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the_bookish_brew's reviews
35 reviews
Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
If you're feeling stuck in your prayer life, overwhelmed by life itself, or just in need of a focused prayer strategy—this book is for you. Priscilla Shirer wrote Fervent with the intention of going to spiritual war, and she equips readers with the tools to do the same. Each chapter is powerful, intentional, and rooted in Scripture. She reminds us that we are already armed for battle—we just need to use the weapons we've been given. A truly powerful, prayer-shifting read.
God Is Able by Priscilla Shirer
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
A Must-Read for Anyone in Need of spiritual encouragement.
A powerful, deeply moving, and thought-provoking read. If you're feeling weighed down by life's challenges or need a reminder of God's limitless power, this book is exactly what you need.
Shirer’s heartfelt writing and biblical insights will reignite your faith and remind you that no obstacle is too great for God. I highly recommend picking up this book—it's an uplifting and faith-strengthening read that will leave you encouraged and empowered!
A powerful, deeply moving, and thought-provoking read. If you're feeling weighed down by life's challenges or need a reminder of God's limitless power, this book is exactly what you need.
Shirer’s heartfelt writing and biblical insights will reignite your faith and remind you that no obstacle is too great for God. I highly recommend picking up this book—it's an uplifting and faith-strengthening read that will leave you encouraged and empowered!
The Library of Second Chances by Savannah Carlisle
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Heron Isle is the kind of place that feels like a warm hug — small-town charm, a Little Free Library with heartfelt notes, and yes… an alligator named Sidney as the town mascot. What’s not to love?
Lucy’s perfectly cozy, beachy life is all about calm vibes and zero change. Enter Logan, a big-city guy with big plans to shake things up. Naturally, they clash in the most hilarious, adorable, slow-burn way possible.
Savy Carlisle’s writing is so immersive you can practically feel the ocean breeze and the sand between your toes. I laughed, I cried happy tears, and now I’m emotionally attached to a fictional island. 10/10, would pack my bags for Heron Isle immediately.
Lucy’s perfectly cozy, beachy life is all about calm vibes and zero change. Enter Logan, a big-city guy with big plans to shake things up. Naturally, they clash in the most hilarious, adorable, slow-burn way possible.
Savy Carlisle’s writing is so immersive you can practically feel the ocean breeze and the sand between your toes. I laughed, I cried happy tears, and now I’m emotionally attached to a fictional island. 10/10, would pack my bags for Heron Isle immediately.
Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A Thousand Burning Ravens by Kier Smelcer
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
🌟🌟🌟ARC REVIEW 🌟🌟🌟
Phew! Where do I even begin with A Thousand Burning Ravens?
The world-building? Absolutely brilliant. The tension? Had me biting my nails the entire time. From the very first page to the last, this book had me hooked — completely addictive and impossible to put down.
At the heart of the story is newly widowed Queen Myla Alerys, burdened by a haunting prophecy and devastating secrets — including a hidden pregnancy. Thrust into a role of leadership she never wanted, she must navigate treacherous alliances and join forces with unlikely allies.
Kier Smelcer masterfully weaves themes of female rage, found family, and second-chance romance into a gripping tale that will leave you breathless. The intensity of the emotions, the complexity of the characters, and the high-stakes plot make this an unforgettable read. Trust me — you’ll be up all night because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
If you love epic fantasy with raw emotions and powerful storytelling, A Thousand Burning Ravens is a must-read!
Phew! Where do I even begin with A Thousand Burning Ravens?
The world-building? Absolutely brilliant. The tension? Had me biting my nails the entire time. From the very first page to the last, this book had me hooked — completely addictive and impossible to put down.
At the heart of the story is newly widowed Queen Myla Alerys, burdened by a haunting prophecy and devastating secrets — including a hidden pregnancy. Thrust into a role of leadership she never wanted, she must navigate treacherous alliances and join forces with unlikely allies.
Kier Smelcer masterfully weaves themes of female rage, found family, and second-chance romance into a gripping tale that will leave you breathless. The intensity of the emotions, the complexity of the characters, and the high-stakes plot make this an unforgettable read. Trust me — you’ll be up all night because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
If you love epic fantasy with raw emotions and powerful storytelling, A Thousand Burning Ravens is a must-read!
Two Worlds Apart by Lenora Cade
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
📚Arc review 📚
Two Worlds Apart is a beautifully immersive read that takes you on a journey through stunning locations. Lenora Cade does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of these places, and I truly felt like I was walking the streets, soaking in the sights and flavors alongside the characters.
While I didn’t fully connect with Mallory and Emil, I did appreciate their story and dynamic. Mallory is a small-town girl eager to see the world before life passes her by, and Emil is a reserved guy who has spent his life in one place but has always dreamed of exploring the world. When they meet on one of Mallory's trips, they decide to continue their travels together. It's a story of love, overcoming past hurts, and allowing yourself to embrace new possibilities.
I really enjoyed the broader aspect of their journey, especially the way travel is woven into their story. If you love stories filled with adventure, self-discovery, and stunning destinations, this book is worth checking out!
Two Worlds Apart is a beautifully immersive read that takes you on a journey through stunning locations. Lenora Cade does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of these places, and I truly felt like I was walking the streets, soaking in the sights and flavors alongside the characters.
While I didn’t fully connect with Mallory and Emil, I did appreciate their story and dynamic. Mallory is a small-town girl eager to see the world before life passes her by, and Emil is a reserved guy who has spent his life in one place but has always dreamed of exploring the world. When they meet on one of Mallory's trips, they decide to continue their travels together. It's a story of love, overcoming past hurts, and allowing yourself to embrace new possibilities.
