Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

Blogroll

  • Amazon Books
  • Deeper Shopping
  • NetGalley
  • The Book Club Magazine
  • The Book Club Network
  • WordPress Blog

Facebook page

  • Sharonrpaavola.com
  • Home
  • About

July 9, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales from Ivy Hill #2)The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rachel Ashford’s life has crashed in around her. She’s lost her father, her wealth, and her station in life. Fortunately, the Grove sisters have welcomed her to their home, Ivy Cottage until she can land on her feet. She’s bewildered at how she can bring in an income to pay for room and board. She’s never been in this situation.

As Rachel redefines her life, she assists Miss Mercy Groves, who teaches young girls from the small community at the cottage. The older Miss Groves, who does the cooking, unites with Mercy in creating the family Rachel lacks. Their support lays a foundation for her during the ups and downs as gentlemen come to call.

Rachel’s best friend, Jane Bell handles her husband’s inn as best she can without him as her mother-in-law retires with her new husband to his farm. Jane helps remind Rachel of her childhood hopes and dreams when a beau returns to both of their lives.

All of these women learn to lean on and trust in God for their futures even the Miss Groves’s sisters who may lose their precious Ivy Cottage. It seems nothing remains the same. Will God be enough for each of them?

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

View all my reviews

https://sharonrpaavola.com/book-review/978/

Where the Sky Meets the Sand – Inspiring

May 21, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Where the Sky Meets the SandWhere the Sky Meets the Sand by Chris Loehmer Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paul and Jenny travel to the African desert and meet a youth from the Maasai tribe who has been ostracized from his village. Jenny, drawn to Ole, convinces Paul to aid him by finding him a job at the austere camp where they stay for part of their trip. When they return home, Jenny remains focused on Ole and concerned about his welfare. Her preoccupation leads her to the past she thought she had left behind.
The novel weaves a journey of faith, prayer, and trust in God as Jenny finds a way to assist her African friend and heal her past. She makes new acquaintances with similar desires and heads back to Africa.

This novel encouraged my faith as Jenny struggled with her past and and her desire to be an effective Christian in Ole’s life. She had to learn to trust God for outcomes she had no control over. Her trust in her husband, Paul, had to grow. He remained by her side with concern and deep love even when he was in the dark about her past. Her angst guides her in witnessing for Christ with several accepting him as their Savior.

The book educated me about another part of the world I know very little about, the African desert and its people. The unrest in the cities versus the simple life of the Maasai were brought out by the author.

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

No One Ever Asked – Brilliant!

May 14, 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 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.

View all my reviews

Who The Bishop Knows – Delightful Mystery!

April 6, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Who the Bishop KnowsWho the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book three of The Amish Bishop Mysteries, Who the Bishop Knows, created an enjoyable diversion in between projects I had procrastinated doing. The story opens with a death at the local rodeo. The bishop who usually discovers the answers to crime through his photographic mind wasn’t there when the murder occurred. His vibrant, caring community trusts him and the longer the suspect is out there the more tension builds. He must rely on his drawings to see anything unusual.
You will find this book delightful as well as the characters.
I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. 

View all my reviews

Colors of Christmas – Heartwarming Novellas!

March 10, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of ChristmasColors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas by Olivia Newport
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both of these Christmas novellas surprised me with their genuine spirit and characters. Angela grieves her best friend. She would rather forget Christmas this year, but circumstances plop her right into the biggest public celebration with neon blue decorations. She wants to hide yet the town will not have its annual joyous parade and holiday music unless she plans, prepares, and produces. She receives help from an unusual stranger and who knows? She may pull it off after all. A delightful heartwarming story!
Astrid’s life has included more loss and pain over the years and now her family wants her to move into an assisted living community. Her grace and wit, her attitude and fortitude may see her through this difficult transition. Another pleasurable novella to set the Christmas tone with challenging situations that we often face in what should be a happy time of year.
~I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.  br />

View all my reviews

The House on Foster Hill – Mysterious Intrigue!

March 10, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

The House on Foster HillThe House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was curious about this book and was not sure if I liked it. I persevered to discover intrigue, suspense, and romance. The further I read, I grew to care about the characters and their dilemmas. The House on Foster Hill contains two story lines about the same home from different periods, the present and the 1800s.

Kaine seriously seeks a new beginning but finds the home she purchased, sight unseen, a dilapidated money pit. It seems her past has followed her across the country and danger lurks in her new surroundings. Will this be her home or should she abandon her refurbishing plans?

