My Bookshelf: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem by Lori Copeland

When memories are lost, only love remains.

        How did Arlene Santana—happy wife, successful business owner, young grandmother—get here, a rehabilitation center surrounded by old people? Her new friends make her laugh, and the days speed by, marked by holidays on which her two sons and their wives come to visit her. But when will her husband, whose love she feels every moment of every day, come to see her?

        Then one Christmas the confusing pieces of Arlene’s life start to click into place, but will she and her sons like the reality they face?

        Beautiful Star of Bethlehem is a Christmas novella by Lori Copeland, and is the first book I have ever read by her. I have to say, I really enjoyed this novella, although it was very different from anything I have ever read before. I don’t really know how to describe it, but it just had a very different feel from what I am used to. However, I will say I liked this book and can pretty easily give it all five bookshelves. I liked the way that this novella was completely unpredictable, I really had no idea what paths the story was going to take. The characters, especially Arlene of course, were lovable and really interesting to get to know, and I wish that the story were longer so that I could have learned a little more about what happened to Arlene after the ending. Mainly, how did the changes affected in the ending pan out? Did it work? And did Arlene continually get better or worse? I’ll never know, but I can’t help but hope that things got a little bit better, for Arlene and for her sons and their families. All in all, this was such a sweet Christmas novella that got me in the mood for the Christmas season and that I know I will be reading again in the future.

        Happy reading!

I received a copy of this novella from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Linking up at Let it Shine, Monday’s Musings, Literacy Musing Mondays, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lori Copeland and Barbour Publishing.

My Bookshelf: Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Can true love survive the test of time?

Every choice has consequences.

        Thirteen years ago, Dr. Lisbeth Hastings was forced to make an impossible decision. To protect her daughter, Maggie, Lisbeth promised her husband, Cyprian, that she would leave him and the dangers of third-century Carthage behind forever.

        Back in the twenty-first century, Lisbeth throws herself into her work and the task of raising a headstrong daughter. But when Maggie discovers the truth of her father’s fate, she defies her mother’s refusal to allow her to return to Carthage and secretly sets out on a quest to change history.

        Maggie lands in the middle of third-century chaos at her grandmother’s murder trial. Determined to right the injustice, Maggie teams up with her old friend Barek. Their efforts spark a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city and incites the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage.

        Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is left with no choice. If she is to save those she loves, she must once again return to the time and place that forever changed her life.

        Valley of Decision is the third and final book in Lynne Gentry’s Carthage Chronicles series, and is by far a very satisfying conclusion. I have read the previous two books (Healer of Carthage and Return to Exile), I just haven’t had the chance to write my reviews for them as of yet; hopefully those of you with equally busy schedules will understand my dilemma. Anyway, this book was so great! I loved both of the previous books (like I said I’ll post my reviews later so you can really get a feel for what I thought of them), so I was sure that this concluding novel would be something I would enjoy, although I was afraid of an unexpected twist since there were two super huge ones in Return to Exile.

        I am refraining from saying anything that might spoil this story for anyone, so it is super difficult to accurately describe what I loved about this book, but I will say I really enjoy the time travel aspect of it. Typically I don’t like books that are quite that unrealistic, but I really loved the way that Lynne wrote this novel and how she tied up all the ends and made it as believable as it could be under the circumstances. On top of that, her characters were just so loveable I couldn’t stand it! I had met them in the previous books so I already had a bond with them, and I really loved the chance to read more about them and their stories.

        I happily give this book all five bookshelves, because of how it made me laugh, cry, and become an even bigger fan of Lynne’s writing. I highly recommend it, although I would suggest reading the whole series in order so that you can really grasp the fullness of the story. This is a super sweet and wonderful novel that I am so glad that I picked up and I cannot wait to read it again!

        Happy reading!

Linking up at Let it Shine, Literacy Musing Mondays, and Monday’s Musings.

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

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lynne Gentry and Liftuse Publishing.

The Midwife’s Tale by Delia Parr

        Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she’s hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha’s world is shattered.

        Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can’t remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it’s trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

        The Midwife’s Tale is the first book in Delia Parr’s At Home in Trinity series, and is the first book I have ever read by her. I have to say, I love, love, loved this book! Delia is one author I am so glad I took a chance on! Since I had never read any of her books, I wasn’t sure if this novel would be good or not (unfortunately I’ve taken a few chances on books this year that have turned out to be not so great), but I heard wonderful things about it, so I thought I would give it a try, and I’m so glad I did! Delia really did an amazing job of weaving together this tale of love and loss, triumph and heartache that captivated me from the first page to the last.

        At first, I was a little worried that it would be difficult for me to really relate to Martha Cade, since she is a mother of two pretty-much-grown children and I am not near old enough to be the parent of a preteen, much less grown children. However, it didn’t take me very long at all to feel as if Martha and I were old friends, and I really enjoyed getting to journey on with her through her struggle of having her daughter run away, her midwifery practice be in jeopardy because of a new doctor in town, and her returning feelings for her old flame. She turned out to be much easier to relate to than I thought she would, and I am already eagerly anticipating reading the next two books in the series. Although I have to say, Martha’s story was far from being resolved by the end of this novel, so it’s kind of a given that I would be ready to read the next two as well.

        I really cannot find the words to say how much I truly loved this book. It was so full of all the things that make a novel wonderful, such as a blossoming romance—even though it may have been more like a rekindling of an old flame—a little bit of mystery, and a lot of drama, and I just found it so completely enjoyable. I feel like I cannot accurately describe what I really loved about this book without spoiling it, so I will just leave it at that, but know that I don’t hesitate even the slightest bit to give it all five bookshelves, and I know that I will be reading the rest of the series as soon as it comes out. I highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone, but then, I recommend everything that manages to make it on my all-time favorites list (honestly though, it isn’t that difficult for books to get on that list, considering My Absolute Favorites list on Goodreads has over 130 books on it). All that is to say, The Midwife’s Tale is an amazing book, and I highly recommend that you read it. As soon as possible. Because you’re going to love it.

        Happy reading!

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Delia Parr and Bethany House Publishing.

Deception on Sable Hill by Shelley Gray

The World’s Fair has introduced many new ideas to Chicago society—but can two individuals from very different backgrounds find love together?

        It’s mid-September 1893 and Eloisa Carstairs is the reigning debutant of Gilded Age Chicago society. To outsiders she appears to have it all. But Eloisa is living with a dark secret. Several months ago, she endured a horrible assault at the hands of Douglass Sloane, heir to one of Chicago’s wealthiest families. Fearing the loss of her reputation, Eloisa confided in only one friend. That is, until she meets Detective Sean Ryan at a high-society ball.

        Sean is on the fringes of the Chicago elite. Born into a poor Irish family, becoming a policeman was his best chance to ensure security. Despite social boundaries, he is enamored with Eloisa Carstairs. Sean will do anything to keep her safe—even if he can never earn her affections.

        Eloisa longs to feel normal again, but a killer is on the loose. In the last month, three debutants have been accosted by an assailant wielding a knife, and Eloisa fears for her safety at every event she attends. As the danger in the city increases, and as the romance between Eloisa and Sean blossoms, they both realize they want to be seen as more than how the world views them. But will they catch the killer before all their hopes come crashing down?

        Deception on Sable Hill is the second book in Shelley Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, coming after Secrets of Sloane House. If I’m going to be honest with you, I have a confession to make. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. Even more than its predecessor. The mystery was so completely impossible to figure out, in a good way, and the romance was simply amazing. I loved the way Sean and Eloisa interacted with one another, and the addition of the relationship between Sean’s sister, Katie, and partner, Owen, was super sweet and cute to read about. I also really loved the way that both relationships really broke the social barriers and led those involved to follow their hearts instead of doing what was “right” in that day and age. That fact about their relationships made me happy because I enjoy stories where love triumphs over the opposition of others who have no business opposing it simply because their reasons aren’t even valid. I really loved that about this book.

