes seemed to peel away layers of my soul. 'Paul had the same problem. He was so well known for his hatred of Jesus and the Christian church that it took some time to convince the people that he was, in fact, a changed man.' He gripped my should as he started to back away, pivoting toward another member. 'Keep living for Christ and eventually no one will be able to deny that you know Him."

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt:

"She opened the door, and I stepped onto the landing. Though I wanted to run, I mounted the stairs slowly, and though the back of my neck burned, I didn't glance over my shoulder to check if Pani Nowak remained stading in her dorrway. Somehow I sensed she did."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. I also finally got my review posted for Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below. 

Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby 

The Perfect Storm by Cali Black 

The Engagement Cover by A.M. Heath

Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath Review

 

I have enjoyed all of the books in the Christmas in Garland collection by A.M. Heath so far, and Movie-Made Romance did not disappoint. I loved it! Such a great premise. I loved all the different Christmas movie themes that Carleigh used to try to get herself a boyfriend. See, she and her neighbor and friend would spend lots of time watching movies. Christmas movies which included these typical themes where people fall in love. And Carleigh is desperate to find herself a boyfriend, seeing as she hasn’t had a successful relationship since she found her ex-fiance cheating on her with another woman.

Of course, this ex-fiance is back in town to help his grandfather who had to go into a nursing home. This part spoke to me because of a couple of reasons. His grandfather was a hoarder. And my father was bad when it came to that. And he is having to take care of the house, which is what I had to do for my mom after she went into the nursing home. Thankfully my mom was NOT a hoarder.

But anyway, Josh is back in town, but he is claiming to be a changed man, even goes by Joshua now, not Josh thank you very much. While Carleigh is trying to find a new boyfriend in many different hilarious ways (such as sitting in the restaurant and when an interesting guy shows up, “innocently” getting a bit of whipped cream from her drink on her nose), Joshua is hoping to win Carleigh back.
What I found hilarious was her obliviousness to the fact that God seemed to be working in this relationship, because Joshua would somehow, without planning it, be in the vicinity of where she was trying to pull off her little meetings with different guys.

I won’t say any more, but this story was awesome and I highly recommend it and all the books in the Christmas in Garland collection. And yes, The Pantry makes an appearance in this book as well.

I received this book for free from the author as a part of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by A.M. Heath Review

 

Wow, I loved this third book of the Christmas in Garland collection by A.M.Heath. It dawned on me while reading this book that the author has included sports in some way into all these books so far.

This story dealt with the hard topic of being pregant out of wedlock and facing the future being a single mom becaue of giving in to sin. Alissa is having a hard time believing that God can forgive her sin. She is struggling with being alone and abandoned.

Stephen was an NFL athlete until an injury left him unable to play and is having a hard time understanding why God would allow it to happen, especially because he felt God had called him to be able to reach people through the life he had. He comes to Alissa's aunt's inn for some relaxation.

Though these are some difficult topics to be reading about, God's truth shines through and I loved seeing the friendship developing between Alissa and Stephen, along with the two elderly ladies staying at the inn and the next door neighbor boy who has found a mentor in Stephen.

I loved that there were some hilarious scenes among the seriousness. I enjoyed all the fun Chrsitmas related activities among the struggles.

I admit I was a bit confused as to why Alissa's aunt, the owner of the inn, didn't keep in contact with her while she was away. Or why Alissa didn't reach out to her aunt when she was strugging with some things. But I did love the way the people at the inn joined together to get things done, showing love and grace and caring.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the fourth book, Movie-made Romance. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to read the ARC, so can dive right in.

The Engagement Cover by A.M. Heath Review

 

I just finished the second book in the Christmas in Garland series by A.M. Heath. The Engagement Cover was another great Christmas novella set in Garland, TN. This truly is a stand alone story, i mention this because it is important to me to know if stories in series or collections connect at all when it comes to the characters. There is a scene in the same diner that appears in Project Scrooge, and having read the first book will bring back memories, but it's okay not to have read it. I really enjoyed reading about Teresa and her little triangle with Justin and Alex. And really, it wasnt one of her own making. That blame goes to her family as they want to make her abuela happy in her last days.

