The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a 'Must Read' for 2024

 Author Sara Brunsvold's exceptional debut novel The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip topped my favorite reads of 2022 list. I had great expectations for her newest book and was eagerly anticipating her newest story, The Divine Proverb of Streusel. I read this book in three days and would have finished it sooner had life responsibilities not gotten in the way. Three chapters in I had an inkling that this story would land on my "favorite reads of 2024" and I am happy to say that it definitely did!

Devastated and reeling from her parents' divorce, literary teacher, Nikki Werner seeks comfort on her uncle's farm in Missouri. Spending the summer there, she discovers a longing to know more about her lineage and finds an old handwritten German cookbook among her grandmother's belongings filled with knowledge and long-forgotten recipes. As she cooks her way through the recipes, inviting townsfolk to share in the meals and memories of the town and her grandparents, Nikki starts to heal from her parents' divorce.

Emotions ranged from tears of sadness to tears of joy coupled with laughter. While I enjoyed Nikki's story, I found myself slightly more invested in her uncle's story. That's all I want to say because I don't want to give any spoilers. You'll have to read the book. 

There are so many aspects I loved about this book, the characters, the way the story will make you long for a simpler time, wanting to know more about your own ancestors and the cadence of the brilliant writing. Ms. Brunsvold is an accomplished writer, and her stories speak to your heart and soul and stay with you long after you've closed the book. A few of my favorite quotes can be found on pages 100, 165, 296, and 306. 

The overall theme of "do the next thing" resounded with me that life will have hard trials and challenges and sometimes all we can do to move forward is to do the next thing. 

The Divine Proverb of Streusel had so many intricate layers to dealing with heartbreak, family, redemption, the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs and healing. I feel like I needed to re-read it a second time to fully appreciate all the subtle nuances. This book is a must read for 2024! 

~~I purchased a paperback copy of The Divine Proverb of Streusel from Baker Book House in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.~~

The Juliet Code is Whodunnit Mystery

 

Fellow bookworms have raved about author Pepper Basham's books to me for a few years and after reading The Juliet Code I can see why. I'm a little late in jumping on the Pepper Basham bandwagon, but better late than never. 

The Juliet Code is the third book in A Freddie and Grace Mystery following The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse. 

Fredrick and Grace Percy are finally on their delayed honeymoon in Italy when they are unwittingly pulled into an art heist mystery when they discover their friend Detective Jack Miracle is in the city asking for their help. 

I loved Grace's passion and recall of the novels including referencing characters and places. This trait made her such a unique and delightful heroine. 

Freddie and Grace as a couple, I so enjoyed their quick-witted verbal interactions and how well they know each other, but also have a deep love and affection for one another. Their relationship was probably my favorite feature of the story. Not sure if this was the author's intention, but Fredrick and Grace reminded me of the fictional silver screen husband and wife sleuths Nick and Nora Charles portrayed in the Thin Man movies.

 As we begin a new year the theme throughout the book of Christ being the Author of our lives and in control of all struck a chord with me and I thought was a good reminder going into 2024. 

Author Pepper Basham's style of writing in The Juliet Code reminded me somewhat of popular mystery author Agatha Christie. If you're a fan of this author whose name is synonymous with mystery you need you check out The Juliet Code. I will definitely be adding The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse to my TBR pile!

Have you ever read any Agatha Christie books? Did you like them?  

Reading is an adventure, 

Emilee 

Double Take is a Solid Suspense Read

 

Starting off the new year in 2024 with a suspenseful thriller by USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason promises an exhilarating journey into the world of heart-pounding suspense and gripping mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Double Take kicks off her newest Lake City Heroes series following Physician's Assistant Lainie Jackson who survives an attempted murder plot by her ex-fiancé in which she managed to defend herself killing him in the process. Nightmares and PTSD from the incident follow her and she "thinks" she's seeing her dead ex-fiancé. Is he returning to finish the job? 

Detective James Cross was that tough, run-to-the-rescue good guy that you want him to be when you're reading a suspense thriller. I loved that he was always there when Lainie needed him and that his character was actually masculine which I feel is being lost in a lot of the current writing scene. 

I like how the author paces James and Lainie's relationship. It's realistic considering the intense circumstances the author put the characters in and also their relationship history (how long they've known one another.) I also liked that neither James or Lainie was perfect. They both have moments in the story that make you see they are human and it made you as a reader feel like you can relate to your characters more.  

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you know I like to be honest with my book reviews overall, so with that said, Double Take was a solid suspense read, however there were a few things that took me out of the story: 

1. There were a few written moments where props were suddenly just gone. You didin't know what happened to them, but suddendly, when least expected they were brought back into the dialogue. Without revealing any details, there was a horse that just kept coming and going, lol. 
2. There were also a few times where the dialogue was too tell instead of show. This limited your ability to get into the characters head and it slowed the story down. 

Whenever I read Christian fiction, a clear faith thread/element is important to me and I felt that the author was able to weave this into the story. I didn't feel it was added as an afterthought and I appreciate that. 

Double Take will have you turning pages in this suspense-filled dangerous cat and mouse game.  It was a good "curl up with on a snowy day underneath my bookcase quilt" book (Thanks, mom ; ) 

~~Double Take was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Countdown to 2024...Favorite Books of 2023

It's hard to believe 2023 is coming to a close. There were so many fantastic books I read. Narrowing it down to just my top 5 favorites proved impossible, so I absolutely had to add a 6th book last minute. 

These books made my list because of the unique characters, compelling plots with endings that stay with you long after you've closed the book. You'll want to re-read these books to catch things you may have missed the first time reading. 

In no particular order here are my top 6 books of 2023. Did any of these books make it on your favorites list? Any books I'm leaving out? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

                                                               You can read my review here.

