Friday Fun - August 1, 2025

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 First Line Friday.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I'm starting an eARC of Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller. This is book 3 in her Small Town Shenanigans series. 

I'm also going to be reading The Long Way Home by Cali Black, book two in the Home for Christmas series. This book released a couple of weeks ago.

        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:

Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller:

"When choosing a vacation spot, some people travel to the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, or Glacier National Park."

Okay, true. But, I wouldn't choose any of those. 

The Long Way Home by Cali Black:

"John Carter swished the last pile of sawdust into the black dustpan and tipped it into the composting bin."

I wondered where the sawdust had come from. Had he been making something?

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller:

 

"While Gracely tended to her work duties, including checking in the Bryant family, Braxton headed upstairs and spent a reprieve away from people while reading one of his technical guides. While an extrovert like Gracely could never comprehend such a thing, it didn't take Braxton long to get what he termed 'peopled out.'"

The Long Way Home by Cali Black: 

"Mags had told him all about the women's visit. He listened, dry-mouthed and weak-kneed to the encounter she'd had with Mandy Bradford and her friends-the two ladies with the little girl at table five and the beautiful purple sweater woman. Abject fear had rippped through him the moment he'd seen Mandy at the diner, and it hadn't left him yet."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two book in my Friday Fun post. Here is my review for the first book:

Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright

 

Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright Review

 

Buried Wilderness Secrets is another wonderful book by Jaime Jo Wright, different than her dual time line books but still awesome. This time we have a cold case and a serial killer and a bit of a romance. 

The book starts with a shocking find and continues with almost non-stop suspense and danger. Who is it that is suddenly after Aaliyah and why? 

The story is told from the points of view of both Aaliyah, a park ranger who worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness located in Montana, and Wade, a cold case detective who has come to the area to get to the bottom of a 20-some year old murder. 

There are a few people I suspected, so I wasn't completely surprised when the villain was revealed, but there were definitely some surprises I didn't see coming. 

Secrets were revealed, truth was brought to light, almost to the very end of the book.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wade and Aaliyah. And I loved her dog Peaches, who played an important role in the story. 

Highly recommended 

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - July 25, 2025

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 First Line Friday.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I'm starting an eARC of Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright. This book releases next week..

I'm also going to be reading A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette for one 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:

Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright:

"She wasn't supposed to find human bones in the wilderness."

Definitely something I wouldn't want to find. I wondered how she came across them.

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette:

"The priest's kohl-lined eyes glazed over as he held the iron brand in the center of cedar-fueled flames. Pressing my back against the column I was tied to, I clawed my nails into the wood."

I usually try to only use the first sentence, but this one really needed the second sentense to get the jist of what was going on. And to get that feel of suspense.

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

Buried Wilderness Secrets by Jaime Jo Wright:

 

"'Peaches!' Aaliyah shouted. She knew better than to wildly chase after the dog. 'I left the bear spray in the truck.' A foolish move, and she of all people should know that. Bear spray was an excellent self-defense for more than just a bear raging at her because she'd starled it or gotten between it and some cubs."

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette: 

"The music was beautiful, exotic, and at times discordant, yet the rhythm inspired my fingers to tap on my knees. 

Zendaye stood and handed the baby to Binaim. 'Come,' she said with a brown palm extended toward me. 'Let us dance.'

'No,' I shook my head. 'I will watch.'

She clapped her hands at me. 'I know you want to--I see your fingers tapping.'

'I will enjoy the music from here, Zendaye.' I'd spent the entire day without my veil and still felt as though every eye was on me. I had no desire to encourage more attention."

Reviews:

Last week I shared one book in my Friday Fun post. Here is my review:

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White 

And here is the review for the book I shared on my Friday Fun post a couple of weeks ago:

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard

 

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M White Review

 

I really enjoyed this new historical romance by Roseanna M White. My favorite series by this author is her Shadows Over England series which takes place during WW1. This story however takes place during WW2 in occupied France. I was immediately drawn to this book when I learned about it months before its release because it has to do with books. The focus is on books that had been burned and banned in Nazi Germany. Books that had made their way to France. In this story the author has these books being used in intelligence networking by those who are resisting the Nazis. The importance of books and the ideas contained within is an important part of this story. 

But it is also the story of the relationship between a French professor named Corrine and a German professor turned Nazi named Christian who come together because of these books and the library they are contained within. I loved seeing their relationship change from suspicion to trust to more. 

Corrine was quite feisty, though I did wonder how she didn't get into more trouble with the Nazis for the things she would say and the attitude she gave. 

There was a great cast of characters, from friends and family to those they weren't sure they could trust. And that one villain they knew they definitely couldn't trust, the one that added suspense and danger and heartache. There were definitely some emotional scenes where I found myself in tears. But there were heartwarming scenes as well.

And I just loved the reveal of the connection to my favorite series. 