        Eloisa Carstairs is one of my favorite heroines. She is so sweet, caring, and broken, and it just made her so loveable as well as completely relatable, despite her wealthy status in society. The way that she almost initially dismisses the social barriers keeping her and Sean apart because she knows he makes her feel safe, and that is something she needs so desperately, is one of my favorite aspects of this book. On top of that, she continuously treats him as her equal, as he deserves to be treated, and I just love that about her. She never puts Sean down for being “less than her”, but rather over looks his social standing to see the heart of gold inside. And I just love her for that.

        Why? Because Sean is, by far, one of the best heroes I have ever read about, and I wouldn’t be able to stand it if Eloisa hadn’t treated him well. Sean is caring, thoughtful, brave, and compassionate, and he deserves a woman who is going to see that about him and praise him for it. Okay, rant aside, Sean is amazing. He is so sweet to Eloisa, it made me thoroughly jealous. And the way he is protective of Katie just goes on to remind me why I’ve always wanted an older brother.

        Anyway, I just really enjoyed this book—each and every aspect of it—and was so pleased to find that there was absolutely nothing about it that I didn’t like. Except the killer, of course, and it’s pretty obvious why he wouldn’t be one of my favorite characters. I cannot help but give this novel all five bookshelves, and I am SOOOO excited for when Whispers in the Reading Room—the third book in the series—finally comes out next month! I would recommend this series to anyone looking for great historical mysteries with super sweet romances, and I can almost promise that you will enjoy them!

        Happy reading!

Linking up at Joyful on Friday, Friday Favorites at both Meet at the Barre and The Diary of a Real Housewife, Let it Shine, Monday's Musings, and Literacy Musing Mondays.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Shelley Gray and Liftuse Publishing.

Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray

One woman’s search for the truth of her sister’s disappearance leads her to deceit and danger in 1893 Chicago.

        Rosalind Perry has left her family’s rural farm in Wisconsin to work as a housemaid at Sloane House, one of the most elegant mansions in Gilded Age Chicago. However, Rosalind is not there just to earn a living and support her family—she’s at Sloane House determined to discover the truth about her sister’s mysterious disappearance.

        Reid Armstrong is the handsome heir to a silver fortune. However, his family is on the periphery of Chicago’s elite because their wealth comes from “new money” obtained from successful mining. Marriage to Veronica Sloane would secure his family’s position in society—the lifelong dream of his ailing father.

        When Reid begins to realize the Rosalind’s life may be in danger, he stops thinking of marriage prospects and concentrates on helping Rosalind. Dark things are afoot in Chicago and, he fears, in Sloane House. If he’s not vigilant, Rosalind could pay the price.

        Secrets of Sloane House is the first book in Shelley Gray’s new Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series. I have always been a fan of Shelley’s Amish novels and mysteries—which she publishes under the name Shelley Shepard Gray—so I got excited when I found out she was writing a historical mystery series. And now that I have read both the first and the second books in the series, I have to say, I was not disappointed. Secrets of Sloane House is full of just enough intrigue, romance, and mystery to leave you wanting more, all the while wrapping up the story in ways you never in a million years thought possible. Even now that I know the ending, I am still shocked by the reality of what happened to Miranda. Although I look back now and see a few signs that could have pointed to the truth, I can still say with certainty that I never saw that ending coming. Ever.

        Rosalind Perry is by far one of my favorite heroines, possibly because she is so easy to relate to. Completely focused on discovering the truth about her sister, Rosalind pushes herself into her work and her search, all the while believing the lies society tells her: that she is not, and never will be, good enough for anyone. As she continues to come up with dead end after dead end, it becomes even harder for Rosalind to keep her head up. Obviously, she’s not even good enough to find her sister. Her family is going to be so disappointed in her, as she’s running out of chances and time, and she has yet to find anything of worth when it comes to her search for her sister. The way she puts herself down for things that are not true or beyond her control have no merit, but they don’t have to. So many of us believe lies just like those, and all because it seems so obvious, at least to us, that they are true. That is what makes Rosalind so relatable, and makes Reid so great.

