Category: Reviews

BONUS REVIEW: The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation by A. J. Sherrill

BONUS REVIEW: The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation by A. J. Sherrill

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Brazos Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The author’s goal with this book is to help readers see the Enneagram as a means for spiritual growth rather than being reduced to a number and a collection of behaviors and motivations. The book is laid out with some introductory material and then the spiritual growth pieces.

I enjoyed two of the chapters. One looked at two spiritual practices per type – one “downstream” practice that would come naturally to the type and one “upstream” practice that would be a useful challenge. For example, for Type Ones, the author recommends journaling for both the downstream and upstream, highlighting journaling that will come easily as well as ways to use it to dig deeper into areas that might push against the personality. This chapter also recommends a season or event in the Church calendar that might click with a particular type. The other chapter I liked chose Bible passages that can be instructive for each type, as well as a piece of scripture to memorize. For Type Ones, the author recommends reading about the Apostle Paul in Acts.

I read the sections for my type in the book and felt they were on target for things I would enjoy doing as well as things that could help me grow. I could see Spiritual Directors and/or therapists using these chapters to add to their repertoire of responses to individuals of various types looking for growth. And I definitely appreciated the approach that one size does not fit all when it comes to spiritual practices. It’s okay that certain ones don’t click for you or that some come more easily than others. You aren’t a spiritual growth failure if a particular practice isn’t your jam.

Unfortunately, other than these two practical chapters, I didn’t find much here that was new or that I didn’t already have in other resources. If someone were to ask me for a reference for spiritual growth, I would highly recommend Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram. It’s one of my top Enneagram recommendations anyway, and it gets at some of these same ideas in more detail.

If you are in practice where you work with individuals on their Enneagram types and spiritual development, consider checking this one out in addition to Spiritual Rhythms to develop recommendations and resources for each type to pursue growth and health.

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥=Good/Solid/Fine

REVIEW: Well Played by Jen DeLuca

REVIEW: Well Played by Jen DeLuca

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

At the end of the summer’s Renaissance Faire run, Emily is engaged and Stacey is feeling stuck. She gave up a career and a life in New York to help out her mom with a health scare. Her job feels like a dead end. She lives above her parents’ garage. And the only relationship she’s had is her hook up with Dex from the Faire.

After an evening of melancholy – and wine – Stacey messages Dex and lays out her loneliness. The next day, she’s mortified over her boldness and vulnerability. But he actually responds! Soon they are messaging back and forth, and she realizes he has more depth than she ever gave him credit for. Occasional messages turn into regular emails and then daily texts. And Stacey’s feelings for Dex grow.

Until the moment, a week before the Faire begins the new season where they will be in the same town for a few weeks, when Stacey realizes she’s been texting with Daniel, Dex’s cousin, for the last year and not Dex.

Review

It’s so good to be back at the RenFaire! I loved the first book in this series, Well Met (♥♥♥♥♥), and I was eager to see how things were going for Emily and Simon while digging into the new relationship at the center of this book.

I enjoyed Stacey and Daniel’s story. While I didn’t feel they had the same spark as Emily and Simon, I liked them together. In a lot of ways this is Stacey’s story alone. She feels trapped and resigned to her situation. I was eager to see how she was going to change over the course of the story.

The main conflict here – Daniel’s identity – has some layers. And it’s prickly when everything comes out. The lying is bad – he should have just told her the truth from the start. But then there wouldn’t be much of a story. So in some ways it was a plot device to give tension to the romance. But the romance is warm and sweet in the end, so you can forgive a lot.

I don’t think these books have to be read in order, but I think it’s more fun that way. Then you can see how the first relationship is growing while the second one is getting started. Book 3, Well Matched, is scheduled for next year, and I’m excited to read it. It will star Emily’s sister, April, who is a prickly character in the first book, but she softens a little in this one. I am extremely curious to see how my image of her changes as I get to know her from her own story.

I love the RenFaire setting for this series. It’s really what keeps bringing me back. Romance fans and Renaissance Faire fans should check this out. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½=Good+

BONUS REVIEW: Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

BONUS REVIEW: Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Myrtle Hardcastle is the daughter of the local prosecutor, and a scientist, her late mother. So she comes by her intellect and her curiosity honestly. So can anyone be surprised when she uses the telescope to look in on the neighbors or when she reads about poisons?

When Myrtle notices a change in the daily patterns of her neighbors at Redgraves, she looks into things on her own and then notifies the police. They discover that the lady of the house, Miss Wodehouse, has passed away.

Everyone says it was her heart, but Myrtle is convinced it was murder. Myrtle and her governess, Miss Judson, do some of their own investigating at Redgraves, talking to the presumed heirs as well and hunting for clues. In fact, Myrtle eventually convinces the powers that be that it was, in fact, murder. Now, all she has to do is find the killer.

