Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

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The June Boys – Gripping!

July 5, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

This book was hard to set down. The opening scene grabbed me and the suspence continued to build right to the end. As the story developed and more details were discovered about the Gemini Thief, a kidnapper of boys, the more suspects mounted. The author incorporated multiple voices throughout the novel which enhanced its flavor and the characters. They became real people to me as I saw the ramifications of losing someone you love which turns every waking moment into remembering and grieving at the same time.
Thea Delacroix deeply misses her cousin, Aulus, belieiving he is one of the June boys. But the police arrest her eccentric father as the main suspect. Her world seems to be spiraling downward where no one trusts her and she fears to trust anyone.
I recommend this creative, cliff-hanging novel by Courtney C. Stevens. It is not my usual Christian historic novel. I received a copy from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheJuneBoys #NetGalley

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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If I Live (If I Run #3) Suspense!

July 10, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

If I Live (If I Run #3)If I Live by Terri Blackstock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the reasons I enjoy reading Terri Blackstock’s books is her series with familiar characters. I read the first novel in If I Run but not the second. I would suggest reading all three since the middle one gives important details needed to understand the last book. I was able to put the pieces together and liked the suspense expected in her writing.

Casey continues to hide from those who do not understand her innocence or believe her. One person may be seeing her side but can she trust him or anyone? To say more will spoil the story for future readers.

You will find well defined characters, complex and compelling mixes of situations and complications. This is a fast read to find the conclusion to the If I Run series.

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

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Who The Bishop Knows – Delightful Mystery!

April 6, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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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Tangled Webs Book 3 in the Men of Valor series – Action packed!

March 25, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Tangled Webs (Men of Valor #3)Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hold onto your seat because this book takes off! The two main characters meet in an unconventional way while both are seeking solace at different cabins in the woods. As much as Dana wants to remain alone by the lake, with the mysterious events occurring nearby, she needs Finn’s companionship.
Irene Hannon creates another whodunit to keep you up reading past your bedtime. If you are looking for a clean, mystifying novel with action, Tangled Webs and the others in her Men of Valor series will fit your need.
I received a copy of Tangled Webs from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

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Shadows in The Moonlight: In The President’s Service Episode 8 – Cliff Hanger!

August 5, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Shadows In The Moonlight: In The President's Service: Episode 8Shadows In The Moonlight: In The President’s Service: Episode 8 by Ace Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this on my computer and after realizing the book was complete I had to look to be sure. Oh, my goodness, I need to find out what happened. Ace Collins, do you have Episode 9 finished because I want to read it?
This story takes place during World War II. Espionage, mystery, and kidnappings abound. It’s fast paced and well written with researched historical facts. The scenes are in England, Europe, and the United States. The characters are well developed and continue to grow throughout. The author has an element of faith interwoven. If you want a clean, suspenseful story that moves quickly, In the President’s Service is your series. Shadows in the Moonlight is Episode 8. Even though I have read only one other in the series, I could pick up what was happening.

Thank you to The Book Club Network and Ace Collins for this free copy in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

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Annabel Lee – Action Packed Thriller!

June 7, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Annabel Lee (Coffey & Hill, #1)Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book started out rather strange for me but it soon picked up and never stopped until the last page. If you like intrigue, suspense, and surprises this one is for you. There’s also faith and some romance to add into the mix. The characters are deep with complex emotions and behavior. Mike Nappa has written a clean, fast paced, action thriller that kept me up reading several nights. There is some violence involved and a vicious, loyal dog flavoring this story. I have purposely left any of the plot out in this review so I don’t give anything away. I hope there is a sequel.

I highly recommend this book that I received from Revell Reads/Net Galley for my honest review.

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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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