Tag: netgalley

Book Review: The Sun Is a Compass by Caroline Van Hemert

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment

Inspiring and Humbling

I am one who finds it fabulous when I get my 10-12 thousand steps in a day. I enjoy a day at the lake with a fishing rod nearby, but most often with a book in hand. Kayaking and canoeing are enjoyable when I’m a few feet from shore and the water is glass without a cloud in the sky. I am not an adventurer and readily admit that I enjoy my comforts and the calm of my home. The rugged Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and even the Yukon are places I like to visit through pages and pictures, but would not want to conquer on my own.

I realise that 2019 is still in its first quarter, and I’ve read some really excellent books so far, but The Sun Is a Compass by Caroline Van Hemert is my most favourite read in a very long time. My poor family members had to listen to me narrate what was happening any time something caught my fancy. It’s not often that a memoir captures my attention and reads better than fiction. It is, as described by the publisher, “…the gripping story of a biologist’s human-powered journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Arctic to rediscover her love of birds, nature, and adventure.”

The well written first-person narrative captured my attention from the opening paragraph and kept me in its grip until the very last sentence. A descriptive, relatable text chronicling human nature vs. Mother Nature. It was an incredibly beautiful tale of human endurance and a reminder of how small we are in the vastness of the wilderness. Inspiring and humbling all at once, I cannot recommend this title enough. It was a brilliant blending of insight and observation.

If you are looking for a book to point out that you are quite satisfied in your semi-rural, daily grind existence, this is it. If you enjoy living vicariously through the adventures of other individuals, this is it. If you find courage in tales of human vs. wild, this is it. If you find motivation in accomplishment and beating the odds, this is it. If you want to find yourself lost in a recounting of someone finding themselves in living and travelling by their own power through remote and austere environs, this is it. Colourful, descriptive, and moving. Absolutely brilliant – I have huge respect for the adventurer and her husband and how well she retold their story. I felt a strange sense of pride in their accomplishment.

(P.S. I’m not a huge fan of book to movie renditions, but I could vividly imagine this on the big screen with every new page.)

I was provided with a copy of this title via NetGalley courtesy of the author and/or publisher. All opinions are my own.

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Date: March 19, 2019

Book Review: Hope Blooms

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment

I shared a link to this organization on my Facebook page a few weeks ago after briefly exploring the digital copy of the book I was provided. I actually requested the title on a whim – and I’m so glad I did! I enjoyed the preview of the digital Hope Blooms copy so much that I ordered a physical, actual book to hold in my hands the same day. (You may recognize some faces and names from their pitch on Dragon’s Den – just a small step in their story.)

While tackling many of the same issues of yesterday’s book review – social inequity, poverty, diversity, etc. – this non-fiction work chronicles the hope that’s been found in North End Halifax through gardening. The Hope Blooms organization’s history and impact are chronicled in a beautifully written portrayal of community, mentorship, and team-work providing ways to overcome food insecurity, health issues, and socio-economic imbalance.

This was a book that moved me to tears – it’s not a difficult read and it’s not a long read. It’s replete with photographs of the youth involved in the venture and filled to the brim with stories of hope, promise, and foundations laid for a better future. It is a tale of education, social enterprise, equipping, growth, victory, and success. It’s a story of a group of someones seeing the potential, the dream, and doing what is needed to not only better their own lives but the lives of those around them. It’s a success story of inclusion, equality, empowerment, and social enterprise. It is a reminder that from a small seed comes a big harvest. A definite must-read – especially for Canadians and those who want to impact their youth and their community. (Bonus, the recipes included look delightful. We’ll try the jerk fish tacos one day!)

Now to plan a visit Halifax to get my hands on some of those dressings… (that’s a long way to go for some salad dressing!)

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Published by: Nimbus Publishing
Publication date: October 31, 2018


Book Review: No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

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Do you ever read a book that absolutely captivates you, but you don’t actually like it? That was this book. It was uncomfortable to read, not because the author wrote poorly, but because it was so relevant and so well-written. Katie Ganshert’s No One Ever Asked dived into issues of race and prejudice and social inequity without batting an eye, and she did it well enough that it was troubling to read even in contemporary (Christian) fiction.

