Divine Appointments - Charlene Ann Baumbich

Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich was a tough read for me. I really wanted to like it because I like most books I read published by WaterBrook Multnomah, but I just couldn't do it with Divine Appointments.

Josie Brooks is single, nearly 50, and thinks she's got it made. A series of events happen that turn her life upside down and she is left trying to figure out her next steps and her life. Her coworkers are dealing with issues in their lives as well, and added together, everyone is faced with decisions to make.

I typically read a book in one sitting, but it took me about three days to finally finish this book. I didn't particularly like Josie's character, nor the other main characters. I found one character's attempts at a novel to be ridiculous; there had to be a better way for this character to express her emotions.

Although I really wanted to like this novel, I really just ended up ploughing through it mindlessly bored.

Thank you anyway, WaterBrook Multnomah, for the review copy. My opinions are my own honest ramblings.

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes - Robin Jones Gunn

I have a soft place in my heart for Robin Jones Gunn. Through her Christy Miller series, I got to know God and grew in my faith every single time I reread any of her books. That still happens when I read the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, or Glenbrooke series.

I recently received a review copy of Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn that I read in a span of three hours. Big type, somewhat surface, and overall a very quick read. It was interesting to read, as I enjoyed the Dutch history and culture woven throughout the two Sisterchicks' adventures.

Throughout the story, Gunn weaves a theme of overcoming fears, of both the past and the future. Summer has an abnormal test result...definitely scary. Noelle has a past that she hasn't addressed and an estranged relationship with her father. Both address their issues and their fears as they are loose in Holland and ridiculous adventures follow. I felt like this book was very surface...there were only a few parts of the story that went beyond surface level in terms of the characters and their lives and their growth.

Overall, a good, quick read. Enjoyable. I received this book for review from WaterBrook Multnomah (thank you!) and have expressed my opinion in this review.

Lady in Waiting - Susan Meissner

I have had my review copy (thank you, Waterbrook Multnomah!) of Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner for the last week and a half. Every evening, I look at the book then look at the clock. I typically finish most books that I start before I fall asleep that night, and with teaching the next day most days, it's hard to find time to start a book early enough in the evening. I know that's weird, but it's how I do things because I get so invested in the characters.

Anyway, FINALLY, tonight was the night. And I am so thankful I waited and gave myself a full evening to read, stop, process, read, enjoy, read, etc. this book. What an incredible story Susan Meissner weaves!

Jane and Jane are two women, centuries apart but similar in many ways. I was amazed as Meissner brought each Jane story to a semi-climax then moved on to the other Jane just when I couldn't stop reading! I must admit that I contemplated skipping ahead to find the next section of the Jane I was devouring.

Jane Lindsay, Jane Grey, and Lucy Day are complex women but Meissner writes their stories with beauty and grace. I was impressed with the attention to detail, as well as, simply put, the good storytelling.

I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and Christian fiction. While it wasn't too overtly pushed, I felt like I grew and was challenged in my own faith as I read this book. Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for the review copy of this great book. I was not asked to write a positive review...it's positive due to Meissner's lovely story.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball - Donita K. Paul

Meh. I really do not like cheesy Christmas books. While there were definitely entertaining parts to Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul, I was less than impressed with the story. I understand that Christmas books are a serious market and that many people do enjoy them. There is something magical about Christmas, and I totally get that. Unfortunately, this novella (a very quick read - only took me an hour or two) seemed to be just a little too cheesy for me. The love story between Cora and Simon seemed to be just a little bit too contrived. I was thankful that Sandy, Simon's younger sister with Downs Syndrome, was kindly portrayed. Beyond the ridiculous ending, there were a few funny scenes and some interesting moments. It was, for a light, cheesy read, just fine.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group read and review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.