Five Fall Favorites - Day 4: Holiday

Aside from Epistolary (didn't figure I could only use Dear America books for that one) (but even then, I don't think I've read enough), this was probably the hardest genre for which to find books! But Kaitlyn, you may be thinking, surely you've read enough Christmas books!

Yes, yes, I have. And to give you only Christmas recs would be easy. But the catch here is that we had to find books with any holiday but Christmas. Yeah, I was getting pretty worried there for a sec when I couldn't find anything! But I did find enough...we'll just ignore the fact that over half of these are picture books from my childhood. *grins sheepishly*

Thanksgiving: A Harvest Celebration by Julie Stiegemeyer

This, I think, was the first book that popped into my head when I was told holiday—but not Christmas!—it's so perfect because, not only is it about the very first Thanksgiving, but when I was little, amid all the decorating and crafts Mom had us do for school instead of actual homework (she was pretty good at keeping us entertained Thanksgiving week *grins*), she also had us act out this book. So that was a lot of fun. And, being the only girl old enough, of course I was always the main character. *bows* (besides, by the time my sis was old enough, she just wanted to be an Indian with the boys *facepalm*)

Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende & Harry Devlin

Yes, another book from my childhood! This is one we'd always check out from the library, and for some reason I just loved all of the Cranberry books. I think it was the illustrations, actually. They're...so...I don't know how to describe it, haha! I just remember that I would stare at Mr. Whisker's suit because of the texture. *shrugs*

I Don't Dance by Jesseca Wheaton

If you personally know the author like I do, you won't be surprised when I say that this book is for Independence Day. ;) The book isn't about the holiday (it's actually about a soldier and a girl he's known since his childhood), but it's in the book, soooo...that counts. ;)

Little Town at the Crossroads by Maria D. Wilkes

*smirks* You can't guess the holiday for this one, can you?? (Yes, it's another Independence Day book.) But for real, it's a Little House book, so you can't go wrong with that. Plus, I love the Caroline books more than the Laura books! (Aaaaaand the Charlotte Years...and the Martha Years...) (mini rant: it drives me crazy when people say 'Happy 4th of July!' Guys. The holiday is Independence Day. You don't go around saying 'Happy 25th of December!', do youuuu???)

The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs

A cozy lil' Easter read with alllll the Spring vibes! Another picture book, of course, but I remember absolutely loving to look at all the illustrations in this one. 

Have you ever read out on a lake? I haven't...but when books are involved, I'll try pretty much anything new! As long as I don't drop the book in the water, that is. That...would be absolutely tragic. But c'mon, let's give it a shot!

And don't forget to explore the other stops in the party!

As always, the giveaway—have you entered yet?? I sure wish I could have all of that stuff!

Are you a seasonal reader, or do you read holiday books whenever you feel like it? Or do you (like me) just not read much holiday fiction at all?

Five Fall Favorites - Day 3: Medical

Today's genre was super fun! Probably mostly because it was pretty easy to find enough books to shove in y'all's general direction. ;)

How are you enjoying the party?? Started reading any of the new recommendations yet? Or has your TBR just grown about ten times?? Even though I'm writing this post ahead of time, I think I can safely say that my TBR has become a small mountain!

And nowwww, on to the medical books!

 A Question of Loyalty by Jesseca Wheaton

If it's by Jesseca Wheaton and if it's a part of her Questions of War series, then you definitely know it's going to be good! Of course I'd recommend reading the trilogy in order, but I've heard that this one could be read as a standalone. It's all about WWII and military medics and nurses and prison camps and...*grins* time for a reread.

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

This. Book. Is. So. Beautiful. It makes your heart ache for what was lost. It gives you hope for the future. Aaaaannnnd...pretty much anything else I tell you about it will give away spoilers. But. There's a little girl in it. And a man with a past that would make you cry. And a river. So there's that.

Never Say Goodbye by Sarah Grace Grzy

I was afraid I wasn't going to like this book, seeing as how it looks like a completely sappy romance, but it's not. And it has a tiny lil' baby girl. And a doting paramedic father whom she has wrapped around her finger. And a bookstore owner (!!!!!) and a past that comes back with hurts and just...*happy sigh* soooooo good. Read by my review here.

Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady

If this looks like a suspense novel, it is. ;) Another book about a paramedic who discovers secrets that may, if he were to be found out, cause his demise. I wish I could share my favorite Grady novel, but, ya know, that one's about a firefighter and wouldn't exactly fit in the 'medical' category.

