Thrive in Retirement: Simple Secrets for Being Happy for the Rest of Your Life by Eric Thurman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a hard time getting through a non-fiction book most of the time, usually I have good intentions, extreme interest, but somewhere along the line I fade. This wasn't the case with this book. I am in my 50's headed to the retirement era at some point fairly soon, so I want to do it right, any and all advice is welcome. That's not the reason this book held my interest, it was because it was fun, interesting, well written, and not just a list of chapters with lists of to-do's and advice.
What this book pointed out to me was the idea I had for retirement was that I had none! Retirement to me has always been only from the financial perspective, did I save enough, will I have enough, etc., but there is much more to retirement! What am I going to do with all the time, how to use it wisely, what do I like to do when I'm not told what to do!
He starts off with the 5 core categories of a happy, fulfilled existence!
Mind, Body, Relationships, Finances, and Soul.
Each chapter from there focuses on a particular area. I realized that there are many things I hadn't even thought about! What a great read - definitely worth the read, and something I have already referenced a few times since reading!
Thank you so much to the publisher for the complimentary uncorrected proof. I received this in order to read, share and submit this review. My review is my own.

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Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite genre is historical fiction, in this novel Of Fire and Lions, Mesu Andrews brilliantly marries the biblical truths and historical facts with fictional characters. It's fascinating to read and see where the path the story takes. I remember the main stories of Daniel, his steadfast faith, the Lions Den, the fiery furnace, but to see them played out in a story that spans the 70 years of captivity is amazing.
I feel like I understood the biblical stories of faith all my life but this book just gave me a deeper understanding of what it really entailed.
The story starts off with Abigail/Belili, Daniel's wife, retelling the story of their capture and years of captivity in Babylon. Abigail was 9 when taken captive, she was to be the maid to four princes, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. At some point she is removed from them and changes her name from Abigail to Belili. She isn't faithful to Yahweh, and is party to living a tainted life. In the end Daniel and she are reunited and marry. She is ashamed of the things she has done and this makes for a challenging family life.
What I love is the idea I get of what it was actually like to live in this time period and match it with the biblical facts to create a fabulous story that gives me a deeper grasp of the entire story of Daniel.
I don't want to say too much as everyone should read this story for themselves versus me giving any details away, making them less exciting to read for the first time.
Biblical fiction is such a fun way to relive the bible stories you grew up with, giving you more of a grasp of details of the time period, thus giving you a better understanding of the entire picture.
I would highly recommend this book and this author!
I was given a complimentary uncorrected proof to read to facilitate this review, opinions expressed are my own.

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The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson

The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal by Marjorie Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is fabulous! It is like three books in one, a devotional, a journal, and a place to relax while contemplating the scripture while coloring/doodling/drawing. The title says it's a creative devotional journal, which describes it perfectly. The book has 31 sections for you to complete at your leisure - one per day or stretch out each section as long as you care to reflect. Some of the topics include Selfishness, Humility, Living Wisely, Being Teachable, Determining God's Will as the goal of the book is to show us how to live of lives fully devoted to Christ. Each section begins with a coloring page with the sections main idea, followed by the scripture and summary. After you're finished with the reading there are suggested Bible versus offered to dig a bit deeper, followed by journal prompts, and another coloring page. You can see that each section offers you plenty to do to possibly consider each message over time. I find that I enjoy stretching out each section for a week or more to really think about it. Obviously some sections will require more or less thought depending on you!
It's such a beautiful book too which gives the reader even more pleasure with a pretty pink leather-like soft cover. This book is marketed to teens and young adults but I am enjoying it as an older adult, it's a fun and interactive way to get your scripture teachings and reflection time. I'm really enjoying this book and highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


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The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Christmas Remedy was so much fun to read! The story centers around Greene's Pharmacy, where Holly Noelle works as a pharmacy tech. The pharmacy is owned by Lyle Greene, who has had Holly working with him since her father passed away when she was much younger. Her father's unnecessary death has given her the drive and the calling to be the one to bridge the gap between medical care and her Amish people. She has been given special permission to pursue more education in the medical field by her bishop. The obligation to her education and her people has Holly determined not to marry but to pursue this as her lifelong desire.
Lyle has a medical setback which has his son arriving from Pharmacy school to help out and keep the pharmacy running and help to care for his father.
Suddenly the pharmacy is in trouble and is in danger of perhaps closing. Can Holly and Brandon, along with Holly's friend Josh solve the mystery and keep the pharmacy going? Will Holly refuse love before it has a chance to grow? How will everyone's prayers be answered?
Centered in a quaint, small town during the Christmas season, with a community of love and a great cast of characters.
I loved that the story is told from different points of view and has a good mix of Englisch and Amish characters. I enjoyed this book! I was given an uncorrected proof from Waterbrook & Multnomah but was under no obligation to provide a review.

