Five Fall Favorites - Day 1: Real Heroes

Welcome to day 1 of the Five Fall Favorites blog party hosted by Rebekah Morris and Sarah Holman! What is the Five Fall Favorites party? Each day this week, the participants will be sharing five books in the listed genre. Today's category is 'real heroes'—not superheroes, but real heroes—those who put themselves on the line for others.

Each blog in the party is assigned a different 'room' each day. Today, I'm the Backpacks room! You'll definitely need a big ol' backpack with all the recommendations you'll be taking away with you today! (One little hint—each day, the Books room will have a free short story for you to download!) Where can you find the rest of these rooms? At the end of the post I'll have a link to the Literary Lodge (otherwise known as Read Another Page), home base for the party, where you'll find links to the rest of the participating blogs!

While Mortals Sleep—Jack Cavanaugh

While Mortals Sleep is a book all about doing the right thing, even when it seems like all those around you—including those you love the most—are against you every step of the way. It's partially intense, partially heartbreaking...but completely amazing. You can find my review HERE.

Code of Honor—Alan Gratz

Another intense book...Kamran fights for honor and justice, and to bring the truths to light. You can find my review HERE.

A Question of Honor—Jesseca Wheaton

*Deep breath* this book...all the feels though. David and Gil are true heroes. Following God's call even when it hurts. And those of you who've read it know what I'm saying when I say that it hurts.

Certain Jeopardy—Jeff Strueker & Alton Gansky

Yes, I'm slightly obsessed with this series. I love these books. Like, a lot. Certain Jeopardy is the first in probably my all-time favorite series. About a Special Ops team, with camaraderie, and family, and tears, and . . . yeah. (Can you tell I like military fiction? Especially when it comes to real heroes?)

Nightshade—Ronie Kendig

YES, another military book. Special ops, to be more specific. But seriously. Though the romance is a bit much for me, Ms. Kendig writes amazing military fiction.

To go along with the party, all of the participants joined together to make a fun giveaway basket perfect for any book lover! The prize includes a lot of fun stuff including paperbacks, a mug, and an Amazon gift card! The more people that enter the giveaway, the more winners there will be—so what are you waiting for?! Go enter! (Also, my book is one of the prizes—it just didn't get put in the picture. Extra incentive, ya know.)

Click on the image to be redirected to the giveaway

What are you waiting for?! Go find these books! And while you're at it, visit the literary lodge to find a whole lot more!

Book Review: Monday Night Jihad by Jason Elam & Steve Yohn

I was walking through the library—just to get one or two that I've already picked out, I thought. But then I ended up with three or four that I wasn't sure that I'd even be able to read. Annnnd then this baby's spine caught my eye.

(Just sayin', having an eye-catching spine is critical to getting your book a little notice, especially if it's going to be on shelves with hundreds of other books.)

It looked cool. Upon reading the back cover blurb, I was sold. Football + counterterrorism? Count me in! So, much to my sister's chagrin (she tries so hard to keep me from walking out of the building with more books than necessary, bless her heart, though it doesn't work), I snatched it and checked it out with the others.

And LET ME TELL YOU. It's been a long time since I've read a book that I could honestly compare to my favorite series without feeling like I'm betraying them. But Monday Night Jihad nailed it.

About the book:
After a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Riley Covington is living his dream as a professional linebacker when he comes face-to-face with a radical terrorist group on his own home turf. Drawn into the nightmare around him, Riley returns to his former life as a member of a special ops team that crosses oceans in an attempt to stop the escalating attacks. But time is running out, and it soon becomes apparent that the terrorists are on the verge of achieving their goal: to strike at the very heart of America.

Series: Riley Covington, #1

My rating:

First off, let me say that reading negative reviews of a book you're about to rate 5 stars isn't the greatest idea in the world. But that doesn't mean I don't still love the book.

Ack, it was so good. 

First off, Riley was . . . fantabulous.  A Christian that cared about others, yet still struggled with his faith when . . . well . . . spoilers, ya know. His relationship with his grandpa was so sweet. His bantering with his buddies—let's not forget the teasing!

I laughed harder during this baby than I have while reading a book in a long, long time. "We will be experiencing some mild turbulence—that means Mr. Plane go bump bump." It's one of those things you have to take in context to fully appreciate, but still.

