A Mile in My Flip-Flops by Melody Carlson

Gretchen's story has so many parts that I think many of us can relate to.  She has been dealing with her broken engagement for 18 months now and has isolated herself during that time from others.  She has come to the point where only 2 things comfort her: HGTV and Ben and Jerry's.  How many of us can relate to at least one of those items?  For me, it's definitely all about the ice cream.  Mmmmmm!  Gretchen has come up with a great plan to get out of her tiny one-bedroom apartment that she shares with her half chocolate Lab dog - she's going to flip a house.  Having no real experience other than what she's "gathered" from observing her dad over the last 20 plus years, she believes she's ready and fully aware of what is involved in flipping a house.  But, like many of us, Gretchen is unaware of what is really involved in a venture of this nature.  She is a woman with a plan to make changes in her life, but even she isn't prepared for all of the changes God has in store for her.  It's a great story that anyone who's done any remodeling can appreciate and the rest of us can certainly enjoy for other reasons.  So follow Gretchen as she moves onto a new pathway in life and finds out that life is rewarding beyond her dreams!

That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake

Wow!  I just finished That Certain Spark, and I enjoyed it.  I found the story of Dr. Taylor Bestman interesting and enthralling and well worth the read.  However, sometimes I wanted to knock a few heads together because some of the characters in the book were rather small-minded in their thinking about a female physician.  I certainly enjoy returning to Gooding, Texas, which each new character Hake brings there.  The women who lead the stories are friendly, smart, caring, fierce, and well-written.  Taylor is no exception.  As the twin sister of a veternarian brother, Taylor has come to Gooding to fulfill a four-year contract as the town doctor.  She is well-trained, full of wisdom, ingenious, compassionate, and prepared.  She has a calling on her life in the field of medicine and takes her oath very seriously.  There are those in Gooding, particularly men, who would have her ridden out of town on a rail simply because she's a woman and can have no actual ability as a doctor.  The story has some twists and turns, some romance, some tears, some cheers, and a message of redemption.  I highly recommend this latest Gooding novel.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

Cathy Marie Hake has done it again!  She has written another great story for her readers to dive into.  The story of Millie and her journey from England to America and what happens is definitely a page-turner.  I so enjoyed all the wonderful characteristics that Millie has - she's caring, loyal, intelligent, creative, generous, sweet, kind, and so much more.  A grand leading lady for this story of sadness and joy and ups and downs.  She definitely fits in with the rest of the Gooding ladies.  I really feel like I'm a part of the story when I read a Hake book.  She spins such marvelous tales.  I question her choosing to do certain things with some of her characters, but I know she has her reasons and so that's usually enough for me to be "okay" with her choices.  A quality, enjoyable tale from an author who has definitely made a name for herself in this business.  If you enjoy a good historical fiction novel, then you must read the entire Only in Gooding! Series.  This is book number three in the series.  Begin your journey with Fancy Pants, I know you'll be glad that you did!!

Blog Tour Challenge Update

I wanted to report in on how things are going with my challenge.  I am officially one day behind because it took me 11 days to read Words Unspoken instead of 10.  Today I will begin reading Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake.  I will not give up even though I am one day off.  Please continue to check in for updates!

Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser

This book was powerful emotionally.  That is my first thought.  The story of Lissa and so many other characters was a steady stream of emotions, learning, growing, gaining understanding, and so much more.  Follow Lissa as she deals with the emotions of grief and loss due to the death of her mother.  Follow her as she comes back from the brink of blackness.  Follow the story of Ted Draker as he learns that the way to caring for your family can only be paved with stones of truth and honesty.  Follow Silvano Rossi as he learns that the best way to help his family is to do it legitimately and without hurting others and stepping on them to climb the "ladder."  Follow Katy Lynn as she finds forgiveness for others and a new way to live life even through dramatic changes.  Follow Janelle as she journeys through grief so real it still hurts after 2 years.  These characters are dealing with real heart issues and life issues and through it all we start to piece together how they are all ultimately connected to each other.  It's a powerful story of the words we listen to and choose to follow in our lives - good or bad.  I am typically not a fan of this kind of story, but I found it quite good and definitely worth the time.  Hope you enjoy as well!


Disclaimer:
This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.