The Familiar Dark

Set in the poorest part of the Missouri Ozarks, in a small town with big secrets, The Familiar Dark opens with a murder. Eve Taggert, desperate with grief over losing her daughter, takes it upon herself to find out the truth about what happened. Eve is no stranger to the dark side of life, having been raised by a hard-edged mother whose lessons Eve tried not to pass on to her own daughter. But Eve may need her mother's cruel brand of strength if she's going to face the reality about her daughter's death and about her own true nature. Her quest for justice takes her from the seedy underbelly of town to the quiet woods and, most frighteningly, back to her mother's trailer for a final lesson.

Amy Engel crafted a wonderful thriller with this release.  It was a solid 4 star read and I highly recommend the novel if you are looking for a fast paced thriller to fly through.  Even though the book is relatively short, the characters were well developed.  The story never lagged and was well paced.  I would definitely read another book by this author.  During a time when I was struggling to pick anything up, this was perfect to get my back into my reading groove.

        * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

In the Middle of the Mess

In her long-awaited new book, Sheila Walsh equips women with a practical method for connecting with God’s strength in the midst of struggle. From daily frustrations that can feel like overwhelming obstacles to hard challenges that turn into rock-bottom crises, women will find the means to equip themselves for standing strong with God. Using the spiritual applications of confession, prayer, and meditation on Scripture to form a daily connection to Jesus, women will learn how to experience new joy as a child of God who is fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted. 

In In the Middle of the Mess, Walsh reveals the hardened defenses that kept her from allowing God into her deepest hurts and shares how entering into a safe place with God and practicing this daily connection with him have saved her from the devil’s prowling attacks. Though we will never be completely “fixed” on earth, we are continually held by Jesus, whatever our circumstances.

This was my first book by Sheila Walsh and I am a little sad to admit that I didn't really connect with it.  I understood what she was trying to say, but it felt repetitive and disjointed in places.  I've heard Sheila speak and was motivated to pick this up after that because I really enjoyed her live, but it just didn't translate as well on paper.  This won't be the last book I read by her, I really think this is more a case of just not totally connecting.

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Boy Mom

This guidebook, packed with wisdom, practical advice, resources, and encouragement, explores how moms can equip their sons with what they most need to succeed in life.

Monica Swanson knew she'd tapped a heartfelt concern when nearly two million readers shared her blog post "What a Teenage Boy Needs Most from His Mom." In this helpful book, she takes mothers deeper into the insights they need for the boy-raising journey, covering topics from dealing with the daily influences of friends and technology to helping a boy grow to be physically, spiritually, and emotionally healthy. She also addresses learning and finding passions, perspectives on relationships and dating, and work ethics and money management. Each chapter features relatable stories, handy checklists, and practical advice based on a combination of research, experience, and biblical truth to guide and equip a mom in helping her son achieve his God-given potential.

What an amazing resource this book was!  I will pick this one up again and again because the advice is so helpful as a mom of 2 boys.  If you find yourself needing some guidance on how to raise those little human boys God has given you I would highly suggest you put this at the top of your list.  The author has done a fabulous job putting this together, I truly felt she gave her heart to help us!

       * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

An Anonymous Girl

Seeking women ages 1832 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all shell have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.

Question #1: Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?

This book gave me the creeps, which was exactly what I had hoped for!  I thought this was a completely unique thriller that had me guessing and wanting to keep moving through each page.  This writing duo certainly knows how to craft a book to keep you on the edge of your seat.  It made me stop and think about what have I done that has required me to trust someone else and if that was a good choice or not.  Don't hesitate, pick this one up!

   * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Dearly Beloved

Charles and Lily, James and Nan. They meet in Greenwich Village in 1963 when Charles and James are jointly hired to steward the historic Third Presbyterian Church through turbulent times. Their personal differences however, threaten to tear them apart.

Charles is destined to succeed his father as an esteemed professor of history at Harvard, until an unorthodox lecture about faith leads him to ministry. How then, can he fall in love with Lily—fiercely intellectual, elegantly stern—after she tells him with certainty that she will never believe in God? And yet, how can he not?

James, the youngest son in a hardscrabble Chicago family, spent much of his youth angry at his alcoholic father and avoiding his anxious mother. Nan grew up in Mississippi, the devout and beloved daughter of a minister and a debutante. James's escape from his desperate circumstances leads him to Nan and, despite his skepticism of hope in all its forms, her gentle, constant faith changes the course of his life.

This is a beautifully written novel that was captivating from the first page.  The characters were well developed and thought out.  I could really tell that the author took her time crafting each sentence and character structure.  But for all the good, as a Christian I didn't really find myself in any of these characters.  I didn't see people around me reflected either.  I have no doubt that there are religious people very similar to the couples, but I just don't see it so that felt a bit off.  If you can put this aside, it's a well written book that deserves to be read.

        * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

After the End

Max and Pip are the strongest couple you know. They're best friends, lovers—unshakable. But then their son gets sick and the doctors put the question of his survival into their hands. For the first time, Max and Pip can't agree. They each want a different future for their son.  What if they could have both?  A gripping and propulsive exploration of love, marriage, parenthood, and the road not taken, After the End brings one unforgettable family from unimaginable loss to a surprising, satisfying, and redemptive ending and the life they are fated to find. With the emotional power of Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper, Mackintosh helps us to see that sometimes the end is just another beginning.