        Each and every time he becomes aware of Rosalind’s view of herself, Reid does everything in his power to dispel those rumors she is believing about herself. He sees her as the beautiful, smart, caring woman that she is, and he is never too busy to tell her so. Let me just make something clear for a moment: never once as I read this novel did I find Reid to be so self-absorbed as he appears in the description. It didn’t take him very long at all to give up on the ‘must marry a lady of society’ idea, he just wanted to please his parents, especially his ailing father. If he hadn’t felt that it was his duty to make a good match, that idea would have been thrown out the door ages ago. And even while he still knew that his parents wanted that for him, he continued to help—and fall for—Rosalind. Honestly, I think, he never really truly felt guilty about it, because she was just that perfect for him.

        Then there is the mystery aspect of this novel. Shelley intertwines everything PERFECTLY. I could not imagine anyone doing it better. There are just enough hints that when you look back you see them but as you read you are still just as in the dark as before, everything wraps up—there are no loose ends hanging—and the reasons for the crime are all perfectly justifiable, for the criminal anyway. They do make sense and aren’t just flimsy excuses, which is a good thing because I hate it when the reasons for the crimes in mysteries don’t make any sense or aren’t even real motivations. That was not the case with this book, thank goodness, which made this such a wonderful mystery. And the romance…oh goodness, give me a moment while I recover from my swoon. Reid is amazing. Have I said that already? Because he is. And he and Rosalind make the absolute perfect pair. Despite the fact that society claims they are all wrong for each other, they leap over the boundaries placed before them to find a love that is both touching and inspiring, leading them to their very own happily ever after.

        Obviously, I really enjoyed this book. Loved it, in fact. So it must be apparent that I cannot help but give it all five bookshelves. It was spectacular. And now it has me looking forward to the final book in the series (I told you I’ve already read the second book, haven’t I? I couldn’t help myself. I picked it up just seconds after putting this one down. And if you think I loved this novel, just wait until you hear my thoughts on that one). This series (or what I’ve read of it) is by far one of the best historical mystery series I have ever read, which leaves me with no choice but to say, go read these books! I promise you won’t regret it!

        Happy reading!

Linking up at The Diary of a Real Housewife.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Shelley Gray and Liftuse Publishing Group. 

Currently—October

                It’s October! Which also means, it’s fall!!! This is one of my favorite times of the year, and today is the perfect day to tell you what I’m currently up to this month!

                I’m currently eating…grits! So much grits! They’re the perfect warm breakfast for these chilly fall mornings, and I just love putting cheese in them and making them cheese grits. They are filling enough that I can make it through my morning classes without my stomach rumbling, but not too big of a breakfast that I can’t handle eating it that early in the morning. And they’re just plain good for this southern girl’s tummy.

                I’m currently exploring…to be honest with you, I’m not sure I am exploring anything at the moment. Although I suppose you could say I’m exploring what college life is like since I’m currently halfway in to my first semester of college.

 

                I’m currently wearing…these boots! Don’t you just love them?! As soon as the weather cooled enough in the mornings to make wearing boots acceptable, I pulled these out of my closet and started coming up with cute outfits to wear them with. If I’m honest, I would have to say these are my favorite boots out of all my collection.

                I’m currently admiring…the sunshine! I know that sounds silly, but here in South Carolina, everyone is glad to see the sun right now. After days and days of rain, and massive flash flooding, the sun is a beautiful thing in our eyes. And it goes so far to remind us that we are not defeated. There is still hope, and we will come back from this devastation stronger than we’ve ever been before.

 

                I’m currently collecting…sea shells. No, I’m not at the beach or anything, but I’m always collecting shells. I just love sea shells—and beaches—so I’m always expanding my already extremely large collection. Besides, someday I want to have a beach wedding, so I’ll already have plenty of sea shells for decorations. (And yes, those shells are all sorted by either shape or size).

                That’s what I’m currently up to this month! What about you? What are you doing this month?

                Happy October!

Linking up at Anne in Residence. 

Quarterly Round-Up: July-September

        Here are all of the novels I have read this quarter!

  

How to Catch a Prince

        How to Catch a Prince, the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series, is one of my favorite books I’ve read this quarter. It was such a sweet, romantic novel that was the perfect conclusion to this series. I already cannot wait to read it again!

