Book Review of 'Sweeter with You' by Mary A. Felkins

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

This weekend we celebrated my son turning eighteen!  I think I am still somewhere between elation and sheer denial.  It still doesn't seem real to me that I have an adult child.  How is that even possible?!!

To keep my mind off of feeling incredibly old I have been escaping into all the books, and today is one of those reads that was a sweet escape from my mixed-up mind and heart.

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Sweeter with You by Mary A. Felkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Sweeter with You

Author: Mary A. Elkins

Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing

Release Date: January 1, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

A spirited bakery shop owner.

A cupcake-baking pro ball player.

A game-winning play to find love ever after.

SERENITY LEWIS has a serious problem. After several successful years, her trendy French Quarter bakery is failing—no thanks to a national chain that’s luring patrons by way of lower prices and ease of parking. She’ll do anything to keep her bakery alive. Or so she thinks ...

Philanthropic defensive end, OWEN WALKER is one concussion away from a career-ending injury. With headaches that sideline the blue chip player, he just might need to consider life off the gridiron. But working at a bakery during off season? That wasn’t the side hustle he had in mind. But if it’ll help the beautiful girl he knew in college, he’s all in.

Owen’s baking prowess and presence is a PR magnet, but it stirs Serenity’s desire for the only guy she ever considered letting into her heart.

Too bad she can’t give Owen what he wants most. Working alongside Serenity emboldens Owen to consider retirement faster than he can crack an egg in his palm. And accounting records prove the two make a winning team.

But when Serenity reveals her secret, will it send Owen running? Will the uncertain outcome of Owen’s head injuries be a justified reason to reject him first? Or will they huddle together and let love win the day? 

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Book Review of 'Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness' by Christopher Martin

TGIF Bookworms!

I am one emotional bookworm today for several reasons.  The first reason is my oldest son is turning 18 tomorrow!  I still cannot believe that I am going to be a mom of an adult!  He still has a year left here with us as he finishes high school, but it doesn't change the flood of emotions that are hitting me right now.

The second thing that is making me emotional has to do with the book that I am featuring today.  Many people don't know that I have dealt with a chronic illness my entire life.  I have since been diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses that have affected my life dramatically, to the point that I cannot work a normal job, I miss out on many life events, and it has affected many of my personal relationships.  Reading Finding Joy has meant so much to me, and you will see why when you read my review below.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness 

Author: Christopher Martin 

Publisher: Martin Family Bookstore 

Release Date: November 15, 2021 

Genre: Christian Nonfiction; self-help; chronic illness

A 2022 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner

"Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness." —James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art 

Finding Joy presents a comprehensive, practical guide for living your best life with chronic illness. This psychology self-help book integrates personal and professional insights to give you tools for handling various aspects of living with a chronic illness. There is also a chapter specifically for the loved ones and caregivers of the chronically ill. While this book is designed for anyone with a chronic illness, the spiritual content early in the book suggests the value of sticking to your faith and offers several Bible references. 

Ultimately, Finding Joy is an A-to-Z guide that critiques the literature and empowers the reader with:

1. Positive psychology techniques. These range from self-compassion, positive reappraisal, positive self-talk, and pacing to positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors such as optimism, humor, and volunteer work.
2. Stress-reduction methods. These include tools such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, simplification, and (therapeutic) journaling.
3. Proven therapies. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
4. Effective communication strategies and their impact on relationships and even the ability to access quality healthcare.
5. Numerous tips to both access and optimize your experience with high-quality healthcare.
6. Important considerations for loved ones of the chronically ill, so they too can know how to best support their loved one and take care of themselves in the process.

“This book offers great value for anyone with chronic illness as it contains clear, practical, and actionable insights and steps that can be naturally implemented into daily life. An engaging, easy, and helpful read. Highly recommended.”—Alla Bogdanova, MSc, MIM, co-founder and past president of the International Empty Nose Syndrome Association

"The thing that sets it apart from others is that it’s written by afellow sufferer who can also give valuable insight as a psychologist.This topic could easily be heavy-going, but it is mainly an upbeat, positive read. Saying that, the author has taken care to balance positivity with reality."—Elsa Bridger on Amazon.co.uk

"What I loved the most about this book is theauthor has his own chronic illnessesso all methods are tried and tested. I really like the way this book was written as it didn't feel like any other self-help book I have ever read; it felt more relaxed.You knew that the author understood you and his manner made me take more in."—Ladyreading365 on Goodreads.com

