“The Incredible Journey” by Sheila Burnford

The Incredible Journey

by Sheila Burnford

Synopsis: 

A classic Canadian story of the bravery and ingenuity of three animals who find their way home.
First published in 1961, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three pets: a young Labrador retriever, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat. While their owners are away in England, they are being cared for by a family friend at his home in the country. But a miscommunication occurs between the friend and his housekeeper when he goes on a hunting trip, and the animals are left alone for a several hours, with a gnawing instinct that something has gone wrong. They soon set off on a journey to find home, which instinct tells them is to the west.
They travel 400 kilometres across the Northern Ontario wilderness, facing many obstacles along the way: swift-flowing rivers and the rugged landscape; wild animals and unsympathetic humans; starvation, injuries and sheer exhaustion. Separately they would not have survived, but together this disparate group prevails, and they find their way home to the family they love.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. This a wholly Canadian book. It’s a tale of survival and companionship, and a good family read-aloud. There is a mention of an Indian legend, and one mention of Bodger being “as irresistible as the devil.” Also, a note to non-Canadian readers: Ontario has changed quite a bit since this book has been written. ;)

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “To many who live there, fall is the burnished crown of the year, with the crisp, sunny days and exhilarating air of the Northland; with clear blue skies, and drifting leaves, and, as far as the eye can see, the endless panorama of glorious, rich, flaming colour in the turning trees.”

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“I Love to Tell the Story” by Faith Blum

I Love to Tell the Story

(Librarians of Willow Hollow #2)

 by Faith Blum

Synopsis: 

Her heart is in the right place…

Bored with her life in Castle Town, Montana, Lillian Sullivan follows her friend’s suggestion and joins the horseback librarian program in rural Kentucky. Not only does she anticipate sharing her love of books, but she also wants to spread the gospel among the mountain people.

However, Willow Hollow presents her with one trouble after another and she struggles to step outside her shyness to share the gospel.

What will it take for Lillian to share her love of the Best Story? Can the power of the gospel overcome the shyness of her own heart?

This novella is part of a series with different authors, but can easily be read as a standalone.

About the Author:

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She has independently published over 25 books in over five years. Most of her books are Christian Historical Fiction with an emphasis on Westerns. During an eBook sale, she was #2 overall in Kindle eBooks on Amazon. 

Faith resides in Central Wisconsin with her husband, son, and their cat, Smokey. When not writing, you can find her cooking, doing dishes, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband and son. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website: https://faithblum.com.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎

3 stars & 3/10 hearts. I was excited to read this book! I think it’s very fun how it ties with book 1, by Amanda Tero. I enjoyed seeing the setting and people through another pair of eyes. Every chapter had a journal excerpt from her mother’s journal, and I felt like they had nothing to do with Lillian’s story; but still, it was interesting to see her mother’s story. But these journal excerpts dealt with her journey with miscarriage and becoming pregnant with Lillian, and while I understand that there needs to be awareness of this, there were just a few mentions that made me personally a little uneasy and that I’d wipe out before handing to a younger child. I liked how Lillian was challenged to share the Gospel and the lessons she heard about that. And I enjoyed her exchanges with Crow! I also was intrigued by Edna and Ivory! Like book 1, I recommend this for ages 16+.

A Favourite Quote: “‘I want to smile again the way everybody remembers me from when I came here.’”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘This here is Miss Edna O’Connell. She’s a local girl.’

“‘Woman,’ Edna stated.... ‘I’m an adult. I’m a local woman—well, by extraction, at least.’

“Curt didn’t seem to understand her point, but it didn’t matter because Ivory charged around the table. ‘I’m pleased as punch to meet you.’

“‘So I see.’ Edna tapped the tip of her pencil against her notebook page and eyed Ivory dispassionately.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

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eBook Sale – ATW

The prequel novel of I Love to Tell the Story is on sale this week for just $0.99. It is all  about Lillian’s grandfather.

Caroline and I walked out the back door and went into the barn.
“What are we going to do?” Caroline asked.
“Head out on our own. Saddle Whitey, please.”
Caroline’s mouth gaped open. “They’ll find us.”
“I know.”
Caroline sighed. “What can we do then?”
I shook my head. “We can stick together. Always.”

Tragedy stole everything from him … except her …
Three years ago, an illness orphaned Henry and Caroline Sullivan. The harsh years at the orphanage have forged a strong bond between the pair.
But Henry’s about to age out.
He must choose whether to leave his only family behind in relative safety, or take her with him as he pursues dreams of owning a farm. Henry trusts that God has a plan for him, but little does he know that others have plans for him and his younger sister as well. He will need all his faith to find the right path. 
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Note: 50% of my income from this series will go to the World Orphans organization.

