Forgiveness

No One Ever Asked – Riveting Must Read!

August 27, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

No 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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Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious Hope – Inspiring and Uplifting!

July 10, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious Hope by Katherine Elizabeth Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katherine Clark’s story moved me to deeper faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. What started out as a lovely afternoon at a playground became a horrific tragedy for her and her family. On the ground after a child jumped from a jungle gym falling on top of her, she really thought she would just get up. How wrong she was as she spent months in the hospital and in recovery with a diagnosis of quadriplegia. Her determination and strength in God created a miraculous advance in her dire prognosis. Scripture, prayers, and her resolution to walk again shored her up while unbelievable odds stacked against her. Her experience proves the premise of knowing the Bible and its truths as it will prepare a person for whatever may come. Her foundation of faith, family, and dreams of the future lifted her beyond the impossible.

Where I End is inspiring and uplifting as this young mother rises above circumstances. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.

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Review of Stranger No More: A Muslim Refugee’s Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus

July 9, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Stranger No More: A Muslim Refugee’s Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus by Annahita Parsan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found myself staying up late delving into Annahita’s life, her struggles, and her quest for freedom from abuse and dominion as a Muslim woman. Her childhood in Iran was simple and then her world became complex beyond her wildest imaginations. One day she was married and the next, a widow. Her nightmarish world astonished me. This recollection of what she encountered, endured, and then escaped opened my eyes to a world I can barely comprehend. Not that it isn’t believable but that in contrast, my life is vastly different. The trauma she endures to bring her children to safety, to practice her new found faith, and to experience life with choices amazed me.

What a remarkable story and woman! I highly recommend this book of hope, suffering, stamina, and faith.

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

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July 9, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

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.

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

No One Ever Asked – Brilliant!

May 14, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

No 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.

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All She Left Behind – Fascinating and Worthy!

February 9, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

All 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.

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The Two of Us – Sweet and Real!

February 3, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

The Two of Us by Victoria Bylin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sweet novel combines deep faith in God, second chances, and family ties. Mia Robinson, an independent woman with a mission to work with an International aid organization receives a disconcerting phone call from her pregnant niece who is planning on eloping. Mia’s life direction changes and she moves to a small town to give support and hopefully wisdom to her cherished relative, Lucy. Lucy is madly in love with Sam, a son of a fallen officer being mentored by Jake Tanner, a former policeman. Mia has been burned by love too many times to consider romance in any shape and Jake figures life will be good if he can make a difference in young men’s lives. Lucy and Sam, at times seem more mature than Mia and Jake but they all have life lessons to learn. God opens doors they do not see and closes doors they think they want just like so many of us.
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.

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Seeking Sarah – Intriguing!

February 2, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Seeking Sarah by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this on a whim and it definitely held my attention through unexpected twists and turns. Recently engaged, Brooke Green’s reality flips upside down on the day of her father’s funeral. She learns painful facts that send her on a gripping search. Her father thought he knew best by keeping secrets. Even though she knows God’s way to live life, she heads in the wrong direction desperate to find truth and she may lose everything doing it. How far would you go seeking to unravel lies you believed your whole life? You’ll need to read Seeking Sarah to discover Brooke’s revelations, actions and reactions.

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.

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December 18, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful novel about a woman working on a telegraph transition line station in a small town. Grace believes she will be hunted down by the same men who killed her father so she is hiding out and laying low. She begins after hours’ transmissions with a mysterious telegrapher and they become companions. Humorous happenings occur in this female only berg, Harper’s Station. Characters learn to trust God in this great read that will take you away for a few hours.
I won this book through a book giveaway opportunity on Rel Mollet’s website who is a book reveiwer and offers author services. Thank you! The opinions offered here in my review were my own and I was not asked to do a review.

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https://sharonrpaavola.com/book-review/914/

Wicked Girl -Different Kind of Read!

December 9, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Wicked Girl by Mcebo Michael Metfula
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My rating for this book comes with mixed emotions because it was a different kind of read for me. I understand where the author was headed even though quite a few surprises arose. At times it was fascinating and it always held my attention. The storyline had many facets to it and the characters were strong yet unpredictable on occasion. The husband, Elijah endures multiple losses staying committed to God even through challenging circumstances. He has a blogging business and finds writing a coping device. The spiritual dynamics were sketchy at times and I am not sure I agreed with the author throughout the book. If this is a true story, then life is stranger than fiction.
I volunteered to read this book and was given a copy by the author. My opinions are my own.

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