Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious Hope – Inspiring and Uplifting!

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Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious HopeWhere 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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No One Ever Asked – Brilliant!

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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.

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All She Left Behind – Fascinating and Worthy!

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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.

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These Healing Hills – I Loved It!

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>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.

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The Two of Us – Sweet and Real!

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The Two of UsThe 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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Heart on the Line (Ladies of Harper’s Station, #2)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!

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Wicked Girl (THE FIRE Book 1)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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Turbulence (Kennedy Stern #5) – Thrilling!

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Turbulence (Kennedy Stern #5)Turbulence by Alana Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kennedy, on a flight to Alaska for the Christmas holidays, encounters several people who will affect her deeply. Her roommate, Willow, also comes face to face with life altering decisions. This thrilling novel moves quickly and is hard to put down.

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

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Where Two Hearts Meet – Outstanding Book 2 in The Prince Edward Island Dreams Series

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Where Two Hearts Meet (Prince Edward Island Dreams #2)Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fan of Liz Johnson’s first book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, The Red Door Inn, I looked forward to opening Where Two Hearts Meet. Two new components of this book were Caden, the chief at the Inn and Adam, a journalist staying on the island temporarily. Both struggle with their individual challenges. The beautiful and awesome island may be just the place for them to discover answers for the peace they need. I enjoyed this novel that deals with real life issues and hope you will, too. This would be great for your TBR beach or summer list.
~I received a copy from Revell and have given my honest review.

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Help! I’m Buried in My Underwear Drawer! Delightful Devotional!

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Help! I'm Buried in the Underwear Drawer: Let's get real about our stuff!Help! I’m Buried in the Underwear Drawer: Let’s get real about our stuff! by Amy Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pick up this delightful and brief (hee-hee!) book that packs a meaningful message in each devotion. They each end with a Bible verse and a journaling space. The cute humor and darling illustrations create a fun vibe. What a great book to leave behind at a coffee shop or gift to your hairstylist who rarely opens a Bible. The perky author, Amy Larson gets real with our intimates’ drawer and with God. I recommend Help! I’m Buried in the Underwear Drawer!

I was gifted an e-file copy of this book. Thank you, Amy! My review is my honest opinion and was under no obligation to write it.

P.S. Readers, I took an online course from Amy two weeks ago geared at decluttering. I spent part of my Saturday with women I didn’t know but with the same goal – to clean out areas of our home! We met online for thirty minutes and then worked on our own for an hour, back and forth for 4 hours. I met my goal for my desk which has been a daunting task for me. Amy is inspiring with plenty of energy. She speaks, writes, and besides giving online classes, she does one on one encouragement. Her website is :http://www.clutterconquest.net


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