Book Review: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

 

Sophie Caldwell returns to Hickory Ridge with one purpose: her newspaper, The Gazette, to be successful.  Returning is easier than she could have hoped, despite her sorrowful memories. Ethan Heyward is the successful contractor for Blue Smoke, Hickory Ridge’s new resort. When Sophie and Ethan begin to fall for one another, it becomes harder and harder to unveil their past secrets. Will the truth ever be uncovered?

I liked:

• The plot. It was different from what I expected it to be. It had enough suspense to keep you turning the page, yet it gave enough away to where you were hungry for more.
• The character development. The author definitely knows how to bring a character’s past into the story. She would drop little tidbits into the story to help readers sympathize with the characters.
• The cover. Again, I am a sucker for beautiful covers. This cover, although somewhat monotone, was quite lovely in it’s simplicity.

I disliked:

• The somewhat predictable turn of events. Although not highly predictable, there were definitely aspects that I saw before they happened.

Content inappropriate for those under 13:

• None. I don’t know that a thirteen year old would enjoy the story, but they could read it unscathed.

Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone ages 13 and older, even younger depending on their genre preference. This was a well-written book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thomas Nelson gave me this book in exchange for a review.

What I Wore + Upcoming.

{Shoes//Kohls-Skirt//Stolen from my sister- Shirt//Kohls- Jacket// Kohls.}

{Shoes//Kohls-Skirt//Stolen from my sister- Shirt//Kohls- Jacket// Kohls.}

• I am immensely enjoying my third piece of gum. No lie.
• There are reviews coming on Friday.
• This gum tastes like an orange creamsicle. Not even joking.
• A pretty deep post, coming Monday or Tuesday.

Sincerely,
Libbi H.

P.S.  Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving day!

Fiction Friday: All Things New by Lynn Austin

This book is written in the post-Civil War era, and it focuses on the Weatherly family and their remaining slaves, and their struggles as they work to maintain a normal life in one of their worst periods in America’s history.

I liked:

• The intricate detail. It was so realistic, and it was like a tapestry woven from thousands of threads.  I absolutely love when books are riveting as well as based on fact.
• The character development. You learned to love each of the characters, and it was easier to have compassion on them because of it.
• The suspense. Unlike most historical books, this book had numerous points of slight suspense as well as a few life or death situations. It most definitely keeps the reader hooked through the last page.

Content inappropriate for ages 18 and under:

• This book was written in what I believe to be one of the most difficult eras in America’s history. With reconstruction, the KKK, and soldiers’ hatred, there is no way to make this a “PG” book.  There were parts of the book I was uncomfortable reading, as well as parts I cringed at. None of this is the author’s doing, it is just a miserable blemish in America’s history.  That said, I would not allow my younger sisters to read it until they are much older.

Overall, this was a perfectly written book for adults. I would not recommend it to anyone younger simply due to the delicate nature of this era.

Bethany House Publishers gave me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: If We Survive by Andrew Klavan

They just wanted the public service credits. They just wanted to help rebuild a school. They just wanted to bless the community. That is all the team wanted. Instead, they got a revolution. When a rebellion  break out in Central America, those from the United States must either run for their lives, or die trying. In a missions trip gone wrong, Will Peterson and his friends must run through jungles, crocodile infested rivers, and gun-toting groups of rebel. They just want to get home. If they survive.

I liked:

• The suspense. It was mesmerizing. I started and finished this book withing 26 hours. I read it every chance I got. I thought it might be a little predictable, but it definitely wasn’t.
• The characters. I really only liked a couple at the beginning, but towards the end, I began to like each one more.
• The description. It was very vividly described, and I appreciated the effort the author put into making it so realistic.
• The first person narrative. Although different, it was ver enjoyable.

I disliked:

• Pages 295-302. I won’t give any spoilers for you spoiler freaks out there, but I honestly just thought it was unnecessary and stupid. Not to mention depressing.

Overall:

This book was well written, and suspenseful. I would suggest this book for any teen on you Christmas list this year.

realignment.

This past month has been rough for me. I won't lie here. Honestly, it feels like a chiropractic treatment. Sometimes, doing the same thing works for a while, and is even great for a long time, but, as we all know, sometimes things need to be realigned. You are hurting before you go to the chiropractor, you don't feel great when you're getting readjusted, and you're sore for a while afterwards. Eventually though, the soreness fades, and you feel like you are right where you need to be.

