Inspired by Lisa - Voracious Reader Review

❤❤💚💚💚  After the Rain is the first book in the One Pass Away series by Mary Williams.     The author creates a heart tugging story line of bad boy turned NFL player who finds himself without a dream after a career ending injury.   Enter a trainer named Claire who has one focus alone, getting Logan Price well enough to play in the NFL again.   Nothing will detract her from her goal and plans…..or will it. I expected the storyline have more depth and struggled with the graphic nature of the sex scenes but that is just my personal tastes.   This book may not be for everyone if you are looking for a romance that builds slowly over time.   Yet it may be exactly what some readers are looking for.    I personally will probably take a pass on the other books in the series. Completed – August 24, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ Brave the Wave – Discover and Fully Realize Your Authentic Self is a poignant book that takes the reader on a true journey of self discovery.    The author Johnny Cavazos does this through sharing his own personal stories in a brutally honest way.   His willingness to be so transparent give credence to the subject.    This book is so much more than a “self-help” guide for being more than you are currently.    If you truly take to heart the   thoughts presented, this book can definitely have a significant and meaningful affect on your life. I highly recommend this for all stations in life.   It will absolutely help provide you with the much needed clarity that we are all seeking.   Completed – August 23, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ I received a complimentary copy of this book.   Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.   Smoke Screen is one of the best Christian Fiction books I have read recently.    Nate Beckett who is a smoke jumper fire fighter who finds his life turned sideways which leads him back to home town of Carlisle, Colorado to heal his wounds.   Back home he crosses paths with a past love in Brenna who is struggling in her own life situation.     Will the pains of the past continue to haunt both of them or do they have what it takes to overcome? The author takes on some storylines that demonstrate for the reader the risks that come with false assumptions, false accusations, and living with the demons of the past.    How does someone remain strong in their faith when the difficulties continue to pile on top of each other?     Terri Blackstock finds a way to create the picture for the reader that life is sometimes me...

❤❤❤❤❤ I had the pleasure of meeting the Author Mark Scharenbroich when he was the motivational speaker at a conference I attended.   After listening and being inspired by his message I couldn’t resist the opportunity to purchase this book.   I highly recommend Mark as a speaker for any organization. Nice Bike is a great book that walks the reader through a serious of different stories that give reference to the importance of making meaningful connections.    His helpful hints are relevant in all aspects of life from work to every day personal relationships.    When you define and develop your own self-worth, you truly are able to take on the world and make a difference.     Shameless plug for Mark’s website -  https://nicebike.com/ Completed 8/22/19

❤❤❤❤❤ I received a complimentary copy of this book.   Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.   Strands of Truth is the latest in a long string of great Christian Fiction books by Colleen Coble.   Harper Taylor finds herself in the middle of quite the situation when her lonely and mundane life take a dramatic turn following the results of an over the counter DNA kit leading to a sister she never knew she had.   This book takes on the subject of difficult relationships, the impact of judgments on individuals motives, and the pros and dangers of the new DNA craze.   Collen Coble does a great job of developing the characters in such a way that the reader falls in love with them and becomes completely engaged in the storyline.   I really enjoyed the twists and turns and always appreciate when an author can keep me guessing where the story is going up until the end.   This is another HIT for sure.   My only critique would be ...

❤❤❤❤❤ Fraternal twin sisters - alike but different in so many ways.  Sunshine and her 8 Minute older sister Margot come from a challenging background.  Two women struggling to be so much more than what they think they have become.  Both defining themselves by their previous romantic relationships and looking for nothing more than a new start in life. Who could know what would be in store for them when Margot takes the job as an etiquette coach working for the beautiful Bianca in the Monastery turned mansion of her son Alec.  At the same time Sunshine who is ready to change her life takes on a nanny job for Declan who is a widower with a young son. This storyline is great.  It takes the reader down paths where they think they know the next turn only to be pleasantly surprised.  The characters have great depth and are easy to fall in love with as you read.  This is a great page turner that I had trouble putting down.  This is definitely a...

