One More Wish - A Review

Published - August 2015, Robin's Nest Productions
Series - Christy and Todd: The Married Years Book 3
Author - Robin Jones Gunn
Title - One More Wish
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon Robin's Website


As Christy makes her 26th birthday wish and blows out the candles, what will she wish for? Will she and Todd finally have a baby this year? With all of her close friends announcing pregnancies, Christy isn't sure. When she and Todd have a heart to heart talk returning from Sierra's wedding, Christy learns that her husband would be open to adoption. As the months pass by, both Christy and Todd learn so very important lessons about each other, their relationships with God, and of course what is really important. 

I don't think there is a single one of Robin's books I've not enjoyed. This one has been one of my most anticipated books of the year. Christy is one of my Forever Friends. 

I loved catching up with Sierra and Katie. I also loved how both Todd and Christy are using their gifts in ministry. Maybe not the way that they had planned on it, but certainly the way that is best. 

I'm really hoping that there will be at least one more book, because the ending has me begging for more!

I read this book for pure pleasure.

Recommended to fans of Robin Jones Gunn, Christy Miller, Jenny B Jones

Rating - 5 stars

Forever With You - A Review

Published - June 2014, Robin's Nest Productions
Series - Christy & Todd: The Married Years Book 1
Author - Robin Jones Gunn
Title - Forever with You
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon 

Summary (from Amazon):
When Christy Miller met Todd Spencer the summer she turned fifteen she only dreamed that theirs would be a forever love. 

Now that they have been married for almost two years, Christy and Todd are facing challenges neither of them expected. Everything that felt familiar in their relationship is being shaken. All they had hoped for in their future together is about to change. 

When Christy shares her life-altering news with Todd, she doesn't receive the joyful response she was expecting. Aunt Marti inserts a few strong opinions about how the young couple should navigate this difficult season and when Todd's dad asks for help renovating his Newport Beach home it's clear that nothing will ever be the same for them again. 

As Christy and Todd''s relationship is radically altered will they continue to drift apart? Or will they come through the major shifts with a deeper love for each other and the One who brought them together in the first place?

My Thoughts:
I have loved the Christy Miller books from the time that I was introduced to them while I was in junior high. I've followed Christy over the years as she grew up. So needless to say, when I heard that Robin was writing a series about Christy and Todd and their married life, I was beyond thrilled. Because these characters are old friends of mine. 

When I finally got my hands on a copy of this first book in the series, everything in me screamed to immediately dive into it. Yet I forced myself to wait. I had review copies I needed to finish, things going on in both my business and work. I wanted to be able to truly enjoy this book. So I waited. And waited. Until a couple of weeks ago when I was tired, emotionally exhausted, and wanting to read something that I could read for pleasure and not because I had to. So I picked up the book.

Immediately, I was welcomed back into Christy's world as if no time had gone by at all. For those of you new to the Christy books, I highly recommend reading them in order (Christy Miller Series, Sierra Jensen Series, Christy & Todd the College Years, Christy's Diary, Katie Weldon Series, Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Hawaii, and then this one). This book picks up where the fourth Katie book ends.

Christy and Todd have both matured from the time I met them as teens. It was fun to see them struggling to make ends meet. I loved them in these new roles. I loved getting to catch back up with Uncle Bob and Aunt Marti. I also loved how they each have grown so much in their faith. And the way that they have learned to trust God in so many different ways now.

Can you tell I loved this book? I did. And I'm eagerly awaiting the next one in the series.

I read this book for pure pleasure. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Robin Jones Gunn, Christy Miller, contemporary fiction, Becky Wade, young adult

Rating - 5 stars

Spoken For - A Review

Published - April 2014, Multnomah Books
Author - Robin Jones Gunn & Alyssa Joy Bethke
Title - Spoken For
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Summary (From Amazon)
 Say Yes to the Love Story of Your Life

A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?

In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story.

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

Includes questions for group discussion and personal reflection.

My thoughts:

Those who know me, know it'll take a lot to get me to read nonfiction. A VERY LOT. But when a nonfiction book by one of my all time favorite authors (Robin Jones Gunn) pops up, I"m more apt to read it than to not read it. 

In this book, the authors make the reader feel as if you're right there with them sipping tea and chatting. I love that. I felt that I was able to really see their hearts. I didn't feel that this book was textbook like in it's writing, but an actual conversation with the authors. 

