Daughters of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof

Here is the book summary:

From Christy Award–winning author Joanne Bischof comes the sequel to her beautiful novel Sons of Blackbird Mountain.

Aven Norgaard understands courage. Orphaned within an Irish workhouse, then widowed at just nineteen, she voyaged to America where she was wooed and wed by Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia. That the Lord saw her along the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s child are blessings beyond measure. Yet while Thor holds her heart, it is his younger brother and rival who haunts her memories. Haakon—whose selfish choices shattered her trust in him.

Having fled the Norgaard orchard after trying to take Aven as his own, Haakon sails on the North Atlantic ice trade, where his soul is plagued with regrets that distance cannot heal. Not even the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s pursued can ease the torment. When the winds bear him home after four years away, Haakon finds the family on the brink of tragedy. A decades-old feud with the neighboring farm has wrenched them into the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Haakon’s cunning and strength hold the power to seal many fates, including Thor’s—which is already imperiled due to a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare.

Now Haakon faces the hardest choice of his life. One that shapes a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know the healing peace of surrender and the boundless gift of forgiveness. And when it comes to the woman he left behind in Norway, he just might discover that while his heart belongs to a daughter of the north, she’s been awaiting him on shores more distant than the land he’s fighting for.

And now, my review:

Daughters for Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof is book 2 in the Blackbird Mountain series and I thought it was a great read that had intrigue, suspense, love, and challenges to hang on.  I enjoyed that there was a man who communicated by sign and I loved the Lord being all the nearer.  There is a powerful display of sin, unforgiveness, and regrets in a person's heart and the battle to lay it down for redemption and hope found in Jesus.  

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

 https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Northern-Shores-Blackbird-Mountain-ebook/dp/B07DT63BG4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=188UJ03X8JKTC&keywords=daughters+of+northern+shores+by+joanne+bischof&qid=1559921635&s=gateway&sprefix=daughters+of+north%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/daughters-of-northern-shores/joanne-bischof/9780718099121/pd/099120?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20daughter%20of%20nor&Ntt=099120&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughters-of-northern-shores-joanne-bischof/1128930042?ean=9780718099121#/

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E Ladd

Here is the book summary:

Launching a brand-new series, beloved Regency author Sarah E. Ladd shares the tale of a governess who would risk anything to protect five recently orphaned children—even if it means returning to Cornwall.

“Absolutely captivating! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put down The Governess of Penwythe Hall. This blend of Jane Eyre, Jane Austen, and Jamaica Inn has it all. Intrigue. Danger. Poignant moments. And best of all a sweet, sweet love story. This is by far my favorite Sarah Ladd book. Don’t hesitate to snatch up this title!” —Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request for her to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she’s tried desperately to forget.

Jac Twethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced, he battles both grief at his brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

And now, my review:

There was suspense and scary scenes, slithery snakes, intrigue, love, loss and sadness, romance, and change wrapped into this one. I loved the children. They were so precious to watch and experience. The landscape descriptions were breathtaking as were the dress descriptions to the ball. The character of the lead female was inspirational because of the loss she tasted and yet was willing to live on and still be happy. The book caused me to reflect on my relationships and their importance and wise choosing. I felt this was a great read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Governess-Penwythe-Hall-Cornwall-Novels-ebook/dp/B07DT6LW27/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1NSJ3KM3V44C3&keywords=the+governess+of+penwythe+hall&qid=1559920799&s=gateway&sprefix=the+govern%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall/sarah-ladd/9780785223160/pd/5223160?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20governess&Ntt=5223160&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall-sarah-e-ladd/1128930050?ean=9780785223160

Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson

Here is the book summary:

A simple yet profound guide to facilitate the instinctively human desire to pray.

We pray because we are human, not because we are religious. Something in our nature points beyond itself; something in us searches for and desires personal connection with God. Although communicating with our Creator through prayer is innate, the effective practice of it often feels just beyond our reach. 
     This unique book guides you to pray in deeper and more authentic ways. The short prayers and thought-provoking imagery, interspersed with contemplative reflections and suggested practices, will stir, inform, and encourage you. The simplicity of the prayers and the aesthetic appeal of the images will inspire people in every facet of life, including those with no real religious background at all.


