Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

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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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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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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 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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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 JesusStranger 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 (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. 

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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 />

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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.

Jonas and Olivia – A Stormy Tale!

December 8, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Jonas and OliviaJonas and Olivia by Victoria Minks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The young girl Olivia creates a tolerable world in the midst of unwanted circumstances when her father dies. She is placed in the startlingly, bleak home of Jonas, a former friend of her father’s. Her strong character, deep faith in God, and her relationship with Ishmael, a worker in Jonas’ home keep her from sinking into total despair. Jonas wants nothing to do with her and at times can be cruel. As a hermit, he is even unaware a civil war is occurring. The depth of emotions amidst these characters drew me into their struggles. These very mismatched individuals make this quite a moving story.

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Book Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor – Enchanting Treasure!

November 9, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

12 Days at Bleakly Manor (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #1)12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a pleasure to devour another Michelle Griep book! I was pleased to be selected to read 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by the publisher, Barbour’s Review Crew. I picked it up a couple of afternoon’s ago and immediately fell into the story. I love Christmas books, too so this enchanting, Dickens – like tale held me until the last page.
Clara Chapman’s life has dramatically changed and she’s trying her best to adapt in her 1850s London world while another character, Ben Lane’s dark and dreadful imprisonment touches your heart. The author’s creative writing and the character’s dilemmas absorbed me. I loved the 12 days of Christmas mysteriousness and the oddity of Bleakly Manor. I dare not say more or I’ll spoil this treasure. Here are a few quotes from the book.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” (Attributed to Charles Dickens)

“Hear me, God, …though it kills me in every possible way, I surrender here and now… Make things right. Make me right. I leave this matter in Your hands, where it’s always been, despite my doubts and questions.”

“Yet it is grace alone that saves the worst of us.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review but I was delighted to write one. Thank you Barbour Publishing!

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June Bug – A Must Read! Loved it!

September 1, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

June BugJune Bug by Chris Fabry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novel! This adorable, precocious girl lives her life to the fullest. She has no idea what has occurred in her short lifespan but pieces of possible reality start filtering in making her question who she is. Her wisdom though, surpasses the adults around her which she records in her journal. The story that unfolds brings heartache, joy, and redemption. I would read this book again and I rarely do that.
I highly recommend June Bug. It will stay in your heart for a long time!
Chris Fabry has an uncanny way of winning your heart with his writing and characters. In fact, I read four of his books one after the other early this summer.

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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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30 of 65 (46%)
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