… disheartening, infuriating,
and filled with promise.

The worst part of this novel is that it is set in the present day. Ganshert shed light on issues of ongoing racial disparity and discrimination, social justice, poverty, privilege, and inadvertent ideology. In closing, it was a tale of hope, respect, forgiveness, and the remarkable ability to overcome tragedy and injustice.

Our cast of characters (many of whom I did not like at all) came from different backgrounds, with lives intersecting amidst tense socio-economic-political situations – and it was, dishearteningly, based (or stemmed from) recent events in the US. Each character struggled with issues of faith, issues of conscience, and issues in their relationships. Each had a very narrow view of how things should be and the stumbling to accept change or walk in forgiveness or expand perspective – and recognize that everyone is living a flawed and imperfect life despite their backgrounds – was a common thread.

This emotionally charged drama was a very real reminder presented in make-believe that we are so much more than the colour of our skin. It was also, for myself, the reminder that being a white female in today’s society, living a fairly comfortable life, means that I am privileged enough to never, ever truly know the struggles that still exist – today for other races. It was a novel that was at times disheartening, infuriating, and filled with promise.

(Bonus points to the author for including accurate details on how living with Type 1 diabetes is life-altering, but not the end of the world. A small segment, but we could relate to the poking and the bleeding and the counting and the questions…)

Tomorrow, I will share a review of a non-fiction book I just finished that chronicles hope in a very moving way as a counterpoint to the heartwrenching awareness created in this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley with thanks to the author and/or publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Publisher: WaterBrook & Multnomah
Publication Date: April 3, 2018

Book Review: The Sugar Smart Cookbook for Kids

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment

I have to curb my impulse to purchase cookbooks and magazines featuring delicious looking recipes. I don’t have the space in our small home to properly store the hordes of food-related gadgets and books that I could easily adopt. Gratefully, I didn’t feel guilty about this one as it was complimentary via NetGalley… and I was provided with a digital copy.

The quick and straightforward dishes from The Sugar Smart Cookbook for Kids by Georgia Varozza will have you plating familiar food in no time – with no strange ingredients and less added sugar. Our big win? Pear and Cheddar Crisp.

Written in a neighbourly way with well-categorized listings, this cookbook is not overwhelming, but it also may not wow you. I’m a very visual person when it comes to cooking – some photos may have jazzed things up. It’s a good basic resource for standard kid-friendly meals with a healthier twist and a strong encouragement to switch out highly processed foods for whole grains and made from scratch meals.

The one disqualifier that I will post here that was not included in my Goodreads review is that I find healthy and nutritious very subjective. Overall, these are fairly healthy recipes… if you’re okay with higher fat, you’re not vegetarian, you aren’t avoiding gluten or dairy, etc. You may have to make some swaps to make it work for your family, but it’s a start and if you don’t know where to start and rely heavily on convenience foods, this may be a good one for you. I didn’t find it overwhelmingly different than many of the recipes we’re already using.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley courtesy of the publisher and/or author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Publication Date: March 5, 2019

Book Review: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment
Delightful, emotionally-charged historical fiction

The Hope of Azure Springs is an amazing debut title by author Rachel Fordham that I was pleasantly surprised by. Christian fiction can at times be dry as dust, but this novel surpassed all my expectations! It contained elements of romance, danger, mystery, and small-town charm.

Set in historical Iowa, our plain-Jane heroine is an orphan train sibling who shows remarkable strength and resilience. Of course, her personal experiences have left a mark on her, but she is just absolutely charming. I don’t want to elaborate too much because I don’t want to spoil the book, predictable as elements of it may be.

Our hero is the town sheriff and of course, depicted as being absolutely swoon-worthy. He has his own personal history to deal with and current obstacles that he has to overcome. He’s stoic, handsome, stubborn, and sometimes oblivious, but also good-hearted and courageous.