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury

This...this is literally one of the sweetest books I've ever read. I want to read again so bad. Tyler, a baseball player, sustains an injury (I love sports-related books anyway, but add an injury and you've got me sold! *smirks*) and ends up having to find a job. This job lands him in a nursing home (as an EMPLOYEE, don't worry!), where he meets a woman that changes his life. Except this woman isn't a romantic interest. And AAAAHHHHH I LOOOOOVE this book!!!

Who else loves a bonfire—especially when there's s'mores involved?? *mouth watering* The evenings are getting cooler, at least where I'm from they are, so scoot a little closer to the flames and read by firelight. Sorry I don't have any blankets to offer you today, but if you visit the blankets room, I'm sure they'll let you bring one outside for a bit. ;)

(psssst—don't forget to find the books room for your free short story!)

And, of course, there's always the giveaway...

Do you enjoy medical books? Or do you faint at the sight of blood—real or imaginary?

Five Fall Favorites - Day 2: Epistolary

 While trying to find some epistolary books, I came up sadly empty. So PLOT TWIST I decided to change my genre today to mental health awareness!

Mental health is super important...so here are some books about it!

(Again, click on the covers to be redirected to the book's Goodreads page)

(Again, the redirection will open on a different page to avoid the frustration with which I am well acquainted, trust me)

Sons of Slaughter by Brian McBride

Just a warning, I would not recommend this book for younger or sensitive readers. It's a super powerful and eye-opening book, but it also has a super dark and haunting plot, and also deals with tough topics (like teen pregnancy, suicide, domestic abuse) and characters. But with that aside, it's very well done, and has a message that sticks with you even after you've read it. It's not a feel-good story...but it's not a horror story, either. Just very, very serious. ;)

Freedom by Faith Potts

Yes, I've talked about this book before, and yes, I'll talk about it again because it's SOOOO GOOOOOD. My favorite read of 2019, if that tells you anything. *grins* Snarky, serious, and full of amazing themes and messages. But again, read with caution—PTSD and suicide aren't easy topics. ;) You can find my review of this amazing book here.

Stories that Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

If a story's going to be set in the 1960s, of course I'm going to be curious. And after reading All Manner of Things by Finkbeiner, I had high expectations of this one, and I wasn't disappointed! Betty Sweet (married to Mr. Sweet of Sweet Family Bakery), suddenly a widow and having her sister suddenly show up with a surprise that she least expected...this book is just. so. sweet. You can read my review here.

When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser

This book hurts, y'all. About a woman who has suffered with serious depression her whole life—calling it a 'black hole'—and then fighting to live after someone's attempt on her life. And then also about her daughter, racing to find out secrets and discovering more than she ever expected—not just about the perpetrator, but about her own mother as well. Find my review here.

Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense

*Coughs* *coughs again* c'mon, you had to see this coming. #shamelessselfpromotion This book hurts too. Because life hurts. And without the love of Christ...there really isn't any hope. Suicide is a very serious topic and it's so, so rampant in our world today. People need hope, y'all. Let's give it to them. (besides. It totally counts to use my book. *grins*)

Grab a bushel basket and go pick some apples in the grove—or fill them with books that you find at Five Fall Favorites! The choice is yours—but I know what I'd pick. ;) (pun unintended *smirk*)

And, of course, you can't forget the giveaway!

Are your baskets full yet? What's your favorite epistolary (or mental health) book(s)?

Five Fall Favorites - Day 1: Vintage

Welcome to day one of the Five Fall Favorites party! You may remember me joining in this party last year, and though I didn't do well at all with promoting the event beforehand, I'm joining this year, as well!

Don't remember what the FFF party is about? Or you're just new here? Well, FFF is going to be six days of posting five book recommendations in the specified category for the day. Today just happens to be all about vintage books, and while I didn't think I'd read enough to even recommend, I actually did find enough! So. On with it! *grins*

(Note: click on the cover images to be redirected to the Goodreads page of the book!)

(Another note: each link opens a new window so you won't have to worry about going back n' forth)

(Also these are in no particular order, but my favorite of them all is probably the last one)

Austin of the Air Force by Dan Senseney

Probably one of the first military books I read...but don't quote me on that. ;) It's been so long since I read it that I hardly remember what it's about anymore...but I do remember that I read it twice and it's about two buddies who enlisted in the Air Force and *spoiler alert* got into a fight over something.

