About the book:

What Matters Most This Christmas Season?

Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration. But in the hurriedness of December, sometimes we find ourselves sacrificing a sacred pace for hustle, leaving us feeling more stressed than blessed.

What if you approached this Advent more open to the things of God? What if you decided to be expectant that God would move in your midst? What if you made room for the true joy found in the coming of our King?

Prepare Him Room invites you to give God sacred space in your holiday season as you ponder the miracle of Christ within you and respond to His work in your life. As you begin your Christmas preparations this year, journey through Luke's account of Jesus' birth, life, death, and ultimate resurrection. God invites you to be still and let Jesus radically transform you this holy season. Let earth receive her King!

Description and photo from GoodReads.com

My Review: 

Prepare Him Room is perfect for the holiday season. Each devotional for the 25 days leading up until Christmas features Bible chapters to read, relevant Bible verses and quotes, a prayer for the day, and a fasting challenge (ex., fast from discontentment, from worry, etc). Susie Larson writes passionately about re-writing modern day Christmas and turning it into the day it was meant to be from the start. A time to ignore the discontentment and anxiety that day-to-day life brings and instead focus on the beautiful gift Christ brought, and the peace it brings. 

I also love the size of this devotional- it’s small and has a really cute design to it, making it a great pre-Christmas gift for someone.

With a social media audience of more than 6 million, Sadie is a wholesome role model and enthusiastic voice for her generation. Sadie's fanbase follows her hit podcast, WHOA That's Good; watched her become runner-up on season 19 of Dancing with the Stars; or read her bestselling books including Live, Live Fearless, Live Original ,   and Life Just Got Real. 

Description and photo from GoodReads.com

 Review:

What are you living for? What fears and lies are shaping your life? Every generation needs some strong voices, people willing to counteract the lies thrown at teens every day with truth, and Sadie Robertson Huff is one of those people. 

Sadie's heart and passion for encouraging others is shown on every page of this devotional. While normally I don't like devotionals with short passages like this one (each is only two pages long, and the pages are pretty small), I honestly loved Sadie's words, no matter the short length. 

Sometimes I don't like teen devos because the author is, many times, way past the teen age and tries to connect with their younger readers by using hip teen words and "relatable" stories that really just sound cheesy. Sadie is none of these things, and her words just feel authentic and engaging. 

The cute devo size and impactful writing inside makes this a great gift for teens and young adults.  

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

Photo from Goodreads.com

About: 

There's nothing Ella Blythe has wanted more than to dance in a theater. So she's thrilled when she finally gets her chance at Craven Street Theater- the very same theater where, years ago, a famous ballerina met her tragic end. As time goes on, however, Ella begins to realize that her life is starting to mirror that of the dead ballerina's- eerily so. 

Ella's life has now just gotten a lot more complicated. Ballet is a competitive, and sometimes vicious, career, and once you've entered it, there's no going back. An old memory draws her closer to principle dancer, the mysterious, handsome Phillipe, but with the past haunting her, will all her dreams die?

My review:

Today when I think of ballet I think of hard work, beauty, the celebrity that comes with being a renowned ballerina, and lots of pink. However, the world of ballet in the 1800s was a hard, competitive world where ballerinas were seen as ruined and disgraced outside of the theater. Under Joanna Politano's pen and imagination, that dark world comes to life in A Midnight Dance. 

I just can't describe to you how much this book made me feel. I actually procrastinated for awhile on this review because I love this story so very much, and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do the beauty of it justice. Only the best  books leave me breathless, and A Midnight Dance is up there at the top. 

There's so much to love about it, but some of the best things are the characters, particularly the heroine- flawed but beautiful, who captured me from page 1 with her artistic, beauty-loving soul. Then there's the one who will earn her heart (who, might I add, just set my standard for a boyfriend very high!); and the myriad of other characters whose stories are as varied and layered as the heroine's and hero's. 

 As I read Mrs. Politano's latest, I was struck, as I always am, at how unique and fresh her voice is in the Christian fiction world. If there were several passages from different books sitting in front of me, I'd know instantly which was written by her. You truly never know what's going to happen when you pick up a Joanna Davidson Politano novel. Her mind for storytelling is amazing, and the imagery she paints makes her a true artist. 

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

About: 

My Review: 

I wish I could have liked this more. It's got an amazing, adorable cover and I'd already read an excerpt, which was pretty good and was what drew me to the story in the first place (and yeah, again that adorable cover also was a pretty big draw. I mean, just look at it!). Plus, I think Leah's character is unique, and I wish I had her sense of vintage, slightly quirky yet cool, style.

The reason I gave it two stars is because the story itself just didn't seem that unique. I predicted much of what was going to happen before it did, which made for an unsatisfying ending since the element of mystery was gone. One of the main plot points is the romance, which got tiring. I think a book's storyline shouldn't revolve so much around the romantic aspect or else it gets boring and stereotypical.

Also, the many characters (especially the girls) confused me. Which was weird, since I'd read the other books in the series (actually had recently finished book 2), but I just had a hard time remembering who was who and what was what- they all kind of seemed the same.

