Review: God's Love by R.C. Sproul

About the book:

An in-depth look at a God who not only loves, but is love.

 

Love has come to mean many things. It’s used to describe emotions. It’s the glue for relationships. It frames countless stories.

 

And the greatest of these stories opens before time began and echoes throughout eternity. It’s the story of God’s unrelenting, overwhelming love for His people. Yet the truth of love is even more majestic, more staggering, and more extraordinary than we can understand: God doesn’t just love us. He is love.

 

Renowned theologian and teacher Dr.R.C. Sproul takes a remarkable look at this most profound truth. God’s Love delves deep into Scripture to explore this dynamic attribute of God, which finds its ultimate expression in His Son. Dr. Sproul also examines seeming paradoxes of God, such as a loving God and divine hate, and how love coexists with His sovereignty. Practical, insightful, and revolutionary, God’s Love compels and calls us to reflect His nature of unconditional love. 

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

God's Love is a book I had on my TBR shelf for way too long and I just now finally read. I loved it! It helped explain some difficult-to-put-to-words theology. It was easy to read, even though it was a deep read at times.

I definitely can see myself rereading this book in the future and recommend it. I look forward to reading more books by R.C. Sproul.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Weekend Wrap-Up (October 30th, 2022)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright

About the book:

After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.

Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town's cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden--even if that means silencing Aggie.

In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.

My rating:
4 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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Review: On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

About the book:

Foxglove Manor would twist its way into your soul until one day it owned you, and it called to you, and it didn't cease haunting you until you came back.

In 1885, Adria Fontaine has been sent away from her home to recover goods her malevolent father pirated on the Great Lakes during the Civil War. Hoping to find freedom away from her father, Adria arrives at Foxglove Manor--a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior--but senses only wickedness hovering over the property. The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Centuries later, Kailey Gibson takes on a position as a nurse's aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Abducted as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling threat from her kidnappers that they may return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a haven.

As the sinister mysteries of Foxglove Manor haunt two women separated by time, they will have to risk it all to banish the past's demons--including their own.

My rating:
2 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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Review: Hidden Mercies by Serena B. Miller

About the book:

When Amish widow Claire Shetler is attracted to the man behind her fiancé’s death, they both embark on a healing journey to discover God’s hidden mercies, perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis and Beth Wiseman.

At seventeen, Tobias Miller smashed his cousin’s car into a tree, killing his brother only four hours before he was scheduled to marry Claire Shetler. Unable to live with his father’s bottomless grief and anger, Tobias left the Amish church and ran away to join the Marines. Twenty-seven years later, Tobias, now called Tom, returns to Mt. Hope, Ohio, a wounded, decorated Marine helicopter pilot, and rents an apartment over Claire’s workshop.

A widowed Amish midwife, Claire is struggling to support her family. When Tom rents her room, she does not recognize the disfigured soldier as the boy she once knew. She only sees the money as a godsend, though she is nervous about having a strange man so close by. Claire never dreams that she will end up falling in love with a battle-scarred soldier.

As Claire and Tom fight their way through the traumas of the past, they discover the tender mercies God has hidden along the way—including a loving father who has been praying for his prodigal son to come home and a God who makes all things new.

My rating:
4 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Hidden Mercies was such a good read! I'm not usually a reader of Amish fiction; but, every once in a while I'll pick one up. As with An Uncommon Grace by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed this story...it hooked me from the first chapter!

I was invested in the characters and their journey towards healing from tragedy. Part of the book was so sad and yet other moments were sweet. :)

All in all, I recommend Hidden Mercies to fans of the genre.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Weekend Wrap-Up (October 21st, 2022)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: North Star Brides by Erica Vetsch

About the book:

Minnesota tycoon Abraham Kennebrae is in the business of love when he plans to marry his grandsons to the wealthiest heiresses in town. The trouble is the brothers and their future brides aren’t happy about the prospect. Jonathan desperately wants to keep his fortune while Melissa wants to protect her deepest secret and her heart. Noah flees to the safety of Sutton Island where he unexpectedly meets his would-be bride, Anastasia. Eli is betrothed to marry Clarice Zahn, yet it is her younger sister, Josie, who truly has eyes for the groom. Can true love result from mismatched matchmaking?

