My Top 10 Favourite Books of 2019

Hello darlings!

It's that time of year again, time to talk about my favourite books of the year.
These aren't necessarily book that were published in 2019, but just my favourite books that I read this year.
Most of these books came to mind fairly easily when I was looking over my 2019 reading stats on Goodreads.
I had a pretty good year of reading in 2019. I read a lot of good books and wasn't majorly disappointed in any of them.
But some definitely stuck out as my favourites and I am going to tell you which ones they were now.

This list is in no particular order, because I could never rank them.

1. Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

I read this twice this year, so that says something! I really enjoyed this book and I think its the perfect read if you feel like your quiet time needs a boost in the New Year. It is short, easy to read and full of helpful tips & advice.

2. The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

My first Julie Klassen book and one of my favourite reads of the whole year to be sure! I loved the mystery in this, the characters, the romance and the whole package. 

It was a chunky read but honestly I didn't mind because it was so good and I even had a slight book hangover afterwards!

I can't wait to read more of Klassen's books next year and probably reread this one because I have my own copy now.

3. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

After watching the movie adaptation for this book (actually filmed in New Zealand), I was of course interested in reading the book. The movie itself was emotional and beautiful, but the book only exceeded in making me emotional, even to the point of shedding tears!

The story is such a heartbreaking one but so well written and and though there are a few inappropriate comments (within their marriage thankfully) that I could have gone without, I do recommend this book to those of you who love a beautifully written, heart breaking historical read!

4. Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

I read the Ladies of Harper's Station series throughout this year and while I loved the series as a whole and enjoyed reading the other women's love stories, this one was my favourite.
Amos was a different hero to what we are used to seeing and his relationship with Grace that grows throughout this book is just the sweetest.
I love that they first communicate through telegraph messages, much like texting today only much cuter!

5. Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

The second book on my top 10 in the Christian non-fiction genre. I read more of this genre in 2019 and I hope to read even more in 2020 because they a faith building and encouraging to read.

I have a review on this wonderful book, which I'll link here.

6. Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

I was introduced to the genre of Biblical Fiction this year by Jenna van Mourik (I highly suggest you look her up on her Instagram, Blog and Youtube channel, all @jennavanmourik!) and she raved about Land of Silence so I had to pick it up and I soon found out that her praises were not for nothing.
This book is so, so good and I am eyeing up Tessa Afshar's other books now...

7. Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations by V. Joy Palmer

I finally got to reading this book this year and I really enjoyed the story & Palmer's fun, quirky writing style. Also, the topic of being content with singleness was addressed in this story which is rare in the Christian fiction genre.
I cannot wait till her third book gets released! 

8. The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

Another new-to-me author that I discovered this year was Lindsay Harrel. I have a written a review here on this blog so I'll leave that linked here.

9. In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi

Ahh, just thinking about these books, especially this one, makes me want to read them again!

This lovely book had been sitting on my shelf for quite some time before I finally decided to pick it up this year. I shared all my fangirly thoughts on in a review here on my blog not long ago so if you are curious you can check that out.

10. Kind is the New Classy: The Power of Living Graciously by Candace Cameron Bure

I listened to an audio book of this book read by the one and only Candace Cameron Bure and I really enjoyed it. She writes about her own life experiences and her career, all while presenting the message of kindness in a simple and inspiring way.



I would happily go and reread most of these book right now, that's how much I enjoyed them!
Have you read any of these? What was one of your favourite reads of 2019?

keep blooming,

The Secrets of Paper & Ink ~ Book Review

Hello darlings!

Today I am delighted to bring you a review of a new favourite book of mine!

A while ago I saw this book popping up everywhere on bookstagram but for some reason, I thought nothing of it.
Then a few weeks ago I spotted it at our local library and thought I may as well give it a go.
I am so glad that I read it.
I can't wait to read more books by this author but for now, I'll share my thoughts on this book!

Synopsis
"As a counsellor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn't dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England.
She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favourite thing: great literature.
Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who's decided to take a break from their marriage.
Ginny never imagined she'd be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband's dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic.
Between the two of them--and Ginny's brother-in-law, William-- the bookstore might stand a chance.
Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harboured a secret passion for becoming an authoress--as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch.
Eager to know more of Emily's story, Sophia goes on a quest--dragging Ginny and William--to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny's need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own.
Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries."



The Pros
Reading this book made me feel like I was wrapped in a cosy blanket, sipping a hot cup of tea.
I actually already feel like rereading it and that doesn't happen often!
At first stepping back and forth between Sophia, Ginny and Emily's stories was a little confusing but once I got into it I followed along easily.
I love a good historical so it was nice to have part of the story set in the 1800s. I could have happily stayed in Emily's story for the whole book but the way that all three women's lives intertwined was quite beautiful.

This book was actually kind of refreshing to read because while there was still a hint of romance in the plot, it wasn't the focal point. The story focuses more on healing, hope and friendships.

I loved the setting in Cornwall, England. It is my dream to visit England someday!
It was so bookish, being set around a bookshop, Sophia is an avid reader (along with William), the search for Emily Fairfax through clues in her journal and her dream to be an authoress.
I loved this aspect of the whole book!

One quote that stuck out to me was this one:
"We must embrace that story and remember that who we are is not defined by the ups and downs of our lives--the failure OR the successes. Nay, we are instead defined by Whose we are."



The Cons
The spiritual content was lacking in my opinion. The author just scratched the surface of something that could have gone a little deeper and could have put her point across a little clearer and stronger.

One comment was made that didn't really need to be there but it was about a married couple so it wasn't impure.


In conclusion, I loved this story. I hugged the book when I was finished because it was that sort of book.
I cannot wait to read Lindsay's other books, in fact, I already have the ebook for After The Tide, written by her!