The football aspect was epic. I grew up playing football with my brothers and dad in the backyard, and I guess that could be the basis of my love for reading sports stories. The camaraderie of the team made me smile so much.

The way Christianity was brought out—UM, YES. It wasn't the awkward 'Lord, I can't figure out what to wear today, put my hand on the right shirt' kind, but the 'Lord, I'll trust You even when it hurts beyond belief' kind. I ADORED it. It wasn't preachy, but it was strong. Like stand-your-spoon-in-your-coffee strong. (Okay, not quite that strong but the analogy just popped into my head sooooo)

And then . . . then the unthinkable happened. If I was one to cry during a book, I would've. Rarely do I pause while reading, but . . . wow. Um. There were a couple of parts where I just had to wince, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. Because ouch. Needless to say, I'm not really okay. Now I'm going through the sequel (and I'm trying hard not to mix the two up while I'm writing this, haha), and it's still painful. The descriptions in this book aren't really . . . well . . . descriptive, but the events are still described in such a way that my imagination took off and made me feel it.

What didn't I like? All the different POVs weren't really my favorite, but nothing to really complain about. There was a major info-dump on an entire page once. But it didn't last long, thank goodness. And, lastly, the story was kiiiiinda predictable? Like, I had the bad guy pegged almost from the beginning. But I was definitely questioning my guess multiple times.

Did I love this book? Yes. Will I be asking for it for Christmas? Yes. Would I recommend it? YES.

My Favorite Bookish Tropes

You know those tropes in books that you'll never tire of, even if everyone else groans and complains if they have to read just ONE MORE BOOK with this theme in it?

Yeah, those.

Well, today I'd like to talk a bit about mine—if you hate these tropes, go ahead and rant in the comments, I don't care. XD If you love them like I do . . . let's talk about them!

So. My favorite tropes.

1. Long-lost siblings. 

Now's about the time some of you are groaning and thinking, "That's like, the most-used trope ever! Why'd she have to pick that one?!" *grins* Okay, okay, I know it can sometimes be overused (Like *cough* Carbon Copy Cowboy *cough*), buuuuut when it's done right . . . yes. Totally. (Like, I'm not gonna give away any spoilers or anything, but those of you who've read A Question of Loyalty know what I'm talking about when I say IT'S DA BOMB)

2. Sibling/friend banter. 

I know, I know, another one that's almost overused. BUT Y'ALL I LOVE IT SO MUCHLY. I could probably give you an endless list off examples . . . I mean, if you want me to really love your book, just put siblings (or a group of friends that act like siblings) in it and give 'em golden dialogue, and I'll be your fan for life. (Or pretty close, at least.) Some people hate it, and I understand—a lot of the banter I like is practically insults. It all depends on what you're used to. But when people can tease and insult and make fun of each other without feelings getting hurt (like Certain Jeopardy—you'll hear a lot about that series from me, jsyk), that is when I'm hooked forever.

3. Injury for the main character(s).

*Coughs* call me violent if you want. Call me cold-hearted. Call me heartless. But, uh, I like it when the main characters get hurt (or maimed) . . . *ducks* Seriously though! It makes things so much more interesting! I don't know why I like it, I just do. I like doing it to my own characters, too, don't worry. But honestly, as long as they don't die, me likey. (Like those certain two characters in Defy . . . need I say more?!)

4. Overcoming physical handicaps.
Ya know those books where the MC is fine and everything is dandy and then BAM something happens to shake their world and they have to deal with (and overcome) a physical handicap? Yeah, those. (Like 100 Days of Sunlight.) I don't know why, but I love stories about characters that work to get over themselves and to overcome their handicaps. Especially (and I'm sorry, this is gonna sound really bad) *cough* when they've been in an accident caused by someone else, and there's forgiveness all around. (Like A Time to Embrace.)

I know, that's only four. But if I were to be completely honest, I'd have to say that I'm thinking them up as I go and these are the only four that come to mind right away. So yeah, there's that.

In other news, I'll be participating in a blog party next week! I joined the Five Fall Favorites party on my other blog last year, and it was a ton of fun, so of course I signed up this year! We've got some amazing genres to share this year, and it's bound to be a lot of fun—keep an eye out for that!

Do you share some of my favorite tropes? What are your own favorites? Will you be following the Five Fall Favorites party?

