Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

Where Two Hearts Meet – Outstanding Book 2 in The Prince Edward Island Dreams Series

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Where Two Hearts Meet (Prince Edward Island Dreams #2)Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fan of Liz Johnson’s first book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, The Red Door Inn, I looked forward to opening Where Two Hearts Meet. Two new components of this book were Caden, the chief at the Inn and Adam, a journalist staying on the island temporarily. Both struggle with their individual challenges. The beautiful and awesome island may be just the place for them to discover answers for the peace they need. I enjoyed this novel that deals with real life issues and hope you will, too. This would be great for your TBR beach or summer list.
~I received a copy from Revell and have given my honest review.

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Stars in the Grass – A Beautiful Novel of Loss and Family

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Stars in the Grass is a tender story of one family’s journey after a tremendous loss. It’s told by the nine year old daughter, Abby McAndrews. Each member handles the tragedy with different emotions, actions, and faith in God. Abby’s curious mind, growing vocabulary, and sense of humor makes this book poignant, insightful, and moving.

Having grown up in a minister’s home I related to Abby’s familiarity to her father’s church with particular hiding spots, and places to play or find solace. I, also lived in a parsonage and understand the dubious situation of not owning your own home.

The turmoil in their home is heightened by Abby’s brother, Matt’s secret escapades. “Dad frowned and exhaled slowly, the receiver in his hand. He was used to answering other people’s problems not phoning with the problem.”

Doubt in God, anger, and grief fill their relationships with unexpected outcomes and may tear them apart. Will they find a way to pull together? What happens to a family whose loss is unimaginable? My heart ached for the McAndrews. Would they seek the God they thought they knew before tragedy hit?
I hope you will chose to put Stars in the Grass on your “to be read” list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. I want to thank them for the opportunity to read this fine novel by Ann Marie Stewart!

Help! I’m Buried in My Underwear Drawer! Delightful Devotional!

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Help! I'm Buried in the Underwear Drawer: Let's get real about our stuff!Help! I’m Buried in the Underwear Drawer: Let’s get real about our stuff! by Amy Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pick up this delightful and brief (hee-hee!) book that packs a meaningful message in each devotion. They each end with a Bible verse and a journaling space. The cute humor and darling illustrations create a fun vibe. What a great book to leave behind at a coffee shop or gift to your hairstylist who rarely opens a Bible. The perky author, Amy Larson gets real with our intimates’ drawer and with God. I recommend Help! I’m Buried in the Underwear Drawer!

I was gifted an e-file copy of this book. Thank you, Amy! My review is my honest opinion and was under no obligation to write it.

P.S. Readers, I took an online course from Amy two weeks ago geared at decluttering. I spent part of my Saturday with women I didn’t know but with the same goal – to clean out areas of our home! We met online for thirty minutes and then worked on our own for an hour, back and forth for 4 hours. I met my goal for my desk which has been a daunting task for me. Amy is inspiring with plenty of energy. She speaks, writes, and besides giving online classes, she does one on one encouragement. Her website is :http://www.clutterconquest.net


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Home – Fabulous Read!

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HomeHome by Ginny L. Yttrup
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love when an author gives her characters real struggles, with deep angst, and life-changing decisions throughout the novel. Melanie and Craig Vander face different choices out of the tragedy that struck them years before. Will what they choose keep their marriage off the brink it is on or tear them apart?
To keep them financially afloat, Melanie desperately writes another novel and her characters may help her find what she needs. Her neighbor struggles with her own challenges. Grab this book and see for yourself what their relationship creates.
From the first page, I realized I was reading an above average book by a Christian author. The validity of the concerns, how she knit them into the story, and how each person concludes their situations excelled beyond my expectations! This book can be read by non-Christians. Her use of scripture and faith occur naturally.
I can’t wait to read another one of Ginny Yttrup’s books!
I received 2 copies of this book, an ebook from NetGalley and the paperback from Barbour Publishing. I have written my honest opinion and review here.

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Mercy Inn – A Refuge at Christmas!