“I have had various invisible chronic illnesses for nearly forty years, but I was still able to find suggestions that will help me. So many of the things I have gone through are reflected in this book. I highly recommend this comprehensive book.”—Sue on Amazon.ca

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Book Review of 'The Rock at the Bottom' by Cynthia Hilston

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

To continue highlighting my spring break reads, today I am featuring a book that is more on the heavy side, but quite immersive.  The Rock at the Bottom by Cynthia Hilston is the third book in the Lorna & Tristan series and it packs quite the powerful punch.  Continue scrolling to read my thoughts on this deep read, as well as to enter for your chance to win the entire series!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Rock at the Bottom by Cynthia Hilston, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Rock at the Bottom 

Series: Lorna & Tristan Series #3 

Author: Cynthia Hilston 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: March 18, 2023 

Genre: 20th-century Historical fiction/Christian fiction/Romance

A big dreamer and successful novelist carries the sins of his father and a secret that leaves him wondering if he is the author or killer of love.

Stephen feels he is marked from day one to lose the ones he loves. His mother dies giving birth to him, and his alcoholic father makes sure Stephen never forgets it. To block out his father’s hate, fists, and belt, young Stephen loses himself in his imagination. Stories become his closest companions and barricades against a family that never wanted him. Once he can look his father in the eye, Stephen swears he will never be the monster his old man is. He vows he will become a published author, if for no other reason than to prove his father wrong. 

While his dreams of being a bestselling novelist and falling in love come true, Stephen has much to prove to himself before he can write his own happy ending. Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Cleveland, Stephen fights the same alcoholic demons that plagued his father as he tries to begin a life free from his family. He meets equally headstrong Julie and is smitten, but their marriage is as fractured as his career is solid. He can find ten ways to write about being in love, but he has a hard time translating love on the page to love in real life. Julie slips between his fingers like sand, and Stephen sees his father staring back when he looks in the mirror. 

Try as he might to rewrite his life, even going so far as to change his name, he has to wonder if he is the author or the killer of love.

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Book Review of 'On the Golden Cliffs' by Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer

Hello Bookworms!

I enjoyed my spring break and family vacation so much last week, but it also feels good to be back!  Our vacation ended up not turning out like what we'd hoped due to a family member being ill and us having to help take care of her, but we enjoyed the family time nonetheless, and we made memories that I will forever cherish.

While on the road for many hours I had plenty of time to devour a few books, and the novel that I am spotlighting today just so happens to be my favorite spring break read, so be sure to scroll down to read all my thoughts, as well as enter the amazing JustRead Tours giveaway at the bottom!

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for On the Golden Cliffs by Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: On the Golden Cliffs
Series: Big Sky Amish #2
Authors: Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Amish Romance

One wrong post has sent influencer Lyla Taylor’s social media empire crashing to her feet. To save it, she’ll have to escape to rural Montana. Six weeks in a high-end spa won’t hurt…except, she’s not booked into a spa, but at a rustic Amish B&B. Suddenly, her roommates are racoons, and her daily activities include hanging laundry. Thanks, but no thanks. Lyla is ready to hit delete and head back to civilization.

Amishman Reuben Milner has a secret…one that could destroy his world. For now, however, he’s kept his life as a novelist under wraps, focusing on providing for his family after the tragic passing of his father. Renting the dawdi house seems the right move—until the wrong woman moves in. However, she comes with ideas to help improve their B&B, and that, along with her feisty personality, is something Reuben can’t ignore. Even if the elders want him to focus on joining the church and finding a wife. 

When going home isn’t an option, Lyla decides to help the Milners spruce up their rental. It does help distract her from her problems online. The more Lyla works on the rental with Reuben, the more she wonders if returning to her former life is worth it. However, is it the simple life that Lyla’s heart longs for—or a particular guarded Amishman with secrets of his own? And when those secrets are discovered, what will it cost them both?  

Book two in the delightful and sweet Big Sky Amish Collection.

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Book Review of 'Just Add Mischief' by Heather B. Moore

HELLO BOOKWORMS!

It's been awhile since I've featured a review from one of my favorite authors!  Since today is kicking off spring break for many (and the official kickoff of our family vacation!!) I thought I'd share my review of HBM's latest book in the Everly Falls series before we head out on the road!