If you love stories about friendships, books and healing then this book is for you! And if you love split time novels and stories about writers and books, then this book is also for you!


keep blooming,

Weddings, Willows & Revised Expectations // Book Review

I had to use an image of a willow tree of course!

Hello darlings!

I ended up taking a little break from reading romance and any fiction in general, with the exception of a few books that I really needed to read, like this one (since the review was due by October).
So this past week I read Weddings, Willows and Revised Expectations and now I am here to give you my thoughts!

I was introduced to this author through Lindsey at Books for Christian Girls and then became acquainted with V. Joy Palmer through Instagram.
Last month I read Love, Lace and Minor Alterations by V. Joy Palmer and really enjoyed it. I couldn't wait to dive into this book.
Sadly, I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped I would. To me, it didn't quite live up to the previous book.
But I will do my best to explain my thoughts to you in this review!



Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis
"Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life.
While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.
 But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family legacy.
Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, and arrangement  that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to  Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.
But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?"

The Pros
First off, I have to say that I love the covers and titles for both of Palmer's books! They're perfectly fitted to the wedding settings in both books.
The titles may not make much sense to someone who hasn't read them, but as you read the stories, you begin to see how the titles perfectly fit the book's contents.

I loved getting to see Izze & Miles from Love, Lace and Minor Alterations again!
Other things I liked about this book were all the fun weddings that Apryl decorated. There was a ritzy Roaring Twenties wedding, a vintage travel themed wedding, and my favourite, the Anne of Green Gables one! This was fun aspect of the whole book that I enjoyed reading about.
I loved the cute romantic things that Apryl and Chance did together, like splashing in the ocean together. I also liked the fact that Apryl and Chance knew each other in high school so there was no insta-love.

One thing I enjoyed about reading this as an eBook was that I could highlight certain lines, and not feel guilty about ruining a real book.
These were some of my favourite quotes!

"All the bookworms I know tend to suffer from an overactive imagination."

"Apryl blushed, something Chance rather liked."

"You've reached the voicemail of Apryl Burns. You can leave me a message or try texting me, but I recommend showing up on person with a pan of brownies." (Great mind Apryl!)

"I had no idea that the tiles on the floor made a pattern." "Yes, it's amazing what you can find when you clean."

We not only get to see Apryl & Chance's romance but also Courtney's own love story. So it's like a two in one package. This felt out of place and confused me a little at first but then it all fell into palce and it was nice.

I have read a few books set in the wedding business and I quite like it as a setting for a story. (Reminding myself I still have a bunch of Janice Thompson books to read! A lot of hers are centred around wedding businesses.)
I do recommend reading these books in order, even though they can be read as standalones, everything will just make more sense and be more fun if you read LLAMA first.

One other funny thing is that in my neighbourhood, there's a guy who resembles Palmer's description of Chance and so that is how I pictured him!


The Cons
Now about the characters, I 'fell in love' with the little family introduced in the previous book and really liked Izze and Miles as a couple.
Apryl, Courtney and Chance however, I found harder to like and relate to.
I also found Apryl and Chance's sarcastic and pretty hurtful comments got a bit too much. In the words of Chance himself, "Sarcasm does not become you, Apryl." Sarcasm is so popular nowadays and I do think sometimes it is funny, but I also think we've go to be aware that it can hurt people's feelings. A lot.
That was the main thing that put me off. But also just the fact that the characters didn't agree with me as much as the characters from LLAMA.

There were a LOT of references to movies and other fandoms in this book, mostly relating to Batman, which I have know clue about! But there were a few Downton Abbey references that made my DA fan smile!
The witty comments were laughable, but not as much as in LLAMA (can you tell that I really liked the first book?).


I am not saying this book is bad, it just do for me what Palmer's first book did, which was make me laugh, giggle, swoon and smile at her characters and the message of waiting for the right one and being content in singleness.

If you want a nice, clean, contemporary book with a good Christian message, then this book might be for you. Also if you are Batman or potato chip fan, you will get along splendidly with our main girl, Apryl!


I also recommend you read Love, Lace and Minor Alterations!


keep blooming,

xo, Hannah

Love in Disguise // Book Review

This is the second time that I have to start this review because whilst I was halfway through, it disappeared from my drafts!
So, a few weeks ago I had a bookish craving for a historical/Western novel and I picked up this one.
I really enjoyed it and I had to share my thoughts about it.

~ • ~ • ~

About the Book

"Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation.
When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.
Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipment. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a grey-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.
Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays!
Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humour and mystery for a can't put down read."




My Rating

Now let me tell why I gave this book 5 stars!

• The plot was great and since I had not read the back cover I just dove right in and enjoyed it all the more because I knew nothing.
The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing right till the moment the culprit was revealed. I also loved that the romance plot wasn't too strong. The romance thread of the story only starts about halfway into it and it's very light too.

• The setting was the perfect small Wild West town I wanted for a historical novel.

• It was pretty clean in regards to the sexual content as well, because of the light romance.

• Though the faith content could have been a little more obvious, it was good!

• I had to share this quote from Steven to Ellie because it is just too sweet! Spoiler: 
( His hand cupped her chin and lifted it so that she stared straight into his eyes. "I see the beauty of your character--and it takes my breath away." ).

• The fact that underneath her disguise Ellie wasn't a stunningly beautiful woman but her character was true and that was what Steven loved about her, even after she removed her costume and makeup.


Add the book on Goodreads


Thus concludes my thoughts on this novel. I enjoyed this book a lot and I look forward to reading more from the author, Carol Cox!

What are you reading currently?
Do you like historical novels?


xoxo
Hannah