I also loved the way that they pointed out that Someone wants you the reader. I have made a copy of the various Scriptures for my journal for further reflection and study. They may not have set out to do this, but I found it happening and I"m glad that they did, I found myself wanting and even longing to spend more time in God's Word, really getting to know Him so much more than before. 

Anyway, as someone who doesn't read nonfiction, I really enjoyed this book. I plan on loaning it to a friend, but I'll want it back. :) 

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Robin Jones Gunn, Bible Study, Liz Curtis Higgs, Beth Moore

Rating - 5 stars

Clouds - A Review

Flight attendant Shelly Graham moves back to her childhood home because of downsizing at the LA offices of the airline she works for. Her move back home opens up a Pandora's box of memories of her first - and only - love Jonathan. When Shelly accompanies her sister Meredith onto a trip to Germany, she doesn't expect to run into Jonathan again. Yet she does. To her surprise, he's engaged. Lost and confused, Shelly reconnects with God in a way that she never had before. Shelly begins to wonder if there is someone out there for her. Can she trust that God can make even the impossible seem possible?

I've read this book several times. In the past, this has been my least favorite of the Glenbrooke books. Yet I read it with different eyes this time. Maybe because I'm older, I can appreciate Shelly's soul-searching more. There is a very nostalgic feel to this book that is different than the others in the Glenbrooke Series. I still love Robin Jones Gunn's books and am always thrilled to read - or reread - them! This time around though, I picked up on the dynamics between Shelly and Meredith. Meredith told Shelly how she felt that she pushed others away and Shelly took that to heart and tried to change. It's probably still my least favorite of the Glenbrooke books, but it is a relaxing read.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommend to fans of contemporary romance, Christy Miller, Robin Jones Gunn, Karen Kingsbury.

Rating - 4 stars

Please rank my review.

Echoes - A Review

Lauren Phillips thought that she was happy. Happily engaged. Happily working at a steady job. When her fiance breaks the engagement, she's lost. Her brother introduces her to the wonderful world of the Internet and sets her up with a pen pal known as "KC." Over the months, emails fly back and forth between KC and "Wren." When Lauren is given a chance to meet KC in person, will she take it? Or will she hold back from what could be an everlasting love?

The third book in the Glenbrooke Series doesn't have to be read in order. While this one is not my favorite book, it is still a sweet story. I love how Lauren grows and changes through the book. I also love the beautiful new cover. I'd originally read this book for the first time when it was first published in 1999 and have reread it several times since. I personally love this cover much more than either the first cover or any of the other reprints that have come since. This is unlike any of Robin's other books in this series in that the romance takes place entirely via  email.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommend to fans of Robin Jones Gunn, Denise Hunter, Deborah Raney, sweet romances

Rating - 4 stars

Secrets - A Review

Jessica Morgan hopes to escape her past by moving to the small town of Glenbrooke, Oregon. All she wants is to be able to live peacefully and make her own decisions. Yet life has a way throwing a curve at her. A car accident, a principal who is set on finding out anything that can be used to blackmail Jessica, a troubled teen, a trip to Mexico, and a handsome firefighter all shatter Jessica's peace. But as she falls further in love with the small town and its people, including the handsome firefighter, she finds herself drawn to the relationship with God that most of them seem to share. Will Jessica find a relationship with the God who loves her to distraction? Will she let go of her secrets enough to open her heart to love?

"Welcome to Glenbroooke - a quiet place where souls are refreshed," is the greeting of this small town. I've read this book several times over the years and I always find that it's so refreshing. For me, any of Robin's books - and I've read them all several times - is like a visit with a best friend. While it's been about four years since I've read this particular book, I was easily drawn into Jessica's story once again. The way that she searches for answers about faith is something I love. Each Glenbrooke book just infuses my desire to move to Glenbrooke.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Christy Miller, light romances, Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter

Rating - 4 stars

Coming in December

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man's hat.

Ok, so that rhyme has been running through my head as I was driving into work the other day. And it's fitting for my "Coming in December" Post.

I did quite a bit of reading in November, at least when I look at all of the reviews I had posted. I FINALLY finished Todd Johnson's Deposit Slip in November. Of course I'd had that one since probably August and it kept being shuffled to the bottom of the pile.

