Book Review: A Brother is Born by Angie Thompson and By Paths Unknown by Rebekah Morris

I'm so excited to be here today with a review of not one, but two books! I'm participating in the blog tour for Angie Thompson and Rebekah Morris' new releases, A Brother is Born and By Paths Unknown!

So, as I just said, I'll be reviewing them both. Let's start with A Brother is Born, shall we?

Benny's coming hadn't changed anything—or had it?

With a new foster kid joining Alex Carson's family, everyone is prepared for changes. So when Benny slips into the tight-knit group with barely a ripple, the family is at once surprised and delighted.

But beneath the surface, deeper waters are stirred as Alex finds herself at odds with Jess over his jokes on the unsuspecting and gullible Benny. Will Jess's teasing and her own insecurities separate Alex from her brother? Or can a surprising source teach them a needed lesson in love?

My rating:

Was there anything about this book to make it stand out? Um . . . by most people's standards, not really. The writing was very good, but not necessarily exceptional. The characters were endearing, but no more so than other characters I've read about.

So what made me give this book five stars?

Well, you know that book that just hits you in a way that you never expected? That book that just seems to speak right to you? Not many books do that. But this one did that to me.

It started out light and like a breath of fresh air. After reading several back-to-back books that I either just didn't like or they took me on a rollercoaster (sometimes in intensity, sometimes emotionally), this one made me smile. It was a little hard to get into, as it seemed to start out slow, but the more I read, the more I fell in love with it.

Can I just stop right now and go give Alex a hug? Please?? I adored Alex. Not just because she had 'normal' flaws that she was working through, but because I could relate to her so much. Angie, you hit the nail on the head when it comes to making your characters relatable to your readers!

Benny . . . he wasn't your typical sullen, teenaged, foster kid. Being a Christian before he joined the Baer family, his attitude allowed him to get along with everyone splendidly, and I love his character.

Jess was also relatable—the brother who's always being sarcastic, and doesn't seem to have a serious bone in his body? Alex's struggle with him was so real. And that is what spoke to me. Alex's lesson learned with Jess seemed to speak straight into my heart—a much-needed lesson for both of us!

There was a bit of adventure toward the end of the book, but nothing that makes you break out in a sweat. A Brother is Born was an amazing read with an amazing message. If you're looking for a book that will both make you feel good and challenge you in your attitude toward others, definitely pick this one up.

Ms. Thompson also has a lesson to glean from her book that she'd like to share: Don’t assume people know when your feelings are hurt.  Everyone processes things differently, and what one person thinks is good fun may be hurtful to someone else.  But if someone says something that hurts you, don’t just assume that they meant it that way, or even that they know they hurt you.  Be honest about your feelings; don’t drive the wedge deeper.

Now for By Paths Unknown!

Could God bring peace from such a winding path?

Austin Sparks is doing his best to hold his family together in the wake of his mom's death, but the world continues to spin out of his control. When his dad announces that the family is moving to their grandparents' ranch in South Dakota, it's anyone's guess whether the change will bring healing or just more heartache.

Back on the ranch, Austin finds hope in the familiar surroundings and help in his loving clan of relatives. But can his dad somehow overcome his grief? Will his siblings ever feel at home? And can Austin trust God to guide them all even when the path seems darkest?

My rating: 

So, this book was so close to getting five stars as well (every new book I read by Rebekah Morris is better than the last!). Buuuuut . . . I guess I'll just say that it was basically a 3-star beginning and a 5-star ending, so I decided to split the difference and give it 4 stars.

Austin's story was . . . wow. I think these kinds of stories are Rebekah's strong point—insecure children that work to find their way with God's guidance. Austin was such a fabulous character. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Ahh, this story! It was hard to get into at first—the beginning was extremely slow. But when they finally got to the ranch, and all the family that surrounded them, and . . . *hugs book* yessss. It seemed maybe just a little farfetched that every single one of Austin's uncles and aunts and cousins ended up doing something ranch-related, but not totally unrealistic. (I mean, I guess there was the obvious case of Austin's dad, but still.)

Austin's relationship with his siblings was so, so good. I loved how they interacted, and his struggles with his father (I'm trying not to give away any spoilers here . . . ) and how everything worked out in the end. I'd love to talk about allll the epic characters, but that would take all day! (Though, I have to say . . . Mimmie sounded awfully familiar. Would that be on purpose, Rebekah? ;))

This story felt so . . . so real. And can I please babble about the ending?? No? Fine. *pouts* but only because of the spoilers. (Though I will say it brought back fond memories of my childhood!)

Rebekah also has a lesson that we can glean from her book: Neighbors are there to help – Good neighbors lend a hand, pitch in when things are tough, and help a neighbor even if they don’t really know them.