If anyone else is doing special for spring break please comment below.  I'd love to hear what your plans are!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Just Add Mischief

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press

Release Date: February 28, 2023

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

New neighbor? No, thank you.  Peace and quiet? Yes, please.

Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing Brandy Kane wants is to deal with her standoffish new neighbor, even if his dog is a sweetheart.

Ian Hudson doesn’t like people, which includes the busybody family who’s apparently moving in the property below his private cabin. A place he thought was abandoned for good. He’s secluded himself for a reason, and he isn’t about to allow his peace to be disturbed.

But when the rest of his teetering world takes a nose dive, his new neighbor might be the only one to get him through. It will just take adding a little mischief.

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Review of 'Moms Raising Sons to Be Men' by Rhonda Stoppe

Hello Mama Bookworms!

Hi.  I am Christi and I am a mom of only boys.  I always wanted a little girl when I was in my baby making years, but God blessed me with two boys that are my light and my life instead.  Seeing all my friends go through what they're going through with their teenage daughters right now makes me thank God that He knew what he was doing and didn't listen to me.  I don't think I could handle a girl!  Not to say that raising boys is any easier, but it suits me just fine.

One thing I have always been thankful for are the invaluable resources out there that help us moms that are raising boys, a job that is very important, and one I do not take lightly.  Which is why I'm excited to be featuring a wonderful resource that guides moms to raising their sons to be men.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men 

Author: Rhonda Stoppe 

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers 

Release Date: March 7, 2023 

Genre: Religion / Christian Living / Women's Interests/ Parenting 

Bringing up boys isn’t for the faint of heart, but bestselling author Rhonda Stoppe has been there before—and she’s here to help! Drawing on insights from fellow boy-moms and from Scripture, Rhonda reveals why walking with Christ is every mom’s key to parenting well. 

You’ll discover how motherhood gives you unique opportunities to grow in faith as you draw nearer to God through prayer, Bible study, and mentorship from godly women. You’ll also find practical advice for shaping your son in character and faith as you encourage his passions, teach him biblical masculinity, and protect his spirit without smothering his individuality. 

Your success as a mother doesn’t depend on what your son does with his life, but on how you obey God’s guidance on this mission of motherhood. Moms Raising Sons to Be Men provides the biblical hope, wisdom, and encouragement you need to help your son live a life without regrets!

“You will be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to become the mom you’ve always wanted to be—and to guide your son into becoming the man God intended.”

—Cindi McMenamin, national speaker and author of When Women Walk Alone

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Book Review of 'Her Surprise Hometown Match' by Tara Randel

Hello Bookworms!

Welcome to Wednesday!  I hope everyone is having a great week so far.  I'm still battling a nasty sinus infection (thanks allergies!) and I am hoping this is not a sign of things to come in seasonal allergy department.

While being down I've been devouring novels, and today's novel is a sweet escape with lovable characters and all that wonderful small town charm.

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Surprise Hometown Match by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Her Surprise Hometown Match 

Series: The Golden Matchmakers Club #4 

Author: Tara Randel 

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 

Release Date: February 21, 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sweet/Clean) 

Can she be honest… 

With the rodeo cowboy? 

Juliette Bishop is living a lie. And she won’t let any man get close enough to discover she’s not the hero Golden residents imagine. But rebellious former rodeo cowboy Ty Pendergrass slips under her radar…and straight into her heart. No stranger to the struggles of shedding a reputation, the daring trick rider could be her perfect match. If she has the courage to come clean with him and her hometown! 

USA TODAY Bestselling Author 

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. 

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Book Review for 'Planning for the All-Star' by Leah Busboom

HELLO TOO BUSY BOOKWORMS!

I am so excited to be featuring the newest addition to the Too Busy for Love series, Planning for the All-Star, that was just released!  This rom-com series has been so much fun to read and will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Cooking for the CEO

Series: Too Busy for Love #3

Author: Leah Busboom

Publisher: LBRB Consulting

Release Date: March 7, 2023

Genre: Clean Romantic Comedy

He's a celebrity baseball player.  She's an event planner with a secret crush-on him.

Arielle:
My old high school crush just hired me. Me, the awkward, studious 4.0 student who spewed fire retardant all over him when he set the chemistry lab on fire. I doubt he remembers me because he went on to score a major league baseball contract. Can I plan his party, while keeping my heart safe from his magnetic charm that I unfortunately still find irresistible?