Giveaways

Make sure you enter the best giveaway on the internet!

Included:

2 bags Peppermint Tea

1 limited edition mug

Paperback of I Love to Tell the Story

Paperback of All the Way My Savior Leads (about Lillian’s grandfather)

5 Postcards

Enter here: https://kingsumo.com/g/nmyffj/i-love-to-tell-the-story

I’m also doing a giveaway for my International friends!

International giveaway is a full eBook set of the entire series!

Enter here: https://kingsumo.com/g/pbjlda/i-love-to-tell-the-story-international

Blog Tour Schedule

August 18

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – Blog Tour intro

A Brighter Destiny – Book Spotlight

In the Bookcase – Book Review

Amanda Tero – Author Interview

Old-Fashioned Book Love – Book Review

 

August 19

Nook of Grace – Book Review and Author Interview

Jane Mouttet – Book Review

 

August 20

Clothed with Scarlet – Book Review

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – Similarities

 

August 21

Reviews from the Stacks – Book Review

Christian Author: A.M. Heath – Book Spotlight

 

August 22

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – Blog Tour wrap-up and giveaway winner

“A Strand of Hope” by Amanda Tero

A Strand of Hope

(Librarians of Willow Hollow #1)

 by Amanda Tero

Synopsis: 

Lena Davis is the daughter her mom never wanted.

But she survived. Through stories. Because books didn’t judge. Books weren’t angry she was alive. Books never expected her to be anything but who she was.

As she grows up, her beloved library becomes her true home.

So when the library is designated part of President Roosevelt’s Packhorse Library Project, Lena is determined to get the job of bringing books to highlanders, believing she’ll finally be free of her mom forever.

But earning the trust of highlanders is harder than she imagined, and her passion for books might not be enough to free her from her chains.

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. Wow. Every time I read Amanda’s newest release, it discusses the very subject I need to hear. This one, although I didn’t realize it for a time, deals with hiding from life and its challenges. Am I ever guilty of that one.... I was almost moved to tears at certain points because the message hit me so hard. There was a whole other aspect, too, that I can’t say much about for privacy reasons but it was very similar to something I’m going through, and so it spoke to me too. And the bitterness message was SO true and so well done. I liked Lena and I learned a lot from her. The whole plot was very interesting and well done, and the characters were interesting. She is an illegitimate child, which is not hidden; and there’s a large drinking aspect to the story since her mother is a drunkard. Also a few mentions of “being with men,” and Lena’s traipsing over a mountain is considered suggestive. However, it was all handled very well and didn’t bother me a bit. Still, I recommend for ages 16+. It’s a very good reminder and a very good message, and it may just be my second-favourite Tero book. <33

A Favourite Quote: “‘Remember this, Lena: whatever you sow is gonna be reaped in more than your life alone. Others’ll have some reaping to do.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The sky was melting from deep blue into bold hues of purple and gold.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Your horse decided he was bored and got to nosing around my place.’ He glanced back to grin at Lena. ‘Don’t worry, I tied him good this time.’
“That tattletale. So it was his fault Lena’s silence was disturbed.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

Purchase this book:
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“There Was Always Laughter in Our House” by Sarah Holman

There Was Always Laughter in Our House

by Sarah Holman

Synopsis: 

What do you get when you mix two parents who grew up in the city, six kids who have always lived in the country, and add homeschooling? You get a whole lot of laughter!
Homeschool graduate and author Sarah Holman shares stories about her family that range from thought-provoking to side-splitting. She shares both hilarious mistakes and heartbreaking moments in her family. In this collection of stories, she endeavors to capture some of the answers to the questions people have often asked her about growing up in a conservative homeschool family as well as some of the wisdom she has gleaned along the way. Sarah invites you to open up this scrapbook of memories. She hopes that you come away encouraged, inspired…and laughing.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. I'm not even sure how to begin this review. I've followed Sarah online and on social media for a while, and was excited to get to know more about this sweet girl and her loving family. I laughed and retold some of the stories to my family; I cried (especially over Rebekkah's prayer chains and Grace's lost collection); I was challenged and encouraged (some of their traditions are so cool and beautiful, and Sarah has many good things to say); I related to Sarah in many ways; I was blessed by the Holmans’ endless and complete love for each other; and it was fun to read about a family a bit like mine (a large, Charlotte Mason homeschooling family with more girls than boys and me as the oldest). I think the chapter which spoke the most to me was the one about responsibility, because I have the same struggle. (My mother has an even shorter phrase than Mrs. Holman—“I'm the mum.” xD) I may not agree 100% with everything, but I really enjoyed this book.

