Friday, November 1, 2024

Dove by Robin Lee Graham

Genre: Biography
Released: June 1, 1972
199 pages
About the Book:

In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham began a solo around-the-world voyage from San Pedro, California, in a 24-foot sloop. Five years and 33,000 miles later, he returned to home port with a wife and daughter and enough extraordinary experiences to fill this bestselling book, Dove .











  

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐


At 16 years old, Robin set off from California to sail around the world by himself in his boat called Dove. As he stopped in various ports, he picked up odd jobs, explored the area, and waited out storms. Along the way, he met a girl named Patti, who was also from California and traveling. The two struck up a friendship and made plans to reconnect at various locations. Eventually, she becomes his wife, but Robin continues on his solo journey, having to say goodbye multiple times. Robin's journey took 5 years to complete and was filled with loneliness, danger, and various challenges. While what Robin was doing at such a young age was brave and challenging, I did find the story to be a bit boring at times. It also seemed like Robin found those interested in his journey to be an annoyance rather than respecting how they were assisting him in completing this goal by providing equipment and provisions for him. It was interesting to see how his belief in God developed. Each time Patti and Robin separated, I was concerned for her traveling by herself and felt like Robin waiting to see if she was okay.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)
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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Reclaiming Nick by Susan May Warren

Series: Novel Legacy # 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House
Released: January 1, 2007
357 pages
About the Book:

Nick Noble hadn't planned on being the prodigal son. But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle—the Noble family ranch—to Nick's former best friend, he must return home to face his mistakes, and guarantee that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family. Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she's determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she thinks. So does resisting his charming smile. As Nick seeks to overturn his father's will—and Piper digs for answers—family secrets surface that send Nick's life into a tailspin. But there's someone who's out to take the Silver Buckle from the Noble family, and he'll stop at nothing—even murder—to make it happen.







My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐

There are so many secrets being kept between various characters. Lots of twists with character relationships and backgrounds that made it a little hard to keep up with at times. Nick Noble is the main character we are following, he has returned home after 10 years away on the passing of father. He is holding a major grudge on a few people and returns determined to overturn his father's will. Side characters are: Piper, who arrives at the ranch with a secret agenda and while we know what it is no one else does. Cole and Maggy, who have their own secret they are keeping and have battles they are currently facing. Stefanie, Nick's sister who has been on the ranch all along.

I was more interested in Cole and Maggy and their situation than I was in Nick and felt like I didn't get to spend enough time with them. I found Nick hard to get to know and understand. He is very bitter and has been holding onto anger for a long time, come home for revenge but then he changes almost instantly when something is revealed. I did want to see him change and was happy with the choices he made going forward, but it his change did feel too instant. I was happy with the way the story ended for Cole and Maggy. I just didn't connect with Nick or Piper. The setting of the ranch was wonderful though.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Other books from this author that I have reviewed:   

   

Take A Chance on Me - Christiansen Family #1

The Way of the Brave - Global Search & Rescue #1

Nothing but Trouble - PJ Sugar #1

Double Trouble - PJ Sugar #2

Point of No Return - Missions of Mercy #1

You Don't Have to be a Star - Montana Fire Prequel

If Ever I Would Leave You - Montana Rescue Prequel

Wild Montana Skies - Montana Rescue #1

Rescue Me - Montana Rescue #2 

A Matter of Trust - Montana Rescue #3

Troubled Waters - Montana Rescue #4

Storm Front - Montana Rescue #5

Wait for Me - Montana Rescue #6

Flee the Night - Team Hope #1

Escape to Morning - Team Hope #2

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Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Hearts and Goals by Carolyn Miller

Series: Original Six Hockey Romance # 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Independent
Released: March 22, 2022
354 pages
About the Book:

He’s a goalie with a big heart, while she’s afraid to trust again.

After a series of tragedies, Maggie Joly’s dreams have been confined to her work at Montreal’s botanic gardens and caring for her little boy. Besides, wishing for more would simply be selfish, especially when she’s already loved well. But when a surprising workplace encounter sees her in the arms of a handsome sweet-talking stranger, she’s soon forced to reassess whether romance might still be in her future after all.

Working in this fairytale-like city is a dream come true for Beau Nash, Montreal’s new goalie. And while he’s excited to explore all his new city offers, he hadn’t counted on meeting a striking brunette with heart-melting eyes, or so quickly bonding with her and her son, even thought Maggie’s faith is a little tenuous, and shadows from the past mean she might never really be ready to love again.

An incident at the Gardens forces Beau to choose between his dream job and the woman of his dreams, while an accident on the ice invites Maggie’s deepest fears. Perhaps a Pumpkin Ball might help convince them to believe in happily-ever-afters once again.

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Beau is new to Montreal and while discovering the city he meets Maggie in a couple separate incidences. They strike up a tentative friendship and slowly get to know one another. Beau is a strong Christian and we don't know where Maggie stands. She is a single mother living with her mom and 5 year old son after the passing of her husband and her father. We see Maggie discover God and learn to open herself up to others. As this is set in Montreal there were little inserts of French that threw me off each time I came across them, however it wasn't because I didn't know what was being said as that is explained, it was more because it was a different language. There is a strong faith message presented, especially about the importance of a persons relationship with God being an individual desire not because of a relationship with another person. Beau had a wonderful relationship with his mother where he felt comfortable to talk about everything. She was supportive, provided bits of wisdom and also teased him. She was probably my favourite character. Some of the feelings expressed throughout did feel a bit rushed, but the ending slowed things down and allowed time to see what would happen next. I expect to see more of these characters in future books.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)
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Monday, October 28, 2024

The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

Series: London Beginnings # 2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: March 1, 2018
374 pages
About the Book:

Julia Bernay has come to London to become a doctor—a glorious new opportunity for women during the reign of Victoria. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick actions save the life of barrister Michael Stephenson. He rose above his family's stigma, but can he rise to the challenge of the fiercely independent woman who has swept into his life?

 












My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐


The way Michael and Julia meet was intense and showed Julia's desire to help others. I liked Julia's determination to become a doctor in a time where women doctor's are rare. She has a strong faith in God and turned to consistently, she trusted him to provide for her and guide her. She was not shy about sharing about Him with others. Julia and Michael become friends and start having romantic feelings towards one another, but there are obstacles surrounding them that are preventing a relationship. Can they work through these challenges or will they have to go separate ways? I did not like Michael's sister, Corina, for most of the book and felt for her husband especially. However by the end we have seen a change in her. There is resolution that happens, not only does Corina's attitude change but there are also changes with other characters and situations that happened. While I liked the way the epilogue started I did not like the way it ended. It felt like a cliffhangers. I really hope book 3 provides answers to this. Overall I did enjoy my time with these characters and I could easily picture what was happening with the way the setting was described.

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Other books from this author that I have reviewed:   

   
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