This was an awesome, sweet story about five kids and all the people they love. Very clean and wholesome. They also have loving parents who are very inThis was an awesome, sweet story about five kids and all the people they love. Very clean and wholesome. They also have loving parents who are very involved without being over-controlling.
The only thing going against it was a large number of stupids and idiots and other such words thrown around and one (maybe two) freakin. These are often shown in a negative light so I chose to give this book five stars.
Notes: I loved how this book was about a biracial family that didn't try to make statements about race, instead, it let the beauty and love of this family speak for themselves. ...more
Another book in the Betsy-Tacy series. Personally, I like this one less. It pretty much had everything to do with a disagreement between Betsy and herAnother book in the Betsy-Tacy series. Personally, I like this one less. It pretty much had everything to do with a disagreement between Betsy and her sister, but she did seem to learn a lesson in the end. ...more
Since I wasn't feeling very good, easy reading is the best. This was another delightful, sweet, wholesome story.
Content notes: The girls make a club tSince I wasn't feeling very good, easy reading is the best. This was another delightful, sweet, wholesome story.
Content notes: The girls make a club to be good, but they end up liking their invented punishment so much that they end up finding excuses for being bad. They seem to learn their lesson that it doesn't work. ...more
One of the things I'm coming to realize is that I no longer have time in my life to do the detailed reviews I used to love to do. However, I feel likeOne of the things I'm coming to realize is that I no longer have time in my life to do the detailed reviews I used to love to do. However, I feel like I should take a few minutes to tell you about this story.
It is powerful. It was an emotional roller-coaster that had me wanting to stay up until I could finish it, but instead, I had to wait for the next day. Deese has a way with words. This story was a powerful one about books, words, grief, loss, and hope. I felt this book deeply. I know I will reread it.
So why only four stars? The first is a minor and perhaps personal objection. (view spoiler)[The main girl has a tattoo over her heart and at one point she lets a guy pull her shirt down so he can see it. I personally was uncomfortable with this scene. It felt inappropriate to me even though the tattoo wasn't "to far" down. I would have been totally fine if she had shown it to him, but the detail the author went into about the guy pulling on her shirt made the scene feel dirty. (hide spoiler)] Second was the major reason this only got 4 stars. I had high hopes for the Christian elements in this story that quickly fizzled out. While some of the characters have faith and go to church, not only does the main character seem to have no faith, but Jesus has no part in her healing process. While there is nothing technically wrong with this, it was a letdown after Nicole Deese's other books and the publisher's previous fair. It seems all Christian publishing houses are changing to appeal to a wider audience. I'll have to look to the independent market for my books where the Christian faith is an integral part of the story....more
I know I read this before, but it had been a while. I love how Lovelace captured so well what is important and memorable to children: their playtime aI know I read this before, but it had been a while. I love how Lovelace captured so well what is important and memorable to children: their playtime and family adventures. This book is sweet, imaginative, and wholesome. Yet, it still touches on some real-life hurts, like when Tacy's baby sister dies.
Content notes: Sometimes, the lines between Betsey's stories and what really happens are a bit blurred, which was so childlike I loved it. But some parents might need to explain to young children that they are just pretending. When Tacy's little sister dies, Betsy and Tacy talk about heaven. It isn't theologically correct at all, but I found it to be a beautiful depiction of children comforting children with their childlike knowledge. Of course, when reading it to a child, it would be good to discuss that heaven isn't really like how Betsy describes. ...more
This was a fun vintage feeling mystery with a great setting, and memorable characters. I really enjoyed reading this story and being part of the read-This was a fun vintage feeling mystery with a great setting, and memorable characters. I really enjoyed reading this story and being part of the read-along on Instagram.
Content notes: This is some gun play and talk about a muder that happened before the story opened. there are some other moments of mild violence. While Foley has used ephamisams before in her works, this one did have some minor cussing, which I didn't like. I would be a little harsher about it, but this isn't marketed as Christain fiction. ...more
My husband bought this for my birthday in 2022 at the Dallas ICR Discovery Center. While I've looked through the pictures many times, this was the firsMy husband bought this for my birthday in 2022 at the Dallas ICR Discovery Center. While I've looked through the pictures many times, this was the first time I've sat down and read the book cover to cover. I loved getting a glimpse into life in space (it has been far too long since I've read anything about the subject) and all the pictures.
