The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller // Review

My Review: 

A moving novel based on the true stories of Anna Cooper, Mary Church and Ida Gibbs three women of color who attended Oberlin College in 1884, breaking down barriers and fighting for a fair education. 

 The novel primarily follows Mary and Anna, two women from very different backgrounds, both determined to make a difference and receive a respected college education. The novel follows not just the challenges faced at the college, but also in their personal lives. I was initially drawn to the story knowing very little about the background of the story but found the premise interesting, and my grandmother attended Oberlin College in the 1950s. 

 Well written novel based on real events and people, my heart went out to Anna for her courage in pursuing college and a life away from where she grew up. Not letting the past stand in the way of a bright future. Mary had her own struggles too, away from where her family name carried more weight, I admired how she didn't give up and kept reaching for her goals. 

 Overall, an inspiring read, that brought to life the challenges faced by Ida, Anna, and Mary during their time at Oberlin College. I especially enjoyed the ending, learning more about their lives after college, and later returning for advanced degrees as well. Moving and inspiring historical read. 

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Explosive Alliance by Susan Sleeman // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Krista Curry is attending a soccer game with her grandfather, and the last thing she expects to stumble upon is a bomb. Explosives expert Cash Dixon comes to the rescue, but there are still a lot of questions. Krista has secrets of her own, but her dodging of questions is making her look more and more suspicious. Can they find the true bomber before time runs out? 

An action packed read, with a compelling plot and plenty of tension. I liked Krista's close relationship with her grandfather, and how he talks openly about his faith. I liked how they worked together well, and that they bonded over their faith. 

Overall, an action packed read, full of suspense. There's a lot going on, and I liked how it kept you guessing. There are strong themes of faith, and forgiveness, and I liked how Krista stayed calm in a crazy situation. A highly engaging and enjoyable read, definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ambushed in Yosemite by Kellie VanHorn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

 Park employee Skylar Jansen stumbles upon a man burying a body in the middle of the Yosemite wilderness and finds herself in a killer's crosshairs. 

A fast paced read, with a lot going on with ties to secrets from the past, as Skylar and Special Agent Bode Tucker try to stay ahead of the killer. I liked that they bonded over their shared faith. Bode is a devoted single dad, with a young daughter, and I liked that he has a supportive family around him. 

A gripping read, with likable characters, and good plot. There is good interaction and dialogue throughout in this action-packed cold case suspense. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Killer on Campus by Rhonda Starnes // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Forensic photographer Jane Mason finds herself in a killer's crosshairs when she starts digging into her aunt's homicide case. 

Now a teacher at the very college where her aunt was murdered, she spends her spare time trying to figure out what happened to her aunt. But when she is attacked on campus she knows that she is onto something. Her estranged childhood friend Ridge Snyder jumps in offering help and support. 

Full of tension, this book has a lot going on, and twists that kept me guessing. I liked that Ridge and Jane worked on repairing their relationship and coming to terms with what happened in the past. 

There is a lot going on, with great tension and a plot that kept me on my toes. Great characters and relationship building. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review:

A cozy autumn read, with a small town meets big city romance. 

 Via Dalton owns a growing cat cafe and has dreams of expanding. But when her neighbor suddenly dies without leaving his wishes in writing, she and the town are surprised to find that he has a nephew, Leo , a big city hedge fund manager who has plans to sell and go back to L.A., but Earl's will has couple unique stipulations that have him sticking around and wondering if there is more to Pecan Corner than her thought. 

 A cute opposites attract romance, clean, but the characters do seem to dwell on the other's physical characteristics quite a bit mentally, which I personally didn't need to read about. I liked that Via has a close knit family, friends, and community, she has a big heart for others. Sir Meow is quite the character, and humorously takes a liking to Leo. It was also fun getting to see glimpses of who Earl was posthumously through his home, shop, and will, and imagine the life he lived. 

 Charming and sweet romance, with a Hallmark movie like setting and plot. Perfect for a light and cozy read. Enjoyable, humorous, sweet and quick read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 
A haunting dual-timeline novel of two women in different time periods uncovering the secrets of an elaborate mansion haunted by the memory of a terrible wrong. 

