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Showing posts from August, 2025

Review: An Irish Kiss - Fairall Romance Legacy #1

If you've had the opportunity to read The Lost Daughter's Irishman by Carolyn Miller from the Our House on Sycamore Street series , you are in for a treat as we meet the other members of the Fairall family in the Fairall Romance Legacy series . Rory is one sassy sister who ends up meeting her match in Australian Aidan Quinn as she takes on a family mystery that entangles her own heart in An Irish Kiss . Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What happens when a quest to find the family castle leads to an unforgettable kiss? Aurora Fairall—Rory to her friends—loves her jobs working at the village bookshop and the family castle-turned-boutique hotel, even if she sometimes wonders if this is all God has for her life. She knows she has much to be grateful for—her family, her friends, her faith—but she questions whether the special Fairall legacy that sees its members struck by Cupid’s arrow has pas...

Review: Platforms to Pillars

Platforms to Pillars by Mark Sayers challenges the notion of celebrity while calling Christians to pass on what is of utmost importance, and it is not to be missed in today's age of social media and influencers. This book takes readers from a mindset of "validation and visibility" to one that models faithfulness and preservation,  giving Christians a tangible image of how we can order our lives .  Many thanks to Moody Publishers  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis A biblical response to living in a platform society. Platform: A mentality, a way of approaching life, which promises to reinforce our uniqueness, deliver on our desires, and offer validation and visibility. A platform society emphasizes individualism and performance. It’s rooted in the belief that self and personal desires are preeminent. In Platforms to Pillars , cultural expert Mark Sayers explores how platform mentality is mi...

Review: The Cost of the Crown - The Royals of Andelar #1

This is a book that has been on my TBR for a while and I'm only sorry that I didn't pick it up sooner! The Cost of the Crown is the first book in The Royals of Andelar series by Joy Crain and I completely understand why it's such a gem. As someone who speaks a minority Chinese language that's not mainstream, this book made feel seen and it's one I would recommend to anyone else from the Chinese diaspora feeling caught between worlds. Book Synopsis Missy Hanson never dreamed of falling in love and living happily ever after. In fact, she doesn’t know what she wants to do after she graduates from college; nevertheless, she’s content working as a journalist for her local newspaper and assisting at her aunt’s California bakery. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity emerges for her to visit the southeast Asian country of Andelar, Missy is thrown into the world of royalty as the special guest of the king and queen—and it’s clear she doesn’t belong, despite her family ti...

Review: Love Somebody Like You - Trinity Lakes Romance #5

Reading any book by Carolyn Miller is like returning to a beloved family reunion where (major) drama is bypassed and a wonderful experience is guaranteed. Love Somebody Like You is the fifth book in the Trinity Lakes Romance series and introduces us to Jackson Reilly of the famous Reilly family as we spend time on his ranch and meet Lexi Franklin, whose parents are the directors of the Bible College in town. Book Synopsis For Lexi Franklin, returning to Trinity Lakes feels a little like running home with her tail between her legs. But what's a girl to do, when her life has been turned upside down on the other side of the world? She needs a place to regain hope and healing—just didn't count on meeting a cowboy whose own battered heart might need nursing back to health too. Jackson Reilly has his own set of troubles, between caring for his ranch, his mom, and the black hole of finances. So when a pretty redhead with a sassy tongue offers some distraction—and a potential soluti...

Review: Becoming God's Family

Isn't it amazing how God brings along the right authors and books at the right time? In casually browsing YouTube, I was thrilled to discover Carmen Joy Imes  and her book recommendations. From there, I learnt that she is also an author, theologian, and professor (with a Canadian connection, to boot!). I was hooked and immediately requested her upcoming book, Becoming God's Family , for review; it releases on October 28, 2025 and I couldn't wait to dive into it! Many thanks to IVP Academic  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Does the church still matter in our modern world? After waves of disillusionment, #churchtoo movements, and political divides, it’s easy to question the value of investing in the church. Yet Carmen Joy Imes offers a profound answer that resonates through the pages of Becoming God’s Family. Exploring the familial and communal identity of the chu...

Review: A Splash of Love - Once Upon a Novella #1

I'll be one of the few to admit that I didn't grow up a fan of The Little Mermaid , but reading A Splash of Love by  Jaycee Weaver  helps me understand why others enjoy this story 😄 It really is a fantastical tale and this sweet Christian rendition is the perfect length for those wanting a splash of Christmas love any time of the year. Book Synopsis Las Vegas glitz meets Land of Enchantment culture in this faith-friendly modern twist on The Little Mermaid. Casino mermaid Brie Finnegan yearns to trade her tail for the chance to pursue her passion for other cultures by curating her own museum. When Brie's boss dangles her dream job in exchange for securing a deal with the Reyes restaurateur family, Brie ventures to Albuquerque where she soon falls for more than the city's culture and holiday traditions. To secure his family's place among restaurant royalty, Derek Reyes seeks to expand into the Las Vegas hotel market. Eager to meet the enigmatic mermaid he's obse...

