Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

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The Love Note – Book Review

November 28, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This enchanting novel has a classical feel, reminiscent of Victorian tales. The main character’s only desire is to practice medicine in a world open to men alone. Willa finds a way to achieve that goal as a nurse at Crestwicke Manor, a place she has known all her life. This task will test all of her wit and push her faith to another level. She also searches for the owner of a lost love note found inside a desk she acquired years ago. What will Crestwicke Manor hold for her, and will she be the healer it needs?

I recommend this book of depth into the human condition, strength in God, and courage over despair. I received a copy from Net Galley and Revell. I did not gain compensation for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheLoveNote #NetGalley



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Book Review – The Book of Lost Friends – Excellent!

November 22, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If American slavery and freedom mean anything to you, this book is for you. The characters in the Book of Lost Friends hope to discover who they are through finding their lost family history and create a vivid truth that is hard to comprehend about our country’s past and present. Lisa Wingate includes two storylines that connect both and spotlights that change is still necessary. I highly recommend this book. I could not stop reading until the end.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheBookofLostFriends #NetGalley



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The June Boys – Gripping!

July 5, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

This book was hard to set down. The opening scene grabbed me and the suspence continued to build right to the end. As the story developed and more details were discovered about the Gemini Thief, a kidnapper of boys, the more suspects mounted. The author incorporated multiple voices throughout the novel which enhanced its flavor and the characters. They became real people to me as I saw the ramifications of losing someone you love which turns every waking moment into remembering and grieving at the same time.
Thea Delacroix deeply misses her cousin, Aulus, belieiving he is one of the June boys. But the police arrest her eccentric father as the main suspect. Her world seems to be spiraling downward where no one trusts her and she fears to trust anyone.
I recommend this creative, cliff-hanging novel by Courtney C. Stevens. It is not my usual Christian historic novel. I received a copy from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheJuneBoys #NetGalley

Book Review – The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma – Mysterious!

June 24, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

In Boston, 1886, Harriett Peters desires to assist the Robinson family and remains loyal to them as they have taken her in off the street. She is finally grounded as her hat making business progresses but life becomes more traumatic as the storyline continues. Her friend, Dr. Michael Wheaton is concerned is desperate to aid her. Harriett watches Michael find strength in his faith as locals mock him and it may rekindle her own trust in God as she watches Robinson family members die one by one.

Liz Tolsma creates a mysterious air that causes the reader to keep wondering what is the truth. I read late into the night to discover the answers to Harriett and Michael’s quests.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
#The Green Dress #NetGalley

Day 15 of 35

May 17, 2020 by admin 4 Comments

I started a journey, Wednesday, April 8 at 3:00 PM at Mission Valley in San Diego, California, hoping to relieve a darkness that’s clouded my life for decades. I entered with trepidation and doubt. I didn’t know anyone who had traveled through TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).

My anxiety jumped to an 11 on my drive there and skyrocketed as I walked in the door. Wearing a mask and gloves heightened my fears. I hadn’t left my home since the “shelter in place” orders during the COVID pandemic, other than drive-bys to my daughter’s home. Now I was opening the door to a medical facility which had assured me PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) would be in place.

I checked in and was handed a clipboard with a depression scale test. (Get used to it, Sharon, you’ll fill one out everyday and two on Fridays.) The technician arrived to take me to the treatment room to sit in a big recliner). He prepared the machine ( I don’t really recall what occurred but I do know the psychologist held my hand). Terrified, my mind went back to my Electric Shock Therapy experiences years ago. Assured over and over, this was not the same mechanism as ECT, I relaxed a degree.

Then the psychiatrist walked in to do a technique called mapping. A machine over my brain was set to send signals to my fingers that the technician was noting. This procedure would give them the information to place the pulses correctly on my brain for the next 7 weeks.

After the mapping, my first treatment occurred. It felt like a mini-jack hammer pounding on my head (with ten second breaks) for 20 minutes. Oh, goodness, what have I gotten myself into? Would I be able to endure this day after day for weeks?

The first seven days were a challenge. Relief came over me when each treatment was over. Headaches occurred most days and at night, I would wake up multiple times. I wanted to be positive for my family and friends but I probably caused them more concern. I dreaded going in.

Yet, day eight, the intensity lessened, or was I becoming accustomed to the sensation? It didn’t matter; it was easier.

I could do this!

That’s my experience today, day 15. I have hope in this non-medication therapy for depression to lessen and lighten the dark cloud surrounding me.

Checkin for the next leg of my unusual trek during this crazy pandemic.

You Were Always Mine – Book Review – Suspense and Intrigue!

