Un-Common - Carey Scott

Un-Common Pursuing a Life of Passion and Purpose – Carey Scott

            I couldn’t wait to write about this book.  I think the more “politically correct” people are, the less willing people are to step out of their comfort zones.  Let’s face it if you are married, have a few kids, work, serve AT church – who really has time in their lives to actually step into the HOT MESSES of life.  If we are all truthful we have been a part of some messes. 

            “God has a perfect track record in your life.  Here’s what that does not mean: 1) Life is pain-free. 2) Life is easy. 3) God will do what you want, when you want it.”  Love these words of truth.  People don’t discuss the hard – especially if it is embarrassing.  “Your faith doesn’t grown by chance but by choice.”  OH MY WORD!  LOVE THIS TRUTH!  And sometimes…the choice is hard.  The choice can be uncomfortable.

            I am not quite done with the book, but know that I will finish it.  We all need to grow in our faith.  We all need to step out of what is common.

            This book is well written, thought provoking, and challenging.  It is so rich and good!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Sweetbriar Cottage - Denise Hunter

Sweetbriar Cottage – Denise Hunter

I love Denise Hunter!  I love stories set in my home state of Georgia!  This book was a no-brainer to read!  This is the story of Noah, who is still reeling from a harsh divorce from Josephine.  Unbeknown to them after about a year and a half they are still actually married.  Josephine grew up in a hot mess environment!  She can’t seem to do the right thing when it comes to Noah. 

They are trapped together during a horrible storm.  They go without food and power.  Then things got worse.  One theme is that people aren’t always who they appear to be.  Another one would be to just be honest – even with the hard stuff!

I love a happy ending.  I won’t spoil it for you, but it may or may not end that way.  If I had anything to complain about regarding the story is that I find it hard to believe that someone could become that secluded for that long in North Georgia.  It makes me want to go visit my sister in Blairsville, a main city in North Georgia, and figure it out!

I was given this book with the option of reviewing it.  I loved this story and I would highly recommend it.

With you Always - Jody Hedlund

With you Always (Orphan Train) -  Jody Hedlund

            Jody Hedlund is one of my all time favorite authors.  I loved this book, but I don’t know if I would have categorized it as an “orphan train” book.  I would definitely say the characters are struggling orphans.  It was a very good book!

            This is the story of Elise Neumann, the oldest of 3 sisters who were orphaned.  Elise has to leave her sisters after a crisis in New York causes her to go west for work.  While she is away she convinces the founder of a new town – that is a competition between twin brothers – to really experience what he is asking the working class to do.  Thornton Quincy, the twin who starts her town, is greatly humbled, and has his eyes opened to the plight of the working class.

            The competition has a stiff prize – the inheritance of his wealthy father’s money.  Thornton’s brother is willing to do what it takes to win, will Thornton?

            I really enjoyed this book.

            I was given this book in exchange for the possibility of writing a review.

Under the Summer Sky: A Savannah Romance - Melody Carlson

Under the Summer Sky: A Savannah Romance  – Melody Carlson

I am a big fan of Melody Carlson.  I loved the cover of this book.  I love Savannah!  This is the story of Nicole Anderson who is a high school art teacher who needs a little change of pace in her life.  At the beginning of summer she is presented – almost forced – into a trip to run an art gallery in Savannah, Georgia for old family friends.  What she doesn’t realize is the old family friends also have 2 grown sons, and the art gallery is staffed with a disagreeable co-worker.  Nicole is forced out of her comfort zones in many ways, and rises to the occasions.  Savannah, Georgia is also highlighted in this fun story.

            This was a fun read – especially for a Georgia girl!

I was given this book and had the option of posting a review online.