13 Reasons Why Blog Tour - Day 13: Q&A + Giveaway Winners

It's the last day of the 13 Reasons Why tour! *cries* How has it all gone by so fast?! Thank you all so, so much for following the tour and joining in the fun—and if you shared reasons to live, thank you for spreading Christ's love! This whole tour couldn't have been possible without y'all. <3

Today's reason to live: love. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God sent Jesus to die. For us. Because He loves us. Us. Look at us—we're about as far from perfect as you can get. Are we really worth it? By ourselves, no. But that's the beauty of it; we don't deserve love, but God gives it freely! He sent His Son to take the punishment for our sins, and took our worthlessness to turn it into value. Because once we've accepted Christ's sacrifice, when God looks at us . . . He sees Jesus. Jesus, Who sacrificed Himself so that we could have eternal fellowship with Him. And that, friends, is true love. Love that makes life worth living.

Now, let's finish the Q&A! Again, my answers are in teal, and Faith's are in purple.

How do you go about choosing names for your characters? 

I used to just pick whatever name sounds cool; and for flash fiction stories, I generally do that. But for Beloved specifically, I tried to pick names that had meanings I could incorporate later on.

I literally have no system for it… xD  I just use names I like and try to make sure they sound okay with the character’s last name.

What happened to Peter's siblings?

Umm . . . if it’s what I think it is . . . *races to proof copy* yep! They were sent to different foster homes. If you’re asking what happened later on . . . I have no idea, haha!

Will Kade and Cara be seeing more of each other...? 

I hope so… *smirks*

I don’t know, honestly. I purposely kept romance out of Beloved because I wanted a different kind of love portrayed throughout the story. I actually dislike romance in general, so to write a romance as a sequel to Beloved really doesn’t appeal to me. Like, at all. But, then again, as of now I’m not planning on a sequel at all anyway, so I suppose you can use your imagination and run with it. ;)

Visit Faith's blog for the rest of the Q&A questions!

All right, all right, now, the moment you've all been waiting for! (If you scrolled past the Q&A to this part right away, shame on you. But #relatable)

And the grand prize winner is . . .

Ellen S.!

Ellen, you will receive a signed paperback of both Freedom and Beloved! Congratulations!

2nd place:

Abby G.

Congratulations, Abby! You will receive a signed paperback of either Freedom or Beloved. 

3rd place:

Patience

*throws confetti* Patience, you get an ebook of either Freedom or Beloved! 

All three of you will be getting an email in your inbox ASAP. Thank you to everyone who entered! <3

Life without love is hopeless. 

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Choose life.

13 Reasons Why Blog Tour - Day 12: Choose Life

Today, Faith and I are doing something very special. We're sharing the R2Ls of people all over the internet that joined in the 13 Reasons Why Tour movement.

Today's reason to live: there's no such thing as bad luck. In case you haven't noticed, today is Friday the 13th. And in case you didn't know, Fridays that happen to be the 13th of the month are known as days for bad luck. It's superstition, just like walking under a ladder, or stepping on a crack in the sidewalk, or crossing paths with a black cat . . . you get the idea. But ya know what? The Bible tells us that nothing happens without a reason. That means life isn't the 'luck' of the draw. Good things happen and bad things happen; it's a fact of life. Everyone has bad days; it's not just you. Hold on. Better days are coming. Trust God. Trust His plan. Put your belief, faith, and trust in Him. Not in 'luck.'

Abigail

A reason to live is your story is not over. Your story really is not over. God has amazing plans for you. I know that it may not seem that way in this moment but just push through and give God your fears, worries, and anything else that is holding you down. God wants you to come running to Him. He wants to help you. He wants YOU. He loves you so much. He loves you more than you could ever imagine. So please don’t give up! This is not the end of your story, it’s only the beginning.

Ryana

R2L for today is memories. The good and the bad. Who enjoys thinking of bad memories you ask? No one, but hear me out. Most of the time when I mull over bad memories it upsets me at first, but the more I think over them, turning them over and over, I'm able to find something in them that God is trying to teach me. Whether it's praying over the person that hurt me or realizing something in my life that needs to change or just seeing God at work even in the bad times, 9 times out of 10, I can take away some good even in the bad. And good memories...who doesn't enjoy those. That time you laughed way too hard with a friend...the book/movie that touched you in a way you can't explain...the day you spent with a dear relative before they passed on...that promotion you got at your job...the time you totally aced that test (or got a grade higher than your normal average. I was excited to get and 80-90 in math, lol)...the time that random dog came over and showered you in love and kisses...the first time someone shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Cling to the good memories and learn from the bad.

