Review: Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched.

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move onto Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single, soccer-dad Matt.

My Review

Talk about heart-wrenching! I think I cried about five different times while reading this touching and emotional book. The author did an amazing job of balancing the difficult circumstances with Cassie's positive and hopeful attitude so it wasn't a depressing book, but rather a glimpse into the complex dynamics of grief and hope, holding on and letting go. Matt and Cassie's personalities were vividly brought to life with their mannerisms, thoughts, compassion, and struggles. They bring each other the comfort of friendship and support with their sons, but their relationship has the potential for more as Matt begins to yearn for her in a romantic way and Cassie feels conflicted between her loyalty to her husband and the joy she feels with Matt. Miss Pearl plays the tough role of helping Cassie see that letting go is not the same as giving up, and I felt that the reactions and process that Cassie goes through are so true to life. I'm particularly sensitive to themes of death and grief but reading the experiences of Cassie, Matt, and the sons of each of them was actually cathartic. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better. 

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

My Review

The drama over the red "Fire Eyes" diamonds continues as Lady Ella and the characters from previous books try to protect themselves and their families from evil men who wouldn't hesitate to kill over their greed and obsession. Since this is the third in the Ladies of the Manor series, the author catches the reader up with some general background from the previous books, but I would definitely recommend reading them in order. Ella is an easy character to love with her sparkling personality, full of loyalty to her family and a sweetness with children. Cayton tempers her cheerfulness with his broodiness, yet he can't help but be attracted to her light. I loved that his hidden passion for sketching and painting is revealed and shows his vulnerable and sensitive side. Another aspect I appreciated was the way Ella was comfortable with her faith and that Cayton was seeking to increase his own. It took me a little bit to get into the book, I felt the story was slowed down by the additional perspective of the ballerina mistress of the man seeking the diamonds, although it did offer insight into the plot and increased the feeling of suspense. The Edwardian time period isn't one I read much of but I felt like these books were successful in making the setting come alive. I'd recommend this book and the entire series to fans of historical fiction!

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Celebrate Lit Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

About the Author 

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British romances. She makes her home in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Giveaway from Roseanna M. White

I’m giving away a complete set of the Ladies of the Manor Series PLUS a special surprise straight from England! (US addresses only for paperbacks; an international winner is eligible for digital gifts, though!)

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e146afbf28/?

Review & Giveaway: Baby, Baby! by Diane Stortz, illustrated by Ailie Busby

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A sweet, colorful board book that appeals to a baby's interest in looking at other babies

Babies enjoy books, looking at other babies, and their own flowering abilities. This short rhyming poem combines all three in a sweet and happy way, while introducing babies to God's love for them. The simple words are paired with colorful images of babies engaging in familiar activities, allowing the book to be used as an introductory concept book as well. And it ends with a reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

My Review

It's never too early to read to a baby, and this adorable book is perfect with its simple phrases and illustrations. The pictures are colorful without being overwhelming, and shows babies in various activities like eating, clapping, giggling, and wiggling. I love the message of God's love and the mirror at the end of the book really makes it personal. There is even a space for you to write the child's name so he or she becomes part of the story. This would make a great gift for expecting parents or the baby in your life!

(Thank you to FlyBy Promotions for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Entry-Form

Review: Christopher and Jaime by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Jaime Seger has two goals in life: marry her best friend, the man that owns her heart and soul, and buy her very own grand piano. But Christopher McKay, who has no idea Jaime's been in love with him since she was eleven years old, never gets the memo and marries someone else.
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When Christopher's wife dies, Jamie finds herself helping him raise his young daughter. A year later, she is on the other end of a very unlikely proposal, promising everything she thought she ever wanted.
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But will Christopher help Jaime finally realize both of her dreams, or will she only be left with broken promises?

My Review

First off, this didn't feel like a novella! The story arc is so complete that it really felt like a full-length book. I love stories of best friends falling in love, but this had a twist- it was in first person perspective from Jaime's point of view, so we don't really know how Christopher is truly feeling, especially since he's not the best at communication. Jaime's flashbacks to their early relationship provides the reader with answers to why she is in love with someone who seems so flawed. The years and his first marriage have changed Christopher and his values and goals no longer align with Jaime's. With their marriage falling apart due to broken promises and hurt feelings, Jaime is faced with an opportunity to gain insight into Christopher's thoughts. I appreciated that we could finally see what was behind his seemingly selfish actions. I understood why Jaime felt so mistrustful of him, but it was gratifying when he recognized how to show her what his true priorities were. Lots of emotion and angst with just the right amount of romance and chemistry. Loved it!

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)