We get a bit of backstory with her and Alex in the prologue. But then a couple of years pass and she meets Justin. She ends up in a relationship with him, yet he isn't around much, so Alex becomes a substitute, which sounds really bad, but there are circumstances and reason that I dont want to spoil. But of course, then feelings get complicated. I don't want to say too much for fear of giving anything away.

Even though I was not a fan of the lying I saw it in the spirit it was done, out of love. That said, I am glad there came a time when they realized they weren't trusting in God and things changed. I was not a fan of Justin at all, and couldn't quite understand why Teresa didn't see that relationship for what it was.

I did very much enjoy the story, and the sense of the importance of family.

The Perfect Storm by Cali Black Review

 

Woohoo! The storm is here! The Perfect Storm by Author Cali Black that is! The third book in the Blue Sky series released today.

I do highly recommend reading the first two books in the series first. If you are a fan of contemporary romance, check them out. Here is my review of The Perfect Storm:

I was so excited to finally get to read the third book in the Blue Sky series. I loved that I got to go back Montana and see characters I fell in love with in the first two books. There was Clay and Carrie and Beau and Maisie, plus Clay Sr and Lane and Molly and Ryan played a big role in this book as well. We were briefly introduced to Takoda at the end of The Game, and I had a feeling this next book was going to focus on her. I was not aware at first that there was going to be a love triangle. Which I admit, is not one of my favorite tropes. But, there is also a second-chance romance involving two of the three in the triangle, and those stories I do enjoy. I was very curious how the author was going to bring about this triangle and how the relationships would develop throughout the story.

Takoda and Storm had a relationship years earlier and had gone their separate ways, but they both find themselves employed at the West Ranch. But is there any hope for a new relationship between them as there is so much in their past? Then there are Takoda and Grady, both of whom are not quite sure what they want out of a relationship.

What I did like about this love triangle was that Takoda was straight up with both guys. She didn’t lie to them and date the one guy behind the other guy’s back. But at the same time, it didn’t seem fair to either guy. I liked that we got to see both of the relationships and how the guys treated Takota and how she treated them. As much as I wanted to be rooting for the one, I found I actually liked the relationship between the other two better. There was a deadline where she was planning on choosing one over the other, which of course was going to bring a world of hurt for the other guy.

This love triangle relationship was the main focus of the story, but Storm was also in Blue Sky to discover his heritage. He is native, as is Takoda, which is how they met back in college. We learn more about their childhoods and get a look into Native American struggles in current day America. I enjoyed discovering the importance of heritage in Native American life and how it impacted this story.

I really enjoyed this story, though I was a bit unprepared for all the passionate kissing going on between Takoda and Storm and Takoda and Grady. I thought that was a bit too much in non-exclusive relationships. Especially for Christians.

I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Definitely a book I recommend.

I received this book for free from the author as a part of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - November 10, 2023

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 an ARC of  The Perfect Storm by Cali Black. This is the third book in the Blue Sky series and it releases today. 

I am reading The Engagement Cover by A.M. Heath. This is the second book in her Christmas in Garland collection. I'm reading her entire collection as I am on the launch team for her newest, Movie Made Romance, which releases on November 17. It also works for my one reading challenge I made myself, to read one Christmas book each month. I haven't actually kept up with that real well, but this collection is helping me catch up.

              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 Perfect Storm by Cali Black:

"Storm Henderson slammed on the brakes of his gray Dodge Ram as a squirrel scampered across the dirt driveway."

Yeah, I'd be slamming on the brakes to avoid a squirrel too. Though, I am also wondering what driveway he is pulling into, and if he was going faster than he should, seeing as he had to slam on the brakes in a driveway.

Here is my Book Beginnings for The Engagement Cover by A.M. Heath:

"Why couldn't dating be easier?"

Good question. Then of course, I had to find out what she was struggling with when it came to dating. Was she on a date currently? Or having trouble finding a date?

