Newton & Polly - Jody Hedlund

Newton & Polly – Jody Hedlund

            If you have never read a book by Jody Hedlund, you are missing out on something special.  She mostly writes historical fiction, but she has written several stories based on real people.  Her story telling ability is fantastic.

            Newton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace is the story of John Newton and Polly Catlett.  This book has so much history of life in the mid-1700s.  (I love that because I teach history!)  Newton had a hard life, but God redeemed him.  Polly thought she knew what she wanted out of life, but God changed her heart.

            You will find love and deception in this book.  You will be scared and frustrated.  Just read the book.  I don’t know anyone who has ever heard the song “Amazing Grace” and not been moved by it in some form.  Read this book to learn the background.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. 

The Captive Heart - Michelle Griep

The Captive Heart  - Michelle Griep

            If I am being totally honest, I didn’t think I would like this book.  I don’t know why, maybe I wasn’t in the mood for historical.  However, by the end of the first chapter I could barely put it down.  I love stories that have an “arranged” story. 

            This is the story of Eleanor Morgan and Samuel Heath.  Eleanor has some huge lies fed to her by her earthly father.  She is forced to leave – escape – a bad situation in England.  She lands in the Colonies, and is forced into marriage.  This story follows what she learns in the Colonies…about herself, God, and Samuel Heath.

            There is some history in the book.  You will find some love…some scandal, and some deception.  I am a reviewer who doesn’t like to give too much information about the story because I don’t want to spoil the fun. 

            I loved this story so much that I just downloaded Michelle Griep’s Brentwood’s Ward onto my Kindle.  Read this book.  (I hope this is a series and the next 2 books tell Biz’s and Molly’s story!)

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Gratitude Journal

            How do I review a coloring journal?   I really like how the book is laid out.  I like the variations in the pages.  I like how there are places to color, and places to journal.  There are little devotionals.  I like the themes: confession, being still, being content, grace, the steadfastness of God’s love, and many more.   I love the biblical truths set in this fun setting.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Tapestry of Secrets - Sarah Loudin Thomas

A Tapestry of Secrets – Sarah Loudin Thomas

            A Tapestry of Secrets is book number 3 in Appalachian Blessings Series.  I have read all 3 books, and enjoyed this one very much.  I love books set in the Appalachian Mountains because that is where my parents were raised.  I can put these words in the mountains of Southeaster Kentucky, and picture the story unfolding.  (Although this story isn’t in Kentucky.)

            This is the story of Perla and Ella, and many other family members.  You will find Ella searching for what is truly important, and see her confused while she is enticed by different situations.  You will see Perla struggle to help regain her health.  You will see examples of Christ, and examples of evil.  It really is a great story.

            I love the “being real” references in this book.  Seriously, if people were real many relationship struggles would be eliminated.  I just really loved The Velveteen Rabbit  references.

            I don’t understand why Amazon isn’t offering to sale this book new on it’s own.  It is really a great story.  Buy this book!  Read it!

            I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

Just a Kiss – Denise Hunter

I have read and LOVED all the books in the Summer Harbor series, and I have loved each and every one!  I am a huge Denise Hunter fan!

Just a Kiss is Riley and Paige’s story.  I am going to leave it at that.  You can read the back of the cover to see what the story is about. 

One of the things I enjoyed most is the theme of believing and defeating the lies the enemy tells us about ourselves.  Both Riley and Paige have lies they believe about themselves.  (We all do!)  I love the story of how they overcome these lies. 

One funny thing – I am from the south.  I kept trying to “read” with that northeastern accent.  Hmmm…..to me….I prefer the southern accent! 

Buy the book!  If you haven’t read the other 2 in the series, read them first!  WHAT A GREAT READ!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Kiss-Summer-Harbor-Novel/dp/0718023757/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473526355&sr=8-1&keywords=just+a+kiss