The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Miss Rachel Ashford has seen a lot of changes in her life.  Since the death of her father she has been living as a guest at Ivy Cottage.  Her funds are dwindling and she feels that she must find a way to support herself.  With the help of her friends she is able to open a circulating library.  As book donations arrive, so do mysteries.  Will solving the mysteries bring her closer to the man she loves, or will they push them farther apart?

I enjoyed this book.  The characters were well developed and believable.  I enjoyed reading about the problems and joys that they have in their lives.  This is the second book in the series, and I haven't read the first one.  I was able to pick up on many things that happened in the first book, and wasn't confused about what was going on.  There were several sweet romances happening, and it was fun to read about.  I liked the way that the characters worked together to help each other out.  There was genuine friendship and love shown between the characters.  I was quickly drawn into the story and was sad to finish the book.  I look forward to reading more books in this series.  I would give it 4/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

I am always excited when I see a new book by Jen Turano.  Her books just make me smile.  I always know that there is going to be madcap adventures along with some sweet romance.  Out of the Ordinary was no different.  Miss Gertrude Cadwalader has had some hard things to deal with in life, but she has been able to make the best of her situation.  She is a paid companion to Mrs. Davenport who has some less than reputable habits.  When Gertrude is trying to rectify a sticky situation that Mrs. Davenport has created it threatens to destroy the budding romance that she has with Harrison Sinclair.

I enjoyed this book.  The characters were fun.  They were eccentric and hilarious.  They all had a zest for life that is portrayed nicely in the story.  I love watching Gertrude's journey.  She had a very rough childhood and she feels guilt for things that happened when she was very young.  I enjoyed her come to realize that she can't be held accountable for what others did.  I also enjoyed seeing her faith increase.  I was so happy to see her realize that God did love her.  There were many parts that were quite funny.  I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed some of Ms. Turano's in the past, but it was an enjoyable read.  I would give it 3/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.

The Domino Effect by Davis Bunn

Esther Larsen is a risk analyst at one of the largest banks in the country.  She has been watching the market for years and understands how interconnect and fragile it has comes.  When she sees things heading to the brink can she help avert a disaster?

I had a hard time getting into this book.  There is a lot of talk about financial matters that I didn't completely understand.  Once I was into the book I did enjoy it.  There were some plot points that didn't make sense to me.  The relationship between Craig and Esther was not fully explained.  It felt like they met and instantly became a couple.  I wish that more time had been spent on developing this relationship.  I also found it hard to believe that Esther had been so distant with those around her for so long, and then suddenly lets everybody in.  I did enjoy the character of Esther.  I liked how decisive and intelligent she was.  I feel that the book is relevant to our time.  The beginning of the book took me a long time to read, but once the story started going I grabbed me more, and I was able to finish it much faster than I had started it.  Over all I would give this book 3/5 stars.  There were many plot points that I didn't find believable, but I did enjoy the characters and the overall story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in return for my review.

Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan

I have loved Janette Oke's books since I was a little girl.  I was so excited to get the chance to review one of her new books!  I also love Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series.  I didn't get a chance to read the first two books in the series, but I felt like I already knew many of the characters because I have watched the TV series.   Elizabeth Thatcher is returning for her second year of teaching in Coal Valley.  She had an eventful summer and is excited to return to her familiar town.   When she arrives she discovers that everything has changed.  She has a new home, a new school, and many new faces in the town.  There is also a new teacher to share the teaching duties with.  I really like Elizabeth Thatcher.  She is trying so hard, but sometimes she makes mistakes.  Or sometimes, even when she knows that something is wrong she has a hard time changing her mind.  I could really relate to her.  She is very down to earth and is striving to follow God's will for her.  There are many bumps in the road, but eventually she is able to accept those around her, and see in them what God sees in them.  I found my opinion of  Robert Harris Hughes changing as Elizabeth comes to accept him and see the good in him.   I really enjoyed reading this book!  I would give it 3.5/5 stars.  I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my review.

In Good Company by Jen Turano

Millie Longfellow is a good nanny, and she is determined to find a family that will actual value her skills.  She is unconventional in her methods and has been dismissed by one to many families.  Everett Mulberry is desperate to find a nanny that can actually outwit his charges.  When the both arrive at the employment agency at the same time they are given one last chance.  They must work together.

I really enjoyed this book.  I like that we get to see some of the same characters from a previous book.  I always enjoy Jen Turano's books.  The characters are strong, and fun.  Millie knows that she is right in her methods, and is tireless in making sure that the children in her charge get the love and attention that they need.  Everett is slow to notice how much he has withheld from the children, but Millie makes sure that he understands what they need.  I enjoyed watching the romance develop.  Caroline is completely inappropriate for Everett, and you are just hoping that he will notice before it is to late.  There is a lot of excitement along the way, and even a mystery to solve.  I would give this book a 4/5 stars.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

Lucetta Plum has taken care of herself for years.  She finds herself if a situation where whe has to depend on others to protect her, and she has a hard time accepting their help.  She is one of the most sought after actresses in New York City.  When one of her admirers gets too determined to have her she has to hide until it blows over.  This leads her to the mysterious Ravenwood, and it's attractive owner, Bram Haverstein.  Will she be able to accept his help?