And now, my review:

Prayer Forty Days of Practice was a book that was very simple.  I received a digital copy of this to review and the images didn’t come out very well.  Maybe with the physical book, it might be laid out well and would be a blessing but for me, with this digital copy, it was hard for me to enjoy the art.  The words at times, seemed very simply put and this made the book extremely simple and lacking to me.  The author did add in a few example stories that added to some practices and I found those to be a great addition.  Infact, I think more of that would have fixed the lacking I was feeling.

I received an ARC in digital format of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Forty-Practice-Justin-McRoberts-ebook/dp/B07D22TC1T/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=prayer+40+days&qid=1559920222&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/prayer-forty-days-of-practice/justin-mcroberts/9780525653059/pd/653052?product_redirect=1&search_term=prayer%2040%20days&Ntt=653052&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prayer-justin-mcroberts/1128688691?ean=9780525653059#/

When God Calls the Heart at Christmas by Brian Bird and Michelle Cox

Here is the book summary:

Celebrate Christmas in Hope Valley

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Whether it’s in the fictional town of Hope Valley in the early 1900s or in our lives today, nothing is more profound than celebrating God’s most important gift to the world.

When God Calls the Heart at Christmas is about a celebration of faith, family, friends, and the most meaningful Yuletide traditions. Inspired by best-selling author Janette Oke and the Hallmark Channel original TV series When Calls the Heart, these twenty-five devotions not only explore “God-moments” from the series, but also commemorate favorite holiday recipes, stories, and traditions—many of them contributed by the Hearties, the beloved fans of the show. 

Journey with us to Hope Valley as we focus on all the reasons for this most blessed season. As shepherds and angels learned on that holy night so long ago, when God calls the heart at Christmas, you can expect a celebration.

And now, my review:

As a huge fan of When Calls the Heart series, I was really excited to read the When God Calls the Heart at Christmas Devotional.  The book shares about the characters in the TV Series, their personality traits and known character, and the authors’ personal experiences, too.  The book also includes some recipes to make for the family.  I found this to be heartwarming and a fun light-read devotional.  The Christmas Snoop was really funny!  I do think she needs a trophy for that one J 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/When-God-Calls-Heart-Christmas-ebook/dp/B07FK64GMP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=when+god+calls+the+heart+at+christmas&qid=1559918637&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/calls-heart-christmas-devotional-journal-pack/brian-bird/pd/445524?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-god-calls-the-heart-at-christmas-brian-bird/1128186181?ean=9781424557288#/

Seven Sundays by Alec Penix

Here is the book summary:

A Biblically grounded, six-week plan to lead you on the path toward losing weight and getting healthier by focusing on the connections between spiritual and physical health—“Seven Sundays is a powerful tool that will enlighten you to see wellness and spirituality with a fresh perspective” (Kathie Lee Gifford).

In Seven Sundays, celebrity trainer and devoted follower of Christ Alec Penix explains the connection between faith and fitness, and shares both his own and his clients’ success stories. When our spiritual and physical bodies are built up simultaneously, we find ourselves more likely to stick with healthier, life-changing habits, appreciate what we have, be thankful for what we’ve gained (and lost), and feel content with how far we’ve traveled.

Seven Sundays is a six-week program that shows you how easy it is to undergo your own total transformation. The book is organized as a day-by-day journey in the same manner as a daily devotional. Over the course of each week, you will work on the “6 Pillars of Purpose” that build up this strength. You will also enjoy “Faith-Full” foods and explore a new spiritual theme each week. Ultimately, you’ll undertake a meaningful journey that will finally connect your body and spirit.

Seven Sundays is sure to “inspire people to become the best version of themselves, through strengthening their body, mind, and spirit” (Roma Downey, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author of Box of Butterflies). You’ll learn to embrace the fact that you deserve to exercise, eat right, and be healthy, and recognize your body as a spiritual vessel.