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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 Perfect Storm by Cali Black:
 

"Over the next week, he drove to Blue Sky almost every day at all times of the day and night, trying to accommodate their work schedules and help her through the worst part of her grief."

The Engagement Cover by A.M. Heath:

"I eyed the direction where Teresa had fled. I didn't have any reason to follow her, but I couldn't deny the simple fact that I wanted to. Maybe I hated losing that much, or maybe I just didn't want to lose her again, which was crazy. I barely knew Teresa two years ago. We were done before we had a solid start."

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below:

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brusvold

Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby (review coming)

Where is My Sister by Jane Daly

Friday Fun - November 3, 2023

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 three books to share with you. I zinged through all of these.

I read The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold. I kept seeing it recommended, but it was on my TBR list for this year to go with my one reading challenge of reading 12 books recommended personally to me. You can read my review here.

I also read Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby. I'm on the launch team for this book and it just released on November 1st. It is the prequel to her newest full length Light in the Empire novel which releases next year. 

I just finished reading Where is My Sister by Jane Daly. I could not put the book down last night and finished it at two in the morning. I'm also on the launch team for this book. This one releases on November 24th.

              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 Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold:

"Clara Kip had prayed repeatedly to die in Sao Paulo."

That sounds a bit depressing, until you continue reading and discover why.

Here is my Book Beginnings for Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby:

"With a satisfied smile that was almost a grin, Lusario set down the stylus and leaned back in the desk chair."

Seems he had accomplished something. But what? 

And here is my Book Beginnings for Where is My Sister by Jane Daly:

"Brianna stood in the blazing hot sun, wilting beneath the heat with every passing second."

Okay, so why was she needing to stand in the sun if it is so hot. 

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 Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold:
 

"Rosario took in the words of the accompanying article. Soon enough, her lips parted. She had clearly come to that paragraph. Her jaw practically dropped to her clavicle."

Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby:

"'Fortuna smiled when you got Lusario. He took care of everything his old Cyrenian master didn't want to deal wth. Or didn't know how to. I would have gladly bought him myself if Florus hadn't. If you ever want to sell him--'
'I won't. He's proven his worth several times over already.'"

Where is My Sister by Jane Daly:

"The other girl lowered her voice. 'I'm not supposed to talk about the purge.' She glanced around the room as if searching for anyone who might be listening. Goosebumps rose on Brianna's arms. 'It's all about separating yourself from the group for a certain length of time. Doing some deep introspection.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below:

Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath

Twice Loved by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright

Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer Review

 

I am a big fan of time travel stories. So, I was excited to get the chance to read Amanda Lauer’s newest release, Royal & Ancient.

Royal & Ancient is a young adult story that takes the reader back in time to Scotland in the late 17^th century. Bronwyn Campbell is a high schooler who is working at a golf course where she lives in America when she suddenly wakes up face down on the grass, discovering she is not where she is supposed to be. It takes her a while to come to grips with the reality that she has somehow traveled not only across the Atlantic Ocean to Scotland, but also through time, to 300 years in the past, 1691 to be exact.

Thankfully she finds help in the form of a handsome Scottish guy, Iain, and his family, some of whom welcome her with open arms, others, not so much. She finds herself trying to fit in in this foreign culture, a culture that is part of her heritage.

She is Catholic and has found herself in a Scotland where Catholicism has been outlawed. I appreciated being able to learn about this time in history. In all my studies in history in school, and what we have learned in our homeschool, I had never heard details of this time and how Catholicism was banned by the Protestant leaders in Scotland. I also enjoyed seeing how Catholicism was practiced 300 years ago compared to how I was brought up. And how the different holidays were celebrated differently.

That said, I actually wasn’t aware that the author was Catholic, so I was caught off guard at first. So yes, there are practices that I now no longer agree with. So, I did want to bring it up so others are aware. I also really wish there had been a reason for the time traveling. Yes, it is mentioned that it was God who brought her to the past. However, in all the other time travel books I’ve read or movies I’ve watched, there is some actual WAY that the time travel happens. I also would have loved in the ending hadn’t been so abrupt and there had been a bit more to it.