A Favourite Quote: “I have a favourite thing about our family culture ... the use of 'I love you.' These three simple words are not often spoken, even in loving families. They're saved for special occasions and often people regret not saying them more. Not in our house.
"Every phone conversation between family members ends with that phrase.
"The parents regularly stop us, pull us into a hug, and say something like: 'Don't forget I love you.'
"After a hard conversation or an apology, we hug and say that we love each other."
A Favourite Humourous Quote: "Mom and a couple of the kids think it's a waste to have so many different keys to sing in but only use one in a song. They're trying to make sure that no key feels left out of any song."

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“Gingerbread Treasures” by Rebekah Jones.

Today, I’m excited to share about the release of the individual stories that were originally part of the A Very Bookish Christmas novella collection. Each story takes elements from classic books and incorporates them into the story. This weekend, three of the four stories will now be available on Kindle! Today I'll be reviewing another of the books. :)

Gingerbread Treasures

 by Rebekah Jones

Synopsis: 

Missing Gingerbread Men are the Key...

Oliver Breckenridge has a case — one he’s willing to fly all the way across the pond at Christmastime to look into. 

Emily Willis says it all started with the gingerbread men. Then came the dognapping. And then the email…

Despite mounting clues, Oliver and his ad hock team of investigators aren’t getting anywhere. Add in a man Oliver hoped never to see again, a few rumors, and even more inconsistencies, and matters aren't clearing up.

Finding the “gingerbread treasure” might turn out to be more than they bargained for.

(From Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This was my first book by Rebekah Jones and I would love to read more of her work!!! The story was humorous, mysterious, sweet, and a great retelling. As it happens, I was in the middle of rereading The Sign of the Four when I got this ARC so I had fun comparing the two. I was really impressed by how the author pulled in the important elements but changed some things and made them a bit more of subtle nods to Holmes’ story. There was a tiny bit of hugging (a guy comforting the girl character) but otherwise it was very clean. I really liked the characters, and I appreciated that the mystery was very clean too, but still kept the nasty villain factor and was still quite mysterious. There was excellent humour, and Gavin’s asthma threw in such an interesting and unique angle! The more I think of it the more of the subtle similarities I notice between the two stories and I’m extremely impressed. Highly recommended for Sherlock Holmes fans or mystery lovers! 

A Favourite Quote: “‘Praying won’t fix anything, you know.’

“... ‘It might not fix things how I would like them, but it will help me to bear what I need to.’”

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Emily smiled, pushing the hair out of the eyes that still held that gentle touch of sorrow in them.”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘When did you memorize those verses?’

“‘I think that I was ten or eleven. Why?’

“Just making sure that you didn’t do it this morning, just so you could recite them to me.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

Get this book:

America | Canada

Classic that inspired the story: Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of the Four.

Random fun fact: Gingerbread Treasures is just the beginning. I have 18 more books planned that stem off of this story.

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads.

And the same group is putting out an all-new collection this fall! You can add it to Goodreads now. 

To celebrate the release of the three Christmas stories, the authors are giving away an Amazon gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Molly & Anna” by Sarah Holman

Today, I’m excited to share about the release of the individual stories that were originally part of the A Very Bookish Christmas novella collection. Each story takes elements from classic books and incorporates them into the story. This weekend, three of the four stories will now be available on Kindle! Today I'll be reviewing one of the books; my second review will come tomorrow! :)

Molly & Anna

 by Sarah Holman

Synopsis: 

With the death of her sister near Christmas time, Lacie becomes the guardian of two girls of mixed heritage. Caring for them is harder than she ever imagined. She’s confronted daily with memories she would rather forget and her own prejudice. No matter what, she is determined to give her two nieces the best Christmas she can.
Molly hasn’t seen her aunt Lacie in a long time, but she is determined to be glad, like in the book Pollyanna. It isn’t as easy. She misses her parents, her home, the mission her parents worked in, and her friends. She cannot understand why Aunt Lacie doesn’t like to talk about her father, but she will do whatever she needs to make a new start for her and her sister. 

(From Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. What a perfect retelling! This is all a retelling should be, in my opinion—similar enough for one to quickly know which book it’s retelling, but different enough to be its own unique story. I think all of the main elements of “Pollyanna” were in this story, and as someone who’s known, loved, and reread “Pollyanna” all my life, I was so happy with this story. I totally loved how Sarah tackles a difficult subject and how she handles it. It’s really very well done!! Lacie’s journey was lovely & the ending was prefect. Jared was amazing too. And I loved the two little girls. Also, the father sounds like a simply wonderful man and I quite admired him, even if he was never in an actual scene. I’m looking forwards to the next retelling! 

