rich2023's reviews
191 reviews

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.

Read 87 pages
I was interested in this story because Cinderella is my favorite Disney princess.  When one of the characters called Isabella a b-word, I quickly put it down. I really didn’t like that. 😔

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

informative inspiring reflective

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

4.0

This book surprised me. I thought it would be about a girl joining a swim team but it was so much more. This book goes over the history of why Black people don’t swim as much. Being denied and/ or having limited access to swimming pools during the time of Jim Crow and its impacts on the following generations. 

Here is a quote that I loved:

“Matter of fact, black people swim, fish, canoe, surf, and everything else you can think of. “

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

emotional hopeful inspiring 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 book was lovely! Some themes mentioned in the book: are being merciful, forgiveness & restoration, and friendship! I loved the letters written between Tom and Mellie. This book deals with a lot of complex struggles in a relatable way. The gospel was woven throughout the book. This book made me think a lot about what it means to be merciful like God is merciful. 

Falling for You by Becky Wade

2.0

I like Becky Wade’s writing style. 
With that being said, I do have some concerns:
1. Willow shopping online instead of praying and turning to God for help.
2. Willow described God as far-fetched and extreme. 
3. Corbin putting Willow in a place that only God should be. “She had the power to erase both the grief and the pain he’d gone through this year. If he had her, he’d have everything he needed.” 
4. Willow being afraid to step on cracks in the sidewalk. 

True to You by Becky Wade

2.0

While I enjoyed the writing and the storyline, I would have liked for the characters to rely on God and scripture more. I wasn’t 100% sure where John stood with God. John’s biological mother had faith in God. Nora was discontent with her singleness. She does realize that her focus should be on Christ but this happens towards the end of the book. I would have liked for sin and repentance to be mentioned. Also, Nora turned to other things (books, desserts) and not God. 

I enjoyed the letters written by Sherry and Nora. 

Here is a quote that I enjoyed:

She couldn’t continue managing five aspects of her life while delegating two to God. It couldn’t be Christ’s will plus her will. It had to be Christ alone.”

A Time to Rise by Nadine Brandes

3.0

I liked that this book focused on rising above things that keep you from living for God.

“I think I’m getting the hang of what God means when he says to arise. It’s a daily choice to rise above the despair, the doubt, or the attack from the enemy. 

Another quote that I loved was:

“Forgiveness is for everyone who sins. The perfect have no need of it and, seeing how none of us are capable of perfection, you’re an ideal candidate.” 

The amount of violence that Parvin, Solomon, and others have experienced throughout this book series is crazy. The fact that they have endured so much and are still alive is crazy to me. 

A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes

4.0

Wow, this book series keeps getting better and better! 

Parvin is learning to trust God! It is good to read about her faith journey! Parvin’s love and care for her enemies! 

Solomon is like a dream! He is kind, patient, caring, and vulnerable! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

That ending!!! 

The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.

Mentioned yoga and finding their center
In my opinion, it’s not Christian fiction. 

Called to Forgive: The Charleston Church Shooting, a Victim's Husband, and the Path to Healing and Peace by Denise George, Anthony B. Thompson

challenging hopeful informative reflective

5.0

Amid tragedy, Anthony Thompson chose to forgive. This wasn’t an easy or simple decision for him to make because he loved his wife and he misses her. This book discusses the benefits of forgiveness and how unforgiveness can have negative effects on your health. Wow, this book blessed me. I had questions about forgiveness and this book answered them!

I loved the scriptures quoted and the real-life examples of people who have chosen to forgiven. Also, the examples of those who have chosen not to forgive and how it impacted their lives. 

“Feelings have little to do with the firm, intentional biblical decision to forgive. As a believer in Christ, I know I will be called to forgive many hurtful others as I travel through life.”

“As a Christian, I choose to obey God’s word, and that means I decided to forgive the evil man who so wickedly and deliberately took away my lovely wife.” 

A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective

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

2.0

This was an ok read. This story has different feel than Toni Shiloh’s other books. I’m looking forward to book 3!