Royal & Ancient was still an interesting book to read, and had a sweet love story, and had some intrigue and suspense with a bit of danger. And it did keep my attention and I wanted to know what was going to happen to Bronwyn and Iain.

I received this book for free from the author as a part of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

Reading Challenges 2023: October Update

Here is what I read for my challenges in October:

I read The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow. Here are my thoughts.

I finished Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren for the September challenge. Here are my thoughts on that book. For October I read The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson. Here are my thoughts.

I read Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti. I had read this book and the first one, This Present Darkness years ago. Here are my thoughts. 

I read Love Unforeseen by Penny Zeller for this challenge. It is the second book in her Love Letters from Ellis Creek series. Here are my thoughts.

I also used Love Unforeseen by Penny Zeller for this challenge. My September book was written by C.S. Lewis, so I needed a book starting with the letter L. 

In January I read books that are set in the following states:

California: Taken in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard

Ohio: Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill

Oregon: Innocent Lives and Innocent Voices by Julie Bonn Blank

Pennsylvania: The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis 

South Carolina: Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams/Lynette Eason

Washington: The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

In February I read books that are set in the following states:

Colorado: In the Midst of the Storm and In the Midst of the Darkest Hour by Latisha Sexton.

Indiana: Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson

Texas: The Inheritance Games, The Hawthorne Legacy, and The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

In March I read books that are set in the following states:

Illinois: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Michigan: Dark of Night by Colleen Coble

Tennessee: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

Utah: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans

Vermont: The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans

In April I read books that are set in the following states:

Florida: The Prayer Garden by Kelsey Bryant (one of the novellas in the A Very Bookish Easter collection)

Iowa: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

Montana: Blue Skies, Blue Eyes by Cali Black 

In May I read books that are set in the following states:

Alaska: In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Oklahoma: The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck (You can read my thoughts here.)

Washington DC: In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer (Not an actual state, but a game we play counts it as a state, so I thought I would include it.)

West Virginia: Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton 

Wisconsin: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

In June I read books that are set in the following states:

Kentucky: This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles 

Maine: The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green (You can read my thoughts here.)

Virginia: Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd (You can read my thoughts here.)

In July I read books that are set in the following states:

Idaho: Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller (You can read my thoughts here.)

Minnesota: The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer 

New York: Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White (You can read my thoughts here)

In August I read books that are set in the following states:

Missouri: Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl

Nebraska: Falling Between the Pages  by A.M. Heath

In September I read a book set in the following state:

Wyoming: The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse (You can read my thoughts here)

In October I read a book set in the following state:

Kansas: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold. (You can read my thoughts here)

In January I read books that are set in the following European Countries:

England: An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

Switzerland: Heidi by Johanna Spyri

In May I read a book set in:

Denmark: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

In August I read a book set in:

Greece: The Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar

In October I read a book set in:

Germany: The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

I also decided I was going to read one Christmas book each month. 

In January I read The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson. 

In March I read The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans and The Mistletoe Inn also by Richard Paul Evans

In April I read The Mistletoe Secret by Richard Paul Evans 

In May I read A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson (my thoughts)

In July I read The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson (my thoughts)

In October I read a couple of books. I read Twice Loved by Wanda E. Brunstetter (my thoughts) and Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath (my thoughts)

Finally, someone in my Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group came up with a 55 book challenge:

In January I read 10 books for this challenge

In February I read 7 books for this challenge

In March I read 9 books for this challenge

In April I read 8 books for this challenge

In May I read 5 books for this challenge

In June I read 2 books for this challenge

In July I read 3 books for this challenge

In August I read 2 books for this challenge

In September I read 2 books for this challenge

In October I read 2 books for this challenge.

Read a book...

1-With a pink spine: The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow (the entire spine isn't pink as it changes as you go from bottom to top, but I was thinking it could work.)

