Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

On Love’s Gentle Shore – Emotional Depth!

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On Love's Gentle Shore (Prince Edward Island Dreams #3)On Love’s Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This third novel in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series culminates with a story of old love, family forgiveness, and uncovered dreams. The hope in these themes moves the characters along not knowing where they will find themselves. People from the former books connect the series. The beauty of the island adds to the mix with the lighthouse as a main focus.
Natalie O’Ryan fights against a town who has pegged her as the town drunk’s daughter but can she hold her head high on her own? Will her wedding finally happen?
I recommend On Love’s Distant Shore. You may connect as characters work out the best way to live their lives with God’s help.
I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

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The Writing Desk – Enchanting!

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The Writing DeskThe Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enchanting book about two women living in different times, present day Tenley and Gilded Age Birdie. Their stories intertwined with ease keeping me turning pages late at night. Rachel Hauck created strong characters I grew to enjoy and care about in their dilemmas. Both women’s faith in God were tested. Tears came to my eyes as their stories enfolded. I would recommend any of the three books I have read by this author including The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Shop.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and have given my own opinion in this review.

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Straightened – Highly Recommend!

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Straightened (Kennedy Stern #4)Straightened by Alana Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alana Terry takes on a controversial subject in this next novel in her Kennedy Sterns Christian Suspense series. One of her characters searches to place himself as a homosexual or not. His family who is from her first book in the series, holds to a conservative, Christian view. The novel contains varying opinions never preaching or maintaining one point over the other. It’s an excellent dialogue within a story and well worth reading. Kennedy battles with her thoughts and emotions for the young man’s choices and the reactions he receives. The outcome kept me reading and surprised me. I highly recommend this book!

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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Paralyzed – Suspenseful!

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Paralyzed (Kennedy Stern #2)Paralyzed by Alana Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paralyzed absorbed me like Unplanned, Alana Terry’s first book in her Kennedy series, did. The main character, Kennedy, now a Harvard sophomore continues on after last year’s traumatic experiences. Anxiety has become a constant companion and post traumatic stress syndrome overwhelms her becoming an obstacle in her classes and relationships. A perpetrator leftover from Unplanned wants her dead. Everyone she loves remain in danger; her roommate, her pastor and his wife, the youth pastor, and anyone near her are not safe. The suspense fills the novel. Kennedy, also struggles with her faith in God questioning why he allows violence and pain to harm innocent people. The author includes different viewpoints to answer her inquiry. No preaching here! I immediately moved on to the third book in this series, Policed to discover what Kennedy confronts next.

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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Review of Sweetbriar Cottage – Riveting Read!

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Sweetbriar CottageSweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

o. Sweetbriar Cottage does not go where I thought it would go. Denise Hunter took me deeper than I expected with her characters, Noah and Josephine who think they are divorced. What transpires changes them forever. The themes of Sweetbriar Cottage will touch your heart and may even help heal your own brokenness. Noah’s strong faith in God is tested and measured above and beyond what he has already experienced. This novel, fast-paced and action packed will be hard to put down.

NetGalley provided a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Home – Fabulous Read!

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HomeHome by Ginny L. Yttrup
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love when an author gives her characters real struggles, with deep angst, and life-changing decisions throughout the novel. Melanie and Craig Vander face different choices out of the tragedy that struck them years before. Will what they choose keep their marriage off the brink it is on or tear them apart?
To keep them financially afloat, Melanie desperately writes another novel and her characters may help her find what she needs. Her neighbor struggles with her own challenges. Grab this book and see for yourself what their relationship creates.
From the first page, I realized I was reading an above average book by a Christian author. The validity of the concerns, how she knit them into the story, and how each person concludes their situations excelled beyond my expectations! This book can be read by non-Christians. Her use of scripture and faith occur naturally.
I can’t wait to read another one of Ginny Yttrup’s books!
I received 2 copies of this book, an ebook from NetGalley and the paperback from Barbour Publishing. I have written my honest opinion and review here.

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Mercy Inn – A Refuge at Christmas!

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Mercy InnMercy Inn by Lee Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This tender novel by Lee Warren warmed my heart and will remain in my collection of Christmas books! What more can you ask for with angels, snowstorms, and individuals lost in life and at the happiest time of year? The author develops his characters right before your eyes and draws you into their lives with adeptness. Each one seeks their own gift and possibly two angels hold exactly what they need. Check into the Mercy Inn, cozy up to the fire, and lift your spirits by reading this rich and unique novel! You will add it to your Christmas collection, too.
I received a copy of Mercy Inn from Lee Warren, the author and I have given my honest opinion here in my review.

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The Stars in the Grass – A Beautiful Novel of Loss and Family!

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Stars in the GrassStars in the Grass by Ann Marie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stars in the Grass is a tender story of one family’s journey after a tremendous loss. Told by the nine year old daughter, Abby McAndrews, each member handles the tragedy with different emotions, actions, and faith in God. Abby’s curious mind, growing vocabulary, and sense of humor makes this book poignant, insightful, and moving.

Abby’s dad, John is the minister of a Presbyterian church which adds to the dynamics of their upheaval as a family. The turmoil in their home is heightened by Abby’s brother’s secret escapades. “Dad frowned and exhaled slowly, the receiver in his hand. He was used to answering other people’s problems not phoning with the problem.”

Doubt in God, anger, and grief fill their relationships with unexpected outcomes and may tear them apart. Will they find a way to pull together? What happens to a family whose loss is unimaginable? My heart ached for the McAndrews. Would they seek the God they thought they knew before tragedy hit?
I hope you will chose to put Stars in the Grass on your “to be read” list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. I want to thank them for the opportunity to read this fine novel by Ann Marie Stewart!

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The Captive Heart – Gripping!

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The Captive HeartThe Captive Heart by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Captive Heart captivates! Mesmerized from the beginning I couldn’t read fast enough. Eleanor escaping recrimination in England, travels to the colonies expecting an arranged position but no one appears to claim her. Wth no options, she finds herself married to a mysterious man who lives out in the wild. He needs her to care for his daughter. Her frightening and terrifying days and weeks learning how to cook, clean, and watch the rambunctious little one in a shamble of a home out beyond civilization is riveting. Samuel, her new husband and she stay as far away from each other as possible. His life revolves around nothing she can relate to or understand. He hunts, rides off on his horse for days, and has unknown business with Indians and the law. His past is buried deep inside.
How will they forge a life together? Will she continue to get in harm’s way while discovering how to live in his world? Can his heart contain room for this proper English woman?
I highly recommend The Captive Heart! It is gripping and heartbreaking!

I received a copy from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

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

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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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