“Untitled” by Jesseca Wheaton

Untitled

by Jesseca Wheaton

Synopsis: 

Okinawa, 1945

Two brothers. Two Separate Paths.

A Navy corpsman assigned to the Marines, Jess Walker’s world is shaken as he struggles to aid the men around him. But the battlefield isn’t his hardest challenge. The nagging memory of how he lost his brother weighs on him, serving as a constant reminder of his failure. War has no mercy for anyone and Jess isn’t sure he can survive the war inside. As his world comes crashing down around him, he struggles to believe there is a future beyond the pain. 

Clay Walker has moved on from the life he once lived. A successful Marine pilot, he wants nothing to do with his family and the God he left behind. Japan is on the brink of surrender when his unit is shipped off to Okinawa, and it’s there that Clay is forced to realize his past is not as deeply buried as he thought. Faced with heavy losses and questions without answers, Clay has a choice to make. Is he willing to step back and let God take the controls? Or is it too late for a second chance? 

As WWII rages, the two brothers must face their demons — or be lost to the burning world around them.

COMING NOVEMBER 11

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. What a book. I’m not even sure how to review this. Jesseca Wheaton did it again, guys. The humour. I have yet to see anyone beat her sarcastic dialogue. It isn’t laugh-out-loud really—but it’s snicker after snort after snicker after snort... the whole book long. And I love it. The story itself kept me hooked. There was no way I was going to put it down! The characters were all so loveable and so real. One of the side characters in this book is homosexual. It isn’t really touched upon, and when it is, the focus is on the fact that he needs love and kindness and prayers to point him to Jesus, not instant destroying and anger and hate. I really appreciate that. There was some language—gosh, darn, dang, bloody, heck, hell, and one damn. The men talked a lot about girls/girlfriends in a light/causal/playthings type of attitude. Also, wounds and death were graphically described, but I personally was not bothered. I really appreciate how realistic it was. Sometimes we forget just how awful WWII really was. I also really appreciated the message about the forgotten ones who died for our freedom. I appreciated also the small message on PTSD. And the message of second chances and hope. And most of all, the message that God has a plan and He still reigns. I related to Jess’ struggles a lot just now, and that message really touched me. I needed it right now. Recommended age: 18+. 

A Favourite Quote: “He was tired of the tears and the pain. He was tired of feeling this way. ‘Oh, God, help me.’ In everything, he’d somehow lost sight of eternity. God was still alive. Still on the throne. He still had some sort of plan, even when Jess couldn’t see it.”

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The sun was setting overhead, turning the crystal water into sparkling hues of purple, pink, and orange. Wispy white clouds dusted the sky, adding to the vibrancy of the colors. Seagulls screamed overhead, and the sound of waves crashing against each other filled in the background.”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Yeah, saw him the other day…. Told him how I saved your life. He found it pretty … interesting, considering how you were convinced you’d be saving me.’ 

“‘What?!’ Clay leaped to his feet, ready to protest. ‘First off, I didn’t ask you to save me. And secondly, you didn’t need to go and tell everybody!’

“‘Mmhm. And if our roles had been reversed, would you have told everyone?’

“‘I mean ... Clay stopped. Ivan had a point — not that he would admit to it. ‘That’s different!’

“‘Oh, really?’ Ivan grabbed the wrench Clay had tossed aside and twirled it around. ‘How so?’ 

“Arguing with Ivan when he knew he was right was becoming a real problem.”

I will update this review when I reread it. I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts & opinions. 

About the Author:

Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. When she’s not busy at her full time job as a first responder, her days are spent reading, spending time with siblings, watching movies that make her cry, and playing piano. Oh, and writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Blog

Goodreads

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Goodreads link

Giveaway:

GIVEAWAY LINK + INFO

(U.S. only)

One winner of the giveaway will receive…

Paperback copy of Untitled 
Box of compass cards
God Bless America Wooden Sign
Bookmark 
USMC keychain 
U.S. Navy Medallion

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY LINK!