Dirt Track Summer by William Campbell Gault

Again, one that I haven't read in years, but again, one that I read twice. (I read most of our old hardbacks twice bc I just liked them...) This one's about a couple of brothers and their friend who build a race car together (I think?? I'm pretty sure??) and try out for races. I remember loving how Gault described the races, the driving, etc.

Kavik the Wolf Dog by Walt Morey

Once upon a time, Kaitlyn finally read a Walt Morey book upon her aunt's suggestion, fell in love with the story, and then proceeded to read every single book the library had from said author. *laughs* I kinda did that a lot when I was younger—obsess over one author at a time. Anyway, Kavik (wounded dog?? Dude nurses him back to health?? Yes pls) is just one of sooooo many fantastic books. If you love books with animals in key roles, you're definitely going to want to check Morey out. ;)

Wild Trek by Jim Kjelgaard

Another animal author! Except, Kjelgaard (if anyone has any clue on how to pronounce that name, pleeeeaaaase enlighten me) wrote books mainly about dogs. Yes, there was a point in time that I was just obsessed about dog books, I think, but hey, at least I got recommendations for you animal obsessors. ;) (If you're wondering, this one's about a trapper and his dog who come upon a wreckage in the mountains and have to lead the two survivors to safety #minordetails)

Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Like I mentioned, this one's probably my favorite on this list! I've read it three or four times, and it never got old, and since it's been several years, I think it's time for another read. *grins* I mean really. Dude gets reunited with his long-lost siblings, but after living with Indians for so long, he can't even remember what it's like to be a 'white man' and he has to—*stops before this becomes a worse run-on sentence* Just...just go read it. *shoos you away*

But wait—the party's just starting!

I happen to be one of ten bloggers participating in this party! Each day, each of the blogs hosts a different 'room'—basically using autumn activities and items to use your imagination while we have an autumn-esque party! Today I'm the blankets room. Because there's nothing quite like curling up in a blanket next to the fire (or wherever your favorite reading spot happens to be(depending on where you're from, haha) and cuddling up with a good book. So take one of my recommendations, smell the old glue in the vintage binding, pour yourself a warm cup of your favorite hot beverage and get lost in the pages.

(pro tip: go find the books room for a free short story!)

To find the rest of the participants and their recommendations, visit the literary lodge, the headquarters for FFF! Also known as Read Another Page. ;)

Did I also mention that there's a GIVEAWAY?! Click the image below to enter!

Aaaaaand I think that's everything! Come back tomorrow for five more recommendations, but in a different genre!

Do you enjoy vintage books? What are your favorites??

Book Review: Stories that Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

 

Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.

In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.

My rating:

*grins* I expected nothing less than five stars from Ms. Finkbeiner! Her storytelling ability is phenomenal.

So, was there anything I didn't like? Well, to be honest, I finished this book quite awhile ago, and I just sat down to write a review yesterday, soooo...if there is anything I didn't like, it wasn't big enough to stick in my head!

Stories that Bind Us is, as I said on Goodreads, a fresh breath of something beautiful. I mean, I'm kinda a sucker for books set in the 1960s (don't ask me why; I don't even know), so the setting was fantastic. Diners, ice cream parlors, old cars, the clothing style for that age...just so much yes! *grins*

I adored the characters! Betty, though I expected her to be annoying, was actually a super, super endearing character. Though, being a widow and talking about how hard it is to keep going up and down the stairs, I kept forgetting that she was only forty years old, haha!

Hugo was...the most adorable thing ever. Seriously. Those that know me know that I love little kids, whether fictional or real. So to have a five-year-old little boy who is as sweet as they come and not a brat?? *grins* yessssss.

The Sweet family was so...sweet! (see what I did there? *smirks*) Not only was the fact that they owned and ran a bakery so cool (I'm a sucker for books where food plays a major point), but they were all sooooo cool. Albert and Stan and Marvel (and Pop!) were just...perfection. The twins, Dick and Nick, were hilarious.

The plot hurt but was also full of hope.

If you love a good book filled with endearing characters, a whimsical historical plot, and cinnamon rolls, you'll definitely want to check out Stories that Bind Us. ;)

(Also—the way the cover and title tied in with the book? That was pretty cool.)

*I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

What's your favorite Finkbeiner book??