A Favourite Quote: “‘You know that even though her husband is real mean, she never says anything bad about him? She doesn’t lie about him either, she just talks about how good God is to her.’”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Since I was there, Miss Hines tried to recruit me into helping with the play.’

“Aunt Lacie shook her head. ‘That woman would have the whole church involved if she could. Did she persuade you?’

“... ‘She sure did[.]’

“‘I’m glad you’re going to help.’ Molly liked Jared. 

“‘You are? ... Well, that settles it. I don’t want you to be unglad.’”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

Get this book:

America | Canada

Classic that inspired the story: Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

Random fun fact: Jared from this story might possibly be the same Jared featured in another of Sarah’s Christmas stories, Distorted Glass (but he was younger in that story).

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads.

And the same group is putting out an all-new collection this fall! You can add it to Goodreads now. 

To celebrate the release of the three Christmas stories, the authors are giving away an Amazon gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Jo's Boys” by Louisa May Alcott

Jo's Boys, 
& How They Turned Out

by Louisa May Alcott

Synopsis: 

Best known for the novels Little Women and Little Men, Louisa May Alcott brought the story of her feisty protagonist Jo and the adventures and misadventures of the March family to an entertaining, surprising, and bittersweet conclusion in Jo’s Boys. Beginning ten years after Little Men, Jo’s Boys revisits Plumfield, the New England school still presided over by Jo and her husband, Professor Bhaer. Jo remains at the center of the tale, surrounded by her boys—including rebellious Dan, sailor Emil, and promising musician Nat—as they experience shipwreck and storm, disappointment and even murder.
Popular for over a century, Alcott’s series still holds universal appeal with its powerful and affectionate depiction of family—the haven where the prodigal can always return, adversity is shared, and our dreams of being cherished, despite our flaws, come true. In this edition of Jo’s Boys, readers once again experience a treasured classic by one of America’s best-loved writers.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

 5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. This is the perfect wrap-up for the Little Women Series. Everyone has grown up perfectly (not a common thing in lengthy series!). This book is just as funny as the other two and it’s just as full of wisdom and truth. I still love Dan so much, and Emil (kind of sad Franz isn’t around anymore!) Josie & Ted are a pair, and Rob is a dear. It does have much more women’s rights in it than the other two, and a few instances of swearing, but other than that it’s lovely.

A Favourite Quote: “‘‘I don’t see but I must, and “leave the consequences to the Lord”, as Marmee used to say when she had to decide, and only saw a step of the road.’”

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Dan pitied him more than he dared to show, and this one tender emotion in that dark time was like the little flower that sprung up between the stones of the prison yard and saved the captive from despair, in the beautiful old story.”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘I stir him up a bit, and he steadies me a great deal. You and father do the same, you know. Nice plan. I like it’; and Ted felt that he had settled the matter capitally.

“‘Mother won’t thank you for comparing yourself to her, Ted. I’m flattered at being like father in any way. I try to be,’ answered Rob, as they laughed at Ted’s compliment.”

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“I Don't Dance ” by Jesseca Wheaton

I Don't Dance 

by Jesseca Wheaton

Synopsis: 

Ty and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more then just a friend. 
As graduation approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves? 
In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart. 
Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by? 
Their relationship would be old fashioned. But that was okay. Because old fashioned and whimsical fit perfectly with a southern summer.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. I was a bit wary of this book, but I fell in love almost immediately and loved it more and more as I read on. It was so sweet and summery and whimsical and... beautiful. The romance astonished me by its purity. There were a few hugs, maybe a cheek/hair kiss or two, and some dancing, but other than that it was perfectly pure. The chaperons were amazing and Mr. Davis was a great father. I loved Ty and Jen, but my favourite was by far Mike. How can I explain? He LIVED for me. I enjoyed him and his banter with Ty so, so much. I loved the themes—it tied together so beautifully and honestly, I didn’t expect them. I should have known. I love Jesseca Wheaton’s writing because of its beauty, both writing style, plots, and spiritual lessons. I kept expecting the story to end and turned the pages desperately only to find it continued—and ended perfectly. This author’s works just get better and better—and I’m so eager for her next story.

A Favourite Quote: “‘Ty, let’s not focus on how many days we have till you leave. Let’s instead focus on the time we’ve had. And the time we have left.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “She tilted her head, and the last rays of the sun caught her braid and turned it into tarnished gold.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘You got Mike home?’
“‘Yeah, we didn’t have any problems.’ Well, besides the fact that Mike had managed to figure out the password for his phone.”

Get this book:

Canada | America