Review

This was excellent! I loved the characters in this. Myrtle is a delight – brilliant and confident. And the cast around her is equally fantastic. I would snap up book 2 – How to Get Away With Myrtle – which also released this week. This was terrific!

The characters are what would keep me coming back to this series. I’m already excited about their next adventure. But the mystery in this is also excellent. There are several suspects and some nice surprises. Mystery fans are going to love this! Crimes include a suspicious death/murder, fraud, and kidnapping.

Do not miss this new mystery series for older middle grade readers (ages 10+) or the amazing Myrtle Hardcastle. I’d hand this to kids who enjoy mysteries like City Spies, FRAMED, Aggie Morton, The Westing Game, Capture the Flag, The Parker Inheritance, or Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor. (You can read about other middle grade mysteries here.) I think they will fall in love with Myrtle.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½=I loved it! Would re-read!

REVIEW: Izzy in the Doghouse by Caroline Adderson

REVIEW: Izzy in the Doghouse by Caroline Adderson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Izzy is a spunky girl with tons of spirit, gumption, and crazy ideas. Zoe is her best friend – most of the time. But when Izzy’s ideas get them sent to the principal, Zoe storms off with another friend, leaving Izzy all alone.

But a new puppy might be just the thing to help Izzy in the lonely times when her mom is travelling or when she’s in the doghouse with Zoe. Plus, what’s better at a play date than a puppy?

Review

This was darling! Izzy is a hoot and completely believable for her age. Her quirks are endearing instead of annoying. And she shows great resilience when she and Zoe hit a friendship snag.

The puppy part of the story is a lot of fun. I especially liked how many times Izzy fell in “love at first sight.” The puppy doesn’t magically fix things with Zoe. Time does that on its own. But Rollo does make for a fun playmate when the friends reconnect.

There’s a great adoption thread to this that’s naturally woven into the story. I found it very sweet!

If you are looking for a great early chapter book for your new reader or for your classroom, be sure to check out Izzy!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 6, 2020.]

Summary

Maelyn Jones and her family spend each Christmas with her parents’ college friends and their families. Maelynn has been coming to this cabin since she was born. The rest of the “kids”in the group are her younger brother, Miles who is 17; the twins, Kennedy and Zachary who are five; Theo, who is Mae’s age, 26; and Theo’s older brother, Andrew, Mae’s lifelong crush, who is 30.

This Christmas, Mae and Theo enjoy too much eggnog and end up making out in the mudroom. Now, Mae is mortified. She doesn’t have those sorts of feelings for womanizing Theo. Thankfully she halted things before they went too far. But Theo is being a jerk about it all. And to make it even worse, Andrew saw them. He’s clueless about her crush and teases her about Theo.

The final straw to this awful 24 hour period is hearing that Theo and Andrew’s parents are going to sell the cabin. The one happy anchor in her life is going to disappear. So she asks the universe to show her what would make her happy. Right after that, the car she is in with her family is blindsided and everything goes dark.

When Mae wakes up, it is December 20th – again. She’s in the airplane on her way to the Christmas she already lived through once. As Mae’s personal Groundhog Day plays out, she’ll have to figure out what the universe is trying to show her.

Review

This is a fun holiday story with some laugh-out-loud moments. Mae and Andrew are great, especially together. They felt young at times compared to their stated ages. Maybe it’s because they are the second generation of this extended family group. I enjoyed the rest of the cast, too. The whole Christmas week at the cabin together was a fun set up for this.

The Groundhog Day story hits hard and fast, but then it almost disappears. Mae has 2 false starts at her do-over, but on the third it shifts from more do-overs to just anxiety about a reset coming and losing the progress she has made. It felt a little off balance.

The ending was good, and I enjoyed the epilogue that ties everything together in a satisfying way. If you enjoy the author’s other work or are looking for a Christmas romance, give this one a try. (Language, sex, LGBTQ+, references to tarot readings)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 13, 2020.]

Summary

Leo Ricci drives a New York City cab and also is the super of the building where he lives. He’s raising his eleven-year-old sister, Gabby. His neighbor and cousin-in-law, Dani, is a huge help as he feels out of his league almost all of the time.

Her Royal Highness Marie Joséphine Annagret Elana, Princess of Eldovia, is in New York to speak at the United Nations about the refugee crisis and then to handle some negotiations with American businesses, one in particular. Failing to fix the relationship between Eldovia and the businessman will be devastating to her country. And she’s not sure how much more of her father’s disapproval she can take.