I love leaving this book out to flip through in odd moments....more
This is one of those books that suffered for me not having read anything about it before going it. I just dove right in, which left me very confused aThis is one of those books that suffered for me not having read anything about it before going it. I just dove right in, which left me very confused about where we were in time/place. Even if I had read the back cover, I still think I would have wished that the stage had been set a little better for the story.
This book is a gentle read. It's more about the middle-aged characters and daily life than any plot. It would be the perfect read on a lazy summer day....more
Honestly, I gave up on this book because I struggled with the way it was structured. It wasn't bad and I loved how accessible it was (not full of churHonestly, I gave up on this book because I struggled with the way it was structured. It wasn't bad and I loved how accessible it was (not full of churchy lingo) but it just wasn't for me....more
I read this as part of the Easter on the Ranch collection. I always go into books by Love Inspired knowing they are usually just fluffy reads. HoweverI read this as part of the Easter on the Ranch collection. I always go into books by Love Inspired knowing they are usually just fluffy reads. However, The Rancher's Legacy by Jessica Keller had more meat to it than most. Oh, it's still more of a fun, fluffy book than anything else, but it had depth as well. It made me want to read more by this author. I really enjoyed the Easter theme and all the work with foster kids...more
I enjoyed finally continuing this series. I enjoyed the story and the message of sharing our faith with others and leaving the results to God. The endI enjoyed finally continuing this series. I enjoyed the story and the message of sharing our faith with others and leaving the results to God. The ending felt a little abrupt to me, but the narration was wonderful. ...more
This was a great collection. Some of the stories were better than others. A couple suffered from an author trying to fit to mRead on Kindle Unlimited.
This was a great collection. Some of the stories were better than others. A couple suffered from an author trying to fit to much into a small story. However, most of these were well-written, enjoyable, and celebrated godly romantic love...more
I so enjoyed this story. Rachel Rossano does the best at marriage-of-convenience books and swoony romance without ever crossing into territory that feI so enjoyed this story. Rachel Rossano does the best at marriage-of-convenience books and swoony romance without ever crossing into territory that feels dirty. This story was so good, rich, and a delight. I can't wait for the next book in the series!...more
This was a sweet story with a subtle Christian message. I enjoyed the story for what it was: A fun and sweet story. The moraRead on Kindle Unlimited.
This was a sweet story with a subtle Christian message. I enjoyed the story for what it was: A fun and sweet story. The moral and faith elements were a bit fuzzy and ambiguous. It was more like a Hallmark movie type than anything else.
Content notes: A woman has had a baby out of wedlock. The baby is always treated like a good thing....more
I'm just not even sure what to think about this series anymore. I mean, part of me wants to continue reading and find out what happens, but part of meI'm just not even sure what to think about this series anymore. I mean, part of me wants to continue reading and find out what happens, but part of me just feels like it's a more typical dystopian with the normal over-the-top teen drama.
With that said, one of the reasons I've enjoyed this series is that Newhouse thought through a lot of details. This series is well thought out and her world-building is amazing. She has real, flawed characters that are struggling with family, right and wrong, as well as the typical us-against-the-government.
Will I read the next book? I just don't know. I do want to know what happens next but I'm also disappointed that this series became so typical after a beginning that promised to be so different. We will just see. I can see this series might surprise me with the resolution, or it could continue being a typical dystopian just with a Christian flare....more
Somehow, I hadn't marked this book as read, even though I finished it days ago! Okay, here are my basic thoughts 1. I enjoyed it more then A Girl of thSomehow, I hadn't marked this book as read, even though I finished it days ago! Okay, here are my basic thoughts 1. I enjoyed it more then A Girl of the Limberlost 2. I did like that God played bigger role in this one. 3. The setting was pretty wonderful 4. Scout was an annoying character most of the time. 5. I never felt super invested in the story.
