FROM THIS MOMENT by KIM VOGEL SAWYER

A book that was touching and inspirational.  A story that moved me greatly.  Jase was heartbroken.  He questioned his faith after experiencing a loss. He accepted a job as a youth minister in a small town.  This move changed not only his life but also Kenzie's and Lori's.  

The main characters all had to learn how to emotionally deal with their pasts.  Everyone is different in how they handle loss or grief.  Some find unhealthy ways to deal with their pain.  This can lead to very serious consequences.

The book had some unexpected twists and turns which made the ending not as I expected it to.  I loved it!!

A few Bible passages came to me as I read this book.  

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)

I received this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah to give a honest review. 

Author Bio

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed bestselling author with more than one million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren

The Wedding Planner by Laura Brighton

 Just discovered a new author and I had to share.  Her name is Laura Brighton.  Her books are based on Tybee Island.  Sounds like a wonderful place to live or visit.  

This story is about The Wedding Planner on the island.  Her name is Rachel.  Rachel has suffered heartbreak in her early years.  She thought she was over it but as the story unfolds she realizes she has much to learn about healing and forgiveness.

I was enjoying the story when it abruptly ends.  What?  I have to wait to the next book!!  I will keep a look out for the next one as I have to find out if Rachel gets the answers she needs to move forward.

I received this for free from Book Sirens to give a honest review.

About Laura Brighton

Laura Brighton lives on the southeast coast of the United States, full of sunny beaches, beautiful marshes and stories that speak to the heart. Her women's contemporary fiction resonates with women of all ages. And so does her blatant addiction to good books and great food!

The Robin's Greeting by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Have you ever been so excited to read the latest book by your favorite author but sad when finished?  This is always the case for me when I have a new book by Wanda Brunstetter.  The Robin's Greeting is the third book in The Amish Greenhouse Mystery Series.  This book brings everything to a conclusion.  I was quite surprised at the ending.

The theme of Forgiveness runs throughout this book. There were moments in the story that I was surprised forgiveness was given.  It isn't easy to do.  Carrying the anger and bitterness inside when you are wronged can eat you up.  You are giving the other person too much power over them.  Forgiving is freeing!  

Believe me, I have been treated poorly in a past relationship.  I could have used this to be bitter and suspicious of others.  It would have been easy to put up an imaginary wall up and not let others in.  But I would have missed much.  I was not going to let this keep me caged up.

Jesus was nailed to the cross and said "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do".  Quite powerful.

You will love this book.  I have received a copy of this book from Barbour Books and being a member of Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

The Rose Keeper by Jennifer Lamont Leo

 

Clara kept to herself.  She didn't let anyone in.  She prided herself for being a good nurse  and she loved her roses.  Everything else she kept at a distance.

But was it enough?  Clara's quiet existence was about to change.  A new tenant has moved in the apartment building.  And she had a young daughter!

A lovely story about Clara and how she "bloomed" and grew after Laurie and Rosalie moved in.    Clare's story was quite touching.  The relationship Clara shared with Laurie and her daughter, Rosalie, impacted the way Clara saw the world.  With this change, Clara opened her heart to others and with GOD.  What an impact this made in not only Clare's life but with so many others.  

I received this book from the author, Jennifer Lamont Leo, to give a honest review.  Thank you as this story touched me as well.  I highly recommend that you pick up a copy.  

 

A Dance In Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

"THE TRANQUIL, SOOTHING POWER OF A SIMPLE CUP OF TEA ALWAYS TOOK MOIRA BY SURPRISE." 

This line drew me right in and well, hello, Moira and Sean did, too!  I love books that are based in Great Britain.  England and I have a relationship going.  I love the history of the British Isles.  I can't get enough of the Royal Family.  My Mother was born there and I have visited at least 7 or 8 times.  I long to go and travel throughout Great Britain as I have ties to Scotland and Ireland.

This book was just lovely.  Moira's faith was tested over and over.  She knew GOD was by her side and she got her strength from that.  HE had a plan for Moira.

Sean was caring and very respectful to Moira.  He learned so much from his boss and friend, Colm.  

Peg and Colm were a lovely couple that practiced what they preached.  They were just what Moira needed.  They were supportive and did not judge others.  There were others in their small community that believed the gossip about Moira and treated her poorly.  I was stunned by the behaviors of some of the ones that Moira counted as friends.

Can Moira find happiness in Donegal?  Is Sean part of her future?  Will she ever feel part of the community?  Will she get the answers to all her questions about her Mother?

Pick up a copy of this book.   I loved this book.  I know you will, too!  

I received this book for free from Revell to review.  

 

AUTHOR:

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

Debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases February 2, 2021 from Revell. Follow Moira Doherty to the wilds of rural Ireland in 1921. Available for preorder wherever books are sold.

Tybee Holiday Homecoming - Book One

 

A cute story about a close family getting together for the holidays.   The mother, Julep Tucker, is the matriarch that is trying to keep everyone together.  She is finding her way after her husband died a year ago.  She has to make some difficult decisions that might not make everyone in the family happy.

I love reading of how the family pulls themselves together.    Each member of the family has a story to tell on their own.  Fortunately, there are five books in the series so we can revisit the Tucker family again and again.

I enjoyed this book.  It was described as being similar to a Hallmark movie.  I can see that.  It was just what I needed to read to take me away from all the worries of today.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About Laura Brighton

Laura Brighton lives on the southeast coast of the United States, full of sunny beaches, beautiful marshes and stories that speak to the heart. Her women's contemporary fiction resonates with women of all ages. And so does her blatant addiction to good books and great food!

Blink Of An Eye

 This book is the recent installment (8th) of the Kendra Michaels series.  I have not read any of the previous books but after this one, I will.  It took a few chapters to get to know the main characters.

The women characters are all strong and opinionated women.  This is unusual in most books I have read.  Kendra Michaels is an asset in solving this action thriller.  She uses her special gifts to catch the "bad" guy.

I enjoyed the book.  It was a page turner in the last few chapters.  I kept my light on way longer than I planned as I wanted to finish.  I was surprised at the end.  

I recommend you pick this up and enjoy an evening of suspense.  

I received this copy of the book free from Grand Central Publishing.

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve,Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand,Killer Dreams, On The Run, Countdown, Firestorm, Fatal Tide, Dead Aim, and more. And with her son Roy Johansen, she has coauthored The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.

Johansen began writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success. She had seventeen consecutive New York Times bestsellers as of November 2006.[1]

Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.