Ivy finds a dead girl on the Foster Hill property. What can she do to solve the murder mystery and the obscure home? Who wants her to stop investigating? Are there unknown secrets to uncover?

~I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. 

View all my reviews

Advent in Narnia – Excellent Tradition Addition!

March 10, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Advent in Narnia: Reflections for the SeasonAdvent in Narnia: Reflections for the Season by Heidi Haverkamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Advent in Narnia will please any Narnia fan and others, too. What a unique way to prepare for Christ’s birth! The author mixes in both Narnia characters and scripture to enlighten the season. The book holds twenty-eight devotions with reflection questions. I read this by myself but will enjoy using it in the future with my grandson and family as Narnia becomes real to him. Since my copy is an e-book I look forward to purchasing the hardbound edition. It is lovely and will complement my Christmas collection.
I am thankful to NetGalley for this reading and reviewing opportunity. My views and honest opinions are my own.

All She Left Behind – Fascinating and Worthy!

February 9, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

All She Left BehindAll She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All She Left Behind is another great book by Jane Kirkpatrick! Her characters have depth, her dedicated research authenticates it, and the trials faced pull you into the story.. Jennie Pickett is an unusual woman for her time and is a real person in history. She has goals most women would not dream of pursuing. Her longing to be a physician and bring healing to others never leaves her. She is raising her young son with very little help from her husband and continues to find her way. She faces many disappointments and often wants to quit. How will she maintain her desires with all that is going against her?
This is another of my favorite books and I don’t want to spoil any of the plot for you. It is worthy of reading!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. My thoughts in my review are my own and I was under no obligation to write one.

View all my reviews

These Healing Hills – I Loved It!

February 9, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

>These Healing HillsThese Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These Healing Hills captured me! I loved the characters, the life of the midwives and the mountain people they served. Francine Howard choses to leave her privileged life behind to become a Frontier Nurse in the Appalachian mountains after her boyfriend breaks off their relationship. Her mother is horrified and no one thinks she can manage the rough rigors of serving the mountain people. She wants to try but there’s more to learn than bringing babies into the world. She meets a recently returned War II veteran, Ben Locke when she gets lost on the hill. They survive a deluge under a rock outcropping which starts an edgy relationship. Francine’s faith in God deepens as her trials stretch her dealing with the mountain people.
I could say more but you really need to read it. The characters are full, complex, and real. The author’s writing is superb..

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Publishing. My comments are my own and was under no obligation to do so.

View all my reviews

The Trust – Mesmerizing!

February 3, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

The Trust: A Novel (Liam Taggart and Catherine Lockhart)The Trust: A Novel by Ronald H. Balson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book draws the reader in immediately and doesn’t let go. The action, twists, and turns make this mystery mesmerizing. Liam Taggart reluctantly returns to Ireland for Uncle Fergus’ funeral to learn he’s been named the Trustee and the funds cannot be distributed until Fergus’ killer is discovered. Since Liam left Ireland and his family in less than friendly terms this appointment doesn’t sit well with anyone. He enlists his private investigation partner and wife, Catherine, at home in the US in the hunt for the murderer. Fergus isn’t the only family member who has a murderer and the angst grows. Who knows what will happen next? I may have to read the other novels in this series!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post anything but my honest review which I have done.

View all my reviews

« Previous Page
Next Page »

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.

Blogroll

  • WordPress Blog
  • Amazon Books
  • NetGalley
  • The Book Club Network
  • The Book Club Magazine
  • Deeper Shopping

Facebook page

  • Sharonrpaavola.com
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

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


Sharon Paavola's favorite books »

Sharon’s quotes


Goodreads Quotes

2022 Reading Challenge

2022 Reading Challenge
Sharon has read 30 books toward her goal of 65 books.
hide
30 of 65 (46%)
view books

Categories

  • A Promise to Protect
  • Amish
  • Anxiety
  • Betrayal
  • Book review
  • Christmas
  • Depression
  • Family relationships
  • Forgiveness
  • Friendship
  • Honor
  • Hope
  • Hopeful Living
  • Inspiration
  • Lyn Cote
  • Medication
  • Mental Health
  • Mystery
  • Patricia Bradley
  • Sleep
  • Suspence
  • Suspense
  • Uncategorized

Copyright © 2023 · Beautiful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in