Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart

No one gets to skip the tough stuff and when life threatens to drown us we're left gasping for air, merely surviving a life we never ordered. Niki Hardy has been there, screaming, "God, is this it? Where's the abundant life you promised? Are you even listening?"

Life might not be fair, but through loss, grief, and cancer, Niki discovered life doesn't have to be pain-free to be full. With sensitivity and without Christianese or stock answers she invites women to replace the lies they believe about themselves and God with sound biblical teaching and his unwavering promises. Through 7 practical steps, with hands-on questions, actions, and prayers, she equips readers to grasp the full life Jesus came to give them, right where they are.

No matter how broken a life might seem, the abundant life Jesus promised is available--now and always. Let Niki show you the way.

My Rating: 5 Stars
This book caught me eye in a recent RevellReads email asking about non fiction titles I was interested in reviewing. This is a new to me author but as someone battling the tough stuff of life, this one seemed worth a read. I am happy to report is is well worth a read. This book is full of practical wisdom from someone who understands how hard it can be to put in to action. I especially liked the way she tied in the children's book "We're Going On A Bear Hunt." As a parent of a little boy who enjoys that story it was an instant connection for me and it made perfect sense! Will definitely read Niki's stuff anytime!

I received this book from RevellReads and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Deadly Intentions

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.



My Rating: 3 Stars
This book is pretty much a non-stop action ride full of twists, turns and surprises. It's an quick and easy read as I read it in less than a day. I enjoyed the characters of Caitlyn and Josh. They were easy to like and their banter gave a bit of levity to the mystery they are trying desperately to unravel. The book flowed well and quickly and was mostly easy to follow(I had a bit of trouble with the sciency parts but I understood enough to get the basic idea). I didn't like a couple of the plot twists which docked my rating a bit, but it's a good solid suspense read and I look forward to more from Lisa in the future.

Vow Of Justice

When Allison Radcliffe is killed, FBI Special Agent Linc St. John goes after her killer with a vengeance until he discovers she's been in hiding. He must put aside their unfinished business before she becomes the next victim.


My Rating: 5 Stars
Vow of Justice is a can't miss Christian Fiction Suspense read. I was hooked from the first page and I devoured this story in a matter of hours. I really enjoyed the angle of Allie faking her death and all the mystery that entailed. It made for quite an interesting story and it had a few surprises along the way! Linc and Allie were very likable characters and I loved getting to see the St. John family again. This series has been thoroughly enjoyable and I am sorry that it's coming to an end. Although we do get at least one more story with Derek doing a crossover to another of Lynette's series so I am looking forward to that one!

I received this book from the RevellReads and was not required to post positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Always & Evermore

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever. 

My Rating: 4 Stars

Warning! Do not start this story unless you have the next hour or two free-because once you start, you will NOT want to stop till you finish-and even then you will be looking for the next book stat! This story sets up Jody's next series of three orphaned princesses hidden away from their cruel and murderous uncle who stole the throne from their father. In "Always" we are introduced to Felicia and Lance who give up nearly everything to save the orphaned princesses. It is an exciting read wondering if Lance and Felicia will manage to escape with the three babies. This is an immersive tale that sucked me in from the very beginning. Very enjoyable read! I am looking forward to reading each of the princess's stories as soon as possible!

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever. 

My Rating: 4 stars

First of all, aren't those the most gorgeous covers?!?!?!

Okay so I stayed up till way to late o'clock finishing this book. Once you start this read, it is near impossible to put down! I just HAD to know how it ended!! The story was exciting and moved at a very good pace. It has some really sad parts which got to me but the book is super good. I am waiting impatiently for books 2 and 3 in this set....I need them SOON!!!


I received these books from the author and was not required to post positive reviews. All thoughts are my own.

A Glitter Of Gold

When pirate wreck tour guide Anne Norris finds evidence of an undiscovered shipwreck, she seeks the help of museum director Carter Hale to uncover the truth and treasure that could save her business. But can she trust him with her secrets and her heart?

My rating: 5 Stars
This is my FAVORITE Liz Johnson book to date. I have read most all(I haven't read her Christmas story yet) and this is with out a doubt the best one yet! I loved the premise of the diary and learning about Rebecca's story after the diary. I adored the character of Anne, and I really liked Carter too. The banter between Anne and Carter was fantastic and I was cheering for both of them to find their HEA. Aunt Tessie was a great addition to the story and I loved her wisdom that she shared with both Carter and Anne. All in all, a pretty perfect story. Ir you like romance and mystery in one story, this is the book for you!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Read and Buried(Lighthouse Library #6)

Librarian Lucy Richardson unearths a mysterious map dating back to the Civil War. But if she can't crack its code, she may end up read and buried. 

The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library Classic Novel Book Club is reading Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne while workers dig into the earth to repair the Lighthouse Library's foundations. The digging halts when Lucy pulls a battered tin box containing a Civil War-era diary from the pit. Tucked inside is a hand-drawn map of the Outer Banks accompanied by a page written in an indecipherable code.

The library is overrun by people clamoring to see the artifact. Later that night, Lucy and Connor McNeil find the body of historical society member Jeremy Hughes inside the library. Clearly Jeremy was not the only one who broke into the library--the map and the coded page are missing.

Lucy's nemesis, Louise Jane McKaughnan, confesses to entering the library after closing to sneak a peek but denies seeing Jeremy--or his killer. When Lucy discovers that fellow-librarian Charlene had a past with Jeremy, she's forced to do what she vowed not to do--get involved in the case. Meanwhile, the entire library staff and community become obsessed with trying to decode the page. But when the library has a second break in, it becomes clear that someone is determined to solve that code.



