Storm Sisters

Storm Sisters

Afton Rorvik

 Written in a memoir style, the author talks about the women who were there for her and her mother when her mother faces a rapid decline into terminal illness. These sisters of the heart who were with her during her storm were called storm sisters. These are women who helped her through depression and grief.

I was touched by the authenticity and feeling of community that the author portrayed in her story. While it wasn't the book I expected (I was expecting more on how to be a storm sister), I liked the stories and the feeling of family that the author talked about having with her friends. She did give a few tips, but the book was more about dealing with storms as they come instead of how to be a storm sister. It's a book that I would recommend to anyone dealing with storms in their life, particularly the death of a loved one.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

Last Call

Last Call

The Cocktail Series #5

Alice Clayton

Caroline, an interior designer, has always gotten a little panicky when marriage is mentioned. Thankfully her photographer boyfriend, Simon, is on the same page. But when their friends begin getting married and having babies they start to consider the idea. Simon is on location in Asia when Caroline gets a terrifying call. Suddenly spending the rest of her life with the man of her dreams might not be an option.

This is definitely a novella. Since I haven't read the first four books I was at times lost while reading this short story. It wasn't really a book, more like an epilogue. But the premise was sweet and the couples feelings were genuine. There was a bit more bedroom time than I felt was needed for the story. It really didn't add to the plot. The book read like a YA and so was a bit young for my tastes. But readers of light YA will enjoy the fluffy feel to this book.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

A Brush With Love

A Brush With Love
A January Wedding Story

Rachael Hauck

Ginger was burned in a fire when she was a child. But the outward scares are not the only ones she's still carrying. So when Tom comes into her hair salon twelve years after he stood her up, she's not remotely interested in him. But the sparks that were there in high school are still there and Ginger must decide if she can forgive and let go.

The story is a novella so all romance, character development, and plot must be squeezed into a few short chapters. The author did a great job of creating emotion and drama. The romance was a little lacking for me, but the character development was good. I enjoyed the story and thought that Tom was a great hero. The quickness of the spiritual changes in some of the people seemed a bit unrealistic, but the length of the story probably required the speed. Overall it was a sweet story with a beautiful message that I enjoyed reading.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Blogger in exchange for my honest review.

At Home in Last Chance

At Home in Last Chance

A Place to Call Home Book 3

Cathleen Armstrong

Kaitlyn made a horrible mistake six months ago. She left her seven year old daughter with her brother and took off. But now she's back and trying to rectify her mistakes. It isn't easy and she constantly feels the guilt, not only from herself, but from the townspeople. Steven is dealing with some of the same issues himself. Their relatives warn them about each other. But these two prodigals must learn to have faith and trust before they can settle in Last Chance, New Mexico.

The style of writing feels a lot like a young adult book. The author deals with the issues of learning from mistakes and moving past the prejudices of others. I was unaware that this book was in a series when I picked it up. It can be read as a stand alone, but there are definitely pieces that would fit better if the first two books had been read. The book ends rather abruptly. I'm not sure if this is because it's part of a series and the loose ends will be tied up in the next book, or if that is simply the style of writing. The characters are authentic and the descriptions are vibrant. It was an interesting read.

I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.

Ted and Friends

Ted and Friends

Phil Roxbee Cox & Stephen Cartwright

Ted and his friends go on twelve different adventures. They bring the reader along with them as they get into all sorts of predicaments. Each story has a recurring theme with a rhyming flow that makes it easy for early readers to read. Each story has little flaps on the pages to add dimension. The book comes with a cd of the stories being read.

My daughter is just learning to read and fell in love with this book. The illustrations are adorable and she loved the interaction of lifting the flaps. The stories have a humorous angle and she loves laughing at the antics of the animals. She is able to read the words and this had really boosted her confidence in reading. Definitely a book I would recommend when just starting to read.

*I purchased the book from an Usborne dealer. This isn't the exact picture of the book, since the book I own comes with a cd and 12 stories. For some reason I have a hard time finding Usborne books online to grab pictures from.

Dirty Chick

Dirty Chick

Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer

Antonia Murphy

Antonia had only had traumatic experiences with chickens when she and her husband relocated to New Zealand. But the different grocery options and lack of gourmet shops meant that if she wanted wine, cheese, or organic eggs, she would need to grow it herself. Before she knews it, Antonia found herself with her family in rural New Zealand learning to farm. With the kids and animals out of control Antonia found a happy place amidst all of the poop and trials of family and country life.

Filled with lots of zany, tongue in cheek humor, this book initially appeared to be a light, funny read about farm life. But the more I read, the more I realized that the author had infused life lessons and thoughts of what true family was all about. Even if you've never seen a chicken in your entire life, you'll love the different approach the author took when telling her story and find humor in her numerous attempts to raise farm animals. The scenes and word pictures that she paints will take you right into rural New Zealand and make you feel like one of her friends. There is some language, but it wasn't a lot and didn't clog up the story. I look forward to reading more by this author and I hope she writes a follow up to this story.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

A Lasting Impression

A Lasting Impression

Tamera Alexander

Claire works for her father forging priceless art. When the opportunity to escape presents itself she finds her life completely changed. She begins working for one of the most influential women in Nashville. A co-worker Sutton attracts her attention. But she can't trust anyone with her secret past. As her new and old life collide she learns about trust and faith.

It took me a while to get engaged with this book. But once it grabbed me I couldn't put it down. The characters were great and really drove the story. The part that was slow for me was setting up all of the details for the story. It was presented in such a way that left little room for surprises at the end. But the book was full of history and the plot was interesting. Overall it was a nice book that could have had a bit less writing and a bit more mystery.