rebeccareadstheworld's reviews
571 reviews

Almost Ready by Claire Cain

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emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is a bittersweet read: It's a wonderful story but it's also the end of a series. 

Claire Cain did it again. She takes characters we're already familiar with from the series and focuses the spotlight on them. They may not get along at first, but they're good people, which unites them in friendship. I wish this series could go on forever, and it looks like we'll see more of Silver Ridge in the future, but this was the perfect ending. 
Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
This book was not grabbing my attention. I may come back to it later, as many reviews say it improved about halfway through. 
When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move Beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others by Scot McKnight, Carolyn Moore

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

You couldn't be more wrong if you think this is another ultra-feminist read. 

Carolyn Moore weaves research with anecdotes and presents a compelling argument for women in leadership -- both within ministry and outside of it. She explains the differences in types of leadership, the obstacles women face and suggestions on how to overcome them. 

The focus on the biblical partnership between men and women and the God-given authority for women in leadership is prevalent but never "in your face." There's harmony in all things, including this area.

All the women and men in your life, your church and your community should read this.
The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin

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emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I first learned about this winter event while reading with my first-grader. I'm fascinated by how this all went down and how it's not more commonly known. 

This book provides enough details for readers to know what is happening, with wonderful fictionalized characters and feelings. While a hard topic to read about, it was written wonderfully. I highly recommend reading this! 
Almost True: A Sweet Small Town Romance by Claire Cain

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Honestly, I didn't think I could love a fictional character as much as I love Wilder (Book #4) but Aidan .... well, let's just say he's moved to the top of my "reasons I want to live in Silver Ridge" list.

When I read about Aidan and Maddie meeting at a bar just hours before she has to leave town, I was taken back to my own chance encounter at a bar almost 17 years ago. Sparks flew, chemistry was there, and then she left. When she returns 18 months later, things do not go as she dreamed they would. But life gets messy, and relationships are always worth the work.

Claire Cain has woven this story into the Silver Ridge community and the events we've read about in past books. I love how there is just enough overlap to look back and say, "Yes! I remember that!" but not so much that if you didn't read the last book, you are confused. The character development is strong, the relationships real and the descriptions of the area beautiful. I felt like I was in this book, watching this relationship develop, part of the girls group, and I could practically smell the delicious treats coming from Sadie's shop.

I cannot even imagine what she will come up with next, but I am here for it.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

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emotional funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

This is a must-read by anyone interested in learning more about apartheid and the world at large. Trevor Noah walks us through the pivotal points of his life growing up after the official end of apartheid. I learned so much about the Black South African way of life and the aftermath of apartheid. Noah explains why things were the way they were, how people interacted with each other and how cultures combined. I laughed many times as he explained situations (mostly where he was getting into trouble) and felt strongly that his mother was an amazing woman. 
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

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challenging dark emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I reread this one after almost 10 years, and it was even better this time. A great story of culture and consequence, family and fear and the impending doom felt by Nigerians when the Europeans entered their world. 

It's truly a classic and should be read by everyone. 
Deadly Vengeance by Jodie Bailey, Jodie Bailey

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inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Jodie Bailey has done it again. The twists and turns in this story made it more a mystery than a romance, which was the perfect slant. The characters are likeable and well developed, the interactions realistic and the geographic details accurate. It's an easy read that will leave you wondering how you missed that one detail that had you guessing the wrong person was "it." I highly recommend! 
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Are there words to describe this poem? Not many. But reading this 2 years after it was read at the inauguration was a great reminder that we are not done building/fixing this country yet. This should be an annual read/listen for Americans of every generation. 
Never Date Your Brother's Best Friend by Jules Barnard

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I was looking for a typical romance, guy likes girl, guy is girl’s brothers best friend, etc. This one has a lot more that I didn’t think was quite necessary. An easy listen.