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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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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Turbulence (Kennedy Stern #5) – Thrilling!

July 13, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

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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Policed – Intense!

July 11, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Policed (Kennedy Stern #3)Policed by Alana Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Policed, the third book in the Kennedy Stern’s series by Alana Terry, Kennedy and her friend, Reuben travel innocently on their way to a concert and are pulled over by a lone police officer. What occurs next will leave long term ramifications for both of them. The themes throughout the book center around racism, police brutality, profiling, and the public trust. Alana Terry again gives the reader options and differing viewpoints on these hot topics in America today.

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

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When Tides Turn – Intrigue and Destiny!

July 8, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

When Tides Turn (Waves of Freedom Book #3)When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tess is the last roommate that hasn’t found her place as World War II rages on in the Waves of Freedom series. Who will take her seriously when she is all drama and fashion? Lieutenant Dan Avery, one of the siblings, also in these novels desires to make admiral status his only goal. How will God bring them into His will and satisfy both their intentions? Read When Tides Turn and you will discover these answers along with intrigue, suspense, and maybe even romance.

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

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Home – Fabulous Read!

April 13, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

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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On the Ropes – Excellent Heart Thriller!

December 14, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

On the RopesOn the Ropes by Hallee Bridgeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t want this book to end! Ruth and Victor’s tale is spellbinding! She’s a twin and a medical intern who has caught the eye of handsome Victor at the coffee shop she visits every morning before her rounds at the hospital. What takes place from there is mesmerizing! Ruth’s life is turned upside down and struggles back and forth with her faith in God at each step. I highlighted many meaningful passages in my Kindle and was blessed by Hallee Bridgeman. I don’t want to say anything more because I want you to read this book. The writing is excellent and it will keep you up reading past your bedtime. There are discussion questions at the conclusion of the book. I look forward to reading other titles by this author.

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network and the author. Thank you for the opportunity to read this superb book!

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A Love Transformed – Powerful!

November 26, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

A Love Transformed (Sapphire Brides Book #3)A Love Transformed by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suspense, intrigue, romance, and faith run throughout A Love Transformed. Clara Vesper’s life dramatically changes as her husband’s sudden death leaves her in dire circumstances. She longs to find her own way for once. Her mother and brother-in-law have their own ideas about her future. What will happen to Clara and her two children as she learns to trust in God?
I underlined many powerful messages for my own life. The author adds discussion questions at the conclusion of the book.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, the publisher, and author for my 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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