And now, my review:

Upon the completion, I found Seven Sundays by Alec Penix to be such a fulfilling, amazing read that I’ve been so blessed by and plan to reference for years in my journey of lasting health. This is a great fitness resource that not only works on the outward but MORE importantly directs us to reflect in and up to the Savior for a lasting lifestyle approach.  That’s my favorite part of the book BY FAR though I benefitted greatly and personally by the exercise and nutrition as well.  The heart of the author comes through each day of the journey for the length of Seven Sundays (and Praise be to Jesus for His work in this man’s life and His ministry placed on him to share with others this way).  I love the use of CHOSEN which you’ll understand when you purchase your copy of this top fitness resource and start your Seven Sundays’ journey. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Sundays-Fitness-Spiritual-Physical-ebook/dp/B07CMMHCSP/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=seven+sundays&qid=1559917815&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/seven-sundays-alec-penix/9781501189852/pd/189852?product_redirect=1&search_term=seven%20sunday&Ntt=189852&item_code=WW&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/seven+sundays?_requestid=932054

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn

Here is the book summary:

From the author of the best-selling Christy Miller and Sisterchicks series comes a refreshing novel that celebrates the gift of friendship.

Five young women, including beloved Gunn characters Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, gather for a simple Christmas party and soon become unlikely best friends. Told from the viewpoint of Emily, a timid young mom going through a difficult season of life, the regular gatherings provide the much needed community she's longed for. As the women begin sharing their life stories in Becoming Us they are endeared to each other and find ways to challenge, encourage, and help each other become the nurturing mothers they wished they'd had when they were growing up. They see themselves as Haven Makers and unite to be remembered for what they do and not for what was done to them.

And now, my review:

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn was a lovely story about relationships.  There are hurts and hang-ups and life navigating trails in this one.  To be introduced into each of the women’s life and why they are the way they are is a real picture of people around us every day.  Hurt people hurt people and forgiveness is so healing and important.  Seeing the real enemy and not switching into self-preservation mode.  Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I cried.  Should she move or should she stay, all emotions were wrapped up in this read.  I look forward to the next book in this series with the anticipation of where it will take me. 



I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Us-Novel-Haven-Makers-ebook/dp/B0755ZVBGR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TV1U7RHLUZ6M&keywords=becoming+us+robin+jones+gunn&qid=1559917145&s=gateway&sprefix=becoming+us%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/becoming-us-1-robin-gunn/9780735290754/pd/290754?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-us-robin-jones-gunn/1130521064?ean=9780735290754

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

Here is the book summary:                                                                 

Much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months, and while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain--and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled.

Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke is back and has made his intentions clear. But Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and destine another man to a childless marriage. Then someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. . . .

Mercy Grove has lost her school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires seems out of reach. Should she uproot herself from Ivy Cottage to become a governess for a former pupil? Her decision will change more lives than her own.

A secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the ladies soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be. Will they oust the imposter, or help rescue her from a dangerous predicament?

In the meantime, everyone expects Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even though her heart is drawn to another. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate one wedding, an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

Don't miss this romantic, stirring conclusion to Tales from Ivy Hill.

And now, my review:

The Bride of Ivy Green Book 3 by Julie Klassen was a quaint read.  What I thought: I loved the dress shop and various hats with all the frills made available by the shop owner.  I thought this added a nice element to the read.  I found the matchmaking to be funny.  The mad dash of the dog at night for the horse ride was quite freaky.  That she was able to keep her calm was amazing.  I felt like the characters were believable and I really liked Jane. 



I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Bride-Green-Tales-Hill-Book-ebook/dp/B07D6YYNJ3/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+bride+of+ivy+green&qid=1559916546&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-bride-of-ivy-green-3/julie-klassen/9780764218170/pd/218172?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20bride%20of%20iv&Ntt=218172&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bride-of-ivy-green-julie-klassen/1127953123?ean=9780764218170#/