The depth of the story is in the lesson of beauty being in the eye of the beholder, to acknowledge that attractiveness is more than skin deep, to see beyond a charming face to the heart that lies beneath. The story also beautifully chronicled a tale of loss, self-worth, family, friendship, healing, and hope. I was moved to tears by the eloquence with which certain passages were written. This was a well-paced novel that I did not want to put down (and may have stayed up way too late reading.)

A 4.5-star rating for sure. This is a definite recommended read for anyone who enjoys squeaky clean historical romance. A delightful escape from the grey skies of February.

I was provided with a copy of this publication via NetGalley with thanks to the publisher and/or author. All opinions are my own.

Publisher: Revell Publication Date: July 3, 2018

Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment

Since my early days of hanging out with Wilder, Alcott, and Montgomery and more mature interactions with Janette Oke and Tracie Peterson, I’ve always had a soft spot for historical fiction. It is still my favourite genre to date. There is something about being transported to another time and place in history that absolutely thrills me – the experience without the discomforts.

I was hopeful when I requested a copy of The White City by Grace Hitchcock. I was excited when I received the notification that a copy was mine for the reading.

Intrigue & romance during the Chicago World’s Fair

The White City was set in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair. It is the perfect blend of historical fact and intriguing fiction. (I never knew the Fair was a hunting ground for a serial killer!) The elements of romance, danger, and intrigue were exquisitely intertwined resulting in a fast-paced, emotionally balanced tale.

I absolutely loved the headstrong, impetuous, intrepid, confident nature of Winnie, our heroine. She was also a book-lover, so what’s not to love? The romance element was delightful and I enjoyed the contrast between the two possible suitors. The portrayal of the era’s societal norms and conflicting desire for a woman to be her own person while being perceived as capable and intelligent was nicely depicted. There was no objectionable content for my friends who like their books G-rated (well, maybe PG with the focus of the investigation.)

An excellent read overall! I’ve already recommended it to a few of my friends. I look forward to exploring other titles from Ms. Hitchcock.

I was provided with a copy of this title via NetGalley, courtesy of the author and/or publisher. All opinions are my own, given with thanks for the opportunity to review this book.

Published by: Barbour Publishing, Inc., Barbour Books; 
Publication Date: March 1, 2019

Book Review: Worry Less. Pray More: A Woman’s Devotional Guide to Anxiety-Free Living by Donna K. Maltese

Published on by Lindsey B.1 Comment
Fantastic Little Reminders – Perfect for When Worry Strikes

Devotionals are hit and miss for me. I love ’em or I hate em’. They’re such a personal thing to read and if you don’t connect with the writing, it’s hard to get anything out of the text itself.

I was provided with a copy of Worry Less. Pray More by Donna K. Maltese to preview. I will admit I haven’t read the entire book. I’ve skimmed through quite a few entries (there are a lot! 180 readings and Scriptures – all dealing with leaving worry in God’s hands and letting go of anxiety.) One of my favourite snippets was this one:


“Let God’s beautiful rainbow amid the clouds be a reminder that He will make something good come out of the storms…”

Here is my review, originally posted on Goodreads:

This devotional is filled with quick and easy to read snippets to remind us that we do not need to live anxious or fearful lives. The entries are not deep. They are not exceptionally unique. They are, however, fantastic little reminders – bite-sized doughnut holes of inspiration – to snack on once in a while in a world where it’s easy to be consumed with anxious thoughts. I’ll keep it handy for those days that my mind needs quieting. Maybe less of a guide, and more a collection of sticky notes to reference quickly.

I was provided with a copy of this title via NetGalley, courtesy of the author and/or publisher. All opinions are my own, given with thanks for the opportunity to review this book.

Published by: Barbour Publishing, Inc., Barbour Books;
Publication Date: March 1, 2019

Book Review: Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel by James Markert

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment
Colourful Cover & Descriptive Writing

This week I took the opportunity to crack open my copy of Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel by James Markert. It’s published by Thomas Nelson and sounded fascinating when I requested it from NetGalley. However, I only gave it a 3-star rating on Goodreads. I waffled back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, but something about the book just didn’t synch with me.

