Category: Book Reviews

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “What Follows After” by Dan Walsh

Jenna Evans

what follows after

Goodreads Synopsis:

“In October 1962, Colt Harrison and his little brother, Timmy, hatched a plan. They would run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt’s house in Savannah, Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents got back together. But things go terribly, terribly wrong. Colt’s mother and father must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their broken marriage.
In this emotional story, Dan Walsh takes readers on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life–love, truth, and family.”

My Review:

When I seen this book, I did not know if I was going to like it or not. I normally read books with a pretty girl on the front because it is normally a hopeless romantic story. This book might not have drawn me in because of the cover, but once I started reading this I could not stop. It drew me in and kept my interest until the end. Scott, Gina, Colt, and Timmy were characters that I loved to read about and couldn’t wait to here more about. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “Sincerely Yours” by Jane Kirkpatrick, Laurie Alice Eakes, Amanda Cabot and Ann Shorey

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:</strong

"In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life–and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it."

My Review:

I absolutely loved this book! I have read many books that have four novellas inside one cover and they never disappoint me. Reading the title made me wonder what the stories would be like and how they would include letters. The way that these authors all started with a letter for someone to go to another place, but still have their own style of writing. Camilla, Marigold, Lorraine, and Grace are all powerful women that answered a letter and had a great adventure in each of their stories. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.
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Book Reviews, BookLook

~Book Review~ “Smitten Book Club” by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt

Jenna Evans

Smitten Book Club

Book Description:

“Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you’ve just begun to read.” —A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont, resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they’d made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love—often in spite of the historic book’s advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.

My Review:

This is the first book that I have read that is in the town of Smitten. I had seen the first two books at our local bookstore before, but I have a hard time paying full price for books. That is one of the reasons why I became a book reviewer. The title of this book drew me in because my mom and I are members of a book club at my church called “Lit and Latte”. We meet once a month at Atlanta Bread Company and me and my mom have a great time fellowshipping with other ladies from our church. I wanted to see how the ladies in this book interacted.
When I seen that the book had four stories in one, I was even more happy. I like reading the multi-story books because they move faster. They are especially good whenever I am wanting to read a book, but don’t have a long time to do so. I had read books by Colleen Coble, but had never heard of any of the other authors. Knowing the reputation of Colleen Coble let me believe that this was a good book and that was a good indicator because this was a great book.
Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly all have their own story, but are all friends and interact with each other throughout the entire book. The book, “A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship”, that Heather found adds a bit of humor to the book because most of the “advice” is not in order with today’s world. The humor and the romance make for a great adventure in the town of Smitten, Vermont. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from BookLook Bloggers.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ A Heart’s Rebellion by Ruth Axtell

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she’s ready to take fashionable society by storm–and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. When things go too far, Jessamine will learn that the man who is faithful through thick and thin is more worthy than the one who speaks pretty words. But will her disgrace keep Lance from reconsidering her as a wife? And when tragedy strikes and Lance becomes his father’s heir and a titled gentleman, will he think she only wants him now because of his title?

My Review:

Jessamine Barry is about to step out in her first season in London. She meets Lancelot who is not who she pictured being with for the rest of her life. These characters fit perfectly inside of the regency period that Ruth Axtell has placed them in. An exquisite and beautiful story put together to make me not want to put the book down! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “In the Shadow of Jezebel (Treasure of His Love)” by Mesu Andrews

Jenna Evans

Jezebel

Goodreads synopsis:

“Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?”

My review:

Mesu Andrews is definitely an amazing writer. She knows how to take biblical stories and turn it into a great fiction story. I loved reading about Princess Jehosheba and her family members. Someone asked me about the title and why would I want to read about Jezebel. The story of Jezebel is in the Bible so why not read about it. I have to confess about one thing. This book had a lot of names that started with J and the writing was a little more advanced than I normally read. Put these together and confusion sets in. I had to read this book a lot slower than most books. This is why I gave the book a 4 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “The Dream Dress” by Janice Thompson

Jenna Evans

The Dream Dress

Goodreads Synopsis:

“A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she’ll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement–especially from her friend Bella Neeley–to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she’ll have to design her own wedding dress soon?”

My Review:

I loved this book! I have always loved everything about weddings and this book went right along with that. I seen the wedding dress on the front and thought, “this is going to be a good book” because it was so pretty and I was right. I loved the Cinderella storyline and the characters Gabi and Jordan had so much chemistry from the very beginning. The Fred and Ginger aspect was also neat. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “My Amish Boyfriend” by Melody Carlson

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“Sixteen-year-old Shannon McNamara plans to get three things this summer–a driver’s license, a job, and a tattoo–until a move to rural Ohio and a handsome Amish boy make her think twice.

Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another sweet story of worlds–and families–colliding, exploring themes important to teen girls through an engaging tale.”

My Review:

This book was good. It was a lower level of reading than I normally read, but overall I liked it. I liked the way that Shannon was introduced to her mother’s Amish family and how she tried to fit in. I also liked how the Melody portrayed Ezra, confused and lonely. Shannon and Ezra both needed each other at a low time in their lives. There were a few things I didn’t like. Shannon seemed like a character who wasn’t developed properly. I personally like characters with more depth, but for this story and for teen readers, it works. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “Love’s Sweet Beginning” by Ann Shorey

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“It wasn’t Cassie Haddon’s fault that she had managed to reach the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the war, she had always had servants to wait on her. Since then, she and her widowed mother had moved from place to place, relying on family to care for them. Now she’s forced to find work to support them both. What isn’t in her plans is falling for Jacob West, a local restaurateur and grocer. She needs a job and he needs help. But what they both need is love.”

My Review:

This book is a story about a rich girl who lost her father and became poor when her uncle kicked her and her mother out of the house. Cassie is a character who shows passion and courage when the tough times come upon her. Jacob West is man who has a past and has to overcome living with the past and his feelings for Cassie. I loved this story and how the characters intertwined with each other. The lessons that Cassie learns are lessons that every girl can benefit from. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “Rachel” by Jill Eileen Smith

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads synopsis:

“Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal?

Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery. The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she?

Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.”

My Review:

I love to read books about characters in the Bible. The story of Rachel, Leah and Jacob is probably one of my most favorite stories from the Bible. Jacob would do anything to be with the love of his life and to make her happy although Rachel’s father does everything to go against that. Jill Eileen Smith did a great job of portraying the story of Rachel. It is always neat to hear someone’s view of the story. There were a few things that I didn’t think would happen, but overall the story was great. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “You’re Going to be Okay” by Holley Gerth

Jenna Evans

youre going to be okay

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Sometimes it feels like life’s falling apart at the seams. Sometimes you’re completely worn out by stresses that never seem to end. For every woman who has been disappointed, who has watched a dream die, whose life isn’t what she imagined it would be, bestselling author Holley Gerth has a heartfelt message of hope–you really “are” going to be okay. And it “is” possible to live with joy, resilience, and strength in both the good times and the bad. In fact, she says, that’s what God desires for us.
With her trademark positive encouragement and probing questions for self-reflection, Holley encourages women to spend less of their lives regretting and more of their lives truly living. She shows them how to guard their hearts against despair and look to the future with confidence, remembering that they are part of a greater plan and “nothing “can stop God’s purposes for them.”

My Review:

Holley Gerth took a simple subject of how many women feel in today’s society and made it into an inspiring novel. Women sometimes just need a little push and encouragement to know that it is going to be okay in life. She brings tips for every woman to live with joy, resilience, and strength. I like the activities throughout the book to help think about your own life and how you will know everything is going to be okay. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

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