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Mercy InnMercy Inn by Lee Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This tender novel by Lee Warren warmed my heart and will remain in my collection of Christmas books! What more can you ask for with angels, snowstorms, and individuals lost in life and at the happiest time of year? The author develops his characters right before your eyes and draws you into their lives with adeptness. Each one seeks their own gift and possibly two angels hold exactly what they need. Check into the Mercy Inn, cozy up to the fire, and lift your spirits by reading this rich and unique novel! You will add it to your Christmas collection, too.
I received a copy of Mercy Inn from Lee Warren, the author and I have given my honest opinion here in my review.

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Justice Delayed – Action Packed!

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Justice Delayed (Memphis Cold Case #1)Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andi Hollister’s sister was murdered eighteen years ago. Her murderer faces death row. But is he the real culprit? Letters written and lost plus a new murder send detectives and Andi spinning in many directions to discover the truth. One of the detectives is the cousin of the confessed criminal. Will they uncover the clues needed with one week left of his cousin’s sentence?
Justice Delayed creates an action packed read full of mystery.
I received a copy of Justice Delayed from Net Galley for my honest opinion which I have written here.

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The Newcomer – Book 2 of Amish Beginnings – Compelling!

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The NewcomerThe Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Newcomer, the second in the Amish beginnings series by Suzanne Fisher Woods holds more than an Amish story. Finding your true self, staying loyal to family, or holding onto the past are themes throughout the novel. Anna has loved Bairn since her time on the ship coming over to America but he has changed since finding his real family. Bairn only knows the sea and remains in turmoil with his choices now that he has found his kin.
As the settlers land, they discover their dreams will be harder to accomplish and many obstacles unknown to them stand in their way. Someone new to them aids them on their way, but Bairn’s parents seek the land that his father purchased for the community and he opposes their decision. This fascinating story even includes Benjamin Franklin and held my attention to the last page.
I look forward to the next installment of the Amish Beginnings series.
I received a copy of The Newcomer from NetGalley for my honest opinion which I have given.

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Tangled Webs Book 3 in the Men of Valor series – Action packed!

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Tangled Webs (Men of Valor #3)Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hold onto your seat because this book takes off! The two main characters meet in an unconventional way while both are seeking solace at different cabins in the woods. As much as Dana wants to remain alone by the lake, with the mysterious events occurring nearby, she needs Finn’s companionship.
Irene Hannon creates another whodunit to keep you up reading past your bedtime. If you are looking for a clean, mystifying novel with action, Tangled Webs and the others in her Men of Valor series will fit your need.
I received a copy of Tangled Webs from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

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It is Well – Worthy, Substantial, and Significant!

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a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29904305-it-is-well” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>It Is WellIt Is Well by James D. Shipman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do you know anyone who thinks they can control their lives, keep bad things from happening, and sacrifices all to that end? Well, Jonathan Beecher is one of those who has already met with loss and misfortune but thinks he can prevent tragedy from striking again. He lives in a small town and owns a hardware store. Pearl Harbor has recently occurred and the United States has jumped into World War II. His wife has passed away yet he seems to have moved on with his life and now surrounds himself with his two sons and daughter. He hopes to keep them close by to work with him in his store.
Quite suddenly all his plans are disrupted by the decisions his children make with their own lives. He finds himself unable to maintain control over them as they each leave him alone. What life lessons will he learn from their choices, the world changing around him, and a relationship with a new woman he meets at church? His mental anguish, loyalty to his dead wife, and determination to sustain his hardware store may push him over the edge. What will he discover about himself that could be helpful to you? Do his grown children owe him their allegiance in a time of war? Read this book and find out if Jonathan can say “It is Well”.
I received a copy of this book by James Shipman from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given here.

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Where Two Hearts Meet: Two Novellas of Facing Change with Courage and Faith

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Where Two Hearts Meet: Tea For Two / Wherever Love Takes UsWhere Two Hearts Meet: Tea For Two / Wherever Love Takes Us by Carrie Turansky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Where Two Hearts Meet is actually two novellas, Tea for Two and Wherever Love Takes Us. Both pit their characters into situations that seem impossible. Choices must be made that will change their futures forever.
Allison’s former boyfriend has returned to town and says he has reformed his ways through his Christian beliefs. Can she trust him with her heart and her business?
Tessa finds herself facing a move to Oregon when finances force them to leave everything they know and love. Will Allison and Tessa find the faith they need to march into the unknown without reluctant hearts? What would you do in their circumstances? Maybe their examples will encourage you in your dilemmas.
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given here.

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