❤❤❤❤❤ Sisters By Design series book #1 features the main character of Mackenzie "MAC".   The author touches on several sensitive subjects in a mature and appropriate manner. Mac decides to start over on her life and her sons life after being raised in a "cult" environment where she is taught a version of God that is not representative of HIS love. Enter handy man Dane and the "Sisters" Jesse, Charley, Randy, and Alex who teach Mac how to accept love and affection from God and others. As book 1 in this series, the author leaves you wanting to know what is next for the other characters. Sharon Srock has hit a homerun with this series that will aspire to romance readers who are looking for a wholesome Christian story. A++++ job! Completed  - August 8, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ This retelling of the Star Wars Trilogy as only would be done if William Shakespeare were alive today did not fail to entertain.   It started with the AMAZING titles of Verily, A New Hope – The Empire Striketh Back – The Jedi Doth Return.   I wasn’t sure what to expect when I selected this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it.   What a fun way to bring Shakespeare and iambic pentameter to a new generation. I read the book but based upon the other reviews this is a must do in audio format for the true experience.     I am going to have to check out the other versions as well. Completed - August 11, 2019

❤❤❤💚💚 The Keeper of Lost Causes is a mystery/suspense novel introducing Detective Carl Morck.     I have heard so much about this international phenomenon called Nordic Noir.   In an effort to complete a challenge I am participating in I chose this novel.   The story finds our main character promoted to be the only one investigating a series of cold cases.    The author definitely has an overwhelming theme with this book of “change” and how it can all change in an instant.   While I found the book entertaining, this genre just doesn’t grab me like so many other readers who are enamored with it.   I found it difficult to create mental pictures of the area and that was a distraction for me.   However, if you are a fan of this genre, than Jussi Adler-Olsen will be a good read for you. Completed – August 7, 2019

❤❤❤❤💚 Book 1 begins the “World of The Others” series and finds the reader no longer in the Lakeside Courtyard but rather in one of the new settlements called Lake Silence.   We are introduced to “human” Vicki DeVine and her shapeshifter friend Aggie Crowe.     When there is not “law” in this new area and a dead body is found on the property, Vicki because the scapegoat leaving her and “The Others” to get to the bottom of the story.   This book has been designed to take the reader to another area and situation in the author’s fantasy land.   While the plot and storyline are engaging and enjoyable, I had trouble connecting like I did in the previous 5 books.   This book could probably easily be a standalone and is the launching point for this new series .   Completed August 5, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ Summer by the Tides is one of those books that takes the reader on a journey that can be all too familiar.   Just when life is imploding around Maddy Monroe a call beacons her back to the family beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina when her grandma goes “missing”.   Little does she realize that when her estranged sisters Nora and Emma descend on the same house that they will all be in for a summer to remember.   It will be one that will be filled with drama, heartache, memories and maybe even love.    Hang on to your sun hat and come witness this heart filled story.   If you have never read her works before, Denise Hunter will not disappoint with this new work.   If you are already a big fan like me, you will continue to be impressed.   Completed August 5, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ This might possibly be the best of the best of Karen Kingsbury's books.  I have read almost all of them and her ability to handle challenging subject matter with a delicate touch are amazing.  Not many authors choose to write their stories knowing that they all won't have a happy ending is refreshing and so entertaining.  I couldn't put this book down from cover to cover.  Read the entire book in less than a day.  I LOVE her work and look forward to reading her next release. Completed August 4, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ When we return to the fantasy land of Anne Bishop’s “The Others “ series in Book 5, we are thrust into the ramifications that occurred when the humans who chose to attach and are summarily “decimated” by the Elders, leaving very few humans behind.     Everyone, including the terra indigene are forced to rebuild and deal with new external threats on the Courtyard and other settlements.    What will happen when the blood prophet is kidnapped thus fulfilling a prophecy?   How will that change the relationship between the blood prophet and the Courtyard leader? This book spans a wealth of emotional subjects from the destruction of the whole uncivilized human settlements to forcing and recognizing and building on those relationships.     Another page turner you won’t want to put down. Completed August 3, 2019

❤❤❤❤❤ I absolutely love the premise of the novel Dear Mr. Knightley.   The author takes us through the trials and tribulations of Samantha Moore, a young woman who grew up in the foster care system but by the grace of God and the help of “Grace House”, she is given a second chance on life.   This is truly a heartwarming story that the author allows the reader to experience many tough subjects including foster care, rebuilding trust, and breaking cycles so that you can stop hiding.   The addition of all of the classic references, especially Jane Austen just gave this book the cherry on the top of the sundae.   Prior to reading this book I had no knowledge of what being an epistolary novel meant.    I now know that it is a series of documents such as letters put together to form a story.     I have always enjoyed books based on letters or diary entries but didn’t realize it was a genre. Completed – August 2, 2019