My Rating: 5 Stars
This was a fantastic visit to the Outer Banks with Lucy and the gang. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about an uncovered diary and a code that is near impossible to crack plus a murder to boot! I haven't missed one of the Lighthouse set thus far and this was definitely my favorite of the set so far. A great mix of the murder mystery plus the diary and code made it near impossible to put down. If you like a great cozy, check out this one!


I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Killing Tide

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, CGIS special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous and volatile crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's adrift cutter, and the direction the clues point will test him and the guard to their limits.

Complicating matters further is the arrival of investigative reporter Harper Grace. An unrelenting journalist who was nearly killed as the result of her last expose, Harper has been sent to Wilmington on the hunch of her boss that the Coast Guard is stonewalling the truth about the officers. An interview with the dead victim's wife convinces her there's a story worth uncovering, even if it means risking her life again.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Harper can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them, but will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer before they become his next mark?


My Rating: 4 Stars
This was an excellent debut to Dani's new series! It was a very easy and quick read but boy did it pack a ton of suspense and surprises within its pages. I love the new crew of folks we are meeting in the Coastal Guardians and I can not wait for ALL of their stories! This a series that will be on must read as they release pile! The story moved very quickly and flowed well throughout and it definitely kept me guessing. There multiple things that happened that I was not expecting. Highly recommend for anyone that loves great Christian fiction suspense stories!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Strangled Eggs and Ham

Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!

While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .


My Rating: 5 Stars
This was another fun mystery with Robbie and the gang. I thoroughly enjoyed this story which revolves around a proposed resort going in near South Lick. The book moved well and had a few surprises along the way. Mostly I like that reading one of these books is like I am visiting old friends. A easy fun read that leaves me happy once I have closed the book.

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Fire Storm

FBI Profiler Kaely Quinn visits Nebraska to care for her ailing mother. She cant help but notice suspicious connections among a series of local fires, so she calls on her partner, Noah Hunter, to help find the arsonist. Together they unwittingly embark on a twisted path to a mad man who is determined his last heinous act will be Kaely's death.


My Rating; 5 Stars
WOW! This was an explosive read-literally! This book kept me on my toes and guessing at who the culprit would turn out to be in the end. It had plenty of fantastic twists and turns that made it nearly impossible to put down. I love Kaely-she is such a fascinating and unusual character. Her processes are so different and make for exciting reading. I am EAGERLY waiting for book 3 in this set. I can not wait to see where Nancy takes us next in Kaely's adventures.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Middle Matters: Why That (Extra)Ordinary Life Looks Really Good On You

The best-selling author of Never Unfriended opens up about midlife and what it feels like to have outgrown those teenage jeans, but finally grown into the shape of our souls.

Do you ever wonder how you woke up one day with all the responsibilities of a grown-up who secretly enjoys going to Costco, can no longer recognize the tween celebrities on the magazines at checkout, but is still surprised when a Starbucks Barista calls you "ma'am"--because your inside self is frozen in time from about twenty years ago? 

So does Lisa-Jo Baker. Welcome to the middle!

In these intimate reflections on midlife, Lisa-Jo Baker invites women to get a good look at their middles and gives permission to embrace them--beyond what the media, the mirror, the magazines, or our teenagers say. Through gutsy, beautiful storytelling, she admits out loud what most women are thinking about marriage, parenting, failure, and how badly we all want to buy those matching Magnolia Market mugs. Her delicious stories come from not being afraid of who she is (Your Age is Not a Dirty Word). Because she has finally grown comfortable in her own skin (The Scale is Not the Boss of You). She's not asking you to seize the day, just to make sure you actually see it; for all its wildly ordinary glory (Sobbing in my Minivan Over Honor Roll). Because Lisa-Jo knows that the middle might be the best part of the love story of life, muffin top included.


My Rating: 5 Stars

This was an awesome read! Unfortunately my "middle" kept getting in the way of my reading time so it took me a bit to finish it as I wanted time to chew on this one as I read it. I loved the chapters on Faith and Friendship and the parenting chapters were spot on. Lisa has masterfully crafted a read that reminds us of the beauty of our everyday lives and that every memory matters! The "middle" is an important part of our lives and I know I needed that reminder. I highly recommend this book!

This passage really struck me:
     I'm not the first one to stand desperate in a boat, desperately afraid of the storm, wondering why the heck Jesus is asleep on the job. Those first shaky disciples and I, we look out at the waves and the dark, angry clouds and we're so afraid of what's coming. We want to control it or outrun it or survive it. And all our faith is slipping through our fingers, and out boats are wobbly and our Savior is asleep.
    Jesus wasn't asleep because he didn't care.
    He was asleep because He wasn't afraid. 

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Storm Rising

Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster.

My Rating: 3 Stars

Ronie Kendig has been an author I have wanted to try for a very long time. My hubby has enjoyed several books by her as well as a lot of my reader friends. So I was extremely excited to finally read one of her books! This book started off with a bang and didn't let up throughout. It is a thrill ride from start to finish! Ronie's writing style was good and I enjoyed the banter and lighter moments in the book. The book was a little heavy for my tastes and the body count got to me. That being said, I will continue in this series because I do want to know what happens next, and I intend to check out some of her earlier books-especially the A Breed Apart series which looks awesome!



I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.