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ashleyraye's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Some of the authors in this box set I had never heard of before, but since reading their writing I can't get enough. I want to read everything. Each author writes clean, christian romance, but still managed to have completely different storylines. I enjoyed some more than others, but I still learned something from each book. There were many lessons on love, forgiveness, not being afraid to live the life God gave you. I have been inspired by this collection and plan to make some changes in my life.
Because We Cared by Juliette Duncan
Respect. That was a main theme throughout this book. The way the characters had such respect for each other was inspiring. The conservation aspects showed great respect for the earth and reminded me that we are stewards of the earth. Even the way the characters handled the past, everything they had been through, was done in a respectful and humble way. I believe this amount of respect came from love. This book has left me thinking and pondering all the main lessons in its short amount of pages. I definitely think this one will speak to people and impact them in some way.
I felt so strongly that I had to pause while reading the book. I was consumed with the admiration I had for these characters and had to give myself time to really absorb the deep love, care, and respect that permeated this book.
Nothing More by Autumn Macarthur
Timing belongs to God. We may not know when exactly things will happen, chances are they won't when we think they should, but there is a reason they happen the way they do. This book demonstrated that in the way it took 30 years and a harsh diagnosis before things in life started falling into place. There were a lot of regrets, choices had been made that left a lot of the characters unhappy. They wished they could go back and change things, but the past was past, they had to forgive and move on in order to enjoy the time they had left. We don't know what will happen in the future, these characters surely didn't, but they were determined to live fully now. To make amends now. To love now. Life doesn't stop, it is made up of single seconds, moments, that can change your whole future. Those moments are where your life happens. This book showed these moments, some sad, some happy, others that were hilarious, and still more that were tender and sweet. The way they had been living wasn't what either one wanted, but they kept going, doing what they thought they should, but never stopping long enough to work through what happened and to find a way to move past all the pain and hurt. They were given a chance to change that, but they were still afraid that they would get hurt. That what happened in the past was too big to move past and discover the marriage they both wanted. Slowly they started opening up to each other and being there when the other one needed them. They were forced to face the harsh reality that life is short and you can't let the moments pass you by because you just might miss something truly amazing.
They almost let love slip through their fingers, but God had other plans. He was the one who gave them their second chance. Now, what's left of their lives they will spend together, making the most of each moment.
More Than This by Marion Ueckermann
This book touches on drifting apart and rediscovering the love a married couple once had. Our couple met a lot of new people, people I hope will be in later books in this series. Every person provided a lesson in true love. Something that is so common, but often overlooked. The sense of community and the way everyone rallied behind each other was inspiring. It showed how in all relationships you need to have love and be careful not to let it fall to the wayside.
A Royal Inheritance by Joy Ohagwu
This was a fast read, it dropped you right into the tale and swept you along in this story about being with the one you love. It was different from most books I read, but I liked that. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series.
One Love by T.K. Chapin
One Love is about discovering your one true love - God. I didn't know what to expect going into this story. There wasn't as much drama in it as I have come to expect in most stories, this was an easy flow, something that showed us a slice of life. I wish there had been more to the book, the ending felt a little sudden. All in all, it was a great story, and I found out that I enjoy this author's writing style.
Love Renewed by Lorana Hoopes
Reunited high school sweethearts. A second chance at love. A mystery around the lodge caretaker? What isn't there to like?
Love Renewed was basically a Hallmark Christmas movie. Was it predictable? Yes. Was it a little cheesy in parts? Yes. Did I love every minute of it? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes.
There really are no other words to describe it. It had all the cute, sweet, heartwarming little moments a Hallmark movie has.
So You Love To Hate Your Boss by Elizabeth Maddrey
I love enemies to lovers, this book did it so well. They didn't like each other because of some preconceptions, but when they were forced to work closely with each other, they found out that each other wasn't who they thought they were. The road to happily ever after was filled with some missteps, there were a lot of issues they had to work through. I especially liked the military aspect of the book and how it showed a soldier trying to fit back into society.
I was entertained throughout the whole story. I really wanted to see these two overcome their differences and work past all the negatives in each other to finally experience some joy in their relationships.
Love's Sacrifice by Evangeline Kelly
Wow. This book was cute, but in an intense way. I don't think I have read a book quite like this one before. It was refreshing to have something different. The story felt real, the emotional aspect was moving and touched me deeply. This story is one I'm glad I didn't miss, it was just that good.
Ruby Radiance by Valerie Comer
I didn't know much about geocaching going into this book, so I found learning about it interesting. I liked how the author paralleled their lives with the geocaching. These characters had a lot they had to go through to figure out how they would work together. They needed to learn to trust each other and love again. The author has a way of building up backstory that makes the characters feel real. I enjoyed getting to know them and I hope I see them in other books in the Pot of Gold Geocaching Romance series.
Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings
I absolutely loved this book, it was cute and had a little bit of mystery to it. Since it was Historical Fiction it had older, more wholesome values which I find far more romantic than the more modern values. It was a prequel, so now I am curious about the other books in the series. If they are as enjoyable as this book, then I think I will enjoy the whole series.
Heart's Home by Valerie M. Bodden
I rarely cry while reading. When I do it is usually because something that happened relates to me in some way, there is always a reason behind it. This book made me cry because it is such a beautiful story.
The characters felt real, like friends, people I want to spend time with and get to know better. I cared about all of them and am invested in their lives.
The main characters had their own struggles, but they fought through and found a way to follow their dreams, even when those dreams changed.
There is a lot of meaning behind this book. It was amazing, so much so that I struggle to put into words my thoughts and feelings about it. I will definitely be getting this author's other books.
Someday Soon by Melissa Tagg
Paige is so feisty, I absolutely love it. I couldn't help but smile at their banter throughout the book. I loved the way they moved through grief and fear, they had to learn how to let go and accept the past so they could move forward in their lives. Some moments brought tears to my eyes, others made me laugh out loud. This book is one I didn't want to end. I want to read some other books from this author and read more about these characters.
I read it in only a couple of hours; I didn't feel like I could stop. I loved every minute.
A Thousand Words by Mandi Blake
This book was so cute. I was drawn in from the beginning, I just had to see how the story ended. The most amazing part is that it is a prequel to an already existing series, which means I can go and read all of those books and get to stay with these characters for a little bit longer. I can't wait to read them and see what happens with the characters I met in this prequel.
I have read some other books by Mandi Blake and I believe they just keep getting better and better. This one had an easy flow, and it kept me emotionally engaged. I was grinning like a fool during the whole book because it was so adorable.
The relationship between the main characters was great. I love that they knew each other before being set up on a date. They made a few mistakes with keeping things secret, but they learned how to be open with each other and other people. There is a lot to love about this book.
The Lifeguard, The Runaway Bride, & Frozen Custard by Carol Moncado
This book was fun, fast-paced, maybe overly so. It seemed to jump a lot with some quick scene transitions. This is normal for shorter stories, but I find it a little jarring, making it hard to truly get into the book. I liked the story concept though.
I received ARCs of these books and have voluntarily left this honest review.
Because We Cared by Juliette Duncan
Respect. That was a main theme throughout this book. The way the characters had such respect for each other was inspiring. The conservation aspects showed great respect for the earth and reminded me that we are stewards of the earth. Even the way the characters handled the past, everything they had been through, was done in a respectful and humble way. I believe this amount of respect came from love. This book has left me thinking and pondering all the main lessons in its short amount of pages. I definitely think this one will speak to people and impact them in some way.
I felt so strongly that I had to pause while reading the book. I was consumed with the admiration I had for these characters and had to give myself time to really absorb the deep love, care, and respect that permeated this book.
Nothing More by Autumn Macarthur
Timing belongs to God. We may not know when exactly things will happen, chances are they won't when we think they should, but there is a reason they happen the way they do. This book demonstrated that in the way it took 30 years and a harsh diagnosis before things in life started falling into place. There were a lot of regrets, choices had been made that left a lot of the characters unhappy. They wished they could go back and change things, but the past was past, they had to forgive and move on in order to enjoy the time they had left. We don't know what will happen in the future, these characters surely didn't, but they were determined to live fully now. To make amends now. To love now. Life doesn't stop, it is made up of single seconds, moments, that can change your whole future. Those moments are where your life happens. This book showed these moments, some sad, some happy, others that were hilarious, and still more that were tender and sweet. The way they had been living wasn't what either one wanted, but they kept going, doing what they thought they should, but never stopping long enough to work through what happened and to find a way to move past all the pain and hurt. They were given a chance to change that, but they were still afraid that they would get hurt. That what happened in the past was too big to move past and discover the marriage they both wanted. Slowly they started opening up to each other and being there when the other one needed them. They were forced to face the harsh reality that life is short and you can't let the moments pass you by because you just might miss something truly amazing.
They almost let love slip through their fingers, but God had other plans. He was the one who gave them their second chance. Now, what's left of their lives they will spend together, making the most of each moment.
More Than This by Marion Ueckermann
This book touches on drifting apart and rediscovering the love a married couple once had. Our couple met a lot of new people, people I hope will be in later books in this series. Every person provided a lesson in true love. Something that is so common, but often overlooked. The sense of community and the way everyone rallied behind each other was inspiring. It showed how in all relationships you need to have love and be careful not to let it fall to the wayside.