If you like hallmark-type stories, or Christian romance where the characters face real life problems but happy endings abound, then this story may be for you. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into it.

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

Also, I apologize for the wonky font, sizing, etc. For some reason, Blogger has been glitching on me a lot lately. 

Description: 

Spend Christmas in Texas this year with these charming holiday novellas from bestselling historical romance author Karen Witemeyer, whose writing is spiced with her signature blend of humor, thrilling frontier action, and sweet romance.

In this 3-in-1 novella collection, Witemeyer presents the new story "A Texas Christmas Carol," where a town's wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors. It also includes, for the first time in print, "An Archer Family Christmas." When the Archer clan gathers for the holiday, they encounter an unexpected request for help that will require all their effort and a Christmas miracle to see them through. In previously published "Gift of the Heart," a widow uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local resort owner. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love this Christmas. 

Description & photo from Goodreads.com

My Review: 

Out of these three short stories, my favorite was An Archer Family Christmas. I loved reading Karen's previous books about the brothers, and it was nice to revisit the family and see how Karen Witemeyer imagined their lives continuing. It was also the most exciting of the Christmas stories, and to me the most heartfelt. If you've read and enjoyed the other Archer brothers books, then you'll enjoy a revisit with this short story!

A Texas Christmas Carol was also an interesting spin on the traditional Christmas Carol. There were quite a few puns that were fun to catch, and I enjoyed seeing how the author was going to adapt the story into a romance.

I also liked the additions of the devotional, recipes, and fun facts about Christmas. They were all a nice touch to the collection and really added to the charm of the book.

Karen Witemeyer has penned a sweet collection of Christmas stories perfect for the holiday season!

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

Photo from Goodreads.com

About the book:

My Review:

I have to admit something- I was not sure about this book, and that was mainly because of the cover.

 Yes, the photo is perfect for the story setting and it's a well-taken photo and all that, but it just doesn't capture my interest. It doesn't scream, "Read me!!!" and so the main reason I chose to actually pick up the book was because I had read an excerpt of it, and I also knew Liz Johnson had written some good things in the past. 

Well, turns out that Beyond the Tides is probably my favorite of Liz Johnson's novels yet! I am so, so glad I didn't listen to my inner cover critic and bypass this book. 

Oliver and Meg start out not as friends, but more as enemies. Slowly, their relationship morphs into partnership, friendship, and then, quite possibly, something even more... I loved how these two progressed and changed over the course of the book!  Their banter was so fun, and I loved every interaction they had. 

Meg can come across as detached and cold sometimes, and as an introvert, I can totally relate to that. I love how Oliver just sort of ignores that to try and get to know the person she is underneath (I kind of may have a small crush on the guy....). 

The two also have some very realistic family problems. Meg's mom is losing her mobility and memory from an unknown illness. Oliver's father left him at a young age, and he's been dealing with the scars ever since. Life is messy and can't be wrapped up in a pretty bow, and I like how Liz Johnson deals with these issues. 

That excerpt for book 2 at the end really whet my appetite for the continuation of the series- I can't wait to see what happens next! 

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

Photo from GoodReads.com

Although I liked book one, To Dwell Among Cedars, I've gotta say, this book is my definite favorite!

The story focuses on Lukio, a famous fighter in biblical-era Philistia. When he reconnects with a childhood friend involved in some dangerous espionage, he begins to question his purpose in this country where debauchery and evil reign.

I loved reading Lukio's point of view! The rebel child who ran away from home, he's not a squeaky-clean protagonist- in fact, he's far from it. Then there's Shoshana, the girl he loved- a woman with high morals, who would sacrifice herself to save another. Honestly, I didn't really like Shoshana in the first book. I'm not really sure why, I guess maybe I thought she was a little boring? But in this book, she shows herself to be a mature, brave woman, equal to stand up to Lukio, and I really liked her.

The cover is gorgeous as well! I absolutely love how it connects with Eliora's book, showing the bond between brother and sister. I was a bit confused by the model they chose for Lukio, though- his hair is dark, not light like it was supposed to be (an important point, showing that Lukio's family was foreign), and he doesn't seem all that tall or fighter-ish.

Some books I've read in this genre turned out to be low in action and interest, and since I've read the Bible stories they were based off of, I knew what direction they were going to go. However, while this duology is based off of true Biblical events, there's still enough fiction there to keep you guessing at how everything will end.

While Biblical fiction isn't a genre I read that much, Connilyn Cossette has proven to be an author to keep on my watchlist.

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own. 

My summer reading has been pretty exciting so far. I've discovered new-to-me authors, found books that I didn't know existed, and enjoyed new releases from authors I've loved for years. Need some book recs? Keep scrolling, and if you've already read some of these, let me know what you thought! 

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

What happens when a researcher from today goes back in time to the Peasants' Revolt and falls in love with a knight?

With her sister in one time period, her husband in another, and Marian herself caught somewhere in between, this is a conundrum of epic proportions. I honestly had no idea how this was ever going to end well for our characters, and I'm dying to get my hands on book two (which, sadly, does not come soon enough!).