“Fair in War” by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Fair in War
(The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott, #8)

by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Synopsis: 

She expected popcorn and cheap prizes -- not a front-row seat to crime and conspiracy...
When Brent's brother Carter, unexpectedly arrives in Phoenix bearing important intel, Brent disappears into their world of espionage and world-saving, leaving Emily feeling left out. Telling herself she doesn't really belong in their world anyway, she determines to enjoy her afternoon at the state fair with Izzy.
But as she sees more and more familiar faces in the crowds and among the vendors, and when Izzy is arrested by security on trumped-up charges, it becomes clear something more is going on. She's never been happier to accidentally run into Brent Peterson, but finding Izzy might come down to her own determination more than either of them expect.

(from Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Okay, so did I read this in maybe 30 minutes flat? Yes. Did I freak out at the end? Yes. Am I more hooked than ever? YES!! Oh, man, I LOVED the interaction between Brent and Carter!! It was sooo awesome. Emily & Brent were as fun as ever. And Santa barely showed up but he was pretty cool. XD This was a very intense story with a crazy plot but so, so cool and snaps some more pieces from the past 7 books into place. This one does deal with a sensitive/triggering/intense issue, so recommended for ages 14-16+ depending on sensitivity. 

AND CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT HER REMEMBERING TO TALK TO GOD ABOUT THE ISSUE AND BEING SORRY SHE CALLED BRENT BEFORE SHE PRAYED???

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Carter glared at Brent. ‘But this  mission? Surely you can see why this is possibly the worst idea you’ve had since you decided to try making a candle out of pieces of straw tied together with baling twine.’

“Brent rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Look, she was already here at the fair…. I didn’t ask her here. And at this point, it’s safest for her to be where I can keep an eye on her—don’t you think? This is nothing like the candle incident. That was literally 20 years ago.’”

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts & opinions. 

Goodreads link

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“The Lady of Lanaria” by Michaela Bush

The Lady of Lanaria

by Michaela Bush

Synopsis: 

A kidnapped princess, a promise, and a kingdom cursed with mysterious plagues. 

"Mark my words, Evangeline; if you set foot outside this tower, you will surely die."
Evangeline has spent her entire life hidden in an ancient watchtower, gazing through a window as the world passes her by. She heeds her mother's warning closely, the truth hidden from her always. When a young guard stumbles upon the tower, Evangeline's life is changed forever. As she strikes up a secret friendship with the guard, she learns about the Kingdom of Lanaria and the mysterious plagues that haunt all who live there. But as she delves into the world she barely knows, not everything her mother says adds up. Will they find the truth before it's too late? 
A Rapunzel retelling. 

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I was honestly unsure about this book, since it dealt with magic. But I was very impressed. First off, the fantasy world. It was a fascinating mixture of contemporary & medieval. Most medieval kingdom fiction, gets ruined when its too contemporary, but this one was perfect. I also really, really loved the mixture of Lady of Shalott + Rapunzel--both fascinating stories! I loved Evangeline because I related to her in several ways, and besides she was just so sweet and lovely. Gabriel was nice too, and I liked his relationship with Horace. The magical part was super well handled. Of course witches & magic exist, but they were not actually in this book, and the "curse" was non-magical (can't say more because of spoilers). Some parts were a bit unrealistic but I didn't care about that too much. The romance was very gradual and more of a slow, side thing which I really enjoyed. There was some hugging/kissing but not much and totally undetailed. I liked the theme of the Light vs. darkness and how God's power vanquished the Evil and protected Evangeline. Overall, it was a great Christian medieval adventure fairytale retelling and basically perfect for me. :) 

 A Favourite Quote: “‘Nothing is truly safe, but nothing is truly hopeless either.  It is the fallen world that we live in, full of sin and sorrow.  You can choose to despair and wallow in it, or you can find the light in the situation you’re in.’” 

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “He felt glad as he noticed the change in her eyes—the deep sadness they’d held in their emerald depths when he had arrived made way for shimmery awe.” 

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Stop trying to make it seem like your fault.’ 

“‘But I’m the only one left that I can blame!’” 

 I will update this review when I reread it. I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts & opinions. 

