The Inventions of God (and Eva) by Dave Connis and illustrated by Amy Domingo

 I love how this book teaches that we are all created in God's image and that we are his sons and daughters.  And although Eva's creations that she loves to invent aren't quite as those of God's, it shows that we can all do things of value and things that bring joy to ourselves and others.  And sometimes as humans we need to try and try again to make things just a little better each time.  And sometimes the things she/we invent are not all that great.  But not to give up! We are still OK!  

I think this book shares and teaches lots of good values.  And not to give up if we are not perfect on the first try.  Just keep trying and that God is there for us!

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah and was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin

This is an amazing historical fiction taking place during the Great War in 1918 England.  Rose is a munitions worker facing a marriage to someone that her uncle arranged for his personal benefit, not hers.  As a terrible explosion literally  rocks her world at the munition factory she takes the place of her best friend who perishes in the explosion. This transfer of identities brings Rose unexpected days of fear, secrecy and a chance to leave behind the fiance that she has no desire to marry.  

Her new life also brings great fear of discovery and lots of unexpected danger. She worries that she will get all tangled in the web of lies that she has had to tell.

This book was so intriguing, I couldn't put it down.  Her adventures were quite thrilling as you watch to see if the goals she has will come to fruition.  She hopes to rescue her brothers from an uncle who has no concern for them except in how they will profit him.

You really start to love the Baird family and how they care for one another.  I can't say enough about this wonderful book.  You will just want to read this and enjoy it for yourself!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 This wonderful book launched today!  You can get it here! You will love it.

More Amish Christmas Miracles: 10 Heartwarming Stories to Brighten Your Winter Nights: Unlikely Singing by Jennifer Spredemann

 

I have posted both the cover to Unlikely Singing and the second is the entire collection cover.

You can see that there are 10 talented authors which contribute to this book. The review below is for Unlikely Singing.

I feel very fortunate to have the pleasure to read the story written by Jennifer Spredemann, entitled Unlikely Singing. This was a sweet story of two Amish people who have a chance meeting at a wedding they were both attending.  This young woman stayed on Christopher's mind after the wedding, but he had no idea how he would be able to contact her since she was not from his community.  Judy seems to be the girl of his dreams and he is hopeful that somehow they will be able to get to know one another, only to discover that she was being courted by another.

It's a very enjoyable read and I liked it very much.  The story shows we need to have trust in God and faith that he will show us the way to move forward in our life.  Very nice addition to this collection of stories!  I recommend it!

I received an ebook copy of this story from the author and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Christmas Town Homecoming: a 10-book Connected Holiday Romance Collection by Multiple Authors

 

I feel so lucky to have had an early opportunity to read this wonderful collection of 10 stories that all link together in a wonderful Christmas Season book, full of joy and merriment.

There is a 10 year high school reunion in Christmas Town.  Lots of romance and fun and a common thread that ties all these wonderful stories together.  Ten talented Harlequin Heartwarming authors join together to create a wonderful reunion.  The stories all come together with a common thread that comes to a beautiful happy ending.  I really enjoyed these stories and it leaves you with a "feel-good" mood throughout.  It's a wonderful Christmas themed book that will make the Holidays truly merry!

I received an ebook copy from an author and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Amelia Moore Mysteries Volume 2 by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

 

Recently I reviewed Volume 1 of The Amelia Moore Mysteries.   Now I have the good fortune to review Volume 2.

I was really happy to listen to The Amelia Moore Detective Mysteries, because I had really enjoyed the others which I had listened to.  This one did not disappoint.  Narrator Carolyn Kashner was an enjoyable narrator and very expressive.  She does a good job of keeping your interest.

Ms. Clarke's books are always a good and clean read.   It is a fun cozy mystery and I love how it brings in the area in St. George, Utah, which I am so familiar with.  The author always makes you feel as though you are right there enjoying the scenery and the surroundings.

I loved how Rick and Amelia work so well together, have their bucket lists, and seem to always get into a few tight fixes.  I really enjoyed the book, loved the fact that it was Audible and could listen without turning a page!

There are two mysteries in this volume.  In the second story, a porcelain doll turns up missing from a museum case.  The obvious culprit appears to be Sam, an engaged museum employee who suddenly turns up missing at the same time as the doll.

Sam's fiance hires Amelia and her partner Rick to find Sam and to prove his innocence.  Amelia and Rick are followed at every corner and try to dodge the men that always seem to be after them.  Will they be able to find Sam and prove that he was not guilty of the theft and also figure out why so many people seem to be inquiring about the doll?  Is the doll worth enough to be of such great interest to several people?  What is the real secret behind the mysterious doll?

These were fun to listen to and I enjoyed it very much.  I think you will enjoy the other books in this cozy mystery series, as well.  Amelia and Rick seem to be getting closer as the series continue and some romance is definitely in the air.

I was given a complimentary Audible version from the author for my review and was under no obligation to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Lost in Darkness (of Monsters and Men) by Michelle Griep

 This was a most unusual book for me.  It is a real page turning book.  The storyline is very "spooky" for sure. As Amelia Balfour returns to her home after her father's death, she is asked as a last request to care for her brother, Colin, whose face and size are frightening to most all who see him.  Her father had arranged for  a frightening surgery to "normalize" Colin by a Dr. Peckwood, assisted by Mr. Graham Lambert.

It is a dark story about Colin's unusual life and very captivating. The characters are well developed in the story and there are those you love and fear.  I felt sad for Colin and fearful of what would happen to him.  Would the surgery take place?  And what would happen to him?  There is some romance in this book. And you will hope for a good ending.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.