Loaded with mythology, art, beauty, damaged souls, and so many memories, it was an incredibly descriptive work. Colourful, lyrical prose flowed beautifully – Markert has an aesthetic way with words. Differences in theology aside – there were a lot of reliance and parallels to ancient mythology which worked with the artistic references and theme of the novel – the pictures painted in my mind were vivid and from that aspect, I was more than satisfied.

The storyline, however, while magical left me feeling a little lost at the end. (and in the beginning, and in the middle….) Part of me wonders if this was intentional considering the subject of memory (and/or subsequently, memory loss) and the effect on the human soul. At times, it was a little dry and I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending. Emotions were invoked, but as I set my tablet down when I finished the book I was figuratively scratching my head with a “huh.” It was a good book… but a strange book. It just didn’t hook me as an absolute favourite. One thing I loved, however, was the question of whether we should live our numbered days with fullness, or extend our days and live with less wholeness – is the return of memories lost worth it? My creative disposition appreciated the beauty of the arts so deeply woven throughout. The novel as a whole… enjoyed it? Yes; Liked it? Yes; Really liked it? Just not quite. 3.5 stars from me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Publication Date: April 9, 2019

Book Review: Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

Published on by Lindsey B.Leave a comment

I was awarded a copy of Castle on the Rise (part 2 in the Lost Castle series) by new-to-me author Kristy Cambron. This book takes place in three eras of Ireland’s riveting history (present, early 20th century, and the 1700s.) It was not a time travel tale. It was a story of resilience, independence, family drama, love, loss, faith, and conviction.

The lives of the characters from each era were twined together in a remarkable tale detailing the struggles of Irish history and rebellions. Each setting was tied together through family trees and national loyalties, with the basis of the interactions focusing on a historical estate and neighbourhood pub. I found it fascinating and emotional to read.

It wasn’t an easy book to read – I put it down between chapters much more often than I usually do. This wasn’t due to boredom so much as just needing to let my mind change track between the different eras. The romance was clean and sweet, the troubles and trials daunting.

The modern characters weren’t as well developed (in my opinion), but it was a colourful novel that makes me want to pack my bags and catch the next flight to the Emerald Isle. Ths historical elements were beautifully written in vivid detail. It piqued my interest in so much more than the landscapes of this beautiful country. I want to know more about her history, culture, and people’s fierce pride and independence. Women were the unsung heroes of this tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Published by Thomas Nelson; Publication Date – 05 Feb 2019

Book Review: The Girl on the Beach – Tracy Buchanan

Published on by Lindsey B.1 Comment

NetGalley has been wonderful for exploring new-to-me authors, including Tracy Buchanan. The latest completed title on my bookshelf, The Girl on the Beach, was a tantalizing discovery, full of family drama, a healthy measure of suspense, and some hints of humour.

Colourful Characters & Lots of Suspense

The characters were colourful and emotions were high. It was a very quick read and yet I didn’t feel that any facets were lacking. The suspense was multi-layered, and though I had my suspicions about how the plot would unfold, I still thought it was tied together well in the end. (“Ooooh, that’s how she sewed it up tight!”) I was invested enough that I found one thread a little disappointing with how Buchanan chose to snip it! (“…but, why??? No….”) I didn’t love all the characters, but I don’t think I was supposed to.

There were a few intimate scenes, that while not entirely vital to the story, did add some depth of insight into the characters’ mindsets and lifestyles. Again, if these scenes are offensive to you, skip the book… or skip the scenes.

Overall, I was intrigued by this title and will be adding Ms. Buchanan to my list of author’s to explore. I enjoy a well-written story with layers of emotion, mystery, discovery, and human frailty. The Girl on the Beach had it all.

I received an uncorrected advance review copy of this book via NetGalley courtesy of the author and/or publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Published by Bookouture; Publication Date – January 25, 2019