Friday Fun - May 26, 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 In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse for one of my reading challenges. I needed a book that included exploration or pioneering.

       

I'm currently reading A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson. I decided I wanted to challenge myself to read one Christmas book each month this year, as I don't usually read Christmas books. I read The Christmas Cat by this author back in January and I really enjoyed it, so I thought I would try another of her books.

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

"Henry Brennan-the insufferable man-should've been dead. But he wasn't."

Sounds like someone has issues with this Henry Brennan, and I very much feared for Henry's life and wondered when he would meet his demise, especially having read the blurb on the back cover of the book.

And here is my Book Beginnings for A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson:

"Vera Swanson used to love Christmas."

Okay, so why doesn't she love Christmas anymore?

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.

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

"John entered the office and saw their manager appearing grim.
Mrs. Johnson stood on the other side of the room with her hands on her hips, Cassidy to her right with her hands folded in front, and Thomas to the right of her, his head down. 'Mr. Bradley, I'm just asking for a reprieve.'"

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson:

"'I used to think I'd like to be an interior designer.' Tasha walked around the room, closely examining everything. 'My style is so out there though . . . I could only work for clients who appreciate bright colors, modern art, and eclectic furnishings.'"

To Enchant a Lady's Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher Review

To Enchant a Lady’s Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher is a novella that is a lovely introduction to the author’s The British are Coming series, the first book of which releases in the fall of 2023. The story takes place in England during the Victorian Era. Eliza Southwick’s father is insisting that a husband be found for Eliza, and he doesn’t care about her feelings in the matter. It is only important that a good deal be made. Lord Whitcombe is insistent that his son Sebastian settle down and get married and take care of their estate.

A grand party is planned at Hooke Manor, the Whitcombe estate, and Eliza and her father are invited early. However, Lord Whitcombe and Sebastian are not there when they arrive, and Eliza is greeted by Adam, the illegitimate son of Lord Whitcombe.

The reader could see that Adam and Eliza had feelings for each other, but how would they end up together when their father’s wanted to draw up a marriage contract between Eliza and Sebastian, the Viscount of Hooke Manor? There was no way Lord Southwick would allow his daughter to marry an illegitimate son of Lord Whitcombe, and Adam knew his place and didn’t want to ruin Eliza’s life.

I enjoyed getting to know Eliza, Sebastian, Adam, and Amada (Lord Whitcombe’s daughter). The story drew me in as I wanted to know if and how Eliza and Adam would end up together. I enjoyed the chaste, friendly interactions between Eliza and Adam as they got to know one another. I thought it was awesome that they both had a love for horses. And I loved that they both allowed God to guide their paths.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read Sebastian’s story, To Marry an English Lord.

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

Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton Review

 

I absolutely loved Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton. I was excited to be on the launch team for this book because I loved the author’s In the Midst series. Even though I knew this was a different genre, I wanted to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did.

Here's a look at what the book is about:

I loved that there was a dual timeline, but unlike other dual timeline books I’ve read, the characters in both timelines are the same. We get to see Ruth, Crosby, Haley and their families in the present day, but we also get to see them in their younger years as they grow up together.

The story begins with Ruth and Haley meeting, but then, in the present day timeline, we discover that “something” happened sometime in the past that destroyed their friendship. The story is told from both Ruth and Crosby’s points of view in both timelines.

I love the way details of the past are slowly revealed to help us understand what is going on in the present. There are times I get so mad at Haley, and wonder why in the world Ruth continues to remain her friend. But the biblical truths come through so well in this story. The forgiveness, the redemption, the faith in God, the growth in Christ.

My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. And yes, I was warned to have tissues handy, and I will warn you the same. Though there are some very devastating scenes, there are also heartwarming scenes, and hilarious scenes. The different relationships in the book are well shown and I love the way they evolved.

Definitely a book I highly 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 - May 19, 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 received an ARC of To Enchant a Lady's Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher. I'll be sharing my review shortly. The book officially releases on Monday, May 22nd, but the paperback is available now. 

