rich2023's reviews
294 reviews

Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg

emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense

4.0

I enjoyed this entire series. The mystery was predictable in some ways but I was still surprised at how everything unfolded. The faith content was low but I liked how the focus was on trusting God even when you don’t understand. Also, it’s ok to have questions and not understand what God is doing or being sad, angry, etc. The key is to bring everything to God in prayer. 

I like Melissa Tagg’s writing style!! I’m excited to check out more books by this author. 

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a beautifully written book that had me invested in the characters, plot, and the mystery of who is behind the incidents at the farm. This book had more faith content than the first book. I like how this book stemmed from the author having questions, worries, and fears. The author learned that faith and prayer is not about having answers but trusting God in the midst of not understanding. 

“If instead of asking God to take the pain away, we invite Him into it.” 

Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious

4.0

This was a good book filled with mystery, laughter, family, etc. The faith content was very light. 
“How do I know it’s Him and not just me and my own silly heart?” I would have liked for the characters to have prayed and relied on scripture.
Content: A ghost story is mentioned in the book.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason

mysterious tense

4.0

This was a good book. I like the friend group and how they prayed and cared for one another. 
Message: Don’t let jealously consume you. Be content with what you have.

Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor

2.0

I was excited to read this book but I was disappointed.
Highlights: the social anxiety representation, the complex relationships shown between parents and their adult children, 
Concerns: the universe, hot yoga was mentioned in the book,  the kissing scenes were very descriptive, and a lot of the focus was on physical attributes, and the characters placed a person in a place that only God should be (I know it’s not a Christian novel but yeah this book was not for me). 
Also, it was implied at the end that the couple had sex.

Fall of the Robots by Lee Bacon

adventurous funny lighthearted

5.0

This book was funny, filled with action, and is a good read for all ages!

Friendshipped by Savannah Scott
Did not finish book. Stopped at 98%.

Parts of this book was funny but this wasn’t the book for me. I read 300 pages. I would have liked to see more of Trevor’s point of view.
Concerns: guys are compared to Greek gods, karma, yoga, crystal ball and voodoo dolls

My Dear Miss Dupré by Grace Hitchcock

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective

4.0

I was able to guess the plot right away but I still was surprised by a few things in this book. I knew who Willow would pick as her husband right away. Even though the book was predictable, I still enjoyed the story. I liked that the characters prayed and repented and they grew in their walk with God. The sacrificial love shown at the end of the book was so sweet! Also, my heart broke for the man she didn’t choose. 
Favorite quote:
“Beauty could fade but a heart truly devoted to the Lord would not.” 
Concern: Willow described one of the guys as having the physique of a Greek god.

These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant

emotional reflective sad tense

5.0

I am at a loss for words! I wasn’t expecting Scotland to do that! I honestly thought Scotland was an angel sent to look after Coop and Finch. I knew Scotland was kind and full of wisdom and that he believed in God. Scotland was also there when Coop and Finch needed them. I saw a parallel between Christ and his love for us and Scotland’s character. This book is well-written. This book focuses on grief, post-traumatic stress, etc. This book isn’t labeled as a Christian novel and I’m not sure why. 

Content Warnings: There was one cuss word. 

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective

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

5.0

This is a beautifully written story that has such a sweet message!!! I can’t say anything else because I’m afraid to spoil the story!
The letters, the family dynamic, the plot, everything was great! The romance in this story was so lovely and just well done!