Kassie

My R2L...friends. ;) Think twice about the people you’ll leave behind. You may be the only person who does whatever with someone. Even if they never expressly say it, somebody needs you to have their back and believe in them.

Angela

New song releases.

Bringing a smile to a stranger’s face in the store.

To learn to do something new.

Saving the turtles who wander into the road.

Laughing over silly things till your stomach hurts.

Kaitlyn S.

Today I ask you to choose life because of the little moments. The special moments woven throughout each day that you get a glimpse of. A child’s laughing face; the breeze blowing through your hair; the one person who smiled at you. These were not accidents you witnessed, my friend, they were gifts from the God who created you, sent to encourage your soul that this world is, indeed, a beautiful place. A broken place, yes, but a place of beauty nonetheless. Store up these little pieces of beauty, and search them out.

Brooklyne

My reason to live is to "change the world" by making a positive impact. The people we meet, the words we write, the songs we sing, the talents we have. We have been given so many opportunities to change someones world. And you, my friend, are one of a kind. You are world changer material, and if you let God use you, YOU can change the world.

Ellen

JESUS.

My one and only reason for, without Him, you've got nothing. He's placed each one of us here for a purpose, and that purpose is to serve and glorify Him. Our lives are in His hands!

Katja

-Friendship. That feeling when you and your friends have the most hilarious conversation that would creep any normal person out. When your friend gives you a sweet compliment. When your friend gives you a hug. When you chat over the phone. When you read a book together. When you encourage each other in Christ. God orchestrates the most amazing friendships.

-Music. Violins. Pianos. Trumpets. Sonatas. Hymns. Impromptu singing. Choirs. Birds chirping. Music is so beautiful. Find the really good pieces and songs and listen to them. Nothing brightens your mood like music.

-Nature. There is so, so much beauty around us. Sunsets. Flowers. Trees. Grass. Lakes. Clouds. I love the beauty of nature. It’s amazing.

-Ice cream. And all those other little treats that make your day. Muffins and éclairs and candy and chocolate and cookies and cake and pies and pastries...

-Adventures. Big eyes full of amazement. Laughing yourself speechless. Discovering things. Exclaiming over stuff. Enjoying your family. Making memories. Doing something new.

-Meals. Sharing your favourite food with someone you love. Relishing the tastes that fill your mouth. Poring over recopies. Appreciating the beauty of vegetables and meat and fruits.

Visit Faith's blog for more R2Ls. Choose life. <3

If you got left out of this post, or maybe you just never gave your own R2L . . . don't let it stop you. Continue to spread the love. Comment below. Comment on Faith's post. Comment on others' posts. Share your R2Ls on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, everywhere. Suicide is far too rampant. It's time to step up and share some love.

Life without love is hopeless. 

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 
A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder 

Blog Tour Stops
Abigail @ Novel, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors — Review of Freedom

Isabel @ Chasing Fantasia — Review of Freedom

Molly @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him — Review of Beloved

Kaitlyn @ Maidens for Modesty — Review of Beloved

Last day to enter the giveaway!

God has a plan, y'all. He's in control. Choose life.

13 Reasons Why Blog Tour - Day 11: Thirteen Reasons to Buy Freedom

I know I just posted a review of Freedom. I flailed. I practically tumbled over my words, even though I typed them instead of speaking them. Shoot, I downright fangirled! "That's all well and good", you might be saying, "But why would we want to buy this thing—spend all that money—after you gave us about 18302 reasons in your review?"

*grins* well, let me enlighten you!

But first . . .

Today's reason to live: God wrote your story. Let me repeat that: God wrote your story. Let that sink in for a moment. Now, I'll say it again: GOD WROTE YOUR STORY. Do you realize what this means?! He sees you. He loves you. He's written your story, and once you put your trust in Him, it's going to be so much more beautiful than you can imagine. God wrote your story! The Creator of everything—the stars, the oceans, ALLLL DA PEOPLE—wrote your story. Don't waste it. If you've placed your trust in Him, no matter how bad things become you'll always have hope. Because He wrote your story. And that makes life well worth living.

