rich2023's reviews
191 reviews

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

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

5.0

Basketball Dreams by Chris Paul

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hopeful informative inspiring

5.0

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

This was a lovely story. I like the character growth of the sisters throughout the story. Each sister needs to trust God I can relate to Sarah because I am the oldest child. God is also teaching me how to let go and trust him with the lives of those I love. 

Viola’s relationship with Ms. Denby was so sweet!

I saw God’s sovereignty displayed when Viola had to serve others. This helps her to be more aware of those around her. 

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective

4.0

This was my first time reading a book by Rachel Fordham and she didn’t disappoint. The plot, the characters, etc was superb. God’s sovereignty and redemption are shown throughout the book. 

Here is my favorite quote:

“We can have a fresh start, thanks to the good Lord and people who are willing to look beyond our mistakes.”

For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

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hopeful informative reflective sad
  • 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? It's complicated

5.0

Gabrielle Meyer has done it again! This was a great read! This book is a great reminder to trust God with your life even if you don’t understand. The ending surprised me because I thought to myself “Oh no, this can’t happen again.” I thought things were going one way but the author took things in a different direction. This book brought in a lot more aspects to this time crosser series. I’m excited to see where the author goes next in this book series. 

By Your Side by Kasie West

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emotional reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Things I liked about this book:

-The author’s writing style

-the anxiety representation

-the plot 

-the realistic representation of teens

-the growth of Dax and Autumn throughout the story


Quotes 

“If my mom taught me one thing, it’s that you can’t control anyone but yourself.”

“Figure out what you think.”


Things I didn’t like

-the mention of karma, energy, and the universe

-the idea that positive energy can physically heal people

-the idea that negative emotions can stop a person from recovering physically 

Powerful by Lauren Roberts

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1.0

This book was not for me. I kept when I should have dnf’d. There were more cuss words in this book than in the first one. 

Quotes that turned me off to this book:

“If there is a God, this man is certainly proof that He has his favorites”.

“I pray to whatever will listen.” 

…. And yet, it appears that nothing was listening.” 

What We Hide by Rick Acker, Colleen Coble

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emotional hopeful mysterious tense 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

5.0

This was my first time reading a book by these two authors. Wow, this was a great book. That ending shocked me!!!! I didn’t see that coming. This book ended on a cliff hanger and I’m looking forward to the next book. 
On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective
  • 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

4.0

I enjoyed John and Georgie’s story. Both characters had to grow in their walk with God. Both characters had relatable struggles: being content where God has you and not letting fear rule your life. They both had to learn how to trust God. I also liked the idea of someone being good for you which means they challenge you and help you to grow. The only concern I had was the mention of Greek mythology and their gods. Overall, this was a great story.