I really enjoyed this book.  I have read several books by Jen Turano, and they are always a fun read.  The characters are unique and quirky.  There is a good pace to the book, and you never know what is going to happen next.  Lucetta is an interesting character.  She is not perfect, and that makes you like her all the more.  Bram is also interesting.  It is fun to watch him as he learns that Lucetta is not the person that he assumed her to be, but then grows to love her even more for the person that she actually is.   There are several impossible situations that happen in the book, and it is always fun to see how they are going to get out of them.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

I was really excited to read this book!  I love reading dystopian novels, and seeing the different ideas of our future.

Carrington Hale has spent her whole life preparing for her Choosing Ceremony.  She has done everything that was expected of her and excelled at it.  So how come she wasn't chosen? 

I found the world very interesting.  I like to see how the author had society rebuild itself.  It seems very plausible to me that the society could be based on a religion, and that the people in the city are required to live by the religion.  I found it sad that it was such a constricting religion and that it valued women so poorly.

The characters were interesting.  Some were creepy, and some were people that I could see myself being friends with.  I felt like the characters grew throughout the book.  It was interesting to see them come to understand themselves and their world.

I liked that the book talked about finding your own worth.  I think that this is an important thing that gets overlooked.  Our worth is not defined by what we have, or who we know.

Overall, I enjoyed this story.  The plot was a little predictable, but the characters and the world were interesting.  I would give this book 3/5 stars.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers.

A interesting Q&A with the author can be found here.

After a Fashion by Jen Turano

Harriet Peabody always prays for a birthday wish.  This year she has left it up to God, and just asks for something wonderful.   Now can she survive the journey and find out what it is he has in mind for her?

I always enjoy books written by Jen Turano, and this book is no exception.  Harriet is a very likable character.  She is surrounded by a cast of characters that is both fun and crazy.  Harriet is a very strong woman.  She has plans and dreams and is going to make them happen.  Oliver is a very nice, if somewhat crusty gentleman.  It is fun to watch the relationship develop between them.  I also enjoyed watching Oliver develop his relationship with God. 

Books by Jen Turano are always a fun, light read.  The characters find themselves in impossible situations but they always manage to come out on top.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. 

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh

Abigail Pressman has everything she has ever wanted.  Almost.  The opportunity to finally expand her business is finally happening.  If she can only buy the building before someone else does.  Abigail has seen love fail too many times to want to have it happen to her.  But, then the handsome Dr. moves to town.  Can she open her heart and let God lead her?

The characters in the book are fun.  Abigail has her quirks and is a very likable character.  You want her to be happy and to have her dreams happen.  There are a lot of fun, quirky people in the little town of Loves Park.  The town is obsessed with love, and it would be fun to visit.  Jacob is conflicted, but nice.  I had a hard time with the fact that he was so easily okay with kicking Abigail out of the building.  The paper hears was a really cute idea.  I like that the book tries to show that love isn't always perfect.  There are hard times and good times.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale. 

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

I really enjoyed this book.  Abigail Fosters family has recently lost most of their fortune, and they have been forced to seek a new home.  During their search they are approached with an offer that is too good to be true.  Soon they find themselves moving into a manor house that has been abandoned for almost 20 years. Soon they start to hear rumors about what happened to the former occupants and also what might be hidden in the home.  What is in store for Abigail and her family?

I really liked Abigail.  She is a very interesting, real character.  She has her good and bad parts and she is portrayed in a convincing manner.  I also generally liked the person that she was.  The book itself kept me guessing.  I wasn't sure how things would turn out in the end.  The mystery was interesting.  I liked learning the back history of the home and Pembrooke family.  I felt like the book had a good pace, and it revealed things at a good rate.  Not to fast, but also enough to keep you interested and guessing.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Buttermilk Sky by Jan Watson

Mazy is tired of everybody else making all of her decisions for her, so she decides to make some for herself.  She enrolls in Secretarial school and moves away from home.  Chanis Clay is sure that she will come back and marry him, but will Mazy meet someone new while she is away?

Mazy is a fun character.  She is a good girl who is trying to find out what she wants from life.  The story was sweet, but overly simplistic.  There were many themes that could have been explored more deeply. There were a lot of elements of the story that were just barely touched on.  Some things were mentioned so briefly that I wondered why they were included at all.  Other times things happened with absolutely no build up, or hinting, and they didn't seem to fit the characters involved.  Overall, it was a sweet story, but it could have used a lot of reworking.  I would give it 2.5/5 stars.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.