My rating:
3 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Bartered Bride was a fine read, but not a favorite. I found the premise interesting and I liked the characters. I did feel like the heroine rushed to judgement quickly, which got to be a little frustrating. It was still a fun read.

The Marriage Masquerade was a fun story. I liked it more than the first book and, while not 100% believable, it was an entertaining read that held my attention.

The Engineered Engagement is a book I've read twice now, the first time without having read the prior books in the series. I think I can safely say that I enjoyed it more the second time after reading the first two books. The romance was nice, even though it seems rushed in the end. A nice read. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Review: Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

About the book:

The dead don't give up their secrets easily

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demises appear to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths, as well as her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. And once they join forces to investigate, danger follows close behind. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked. 

My rating:
4 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Body of Evidence is the third and final book in Hannon's Triple Threat series. I've been loving this series and found this latest story to be another great read.

I really liked the characters and getting to see Grace's romance story. I have to say that I found the scenes regarding her job a little difficult to read, at times. I'm not usually squeamish, but for some reason the earlier portion of the book got to me. I wasn't bothered later on, though, so I'm not sure why I was SO creeped out in the beginning. lol

All in all, I really enjoyed Body of Evidence and recommend the series to fans of the genre. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Weekend Wrap-Up (October 14th, 2022)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

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This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Undaunted Hope (Beacons of Hope #3) by Jody Hedlund

About the book:

1871

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

In a Town Mired in Darkness,

She May Shine the Light They Need

Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it's too late to replace her. Tessa can't help but thank him and say she is in his debt.

Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Undaunted Hope is the third book in the Beacons of Hope series and another good read. I was glad that we got to see Tessa’s story after what happened with her in the second book. I was really curious what her future was going to hold.

This story was unique and definitely had some intense moments. I didn't particularly like the romance - mainly because the brothers were both fighting for Tessa’s attention and I didn't personally like the rivalry...

All in all, Undaunted Hope was a good read and I'm glad I read the book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Review: Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope #2) by Jody Hedlund

About the book:

1865

Windmill Point, Michigan

Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?

After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My rating:
4 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Hearts Made Whole is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series and another good read. I feel like the romance, as with the first book, was a little heated at times. 

The storyline was good and it was a fast read. I felt like the danger/mystery aspect was predictable and I easily guessed the bad guy.

All in all, though, I still really enjoyed this read and am eager to finish the series.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Read More

Weekend Wrap-Up (October 7th, 2022)

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and my reading plans for the coming week. 

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've read this past week. :)

-

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope #1) by Jody Hedlund

About the book:

1859

Presque Isle, Michigan

What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?

All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she's left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He's just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other's dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife's death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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Monthly Reflections | September 2022

Monthly Reflections, where we take the time to reflect on the previous month.

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(Posting late) September 20: Books On My Fall 2022 To-Read List

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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September 20: Books On My Fall 2022 To-Read List

I wanted to do this topic two weeks ago, but somehow missed it. Still posting it, as it is such a fun topic and I love to look back at my old TBR lists. :)

This fall I have some books that have been on my shelf for a while, as well as some newer additions. I am SUPER excited about these stories and can't wait to see what I think of them. :D 

(in no particular order)

This post contains “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

1.  Body of Evidence (Triple Threat, #3) by Irene Hannon| Amazon Link

2. Hidden Mercies by Serena B. Miller | Amazon Link

3. By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer | Amazon Link

4. Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer | Amazon Link

5.  Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham | Amazon Link

6.  The Sisters of Sea View (On Devonshire Shores, #1) by Julie Klassen | Amazon Link

7. Sundown by Susan May Warren | Amazon Link

8. Live Your Truth (and Other Lies): Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed by Alisa Childers | Amazon Link

9. The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians, #3) by Dani Pettrey | Amazon Link

10.  As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin | Amazon Link

What are some of the books on your fall TBR list? Have you read any of the books on mine?

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