Content notes: Author used some aspects of the story to state that people were not/are not preparing their children for the world, especially when it came to sexual temptation (though not worded that way). Some of the views expressed I think were a simplistic view of things. There was quite a bit talk about death and dying. Two people die in the story and there are several conversations about seeing people who died. While it didn't bother me, some sensitive readers might want to avoid it. ...more
Well, I was almost done with this whole series. Seriously, most of this book felt like so many dystopian plots. I will be honest enough to say that I Well, I was almost done with this whole series. Seriously, most of this book felt like so many dystopian plots. I will be honest enough to say that I haven't read dystopian novels because I usually find even looking at them makes me think they are dark, depressing, and rather dumb.
However, this book did take a couple of unexpected turns that had me wondering if I would enjoy it more than I thought I would. I'm at least going to give the next book a try.
But seriously, can we please let the plot of one teen girl against a one-world government a rest?
I did love how Phili made all her decisions based on what she thought God would have her do. This was done in a very teen way, but authentically. It's one of the big reasons I've kept reading....more
It was interesting to see this from Nick's perspective, but so much of the content was word-for-word what was in book 2, that I didn't enjoy it as mucIt was interesting to see this from Nick's perspective, but so much of the content was word-for-word what was in book 2, that I didn't enjoy it as much as the other side book. One to book 3! At least this illness is good for my binge reading....more
I may come back and try to write a more detailed review later, but I'm sick so this will have to do.
Well, this was a well-written adventure with a lotI may come back and try to write a more detailed review later, but I'm sick so this will have to do.
Well, this was a well-written adventure with a lot of emotion packed into it. I was very invested in what happened next and the characters. However, I was disappointed a bit, I will be very honest. One of the biggest things I loved about the original Red Rain was how different it was from everything else out there It was about a girl standing up for what was right even when the government was wrong. This story felt more like your typical teen-against-the-government dystopian novel.
Will I keep reading? Oh yes. But I wish it had kept the feel and originality of the first book. ...more
Sick days were made for binge reading. My husband and I read this together. It was fun to get some back story. I love, love, love that Red Rain is a sSick days were made for binge reading. My husband and I read this together. It was fun to get some back story. I love, love, love that Red Rain is a series now. ...more
I'm not rating this book at this time because I ended up skimming through a lot of it. There was a lot that I can't apply in an apartment. Honestly, mI'm not rating this book at this time because I ended up skimming through a lot of it. There was a lot that I can't apply in an apartment. Honestly, my main reason fro skimming is that I'm tired of all the books and people banging me over the head with their ideas on "toxic" products. I use a lot of natural products and try to be wise, but I'm tired of the word toxic being thrown around until it means nothing and trying to make me feel bad for my toothpaste and shampoo. But some of that I know is just the mood I'm in. I'll revisit this book at some point because I do like a lot of what she has to say....more
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up for violence Best for Ages: 12 and up
I shy away from reading fantasy, much less endorsing it. However, when Shannon askeAge Appropriate For: 12 and up for violence Best for Ages: 12 and up
I shy away from reading fantasy, much less endorsing it. However, when Shannon asked me to endorse her newest book, I told her I would give it a try. I am so glad I have this excellent book a change and I hope you will to.
Although it can best be classified as fantasy, it does not have the magic and overwhelming darkness that normally comes with the genre. Like Shannon’s other books, she is reclaiming some of the genre’s that are dominated by secular fiction.
This is a tale of strong male friendships that are not girlified. This is a story of a people’s struggle for freedom and survival. This is a story of personal redemption. Valley of Decision it a light allegory of our own lives and struggles.
The characters in this were so well developed. Each had their own personality and way of thinking. In fact, I don’t think I have read a female author who has done such a good job of making two good male leads so different.
The world that Shannon created for this story felt very real. Some fantasy just doesn’t work well because the author didn’t take enough time to world build. Shannon obviously did a lot of work and created a place that feels real.
For those of you who get tired of romance stories, this book also proves to be a nice break from the norm. There are a couple of very minor romantic interests in the story (one of them being a married couple) but that is it.
