Outside of Grace - Anna Daugherty

 

From Amazon:
Ava Sanford longs to be known as more than the pastor's kid. When the opportunity arises to study abroad in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to leave the Texas coast and the pressures of Grace Church behind. But she never meant to leave God, too.

Her roommate's partying lifestyle promises the fun Ava has been missing out on—until a traumatic assault leaves her faith and pride in ruins. As her life in Scotland begins to crumble, rumors race back home, threatening her relationships with her family and friends, including Jack Shields.

A former athlete, Jack keeps his head down, working through college and coasting through life. After losing both his mother and his scholarships, he knows the things you love can disappear at any moment. But when his best friend seems to be next, the nonchalance and security he carefully guards are broken. Fighting for Ava will mean risking it all, and he can't do it alone. Only God can show them both how far grace can go.


While they're resolved in the end, and the discussion questions bring out the complicated interpretations of scripture, there was a large portion of the book that felt like it was blaming Ava as the victim, that she was really condemned. A lot of that could be seen as how she was processing things in her head, but it felt dangerously critical.  And even though the assault was not actually her fault, and not a foregone conclusion based on her choices, there was no real focus on her bad choices leading up to the trauma.  There were no hangovers from the drinking, no missed classes, no concerned friends as witnesses.  There were several characters who could have had more depth, but didn't feel fleshed out. 

Dealing with such a heavy topic is tricky.  I feel that this one didn't give enough hope or grace to encourage a reader to make it to the resolution where she finds that she is worthy of love.

You can find Outside of Grace 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.

The Blackout Book Club - Amy Lynn Green

 

When Avis' brother goes off to war, she takes over his job as librarian.  The problem is two-fold: first, she doesn't read, except magazines, and second, the private library's owner is determined to close the library.  Avis convinces the owner that the library serves an important role in the small town Maine community, and that the book club she's starting is a legitimate war-time activity to honor the required blackouts.  Now, she just needs to find members to actually attend, and she has to actually start reading books.

Reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, the idea of this novel was so creative, and ideal for book lovers.  The desperate forming of the bookclub brings together members of the community, some of whom were reluctant readers, but eager for company or free food, and it combined readers of surprising literary tastes.  I loved the variety of texts that they covered, and how they included everyone, from the youngest child, to the widowed pawn shop owner.  By the end, these characters were drawn together by more than books, and cared for each for more than their literary contributions.

There were maybe a few too many main characters to feel that they were covered adequately, but they were a unique lot and their friendships were intricate and enriched the novel.

4 stars, and I am always eager to see more from this author!

You can find The Blackout Book Club 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.

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.

Worthy of Legend - Roseanna M. White

 

The final installment of The Secrets of the Isles, Worthy of a Legend continues the search for antiquities and focuses in on Lady Emily Scofield and her estranged relationship with her family.  As more clues surface regarding a priceless artifact, Emily's brother Nigel becomes more and more desperate and unhinged.  Can Emily continue to show love to a brother who would stop at nothing to make the discovery that he feels would make him earn his father's respect?  As for Lord Telford, who has a hidden passion for Arthurian legend, and is drawn to protect those who need it, how will he help this quest while keeping the Lady safe?

This entire trilogy has been amazing.  I have loved the characters, the setting, and the adventure.  I love how the characters interact, and draw closer to each other throughout the course of the trilogy.  One of my favorite parts is the friendships amongst the male characters.  Additionally, the truths revealed as the characters struggle through their conflicts and trials are so realistic.  Don't we all want to feel worthy of love? Don't we all wish to know that God cares about us personally?  Lady Emily and Lord Telford may come to those conclusions a little more dramatically than the average non-fictional person, but they reveal the truths that we are loved and we are worthy to God.

I am sad that this trilogy is over; I could continue to enjoy this cast of characters for several more books.  I can only wait impatiently for the author's next set of novels.

I give Worthy of Legend 5 stars.

You can find the book 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.