This past month has been one of realignment for me; changing relationships, re-prioritizing my life, and just resting. I have such a hard time saying no, all the while knowing I need to say it.
It seems to me that this is the beginning of a new season. Almost everyone I have talked to is going through some major change. Whether physical or emotional, realignment makes you sore for quite a while. The good news? When the soreness ends, (and believe me, it will) it will bring relief with it; whether we know we need relief or not.
This past month, the scripture that has given me peace through all of this spiritual, mental, and physical overhaul is Isaiah 43:19-
"See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland. "


I am praying in the season of realignment, that you will find immense physical, mental, and spiritual refreshing.

Libbi H.

the onset of winter.

Dude. Yesterday felt like another Ice Age. We even had mammoths. And yes, my dogs are big enough they ought to qualify for mammoths.

This morning I went out super early with my sister to take some faux senior pictures. She is a freshman, but I really wanted some practice with seniors. So she was a senior for the day. We were freezing. Later, my two mammoths came back with a rabbit head. Fully-furrified. Blech.

Although the snow is, well, cold, I am so happy that winter is upon us. Apple cider. Hot tea. Hot chocolate. Chocolate dipped pretzels. Fake crab. Do I only like winter because of the food? Of course not. Hoodies are great too.

How is the weather where you live? If you say warm and sunny, I will scoff at you.

Libbi H.

P.S. I just started a Facebook page.  Not even for more publicity. I just wanted to see how you make a page, and I wanted to be able to change 2 cover photos obsessively. Anyhow. https://www.facebook.com/TheFunnerLife

twenty five unrelated facts.

25. This is Oliver. He is our marvelous cat with two differently colored eyes. 

24.  I am half watching "Sound of Music" right now. It is right at the part that they are hiding from the Nazis.

23. I secretly wish I could wear old-fashioned dresses. Daily. I guess not secretly anymore.

22. It has been blizzarding at my house all day. And, grammar freaks like myself, "blizzarding" is as much of a word as "funner."

21. I seriously am obsessed with Bethel Church’s music, Jesus Culture’s music, and Bryan and Katie Torwalt (look them up.)

20.  I am listening to Christmas music right now (it really works with “Sound of Music.” Not.) Don’t judge me.

19. If I could make a living watching Tim Hawkins videos all day, I would.

18. Last week, I read five books in the span of eight days.

17.  I am reading “All Things New by Lynn Austin. I am not sure how I am liking it. Review to come. Obviously.

16. I ate three chocolate chip cookies today. They were mid-sized. Don’t judge me.

15. I am four days behind on my facebook “thankful” posts.

14. I am considering wearing my Hermit the frog pajamas tonight. Nah.

13. I made a Dr. Oz cake today. Yummy.

12. I can’t find the remote for our tv. If iCarly comes on, I am going to cry.

11. Me and my sister (Abby, 14) reorganized our makeup. It would be nice if we ever used it.

10. I spent four minutes figuring out what to write in this sentence.

9. I am going to make hot tea tonight. Mmm.

8. My mom just said we were about to watch Duck Dynasty. My yuppie-girl self is about to burst with joy.

7. I am eating vegetable soup for dinner. I had vegetables and hummus for lunch. I guess that makes up for the three cookies.

6.  I dislike overcooked noodles with every fiber of my being.

5. If possible, I would marry the man with the yellow hat from Curious George. Through obsessiveness, I found out his name is Ted.

4. I wish I had a lace dress. True story.

3.  I like tea and coffee equally. Almost.

2. My two horses…er...puppies, are sleeping in our garage tonight. It is really cold outside.

1. I actually posted a non-book related post. Huzzah!.

Sincerely,

Libbi H.

Book Review: At Every Turn by Anne Mateer

Alyce Benson, the daughter of a wealthy man, decides to give three-thousand dollars to the missionaries who came to her church. Thinking she can just use her father’s money, she is dashed when he refuses to give his money towards any Christian cause.  Although she manages to earn some money through donations and by other means, she cannot seem to keep it. Anytime she sees someone in need, she continues to give the money away. Believing the only way she can receive the money is through racing, she has her father’s mechanic, Webster, help her to train secretly. Will she be able to earn enough money for her cause?

I liked:

• The cover. I know I sound like a broken record sometimes, but I really loved the cover. I do judge books by their cover, and this one had a beautiful cover.
• Alyce. Though naïve, as well as impulsive, I grew to like her compassionate personality.
• I loved the chivalrous way Webster carried himself.
• The description. The author did a great job with this one. Absolutely vivid descriptions throughout the book. Well done Ann!

I disliked:

• The predictability. Although not entirely predictable, this book’s main plot was somewhat easy to guess.

Overall, this was a very cute book, and one that would be a great gift for any automobile lover you know!

Bethany House Publishers gave me this book in exchange for an honest review.