You can find the rest of the blog tour by clicking on the image below:

Book Review: The Divided Nation by Angela Watts

Today I'm here with the blog tour for Angela Watts's new release, The Divided Nation! I'll be doing a review of her book, but first, let's learn a bit about Angela herself:

Angela R. Watts is a Christian fiction author who strives to glorify the Lord in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler living at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, though with Gypsy and Norwegian in her blood, she tends to travel. She’s been writing stories since she was little, but also enjoys chores, painting, and watching sunsets.

Facebook | Website | Amazon | Instagram | Goodreads

WHEN THE NATION DIVIDES, THE INFIDELS MUST RISE.

The United States has fallen. Three years after the 2024 presidential election and the declaration of martial law, the nation is at war against itself. Gangs battle, civilians struggle for survival, and officials of the United Nations thrive. West Johnston, heir to the most powerful ganglord in the country, refuses to continue the family legacy. But, in order to defeat his father, he must become him: bloodthirsty and willing to do whatever it takes for control.

West gains control by helping fellow gangsters, Nate and Simon, when they form an alliance with one of the last remaining townships in America. After years of surviving and winter fast approaching, Springtown is in desperate need of supplies from the two teenagers. When the town leader’s daughter, Rene’, is kidnapped by an unknown rival, Nate and Simon risk their reputations to save her and the town they now love. But without help from West, their rescue mission will fail.

Told in multiple bold, abrasive narratives, THE DIVIDED NATION steps into a future where brotherhood bonds must be stronger than iron to survive a broken world, and faith without courage is dust in the wind.

Add on Goodreads

My rating: 

Wow. Wow, y'all. Now, that was a ride. Honestly, my first impression is that it's a replay of Angela's book Seek, but better. Is this a good thing? Yes and no. I didn't care for the fact that it seemed like she took Seek and just ballooned it up into something bigger. But the good thing was that it was better—her writing has definitely improved! (Not that Seek wasn't fabulous, but every author improves with each new book.)

The one other thing I didn't like was that it was so confoundedly confusing. As soon as I saw the glossary of characters, I knew that it'd be overwhelming . . . I just didn't realize how much so. Multiple different POVs, added to all the other side characters, was extremely confusing, and I kept mixing the characters up until I was over halfway into the book.

ALL THAT STUFF ASIDE. Now to the good stuff. *grins*

-The characters. Yes yes yes yes yes!! I know I just said all the characters were confusing—but it's the amount that was confusing, not the characters themselves. West (precious cinnamon roll!) was my baby. Probably my very favorite character (though so hard to pick!), but I also loved Gideon (why do I always love the bad guys??), and Rene' (though again, basically Angel from Seek), and Simon and Nate and Jack and *deep breath* I LOVE THESE PEEPS OKAY??

-Honestly I'm not a dystopian fan BUT this one was amazing. Probably because it only takes place 8 years into the future instead of 29128 . . . XD

-The themes of trusting God even when all else seems hopeless. Seriously, y'all, do I need to say anything else?? The book might've been a little preachy at times, but . . . I think for this story, it was good. Necessary even. In a story as blunt as this one, the salvation message also needs to be portrayed bluntly.

One more thing before you go—Angela is hosting a giveaway! 

1st place: hardback copy of The Divided Nation. A custom mug with a quote from the book, bookmark, and an exclusive snippet from The Infidel Books.

2nd place: paperback copy of The Divided Nation, bookmark.

3rd place: ebook copy of The Divided Nation.

Click on the image to be redirected to the giveaway.

Does The Divided Nation look like a book that you'd like to read? Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Book Review: The Boy Colonel by John J. Horn

The year is 1836. A mysterious young English soldier known as the “Boy Colonel” commands a crack regiment in the snowy wastelands of Siberia. No one knows his history. No one knows his name. The Cossacks want him dead—but are they the only ones? It seems his worst enemy may wear an English uniform.

The Boy Colonel strives to perform his duty, but when that duty becomes mixed he must decide which sovereign is greater — the king of England, or the God of the Bible. Treachery, intimidation, and deceit block his path. His choice of allegiance may mean the difference between life and death. Is he prepared to risk all to protect his loved ones?

My rating:

*Deep breath* Okay, um . . . I really wanted to give this book four stars. But I just . . . couldn't somehow?

I liked the plot. Really, really liked it, actually. A boy colonel with a background shrouded in mystery, loved by all in his command? And then later is injured (this may sound awful, but I *cough* like it when characters get injured. You can maim them—just don't kill 'em.), and fighting for his life, and *stops before I give away spoilers* um, yes, please!! 

But . . . somehow, I could never connect with any of the characters. The colonel was noble (pun intended, if you've read the book), likable, and an excellent leader. Edmund was the fabulous friend/sidekick. Jaques and O'Malley made me laugh more than once! Liana was super sweet.

But I could never relate to them.