The Brickmaker’s Bride

        Although I did enjoy this novel to a certain degree, there were quite a few things that bothered me about the storyline, characters, and way that the book was written. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it unless those type of things don’t bother you, if you’re already a fan of Judith Miller and want to read this and find out for yourself, or if you don’t mind reading books like that anyway.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

        This was the first novel I had ever read by Regina Jennings, and I loved it! It made me an immediate fan of her writing. This book was funny and sweet and left my heart melted in a puddle by the end. I would definitely read it again, and know that I am anticipating reading more of her novels in the future!

For Such a Time

        Kate Breslin’s debut novel, For Such a Time, was another book that made me an immediate follower of the author. This World War II based version of Esther was by far one of my new favorite novels, and I would recommend it to anyone. It is intriguing, mysterious, and sweet, and I just know you would love it.

A Worthy Pursuit

        Since I have already read almost every book by Karen Witemeyer, I knew I would love this novel, but I didn’t realize it would quickly become another one of my favorites. I was captivated by every page, loved the mysterious aspect to it, and completely fell for the characters and their love story.

Lady Maybe

        I love Julie Klassen’s work. Everything she writes is amazing, and this novel was no exception. It had so many unexpected twists and turns, and I just loved the happy ending. Besides, the characters and setting were absolutely amazing.

The Curiosity Keeper

        Sarah E. Ladd is another one of my favorite authors. She does an amazing job of spinning captivating historical romances that are impossible to put down, and this book was no exception. Add to that the mysterious aspect of it, and you’ve got yourself a book you’re sure to enjoy.

The Colonel’s Lady

        This was the first book I had ever read by Laura Frantz, but it quickly became one of my favorite novels, which added her to my list of favorite novels. This book was super intriguing and sweet, and I loved all of the twists and turns it took. It easily became one of the best Revolutionary War era novels I have ever read.

The Decision

        Although I have been a fan of Wanda E. Brunstetter’s work in the past, I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this novel. At all. The plotline was slow and a bit uninteresting, the characters were extremely difficult to like, and the ending—while unpredictable—was not at all happy or enjoyable. I was very disappointed with this novel, so I would not necessarily recommend it.

Not By Sight

        Kate Breslin’s sophomore novel, Not By Sight, wowed me just as much as her first. It was such a sweet, intriguing novel that had one of the best love stories I have ever read. And the mystery aspect of it just put this book over the top for me.

The Captive Maiden

        I love, love, loved this book!!! Melanie Dickerson writes THE BEST fairy-tale retellings that are always full of gripping scenes and breathtaking romances, and this novel was one of the best examples of that. I read the entire thing in one sitting simply because as soon as I would try to put it down, I would pick it right back up!

Murder Freshly Baked

        As the third book in Vannetta Chapman’s Amish Villiage Mysteries series, I knew coming in that this would most likely be an excellent book, since I read the first two that is. I didn’t expect, however, that it would be as intense as it was, or that they mystery would be quite that hard to figure out. I definitely enjoyed this book, and was sad to see the series come to an end.

Sweetwater Gap

        I recently became a huge fan of Denise Hunter’s, and this book reminded me just why I love her writing. It had such a heart-wrenching storyline that captivated me from the start and made me weep for the main characters as the story went on.

Brightest and Best

        Although this book started out very slowly for me, I really did come to enjoy it, especially as I got deeper and deeper into the heart of the Amish’s struggle with the public school system. The history that filled this novel was wonderful, and I loved the romance that went along with it.

Your Best Happily Ever After

        This was the first non-fic I had ever reviewed, but I must say I enjoyed it immensely and loved having the chance to review such an inspiring book. Ginger Kolbaba’s tips on how to have your best happily ever after were all things I immediately wanted to put into practice, and her funny quips and stories made this a book I know I will read again and again.

The Prayer Box

        This was the first book I had ever read by Lisa Wingate, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I quickly fell in love with her writing style, the storyline, and the characters, and knew that I had found another author for my favorites list.

