Reclaiming my Reading Life

I am such a fan of time traveling book that pairs a modern independent woman with a whatever century man (think Outlander). Outlander might be a bit too risqué for some readers, but with Jody Hedlund, you can get your dose of this premise, that isn't shy on romance and chemistry, but in a non-explicit way. The way she weaved time travel in the story is obviously creative and has its pinning in Christian world view. And who doesn't love a Knight? I adored this story and can't wait to read Book 2 and 3. I'll keep you updated! Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund My rating: 5 of 5 stars When I saw Jody Hedlund wrote a time traveling Christian fiction book, I knew I HAD to read. I have been a fan of this author since discovering her work last year. I love how she writes romance and doesn't stifle the chemistry between the leads but allows them to express it an a realistic and captivating way. Add a modern woman and a MiddleAges Knight, and we have a STORY! The time trave...

 A genre that I love is a good solid Christian historical fiction book. Being from Eastern VA and having spent many summers vacaying in the Outer Banks, this story really interested me. And this book didn't disappoint. The genres is Christian fiction, so if you aren't into books of faith and people finding their faith, then this probably isn't for you. But for me, it checked all of my must haves for this genre. Looking forward to reading the others in this series! Mary by Shannon McNear My rating: 5 of 5 stars I am an avid fan of historical Christian fiction and I have read many books in different time periods! There are a few characteristics that really make me LOVE a book in this genre and want me to read more by the author- interesting setting, creativity in storytelling, realism and multifaced characters, who wrestle with an authentic faith....oh, and a romance that is dynamic, true to life and not shying away from attraction and passion...and Shannon McNear in this...

  Twenty-One Nights in Paris Confession time: since visiting Paris 10 years ago, I have a soft spot for a solid Parisian Romance. There is something incredibly romantic about that city. It's the perfect backdrop for romance to blossom. And I also love a story where there is a character development arc of a woman trying to overcome her reservations and insecurities (and in this case, stemming from trauma). This book hit all the right notes and was a perfect cozy fall read!  Twenty-One Nights in Paris by Leonie Mack My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book hit all the right notes of a romance. The setting, Paris...well, you can never go wrong setting a romance in that city! Ren, the heiress, finding her strength to stand up to herself and confront her trauma was well developed. The romantic lead, Sacha, was such a compelling sweetheart. Who wouldn't love than man? And as a teacher, I loved that he was a teacher! The supporting characters, mainly Sacha's friends and family, reall...

  Guess what? I turned 40 this week. Forty . It's been humbling, surreal and exciting to entire a new decade of my life. And with a big birthday, comes reflection... It comes as no surprise to people that know me that these past few years of child-rearing has been a struggle. It's actually been incredibly exhausting. Struggling with mental health of your children is not a fun endeavor. We are in a much better place than we have been in years, so that's been a welcome, positive change.  I am also finding much more satisfaction in my work/home balance. I decided not to go back to work full time to focus on the mental health needs of my kids as well as my own. I am doing a few parttime endeavors and loving the flexibility. I tend to hyper focus on work so this allows me enough wiggle room that I have time to balance more (maybe not cleaning though...eek!) Once the pandemic was in full swing and kids were home on virtual learning (Fall 2020), I started picking up books and read...

  I absolutely ADORED this book! Sometimes I need a light hearted read to reset and this was perfection!  I loved that Nora is a Romance Screenwriter for a Hallmarkesque Romance Channel. She explains perfectly the formula for a good romance movie of the week. And yet, her story definitely goes off script.  But in the end...everything rights itself, like a lighthearted rom-com book should. Read this in two days (only because sleep is a must when you have children). And the chemistry between the Nora and Leo..it definitely leaps off the page! Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan My rating: 5 of 5 stars (*****) I absolutely LOVED this book. Read it in two settings and the second half, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. This need to be made into a movie ASAP. Leo and Nora, the chemistry between them was everything. I checked this book out from the library, but I'm definitely purchasing because it needs a re-read. Well done. If you love Emily Henry, Beth O'Lea...