Books You Can Feel Good About: 2020

Monday, November 23, 2020

Runaway River: The Bitterroot Mountains Series by Kim Taylor

1897 Chicago then Hamilton, Montana Christian Historical

The first book in a new series with the promise of good stories to come. Beth, her younger brother Michael and sister Maggie lose their parents suddenly and tragically. Then a predatory man who wanted their property lied to them and scared them so that they ran from town. Towards an opportunity seen in a newspaper ad, that wasn't a viable one when they got to Montana. Desperate for a way to support them all, Beth finds a job with Calamity Jane in her restaurant. Interesting place to start a new life. Also in this story is Ethan - handsome, godly and sturdy of character - getting a start after years of hard work on a new horse ranch of his own. They all struggle with their own issues, ups and downs, with an interesting story that weaves through as they work through their challenges and relationships with God and faith. Riveting. Hard to put down! I can see that there is so much more left to come in the series and can't wait till the next book comes out! (Love that cover.)
I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #RunawayRiver #KimTaylor #5Stars #ChristianHistorical

My Reviews
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Powells
Pinterest
Twitter
BookBub

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Before The Wrath - movie

Documentary style movie narrated by Kevin Sorbo. Evidence from the time of Christ shows how and why the rapture must occur in the last days. Well told movie helps explain that the upcoming Rapture is not only real, but why this event must soon some to pass. Regardless of your end-times views, this will captivate believers and non-believers alike; revealing new depths of theological understanding regarding what Jesus revealed to the ancient Galileans about the end of the world in his teachings. I recommend watching - there's something to be learned. And good reason to look forward. It is important to share stories of Christ to others so that they can share in His love and won't be left behind.

I was given a digital copy of this movie to watch but I was not required to write a positive review.

#beforethewrathmovie

@ingenuityfilms

Official Website: https://www.BeforeTheWrath.com

My Reviews

Monday, November 16, 2020

Besotted by Jody Hedlund

Enchanting fairy tale of the best kind with depth, full life lessons, danger and of course a story of true love. And princes and princesses in disguise, living as paupers. Wonderful protectors who love them. Journeys that make them stronger and the adults they were meant to become. Kingdoms taken over by nefarious means, and returned to the rightful rulers, who love their people. Ahh sigh. A wonderful story. Disney should make movies from this series!
I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #Besotted #JodyHedlund #thefairestmaidens #YAlit #medievalromance #5Stars #mustread Jody's website

My Reviews

Friday, November 13, 2020

A Gilded Lady

I really like these characters, and their stories are so interesting. Caroline and her twin brother are the renegades in this wealthy family, but always seem to land on their feet. Until Luke is wanted for treason and ends up in a Cuban jail. Caroline, with her penchant for giving big parties went to work for President McKinley's wife as her secretary, fitting right into that high profile life. And she met the head of the Presidents' security who is a stickler for rules. Caroline is an interesting mix of spoiled wealth and loyalty to the people she cares about, with a sense of duty and protection. She really challenges Nathaniel. But they find they have more in common than they think, and grow to admire each others traits. So interesting story of behind the scenes life at the early White House, mystery and intrigue. I was easily hooked and ate this right up, finding it hard to put down. A highly interesting and complex family, this is a series to immerse in.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AGildedLady #NetGalley

My Reviews

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Things We Didn't Say by Amy Lynn Green

Brilliant format.

The whole book is told in the format of letters written. Set after the war with both Germany and Japan. A brilliant yet snotty young girl Jo is in college, finally escaping her small home town, when during the war she is pretty much forced to return home and act as an interpreter at a POW camp. Her best friend is a Japanese American guy who is a teacher of language for interred young men preparing to go overseas. The story opens with Jo being charged with treason. She fought going back home and putting her dreams on hold but her scholarship sponsor forces the issue.

It was uncomfortable at first reading a story in this format, but it didn't take long to find it brilliant. There is so much you learn about each of the people in the letters and you can read between the lines. Friends from collage, friends from home, German prisoners, people from the small community. All weave the story. Expertly. With family of German heritage I always wondered how they felt as Americans here during the war, what it was like with German POW camps nearby, how they were treated in this small town. This story gives you a possible glimpse. A sleepy small town becomes full of hostility, examples of the humanity of the prisoners soften the opinions of many. Hard to put down!

#ThingsWeDidntSay #NetGalley

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Reviews

Saturday, October 31, 2020

The Woman In The Green Dress

London 1918 and Sydney, New South Wales 1853

It's the end of the war. Fleur had married Hugh, but he hadn't returned from the fighting yet. She has a mysterious request from a solicitor to go to Australia as she has inherited her husband's estate, but she hasn't received a telegram and doesn't believe he's dead. She goes to Australia against her judgement and tries to learn more about what is involved. The solicitor there is away, and their records are in chaos after a move, so the mystery continues to unfold in slow layers as you get to know Fleur and the supporting characters. The story goes back and forth in time, revealing small bits at a time. It's told expertly to hold your interest and get the feel for the people. Great story, right to the end.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheWomanintheGreenDress #NetGalley

My Reviews

The Mail-Order Standoff by Angela Breidenbach; Margaret Brownley; Susan Page Davis; Vickie McDonough

4 Grooms Are Stymied When Brides Get Cold Feet - 4 Historical Stories

Things don't always start out as expected in Mail Order matching, but when the couples include God in their lives, they can't go wrong.

Right on Time

1883 Kentucky and Montana

Looks can be deceiving. An English Lord, third son, wants to be a veterinarian and learn ranching, to make a life for himself. Which is why he answers an ad for a mail order husband placed by the Ranch owner. Tara, his daughter, isn't in on the deal. They make things tough for him, but he holds his ground, proving to be a valuable asset. Deep story with tragedy and success and life lessons.

Pistol Packin’ Bride

Absurdly, hilariously sweet and romantic. Very entertaining when a handsome lawyer who had been adopted by three families in a small town in Texas meets his mail order bride that he knew nothing about. She has a lot to take in, since she also accidently shot him and is sent to jail in the town where they all love him.

The Bride Who Declined

1885 Boston then Texas

An upscale Boston seamstress inherits a ranch when the man she had answered an ad for a mail order bride, and had turned him down, died. But there are conditions. Jack is the Foreman and helps her get to know the ropes. Another man shows up thinking the Ranch should have been his, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get it. God throws us unexpected roads, but He has a plan with our best interests at heart.

Twice the Trouble by Vickie McDonough

Cactus Creek, Texas Early May 1888

Irish twins answer a Mail order bride ad to get away from their aunt. When they get to Texas they decide to gain some time and won't tell the men their names. Interesting story of their getting to know one another and find their true matches, and decipher God's plan for them all.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheMailOrderStandoff #NetGalley

My Reviews

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

1880 Texas Christian Historical

Satisfying Western story about Eliza who grew up in a wealthy Ranch, going on a cattle drive with her father, brothers and two of her friends. The boys get into a fight that changes all their lives. Interesting tale of Texas prestigious families and their lives. A wild and spoiled girl who grows up, learning lessons as she goes. Mix in a murder mystery, kidnapping and betrayal. Great read!

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheChisholmTrailBride #NetGalley

My Reviews