2- By an author whose name starts with an  A: Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson (my thoughts)

3- 450 pages or longer

4- Published in 2023: Remember Me by Tracie Peterson (my thoughts)

5- That has won a Christy award: A Portait of Loyalty by Roseanny M. White (my thoughts)

6- With multiple people on the cover: Lethal Intentions by Jennifer Chastain (my thoughts)

7- With a car or truck on the cover: Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin (my thoughts)

8- That is the third book in a series: An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White (my thoughts)

9- That has a map inside: A Divine Romance by Ifueko Ogbomo (my thoughts)

10- A debut novel: In the Midst of the Storm by Latisha Sexton (my thoughts)

11- By an author you’ve never read before: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham (my thoughts)

12- That has food on the cover

13- Featuring a woman from the Bible: The Prophetess: Deborah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith (my thoughts)

14- With flowers on the cover: In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer (my thoughts)

15- Featuring a child or teen as the main character: Innocent Voices by Julie Bonn Blank (my thoughts)

16- That you got for free: Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White (my thoughts)

17- Featuring an athlete: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (my thoughts)

18- That you pick because of the cover: Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (my thoughts)

19- Recommended by someone you know: Her Deepest Secret by Jessica R. Patch (my thoughts)

20- Set in a cool climate

21- Set during the Great Depression: Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse (my thoughts)

22- Featuring friends to lovers: Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams/Lynnette Eason (my thoughts)

23- Published the month you were born: The Game by Cali Black (my thoughts)

24- With a blue cover: Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (my thoughts)

25- With a main character with blonde hair: Innocent Lives by Julie Bonn Blank (my thoughts)

26- Set on an island: King of the Crown Imperials by Joanna Alonzo (my thoughts)

27- Set in a different country than you: Heidi by Johanna Spyri (my thoughts)

28- That takes place more than 200 years ago: Stay With Me by Jody Hedlund (my thoughts)

29- That features a member of the military: A Battle Worth Fighting by Sarah Hanks (my thoughts)

30- Set in South or Central America

31- By a male author: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans (my thoughts)

32- Written in first person POV: The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans (my thoughts)

33- Featuring a single parent: Dark of Night by Colleen Coble (my thoughts)

34- With a title that starts with B: Break of Day by Colleen Coble (my thoughts)

35- That is a love inspired book: Taken in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard (my thoughts)

36- That involves a wedding: Wait for Me by Jody Hedlund (my thoughts)

37- With an L in the title: Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson (my thoughts)

38- By an author from a different country than you: The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain (my thoughts)

39- With a black cover

40- With a title that has 5 or more words: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner (my thoughts)

41- With an illustrated cover: Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton (my thoughts)

42- From a genre outside your comfort zone: The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

43- Written by multiple authors: Written by multiple authors: A Very Bookish Easter by Kelsey Bryant, Abigayle Clarie, Sarah Holman, and Kate Willis (my thoughts)

44- Set on a farm: The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis (my thoughts)

45- By an author that has also written nonfiction: This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles (my thoughts)

46- By an indie author: In the Midst of a Starry Night by Latisha Sexton (my thoughts)

47- Published in 2012: Blood of Adam by Rachel S. Neal (my thoughts)

48- With a sunset on the cover

49- That has cowboys: Blue Skies, Blue Eyes by Cali Black (my thoughts)

50- Without any people on the cover: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright (my thoughts)

51- By an author who uses a three part name (C.C. Warrens, Ann H. Gabhart): The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White (my thoughts)

52- That features a hobby or skill you’d like to learn: In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse (my thoughts)

53- With a nanny, babysitter, or governess: The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson 

54- An author with the same two initials: Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill (my thoughts)

55- With a pet that isn’t a dog: The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson (my thoughts)

My Goodreads goal is to read 100 books this year. Last year I had set it at 75 and I ended up reading 115. I think I will be able to meet my 100 book goal. As of today I have read 96 books this year.

I know this seems like a lot, but like last year, I hope to be able to combine challenges where possible. And when I pick books for the monthly challenges, I will try to choose books that take place in different states or countries.