The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine

The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine teaches you how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life and accomplish what matters most. Crystal Paine is most well known for her blog on money saving tips. She has written several other books. Crystal is a very busy mom. She has much to do in her life, including care for a special needs child. This book does offer much insight, motivation, and wisdom. It is extremely simple which Crystal does share at the end of the book. I did find some things practical, but other things weren’t as practical as I would’ve liked. Personally, I would have liked a demonstration on using the Google Calendar that she recommends so much. I realize that something I can find easily. 

I did appreciate Crystal’s insight, concerning a stop doing list. I’ve never thought about writing out a list of things I would stop doing. Crystal also encourages you to step out and do the things you need to do as well as take personal responsibility for your life, your growth, and your actions. This book is definitely motivating and offers some practical tips along the way. I did find it very helpful. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine.

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel shares the story of Brianna Kelly who has grown up at the boarding school. She labors intensely all her days trapped in horrid circumstances. Brianna doesn’t know much about her past other than being dropped off at the boarding school with a locket around her neck. A locket she soon looses. The head of the boarding school, Magee, is downright mean to Brianna, but why? Enter Michael Wray who must go off to the boarding school to help with his younger cousin who is struggling. What neither Michael nor Brianna consider is the impact Michael’s visit will have. 

I simply could not put this book down! I was enthralled! It is an amazing read. Throughly enjoyable. I have appreciated Jennifer Deibel’s previous works and this does not disappoint. I do disgree with the first sentence on the back of the book. It states, "A slow-building..." Nope. This was not slow building at all. I thought it was excellent! I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend! Run to read this book.

The Gift of the Unexpected by Jillian Benefield

The Gift of the Unexpected is the story of a personal journey used to inspire so many. When Jillian was expecting her second child, she found out he has Down's Syndrome. Jillian takes you on her journey of the path that her, her husband, family and friends traveled on and continue to travel on. Jillian shares the hard raw emotions of her path through pregnancy, birth and beyond. She also shares the many changes her mindset has had over the years.

This book is arranged so that Jillian shares her story, she then shares the gift she has received, and finishes each chapter with questions for reflection. I found Jillian's story very enlightening, both in the world of disability and in general. Jillian shares information very relevant to those who have a child with a disability (her choice of descriptor). I would encourage those interacting with people who have a disability or special needs to read this book. However, I also found it extremely relevant for those on the the journey of life. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend.

The Lord Bless You by Terry A. Smith

The Lord bless You by Terry A. Smith is a 28 day journey to experience God’s extravagant blessings. This wonderful devotional book begins with an introduction about the simple phrase “bless you”. The author explores using that phrase, and what it really means. It then goes into a daily devotional for 28 days. The first few pages of each day provide of some background and thought provoking information and then a question for the day. 

I found the Terry Smith provided good insight and really explores the concept of the Lord blessing an individual. The book is broken into several sections, including blessing, purpose, people, and gratitude. I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend this book.

Secrets of Sex & Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma

Secrets of Sex and Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Systma is a unique book with excellent information. This book is unique in that it offers much of the why behind sex in marriage. The authors have spent much time in research backing up their writing. I found the book to be different from other books in a good way. I also appreciated the frank talk and insight from the authors who have years of experience with helping couples. This book tackles many assumptions and myths and helps the reader to understand in a straightforward way. This book is a why behind sex, not a how to. Secrets of Sex & Marriage is written for the average person, not a counselor or therapist. (Although it could be used by a counselor or therapist.) This book offers new and well supported information. It was also easy to read. I was given a free copy from my publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. 

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham is the second book in the Freddie & Grace Mystery Series. I think it is crucial to read the first book in the series. This is one particular book that definitely lends itself to a series. As I started reading, I was confused by the background and some of the characters due to the fact that I did not read the first book in the series. There are multiple characters. Again, reading the first book would be helpful.

However, Pepper Basham does write in her award-winning style of suspense and romance. Readers will be captivated as a newlyweds, Lord and Lady Astley , head to Egypt on their honeymoon. It is quite the adventure and even dangerously thrilling with the outgoing character Lady Grace Astley. This book will take you on many exciting experiences.  I highly recommend this book in particularly if you read the first book in the series. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend The Cairo Curse.

What I Would Tell You by iz Tolsma

It all started with a DNA test. Tessa quickly realized that her cousin is not her biological cousin. How can this be explained? Will her mom tell her the truth? What is the big secret in the family history? What are the ramifications of her being Jewish?

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma is part of the Echoes of the Past series. It is a dual timeline, Christian historical romance fiction. Flashback to 1941 and learn all about Mathilda, and her journey of early marriage, publishing a very risky newspaper to share the truth about the Nazis, as well as her unexpected pregnancy. This book takes you on the twists and turns of present day, with Tessa trying to navigate her life and find out where she belongs while flashing back to Mathilda and her struggles of reality of the Nazis in Greece. It is a unique setting as it does take place in Greece. I thoroughly  enjoyed What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma. This was a very good read and I would highly recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

I have to admit when I started reading Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels, I was intrigued and not necessarily hooked on the novel. But, read on! This fiction story takes place in1989. I found that an interesting year to set a novel in, rather unique and intriguing. Guitarist Michael Sullivan is kicked out of his band and moved in with his Uncle Mike. Across the street lives the Wheeler family, who is very well-known in the music industry, including Deb Wheeler. Deb is famous for her songs that she had recorded many years ago. Michael also meets Deb’s daughter, Natalie , who is beautiful and happens to be blind. Her father, Dusty, is very well-connected in the music industry. Having grown up with no significant home influence, Michael is taken aback by Natalie‘s family. He spends time with Natalie and enjoys getting to know her family. However, that will all have to soon come to an end. 

Admittedly once I had started the novel and was about a quarter of the way into it, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. I was a little surprised by the content since Revell typically publishes Christian content. This book was not overtly Christian. However it was a good read, and I would recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels. 

Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepherd Gray

Mary Margaret Miller is off on an adventure for a much-needed break. She is headed to Pinecraft, Florida to leave her Amish lifestyle temporarily behind for a much needed break. She meets Betty and Lily on the bus trip. She’s amazed at their Amish similarities and lifestyles. They become fast friends and decide they will have quite the adventure being away from the Amish rules and laws. All of a sudden enter a handsome carpenter Jayson Raber. Unexpectedly Mary Margaret’s long time hometown rival Betsy shows up in Pinecraft. She is suddenly smitten with Michael the young Amish gentleman who works very hard since his parents have died, and he lives with his aunt and uncle. 

The adventure of five individuals have while in Pinecraft make up the tale of Her Heart’s Desire. It is a little difficult to follow with the two different romances. However, I did find the book very interesting, and was eager to read the story. Drift off into another world as you read Her Heart’s Desire. Learn more about the Amish lifestyle, including some of their jargon.

I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend Her Heart’s Desire.

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall is part of the Heroines of World War II series. Ginny was in nursing school, however, when the war broke out, she had to return home and help her mother and younger sister. Her younger sister Belle is quite the go-getter. She is a Girl Scout and is always ambitious. Ginny is her Girl Scout leader. Ginny and Belle have not had a close relationship since Ginny went to nursing school.

Enter Timothy Elliot, who is a British reporter and finds himself on a ship that was attacked. He comes ashore to the Outer Banks, and suddenly is cared for by a Girl Scout troop without their leader. Must they tell Ginny about everything they do? Is Timothy safe or the enemy? Eventually, Ginny and Timothy meet. The story that follows is intriguing and will captivate your attention. This is a wonderful historical fiction book. I found myself gripped by the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend on my honor by Patti Smith Hall.