Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

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The Love Note – Book Review

November 28, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This enchanting novel has a classical feel, reminiscent of Victorian tales. The main character’s only desire is to practice medicine in a world open to men alone. Willa finds a way to achieve that goal as a nurse at Crestwicke Manor, a place she has known all her life. This task will test all of her wit and push her faith to another level. She also searches for the owner of a lost love note found inside a desk she acquired years ago. What will Crestwicke Manor hold for her, and will she be the healer it needs?

I recommend this book of depth into the human condition, strength in God, and courage over despair. I received a copy from Net Galley and Revell. I did not gain compensation for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheLoveNote #NetGalley



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Book Review – The Book of Lost Friends – Excellent!

November 22, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If American slavery and freedom mean anything to you, this book is for you. The characters in the Book of Lost Friends hope to discover who they are through finding their lost family history and create a vivid truth that is hard to comprehend about our country’s past and present. Lisa Wingate includes two storylines that connect both and spotlights that change is still necessary. I highly recommend this book. I could not stop reading until the end.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheBookofLostFriends #NetGalley



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Book Review – The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma – Mysterious!

June 24, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

In Boston, 1886, Harriett Peters desires to assist the Robinson family and remains loyal to them as they have taken her in off the street. She is finally grounded as her hat making business progresses but life becomes more traumatic as the storyline continues. Her friend, Dr. Michael Wheaton is concerned is desperate to aid her. Harriett watches Michael find strength in his faith as locals mock him and it may rekindle her own trust in God as she watches Robinson family members die one by one.

Liz Tolsma creates a mysterious air that causes the reader to keep wondering what is the truth. I read late into the night to discover the answers to Harriett and Michael’s quests.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
#The Green Dress #NetGalley

Day 15 of 35

May 17, 2020 by admin 4 Comments

I started a journey, Wednesday, April 8 at 3:00 PM at Mission Valley in San Diego, California, hoping to relieve a darkness that’s clouded my life for decades. I entered with trepidation and doubt. I didn’t know anyone who had traveled through TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).

My anxiety jumped to an 11 on my drive there and skyrocketed as I walked in the door. Wearing a mask and gloves heightened my fears. I hadn’t left my home since the “shelter in place” orders during the COVID pandemic, other than drive-bys to my daughter’s home. Now I was opening the door to a medical facility which had assured me PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) would be in place.

I checked in and was handed a clipboard with a depression scale test. (Get used to it, Sharon, you’ll fill one out everyday and two on Fridays.) The technician arrived to take me to the treatment room to sit in a big recliner). He prepared the machine ( I don’t really recall what occurred but I do know the psychologist held my hand). Terrified, my mind went back to my Electric Shock Therapy experiences years ago. Assured over and over, this was not the same mechanism as ECT, I relaxed a degree.

Then the psychiatrist walked in to do a technique called mapping. A machine over my brain was set to send signals to my fingers that the technician was noting. This procedure would give them the information to place the pulses correctly on my brain for the next 7 weeks.

After the mapping, my first treatment occurred. It felt like a mini-jack hammer pounding on my head (with ten second breaks) for 20 minutes. Oh, goodness, what have I gotten myself into? Would I be able to endure this day after day for weeks?

The first seven days were a challenge. Relief came over me when each treatment was over. Headaches occurred most days and at night, I would wake up multiple times. I wanted to be positive for my family and friends but I probably caused them more concern. I dreaded going in.

Yet, day eight, the intensity lessened, or was I becoming accustomed to the sensation? It didn’t matter; it was easier.

I could do this!

That’s my experience today, day 15. I have hope in this non-medication therapy for depression to lessen and lighten the dark cloud surrounding me.

Checkin for the next leg of my unusual trek during this crazy pandemic.

Every Bride Has Her Day – Fun and Delightful!