I can guarantee that December will be slow on reviews being posted. At least until after Christmas. That's due to the Christmas projects I have going on. One baby blanket - about 15% done. I'm working on that at work during lunch. 2 scrapbooks - 2% done. They are planned out and I have all of the pictures and paper and fun embellishments, but haven't actually started on them. I'm seeing that my "geekiness" personality is coming out right now. I've blocked out my calendar with what days I will work on the scrapbooks and how many pages I plan to have completed. This is getting worked on during the evenings and weekends. Mom's present. I can't say specifically what it is since she reads my blog and I still want it to be a surprise. But I've gotten over halfway finished with it and hope to spend one evening working on it. I may have to have my best friend help with it when I'm over there. :) Coasters - I made a set of these for my cousin for her birthday and her sister informed me that I was bringing a set up to Waco as my gift for the gift exchange and she was planning on stealing them. I seriously hadn't planned on doing that. But I went ahead and decided to do two sets for the Waco trip and then a set for each of the other Christmas parties I'm going to. These are being worked on at my mom's over the weekend.

Here is what I plan on reading in December.

A Light in the Window - Julie Lessman

One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.

While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the "light in the window," meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”


Whispers in the Wind - Lauraine Snelling

Book Two in Lauraine Snelling's Exciting Wild West Wind Series

After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.

Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But Lucas Engstrom decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?

Secrets - Robin Jones Gunn (I've read this one several times but get to review it with the new cover)

The Glenbrooke Series

Jessica ran from her past...but can she hide from love?

Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the place to start over—Glenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meets—including the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her.

Will Jessica’s deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all?

This heartwarming bestseller, book one in the Glenbrooke series, introduces the fascinating people of Glenbrooke in a compelling tale of romance and spiritual truth.

No Safe Harbor - Elizabeth Ludwig

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

I am also eagerly anticipating the movie Les Miserables opening on Christmas. More on that in a separate post.

Other things going on in December for me include another wonderful giveaway. If I can locate the books, I'll be giving away two of Cindy Woodsmall's books. Of course I'll be working. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean I get much time off. Only two days - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And my Mary Kay business is always open. I've already got a couple of appointments scheduled with friends who want the new lipsticks that are coming out in December.

Review of Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Hawaii by Robin Jones Gunn

Adventurous, independent Sierra Jensen suddenly finds herself at a crossroads in her life. She's spent the last four years doing ministry in Brazil. When her work comes to an abrupt end, she doesn't know what to do next. Accepting the offer of a week in Hawaii with her friend, Sierra hopes to seek God and find out where life's going to take her next. Jordan Bryce is an upcoming professional photographer sent to Hawaii to capture photos of the surfing competition. He's seeking to start making a name for himself and finds himself captivated by the lovely Sierra. When a series of "God-things" keep throwing the two of them together, they both question if this is God's will. Will they be willing to take a chance on love or will they go their separate ways?

I was so thrilled to pick up this story about Sierra. I've watched her grow up through Robin's books. I've always felt that Sierra's story wasn't finished and kept hoping that one day Robin would write more to Sierra's story. I got my wish with Love Finds You in Sunset Beach. Please be aware that spoilers will follow.

It was such a delight to come back into Sierra's world. Like most fans who grew up with Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, I wanted to know answers to some very important questions. Did Sierra ever end up with Paul? Is she still the free-spirit that she was as a teenager? And is her heart for God as big as it was in her teens? Yes my questions were answered. There was finally a chance for closure with her relationship with Paul. I admit that I loved Jordan. He's not like most heroes. He's quirky and funny and has his faults. Yet he's a man that seeks God with all of his heart. And I loved him with Sierra.

I think that what really helped Sierra to make a decision about coming back to the States as opposed to staying in Brazil was her friend Mariana. When Mariana calls on Sierra to pick her up from a wild night, Sierra goes. But it's while the girls are together that Mariana admits that she's needing what Sierra, Jordan, and Derek all have - a personal relationship with God. I think that Mariana's salvation was God's way of closing the door on the Brazil chapter of Sierra's life. One of the thoughts that really stood out to me though was when Mariana told Sierra to stop trying to make God proud of her. I had to stop reading for a minute and think about that. So often in own life, I've felt that I was trying to make my Daddy God proud of me. I wanted Him to be able to be proud to call me His daughter. I realized, like Sierra, that God's already proud of me and that all I have to do is to just keep loving Him. With that thought in mind, I'm looking forward to my retreat this weekend where I'll spend some time with some of my sisters and be able to escape for a few days.

Robin, thank you so much for writing more of Sierra's story. I'm eagerly awaiting the book mentioned in your author's note, Cottage By the Sea. I know that when I read it, not only will I fall in love with additional characters, I'll get to meet up with one of my favorite friends again.

My thoughts and my opinions are my own.