Back to the plot—again, I loved the plot. But it never really drew me in, y'know? And I couldn't figure this out until I realized that it was the writing style. Mr. Horn's writing voice was like G.A Henty or Robert Luis Stevenson. Now, if I go into a book knowing that it's a classic, and expecting this style of writing, I'm more likely to enjoy it. I think the problem here is that this book is not a classic, so I wasn't expecting it to read like it did. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of this style, and thus the three stars.

What little romance there was I actually enjoyed! When the two characters loved each other, they weren't constantly making out, which was fabulous. But, I mean, it was set in 19th-century Siberia, soooo I guess that could have something to do with it.

If you enjoy classics, you'll definitely want to check this one out!

Have you ever read this book before? What was your favorite part?

Camp NaNo July: Recap

July is over, and with it, of course, Camp NaNo. I knew it was a bad idea to participate; I mean, between working, preparing for my upcoming release, among other things, I was hardly going to have time, wasn't I?

Well, I did it anyway. Did I win Camp NaNo July? No. I set my goal at half of what I'd set my goal in April . . . and I still failed. But that's okay. I went to real camp for a week, which kinda threw off my schedule, and when I came back, I decided not to continue to try for that goal. Nor did I lower my goal. Why? I know that some people lower their goals so that they can conquer NaNo, but I didn't. Maybe it's the tiny perfectionist in me telling me that it'd be a lie to lower my goal. Or maybe I'm just reminding myself that sometimes I just need to say no. Or maybe I didn't really care anymore.

Orrrr (and this is probably the most accurate one) maybe it's a combination of all three.

Either way, I did get over 10,000 words written (15,000 was my goal), so I'm super happy about it! And since I've done a couple of posts in July about my WIP, I thought I might give you a sort of Camp NaNo recap.

-I named one of the characters Smol.

-Spamming my writing partner with messages like 'OH PLOT TWIST' and 'my heart hurts rn' and 'okay imagine this' and 'PRETTY SURE WRITING THIS IS EVEN MORE HEARTBREAKING THAN READING IT . . . MAYBE'

-Main love language is insults (bc I mean it's guys . . . )

-Hit block for a day in week 2, yet somehow managed to write over 800 words the next day . . . ?

-Pretty sure the thing's 99% dialogue

-Snark

-Approximately 18291% of this thing needs rewritten

-Writing scenes between a married couple (from the guy's POV) is awkward. And they'll probably get deleted.

-Apparently I got some sort of writing hangover in week one bc I wrote box as 'bocks'

So, yes, my Camp NaNo July in a nutshell. 

Did you participate in Camp? What was your favorite part (aside from your WIP itself) about it?

Book Review: Living Lies by Natalie Walters

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name—but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

Series: Book 1 of the Harbored Secrets series

My rating:

Living Lies certainly starts out with a bang! Opening right up with a murder mystery, I knew that this book would keep me right on my toes! The writing style kept me reading just as much as the plot, though—Ms. Walters knows how to spin a tale!

So, the characters. 

Lane . . . oh my word. Right away, I wanted to jump into the book and pull her into my arms and hide her from every ugly thing life has to throw at her. She is definitely a character that will pull on your heartstrings!

Noah—hold on to your hearts, ladies, before this five-year-old steals every one of them! He was so adorable, and to see him interacting with Lane and Charlie will either steal your heart or melt it. So definitely lock your heart up in a super tough shell if you don't want one (or both) of those things to happen.

Charlie. The slightly cliche, I'm-a-gentleman-that-won't-do-anything-to-hurt-you knight in shining armor. He was easy to like, but like I said, kinda cliche. The way he understood how Lane felt, though, and the way he wanted to help her added to the story so well.

Or, at least, it added to the story until they really fell in love. I don't want to hear about the rush of electricity or heat that you get when you touch each other, 'kay? I don't want your kisses described in detail.

Honestly, I reallllllyyyyy disliked the romance. It's not that Lane and Charlie didn't belong to each other—far from it! I just didn't like the way their attraction was described so much.

The themes in the book, though—suicide awareness. Self-love and respect. Your true worth. So, so much yes. Ten thousand-star plot but, in my opinion, 1- or 2-star romance. Thus, I'll just stick with 4 stars.

The mystery definitely kept me guessing, but that could be because I was pretty confused through a good bit of the book! I'm not sure whether or not this was the author's intent or not, but I'll lean towards not. Of course we're supposed to be confused as to who the actual culprit is, but not how all the pieces are tying together. Much of the time while the detectives were discussing things, or when certain scenes played out, I was left going, "Wait, what?" All in all, though, the mystery was fabulous.

So, yes. If you can handle heavy attraction, murder mysteries, and suicide, this book is for you!

I was given a free e-copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Will you be checking this book out? The themes are so good!