Okay, now, 13 REASONS TO BUY FREEDOM

1. James (c'mon, who wouldn't want to read a book about him?)

2. Alex ('cause we all need a snarky therapist.)

3. PTSD. (there aren't nearly enough books out there on this subject.)

4. Suicide. (okay this sounds creepy but honestly, this aspect was portrayed SO WELL.)

5. It's serious. (it really gets you to thinking about things you wouldn't normally think about!)

6. It's hilarious. (who wouldn't want to read about a double amputee that putts around Walmart on a sit-n-shop while his therapist tries to keep him from making a disaster of everything?)

7. It hurts. (man, my heart hurts for these people. But man, it's so, so good.)

8. It's gonna make you cry. Or at least tear up. (if it doesn't, then you're hard-hearted or something)

9. Uncle Joe. (because we all need an Uncle Joe in our lives)

10. Forgiveness. (have I mentioned how much I love the themes in this book??)

11. Perseverance. (I loooooove it when people work hard to beat physical handicaps. One of my favorite tropes.)

12. Brian + Lester (man, I love these two. Especially Lester. Faith knows why, muahaha)

13. If you order order a signed paperback, all the proceeds go to an organization dedicated to veteran suicide prevention!

Visit Faith's blog for reasons to buy Beloved! ('cause she had to be a copycat for some reason)

Life without love is hopeless. 

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Blog tour stops
Esther @ We’ve Got Pockets — 2x Interview

Click on the image to be redirected to the giveaway

LAST CALL FOR THE Q&A!

God wrote your story, y'all. He loves you. Choose life.

13 Reasons Why Blog Tour - Day 10: Book Recommendations

Today, Faith and I are sharing about books that have similar themes as our own! But, of course, you know the drill . . .

Today's reason to live: books. I've loved books for as long as I can remember. I probably devoured them (literally) as a lil' kid, and then once I grew old enough to appreciate them, I devoured them in a more metaphoric sense. ANYWAY. Books are amazing, y'know? They also put all sorts of ideas into your head. If you have any imagination at all, books have the power to practically control your mind for days, even after you've finished them. Why? I . . . don't know, really. But I do know that if you read the right books (aka hopeful books), your mindset will be a whole lot better than if you read depressing books (*cough* like Salt to the Sea *cough*). If you read uplifting books, the effects will be incredible. Trust me on this one. Don't end it all because you're feeding your mind garbage.

Freedom—Faith Potts (obviously)

AS IF YOU NEEDED ANY EXPLANATION. Read my review HERE.

Living Lies—Natalie Walters

I'm definitely not a romance person, and this book just reinforced my opinion on that. But the suicide aspect . . . read my review HERE.

A Brother is Born—Angie Thompson

This. Book. Aaaaahhh! *clutches heart* I loved this baby so muchly. <3 The foster care, the insecure girl, the brothers . . . Read my review HERE.

100 Days of Sunlight—Abbie Emmons

So, I'll admit, this book doesn't have a whole lot of the same themes as Beloved, but it definitely does have the girl that's basically lost all hope. So there's that. Read my review HERE.

The Divided Nation—Angela Watts

Yeah, yeah, I know—those of you who have read both The Divided Nation and Beloved are probably going, "why in the world is she adding this one to the list?!" Okay, I know, it's a stretch. But the brothers, y'all. The BROTHERS. (And this book deserves to be mentioned, soooo) Read my review HERE.

Between Sundays—Karen Kingsbury

Foster care. Need I say more? (Also it's got football players in major roles, so how can you go wrong?)

Wonder—R.J. Palacio

I honestly didn't understand all the hype about this book . . . but it really makes a person think about how they treat each others. And that's a reminder everyone needs every once in awhile. 

Through the Tunnel—Rebekah Morris

Once again, foster care! Each of Rebekah's books is better than the last! <3 Read my review HERE.

The Silence of Murder—Dandi Daley Mackall

Don't let that title/cover freak you out—it's not a horror story! Another story that makes a person think about how they treat those around them . . . read my review HERE.

Visit Faith's blog for book recommendations with similar themes as Freedom!

Life without love is hopeless. 

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

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Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh — Interview w/ Kate

Faith @ Faith Lane Author — Interview w/ Faith + Spotlight of Freedom

Hannah @ Elizabeth’s Corner — Interview w/ Kate

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Read good books, y'all. And choose life.