A Royal Inheritance by Joy Ohagwu
This was a fast read, it dropped you right into the tale and swept you along in this story about being with the one you love. It was different from most books I read, but I liked that. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series.
One Love by T.K. Chapin
One Love is about discovering your one true love - God. I didn't know what to expect going into this story. There wasn't as much drama in it as I have come to expect in most stories, this was an easy flow, something that showed us a slice of life. I wish there had been more to the book, the ending felt a little sudden. All in all, it was a great story, and I found out that I enjoy this author's writing style.
Love Renewed by Lorana Hoopes
Reunited high school sweethearts. A second chance at love. A mystery around the lodge caretaker? What isn't there to like?
Love Renewed was basically a Hallmark Christmas movie. Was it predictable? Yes. Was it a little cheesy in parts? Yes. Did I love every minute of it? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes.
There really are no other words to describe it. It had all the cute, sweet, heartwarming little moments a Hallmark movie has.
So You Love To Hate Your Boss by Elizabeth Maddrey
I love enemies to lovers, this book did it so well. They didn't like each other because of some preconceptions, but when they were forced to work closely with each other, they found out that each other wasn't who they thought they were. The road to happily ever after was filled with some missteps, there were a lot of issues they had to work through. I especially liked the military aspect of the book and how it showed a soldier trying to fit back into society.
I was entertained throughout the whole story. I really wanted to see these two overcome their differences and work past all the negatives in each other to finally experience some joy in their relationships.
Love's Sacrifice by Evangeline Kelly
Wow. This book was cute, but in an intense way. I don't think I have read a book quite like this one before. It was refreshing to have something different. The story felt real, the emotional aspect was moving and touched me deeply. This story is one I'm glad I didn't miss, it was just that good.
Ruby Radiance by Valerie Comer
I didn't know much about geocaching going into this book, so I found learning about it interesting. I liked how the author paralleled their lives with the geocaching. These characters had a lot they had to go through to figure out how they would work together. They needed to learn to trust each other and love again. The author has a way of building up backstory that makes the characters feel real. I enjoyed getting to know them and I hope I see them in other books in the Pot of Gold Geocaching Romance series.
Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings
I absolutely loved this book, it was cute and had a little bit of mystery to it. Since it was Historical Fiction it had older, more wholesome values which I find far more romantic than the more modern values. It was a prequel, so now I am curious about the other books in the series. If they are as enjoyable as this book, then I think I will enjoy the whole series.
Heart's Home by Valerie M. Bodden
I rarely cry while reading. When I do it is usually because something that happened relates to me in some way, there is always a reason behind it. This book made me cry because it is such a beautiful story.
The characters felt real, like friends, people I want to spend time with and get to know better. I cared about all of them and am invested in their lives.
The main characters had their own struggles, but they fought through and found a way to follow their dreams, even when those dreams changed.
There is a lot of meaning behind this book. It was amazing, so much so that I struggle to put into words my thoughts and feelings about it. I will definitely be getting this author's other books.
Someday Soon by Melissa Tagg
Paige is so feisty, I absolutely love it. I couldn't help but smile at their banter throughout the book. I loved the way they moved through grief and fear, they had to learn how to let go and accept the past so they could move forward in their lives. Some moments brought tears to my eyes, others made me laugh out loud. This book is one I didn't want to end. I want to read some other books from this author and read more about these characters.
I read it in only a couple of hours; I didn't feel like I could stop. I loved every minute.
A Thousand Words by Mandi Blake
This book was so cute. I was drawn in from the beginning, I just had to see how the story ended. The most amazing part is that it is a prequel to an already existing series, which means I can go and read all of those books and get to stay with these characters for a little bit longer. I can't wait to read them and see what happens with the characters I met in this prequel.
I have read some other books by Mandi Blake and I believe they just keep getting better and better. This one had an easy flow, and it kept me emotionally engaged. I was grinning like a fool during the whole book because it was so adorable.
The relationship between the main characters was great. I love that they knew each other before being set up on a date. They made a few mistakes with keeping things secret, but they learned how to be open with each other and other people. There is a lot to love about this book.
The Lifeguard, The Runaway Bride, & Frozen Custard by Carol Moncado
This book was fun, fast-paced, maybe overly so. It seemed to jump a lot with some quick scene transitions. This is normal for shorter stories, but I find it a little jarring, making it hard to truly get into the book. I liked the story concept though.
I received ARCs of these books and have voluntarily left this honest review.