Sharon R. Paavola

Life moments and Book Reviews

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

June 2, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Stars in the Grass is a tender story of one family’s journey after a tremendous loss. It’s 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.

Having grown up in a minister’s home I related to Abby’s familiarity to her father’s church with particular hiding spots, and places to play or find solace. I, also lived in a parsonage and understand the dubious situation of not owning your own home.

The turmoil in their home is heightened by Abby’s brother, Matt’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!

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

February 12, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

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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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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