Just a note about this review of Adorning the Darkness by author, songwriter, and musician Andrew Peterson. While this book focuses on the areas of the arts, it can feel like it only applies to people who are "artsy" or are "creatives." That word "only" is important. That's how it can feel. It's Continue Reading
Book Reviews
Some Books Grip Your Heart So Hard You Can’t Escape (and don’t want to)
Have you ever seen a book, fallen in love with the cover or the synopsis, bought it, and let it slowly get buried until you forgot about it? This book is why you go find those gems and read them. Today. In fact, if this is one of them, you should ignore this review and just go grab that book and get Continue Reading
Who Knew A Promise Engraved Two Centuries Ago Could Endure?
When I saw A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma, I had zero doubt that I wanted to read it. I mean, come on! The Alamo (I remembered!), split-time novel, and Liz Tolsma. A triple... YEAH! Add to those the fact it's part of the Doors to the Past series, and there's no doubt that this would be a great Continue Reading
What Happens When the Past Rears Its Ugly Head and Murder Ensues?
Back in Episode 62 of the Because Fiction Podcast, I talked to Dana Mentink about her newest series, the Shake Shop Mysteries. Mentink's first book in the series, Pint of No Return featured Trinidad Jones as the newest resident of Upper Sprocket, Oregon--and an ad-hoc sleuth when not creating her Continue Reading
Is There Anything Better Than Finding a Fabulous New Author?
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense for you. Is There Anything Better Than Finding a Fabulous New Author? This is my first Heroines of WWII book... but it won't be my last. Now. I wasn't confident going into this book. I knew Continue Reading
What Treasure Will You Unearth from The Gold in These Hills?
I fell in love with Joanne Bischof's writing with The Sons of Blackbird Mountain, and she's not disappointed me yet. Seriously, why do I wait to read her books? What's WRONG with me? Maybe I just love them so much that I save them until I can't stand to wait another second--you know, like the Continue Reading
Could You Still Trust God if You Were Sold to the Highest Bidder?
I remember the horror I felt the day I discovered that some women sold their bodies to survive, but that was next to nothing compared to the day I learned that some were sold, literal modern-day slaves. If I recall correctly, I vomited. It's kind of a reasonable response, you know? Some authors Continue Reading
What Happens When Injustice Results in Something Beautiful?
I fell in love with Terrie Todd's writing in 2020 when I found Bleak Landing somewhere and listened to every word, unable to tear myself away. I quickly went from that book to the next, and to the next. So when Rose Among Thornes was announced, I knew I'd be reading it the moment came out. I Continue Reading
The Real Question? Is This Last Book as Good as the Rest?
Back in 2019, I read the first book of the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport, The Inn at Hidden Run. While I didn't dislike the entire book, it wasn't my favorite for reasons my review states pretty clearly, but I saw something in that book. I knew, deep down I knew that I'd love the Continue Reading
A Surprisingly Delightful Book Perfect for Teaching Children about Food
When I saw Eat God's Food, I was interested but cautious. It felt like "Eating God's Way" and anytime I see stuff like that, I end up not liking it. So, imagine my delight and surprise when the book explained the different kinds of good food and makes a nod to the kinds of food not good for our Continue Reading
Solve a Murder, Avoid a Killer, and Remain Riveted to This Book
When I chatted with Natalie Walters about her latest release, Lights Out, I decided to start with her first book, Living Lies. Since I was headed across Tennessee, I decided to get it on audiobook. A perfect way to enjoy a long drive! Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me Continue Reading
What Happens When You Fall in Love with a Brilliant Narrator and Wonderful Story?
A Holiday by Gaslight. The cover appeared in my Facebook feed... somewhere. Stunning. I knew I wanted to read it just by the cover! That was three years ago. I finished my last audiobook on November 30th, so I went scrolling through my Audible library. A Holiday by Gaslight appeared. WHAT? I Continue Reading