I did also want to mention that the main characters are Catholic, so there is quite a bit of Catholic teaching and belief and practices.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard Review

 

Perilous Tides is an awesome second book in Elizabeth Goddard's Hidden Bay series. Just be aware, though each of the books can stand alone in the actual story, you will want to read book one if first if you are concerned about character and relationship spoilers. 

We first met Jo and Cole in the previous book as side characters. I love that we see Remi and Hawk, the main characters from the first book, as characters in this book. Though not main characters, they do play important roles in this story. 

The story is told from both Jo and Cole's point of view. They had met in book one, but he had gone away without any contact.  And she has to wonder why he's suddenly back insisting on helping protect her. 

The book was full of suspense and action. Right from the beginning where Jo feels like someone is watching her and when she is suddenly in mortal danger. As the book progresses there is tons of suspense and danger as they try to figure out who is out to get her and why. 

Truths from her past are revealed  along the way making things clear. 

I loved seeing Jo and Cole's relationship evolve. 

I really liked the way the author used imagery related to the title in the story along with biblical truths. The characters each had a strong faith in the Lord and looked to Him and prayed.

I can't wait for book 3 of this series. 

Friday Fun - July 18, 2025

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 First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'll be starting The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White shortly. This book released a few days ago.

        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 is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White:

"They meant the fire to blaze, to consume, to crackle its way into the night with a ferocity to match their beliefs."

Really caught my attention.

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White:

 

"They'd staged such a thing one night, just for show. To make certain all her neighbors knew that she didn't want him there, and that he was relentless. He held up the three books. 'I bring you gifts of newly published literature and still you're so cool?' She lifted her chin, eyes as cold as ice. 'I could buy my own books.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared one book in my Friday Fun post. I'm still reading that book However, I did finish another few books that I shared in previous Friday Fun posts. 

Awakened by Roseanna M. White

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Protected by Jerusha Agen

 

Protected by Jerusha Agen Review

 

I loved Protected by Jerusha Agen. This is a prequel novel to her new Security League series. This story hooked me from the first line and I zinged right through the story. Being a novella, it was a quick read, but it was full of suspense. Sometimes with novellas I feel like I don't really get to know the characters, but the author did a wonderful job fleshing out the characters and making me care about them. Learning what Tamara had gone through was heartbreaking. But she was learning to trust God and trust others, though it wasn't an easy thing to do. When Jenkin first shows up to save the day she doesn't trust him at all and doesn't understand why he is there to protect her. Even when she realizes who hired him, she struggles with trusting him. 

There was a lot of action and danger and suspense in this book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Tamara and Jenkin evolve. 

This was a great story, but as with all novellas, I just wish it was longer so I could have spent more time with the characters. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker Review

 

I absolutely loved Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. Once I picked it up and started reading I didn't want to have to put it down. 

If you are going to read this book you'll want to read book one first, as there will definitely be spoilers because the story continues right after the first ends. And the first ended on quite the surprising cliffhanger. 

The story is told from three points of view, Savannah Webster who is hoping for tenure as a professor at the Tupelo Grove University that has been in her family for generations. Jess who is Savannah's sister and CFO of the university. And Hez, Savannah's newly-ex-husband, though they are working on their relationship. 

The university is struggling but Savannah is determined, with the help of those she loves, to save it. But there are dastardly things happening behind the scenes to make it so she can't save it. And there are thoughts that the artifact smuggling that was brought to light in the first book is still going on. 

Will Savannah and Hez and their friends be able to bring truth to light and save the university? I needed to know how this was all going to play out. There was a lot going on within their relationship. A relationship it appeared someone was trying to sabotage. The actual suspense wasn't too heavy, but it was there  along with a bit of mystery on who was actually behind everything going on. There was definitely action and danger and there was twisting of the truth which always gets me on edge and I can't stop reading as I want to see justice served. And I love that we get to see characters from previous series that are set in the Pelican Harbor area. 

This book, like the first, ended with a reveal cliffhanger. And I can't wait for the next book.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Awakened by Roseanna M. White Review

I absolutely love all of the historical fiction that I have read by Roseanna M. White. So, when I learned that she was writing a book in one of my favorite genres, I was so excited. Awakened blew me away. Though I hadn't realized it was going to be over 500 pages, so it took me longer to read than I wanted it to. But, when I got to around the 60% mark in the book I couldn't put it down. I had to know how the story was going to end. 

Awakened has mermaids and land dwellers, but not in the way you would imagine. The author created her own magical world which actually takes place many years in the future. If you are a Christian who is concerned about magic being part of the story, let me just say, it isn't "magic" in the way you would normally think of magic. There are some people who have these powers which are discovered once they are "awakened," but others remain "unawakened." This power comes from the Triada, their name for God. A name that obviously comes from the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the author's note in the back of the book, the author notes that Triada is the Latin word for Trinity. 

