The Lost Girls of Paris

The Lost Girls of Paris is a fictional story about strong women, filled with conflict, yet tied together with a cause so important, they overcome many obstacles. This well-researched historical novel is set in a dual timeline fashion. 

It begins in 1946, with Grace, a woman working with European refugees, and trying to deal with the grief of losing her husband to the war. While going through an abandoned suitcase, her curiosity draws her, and me as a reader, into wanting to figure out what the strange contents mean and who is the mysterious owner of the luggage. 

The contents inside is full of mysterious photographs, a pair of baby shoes, and other seemingly unrelated things. Grace digs deeper, and learns about the life of a female secret agent and how she headed a group of women like herself in clandestine operations during WWII. Though it’s a fictional story, these types of brave female agents existed, though sadly, were left out of most history books.

 The story constantly drew me in, with no lags in the storyline. Both timelines are stitched together seamlessly.  I admire the strength and bravery of all the women, including Grace and Trig, my two favorites.  For any fan of historical fiction, this is a must read! 

5 stars

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Christmas Company

I love everything about the holiday season, and Christmas stories that warm my heart are near the top of the list.

The Christmas Company is such a story. Just like the Hallmark holiday movies, this stirring story gave me all kinds of winter chills. I'm so glad to be introduced to Alys Murray's writing. I enjoy her writer's voice and the delightful characters she's created for Miller’s Point, Texas.

Kate and Clark are not a likely pair, which makes their journey all the more enjoyable. And the Christmassy Texas town is an integral part of their relationship as their chemistry is. If you enjoy the classic Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, you’ll love this one too! 

4 stars

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets

The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets is filled with angst, love, trauma, and newfound secrets. Ultimately, redeemed love, and redemption of a broken family is the main focus.It’s told through the views of Meredith, the mother, and three sisters, two grown with lives of their own, and one a teenager.

The sisters are estranged at the beginning, and harbor a lot of hurt and anger. The family resentment is palpable when they are all brought together due to the need to care of their ill mother. Though this family is imperfect, as most families are, the effort of forgiveness and eventual open communication, brings hope for this broken family. This book is not an easy read at times, however, there are some sweet and light moments. But, there’s also some very disturbing parts of this story that may be a trigger for some readers, such as rape, and dementia issues. 

All in all, The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets is a well written, and fulfilling read. 

4 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Becoming Mrs. Lewis is unlike any story I’ve read before. Although it’s a long read, (416 pages) I plunged into the highly researched world of Joy Davidman, and C.S. Lewis. Sometimes I found it hard to sympathize fully with Joy, but I loved how her trials were portrayed realistically, and how they each may have strayed from their Christian beliefs without abandoning them.

Previous to this book I had little knowledge of C.S. Lewis’s life or his writing, but the author did a wonderful job of presenting the ups and downs of their unconventional relationship. Not only was I entertained, but I learned a lot about the literary and personal world of Mrs. Lewis. 

This is the first book I've read by Pattie Callahan, and her writing style is amazing. 

Her novel is enchanting, as well as providing an in-depth view into the life between a couple of authors embracing life through prose, and self-discovery.
5 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Ellie Claire Journals

Faith & Lettering Journal

The Illustrated Word ~ An Illuminated Bible Journal

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Faith & Lettering Journal folds flat for writing ease and has 160 pages filled with ways to incorporate devotional time while writing your thoughts. The added perk of basic hand-lettering instructions, and bible journaling prompts, are a beautiful addition to this journal. The cover is embossed and colorful. There is a thick elastic band on the binding to hold a pen. I love the quality of this beautiful journal, and the pages within are inspiring. I highly recommend this creation by Ellie Claire.

The Illustrated Word~ An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal has an embossed, detailed cover. the thick pages won't bleed through when coloring the beautiful historical drawings. Though there is a plethora of coloring pages throughout the journal, there's still plenty of lined pages for your thoughts. The scripture quotations are from many versions of The Bible, such as New International, New King James, English Standard, New Revised Standard, so no matter what version you like, it's included here. Ellie Claire created a fun way to reflect and relax with this journal.

Illuminate Your Story Journal has an embossed cover, an elastic band to hold your pen on the binding, and an elastic band to hold the journal closed. The 160 pages are a combination of lined pages and those which have graphed, step by step instructions to create your artistic lettering. The first few pages introduce the history of illuminated manuscripts from hundreds of years ago. Detailed explanations of each type of illuminated letters, Insular, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque, Gothic, and  Renaissance. The list of supplies needed to try your hand at this type of lettering is a nice addition. The lined pages are headed with quotes, an attached bookmark ribbon, and a paper pocket on the inside back cover to hold keepsakes are nice additions to this journal. I believe this is my favorite journal by Ellie Claire.

5 stars

I received these complimentary copies from Elle Claire Gift and Paper Expressions

Shelter of the Most High

Connilyn Cossette's book, Shelter of the Most High, is second in Cities of Refuge series, however it stands well on its own. I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read the whole series now.

Shelter of the Most High brings biblical times alive in my mind. I connected immediately to Sofea. The romance she has with Eitan is only one part of this historical story. It tells of times fraught with danger and fears, as well as perseverance, bravery, hard times, and blessings just to name a few. All of these times are described with vivid storytelling and played out like a movie in my head. 

This wonderfully written book is one I will come back to from time to time just to relive it all over again. The cover art is absolutely eye-catching and drew me in, hungry for more. I believe it is one of the most gorgeous covers I've seen in quite a while. The writing is superb, editing thorough, descriptions vivid and I am hard pressed to find a single flaw to this book. I highly recommend this read. 

5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.