About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Monday, March 3, 2025

Spark of the Revolution (Harbor of Spies #1) by Megan Soja

Spark of the Revolution (Harbor of Spies #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A spark ignites a flame that could burn down everything they hold dear.

Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties.

Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him.

As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own?



MY THOUGHTS.....

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, but I haven't read many books about the American Revolution recently. Debut author Megan Soja shares an engaging story that is abundant in historical details and overflowing with personal drama. Spark of the Revolution has wonderful characters who must choose where to place their allegiance. Should they remain loyal to England or instead fight its oppression?

I loved the special feelings that developed between Patience Abbott and Josiah Wagner, but an enduring relationship seemed unlikely. Patience and her brother Will arrived in Boston to establish a deeper bond with their father, but he was extremely loyal to England. Patience had always wanted a closer relationship with her father, but she also yearned to know Josiah better. How would her father ever accept a son-in-law who supported the Sons of Liberty?

Soja devoted much time and effort to research the period leading up to this event. She shared the motivation and events that preceded the Boston Tea Party, and her description of that December night had me holding my breath! Spark of the Revolution is filled with adventure, danger, and an inspiring faith element. Forgiveness, acceptance, and trust in God are woven into this emotional story, and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance. I look forward to the next book in the Harbor of Spies series!

I voluntarily accepted a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.

Learn more by visiting Megan's Website

Sunday, March 2, 2025

I Want to Trust You, But I Don't: Book & Study Guide by Lysa TerKeurst




ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience.

Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you're wondering, If God let this happen, can he even be trusted? 

How can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues? Lysa TerKeurst says it's not simply about finding better people to walk with. It's about developing the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don't become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship. In I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, Lysa shows you how to

  • identify which of the eleven relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you can pinpoint why you're feeling uneasy;
  • stop having more faith in your fears coming true than God coming through for you by asking crucial "what if" questions to better process your doubts;
  • recognize when a fractured relationship can be repaired by considering a reasonable list of characteristics necessary for rebuilding trust; and
  • understand the physical, emotional, and neurological impact of the betrayals you've experienced and start healing from the inside out.

In a world where so many things feel alarming, this book will give you a peace that isn't dependent on unpredictable people, circumstances, and experiences. Instead, it offers practical and biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to.


Learn more about this book by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/IWTTYBIDFG

Purchasing information can also be found at https://bit.ly/IWTTYBIDFG

 
MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Lysa Terkeurst shares her deepest hurts in 'I Want to Trust You, but I don't', and she doesn't spare any punches. This emotionally charged book is often gut-wrenching, but there is also a beacon of hope! Terkeurst uses her own experiences to help others navigate their trust issues with ten chapters that relate her journey. Each chapter ends with 'One More Thing I Want You to Know', a section that urges readers to remember, receive, reflect, and pray.

I appreciate that Scripture is abundant throughout the book and in the bonus section at the end. '10 Scriptural Truths to Remember God's Faithfulness' provides even more scripture and prayer prompts. Is there anyone who doesn't need more of God's Word?

I confess that I haven't endured the betrayal Terkeurst describes, but most of us have been hurt by someone we trusted. This book is filled with nuggets of inspiration, and I recommend it to all dealing with trust issues.

I received a complimentary copy from the author via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#iwanttotrustyoubook @proverbs31ministries @lysaterkeurst @harperchristianresources @nelsonbooks



Wonderful advice for all of us!



This is what I can control: making wise choices right now, knowing God is in control.

This is what I can't control: all that happens in the tomorrows to come. 










There is also a wonderful companion guide to Lysa Terkeurst's book. The I Want to Trust You, but I Don't Bible Study Guide has six sessions filled with discussion questions and study pages. This journal provides more insight and offers a place to record your thoughts and chart your progress. There are also videos to enhance your understanding. These videos are accessible by using the QR code shown in the front of the Study Guide.

I received a complimentary copy from the author via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Learn more about this Study Guide by visiting https://bit.ly/IWTTYBIDFG

#iwanttotrustyoubook @proverbs31ministries @lysaterkeurst @harperchristianresources @nelsonbooks



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lysa TerKeurst is the president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. She enjoys life with her husband, Chaz, and her kids and grandkids. Connect with her at LysaTerKeurst.com or on social media.

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