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The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles

The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boy at the Keyhole was a fascinating study of two characters and how they can literally drive each other mad. I found myself able to read this a few chapters at a go as there was so much going on in Samuels head that I had to stop. But as I stopped I was compelled to pick it back up and find what happens next. As I was reading I fluctuated back and forth from what I thought may have happened to Samuel's mother to nothing has happened to Samuel's mother. Since I couldn't be sure I don't know how Samuel could be sure.
This story is dark and mean, revolving around two characters - Samuel, a nine year old boy who is left by his mother to live with the housekeeper, Ruth Tupper, while she sails to America to seek financial backing to save their failing company. Ruth runs the household in a stern and cold manner, leaving Samuel yearning for warmth.
Samuel's mother left on her trip in the middle of the night, she never said goodbye. Ruth explains she needed to meet the train early in the morning, to make it for her voyage and they saw no reason to wake Samuel from his sleep. The fact that his mother never said goodbye is the crux of the doubt that surfaces later on, there is no confirmation to Samuel. Samuel can not comprehend how she could be gone so long without any telegrams or phone calls, doesn't she miss him like he her? The only thing he has received are a few postcards. Doubt begins to creep into his mind after his friend puts the idea out there that maybe she didn't travel to America but Ruth killed her.
The psychological drama begins in earnest here. One doesn't really know from page to page if she traveled or if Ruth did her in. It's fascinating to see the way Samuel begins to suspect and doubt and Ruth's cold manner does little to confirm or deny any of Samuel's dark thoughts. Ruth is borderline physically abusive and she is definitely cruel and evil but yet still maintains the home, finances, and sees to Samuel's daily needs.
I loved the book, the dance between the two characters, and found I couldn't put it down yet had to put it down. The ending came on suddenly and then it was over. I would have loved that to last a little longer to savor.
I received an uncorrected proof from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, another installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and another awesome read! If you love historical fiction, christian fiction, adventure, and a little romance this is a must read for you!
The Captured Bride captivated me from the start with a fascinating historical time period and an excellent character in Mercy Lytton.
The story begins we meet Mercy and her partner Matthew just coming back to camp from a mission. Suddenly they thrust into a new, next-to-impossible mission to transport a captured traitor, Elias Dubois and his gold they have recovered across dangerous territory to a protected Fort.
Mercy is a scout for the British and knows everything about the land being born of a captured white mother and her Indian father. She has been gifted with exceptional eyesight she can see farther than anyone. She is also quite capable to take care of herself and knows the ways of the Indians.
Elias Dubois has been captured and labeled a traitor and needs to stand trial as such, which is why they must transport him to the nearest military Fort.
As they set off with a premise of traveling as a family the adventure begins.
I loved this story, I loved how the book develops the romance between Mercy and Elias, how Mercy witnesses Elias' faith and begins to search within herself, how she reconciles with her past.
The writing is gorgeous, you can visualize everything, feel everything and this adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat with some twists and turns. Amazing read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did you ever wonder what it might have been like to cross the ocean in a ship? How about in the 1600's? How about on the Mayflower? We have all heard the stories of the Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving, and certain historical figures. But what was it like for the people, the families, the mothers and children? What were the trials, what was day to day life like aboard the Mayflower?
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse gives us an idea. Based on her extensive research, we see actual historical figures interact with her fictional characters. What the experience was like to travel to the new world? I remembered much and learned so much more. Such a great story here!
The Separatists are setting sail to the new world to finally reach their dream of religious freedom, the embark on this journey aboard The Speedwell in 1620. Aboard this ship is Mary Elizabeth Chapman, her father, and her brother. Aboard the Mayflower is a carpenter trying to shed the old and seek opportunity and success in the new world. After a few different delays due to a leaking ship the Separatists are made to board the Mayflower as the Speedwell is deemed unsafe. The delays have cost the travelers precious time and it is really far too late in the year to be making this journey. Will the Mayflower make it, will the waters become too stormy for safe passage? How will the crowded conditions affect the travelers. So many questions!
As Mary Elizabeth board the Mayflower she meets William Lytton, who just happens to be there to lend a hand! One meeting and Mary Elizabeth can't get him out of her mind. Is this a time for even considering such a thing? Of course, he isn't part of the Separatists group either, so it's silly to think of him. On the ship for months they face so much together that a romance begins, something sweet between the hardships and tragedies, and it is unheard of for Separatists and Strangers to even consider such. We see the deep faith of the Separatist people as well throughout this book.
I loved this small glimpse into what was surely an extremely difficult, almost impossible voyage and the beginning of the new world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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