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“Jonas & Olivia” by Victoria Minks

Jonas & Olivia

by Victoria Minks

Synopsis: 

Fourteen year old Olivia Wilkerson is left desolate and grieving when her patriot father passes away. Willed by him to be placed in the care of an old friend, Olivia is forced to venture away from all she’s ever known to make her new life among people who are strangers to her. 
Unaware of the new responsibility about to be thrust on him, Jonas Carmichael lives the life of a reclusive in an attempt to ignore the painful memories of the past. His heart has grown hard and bitter over the past thirty years of solitude, and his hatred towards people has only multiplied. 
Suddenly burdened with Olivia, Jonas’s only burning desire is to shove the girl off on somebody else. But Olivia, still suffering from her loss, is only looking for someone to love her as her father did-- and soon realizes that there is more to Jonas than meets the eye.
With the Revolutionary War pressing closer around Jonas’s secluded bubble of safety and threatening to burst it at any moment, Jonas discovers that there are choices to be made--choices that will not only affect himself but those around him as well.
(from Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. This is one of my top ten favorite Indie Author books. I love the description and totally recommend checking out the Pinterest mood board for it because it will totally help create images in your mind. Ishmael. . . <3 I love Ishmael. So, so sweet and caring. <3 What more can I say?? I also loved the random boy Jonas talks to in the village ^_^ and also Anthony, Francis’ son. Jonas. . . I like Jonas too. He makes me laugh sarcastically. I did get quite furious with him for trying to scare Olivia though. *glares* And Nanny and the Culpeppers! Guys, totally check out the link at the end of the book. xD I don't really know how to describe this book. It is so cozy and real to me. I see the images of the drifting leaves and Ishmael's frogs. I love the plot. I just loved this book. <3 My only remark is that I personally do not agree with Olivia's view on the Revolutionary War. The era feeling is all right. Not super amazing but not lacking. The language is pretty much fitting to the era.
This is one of my favorite books. ^_^ I love it so much I can't express myself. And again, I definitely recommend checking out the Pinterest mood board. It really helps you see the images the book presents. <3 Oh, and you should watch the trailer too! ;)

A Favourite Quote: “‘I know why Father would never let fear or hurt get the better of me. Many times when I wanted to cry and huddle up somewhere and not ever come out again, he would pull me away and tell me I was stronger than that. Beyond fear and hurt, because I had Jesus in my heart.[’”]
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “She turned to the next page, the paper thin and soft beneath her fingers. Frogs, in motion, covered the pages in shades of greens. [...] Olivia turned again to the next page. The gentle face of a cow filled the whole paper, its eyes large and luminous. Each page had new treasures. One was sketched over with the wispy softness of feathers. Another held the lacy patterns of leaves. Still others displayed the glossy wings of birds, the velvet nose of a horse, the twisted forms of trees, and the shimmer of frogs and snakes.”
A Favourite Humourous Quote: “He was about to walk out of his room when he caught sight of himself in his mirror.
“He scowled. ‘Ugly beast of a man,’ he grunted, rubbing his prominent square jaw. His small light brown eyes narrowed as he viewed himself. He kicked at the mirror.“A split second later, he regretted it, hopping on one foot and snarling for the mirror to get out of his way before he ‘really got angry and broke it.’”

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“The First Four Years” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The First Four Years

(Little House Series, #9)

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Synopsis: 
Immerse yourself in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House series, now featuring Garth Williams’ classic art in vibrant full-color!
Laura Ingalls Wilder is beginning life with her new husband, Almanzo, in their own little house. Laura is a young pioneer wife now, and must work hard with Almanzo, farming the land around their home on the South Dakota prairie. Soon their baby daughter, Rose, is born, and the young family must face the hardships and triumphs encountered by so many American pioneers. 
And so Laura Ingalls Wilder's adventure as a little pioneer girl ends, and her new life as a pioneer wife and mother begins. 

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is a short book, but very interesting and enjoyable. I appreciated Almanzo and Laura’s hard work and dedication—especially Laura, so young and with so many difficulties. I wish the book were longer, but I enjoyed the glimpse it gave at their married life.

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“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.*

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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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