First Line Friday - Week 3

 

Happy Friday! This week I am in the middle of a book that releases in just a little over a week's time (June 6th).  I've never read this author before and really enjoying it so far. I'll share all my thoughts once I've finished it.

Today's book is: More Than A Soldier by Irene Onorato

"Hank Fleming peeled off his cold, wet t-shirt and tossed it aside in the dark."

Hmm… where is he? Why is his shirt cold and wet? You'll have to pick it up to find out.  

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

Between Heaven & The Real World: My Story by Steven Curtis Chapman

Genre: Autobiography
Publisher: Revell
Released: March 7, 2017
448 pages

About the Book:

 

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions around the world. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

 

Readers will be captivated by this exclusive look into Steven's childhood and challenging family dynamic growing up, how that led to music and early days on the road, his wild ride to the top of the charts, his relationship with wife Mary Beth, and the growth of their family through births and adoptions. In addition to inside stories from his days of youth to his notable career, including the background to some of his best-loved songs, readers will walk with Steven down the devastating road of loss after the tragic death of five-year-old daughter Maria. And they'll experience his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again.

 

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in this life. This backstage look at the down-to-earth superstar they've come to love will touch fans' lives and fill their hearts with hope. Includes black-and-white photos throughout.

 

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (4 stars)

“God is for us and with us every step of the journey,

even when we can’t see Him or feel Him.”

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I have been a SCC fan for years, grew up listening to his music in high school, but it is only in the last 10 or so years that I have had to opportunity to attend a few of his concerts and listen to him share stories from the stage. I read his wife’s book, Choosing to See, when it first came out and knew her side of their story and the heart-wrenching experience they have gone through losing their daughter. I found it interesting to hear Steven’s perspective, his experiences growing up, how his music career began and the starting of his own family. I felt like Steven was completely open and honest about how he feels unworthy of what he has accomplished. It did surprise me to hear how much he and his wife struggle in their marriage, however I do understand that him being on the road so much would be difficult. There were times he had me laughing and times he had me crying. Two things did bother me while reading. One being there were so many names mentioned of people I couldn’t place that I struggled to follow what role they played in his life. My guess was that they were record execs, producers, etc. The second being there were times where he would be telling one story then move on to another before finishing the first and then finally go back to first. This felt choppy and the jumping annoyed me as I was invested in the first story and felt like I wasn’t getting all of it before he moved on the next. Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know his story and especially liked hearing the inspiration behind various songs. I feel like readers get to know the real Steven rather than just the one we see on stage.

“Because of the grace of God and the fact that Jesus has already taken all the failure on Himself, it’s actually impossible for you to be a failure in His eyes.”

 

 

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed in this review

are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon

Series: Hope Harbor # 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Revell
Released: June 7, 2016
370 pages

About the Book:

 

After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to the town where he grew up--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed & breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect and construction chief who's invaded the house with her motley crew.

 

As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

 

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟  (4 stars)

“Appearance and speech and customs may differ,

but underneath all hearts feel the same emotions.”

BJ is hard-working, has a heart for others, and is trying to make up for the guilt she carries. Eric is a high achiever who had to leave his passion behind to pursue his career goals. The events happening now in Eric’s life make him consider what God’s plan for his life is verses what he has strived his whole life for. Can he follow his heart to God’s leading, or does he take what seems to be the safe route? The chemistry between these two is obvious right from their first meeting. I loved how they were honest with each other and were determined not to act on their feelings so that they wouldn’t be hurt when Eric left town. But does God have different plans for them?

The Luis storyline was difficult, the things he has experienced was heartbreaking. But just when he is losing hope God brings people into his life to show him hope is not all lost. I was pleased with the way his story progressed and ended thanks to the intervention of Eric, BJ and Eleanor. Charley, the local artist and taco stand owner, always seem to be in the right place at the right time for each character. I was a bit surprised that Tracey wasn’t more involved in this story, it was said she was BJ’s best friend, but the two of them hardly interacted. I would have expected the two to talk more.

 

The theme I took away from the book is that by being willing to let go of one dream you can realize a more fulfilling dream you didn’t even know had, and that God can (and will) use all circumstances for His will. BJ expresses this exact thing when she says, “The circumstances that led me to this decision might not have been pleasant, but I do see God’s hand in the outcome.” Overall I enjoyed these characters and the way the story progressed, I was very pleased with the ending.

“Worry doesn’t change tomorrow, it only robs today of its joy.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed in this review

are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

 

First Line Friday - Week 2

 

Happy Friday and the start of a long weekend here!

I definitely have some (okay maybe lots of) reading on my agenda. What about you?

 

Today's book is: Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon

Seville, Spain, 1689

"Isabella stumbled along the rough boards of the dock,
feeling exposed without her corset and many layers of petticoats."

This is book one of Ms. Monzon's Carrington Family series and switches between two time periods, the late 1600's and the present day. I have enjoyed stories told in this style before so I am looking forward to reading this one. I will share my review once I've finished it. If you have already read this one be sure to check out book number two "All of You" which just released this past Monday (May 15th).
 

Now it's your turn! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Then join in more First Line fun by visiting these blogs:
 

A Baker's Perspective // All the Book Blog Names Are Taken // Bibliophile Reviews // Bookworm Mama // Cafinated Reads // Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen // Faithfully Bookish // Fiction Aficionado // Joy of Reading // Kathleen Denly // Lauraine's Notes // Moments Dipped in Ink // Radiant Light // Reading is my SuperPower // Robin's Nest // Singing Librarian // With a Joyful Noise

Between the Reins by Liz Isaacson

Series: Gold Valley Romance # 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: AEJ Creative Works
Released: May 16, 2017
225 pages

About the Book:

 

Twelve years ago, Owen Carr left Gold Valley—and his long-time girlfriend—in favor of a country music career in Nashville. With one platinum album and a number one hit single under his belt, he returned after things went wrong with his manager and his record label. When he suddenly becomes a father to his eight-year-old niece, he’s in way over his head.

 

He needs a nanny to care for Marie so he can keep up with the demands of his busy job at Silver Creek—and Natalie Ringold is a godsend. She can cook, she cleans, Marie loves her—and she just so happens to be the long-time girlfriend that Owen hasn’t made amends with. Yet.

 

Married and divorced, Natalie teaches ballet at the dance studio in Gold Valley, but she never auditioned for the professional company the way she dreamed of doing. With Owen back, she realizes all the opportunities she missed out on when he left all those years ago—including a future with him. Can they mend broken bridges in order to have a second chance at love?

 

My Rating & Thoughts:    🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 (4 stars) 

 

“God loved him. God had no abandoned him. God would support him through this next week, this next year, and all the years to come.”

This is the fourth book in the Gold Valley series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Owen is looking for a nanny to take care of his 8 year old niece, Marie, who he has recently become the guardian of. Natalie, his high school girlfriend applies for the job and connects with Marie right away. Owen is unsure if he can handle being around Natalie after how he treated her 12 years ago. Natalie still has feelings for Owen and wonders if they can rekindle the romance they once had with a happier ending. I really liked the banter between the two though, and Marie added cuteness to the story. However I did feel like Natalie forgave Owen a little too easily. I also felt that Owen didn’t share everything that happened in Nashville to Natalie. Pastor Palmer’s comments not only challenged the characters but also readers to think about their faith, I especially liked this aspect of the book. All the characters felt like separate individuals and there were definitely some sweet moments in the story making it very enjoyable.

“He didn’t have to have all the answers, didn’t have to have perfect belief, didn’t have to be everything to everyone.”

 

(I received an ARC of this book from the author; opinions expressed in this review are
my honest opinion and completely my own.)