Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells

Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Few books have ever truly touched my soul like "Before I Saw You" has. As a child of adoption, this book stirred thoughts and emotions I thought I'd long ago dealt with. But after reading this book, I've at last been able to forgive my birth mother, and have come to understand what a truly incredible gift she gave me.
The characters in this book were completely believeable and totally relevant to today's society. My family has been deeply touched by the opioid epidemic, and have watched vital, purposeful lives become reduced to pure squallor. But thank God, I've also seen those lives turned around and made into something incredibly beautiful by the power of God's grace and mercy.
While a fictional story, this book shows the reality of what a life of poverty and drug abuse can do to an individual and their family. But it also shows the unconditional love, grace and mercy shown by our loving Heavenly Father, to anyone who would ask. Amy Sorrells has done an amazing job telling a story that few are brave enough to tackle. A must read!!

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Just Let Go (Harbor Pointe #2) by Courtney Walsh

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To be honest, when I first looked at this book I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it. I'm not a big fan of sappy romance or olympic hopefuls. Wow, was I ever in for a surprise. This book was every bit as delightful as it was emotional. It is an incredible reminder that no matter what out past holds, what baggage we carry with us, there is always redemption available, and always another chance to get it right. As someone who has struggled with rejection from my biological mother, this book definitely touched an emotional raw spot. But by the time I finished the book, I found that I truly do have the capacity to forgive, and to see not only the lessons learned, but the grace which God has so abundantly given. If you've ever felt the sting of rejection, or ever longed for an opportunity to "do better", you'll love this book. Although Tyndale House Publishing has provided this book to me at no charge in exchange for my review, everything I've written is honest and heartfelt. It truly is a wonderful, uplifting book, and definitely worth of a re-read.

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The Theory of Happily Ever After - Kristin Billerbeck

The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a word, WOW! Rarely do I sit down to read a book and finish it in one sitting. And it's not due to time constraints, the fact is that not many books can hold my interest long enough for a marathon read. But this book grabbed my attention from page one, and didn't let go. Although I'm not a fan of "psychology" or it's fringes of "junk" science, this book wove the facts throughout the book in such a way that I was left wanting more. I literally found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics of Maggie McGuire, and a few times was yelling at her circle of friends, especially Haley. This was SUCH a fun read! The perfect way to start off my springtime reading list. I'm hoping, from the way the book ended, that there may be a book 2 in the works!

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Storm Front (Montana Rescue #5)

Storm Front by Susan May Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Storm Front is book number five in the Montana Rescue series, and it is absolutely phenomenal. From page one, my heart was racing. If you're a fan of faith based suspense and action, then grab a copy and prepare for an amazing ride. While the storms that are portrayed in the book are quite literal, there are far more storms figuratively brewing in the lives of each character. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll sometimes find yourself frustrated with the choices of a few of the characters, but in the end, you'll see that God truly does work everything out for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. A beautifully written book, and a wonderful addition to the Montana Rescue series. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants some pulse pounding story telling sprinkled into their leisure reading.

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Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions

Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions by Lisa Bevere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, Lisa Bevere hits it out of the park! Adamant is a wonderful book, well written and very insightful. Lisa relates stories from her own life in such a way that brings to life many deep truths in God's Word. At a time when many in our world, especially Christians, are struggling with finding a rock to cling to, Lisa points the way with clarity and truth. This is definitely a book I will re-read, and will likely end up with many, many highlights and annotations. There is much to glean from this book, and I highly recommend it to all Christians.

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Pelican Point (Hope Harbor #4)

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an absolutely delightful book! This was my first journey into Hope Harbor, and I fully intend to now go back and read what I've been missing out on. From the first page of this book, your attention is grabbed and isn't let go until you finish the last page. Irene Hannon is a highly talented author who knows how to weave a story with love, mystery and intrigue which leave you unwilling to put the book down until you can see how the situation is resolved. Very rarely do I ever read a book that I consider worthy of a re-read, but this is definitely one of them. I HIGHLY suggest it to anyone who loves good, clean love, and mystery all mixed with a hearty dose of comedy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have 3 earlier Hope Harbor books to go purchase!!

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The Golden Vial (Legends of the Realm #3)

The Golden Vial by Thomas Locke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While surprised that a Christian publishing house would endorse a book of this sort, I did find it a fairly good read. If you look below the surface content and dig for the deeper meaning, there is much to be gleaned from this book. Faithfulness is one virtue that reverberated throughout, with dedication ranking highly as well. For me, the most valuable lesson was in finding strength within oneself to overcome any obstacle that may come your way. Having said that, I still MUST reiterate my surprise that a Christian publishing house would publish this book. Christianity and sorcercy are two very opposing viewpoints, and God's Word is very explicit concerning it's stand on any type of sorcery.

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