As a parent, this book rocked me.  What choices you make as a parent can seem tough day to day, but the decision Max and Pip are faced with is unbearable.  This book was so unique I don't think it's getting near the attention and accolades it deserves.  I don't reread too many books, but I want to read this one again soon.  Pick it up - you won't regret it!

    * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

  

The 5 Love Languages of Children

Discover your child’s love language

Understand the link between successful learning and the love languages

See how the love languages can help you discipline more effectively

Build a foundation of unconditional love for your child

Find dozens of tips for practical ways to speak your child’s love language. 

Discover your child's primary language, then speak it, and you will be on your way to a stronger relationship and seeing your child flourish.

I have previously read the sister title to this book, The 5 Love Languages, but I was interested to see how the languages would relate to children.  It really opened my eyes to the needs each child had individually and how I can change my behavior for them to feel more loved.  I think this book is a perfect way to strengthen the parent/child relationship and further develop that bond.  Even if you have read the other book, the ideas as they relate to kids is so different I think it would still be beneficial to pick this one up.

      * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Little Secrets

Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They're admired in their community and are a loving family. Up until the day Sebastian is taken.

A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. The only thing keeping her going is the unlikely chance that one day Sebastian reappears. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding him, she discovers that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman.

Kenzie Li is an artist and grad student—Instagram famous—and up to her eyeballs in debt. She knows Derek is married. She also knows he's rich, and dating him comes with perks: help with bills, trips away, expensive gifts. He isn't her first rich boyfriend, but she finds herself hoping he'll be the last. She's falling for him—and that was never part of the plan.

Discovery of the affair sparks Marin back to life. She's lost her son; she's not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix. But as she sets a plan in motion, another revelation surfaces. Derek's lover might know what happened to their son. And so might Derek.

This was my first book by Jennifer Hillier and it did not disappoint!  The book was very intriguing from the start.  I read it with 3 other women and we were all captivated by the idea of losing your little boy.  It felt so real, I was sick to my stomach.  It's hard to say much about the book, but just pick it up and enjoy all the twists and turns.  I will say that the characters are not very likable so if that bothers you this may not be for you.  Without saying much, I just had one little problem which kept me from 5 stars but overall a great thriller!

        * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

In 1936, tucked deep into the woods of Troublesome Creek, KY, lives blue-skinned 19-year-old Cussy Carter, the last living female of the rare Blue People ancestry. The lonely young Appalachian woman joins the historical Pack Horse Library Project of Kentucky and becomes a librarian, riding across slippery creek beds and up treacherous mountains on her faithful mule to deliver books and other reading material to the impoverished hill people of Eastern Kentucky.

Along her dangerous route, Cussy, known to the mountain folk as Bluet, confronts those suspicious of her damselfly-blue skin and the government's new book program. She befriends hardscrabble and complex fellow Kentuckians, and is fiercely determined to bring comfort and joy, instill literacy, and give to those who have nothing, a bookly respite, a fleeting retreat to faraway lands.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a powerful message about how the written word affects people--a story of hope and heartbreak, raw courage and strength splintered with poverty and oppression, and one woman's chances beyond the darkly hollows. Inspired by the true and historical blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek showcases a bold and unique tale of the Packhorse Librarians in literary novels — a story of fierce strength and one woman's belief that books can carry us anywhere — even back home.

I had really high expectations for this one, but it didn't quite reach what I was hoping.  I enjoyed the story of Cussy, but something kept me from feeling connected to her.  I felt like the emotions of her struggle didn't come through.  I loved hearing about the Packhorse Library and the Blue People, but often found myself wanting to skim sections.  I think if you are a lover of books like I am you will be drawn to this story, I just wanted more.

     * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Empty Nest

Kat remembers the days when her only daughter Amy wouldn't leave her side. Amy was the baby who cried when you walked out of the room, the toddler who was too shy to speak to strangers, the small child who clung to Kat's legs in the school playground.

But now Amy is grown up, and Amy is gone – to university in a town several hours away. Kat's house – which once felt too full, too noisy, too busy – is deathly quiet, and Kat awaits the daily phone call to tell her that her beloved daughter is thriving and happy.

But one day Amy doesn’t call. Kat’s husband and friends think she is being paranoid – surely Amy is just out, having fun with her friends. But Kat knows right away that something is very wrong. Her daughter would never forget to call. She would never just disappear... After all, Amy has nothing to run from. Or does she?

A gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Girl Before and Gone Girl will be gripped by this unputdownable story about a mother’s obsessive love for her child. 

Kat is an overprotective mom.  She loves her daughter more than anything.  This book definitely explored what happens when secrets are kept between a mother and her child as the child leaves the nest.  There were great sections of this book that I loved.  I enjoyed trying to piece together what happened to Amy and I got somewhat close.  The downfall of this book was just many parts felt repetitious and the epilogue was not needed at all.  This book did take a unique look at the relationship between parents and grown children, which I thought was well done.  

     * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *