Unspoken

Unspoken by Dee Henderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A big fan of Dee Henderson, I came across this book and was predisposed to give it a try. It has an interesting story line, similar to her O'Malley mysteries. I have noticed there is a tendency to ramble a bit, but overall I really enjoyed the character development and the various connections to characters from her other books. Bryce is a strong character who models what it means to live a Christian life. Charlotte's character brings the dynamic of a person who has been badly hurt and is unable to trust. Their journey and her questions about faith and God make for intriguing discussion. It's not the best written book I've ever read, but the subject material and characters are captivating and relevant. Really enjoyed!

View all my reviews

Jesus Calling

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent daily devotional, but don't pass it by because you don't want to commit to the book. Even if you only picked it up once a week or month, I promise you that it will speak to your life. The tone of the author puts you in a conversation with Jesus. It is straightforward, enjoyable, and it fits your life. Please, give this book a chance; you won't regret it! I have it in hardcover to keep by my bed, and as an ebook to have wherever I go.

View all my reviews

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence - purchase on Amazon

Rome Sweet Home

Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott Hahn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent story of the faith journey of Scott and Kimberly Hahn. So many parts resonated with me and made me laugh out loud. I appreciate the viewpoints of a convert which helps cradle Catholics like myself appreciate the richness of our church. They opened with a quote from archbishop Fulton Sheet, "There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Roman Catholic Church; there are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church." Worth reading for both the insight into each of their conversion stories, and also for the insights into the beauty of Catholicism. Whether you agree with the Hahns or not, they are genuine in their words and actions.

View all my reviews

Purchase from Amazon - Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism

Friday Night Knitting Club

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book in anticipation of our book club meeting. It was a fun story, and had some twists that I did not anticipate. I felt that the characters were very relate-able and honest. Life is not easy, actions have consequences, and we need other people. It is never too late to do the right thing.

View all my reviews

Walking on Water

Walking on Water by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enjoyable read, quick and easy. Tissues required to read. Interesting conclusion to the series.

View all my reviews

Spiritual Combat

The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book for spiritual growth. Challenges the reader in lots of ways, and isn't always easy to read (in the sense that incorporating the suggestions might pull one out of his/her comfort zone). Most chapters are very short, but packed with great snippets. My sister and I did this as a weekly book study, reading and reflecting on one or more chapters at a time. Highly recommend for advancing spiritual life.

View all my reviews

First Phone Call From Heaven

The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with Mr. Albom's other books, there is enough 'realness' to keep you grounded, as well as enough hope to keep you believing. This book was an interesting combination of hope and doubt, much like our daily lives. Very enjoyable read and a good message of faith inside. My favorite line, ". . . heaven is always and forever around us, and no soul remembered is ever really gone." Good stuff.

View all my reviews

Takedown Twenty

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The storyline was different enough to keep interest. After 19 books, it's hard to stay fresh. In this book, it felt like Stephanie's character was emphasized so we could better relate to her life. Her quirks, clumsy bad luck, and car woes endeared her even more to the reader. I'm not sure I would pick up the book without prior motivation, but since I've read all of the series, it feels like I can't give up now!

View all my reviews

Deadly Heat

Deadly Heat by Richard Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am confusing my characters since I am also a fan of the TV show, but it is a solid book. Hopefully it will bring in some fresh focus for the next book since the story lines mimic and echo the show. Some creative pieces, so overall an interesting read. Murder mystery that has some sly references to the show.

View all my reviews

Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Interesting combination of two stories, one present and one past. Eventually the two stories converge into a beautiful ending which reminds us why we like to read about happy endings - they make us feel good. Character emotions are very real and believable, making us remember that things aren't as black and white as we sometimes delude ourselves into believing. Present day couple Luke (bull rider/rancher) and Sophia (art history student) nicely complement the memories that introduce us to the history of Ruth (teacher with a passion for art) and Ira (clothier and soldier in WWII).

View all my reviews

Wedding Night

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Some awesome one-liners that made me laugh out loud, but overall disappointed in the book. It took a lot of pages to go full-circle. Knowing what I know, I'd probably still read it because there are some excellent lines. Just felt too drawn out for the story line.