The time traveling thing was also uniquely and legitimately thought up. I'm sure the author had to put a lot of research into it, and it shows by actually being less fanciful and more of a legitimate way of traveling through time than other books and movies have done.

Marian and Will are an unlikely, but perfect, pairing. I mean, they're basically from two whole different worlds, so how could their romance ever seem legit? But Jody Hedlund crosses that gap perfectly and somehow Marian and Will just belong together. Get ready for some serious romance!


I received this book in order to write an honest review. All opinions are totally my own.

The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer

The roughened-cowboy-helps-out-cute-kids storyline has been used a lot and I think sometimes it just doesn't work out. However, I love the way Karen Witemeyer utilizes it. The sort of orphanage that the ladies ran was really cool- they basically took in all the misfits God sent their way and gave them a place to belong. My first job involved lots of kids, nearly all if them missing a parent, or being raised by grandparents, and the way Karen Witemeyer showed the pain that these kids go through was relatable and honest. I really appreciated that.

The characters themselves are fabulous as well. I love the split story, from Jonah and Eliza to Mark and Katherine. Both POVs were different, and yielded such unique perspectives. The first chapter had me smiling and already engaged with the characters, which for me is a win since it can sometimes take me awhile to get invested in stories- that wasn't a problem this time!


I received this book from the author in order to write an honest review. All opinions are totally my own

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

So what has your summer reading looked like so far? 

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About: 

My Review: 

Image from Christianbook.com

About:

My Review:

Photo from Christianbook.com

About:

My Review:

Want to bless others, but need ideas? This little book is the perfect answer! Inside are 101 creative ways you can make someone's day and put a smile on their face. There's recipes you can make and share, and a helpful printables section in the back, as well. 

Karen Ehman doesn't just talk the talk- many (if not all) of the ideas in the book she has done herself to make someone's day, and it's interesting to read about how various act of kindness brightened people's lives. 

Also, I absolutely love the cheerful, bright cover! It's so cute, and the design team did an amazing job. 

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

Photo from Christianbook.com

"This book will be something I forever hold close to my heart."--Hallie

Would you consider yourself a worrier? Do you ever get something you're worried about stuck in your head and you can't seem to get it out? Have you noticed that you get anxious around certain people or in certain situations? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, you're not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 girls your age struggles with worry. They just often don't say it out loud or even act like it. Maybe like you, they try to ignore it, hoping it will go away.

Here's the thing. Your mom or dad or someone else who loves you has an idea that you struggle with worry. It's why they bought you this book. They believe in you--how brave you really are--and believe this book is just what you need in your fight with worry. Filled with questions to get you thinking and spots for you to journal or draw, Brave is your very own place to

· understand your emotions better
· learn ways to fight worry and anxiety that really make a difference
· discover the strength and courage God has placed inside of you

You've got more resourcefulness, more grit, and more brave inside of you than you think, and this book will help you find it.

Description from BakerPublishingGroup.com

My Review:

Sissy Goff is talking directly to me. 

That's what it feels like when reading her new book for teen girls, Brave. No, I am not technically categorized as a teen anymore, but the wisdom Sissy gives is timeless. She explains exactly what anxiety is in a clear way without dumbing anything down, why girls get anxious, and how to cope with it. And the way she writes, it's as if she's in the room with me, giving me advice and listening to my struggles.

Sissy Goff is a therapist. She's been helping girls for years, and she knows how we tick. That's partly why her book works so well- she knows just what to say and how to say it. This book is PERFECT for that girl in your life who struggles with worry. 

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

About:

Photo from Christianbook.com and description from BakerPublishingGroup.com

My Review: 

Photo from Amazon.com

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 hearts

About:

Olivia and Melanie's lives were turned upside-down when their parents were tragically killed ten years ago. In an effort to reconnect with her sister and find healing, Melanie proposes a hiking trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Olivia reluctantly agrees. However, neither of them are prepared for how their trip will test their limits- and change their lives. 

 My Review:

When the story begins, Olivia is logical, bitter, and holds a cold, detached view of the world. Her sister Melanie, on the other hand, is sensitive, full of "good vibes", and chooses to believe in a bit of every religion that she encounters. Their trek through the Michigan wilderness will test everything they have, and either tear them apart for good, or ultimately bring them back together again. Either way, neither woman will emerge from the woods the same. 

Conflict and hard decisions are so prevalent in the world, and I think that's why people will relate to Olivia and Melanie. In a world where families are torn apart every day because of hard circumstances (and sometimes even trivial ones), it becomes important to know what path the sisters will take. Erin Bartels takes us on this tragic and beautiful journey in an eloquent way, and subtly presents the reader with questions about their own lives to think through. 

I also seriously really want to go on a long hike now with my own sister (maybe not quite like Melanie and Olivia's hike, though). 

Sister stories hold a special place in my heart, and I found that Olivia's and Melanie's was so relevant to me right now. Theirs is a sad story to start out with, but it's also a story of forgiveness, love, and hope, and I'm so glad I got to go on this journey with them.