June 24, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Every Bride Has Her Day (Brides with Style #3)Every Bride Has Her Day by Janice Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every Bride Has Her Day creates a delightful book about an engaged couple and the interruptions and interferences they encounter on the way to the altar. This is surprising because they work at a bridal shop and make others’ wedding wishes come true. Of course, everyone has their ideas of what they ought to do, what they should wear, and the theme for the wedding. This funny, cute novel takes the reader along as Katie Fisher finds her true self and desires.

I received a copy of Every Bride Has Her Day from NetGalley for my honest review.

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Review of A Powerful Secret – Can’t wait to read more in this series!

May 25, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

A Powerful Secret (The Worthington Destiny, #2)A Powerful Secret by Kevin Leman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Powerful Secret caught my attention immediately! This book contains twists and turns throughout and kept me up reading into the night. Two brothers’ lives interconnect yet vary vastly. The mystery and suspense are powerful. I would read more by these two authors. It is clean yet real. Kevin Leman has been one of my favorite non-fiction writers and now I’m intrigued by his fiction work.
I received a copy of A Powerful Secret from Net Galley for my honest review. This was an excellent choice and I highly recommend it.

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Terrific Read!

November 18, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Dangerous Game (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #53) (Harbor Intrigue #2)Dangerous Game (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #53) by Lyn Cote
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lyn Cote wrote Dangerous Game with a brilliant hand. She had me from the first page. I devoured this book and was rewarded by suspense, surprises, and romance. Her characters stay true to form throughout and they pull you into their world. Grey returns home from prison back to his hometown where his crime was committed. Forgiving and forgetting come hard for this small village and he faces tough challenges. You will want to read this book to discover the mysteries within. I highly recommend Dangerous Game and this series!

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Review of Murder at the Courthouse – Amusing and Suspenseful!

November 3, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Murder at the Courthouse (The Hidden Springs Mysteries #1)Murder at the Courthouse by A.H. Gabhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this one sneaks up on you! I loved the main character, Michael, a small town officer of the law. Obviously, this is about a murder but a challenging one to solve for sure. I found Murder at the Courthouse amusing, deep, and suspenseful. The dialogue going on in Michael’s head is written so well. I could not put this one down until the mystery became clear. A.H. Gabhart captures the flavor of the small town atmosphere, dilemmas, and foibles. This was enjoyable to read and I understand this book is a real change from her normal writing. I will definitely read more of her books.

I highly recommend Murder at the Courthouse!

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

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Whiskey Sunrise – Review of Murder, Guns, and Action Filled Book

January 25, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Whiskey SunriseWhiskey Sunrise by John Turney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Initially I was caught off guard by the gnarly, grotesque and confusing brutality in the opening of this book. I had read another review that stated the same concern. Since I had offered to read Whiskey Sunrise for Lighthouse Publishing I ventured on and became mesmerized by the intrigue, suspense, and mystery surrounding the town and the Sheriff Rye Dawlsen. The tone of the book changed when the characters were fleshed out and the storyline focused on Rye and his deputies/friends. My attention was kept by the rapid pace of the book. I could see this book becoming a movie. This isn’t a book for the tenderhearted but if you are a grueling guns and knives, action addict you will enjoy it. Bombs, drug cartel, and gun smuggling are all included. Rye’s faith and his struggle with alcohol are tested as he fights someone or something who wants him dead. Will his decisions win his wife, Dee back into his life?

I received an ebook copy of Whiskey Sunrise from Lighthouse Publishing for my honest review which I have given.

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Somehow Christmas Will Come – Dramatic and Hopeful

January 11, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Somehow, Christmas Will ComeSomehow, Christmas Will Come by Peggy Blann Phifer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This dramatic story kept my attention to discover how everything would turn out for the characters. Alcoholism and grief create the themes in this read. How each person handles these issues makes a difference in how they face life. Read this book by Peggy Blann Phifer and look for hope at Christmas time.

I received a copy of this book from the Bookclub Network for an honest review which I have given.

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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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