We get to see three points of view as we read the story. The first is Arden Bleu, step-sister to Jade whose point of view we also see. It is believed that Jade is the one who is going to be Awakened at the upcoming ceremony. Jade who is going to be something special. Arden, on the other hand, doesn't feel that she is anything special, especially because of the way those around them always seem to think Jade is the special one, and Arden isn't. Arden can't see her own beauty and importance because she is constantly comparing herself to her sister. But even though this could cause issues with some relationships, the sisters love and care for each other immensely. So, it is quite the devastation when Jade gets kidnapped, and Arden is determined to do whatever she can to help get her sister back. 

Enter Seidon, the Sea King, who has just arrived back in the area after years away. His is the third point of view in the story. Now, you would think the "sea king" would be a merman himself and live in the ocean. But, not in Roseanna M. White's world. Seidon is also a land-dweller, but he has the power to control water. While it is an important goal for him to find a wife who can bear an heir, he now has to deal with Jade's kidnapping that seems to have political reasons. There is a lot going on politically between the land-dwellers and the mer, but also a lot going on between different factions of the mer. I admit, it take me a bit to get it all straight in my mind, especially with all the twists and political intrigue. But that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story. 

The author truly made this future world come to life. I grew to love and care for the main characters and their friends and family. And she really did a great job making the villains ones you can't stand. She included some interesting twists, some that I was anticipating, but others that really surprised me. And I love the way God's Word is entwined in the story, from stories from ancient times to prophecies to the importance of trusting in God and being humbled by his mercy and grace. 

I fell in love with this world and am so glad to learn that the author has more books planned in this series. I can't wait to read them. If you are a fan of  Roseanna M. White's books, but not sure what to think of the fact that she is writing fantasy, let me urge you to give the book a chance. If you are a fan of fantasy, you will also want to read this book. Highly recommended. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - July 11, 2025

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 First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'll be starting Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard shortly. This book releases next week, on July 15th..

        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 is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard:

"'You won't see danger coming. . . until it's too late.'"

Was this some sort of warning? Who might be in danger? And from who/where?

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard:

 

"Cole and Hawk weren't twins, but Hawk's ability to read Cole always surprised him. It shouldn't.
'Naomi told us that Mason knew Jo's mother before.'
'Before? Before what?'
'That's what we want to figure out. She then tried to tell us to look something up, but she was incoherent, and we couldn't make out the words. But Jo and I are on the same page in that we think her father's intentional disappearance is related to her mother's murder.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared one book in my Friday Fun post. I'm currently halfway through that book. However, I did finish another book that I shared in my Friday Fun two weeks ago. Here is my review:

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey

 

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey Review

 

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey is the third book in the author's Adventurous Hearts series. 

This book focuses on Leonora who is in charge of a co-ed exploration club. In the day and age that the book takes place women were not allowed in the prestigious, all-male Explorer club, but she's been interested in archeology and exploring since she was a child due to her father's involvement. 

She longs for an adventure of her own, but doesn't think she has it in her to lead an expedition. Two different things happen and an opportunity opens up to her and the members of her club. But can they trust the archeologist who is offering them this chance?

Marcus, the other character who's point of view we follow, doesn't think they can trust this archeologist. There's just something about him that reminds Marcus of someone in his past. But he is determined to make sure Leonora is safe.

In this story we follow the members of the Exploration Society as they get ready for an expedition and eventually set out. We see their struggles. We see them strengthening their trust in God. We see Leonora and Marcus struggle with their relationship. A relationship that has been firmly in the "friend" department since they were youngsters. As we read the story from both of their points of view we know what their feelings are for each other, but we also see their doubts and lack of confidence, exacerbated by secrets they are keeping from each other.  Lots of confusion. Lots of me wanting to shake some sense into them at times. 

I enjoyed seeing Leonora and Marcus's relationship evolve. And seeing the characters learn to trust God. 

I will say, this book didn't quite grip me like the first two books in the series. It definitely took me longer to read this one. Towards the end there were some twists that gripped me more. But I was also sort of disappointed this book didn't quite go the direction I thought it was going to go. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - July 4, 2025

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 First Line Friday.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'm reading  Awakened by Roseanna M. White.

        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 is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

Awakened by Roseanna M. White:

"Arden Bleu stepped onto the weathered wood of the house’s rooftop deck and scanned the horizon."

I wondered what she was looking for.

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

Awakened by Roseanna M. White:

 

"But sometimes Mama got that wistful look in her eyes when she painted. Sometimes she was so determined to remain unknown, to cling to her quiet island life, that Jade had to wonder. What was she hiding from? What had scared her into a world of monotony? What if it was something that could tear their family apart?"

Reviews:

Last week I shared two book in my Friday Fun post. I still have to finish those books.