Book Review: Finding Hope by Katlyn Grace

Hope Lawson’s bakery has been a haven to Ethan Grey’s troubled soul ever since that horrible accident when Ethan lost everything. He lost his family, his faith, and his dignity. Now, he’s turned to alcohol to fill his voids, but is it really working? Problems seem more out of hand, and depression is slowly seeping in holes where there used to be joy. Hope’s compassion runs deep for the alcoholic whose lifeless eyes could use a sparkle of hope. When she steps out in faith to help Ethan, Ethan’s faced with the struggle of his intimidating past. Everything in him begs a second chance for a better life, but is it worth it? Is it worth giving up the alcohol that beckons him every waking second? Is it worth opening up about his past?Will Ethan begin to realize that he needs Someone better than himself to save him? Will Hope be able to help remove the blinders from Ethan’s eyes, so he can truly see his life for what it could be? And will it spark more than a friendly, Christ-like gesture between the two of them?

Series: The Lawson Series, #1

My rating:

 

*sigh* I really, really tried to like this book.

But, obviously, I didn't.

It was incredibly hard to get into this book. It took me literally weeks to get through it. I'd pick it up, read a few pages, and put it down for a few days.

The amount of pages overwhelmed me when I realized I had that many to get through before I was finished. But I pushed through, hoping that maybe it'll get better. Maybe the finale will be fantastic and breathtaking. 

Aaaaaand it's taken me over a month to talk myself into writing this review.

So, what didn't I like? *cries*

-The writing style was kinda amateurish, I could definitely tell that it was a debut novel. There was a lot of telling and less showing, and some of the scenes dragged on because of this. I'd just start to get sucked into a scene when the writing style would suddenly jerk and pull me out of it again.

-The romance. I knew that it was going to be a romance. But the COVER *heart eyes* is so adorable and from all I'd heard about it, the romance was super sweet. So I decided to give it a go. *deep breath* I...shouldn't have, honestly. This is the main thing I disliked. The first page of the book (please FORGIVE ME if I give out spoilers) has our heroine eyeing the town drunk, thinking how good-looking he is and that she'd consider marrying him...if he weren't a drunk. And our couple is constantly thinking about each other. Okay, fine, two people attracted to each other are gonna think about each other, I'll give you that. But when they insist upon just 'being friends' yet show up for each other when they're sick with soup and stay to watch a movie with them?? Not to mention forehead kissing and hair stroking when they're?? Just?? Friends?? *headesk* Oh, and let's not forget their first 'real' kiss! (they kissed once before but felt horrible about it and kept denying their feelings bc there's too many things between them...but they kissed anyway...like...no thx) Cute date, I suppose...but then a kiss and she's giggling and telling him how he tastes?? So he reciprocates?? *cough* sorry. Rant over. I'll move on.

-The plot was good enough, but cliche. Dude hits tragedy and becomes the town drunk. Finds sanctuary and stability in his daily trips to a bakery. Falls in love with the cute, sweet baker. She shows him what faith in action looks like. He has a rough journey but hopes to make it to where she is. Not bad, just...kinda meh. 

So what did I like?? (yes, there actually were a couple of things that I liked...surprised?)

-The characters were pretty good! I wouldn't say there's anything extra special about them...but they were still enjoyable. (Bri's character got on my nerves several times, but overall, she was a fun character) Mark was my favorite, though!

-The message was so good. Miss Grace brought out several excellent points and didn't shy away from the tough questions. I so appreciated this! She even gave me goosebumps a couple of times. ;)

So, yes, to say that my ride with this book was a rollercoaster would be an understatement...but I do believe that it's going to really touch someone someday! I...just am not that person.

*I received an e-copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Have you ever read a book that everyone loved and you didn't?

Bookish News

 NOPE, I'M NOT PUBLISHING AGAIN.

(Yet, anyway.)

Just had to get that idea out of your heads at the beginning, hehe!

But what is this bookish news I speak of, you ask?

Good question!

Well. 

If you may remember, a year ago (come Thursday, that is) Faith Potts and I each published a book on World Suicide Prevention Day. Our books have been out in the wild for an entire year. #mindblown

September is suicide prevention month. This is what prompted Faith and I to launch our books, Freedom and Beloved when we did. Because every single life matters. Because no matter what you may think, there is light at the end of this tunnel, even if you can't see it.

You are not alone.

You are loved. So, so much.

So, to commemorate the anniversary of these stories, Faith and I are hosting an Instagram challenge! #MyReasontoLive2020 is all about spreading life and hope, and if you're on Insta, come join!! (have I mentioned that there's a giveaway??)

In other news, Beloved is is ON SALE on Kindle right now for just $0.99 through Friday! Go snag your copy now!

Come join our challenge and spread hope!