Griff:
I wasn't expecting to recognize my new party planner. She’s the pint-sized dynamo that could win a debate against Abraham Lincoln. I’ve always been overwhelmed by her brains and her beauty. Grams and Gramps deserve a spectacular party—I hired Arielle because she’s the best in the business, but she intrigues me beyond “just business” and now I’m determined to win her heart.

You’ll laugh out loud as Arielle and Griff work together to get ready for a party in a crumbling Victorian mansion with one unforeseen disaster after another.

Can the endearingly awkward party planner and the charming baseball star find their HEA?

A plethora of quirky side characters—along with two grandparents who aren’t shy about offering dating advice—add to the fun in this rollicking, humorous Rom Com that will tug your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone.

Planning for the All-Star is Book 3 in the hilarious new romantic comedy series Too Busy for Love. If you love Hallmark movies with the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud scenes and heart-touching moments, this book is for you. Fans of Emma St. Clair, Ellie Hall, and Savannah Scott will enjoy this new series of clean and wholesome stories filled with romance and comedy. This full-length novel may be read as a standalone.

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Book Review of 'Beyond the Gray Mountains' by Tricia Goyer

Hello Bookworms!

Have you ever read a book that instantly transports you to another space and time and before you know it the journey is ending and you're just not quite ready to let go?  That's exactly what happened when I picked up the novel I am reviewing today.

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Beyond the Gray Mountains by Tricia Goyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond the Gray Mountains 

Series: Big Sky Amish #1 

Author: Tricia Goyer 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: February 28, 2023 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Amish Romance

Marianna Sommer always dreamed of a simple Amish wedding, but there’s nothing simple about marrying rock star Ben Stone. She loves him—but what about her traditions? Worse, suddenly Ben has questions—the kind that have him putting their wedding on hold.

Ben loves Marianna, but he has regrets—and fears—that are suddenly getting in the way of his happy ending. He doubts he’s going to “hear from God” in the high mountains like Marianna’s father suggests. But sure, he’ll go… 

But he might not return. Because high on the continental divide, trouble finds them. Now, it’ll take a miracle for Ben, Abe, and Abe’s brother, Ike, to make it down alive. Maybe Ben will hear from God after all…but if he does, can he become the man he needs to be to save them…and keep Marianna’s heart? 

When a runaway horse with a bloody saddle shows up, not only is the media alerted, but Marianna fears she’ll lose them all—her uncle, her father, and her beloved Ben. Suddenly she doesn’t care what the wedding looks like…as long as Ben makes it home. 

But is there more to Ben than she knows? And when she discovers his secrets, what sacrifices will she make to save…and marry…the man she loves? 

Fall in love with the first book in the cherished Big Sky Amish Collection.

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Book Review of 'The Glass Road' by Alyssa Schwarz

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

We had some crazy hailstorms come barreling through my area first thing this morning, with more severe weather possible throughout the day and, my personal favorite, a severe weather outbreak tomorrow that already has my stomach churning.  Anyone else out there have storm anxiety?  I've been in one too many tornadoes that over the years have wore my nerves down, and tomorrow we could get hurricane-force winds, damaging hail, and a possible tornado outbreak.  I am already praying for everyone's safety.

To keep my mind off the impending weather I am focusing on one of my favorite reads of February 2023 and getting lost in my thoughts of happily every after, and off my weather woes.

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for The Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Glass Road

Series: Prescott Family Romance #2

Author: Alyssa Schwarz

Release Date: October 11, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

The road ahead is full of bends and turns... 

Austin Wright had bigger dreams than to inherit his grandfather’s old property, but with the help of his nephew and a few volunteers, he decides to reopen the idyllic summer camp of his youth.

Following her accident at the first triathlon of the season, Tess Prescott’s dreams of the Olympics are shattered, and when her brother volunteers her to work at his friend’s summer camp, she is anything but pleased. Determined to make the best of a bad situation, and to keep herself busy while she recovers, she reluctantly agrees, and ultimately learns the joy of being part of a team.

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, two people must learn to work together if they have any chance of making it through this season of change—even if it means sacrificing the dreams they once strove so hard to protect.

But one unexpected secret could have the power to unravel it all.

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