       

I have also received an ARC of Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd as a part of the launch team. This book will release on June 27th. 

              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 To Enchant a Lady's Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher:

"The Blakeslee ballroom glittered as couples swirled around the dance floor."

Sounds like a joyful beginning, but I wondered. . .

And here is my Book Beginnings for Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd:

"Every fiber of William's being fought his presence in the room."

Okay, so who is William and why doesn't he want to be where he is?

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.

To Enchant a Lady's Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher:
 

"Only a few days before, she would have become lost in the labyrinth of hallways and narrow staircases. But not today.'"

Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd:

"The three of them walked, huddled side by side, step by slow step. Just before they reached the summit, a cry rent the air. William froze and Lucinda turned her face into him at the blood-curdling sound."

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin Review

 

I loved The Sound of Light as much as I did the last two books that are connected. I know they aren't listed as a series, but When Twilight Comes and Until Leaves Fall in Paris and The Sound of Light are connected through the male main characters in each book. I always recommend reading these in order of publication if you don't want any spoilers. Granted they aren't major spoilers, but when I read books that have the same characters showing up in them, I don't want to know what happened in the others' lives.

Okay, that said, I have loved all three of these books by Sarah Sundin. I loved reading about Henrik, who goes by Hemming in the majority of the book, and Else and their work in the resistance, along with the struggles they are dealing with in their personal lives, plus seeing their relationship with each other grow. It was awesome learning more about Denmark during WWII and how Danes lived under the Nazi occupation of their country.

It was quite interesting to think of the philosophical questions brought up in the book when it came to light, and the discussion of the "sound of light" and the different meanings.

There were some intense scenes when it came to the Nazis, and some suspenseful parts as well. It definitely kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. 

Definitely a book I highly recommend.

Friday Fun - May 12, 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. 

My copy of In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer finally arrived! It's the second book in her Timeless series. I had a hard time putting it down. You can read my review here. And if you are interested, you can read my review of book one, When the Day Comes. 

       

I've been wanting to read The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin ever since I knew about it, and realized it was connected to When Twilight Breaks and Until Leaves Fall in Paris. I'm partway through and I'm also having trouble putting this book down. 

              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 In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer:

"Most days, I could pretend that my life was normal. I was a twenty-year-old woman searching for my place in the world, trying to decide my future."

Having read book one, I understood right away what she meant by pretending her life was normal. 

And here is my Book Beginnings for The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin:

"The sun rose on the first day of another year in the wasted life of Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt."

So why does Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt feel his life is being wasted. Such a depressing thought on one's birthday. 

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.

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer:
 

"'Which suggests,' he said, leaning a little closer to me as we entered the dining room, making my pulse pick up speed, 'that perhaps you're hiding more secrets than I first suspected.'"

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin:

"What would the connection cost? Henrik had sacrificed his lavish lifestyle to become Hemming. He'd sacrificed his voice to become the Havmand. He risked his life with every stroke of his oars, every exchange of envelopes under kneeling benches."

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer Review

 

I absolutely LOVED this book. Such an awesome sequel to When the Day Comes. I loved reading about Libby's daughter Maggie (or Margaret, or Meg). Instead of living in two different times like her mother did, Maggie has three paths. She lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. I loved that each of these times were such pivotal times in our countries history. The beginning of both the Civil War and World War 2, and the days leading up to 9/11.

Maggie had loving family and friends in all three time lines. I loved reading about each one, and seeing these times through her eyes. Seeing the struggles she had with her knowledge from the future time paths, but not being able to use that knowledge in the past. While her marked mother had lived in two different places, Williamsburg VA and New York City/England, Maggie lives in Washington DC in all three paths. I found it so fascinating that we got to see the differences in places throughout time. I also loved the historical figures that were actual characters in the story.

I also loved meeting the men in her life that became love interests and seeing how their relationships evolved. And to know she would only be able to pick one of them, only one life path to remain in. The struggles that she went through were heart wrenching at times. And there were definitely times I found myself in tears. I had been warned.

I loved this book and the twists and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.