Candy Aisle Crafts by Jodi Levine

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  This book is adorable!  It is amazing the cute things that can be made out of a couple of pieces of candy.  The book is well laid out.  There are sections on the different kinds of candy that you can use.  There are a lot of pictures to help you know what to do.  The instructions are nice and easy to follow.  I can't wait to show this book to my kids!  I would give it 5/5 stars.

Sweet: Our Best Cupcakes, Cookies, Candy and More by the Editors of Food Network Magazine

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  I love this cookbook!  Every single recipe has a picture.  The index even has all of the pictures in it.  Everything looks delicious.  The recipes are simple and well laid out.  When necessary they have pictures showing the steps.  They even have a whole section on Fake-Out Cakes.  My kids are already planning on what they want for their next birthday.  This is a great cookbook, and I am super excited to use it!  I would give it 5/5 stars.

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.  I always enjoy Jen Turano's books.  She has strong characters that like to charge into situations.   Agatha Watson is no different.  Agatha has a penchant for getting herself into difficult circumstances.  She also is good at getting herself out of sticky situations.  Agatha is traveling the west looking for stories for the newspaper that she writes for.  One night she discovers that her old crush, Zayne Beckett is in the same hotel.  Agatha convinces Zayne that he needs to return to his family in New York, and she returns with him.  Unfortunately, whoever had been sending her death threats still wants her dead.  Craziness ensues.  The characters are fun, if not always believable.  I always feel like I need to suspend belief when I read Turanos books, but the ride is so fun that it is worth it.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Here is Where by Andrew Carroll

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  I really enjoyed this book!  The author has a very conversational tone, and he has some great stories to tell.  The stories are about forgotten things in America's history.  Many of the stories happened in places that I connected to, or they were extensions or other viewpoints of events that are more widely know.  I loved reading all of the stories.  I also loved the people that the author met along the way.  This book was a very easy read.  Lots of interesting information about history without being dry.  I would give this book 4.5/5 stars.

Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell with David Harrell

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.  Edgar Harrell was on the USS Indianapolis when it was sunk on July 30, 1945.  For four days nobody knew that the ship had sunk, and the survivors were adrift in the ocean.  Hundreds of men are in the water with only their life jackets to keep them afloat.  Sharks are their constant companions.

This is an amazing story.  I cannot imagine experiencing what these men did.  They suffered unimaginable deprivation, constant horror and worry.  It is a story that should be told and remembered.  These men should be honored.

I found the material amazing, but I did not enjoy the writing style.  The voice seemed almost detached.  There was almost too much detail, it detracted from the overall feeling of the book.  I would give this book 3/5 stars.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.  This is the second book in the Price of Privilege Trilogy.  Julia is now under the protection of her father, Lord Pierson.  Things are not working out like she had hoped.  She has lost complete control of her life.  Everything that she does is scripted for her.  How much longer can she withstand the charade?

I have mixed feelings about this book.  The writing is wonderful and I am completely drawn into the story as I read it.  I feel that some aspects of Julia's personality are conflicting.  I don't feel like the character is acting in the way that she should, based on how she was developed.  But this is far outweighed by the well told story line, and the interesting characters that are included.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Liar Lindly Brandt by Aften Brook Szymanski

Lindly Brandt is caught in an impossible situation and her only way out is to tell a lie. Things spiral out of control from there.

I really related to Lindly. I have been put in the same kinds of situations and reacted in the same way. :) I loved watching the progression through the book. The more lies Lindly tells, the worse things get. When she finally decides to tell the truth, things start to turn around. This was a short book, but the characters were well thought out. Lindly was very likable and I found myself invested in her. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series. I am also excited to share this book with my 9 year old daughter. I think that she will love it as well. I would give this book 4.5/5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review.

The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting by Josie Jeffery

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  This is a great book!  I know almost nothing about gardening.  The book starts out with some basic info about gardening in general and why companion planting is beneficial.  Most of the book is a section that lets you compare different plants and decide which ones would be good to plant together.  I love the versatility of this section.  It allows you to find plants that you like, that work well together.  It also tells you why they work well together.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Let's Sew Together by Rubyellen Bratcher

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program.  This is a really cute book.  I have been wanting to do some simple sewing projects with my daughter and there are some great ideas in this book.  Each project is very nicely laid out.  There are several pictures as well as written instructions for each project.  There is a lot of variety in the projects, so everybody should be able to find something that they love.  I also like that a lot of the projects involve drawing on the fabric to incorporate children's art.  I look forward to making some of these with my kids.  They would also make great presents for grandparents.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.