                                                            You can read my review here. 

                                                         You can read my review here. 

                                                     You can read my review here. 

                                                    You can read my review here. 

Time always flies when I am reading, but this year especially, it felt like time flew in general. I am looking forward to all the new books and authors I will discover in 2024 and I cannot wait to continue this reading adventure with you. Thank you for being here with me and celebrating books. 

Happy New Year! 

Emilee

Five in Five: Author Edition

As an aivd reader, I frequently get asked about my favorite authors and books. So, for those of you who might have limited free time due to life's demands, I've put together a list of my current top five favorite Christian fiction authors. But let's take it a step further—I'll also share my absolute top five favorite books by each of these authors. So, you'll have some fantastic recommendations to dive into, even if you're short on time!

If you're new to my blog, this will give you a bird's eye view if you will of the tone and style of books I gravitate towards as a reader.

The author landing at the top of my list is Karen Witemeyer. She is known for her heart-melting Historical Westerns with feisty heroines and swoon-worthy cowboys.  Her books check all my boxes, are always on my "to keep" shelf and continually re-read.  

Short-Straw Bride

More Than Words Can Say  

More Than Meets the Eye 

 Heart on the Line 

 Full Steam Ahead 

Author Sarah Sundin is next on the list.  She is known for her phenomenal WWII historical romances. She's a consistently rock-solid author and one of the few authors I will pre-order her books.

 A Distant Melody

Through the Deep Waters

With Every Letter

When Twilight Breaks 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris 

Author Denise Hunter lands at #3 on the list. She is known for her small-town sweet romances with depth. If you want relatable characters and to be transported to a new place, these stories are for you!

 Sweetbriar Cottage

Married till Monday

 The Goodbye Bride

Harvest Moon

On Magnolia Lane

 

Jody Hedlund nabs the 4th spot on my list. She is a multi-genre author and almost any genre she writes in she has the ability to captivate her reader and take you on whatever adventure she chooses. 

Stay with Me 

 A Loyal Heart 

An Uncertain Choice

 Never Forget

Forever Safe 

Contemporary author Becky Wade rounds out my list with the last spot. She is known for swoon-worthy romances mixed with mystery. So if you love a book that's just not all about the romance and keeps you thinking than I highly recommned picking-up one of her books. 

 True to You

Falling for You 

Sweet on You 

Let it Be Me

Turn to Me 

This wraps up my 5 in 5. What do you think? Any of your favorites make the list?  Any books I should  have include, but didn't?  Let me know your thoughts and happy reading! 

Reading is adventure,

Emilee 

All's Fair in Love and Christmas is a Sweet Romance

 

Sarah Monzon is a new-to-me author and her newest release All's Fair in Love and Christmas has been infiltrating my social media newsfeeds that I had to read it and I'm so glad I did.

Mackenzie Graham is a talented graphic designer whose socially awkward tendencies keep her in the background and not front and center. Her boss informs her that she'll be competing against co-worker Jeremy Fletcher for a promotion to be announced at the Christmas office party. This pushed Mackenzie way outside of her comfort zone.  One character trait of Mackenzie's I appreciated was how she genuinely listened to her co-workers memories of childhood Christmases and tried to re-create these memories. This quality endeared Mackenzie to me. 

Single guardian to his twin nephew and niece, Jeremy Fletcher has ambitions for his family and wants to win the promotion. What he doesn't expect is to be intrigued and distracted by his rival co-worker Mackenzie. 

All's Fair in Love and Christmas had a depth to characters and storyline I wasn't expecting, but pleasantly surprised to find. Both Mackenzie and Jeremy had legitimate reasons for wanting the promotion. 

The author's use of pop culture references was so funny and engaging. Very well done and inspired me in my own writing. Being an avid movie and TV buff her references were right up my lane of humor. It made me want to read more books by this author.

Cozy up with All's Fair in Love and Christmas. It's the perfect holiday read that'll melt your heart and get you excited about the holiday season. 

Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with the magic of great books!

Claiming the Cowgirl is a sweet Christmastime Novella

 

Author Jody Hedlund wraps up her Colorado Cowgirl series with her novella Claiming the Cowgirl part of the Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology

Readers meet Serena Taylor towards in the end of Captivated by the Cowgirl when she’s hired to help Felicity run the Courtney Boardinghouse. She is a widow with a young son and she’s on the run from her former father-in-law who is determined to prove she’s an unfit parent. Her solution: to marry again and give her son a father.

Eligible bachelor Weston Oakley is in no hurry to give his heart away having been burned by love before. Suggesting a marriage of convenience will benefit them both. Serena will gain a father for her son, and he gets his meddlesome family off his back who were convinced he’d never find someone to marry. It’s a win-win. However, both Serena and Weston get more than they bargained for.

Ms. Hedlund crafted such a sweet and heart-melting romance in Claiming the Cowgirl. You find yourself rooting for both Weston and Serena. I admired Serena's selfless attitude when Weston told her she could buy whatever she wanted she thought of others before herself. In turn, I like that Weston sees and appreciates this quality in Serena. 

Both Weston and Serena model generosity and putting others needs about theirs. These qualities had you rooting for them as a couple. I liked that Serena doesn't see Weston's wealth as she can have anything she wants. Instead she's thinking about how to bless the people in his employ. This quality made her someone to admire.  

At the risk of sounding cliché the romance is what kept me in the story. Neither Weston or Serena had truly experienced love and you find yourself rooting for this kind-hearted couple to realize they are in love with each other. 

Claiming the Cowgirl delights readers with this tender romance and perfectly wraps up Ms. Hedlund's Colorado Cowgirls series with a bow. 

~~Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~