Leo and Maria meet when she gets in his cab. His sister is gaga over meeting a real life princess. And Leo’s always had a thing for rescuing damsels in distress. He agrees to help Maria out by serving as her driver while she is in the city. In return, she invites Leo and Gabby to Eldovia for Christmas, like they are in some sort of Hallmark Christmas movie. But Leo and Maria come from two vastly different worlds. He’s barely making ends meet, and she’s a princess with an obligation to marry “strategically.” What business do they have spending Christmas together?

Review

This was delightful! It definitely has a Hallmark Christmas Movie feel to it (though far steamier than Hallmark Channel would ever allow), which is exactly what the author was going for. In fact, according to the acknowledgements, there are going to be two more books in the series. And if I am reading the signs right in the epilogue about where the sequel is headed, I am absolutely here for book 2!

I adored Leo and Marie. They really “get” each other. And they have great chemistry complete with excellent banter. They connect over their lost family members, care well for Gabby, and Leo helps Marie find her way through several conflicts. He sees her as a person, not just as a princess.

The story here is great. I loved that the conflicts are around the differences in their status and in the expectations of Marie in her role. There’s no secret identity or lying involved which is a nice change of pace.

This is another winner for Christmas 2020. Don’t miss this sexy holiday romance! (Language, sex, CW: grief/loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = Loved it! Would read again!

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Hallmark Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 6, 2020.]

Summary

If you had asked Ashley at Thanksgiving about her Christmas plans, you would have heard her talk about her first real vacation in years. She would have talked about a trip to Paris with her boyfriend, Jeremy, to spend the holiday with his family. For a brief, shining moment she even thought she might be going on the trip with a diamond on her left ring finger. Instead of an international flight with a fiancé, though, she’s on a train headed home. Alone.

On the train, Ashley sits by a sweet older woman, Betty, who knits while Ashley pours her heart out about her life in New York City, her broken relationship, and her unfulfilled dreams. Ashley eventually dozes off. When she wakes up, the train is at her home station. Betty is gone, but she’s left Ashley a knit stocking and the gorgeous vintage Christmas charm bracelet she had been wearing.

Ashley puts the bracelet on to keep from losing it, but she’s determined to find Betty and give it back. It’s too extravagant of a gift. But there’s something weird about it. Ashley can’t get it off – the clasp won’t open. And things keep happening to Ashley that match a charm on her wrist – like the dog on the porch and the decorations at her parents’ house. Is Betty’s bracelet magical? Surely it’s just a coincidence, right?

Review

A delight from start to finish!

I loved this warm and magical Christmas story from Hallmark Publishing. The magical elements made this feel different and fresh and unique. I was pleasantly surprised by the reveal of why each charm is there, and I enjoyed watching the whole story come together.

The characters here are fantastic. Just like a Hallmark movie, there’s the ex who takes the protagonist for granted and doesn’t realize what he has in front of him until she is gone. You also have the charming home town that reminds the city girl of who she used to be. There’s also the true love who got away. I am a sap for every bit of it!

I’ve been reading a lot of 2020 Christmas releases in the last month, and this is one of the best. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = Loved it! Would re-read!

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 6, 2020.]

Summary

In 1972, Joan, a young wife and mother, teaches herself to cook from her mother’s recipes. When cancer strikes, she continues to cook, when she feels up to it, using the recipes to connect with her children. Family time is precious as they fight for her survival. Through the year, her husband finds some respite working on a table for their kitchen.

In 2012, Lauren and Travis discover they’re going to have a baby. As their friends help the newlyweds prepare their home for a new arrival, Lauren gets a refurbished kitchen table. The table has a secret drawer. Inside, she discovers a stack of recipe cards which include family stories. As she experiments with the recipes, Lauren is determined to do all she can to return those cards to that family.

Review

This is book 10 in the Christmas Hope series by Donna VanLiere. I think the books can be read alone (I started with book 8, The Christmas Town) without too much trouble, but to get everything out of the relationships, readers might try the books in order.

I liked the dual timeline/split timeline in this. The 1972 story keeps you wondering all the way through about how things will turn out for this family. For me, it was stressful. There’s a strong prayer/faith component to this timeline in the book which I enjoyed. For some, the cancer/chemo pieces could be difficult to read.

I preferred the 2012 timeline. I have loved Lauren’s story since The Christmas Town, so I was happy to spend more time with her in this book. The ending, where all was connected and revealed, was terrific and satisfying.

I liked the idea of using recipe cards as a storytelling mechanism. But in reality, it got old to me at times to read the cooking details. I felt like it slowed the story down. Cooking is not something I enjoy, but those pieces might be perfect and enjoyable for other readers who do. The book includes several recipes for readers who want to try some of the items on their own.

