beckys_bookshelves's reviews
312 reviews

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings was a pleasurable read. Abigail Stuart agrees to marry one of her dying patients, Jeremiah Calhoun, in a Civil War hospital at his request. He only asks that she take care of his horse farm and his sick sister. With nothing to lose she travels to the Ozarks to meet his family. This is where the adventure begins and she meets the real Jeremiah Calhoun. Now that she is loved by his mother and community what happens next?
This is a sweet story filled with themes of forgiveness, accepting God's will for your life, and learning to love others. I laughed out loud several times and enjoyed the elements of mystery and adventure. I looked forward to each time I could sneak away from my seven children to read more.
I would highly recommend this book.
*I received this book from Bookfun.org and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

The Heavenly Man is a wonderful book that opened my eyes to the suffering of Christians in China, understanding true sacrifice for the gospel, and realizing that as part of the western church I have much to learn about sacrifice and following the Lord. It was a book I enjoyed reading, and sometimes had to put down to really think through what Brother Yun was saying. He preaches the Gospel by his words, actions, and the choices he makes in his life. This book has greatly changed my heart.
Some quotes I liked:
"You can never really know the scriptures until you are willing to be changed by them."
"I had placed myself in the hands of the Lord of justice. I was no linger living by my own strength, but by the grace of God."
"We're not called to live by human reason. All that matters is obedience to God's Word and his leading in our lives."
"You need to realize that that any love I have in my heart for Jesus is only because of his love for me."
This is a book you must read. I am having all my kids read this book, my husband, and anyone I can talk into reading it. It is powerful. Not just because of what Yun has done and suffered for the Gospel, but on how he is open to God changing his heart. I want to be open to that kind of change. I highly recommend this book.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hosting the Presence Every Day by Bill Johnson is a daily devotional. Each day consists of a Holy Spirit story, scripture reading, and a prayer. I have enjoyed connecting to the Lord each day through this book. The stories are simple and lead you back to the gospel. Bill Johnson reminds you that Jesus is Lord, you are not, and the power of the Holy Spirit is in you to change you and touch others. I highly recommend this book to help you grow in your walk with the Lord and open your heart and mind to the supernatural things of God.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen is an excellent Regency romance. My favorite part about the book is that it is not just a romance, but is also filled with mystery and suspense. Abigail and her family have just moved into the manor house, Pembrooke Park, that has been abandoned for the last eighteen years. They are offered the house as their family is forced to cut expenses and downsize from their former wealthy lifestyle.
I enjoyed living through Abigail and her adventures as she makes peace with herself, her family, and the mystery surrounding her new home. Ms. Klassen has excellent details in her writing that help you to immerse yourself in Abigail's life. I loved how the book was so authentic to the Regency time period. You also experience the gospel as Abigail's heart changes throughout the story. I found myself reflecting on my own heart and drawing closer to the Lord as I read the book. I highly recommend this book and give it five stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden is the story of Anna O'Brien and Luke Callahan. Anna is a map librarian at the Library of Congress and Luke Callahan is a US representative from Maine. Anna is reserved while Luke is flamboyant and gregarious. The chemistry between the two them is fabulous. I enjoyed watching how the two them interacted with each other throughout the book, and I cheered them on hoping they would work things out.

The book is set during the time when the Library of Congress was moving to its current building. The details of the inner workings of the library were so interesting. As a lover of books and libraries this made for an enjoyable read.

The plot centers on Anna trying to solve the puzzle of how the Culpepper, the ship Anna's father was stationed on as cartographer, was lost at sea. Ms. Camden drew me into the story and helped me feel like I was there on the steps of the nation's capitol, roaming through the Library of Congress, and walking the streets of Washington DC. Beyond All Dreams was a page turner that I can highly recommend. You will not be disappointed!

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it!

Really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend.

Hope During Heartache shares the story of thirteen families and their journey through the loss of a child. The book shares the story of losing a child by miscarriage, stillbirth, losing an older child, and infertility. Each family tells their own story and how their heart changed along the way.
I really enjoyed reading this book as it touched my heart. I was not sure what to expect when I began reading it, but hoped it would touch the hurt places in my own heart. I have lost babies through miscarriage and through an adoption. Hope During Heartache ministered to me. I felt like I was sitting down to coffee with each of the families as they told their story, opening up their heart. I loved the honesty of how they shared their feelings.
I feel this an excellent book for anyone who has lost a child, or knows someone who has. The book was a gentle reminder to me that when God is in the midst of our story He works all things out for the good of those who love Him. Even during our darkest hours.
I give the book 5 stars. I was given this book for my honest review from bookfun.org.

After a Fashion is the newest book by Jen Turano. The book tells of Harriet Peabody and Oliver Addleshaw. Harriet is a hat maker who loses her job after a disastrous delivery to Mr. Addleshaw's residence. She agrees to help Mr. Addleshaw with a business deal by helping him to make a good impression on his future business partner. After a Fashion chronicles their adventures and mishaps in a heartwarming funny story.
I am a huge fan of Jen Turano, and her books make me laugh out-loud. She is able to hold my interest throughout her stories, and this book was no exception. Whether it was fancy dinner with inexperienced diners, or a huge dog bounding in at inopportune times, Ms. Turano did a great job describing scenes throughout the story that made me laugh. She does an excellent job giving you a view into New York City during the 1800's.
I fell in love with her very likable character Harriet, and I was rooting for her to make a good impression on Mr. Addleshaw throughout the book. But, as in any other book by Ms. Turano, her supporting characters had me laughing and wondering how they will fit into future stories. As this is book one in a series, I am already guessing at who they might end up with and wondering what kind of adventures their future holds. I was captivated by the story and cannot wait for book two to come out in July.
I give it five stars!
I received this from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.