View all my reviews

The Heist

The Heist by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the Stephanie Plum books . . . up until the story line became a bit repetitive. So when did the Diesel books and other attempts, I was excited and then disappointed. So I was a little hesitant to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised - it was a nice book, fun and quirky characters, and it felt fresh.

Female protagonist is an FBI agent who is after the slipperiest of scam artists. But the tables turn, and they end up working on the same side. Where exactly that side falls in terms of legality is a little shady, but there are a lot more options that way! My favorite part was the rocket launcher scene. Worth a read.

View all my reviews

Storm Front

Storm Front by Richard Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent read. Love the name dropping and show tie-ins. Any fan of Castle will enjoy this book. Had a few twists, complications, and plenty of smiles. Don't read for the spy thriller focus, but because it's a fun book with a great character.

View all my reviews

Step of Faith - Walk Series #4

A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. A little different feel than the previous books. Still not used to the fact that he ends each time with such dramatic cliff-hangers. Frustrating when you are used to reading the entire journey in one book. Good storyline and relevant character feel. If you like his other books, this will fit in well, but 1) read in order and 2) wait for the entire series so you can read straight through!

View all my reviews

My Foolish Heart

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoy SMW's books. In this one, she didn't shy away from difficult topics throughout a compelling story. A take on the 'boy/girl next door' storyline, she did a wonderful job of creating real, believable characters. Caleb was injured in combat, and is trying to create a new life where people don't pity him. He moves in next door to Isadora, who is fighting an internal combat. Plenty of emotion, Christianity, and heart. Recommend!

View all my reviews

Mystery Woman

The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable book. Stayed within her Amanda Quick persona, using the Victorian-Englad era and high society for the background. Connected with the previous Ladies of Lantern street book, but not so much that you couldn't read it alone. Her format is fairly predictable, but the characters are still interesting. Strong heroine who must join forces with a reluctant hero (who is typically wounded physically/emotionally) to right a wrong. Along the way, romance blooms, and by the time the book is over, it's happily ever after. Some suspense, some good one-liners.

View all my reviews

The Chance

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good book, same as most of her writing. I enjoy her Christian fiction. This particular story lacked some suspense, since you knew what was going to happen. The only question was how and when. Overall a good read. This story is about two teenagers who are best friends on the verge of more when they are separated by tragedy and time. Good story on forgiveness and faith, although slightly predictable.

View all my reviews

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book, but definitely too short! Not sure where I would recommend reading this. Maybe a prequel to the O'Malley series? Good to have some back story to Jennifer O'Malley. Great Christian fiction read. Highly recommend the entire series and any books by Dee Henderson.

View all my reviews

Our Lady of Kibeho

Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa by Immaculee Ilibagiza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is Immaculee's 3rd book, it is the first one of hers that I have read. I had the opportunity to hear her at a conference earlier this month, and it was amazing. She has an incredible story to tell, which is detailed in her first book, "Left to Tell". I am told that once you start, you can't put it down. Our Lady of Kibeho gave some insight into the story she shared at the conference. If you have any interest in current (or more recent) Marian apparitions, this is worth reading. Our Lady loves each of her children, regardless of faith/religion, and she wants to spread a message of love and peace. That is something that I want to emulate.

View all my reviews

Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

Rediscovering Catholicism: Journeying Toward Our Spiritual North Star by Matthew Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Highly recommend for a variety of reasons. It may not always be easy to read (in the sense of taking a look at ourselves, habits, etc) but it is worth it. It is not going to be perfect for everyone, but it has so much good content that I hope everyone gives it a chance. Great tool for Catholics who may have lapsed or have gotten into a rut with their faith. Great analogies for today, and the general expectation of 'entertain me'. If we come to our churches with that approach, no wonder we wander, unfulfilled. Good insight for non-Catholics as well, to help them understand Catholicism a little better. This most certainly will aid those who don't want to be lukewarm anymore (Revelation 3:16), and it has rekindled my faith to be stronger. Blessings!

View all my reviews