February 22, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

You Were Always MineYou Were Always Mine by Nicole Baart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a page turner! If you like suspense, a clean novel, and family ties this may be the book for you. I won You Were Always Mine from a Goodreads’ giveaway and was not familiar with the author. Her writing is brilliant and kept me engaged from page one on. Her characters fill their roles with authenticity.
A dedicated mother of two boys loses her husband in an unusual hunting accident. As her life spins out of control, she discovers secrets that leave her unsettled about his death and her future.
I recommend You Were Always Mine. Subjects in the book include adoption, marriage, friendship and betrayal.

Thank you to Goodreads and Nicole Baart for this opportunity to read this book. My own honest, opinions are expressed in this review.

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The Grumble-Free Year Book Review

November 17, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The Innkeeper’s Daughter – A Fascinating and Intriguing Read!

October 28, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

The Innkeeper's Daughter (The Bow Street Runners #2)The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I delighted in this novel, another in the Bow Street runners series. Joanna works her heart to the bone at the Blue Hedge Inn her family owns. She watches over her young brother and her aging mother who are her world. The Inn’s holds a rough crowd in the lower class section of Dover, England, but it’s her life and she must make ends meet to pay the rent. Unbeknownst to her, an undercover officer has taken up residence under her roof, with the name of Alexander Morton. He’s not the usual customer since he pays ahead of time for his room and board. The bar brings in ruffians and some aren’t who they seem to be.

I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery played out in the plot. The two main characters cannot deny the chemistry that develops between them. Alexander struggles to maintain his strong, godly beliefs while he discovers who is smuggling at the docks. The author incorporates some humorous and colorful characters, such as Mr. Nutbrown, who only speaks through his puppet and skips paying his bill by climbing out his window.

Michelle Griep, one of my favorite writers, brings depth, true human flaws plus graces into her books. She clearly believes that faith in God is worth clinging to in any circumstance.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Innkeeper’s Daughter. All thoughts are my own.

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The Weaver’s Daughter -Historically Rich!

August 28, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

The Weaver's DaughterThe Weaver’s Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The well defined characters in The Weaver’s Daughter face family loyalty while risking integrity. Kate Dearbourne lives in a community that survives on their weaving trade steep in tradition. Henry Stockton returns home from the Three Years War, seeking solace and restoration. Instead, he finds a battle about to explode between his wealthy, visionary family and the local weavers.

Kate’s eyes begin to open to her father’s stubborn ways as she continues to run into Henry. Both Kate and Henry must find their place with God, themselves, and the ongoing weaver’s barrage against progress. Henry struggles inwardly looking for his own path. Kate challenges everything she’s always known, even the suitor her father desires for her.

The Weaver’s Daughter moves quickly, delves into history, and shows the reader the real heart of her characters. I enjoyed this novel set in the Industrial Revolution.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. 

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No One Ever Asked – Riveting Must Read!

August 27, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

No One Ever AskedNo One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This brilliant book ranks as the best book I’ve read in months! Katie Ganshert births a marvelous group of characters. Each one vital to the depth of emotions that run through a community when forced to integrate two school districts. Racism pitted against living out one’s faith and beliefs caused this reader to search my own heart and mind. The players all have a voice revealing the angst behind their actions. The parents, teachers, and students affected, create dramatic statements. What would you do in their situations? This timely and delicate subject makes No One Ever Asked a must read.
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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About Me

Sharon's passion to release women from their past, from depression, and from pain so they can move on to hope, freedom, and living in the present drives her to speak, write, and encourage whenever possible. Her openness allows women to identify with her own life experiences yet see where they, too can conquer their battles. She is devoted to her home life with husband, Eric and 2 Bichon mixes, PIerre and Stewart. She and Eric have 3 grown children and live in the San Diego, California area.

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Sharon's books

The Sound of Music Story: How A Beguiling Young Novice, A Handsome Austrian Captain, and Ten Singing von Trapp Children Inspired the Most Beloved Film of All Time
Morning's Refrain
Shadows of the White City
Dawn's Prelude
Veiled in Smoke
Forsaking All Others
Appointments with Heaven: The True Story of a Country Doctor's Healing Encounters with the Hereafter
Gentleman Jim
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Into the Wild
No Journey Too Far
The Last Thing He Told Me
My Name is Eva
Between Sisters
Summer Island
The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
The Record Keeper
The Bottoms
Call Your Daughter Home
The Girl Without a Name


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2022 Reading Challenge

2022 Reading Challenge
Sharon has read 30 books toward her goal of 65 books.
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