 Tris is excited to start a new job and leave her past behind but is dismayed to find that it has followed her. I admired her for walking away from all she'd ever known for her newfound faith, and acting on her convictions. She finds herself working alongside her old ghost hunting team, Beck and her brother, Casper, to uncover what is really going on at the mansion rumored to be haunted by Civil War ghosts, and an elusive 100th door. Full of gothic vibes, I appreciated the strong faith, and the honesty with which Tris wrestled between loyalty and hope for freedom from the past. 

 Minnie Tipton comes to mansion after her father uproots them, selling everything to move there. But upon moving there, her father is beset by illness and rages, and the housekeeper seems to be harboring secrets, treating her coldly and usurping her place as lady of the house. She meets the mysterious Dexter, a quaker man, with suspicions about the house. Minnie tries to find answers about the house's terrible past, while seeing strange things and not knowing who to trust. The housekeeper was chillingly creepy, hot and cold, and impossible to predict. I liked Minnie, that she stepped out of her comfort zone, daring to hope for more than the role she had silently committed herself to. 

 A gripping and ghostly read, set in a haunted mansion turned bookshop. It definitely kept me on my toes, with complex characters, and unknown loyalties that had me guessing. The dual timelines entwined well, and I liked how it talked about not dabbling in darkness. Masterfully written with a resounding message of faith. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz // Review

My Review: 

Maebel Bohannon's family is divided by their loyalties in the struggle for early America. 

Mae finds herself especially at odds with her sister Coralie, who is a devoted Loyalist, with a British officer as a beau. I admired Mae in her forbearance of her sister's selfish ways, and refusal to settle into complaining alongside her, while making the best of each situation. 

I loved the longing between Rhys and Mae as they fight for a future despite the uncertain future. General Rhys Harlow is devoted to the American cause and is a good friend to Mae's brother. I liked their connection and bond of faith. 

A captivating read that swept me into the struggles of a young America, as loyalties are divided and families torn apart. Full of heartache, betrayal and longing, this historically rich novel will have you hanging onto every word. Hopeful, romantic and gritty, with a love story you won't soon forget. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming and emotional read about life lessons, forgiveness, and what really matters. 

Eric Larson has big plans to turn the small-town Montana financial office into a success so that his Uncle Jack will promote him to a big city office. He forms an unlikely friendship with his next-door neighbor, Eunice, begrudgingly helping her complete her bucket list of making it right with people before she dies.

I liked how Eric and Eunice hep each other, and how Eric slowly changes his mind about the small town that his Uncle Jack loved so much. A compelling novel, with a wonderful community of people who are patient with Eric, getting to know him and earning a place in his heart as well. I liked Eunice, she is headstrong and stubborn, with a wry humor. 

A compelling novel, about friendship and the people you meet in unlikely places. I liked how human this book felt, nobody was perfect, but they all felt real. Emotional with a powerful message of friendship and forgiveness. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Ordinary Church by John MacArthur // Review

My Review: 

In this book the late John MacArthur shows through Scripture the definition of an ordinary and godly church body.

Concise and to the point, this book is a compelling and encouraging read that while mourns that many churches are not as close the Biblical model as would be hoped for, encourages readers to be the ones that stand firm and guide their churches with Biblical principles. I found it a very easy to read, and accessible read, straightforward yet not to formal, and cutting straight to the point. 

I liked that it had a balanced tone, that was encouraging, calling for wisdom in dealing with difficult problems and turning to Scriptures. He calls us to be faithful church members who take an active role in our church, serving, praying and committing. 

A great read, and wonderful reminder of the Biblical church model. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

David's Diary: The Science Fair Sabotage by Bunmi Laditan, illustrated by Elisa Rocchi // Review

My Review: 

A fun-filled follow up to David's summer camp shenanigans, David and his friend Nate are back in school and competing in their school's science fair. 

But a threat to their school's entry in the science fair has them joining forces with an unlikely ally and learning about the fruits of the spirit. Humorous and fast paced, I like that David has good intentions to help others, even if things don't always go as planned. A fun upbeat read, with comic style illustrations that fit the story well. It is a great Christian alternative to similar middle grade reads that are snarky and do not encourage good character. 

Humorous and well written. David is suspicious of others and learns to give them a chance. I liked how he and Nate worked with Abby, and got to know her better over the course of their adventure. 

Overall, fun-filled read, with plenty of humor and lessons about making friends and the fruit of the spirit. Definitely a fun one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.