Sharon R. Paavola

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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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Summer on Sunset Ridge – Fascinating and Absorbing!

July 8, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1)Summer on Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rebecca Albright, lives on her Quaker family’s farm near Philadelphia during a tumultuous time as the Civil War is brewing. Through circumstances she created her father demands that she nurse the man who he shot back to health. When the man becomes conscious they discover he has amnesia. The family’s only course of action is to help him recover, gain his strength, and hopefully regain his memory so he can return from wherever he came from. Rebecca is quite reluctant and wants nothing to do with him accept to dress his wounds and feed him. She struggles with how her faith fits in with the slavery issue, how she as a woman can assist in the Underground Railroad, and also, keep from involving her emotions with this unknown man under her care. Does God have plans for her? It seems He does but she will need to trust him on Sunset Ridge. I really enjoyed this novel by Sharlene MacLaren!

I received a copy from the The Book Club Network and the author. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

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Review of Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter – Historic and Emotional!

September 2, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Saving the Marquise's GranddaughterSaving the Marquise’s Granddaughter by Carrie Fancett Pagels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The religious persecution the Huguenots suffered in Europe remains important to history. I cheer Carrie Fancett Pagels on for bringing their struggle to the forefront in Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter. I’ve recently been made aware of their plight and was glad to read another novel depicting it. The story sheds light, also on the social layers confining people in their lives with no hope of changing their situation but for the hope of fleeing to the New America. When they did sail away, they would become indentured servants to pay for their passage across the ocean. Once they landed they belonged to whoever purchased them and for however long it took them to repay the fee.
Suzanne leaves her home and travels through Europe in pursuit of freedom from the troubles brought upon her by her parent’s faith. She endures more than any woman of her social stature could even imagine. Follow Suzanne on to America as she seeks the freedom and love she desperately wants. Will her experiences drive her to God, break her, or open her eyes to the humble man, Johan who loves her?
I recommend reading Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter. You will be enlightened and moved.
I received this book from The Book Club Network and the author for my honest opinion which I have given in this review.

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More Than Rivals – An Inspiring Story of Two Young Men!

August 9, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and WhiteMore Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White by Ken Abraham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am an avid basketball fan and this book had me from the first page! You don’t need to be one to see the amazing drive early in the lives of these two young men . The historical background of black meeting white in a time and place in the United States added a heavy yet ironic statement. The details the author included were crisp and key to fully grasp the dimensions of the contrasts and similarities of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, their families, their faith, and neighborhoods.

This is a rare treat for me to read a non-fiction book. It fascinated and rewarded me. I had not known of their lives and feel richer now that I do. I grew up in the same era they did but lived in an area of the United States where the tensions between races were minimal and almost non-existent. Learning more about the reality of what others experienced was definitely worth reading this book.

I received a copy of More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship that Moved a Town Beyond Black and White from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

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Loved this book!

November 5, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Honor (Quaker Brides, #1)Honor by Lyn Cote
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down! Honor has so much to offer – suspense, justice, bravery, romance, and faith. Lyn Cote has written an outstanding read that absorbs the reader. One of the main characters is deaf. Very few knew how to communicate with the deaf in this period of history and this subject was handled beautifully. An unexpected arranged marriage causes more drama and the displaced Honor has to lean on God as she faces life in a new world. She quickly becomes involved in hiding runaway slaves, a very dangerous activity. Will she be caught? Will her husband discover her unlawful participation in assisting the hunted and frightened ones to safety? Will she find love, loyalty, and purpose so far away from all she has known her whole life?

I highly recommend this book. I rarely give 5 stars. Honor by Lyn Cote deserves them.

*I received this book for review from the publisher via Net Galley. This in no way affects my thoughts expressed in this review*

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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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