All That it Takes - Nicole Deese

 

In this sequel to All That Really Matters, Molly's assistant Val uproots her life and moves herself and her son across the country to make a go at becoming a film maker.  Miles, her new landlord, finds himself in a career transition as well, but one not of his choosing.  Can these two find their way to new purposes and the path that God has laid before them?

Wow!  I loved All That Really Matters, and I would venture to say that this sequel is even better.  Watching how these two characters worked out God's purposes for their lives, individually, when it seemed their paths may be forged separately was engaging, and for the most part, realistic feeling.  The author did a great job teasing out their fears and what was holding them back.  And the story that worked its way out of their seemingly separate projects was so good.

I give this book 5 stars.  I love these characters and these stories, and if this author doesn't continue with them, I can only hope for new characters to love as much!

You can find All That it Takes HERE.
You can find the author HERE.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

On the Way to Christmas - Novella collection

 

Description from christianbook.com :

A Christmas Do-Over when job loss forces her to return to her small hometown.

A Yuletide breakup sends Willow Dashing Through the Snow solo on the Christmas Express---with hilarious results.

And big-city Kacey and small-town Drew share A Perfectly Splendid Christmas. But where do they go from here?

I know that I'm not the only one reaching for feel-good Christmas stories early this year.  As the world seems heavy and exhausting, we all need stories of hope and joy.  
Of the three stories, Dashing Through the Snow  was by far my favorite; I loved the story of a Christmas train ride, and the characters made it so much fun.

Overall, I give this book 3 stars, but Dashing Through the Snow is a 4-star story.

You can find On the Way to Christmas HERE.
You can find Shelia Roberts HERE.
You can find Melissa Ferguson HERE.
You can find Amy Clipston HERE.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Sadie on the Rocks - Joanne Bischof

 

Sadie finds herself at a crossroads: in her 30s, single, with no current dating prospects, and sick of the dating game, tired of writing about the dating life that she's not part of, and wondering what else life has for her, she decides to forge a new path.  She wants a job she can be proud of, and she wants to find more passion in her life, so she makes new choices and tries out a new hobby - rock climbing.  Can she find purpose and direction in her life, and contentment in her current chapter?

While this book is highly introspective, and low on action, Sadie's thoughts and journey are well-developed and would be encouraging to a reader on a similar journey.  She reaches out to engage others and bless them with her compassion and availability, and I loved watching her use her time and energy to develop a new passion while also looking for opportunities to engage with those around her.  Her bravery in letting go of things that didn't fit with her vision and faith were inspiring, and I hope that readers can gain courage from her choices.

I give this book 3.5 stars, but I would guess that others who can relate more to Sadie would find it much more engaging.  I hope that there are more Suddenly Sadie stories to follow her journey.

You can find Sadie on the Rocks HERE.
You can find the author HERE.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Where the Blue Sky Begins - Katie Powner

 

Small Montana town, ambitious finance advisor from Seattle, eccentric neighbor, and a crazy porch chicken - what could possibly go wrong?  Or how could it all go very very right?

I have to confess - the descriptions of Katie Powner's books never catch my attention the first go round.  But after two amazing, rich, unforgettable stories, I'm all in - I'll never turn down a Katie Powner book again.  Between Eric, the nephew who's been sent to "fill in" in the small town branch, hoping to work his way to a tenth floor position in the Seattle office, to Eunice, desperate to make amends, but painfully private about why it's urgent, to Cinderella, the crazy chicken, and Chicken, the rescued turtle - the lives and stories of these small town characters teach such deep lessons, about faith and loving the folks around you through good times and bad.  I love watching as those who are willing to reach out or listen are changed for the better, and can affect more than they even expected.  Not everything turns out rosy, but there are lessons to be learned even in sorrow.

5 stars to this powerful novel about literally loving your neighbor.

You can find Where the Blue Sky Begins HERE.
You can find the author HERE.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.