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Dear Hartley by Jedediah Bila

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  Dear Hartley by Jedediah Bila is a compilation of heartfelt letters from a mother to her son. There are a total of 52 letters in this nicely bound hardcover book that touch on a variety of topics from character and friendship to healthy eating, studying in school and fitness.  Each letter in Dear Hartley is written for her son, Hartley, when he gets older. She shares her heart with some of her life experiences with both things she is proud of and things she would do differently if she could. She is also open and honest about mistakes she has made and her wishes for her son. She shares how she hopes his generation can make some positive changes in this world. The letters are of various length, depending on the topic.  I think some of the letters in Dear Hartley are more personal than others. Through part of them, I felt like she was writing to her son and in others, I did feel like she was writing to the reader so they were more of an essay to me than a letter. Still, I like memoir
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After She Falls by Carmen Schober

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Adri Rivera is on the run from an abusive marriage with her young daughter, Eva, from Miami, Florida. She goes back to her home town in Pennsylvania to live with her Uncle. But being back in your hometown means facing a lot of people that you left behind. Including an old boyfriend named Max and the fighting circuit she once was involved in. After She Falls by Carmen Schober is her debut novel. I thought After She Falls was well-written for a first novel. The characters are real and gritty in many ways. I would caution that there are triggers if you have been in an abusive situation and/or don't like violence. I knew there would be some violence with the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting. I like to learn new things and I like to try new authors so I thought I would give it a try. However, I can honestly say, even though this book was well-written, it really wasn't for me. I struggled to get through the abusive situation in the beginning. . .and I think if he were
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Heart of the Highlands by Heidi Kimball

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  I will admit up front that I have a weakness for Scottish romance novels and have been anxious to read this one. Heart of the Highlands by Heidi Kimball lived up to my expectations and I truly enjoyed it. I read it in less than 24 hours! Collum Darrington, future Duke of Edinbane, was not happy to have an arranged marriage to Lady Katherine. He reluctantly agrees to the wedding but still seethes at the control his father has over him. However, once he meets her, he truly likes Lady Katherine (Katie). Then his father deceives him and Collum lashes out at him and heartbreak abounds in his wake. Then four years later, Collum tries to put the pieces of his life and his marriage back together. Can it be done? I truly liked both Collum and Katie in spite of both of their flaws and weaknesses. They did feel like real people. I loved the humorous banter that Collum could dish out. While this book made me chuckle at some of his antics, I also felt their heart break and teared up in a few pla
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Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

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  Ainsley Baumont  is back home in Natchez, Mississippi. Unfortunately, this isn't a pleasure visit. Instead she is investing the murder of a pregnant teenager in the park. Former FBI Sniper Lincoln Steele is working nearby as an interpretive ranger at the Melrose Estate when he is asked to help Ainsley with the investigation. Linc and Ainsley had a romantic relationship years ago so things are tense at first. Can they work together and find the killer? Crosshairs is the third installment in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series and another suspenseful book that will keep readers quickly turning pages to find out the answers to solve the crime--or is it crimes? There is a lot going on in Crosshairs. The plot kept me guessing until the end. I had part of it figured out but there were still a few surprises for me. There are quite a few characters in the book but I did manage to keep them all straight. I liked Lincoln and Ainsley, as well as the other characters--except the criminals,
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All Things Lovely by Jenn Johnson

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  All Things Lovely by Jenn Johnson really is a lovely book. This book has gorgeous pictures, encouraging words and tips to live a better life in several ways. All Things Lovely is divided in four parts: Home, Heart, Health and Hospitality. Each section has three or four chapters just full of advice on making your life better in each of these areas. I liked how honest and real Johnson was throughout the book reminding us all that we aren't perfect but we are striving to do better each day. I could relate to much of what she shared personally. I also was inspired by her advice to do a bit better in each of these areas of my life. She does share with her Christian faith as part of her life and there are Bible verses throughout the book. There is some good advice about organizing. There is some helpful tips on guarding your heart and doing the right things.  Throughout the book, it all feels real and inspiring. There are even recipes like taco dip and pumpkin cookies. I love the beaut
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Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

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    Criminal Psychologist Erin Larson is nearly killed in a boating accident. The same day here mom tried to commit suicide. With all that has happened, she takes a leave of absence and stays with her mom in Montana. Nathan Campbell's father is re-opening a cold case when he gets shot. Nathan now needs Erin's help to solve the case and find out who is out to kill his father. As they investigate, they also become targets. But who is out to get them? And why? Deadly Target is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. There is a lot going on in this book. The plot kept moving me through the book at a fast pace. I enjoyed seeing Erin and Nathan rekindle their relationship. I also liked how real the characters were. They had flaws but I liked them all the more for it. I also liked how Erin and Nathan kept turning to God in the midst of their struggles. The faith element was well woven in to the story and truly seemed to be a part of the characters. I also would not have
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The NIV Radiant Virtues Bible from Zondervan's Beautiful Word Collection

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    The Radiant Virtues Bible is a journaling Bible but it is also a yearly devotional style Bible--all rolled in to one Bible. I really like the idea of using this Bible next year for my devotional time.  The Radiant Virtues Bible has all sorts of features related to the theme. I like that it has highlighted verses throughout the Bible for faith, hope and love that are color-coded for each theme which makes them easy to find. In the front of the book, there are 12 blank calendar page to use however you wish for planning out your year of activities. There are themes for each week to use for devotionals, prayer and encouraging others.    Like other Bibles in the Beautiful Word collection, this Bible has a lot of illustrated verses and illustrations throughout the book. In the back of the Bible, there are some shareable artistic bookmarks and verse cards that are perforated for ease in sharing. Then throughout the book, there is space to journal through your reading. The text in this Bi
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