Review: Ransomed Love - Hatcher Hollow #2

After reading Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin, I knew that I couldn't wait to return to the town of Hatcher Hollow. Ransomed Love is available on paperback with the ebook releasing on August 22, 2025, and it's a jaw-dropping sequel. It also serves as a standalone, but if you've read the first book in the Hatcher Hollow series, Greyson and Dahlia's story is an absolute must-read. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis He's lighting her dark path to redemption. She's there to burn it all down. Greyson Davis is biotech’s King Midas. Every new company he touches turns to gold, and his investment firm is Nashville’s rising star. But success breeds enemies, and someone has been watching and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Trained in the art of allure and deception, Dahlia Moore is sent with a mission: infiltrate Greyson’s company and expose the secrets that could bring him cra...

Review: Singing Through Fire

I actually didn't know if I would be able to read this book in time for its release but from the moment I started, I couldn't help but keep on going until I knew the full story. Singing Through Fire by Lara Silverman is not only a captivating memoir, but it is so worshipful that I couldn't help but pray along as I read her story. If you're interested in this book before release date, you can visit Lara's form to receive the book order link on August 26, 2025. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What if you fall in love on the brink of death? Singing Through Fire invites readers into the Job-like true story of a young woman who loses everything—and dares to ask why a good God allows it. When Stanford Law graduate Lara Palanjian collapses on her dream job, she never imagines it will lead to four years bedridden—or to the love of her life. Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and...

Review: Yet So as Through Fire

It's always encouraging to find books written for young adults that address some of the issues they're facing, especially when written with such empathy. Yet So as Through Fire by Valerie Breder is a recent release that takes the following verse to heart: "If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:15 NKJV Content to be aware of : self-harm, additional minor editing required for clarity/grammar Book Synopsis Not so long ago, life seemed pretty good for Jane...until it didn't. In the wake of her father's death, Jane retreated from life. Hurting, confused and broken, she shut out everyone and everything. Alone in a fire of her own creation, Jane hung on the coattails of a false god, Ember Branch, as she navigated her way through death, grief, fire and scars. When Jane learned that she and Ethan must work together for a school yearbook project, she was both hesitant and annoyed. In ...

Review: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

I wasn't planning on share my thoughts on The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer as I had already reviewed Practicing the Way , so thank you to Jocelyn for asking if I would share my thoughts on this title. Book Synopsis "Who am I becoming?" That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren't pretty. So he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words: "Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life." It wasn't the response he expected, but it was--and continues to be--the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil. Within the pages of this book, you'll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the c...

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, y...

Review: The Glass Bottom Boat - Flight to Freedom #1

I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to dive into a new-to-me series right after getting to meet its author! The Glass Bottom Boat by Laura Thomas introduces us to the Flight to Freedom series and I'm excited for the upcoming books to be released (hint: books #4 - The Christmas Cabin and #5 - Snow Globe Secrets are already out as they're Christmas-themed!). Book Synopsis Her worst nightmare lies in the depths below... Surrounded by the romantic paradise of her sister’s destination wedding in Jamaica, Madison Grey realizes she must overcome her paralyzing fear of the ocean—and her broken heart—to start living again. Luke Alexander, the groom’s brother, is a missionary who has come to terms with a life of singleness—until he meets Madison. During the wedding, their personal connection intensifies when a stalker stirs up haunting memories of her gold-digging ex-fiancé. After Madison mysteriously disappears and the newlyweds receive a ransom note, Luke dives into action ...

Review: Overbooked and Overwhelmed

While I've taken a few steps in my life to reduce the number of commitments I've made, I still feel burdened by the actual and invisible to-do lists that are constantly around me. Overbooked and Overwhelmed by Tara Sun stood out to me for all of these reasons and more. I've also made it a goal to read more Asian Christian authors this year, so this book doubly resonated with me! Many thanks to Nelson Books  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Discover how to intentionally keep Jesus first amid your over-busy, over-notified, and overwhelmed life. Ever have those days where every battery in your life is running low? Every ping you hear is from someone who needs you. Every item you cross off your list has three more to take its place. Let's face it: Sometimes those days are every day. And the result? God ends up getting the leftovers. It's not that you don't value time wit...

Review: No Stone Unturned - The Bluestocking Society #1

Seeing so many glowing reviews about No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde after it was released, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to still read a copy while it was available. Not only did the cover captivate me, I'm thrilled that its content was just as engaging as I envisioned it would be. Many thanks to  Tyndale House Publishers  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman r...

All But Home

There's a song that's been on rotation a few times on the local Christian radio station, and it has made an impact on me in recent weeks. This is one of the few (maybe only?) times I've based a blog post off a song title, but All But Home by Luke Langman  encapsulates what's been on my mind when it comes to how I spend my time. Along with being a memorable catchphrase, it proves the adage true that we're closer to death each new day. Whenever I hear the following verse, it reminds me of why I'm bothering to read as many Christian books as possible and share about them online. 'Cause the road to my Father's house is getting shorter every day And heaven's cheering me on 'Cause I'm all but home Here today tomorrow gone 'Cause I'm all but home The song repeats with a few more refrains of " I'm all but home " before there's a line to God that proclaims, " You're leading me home ," to which my heart echoes w...