I highly recommend this book to those who like well written fiction, non-magical fantasy, and stories that inspire.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Merged review:
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up for violence Best for Ages: 12 and up
I shy away from reading fantasy, much less endorsing it. However, when Shannon asked me to endorse her newest book, I told her I would give it a try. I am so glad I have this excellent book a change and I hope you will to.
Although it can best be classified as fantasy, it does not have the magic and overwhelming darkness that normally comes with the genre. Like Shannon’s other books, she is reclaiming some of the genre’s that are dominated by secular fiction.
This is a tale of strong male friendships that are not girlified. This is a story of a people’s struggle for freedom and survival. This is a story of personal redemption. Valley of Decision it a light allegory of our own lives and struggles.
The characters in this were so well developed. Each had their own personality and way of thinking. In fact, I don’t think I have read a female author who has done such a good job of making two good male leads so different.
The world that Shannon created for this story felt very real. Some fantasy just doesn’t work well because the author didn’t take enough time to world build. Shannon obviously did a lot of work and created a place that feels real.
For those of you who get tired of romance stories, this book also proves to be a nice break from the norm. There are a couple of very minor romantic interests in the story (one of them being a married couple) but that is it.
I highly recommend this book to those who like well written fiction, non-magical fantasy, and stories that inspire.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own....more
Best for ages 18 and up due to references to sexual abuse and trauma of various kinds.
If you've ever felt guilty for you emotions, you need this book.Best for ages 18 and up due to references to sexual abuse and trauma of various kinds.
If you've ever felt guilty for you emotions, you need this book.
Truly, this is one of the best books about understanding emotions from a Biblical standpoint I've ever read. I appreciated that this was co-written by a biblical scholar and psychologist. Each of them brought so much to the table that was real, practical, and grounded in the scripture.
Using the Psalms as a guide, these two talk about different emotions. Instead of saying: anger is bad, they delve deep into the emotion of anger and separate godly anger and productive anger verses anger that the Bible warns against. They cover so many emotions that we usually label as bad and show that their are biblical, godly uses for those emotions.
I think having someone who is a psychologist really helped with this book. He contributed so much practical help. Having a biblical and a trained particle perspective make this book a gem.
I highly recommend this book for adults who are trying to learn more about emotions from a biblical perspective, those recovering from trauma, and those who have sat under poor teaching about emotions....more
This was a solid book on singleness. Fernades did a great job presenting a book that wasn't meant to be exhaustive or in-depth, it was simply to be teThis was a solid book on singleness. Fernades did a great job presenting a book that wasn't meant to be exhaustive or in-depth, it was simply to be ten reminders for single women. She did a great job presenting God's truth in an encouraging and uncompromising way.
Content notes: While the author is Catholic, the book is biblically based, not catholic practice-based, which I really appreciated. There are a couple of chapters that cover purity and sexual topics. ...more
Well, this was a solid book, but honestly nothing unique. I feel like there are better books with the same information (probably even better presentedWell, this was a solid book, but honestly nothing unique. I feel like there are better books with the same information (probably even better presented) like Kingdom Single: Living Complete and Fully Free and 7 Myths about Singleness
I loved David's heart, passion, and much of what he had to say. He could have made this book fantastic if he had shared more about his personal journey to discovering the lessons he was passing on, instead of just presenting a summary.
Overall, a solid book on godly singleness that I can recommend, just not as highly as some others....more
I've wanted to read this book for years. After all Grace Livingston Hill mentions it in a few of her books.
Here were my two main issues with it: ~ WhilI've wanted to read this book for years. After all Grace Livingston Hill mentions it in a few of her books.
Here were my two main issues with it: ~ While always written out as "blanked" or "banked-blank" It still infers a lot of language in this story. It's a personal preference, but I just prefer it to be left out altogether. ~ The style is very dated. And I don't mean in the loveable vintage way, but in a style that is harder to follow. It's more like this books is four or five episodes of a series, but without much to pull it together.
What I loved: ~ The descriptions! Connor had a way with words and I could have read page after page of his descriptions. ~ Showing how anyone can be changed by the gospel. Although, the gospel was never spelled out loud.
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