But Then She Remembered by Katie Westenberg

But Then She Remembered - How to give God your full attention in a distracted world by Katie Westenberg is a unique non-fiction and Bible study blend. This book is different than most that I have read as the author shares her thoughts and insights, then has a short Bible study, followed  by some more insight. The author does discuss a variety of topics, such as identity, reading God’s word, focusing on memory, and telling our story. This was a very unique book to read due to the variety of topics. This would be ideal to do with a friend or as a group and do the Bible study together.  I did find myself underlining and highlighting many ideas. 

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I do recommend But Then She Remembered - How to give God your full attention in a distracted world by Katie Westenberg. I think others will enjoy this unique Bible study and insightful book.

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gebhart

In the Shadow of the River, by Ann H. Gebhart, Jacci shares her journey of being raised on a showboat. She knows so much of her past, but at the same time it is so little. The first part of the historical romance fiction shares Jacci’s childhood and the traumatic events that ensued. In the second part of the novel, Jacci is picking up the pieces of her life and trying to move on. She is content to be a showboat actress and enjoys her adopted family. Gabe is just like an older brother, or is he? And what about the parts in her past that she does remember? How does she reconcile those memories? What about the memories of her late mother? How can she reconcile those? Who knows the truth? 

In the Shadow of the River is a fantastic historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I did enjoy the tales set in the 1880s. Reading about showboat life was interesting. The story was well written by the author. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review. I do recommend In the Shadow of the River. 

High Low Buffalo by Jessie Seneca

High Low Buffalo by Jesse Seneca shares the power of a God centered perspective. Jessie explains the simple game of sharing a high of your day or a bright spot, followed by a low of your day, followed by a random or unexpected blessing, called a buffalo. In this book, Jessie encourages the reader to look for those high points of your day. Record them, journal them and appreciate them. Jessie also examines the valleys in life, or the lows. She says a valley is usually between two highs. Jessie encourages you to look for those unexpected blessings or buffalos. Not necessarily a high, but some unexpected, random things that happen. Jessie also challenges you to consider how you can be that unexpected blessing for someone else. This book provides an opportunity for personal reflection and journaling at the end of each chapter. I found myself underlining and highlighting throughout the book. I was challenged by Jessie‘s insight, encouragement, and real life stories that she shares. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read High Low Buffalo by Jessie Seneca and I highly recommend.

The Keys to Gramercy Park

The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson has everything a novel should have and more! This dual timeline historical fiction has romance, politics, mystery, deceit and so much more. Andrea stumbles upon counterfeit money in her apartment. She also meets a handsome man while waitressing. Who is this man? Why would he even bother with her and besides she does not date those she serves at the restaurant, much less someone wealthy and powerful. Back in time, Edward hates his brother. Seeing him prosper and marry Margaret is simply too much. He cannot help that he was born with a deformed foot. He cannot serve in the war and make his father proud. Only his twin brother, Franklin, can make his father proud. Then one day Edward finally wins. Or does he?

I loved this book! Filled with all the great literacy elements it had me hooked! Sometimes a dual timeline can be hard to follow but not so with The Keys to Gramercy Park! I was given a free copy from the publisher and honestly I could not put the book down! I highly recommend! Run to find this book!

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H.McGee is the trilling tale of Lillian and her unknown past. Lillian suddenly finds out her father has left all of his assets and business to her. However, all Lillian has been told her entire life is that her father passed away many years ago. Having been raised by her mother her entire life she knows only what her mother has revealed. Her mother works very hard to become a socialite, including arranging Lillian‘s marriage.  Lillian heads to the small town to inspect that which her father has left for her. She is shocked to find a woman and her children living in her father’s house. Who are these people? Who is the charming young man with them? Will Lillian stand up to her mother? What are her father’s secrets? 

The Swindler’s Daughter will keep you entertained and tuning pages. I was excited to read this historical fiction novel and enjoyed the story set in 1912. It is well written and captivating. I could not put it down. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I would recommend The Swindler’s Daughter. 

Blind Trust by Natalie Walters

Blind Trust by Natalie Walters shares the story of Lyla Fox and her daring role with the SNAP Agency. Lyla is undercover working an investigation of veteran fraud. However she is not as careful as she once once and she blames it on the presence of Nicolas and his charm. Suddenly Lyla receives a death threat and there are several close calls for her life. What is going on? Who is put to get her and why? Will her life be influenced by Nicolas? Can she work with him moving forward? Is it worth the cost?

Blind Trust weaves quite a tale of mystery and romance. This book is part three of a series and as a first time reader of this series (and the only book I read from the series) I would recommend reading the first two books. The story is captivating however I think the reader would enjoy it as part of the series and not a stand alone book. I did enjoy the book and would recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.