The Lost Heiress

        Roseanna M. White has been one of my absolute favorite authors for quite some time now—ever since I read her Culper Ring series—so I knew that I would really enjoy this book. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. This novel was absolutely amazing, every last bit of it was captivating and swoon worthy, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series as it comes out.

A Lady of Esteem

        A Lady of Esteem is the e-short prequel to Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, and was the first book she ever published. I stumbled upon it by chance one day, and immediately fell in love with Kristi Ann’s writing and the Hawthorne family. This short novel was super cute and funny, and I really felt like it told the whole story without rushing it too much, although I would have loved to hear more about its main characters.

A Noble Masquerade

        The first book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, I began anticipating this novel as soon as I began A Lady of Esteem. When I finally got a chance to read this novel—right before it released—I was ecstatic, and I immediately fell in love with the story. I already loved the Hawthorne family, but as I got to know the other main character, I loved him as well. This book was the perfect debut novel for Kristi Ann, and I cannot wait to read all about the rest of the Hawthornes.

The Chase

        A super sweet book about trusting God with your happily ever after, The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky was the second non-fic I finished/reviewed this year. I really enjoyed reading about how Kyle and Kelsey advise young girls to trust God, chase after Him, and then when the time is right let their Prince Charming chase after them. It really was a God-inspired book, and I really applaud them for taking the time to write something that will be such a great source of inspiration for young women around the world.

Falling Like Snowflakes

        As I said earlier, I am a HUGE fan of Denise Hunter’s. So, when I heard she was coming out with a new series, I practically jumped up and down with excitement. I almost immediately hurried to preorder this novel, and I anxiously waited for it until it released a few weeks ago. I devoured this book, loved every single bit of it, and promptly ordered another copy to send to my friend for her birthday. This book is that good.

The Selection

        Although I typically stick to Christian novels when it comes to any type of fiction, I took a chance on Kiara Cass when it came to this novel, and I ended up enjoying it immensely. Because there was a little bit of language in this book, I would not necessarily recommend it, but I definitely did like the way Kiara set up her futuristic version of our world.

The Elite

        Since I enjoyed the first novel in the series, I picked up this second book in The Selection series by Kiara Cass, and I have to say I liked this one as well. Although I’m not entirely sure I agree with all the twists and turns she took throughout this book, I am looking forward to being able to finish this series.

When Mercy Rains

        I have been a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer for quite some time now, so I was sure I would enjoy this series. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how touching this novel would be. It was so sweet and inspiring, and I absolutely loved the storyline.

When Grace Sings

        I (obviously) loved this second novel in the series as well, and was very pleased with how Kim Vogel Sawyer continued the previous themes in this book, while still creating this novel a story of its own. I really loved getting the chance to continue to get to know the Zimmerman family, and I cannot wait to read the final book in this series as soon as I get the chance.

The Governess of Highland Hall

        Another debut novel, this was (obviously) the first book I had ever read by Carrie Turansky. I immediately fell in love with her early 20^th century historical, and with the many characters she introduced in this novel. It was such a sweet, interesting story that made me a definite fan of Carrie’s.

The Daughter of Highland Hall

        As the second book by Carrie Turansky, I knew a little more about what I was getting into when I picked up this novel. I already loved one of the main characters—I had met her in the previous novel—and I quickly fell for the other, and their story together. Now I cannot wait for the final book in the series!

The Promise of Palm Grove

        This was such a cute, sweet little book that was such fun, fluffy reading to fill my summer. I really enjoy the way Shelley Shepard Gray spins her Amish stories, and that, added to some loveable characters, made for a wonderful series that I have been enjoying.

The Proposal at Siesta Key

        The second book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, The Proposal at Siesta Key is my favorite one so far, even though I’ve only read two. It was just as sweet, cute, and fluffy as the one before it, but I liked the love story just a little bit better. Or a lot. Either way, this was another enjoyable summer read.

        And those are the books I’ve read this quarter! What about you? How many books have you read the last three months?

        Happy Fall!

Linking up at Let it Shine, Monday's Musings, Literacy Musing Mondays, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the photos featuring the wonderful outdoor scenery goes to my awesome sister Allie. Check out her blog here.