I really enjoyed the broader aspect of their journey, especially the way travel is woven into their story. If you love stories filled with adventure, self-discovery, and stunning destinations, this book is worth checking out!
War by Chantal Fernando
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Morally Gray MMC, Forbidden Love, Touch Her and D!e, Found Family
A huge thank you to Chantal Fernando for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
War is the explosive first book in the Serpents of Chaos series, and in true Chantal Fernando fashion, it delivers a gripping story, irresistibly dark and romantic main characters, and a cast of side characters you can’t help but love.
When Ora decides to throw caution to the wind for a one-night stand, she never expects it to turn her entire world upside down. War, the VP of the Serpents of Chaos, is a man with plenty of secrets—and the last thing he anticipates is meeting the woman who will change his life. But Ora has her own hidden truths, ones that won’t just alter War’s life but will shake the very foundation of the Serpents themselves.
This book is action-packed, filled with spice, and loaded with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you love morally gray bikers, high-stakes romance, and found family dynamics, War is a must-read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Morally Gray MMC, Forbidden Love, Touch Her and D!e, Found Family
A huge thank you to Chantal Fernando for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
War is the explosive first book in the Serpents of Chaos series, and in true Chantal Fernando fashion, it delivers a gripping story, irresistibly dark and romantic main characters, and a cast of side characters you can’t help but love.
When Ora decides to throw caution to the wind for a one-night stand, she never expects it to turn her entire world upside down. War, the VP of the Serpents of Chaos, is a man with plenty of secrets—and the last thing he anticipates is meeting the woman who will change his life. But Ora has her own hidden truths, ones that won’t just alter War’s life but will shake the very foundation of the Serpents themselves.
This book is action-packed, filled with spice, and loaded with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you love morally gray bikers, high-stakes romance, and found family dynamics, War is a must-read!
Direbound: A Dark Romantasy by Sable Sorensen
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A Must-Read Fantasy Debut!
This book took me on an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions! The betrayal, the intricate world-building, the jaw-dropping plot twists—absolute brilliance. And for a debut novel? Simply phenomenal.
Meryn Cooper has spent her life fighting to protect those she loves. But when her younger sister, Saela, is kidnapped, she’s forced into the last place she ever wanted to be—among the King’s elite warriors, the Bonded, and their ruthless direwolves.
Determined to reach the front lines of a centuries-old war and rescue her sister, Meryn enlists in the King’s army. But survival comes at a cost. Bonded to a feral direwolf and thrust into brutal training where one wrong move means death, she quickly learns that danger lurks in every shadow—and that betrayal is inevitable.
Fans of Onyx Storm, Throne of Glass, and ACOTAR will devour this book. But be warned: it’s even more addictive. Prepare for your next book obsession!
This book took me on an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions! The betrayal, the intricate world-building, the jaw-dropping plot twists—absolute brilliance. And for a debut novel? Simply phenomenal.
Meryn Cooper has spent her life fighting to protect those she loves. But when her younger sister, Saela, is kidnapped, she’s forced into the last place she ever wanted to be—among the King’s elite warriors, the Bonded, and their ruthless direwolves.
Determined to reach the front lines of a centuries-old war and rescue her sister, Meryn enlists in the King’s army. But survival comes at a cost. Bonded to a feral direwolf and thrust into brutal training where one wrong move means death, she quickly learns that danger lurks in every shadow—and that betrayal is inevitable.
Fans of Onyx Storm, Throne of Glass, and ACOTAR will devour this book. But be warned: it’s even more addictive. Prepare for your next book obsession!
Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This book can be summed up in one word: Powerful!
Sarah Jakes Roberts delivers yet another impactful, spiritually uplifting, and thought-provoking read.
Woman Evolve is a light yet transformative read that challenges you to reflect on your life, faith, self-belief, and how you show up in the world.
Her books have changed the way I pray, the way I see and love myself, and, most importantly, how I reclaim my space in life and the world.
A 5-star read all around!
Sarah Jakes Roberts delivers yet another impactful, spiritually uplifting, and thought-provoking read.
Woman Evolve is a light yet transformative read that challenges you to reflect on your life, faith, self-belief, and how you show up in the world.
Her books have changed the way I pray, the way I see and love myself, and, most importantly, how I reclaim my space in life and the world.
A 5-star read all around!
The Summer of Starting Over by Savannah Carlisle
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
📚📚⭐️ARC REVIEW ⭐️📚📚
I'm so glad this author persevered with publishing this book because I absolutely cannot imagine a world where I didn’t get to know Callie Jackson and Jesse Thomas!
Callie Jackson has achieved what most musicians dream of—fame, multi-platinum albums, and worldwide tours—but something still feels missing.
When circumstances force her back to her hometown, she must face the life she left behind, rediscover herself, and confront the boy whose heart she broke at sixteen.
A cute, funny, and truly heartwarming story that had me kicking my feet and reaching for the tissues!
I'm so glad this author persevered with publishing this book because I absolutely cannot imagine a world where I didn’t get to know Callie Jackson and Jesse Thomas!
Callie Jackson has achieved what most musicians dream of—fame, multi-platinum albums, and worldwide tours—but something still feels missing.
When circumstances force her back to her hometown, she must face the life she left behind, rediscover herself, and confront the boy whose heart she broke at sixteen.
A cute, funny, and truly heartwarming story that had me kicking my feet and reaching for the tissues!