Mayhem on the Marzipan Express

 

**1/2

PG

Would Not Recommend

I don't know if I was just in a bad mood or what but I did not love this book :(

I wanted to like it...crime on an old fashioned train in the Scottish Highlands?  Yes please!

However, multiple times while reading I thought about not finishing because it was so sickeningly sweet.  The only thing that kept me going was the mystery.  I WAS able to call the murderer which is always a triumph :) but seriously, the dialogue was way too much and, frankly, unbelievable at times.

I don't remember feeling this way about the first in the series so it surprised me that I had such strong feelings about this one.

I would have a hard time recommending this book.

Whispers at Painswick Court

 

***1/2

strong PG

{V} {BSt}

Could Recommend

I liked this book.  I liked the mystery aspect and I felt the characters and plot were interesting.

There are a couple of murders...one of which is mildly graphic {Violence} in describing how the victim was found but overall not too bloody/gory.  One of the characters is also a rake and so there is a {Backstory} of a woman he seduced, but that also is not described in great detail.

I enjoyed it and could recommend it but probably won't go out of my way to do so :) 

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

 

****

G

Easily Recommend

I belong to a book group which reads nonfiction and often religious books.  It started out as a C.S. Lewis book group but has expanded to other authors recently.

I didn't have any expectations for this book but was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  The author draws beautiful parallels between the lives of sheep and their shepherd and our lives and relationship with our Savior.

He takes the famous psalm and breaks it down line by line and teaches why each statement is significant.

It is very relatable and easy to digest.

I've already put it on my husband's nightstand so he can read it...so, yes, I easily recommend it :)

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley

 

***

PG

a little {L} {UM}

Probably Won't Recommend

On Instagram I saw quite a few people recommend this author as a favorite for clean romance.

I decided to give her a try.  I will admit she is a good author...her writing style was relatable and modern and the story was interesting.  However, the Lord's name was used in vain a couple of times {Language} and there were a few other {Uncomfortable Moments} so I struggled to really love it and also feel like I can't completely recommend it either.  I don't think I will be trying any more of her books.  It wasn't because it was SO offensive...just not great enough to offset the things that I didn't appreciate about it.

True Love Gave to Me

 

***

PG

 a little {TMP} {UM}

Could Probably Recommend

Since this is a compilation with 4 different authors I will try to speak in generalities with maybe only one specific.  

I liked how all the stories took place in the same geographical area so the main characters in each story were referenced in the other stories as well.

I felt like pretty much all of them had just a little bit {Too Much Passion} for my liking with the added objection of a couple of {Uncomfortable Moments} in Anne Farleigh's story.

However, overall, I enjoyed the book and all of its festive tales.

I could probably feel comfortable recommending this book to others.

Of Gold and Shadows

 

****

PG

a little (TMP)

Easily Recommend

I really enjoyed this book!  I think Michelle Griep is an excellent author who builds great characters and knows how to make the story flow.

It was an interesting premise and included a little bit of action.

My only complaint was just one or two spots of {Too Much Passion}.  It wasn't overboard...just kind of pushing the limits a tad for my taste.  But honestly, very clean!

Glad to see this will be a series and I can enjoy more books like 'Of Gold and Shadows'!

I will easily recommend this book to friends :)

The Best Kept Secrets

 

****

G

Easily Recommend

As with all of Sarah Eden's books, this was a delight and there was nothing objectionable of which to speak.

The story was different enough and, as always, the characters are well developed and very likable (or dislikable depending on the character :)

I will easily recommend this one!