Fans of Grandon and the Christmas Hope series will want to pick this one up. Readers who enjoy stories of faith, warm Christmas tales, and dual/split  timeline stories should check this out, too. (CW: Cancer/Chemo. One reference in the ARC to a newborn sleeping on her stomach. Due to SIDS risk, babies should be put to sleep on their backs.)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Holding Out for Christmas by Janet Dailey

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Holding Out for Christmas by Janet Dailey

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Zebra in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Connor Branch, former rodeo star, has settled into the Christmas Tree Ranch in Branding Iron with his buddies, Travis and Rush. This time of year they’re cutting down and selling Christmas trees, caring for the ranch, and giving sleigh rides. And Connor is dreaming of his Cinderella – a singer he heard at last year’s Cowboy Christmas Ball. She left before he could meet her, but he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her for the last year. He is hoping to meet the beautiful and talented Lacy Leatherwood this Christmas.

Megan Carson teaches kindergarten in Nashville. She was driving into Branding Iron to help her family with some things during the holidays when the storm kicked up, stranding her. Thankfully, Connor came along and rescued her from a cold night in her car in a ditch. Megan likes Branding Iron, but this is going to be a visit only. Her parents could use her help here on a regular basis. And teachers are in high demand in the community. But in Nashville, Megan’s alter ego, Lacy Leatherwood, is pursuing her dream performing career.

Megan finds out about Connor’s feelings regarding Lacy Leatherwood, but she doesn’t want to tell him the truth about her. Men tend to get hot and bothered over Lacy and forget about Megan, the real woman behind the flashy clothes, wig, and false eyelashes. She’ll just pal around with him while she’s in town and then get back to her real life and her dream in Nashville.

Review

I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I requested it, but it is the third book in the Christmas Tree Ranch series. Book one is My Kind of Christmas (Travis’ story), and book 2 is It’s a Christmas Thing (Rush’s story – part of the Kindle Unlimited program at the time of this writing).

This was a warm Christmas story in a nice community with interesting characters. I especially enjoyed meeting Megan and her family. I would have liked to get to know Connor’s friends a bit more, but that’s what the first two books are for. Those books are already on my wishlist so I can go back and pick up their stories.

Megan’s personal conflicts – her feelings about the guy in Nashville, her questions about what her role should be with her family, and her dreams of a music career – were more engaging to me than the “masked singer” pieces about Lacy. I wasn’t sold on her passion for performing. But her wrestling over her family responsibilities was something I wanted to see play out more.

Series fans will absolutely want to pick this up to finish the story arcs of the three guys from the ranch. New readers, though, should have no trouble starting here. I think you will want to track down the rest of the books, though, eventually. Pick this up for a light Christmas romance with great characters in a lovely community setting. But if you are picking this up for the truck full of puppies, don’t bother. While there’s a dog in the book, these puppies don’t make an appearance at all.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Amish Christmas Twins

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Amish Christmas Twins

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this short story collection from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

“The Christmas Not-Wish” by Shelley Shepard Gray

After a series of foster homes, Jemima and Roy move in with Will and Elizabeth Ann right before Christmas. The kids’ last foster home was bad, and now they are gun-shy. When they find out EA is pregnant, the kids are afraid they’ll have to leave and take their chances on another foster home.

This was delightful! Nothing terribly surprising, but completely heartwarming and sweet. I loved the kids, and Will and EA worked well through the inevitable bumps along the way as they all adjusted to one another.

 

“New Beginnings” by Rachel J. Good

Elizabeth is a young widow trying to get through the holiday season. Then the hard season is compounded by an injury. But it does bring Luke into her life more often as he comes to her aid. Both are filled with regrets over what might have been.

This was a more painful, but also more precious and heart warming story. Lots of faith components in this one as both Elizabeth and Luke seek God for their struggles. It’s a toss up which of these two stories I liked more. Both were terrific. (CW: grief/loss, teen pregnancy)

 

“Twins Times Two” by Loree Lough

The Briskey twins – Paul and Peter – and their cousins the Hartz twins – James and Thomas – are known around town as Double Trouble. At almost 14, their antics are getting more serious all the time. Playing chicken with a bull is the last straw. As punishment, their parents require them to work for Jubal on his dairy farm to make up for the trouble they have caused.

This one was more slow moving than the other two stories. The love story shared equal time with this redemption story with the four boys. I found that story, with the teens, an absolute delight. Sadly, the romance really didn’t grab me at all in this one. Every scene with the boys, though, made this a worthwhile read. (CW: grief/loss)

 

Overall, the collection of stories here is lovely. I would read all three again. If you love Amish fiction, don’t miss these Christmas stories that all involve twins in one way or another.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥=Great!